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Post by shazzadee86 on Oct 19, 2009 22:39:10 GMT -5
As soon as the unicorns in front of him had cleared the path, Aljan practically threw himself up behind them in an effort to keep the line moving at a more than steady pace. As his legs carried them higher, the dark koros couldn't resist teasing his companion who had grabbed hold with an almost audible yelp when he had started this climb.
'Welcome to Aljan Moonbrow's Crash Courses. Today's lesson: How to ride while climbing rocky paths 101. Please remember to keep your knee's and elbow's in and hang on for dear life on the way up. For the way down... ' he said as he reached the crest and started to follow after the others already on the way down. 'Pretty much same as the way up, just might want to try leaning back this time so I don't wind up hitting your head, 'cause that could be bad at this point.'
'I hardly see how this... could even possibly... be the time... for you to try to be... funny.' Isandro retorted, his answer a little broken due to his focus being divided between responding and hanging on.
'You've never thought it's the time to do something... simply because it isn't the time to do it?'
Ignoring his companions last remark, Isandro looked ahead as the reached more level ground and realised the front of the group was now a fair way off, and the others within their group were stretching out according to their own paces.
'You do realise we're falling behind, yes?'
With little more then a snort, Aljan extended his stride in an attempt to catch up with those just ahead of them.
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Post by Lady Whimsy on Oct 21, 2009 9:30:50 GMT -5
Her lungs burned, and try as she might, the will to move her legs was becoming less and less, even as her brain still registered the crushing thunder of the stampede somewhere behind her. Xanthe's shorter legs and the heavy packs on her back had begun to take their toll; one by one the unicorns were slipping by, and despite her best effort, it seemed like she was now running backwards. A red shadow pulled up along side but she didn't notice Phae until the mare reached across and nosed her, then Rhaine's voice brushed aside the swirling jumble of thoughts and said, *Well done, sweetling - you're clear. Head towards the trees, we can rest safely there*The kore threw her head up to see the trees Rhaine had spoke of, and noticed for the first time the new terrain on this side of the canyon. Gone were the lush meadows and the green; even in the falling light the spareness of the land was a apparent, its element mostly rock, the vegetation when it did occur was thin and strangled. The trees were a bit of an oasis, a clump of about fifty or so, growing where the rocks cleaved before jutting upwards again. She smelt the water there and suddenly realized how thirsty she was. Too tired to reply she simply nodded, thankfully heading towards the trees. As the kore pulled away Rhaine straightened, turning in place to look back over the rest of the flock. They were all clear the rocks, stumbling again onto solid ground one by one. As Arieon appeared last, she breathed with relief, noting his riders were all still in place. Behind him the wall of rock stood as a shield against the flood of yaks, the only thing that could reach them now was the sound. She shut her ears against the crush and bellow of bodies as they plunged into the narrows where they could not follow. *Head to the trees - we can rest there* she sent outwards, reaching each of the unicorns in turn. One by one she saw the unicorns receive the message with a shudder of relief, the strain and worry of their hearty charge lifting a little at her words. Her gaze turned forward again towards Lilaini, and noted for the first time the two figures as they raced away; one was the deep bronze silhouette of Gypsy, the other seemed cut from the night. Ulysses, her mind told her, though she had never seen the stallion before. " Phae, we need to catch up," she spoke out loud. * * Wind pearled against his face, filled his nostrils, expanded his lungs, with each breath his stride lengthening; run, the wind urged him, run forever... and heedlessly he obeyed. He was alone with the wind, racing it, chasing it, following where it lead, when a new voice brushed against his consciousness. *Slow down!*It seemed familiar, and for a moment his mind was lost to try and place it. And then it came again, pulling him back to this time and place, the canyon floor under his feet and above the stars of Kalidore growing as the sun fell. He turned his head, catching sight of Gypsy and her rider. Behind, falling further into the distant the other unicorns ran. Keep running, the voice bit at him, and he snarled at it, physically throwing out his hooves as if to trample it in his wake. Yet at the same time it was hard, hard! With reluctance he caught his stride, and the roaring of the wind began to subsided, and the copper mare was pulling up behind him.
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Post by Admin on Oct 21, 2009 13:37:03 GMT -5
Rhaine’s soothing voice permeated both Lilaini’s and Gypsy’s mind as she instructed the others that the coast was clear and that they were able to rest. The Guardian risked a look over her shoulder to see Arieon just emerging upon the crest of the rock pile. All were indeed safe then. Gypsy’s pace did not slacken as her companion made this assessment as she was focused on the black stallion before her. She couldn’t remember the last time any unicorn had outrun her, but she was not able to make up any ground on the stallion before her so finally, to her relief her mental urges reached him, and he began to slow. Ulysses finally came to a complete halt but he did not turn as the copper mare approached him. Gypsy slowed her pace as well until she pulled up alongside him. Coming to a stop, she took in deep breaths, as her rider dismounted. Moving forward she reached out with her muzzle and lipped at the stallion’s mane. ”Ulysses it has been a long time…I…we are so glad you have returned home”
Arieon had just finished scrambling down the rock pile when he too heard [color=Crimson[/color]Rhaine’s[/color] voice telling those that all danger had pasted. Sighing inwardly, he decided that he had better check the perimeter himself and ensure that all seemed well before resting. Foehn Miri was not far in front of him and he wandered over to her to take her up on her offer.
“My most lovely Foehn Miri,” he began as he reached her side. “Now that we are out of harms way, I feel I must go and check the perimeter of this new location in order to ensure everyone’s safety.” He paused here as he became aware that during the flight, his mane had become incredibly knotted and tangled. Making a mental note to ask Rhaine if she would please unknot it later, he continued. “And I am inclined to think that these two young woman have probably had enough of riding for one afternoon. So I am hoping to take you up on your offer and leave them with you?” Liam sensed his cue and turned around to assist the young women. Arieon had pulled up beside the shorter mare, so the transition from one back to another was not nearly as complicated as it would initially seem, but Liam helped them as best he could so that they did not flop painfully onto Foehn Miri.
Once the girls were safely astride the mare, Arieon and Liam took off at a brisk canter to scout the perimeter. By this point, most of the unicorns had made it safely to the grove of trees and were all catching their breath from their unexpected adventure. As the pair were completing their circuit, the pale stallion’s eyes caught sight of Phae with Rhaine galloping towards Gypsy, Lilaini and another black unicorn. Anger flared immediately in the stallion’s chest and he turned so abruptly that had Liam not been such a skilled rider, he surely would have fallen off. As it was, he made a rather disgruntled noise which the stallion ignored as he charged towards the group.
Ulysses had turned his head to regard the mare next to him. Gypsy was about to speak again when a thundering of hooves caused her head to whip around and regard the newcomer. Phae and Rhaine were standing next to Lilaini yet, the copper mare had not noticed their approach, but now next to them stood Arieon with a rather confused looking Liam sidling to the ground.
“So brother, you have decided to grace us with your presence at last? I am interested to see that your character has not changed much in your absence. Although I must admit I am not surprised. Instead of simply coming to us, you make us go wandering all over the wilds in search of you!” Standing tall, the cremello stallion glared at his brother, hardly even seeing the others around him.
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Post by Lady Whimsy on Oct 21, 2009 20:29:07 GMT -5
His eyes glinted amber, shattering the light within them as he turned. His features were cut hard, muscles lean and ribs showing no excess or comfort. And now that he was standing still, Lilaini and Rhaine could see his colour – black, black of night, but scissored with white along his flank like scars. The rabicano stallion observed them in turn, silently, measuring one against the other, his gaze flinching between intensity then scooting away into the recesses of his mind. At Gypsy's touch he shuddered, reflexively, before his eyes settled on her, falling back into place. He was about to answer when the rush of hooves announced Areion’s wake, and he coiled to face the other stallion in turn.
Liam had just lightly scrambled clear, ducking towards the Guardians’ side. Did unicorns fight? the alarm pursed him as he watched the stallions circle. A half-remembered vision projected from his boyhood, two stallions who once got fighting in the dell: in blindness they charged across two cobbled fences and through an old lean-to; the building they had taken down completely and one of the stallions died, a splintered board piercing him though his heart. His hand had fallen instinctively to the hilt of his sword and he fought the urge to pull it, placing himself instead between them and the ladies. Not that a sword would matter against two magnificent stallion should war-lust seize them, but even so every muscle in his body was tensed and ready. Phae had drawn near him, and others had frozen, all eyes on the brothers where they stood.
A sound rose in Ulysses’ throat, a low rumbling, and Areion’s eyes widened as he recognized what it was – laughter. Incensed, his nostrils flared and he stamped the ground, demanding an answer. “Have you nothing to say for yourself, O Wandering One?” he scowled.
The black stallion stirred. Even in unkept form he was easily his brother’s size and matched him for height and weight. “What would you have me say?” he snorted. “Greet you joyously as long-lost kin should, laden with good tidings and condolences, to Kal, to Kaedon, to this godforsaken isle you all abide… Or truly, wouldn’t you rather I fall at your feet and worry for forgiveness? and for what? the hurt feelings of a foolish young kor? You, Arieon, have not changed a bit yourself.”
The air was electric and would have snapped if not Gypsy lunged forward then, planting herself between the two. “Enough! Both of you,” her eyes were hard, ears curling back towards her head. In the motion she had cast a look back, first to the three humans pressed against Phae and then to the rest of the herd beyond the trees, all still in earshot. “This is no time to be squabbling like spoiled koros. We are all family, among friends, and have guests in our midst. We should act the part. And Ulysses, regardless of the time that has past, you are always welcomed on Kalidore. You know that. It is home.”
Ulysses’ attention had become distracted again, and he was staring at the humans, eyes brewing with old storms. “Home?” he chuckled sadly, turning to the mare once more. “What kind of a home is this? all asleep to be taken by night in our beds, dreaming of a dawn that never comes… children!” his voice grew harsh. “Companions! They’re only children! And – even you, Gypsy?” his eyes fell on her, tumbling with confusion and betrayal as he saw her concern drawn firmly and inevitable to the girl, “I thought you, surely, of all people would know better… after what happened the last time!”
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Post by angelofmusic on Oct 23, 2009 10:40:57 GMT -5
Trinity had held on as Tien continued to follow the others, Aurellie was close by so she didn't lose sight of her companion. Trinity's grip upon Tien's mane was tight, but not enough to hurt the mare. She knew that in a time such as this, it was best to hold on and ask questions later.
Lifting her head, she caught sight of the stallion the others wer following. She turned her head and looked to Aurellie, nodding towards the front.
'He is the one we all came in search of, the one this quest was for it seems. I will tell you more later. For now hold on till we are all safe.' came the reply to her mind.
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Post by geob on Oct 27, 2009 21:07:04 GMT -5
Foehn Miri was delighted to be of service. She found herself kinda prancing as she carried her two passengers, no matter that she was tired from the hard scramble over the rocky ridge.
As everyone gathered among the trees Tiponi slid her noodle legs to the ground, clinging to Luminista's mane while her legs adjusted change in demand. With a shaky laugh she commented, "I think this riding stuff might take some getting used to. You are wonderfully agile, Luminista."
Seeing Foehn Miri approach with her two riders, Tiponi said to the girls, "That was quite a ride, wasn't it." It did not escape her notice that the liver chestnut was practically dancing as she drew nearer.
From the other side, Tien Mu joined the group with her unexpected rider aboard. "Everyone made it safely I see," she said while still catching her breath. The words of the stallions had penetrated, but she, for one, wasn't interested in arguments and the words often spoken that shouldn't be.
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Post by Admin on Oct 29, 2009 20:07:03 GMT -5
Tia was filled with relief when Foehn Miri came to a halt and she was able to hop off. Although, hopping off would not be the best term to describe how she managed to get from the mare’s back and onto the ground. She more or less slid off sideways, clutching the mare’s mane so she did not simply fall flat on her back. When her feet touched the ground, she staggered a bit. Her legs felt as if they had turned to jello at some point during their terrifying run and she was beginning to think this was only the start of the soreness she was going to be feeling.
“Thank you for bringing us over here,” she said to Foehn Miri once she was sure she was not going to fall over. “I can only imagine how sore I’m going to be tomorrow.” She looked over at the mare and the corners of her mouth curled up in a slight smile. Despite it all, she was in good spirits. They were alive at least, which she got the impression had been rather in question several minutes prior, so a bit of stiffness was a small price to pay in her mind. These thoughts were flitting around in her head just as two other unicorns with riders in tow, showed up on the scene. She bobbed her head in greeting to the newcomers.
“Yes it certainly was!” she declared with a musical laugh. “I managed to stay on no matter how ungraceful I looked, so I’m deeming it a success.” She said in response to Tiponi. “But Ali are you fine as well?” Turning she was facing her new friend when the sound of the unicorns argument reached her ears. She looked past Ali and stared at the group for several seconds in wonder, before feeling like she might be eavesdropping and therefore averted her eyes. Looking around, she found a fallen log and walked over to it. Settling herself down, she sighed and decided that her hind end might prefer if she sat on the grass. The log was not overly comforting.
“So, can someone tell me what exactly is going on?”
Gypsy’s ears flattened slightly at the black stallion before her, but she was not able to stop herself from flitting a glance in the direction of her companion. Memories flashed through her mind, causing her to shake her head as if to attempt to dislodge them.
“This is not the time or place for that discussion. We have many with us, and they may need to be looked after. Arieon, perhaps you and Phae should go and check on the unicorns, make sure that everyone is alright, and you three,” she inclined her head towards theguardians and Liam, “should probably go and check on our human companions.” She felt Lilaini’s mind brush against hers, letting her know she would not be far away if she was needed. The mare nodded and watched as the rest of the group wandered away, leaving her and Ulysses standing by themselves.
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Post by silentmoon on Oct 31, 2009 8:57:21 GMT -5
Ali started to blink, looking at her surroundings when the commotion died down and everyone was in safe territory. She dropped her arms around Tia, feeling the soreness creep up to her shoulders. Had she ever held on to something.. or someone so tightly before? The girl hoped she didn't do any real damage to the other's mid side.. that would be a terrible thought. She barely even knew Tia to boot.
The dark mare approaching came with a comforting sense of familiarity. Eager to get off, even though she could clearly feel her legs not working 100 percent, she let Liam help her down after Tia. Unlike her new older friend though, who caught Foehn Miri as she came down when they moved out of the way, Ali just simple let her legs cave under, stumbling off to the side and sat down with an ungraceful thump. She didn't really care, she was just glad everything was OK. And by the looks of it, as her eyes wandered around, all the unicorns, companions and other humans where here and accounted for...
'well, except for one,' Ali thought melancholy, looking down and moving her arms mechanically around her waiste.
But others were watching, and she was grateful to be ok. "Ye... yeah, thank you. That was- well, I'm not sure I want excitement like that any time soon. Again, I mean." Ali stuttered, feeling her dry throat tamper with her voice. or was it the fear washing away? She didn't have a clue. "I think I'll be ok. Just... not used to riding that hard. I think I'll have some major sores tomorrow." Ali winked, stretching out her legs and feeling the muscles under contract.
The tension crackling between the few unicorns up ahead caught her attention. Ali had spent a little of a month on Kalidore already, and she thought she had seen unicorns come in every color... except for black. The dark shadowy stallion was like a silhouette against the sky and Aerion, except for the bits of white near his belly. She listened and watched raptly, wondering if she'd ever seen this much hostility (minusing Fiera's ever few snide remarks) between two unicorns.
As fast as it happened though, the tension died down when Gypsy began insueing light commands to check up on the others. Ali suddenly then remembered Tia's open question, still left unanswered.
"I uh, actually. I would like to know that myself. But I think any of the unicorns can give a better explanation. So uh.. the crazy almost-being-trampled or... just everything?" Ali let out her first few weirds on a breathe, a bit to lost to really give an explanation of what she meant. She hoped Tia would understand what she meant by 'everything'.
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Post by Admin on Oct 31, 2009 16:16:53 GMT -5
Tia stretched her legs out in front of her and attempted to rub the soreness from her thighs with little success. She was also rather conscious of the fact she was covered in dirt, and since she was wearing a rather short skirt, she was slightly concerned about just how dirt she actually was and where. Biting her lip she drove that thought from her mind, why worry about things you had no control over and no ability to change at the moment? One of the laces on her boot had come undone during their flight so she twisted around in order to lace it back up properly. She looked up from her task when Ali began speaking to her.
“Well I would like to know about the trampled part, but since I’ve only been here a few hours, I’d really like to know everything about what we are doing. Where are we going? What are we out here doing exactly? How long are we planned to be away? What are those two fighting about?” She said this as she made a meaningful head nod in the directions of the stallions. “And why are there such an....” she paused here, looking for the proper word, “....eclectic assortment of humans here? I mean some people look as if they are coming right out of a book or a movie or something.” She was going to say a different time in history but that was just nonsense. Wasn’t it? She had stumbled into another dimension apparently, so maybe people being from different times wasn’t such of a reach. She looked hopefully back and forth between the mares standing nearby, hoping one of them could give some insight into this for her.
Adar had clung stubbornly to the yak and clamoured around her body in pursuit of the beetle for several minutes. Shrieking angrily he had finally managed to catch the retched insect only to discover it did not taste anywhere near as good as it looked and he was forced to spit it out again. Disgusted and thoroughly annoyed, he sprang away from the yak and took to air. He glanced down and noticed that many of the strange yak creatures were running about, but that was of no concern to him so he continued on his way. His stomach was giving an awful rumbling and as the day was waning, he decided the best way to get a full belly, was to find Lilaini and the others. They always food which they left completely unattended. Catching sight of the group, he dove down and landed on the Guardians shoulder, clicking his beak in hungry irritation, totally unaware of the pandemonium he had so recently caused them.
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Post by Lady Whimsy on Nov 1, 2009 21:36:05 GMT -5
Ulysses stood silently, tail wiping from side to side belaying his agitation. But he nodded, a grudgingly "as you wish," and even braced a curt nod Areion's way. The cremello stallion struck at the ground with his front hoof but said nothing, not looking at the bronze mare as he turned; he was off at a brisk trot, nostrils still flaring and silken tail streaming behind him like a flag.
Phae had recoiled internally as the arguing began, her feet seemingly glued in place. Ulysses brewed like a dark cloud and the electricity of his charge snapped the air about her face like hornets. She realized she knew really nothing about him, this fierce Ulysses, the Lost Son, a mythic figure among the tales of kor. In truth, she had never paid attention to the details - that had always been Spirit's role, Spirit who would come to her afterward and explain their lessons again, and then everything would make sense.... Inadvertently her thoughts tumbled, wrenchingly, and her focused drifted further away, barely noticing the humans pressed against her until Gypsy turned and parlayed orders of them, too.
It was Liam who reacted first, a soldier's instinct penetrating even the dim of his broken memory. Taking orders gave him a sense of purpose, and the diffusion of the two stallions allowed the adrenaline to drain. He nodded readily, turning to the Guardians. "The Lady" (and he meant Gypsy here; he was not sure what to address her as, Mare seeming too common-place, Unicorn too objective, and he didn't feel exactly comfortable calling her by name) "has hold of things here; we best be where we can be of most use. I shall accompany you...?" he let the offer hang, eager to set off but unwilling to overstep his boundaries before his superiors.
Rhaine had watched the exchange with eyes wide. The raw emotion had tumbled from them and into her, bringing with it strange dreams... a young white koros chased across the field, calling to the black ahead of him, but try as he might he couldn't reach him and the other wouldn't stop, wouldn't answer, wouldn't allow himself to be caught, and bit by bit the white kor began fall further and further away. Too little, too young, too foolish, you wouldn't - couldn't - understand! Go home and suckle your dam; I have no time for you... The vision flared and then was gone, but as quickly as she caught her breath the flood came again, stronger this time, piercing, fierce. There were no pictures, no words, only an impression of horror and then all was still...
"M'lady?"
She turned to the sound of his voice, but it was a moment before she realized who spoke and what she was being asked. Liam reached out and took her arm before she realized her balance swayed. "Just a vision," she smiled fleetingly, a touch of colour returning to her cheeks "and it now has passed. And yes, let us be on our way - we need to get the fire going before it's too dark, and I should see that no one has been hurt. It has been... such a day."
There was no argument on this point, and Liam wasn't about to argue either if perhaps she should take a moment for herself as she began moving forward then and he hastened into place alongside. He glanced at the Lady Lilaini but the woman seemed beckoned to her mare, and he knew enough by now to suspect they were speaking with that strange internal link some humans and unicorns seemed to share. This caused him then to glace at Phae, but the red unicorn was still brooding; perhaps it was just as well no link lingered there!
In the clearing Xanthe stood while the jelly worked its way down her legs. She didn't dare take another step, because she didn't quite trust her feet, and was just glad for the moment to be breathing. In her little moment of zen voices waffled in and out of attention, first the new girl, Tia, then Lumanista and her companion, then Ali and then Tia again. The arguing stallions penetrated too, but in her exhausted state she didn't light on it, instead storing the memory for further scrutiny at a later point. She sighed deeply, feeling the fatigue seep from her body. Gotta get these packs off, she thought. By Kal, they weigh a tonne. And they itches...
She took a tentative step forward, and found her legs did indeed hold, and with that smidgen of relief began forward again, in search of a pair of hands. Rhaine was just coming through the trees, and she would have her first choice if not for the burr at her side which was Liam. Lilaini was only a few steps behind, but dun kore was already discouraged and distracted. She ignored thier queries to the others - was everyone okay? anyone hurt? - and thier request to gather wood for the night's fire. She turned, the weight of the world on her back, and stumbled into the surprisingly small viking instead.
"Oh, pardon me, I didn't--" and she sidestepped, regaining footing, but for some reason the moment of the packs seemed to keep going, her hoof caught a stone, and in the most ungraceful manner possible tumbled into a tangled heap of packs and tired kore...
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Post by Admin on Nov 3, 2009 22:10:01 GMT -5
*Pics are clicky* Knightly Cadence was in the middle of a good roll when a sound caught his attention. He paused mid roll, legs poised in an exaggerated upwards position, and listened. His human companion Ryan was not far away, unravelling his tent as daylight began to wane. He was quietly whistling to himself as he set about his task and was about to ask his new friend a question when he caught sight of the frozen stallion. Raising an eyebrow, he restrained himself from speaking and stood quite still with the tent half unfurled in his hands. The stallion abruptly relaxed his position and rolled over onto his side before righting himself. Shaking off small bit of grass and twigs he turned to address his puzzled looking companion. “There are other’s nearby, let’s go and see who it is.” The sound of faraway voices were now reaching the young man’s ears but his look was one of slight exasperation. He had just begun unpacking everything, and not to mention that his hind end was killing him (that that he was going to mention that part). But he could see that this was something his travelling companion felt they needed to do, and since he was the expert on this place (Kalidore he called it), Ryan figured he had better pack everything back up. Running his hand through his sandy blond hair, he sighed and then began rerolling the tent he had only moments before unfurled, and stuffed it back into its bag. Having completed that, he hoisted the bag onto his back and (ungracefully) swung astride the awaiting stallion. Cadence chuckled to himself as he felt his rider swaying gingerly on his back. He walked very carefully, trying to jostle the young man as little as possible. How much had changed in the last several days, he reflected to himself. One moment everything was as it had always been, taking a good roll or having a run across some grassland, the next, he stumbled across someone vital he had never realized he was missing. When he had found Ryan, the youth was beyond confused and inexplicably lost. He had explained he had been hiking through the mountains with several human friends when he wandered off the path to get a clearer picture of a deer and suddenly was unable to find the path or his friends again. Luckily for him, he had stumbled through a gate with all his camping gear, and therefore had a tent and several changes of clothes with him. Not to mention some cooking implements and wonderfully enough, a toothbrush! The unicorns arrival had been rather shocking to him at first, since he viewed Cadence as a mythical being and all. But both of them felt a rightness about being together so the decision to travel together had been a natural one. Cadence had admitted he had no idea how to locate the gate that Ryan had obviously crossed through, but that they could search out the Guardians who might be of some assistance. And so, the pair had set off, but the idea of returning home had seemed less and less important the longer Ryan was in Kalidore. He had never felt so drawn to a place before, although all this riding was certainly going to take some getting used to. Both unicorn and human were lost deep in their own reflections when they came to the outskirts of the clearing. Cadence stopped and surveyed the situation. There were so many humans! Never before had he seen so many humans in one place, and he pricked his ears forward with interest. Ryan look slightly startled yet excited at the same time. He had always been a very social kind of guy, and he was glad to see that there were other humans in this land. He had never really thought to ask the chestnut stallion that, but he was relieved now that he knew he was not the only one. “There are the Guardians that we are in search of,” Cadence said bobbing his head in the ladies direction. “ Lady Rhaine is the woman with the curly brown hair over there, and Lady Lilaini is the woman with straight brown hair beside her.” Ryan looked in the direction the stallion indicated and took in the women’s appearances. They both looked dusty, and Lady Rhaine appeared to be wearing a man shirt? Lady Lilaini’s cloak was flapping after her in a most harassed looking manner yet the two of them seemed to radiate elegance despite any of these other factors and he could immediately see these two were defiantly well respected women. “So, do we go in? Are we welcomed?” Ryan asked in a hushed voice, not wanting to draw any attention to them. He slid off the stallion’s back and stood next to him, his eyes trained onto the strangers. He was therefore startled when a rumbling laughter broke from the stallions chest. “Welcome? Of course we are welcome. This is Kalidore, and these are my unicorn family. All beings are welcomed on Kalidore. Come, let us see if we can be of any assistance.” With that, the stallion stepped into the clearing and headed in the direction of the Guardians. Ryan hesitated for a moment before quickly darting after the chestnut stallion. They wandered over to the two woman and stopped before them. “Greetings Lady Rhaine and Lady Lilaini,” the stallion bobbed his head in greeting. “We have come to see if we can be of any assistance to you?” Ryan smiled at the two woman warmly and introduced himself. "Hi there, I'm Ryan. Just let me know if there's anything at all I can help with around here and I'd be glad to do it." He said motioning with his hand at the surrounding clearing.
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Post by geob on Nov 4, 2009 19:50:27 GMT -5
Foehn Miri stood carefully still while her riders dismounted and (in Tia's case) clung to her. The poor girl was out of her element. Foehn Miri wished there was some one to lend her some strength. As for the other one, Ali, the girl was obviously distracted and worried. Looking around, Foehn Miri realized Fiera was unaccounted for.
Tiponi shared a chuckle with Tia as she thought of her own lack of grace in the mad dash over the ridge. She was glad the girls had asked their question, she had been wondering much the same thing although really it didn't matter to her where they were going or if they were just wondering aimlessly. She knew though that they had been traveling with purpose, so it was nice to know why. Since her legs had remembered how to hold her up and allow her to walk she moved over and settled herself on Tia's log as the girl moved herself to the grass.
Once Tia had made her way to her log, etc, Foehn Miri moved over to nuzzle Ali, hoping the girl recognized it for the comfort it was intended. "We have been traveling in search of that dark stallion over there," Foehn Miri explained to the new girls indicating Ulysses. "He has been gone…," she paused to ponder. "Well, almost forever." Foehn Miri let her gaze wonder over the group of unicorns and people, trying to see them from the eyes of a newcomer-not too difficult since most of the humans were new to her as well. "As for the humans, I am not sure I understand the question. They just look like people to me." She had personally wondered about the coverings they each chose to put on and why they wore such odd things, but who was she to criticize?
As she listened, Tiponi's gaze was caught by a certain dun filly. She noticed the way the not-quite-grown unicorn was dragging beneath the weight of her load and stood to make her way over with an offer to help, but she didn't make it more than a step or two. Instead she froze in her tracks. A strange man was making his way into camp with a lovely brown unicorn (were any of these unicorns not a sight to see?). Her eyes narrowed in suspicion as she watched him make his way to Rhaine and Lilaini. Before she knew it, she found herself along side the ladies, a cuff knife held low in her right hand, ready for whatever he might instigate.
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Leopardstar
New Member
Leaping, dancing, unicorn stalking.
Posts: 40
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Post by Leopardstar on Nov 4, 2009 23:59:29 GMT -5
Iole's hand tapped against her thigh as she hummed to herself and walked slowly, pack in hand, swinging her arms as she sang the song stuck in her head repeatedly. A smirk was upon her pink lips and there was a twinkle of laughter about in her golden eyes that sang of mischief and each step was like a little dance. She resisted the urge to twirl about and instead just smiled, as innocently as Iole could allow herself too. She was walking home from a sleepover at a nearby friend's house late last night and was prepared to spend the rest of the day tucked neatly onto her bed with a book latched to her hand, strawberry milkshake resting on the little wooden table resting by her bed, lamp light on.
She was in a good mood of yet and hopefully it would last throughout the day and night otherwise someone was going to end up with their midnight snacks replaced with healthy snacks and oatmeal bars with raisins. Iole brushed away a bothersome lock of wavy brown hair and squinted up ahead. It seemed that she was soon to be home.
Iole quickened her pace, steadily, and a look of determination crossed her face of getting home before her mother who was probably finishing up a busy day or work right now. Darcy had said she would be home earlier today....and Iole hoped she would keep her "promise." Her purple leopard-spotted jacket slapped against her slim form as she raced forward with glee in her bright eyes. She could smell the waiting apple strudel already. Unless Takuya had eaten all of them...
Her little brother was quite the annoyance at times and that was why she used her "art" in assisting the greater good of the lessons an older sibling had to teach a younger. A little friendly bump here and a not too hard at all shove there. Nothing too it. The 17 year old rounded the last corner in anticipation of seeing her beautiful big sky blue house but instead found herself...
...in a world of trees and dirt and other plants. For a moment she just stood there and stared around in shock. Sure, there were bunches of bushes (including some neatly trimmed rose bushes) and little flowers popping up from the soil at her home in Arizona but it wasn't like this. And she frowned as she stared up at the sky. The time of day was all wrong too! It should be early afternoon with the sun still bright against the sky, not beginning its descent into the horizon, releasing the colors of the sunset!
As Iole frowned she put both hands upon her hip, pack forgotten and swinging still at her side. She was in a bad mood now. Her lips curled up in a grimace and she rubbed her side angrily before swinging her pack of sleeping over equipment over both shoulders and the purse connected to it by a thin cord. "Helloooo?" she called softly at first. "Heeellllooo!" This time it was louder. She listened for a moment and sighed in impatience as no answer was returned. There had to be a logical explanation for this! The girl bit her lip and made an angry gesture. This could be some payback of a practical joke of sorts but this didn't seem that type of all. How could someone just make a whole place like this appear out of the middle of nowhere? Everything felt real...
She briefly touched the trunk of an old grizzled tree and felt the rough bark against the palm of her soft hand before releasing it and running the hand through the tips of her long hair. In annoyance she snorted and a smirk began to appear again at the edges of her lips as they twitched. What if this place was all real and she had been magically transported? Iole snickered at the idea and doubted highly that aliens had kidnapped her too. She dismissed both ideas for the moment without much further thought but like demons they lurked at the edge of her sharp mind and considered further thought.
Her ears strained for any sound of intelligent life and for a moment she thought she heard voices whispering in the wind and headed for that direction with a confident expression upon her partly pale face. This whole thing could be a dream for all she could know...
((OOC: Is that all right?))
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Post by Lady Whimsy on Nov 5, 2009 15:45:22 GMT -5
At the camp Rhaine and Lilaini realized Fiera was amiss with sharp efficiency. A gentle mind probe on the latter’s part related that, luckily, she was still well and not lying trampled beneath the surge of a thousand cloven hooves; this did not do much to elevate her mood, regardless of how many suggestions Rhaine came up with as to why she might have wordlessly taken off, and Lilaini moved about the camp with marked agitation, her cloak flapping angrily behind her. Rhaine had turned to Liam at this point with a sigh and suggested he fetch water from the stream; this he did punctually, and she set about to tend the fire.
The flint starter was in the packs, which were still attached to Xanthe, who at that moment tumbled most ungracefully down at Bryn and Thora’s feet. Rhaine went to the Kore’s aid, inquiring whether Bryn had fared well too, a vague worry creasing her brow when she recalled she had last seen Tali in their company, and yet he was no-where about now. She was certain he’d made it clear the stampede, and could only hope he, like Fiera, was seeing to his own business. And when they were through, they would return in due time, as would Tyden, and with luck none would be worse for wear. These thoughts consumed her as she worked to relieve the filly of her packs that she didn’t realize she’d been speaking until the tapered end of her horn inclined back and jabbed her arm.
“Ack! Little cactus, what now?” her reproof.
“You’re ignoring me,” was the reply.
Rhaine sighed, the last of the straps coming free; the kore shuddered blessedly as they fell away, the hair wet beneath it and soothed by the cool air. “I have many things to see to this night, sweetling, and I regret that my attention can not be solely upon you. But when this adventure is over, I assure many long hours in the temple garden with baked apples, a good book, and your scratching stick.”
“We still have get back there first,” said Xanthe grumpily, even though the thought of Lana’s baked apples – so often crumbled with walnuts and honey-drizzled – did improve her mood just by their mention. She looked up the path to where Gypsy and Ulysses had stayed. “It’s not going so well, is it?”
Rhaine really didn’t have an answer, and at this point, had found the flint starter. “Would it be quite so much fun were it easy?” she pressed a wry smile.
“I could do with slightly less fun, I think,” was the kore’s revelation. Rhaine ruffled her forelock and was on her feet, headed back towards Lilaini.
By this time the other had begun to pile the wood, and she set about to help when movement in the trees revealed Knight Cadence and who appeared to be his companion. The first thing she made note of was that the youth seemed to have fared well, despite his change of surrounds, and was well-mannered and pleasant; the next was that Tiponi was at her side with knives bared. Working to diffuse the situation as quickly as possible – hopefully, before Ryan noticed; what an introduction to Kalidore THAT might be! – she stepped forward with outstretched hand.
“Greetings to the Isle, Companion of Cadence; your offer is most appreciated as we are settling camp for the night, and more hands make short of work. If you like, you can help carry water from the stream; Liam has begun the task and will show you where the waterskins are if you ask. We will have some supper in a short while that you are more then welcomed to join. Tiponi will see to the fire,” she turned and handed the flint starter and a bundle of kindling to the woman pointedly, figuring the more things she had in her hands, the less likely she was to wield the knife. “Lily, can you prepare the dinner? There’s one more thing I need to tend to,” she explained, glanced where Foehn Miri was tending to Ali.
The others sorted, she headed over. The girl looked utterly forlorn and lost without her companion, and the sight pained her deeply. Did she really take off and leave – just like that? Something must have been terribly amiss… otherwise, a companion would not leave their companion thusly – would they? Rhaine felt herself shiver, night falling like cold stones upon the ground and needed a moment to regroup before she arrived. Quietly she was at the girls side, one had resting again Foe’s deep chocolate coat, and the other going across the girl’s shoulder. “The thing about having a companion… is that even when they’re not with you, they are never far at heart. Or mind – as your powers hone, you’ll be able to send thoughts and feelings to one another even at great distances. Fiera can be a little autonomous at times; I imagine it might take a while before she remembers she’s supposed to tell someone where she’s going before she ups and goes... And you’re completely allowed to scold her firmly on that point when she returns,” she gave the girl a brave smile.
“And Foehn Miri is correct – Ulysses has been away from home a long time. We have come to discover the business for which he returns, and welcome him home. It looks like we have assembled quite the welcoming party too; I believe we’ve overwhelmed him somewhat,” said Rhaine decisively.
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Leopardstar
New Member
Leaping, dancing, unicorn stalking.
Posts: 40
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Post by Leopardstar on Nov 5, 2009 19:00:39 GMT -5
Iole felt like she was just getting lost now as she wandered through the forest of brown and green trees, wondering where in the world the first sign of civilization could be. There had to be real life somewhere around here...didn't there? She couldn't be the only thing smart enough to create a fire or whatever, the only human being? She saw signs of animal life and once and a while her skin prickled and she thought she saw a squirrel or something like it go scurrying by. She could even see hoof prints where wild herds of horses could have passed through.
The lost girl took a deep breath and noticed something about the air; not the quality of it but how there was a hint of delicious food about it. All she had was bubblegum and a water bottle which wouldn't last her long. She looked forth eagerly and heard it again, the whisper of voices carried about by the wind. Breathed into the steadily turning colder air of night and sounding into her ears. Iole started forward with new strength and listened with her head cocked to the side. Feet beating against the ground, the dark soil of the earth, Iole heard the sharp voices of what could only be humans.
And what was that soft beating sound, hoof beats? Perhaps it wasn't a wild herd at all that she guessed must roam through here but tame (or at least as tame as horses could be) that were the regal steeds of these people. Maybe they could tell her where she was and send her hurrying on her way. No problem at all for the golden-brown eyed girl. Hopefully they were friendly enough to let her stay for a bit to collect some food while she was at it.
Iole passed by a tree and her smirk had a smile to it now. She wasn't going to be hopelessly lost anymore. Then her eyes widened in surprise as she passed into the grove and surveyed the sight before her. A strange mix of oddly garbed humans and astonishing colored horses of marvelous colors with what must be fake horns upon their heads! The horns sparkled in the fading light and the humans seemed busily making camp for the night and Iole played with the shoulder strap upon her pack. She hadn't figured that she might need it for another night.
She peered forth, eying the unicorns proud and wondering why they had put the horns upon them. A traveling circus band of sorts? And why weren't they tethered then and she saw no tents or anything. This ragtag band was certainly odd. She saw people who looked like they belonged back home, others more from some sort of castle in Ancient Europe or other places.
She suddenly felt odd and the one out of place as she gripped the smooth bark of a nearby tree, just watching. Surely one of them would spot her by now anyway. Might as well go greet them herself. Iole exhaled and spotted Lilani, ready to make dinner. As she started walking, slowly, she noticed that the "unicorns" seemed to be talking! This made her pause for a moment but she was clearly out in the open and unprotected and with relucence went forth again.
Iole wanted dearly to hide back away in the trees now. "Excuse me?" she asked only sounding a little timid in an effort to keep her voice strong. "You wouldn't happen to know where this is, do you?" She eyed the forest uneasily and a small smile played upon her face. "I'm sad to admit that it seems I'm lost after turning a corner in my home in Arizona...." "I'm Iole," she added after a brief pause.
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Post by Admin on Nov 5, 2009 22:51:01 GMT -5
Tia managed to stifle the amazed reaction she was still feeling at having something that was no human speaking to her. She did not let any of this show on her face, but the idea was still quite startling when you really got down to thinking about it. Listening to what the chocolate mare told her, she made an attempt to digest and retain it all. She had a few more questions about why this stallion needed searching for and where he had been, but she got the impression that the mares before her did not have that information. It was sounding like quite a mystery.
“Well, what I mean about the humans...,” she paused, flailing to find the right words. She looked at Ali and then Tiponi hoping maybe they would understand what she meant. “....well, no one looks like me here that’s for certain. But the...Guardians...they don’t look like they are even from the same era as me. Same goes for quite a few others. Why is that?” She wondered if that sounded rude, and a rare frown crossed her face. “I mean, not to say I’m the standard for looking normal,” she laughed as she fanned herself with her hands, “because I’m certainly not! But...” She broke off abruptly as Tiponi, who had been sitting behind her, suddenly vaulted off the log with a knife drawn and rushed off towards some newcomers.
“What on earth...?” she exclaimed looking around slightly bewildered.
Ryan was startled when another woman came rushing up behind the two he had just addressed. Unlike the two Guardians, this woman’s expression was not friendly or welcoming. Luckily, he did not see the weapons she carried in her hand because the Guardian with long curly hair stepped in front of her. The young manwas slightly flummoxed as the Rhaine extended her hand to him. Normally he would have shook it immediately, but he wondered if she was some type of royalty here and he was supposed to kiss her hand or ring, or whatever that weird custom was. Or maybe that’s what you did with the Pope? Was she some type of religious figure maybe? Well how on earth was he supposed to know what custom called for in this situation? He’d only been here a few days. His eyes flitted briefly to her hand and to his relief he didn’t see any rings, so he reached out and clasped her hand in his own and shook it gently. Cadence snorted in what suspiciously sounded like amusement and the young man momentarily glared at him before turning his attention back to the young woman.
“Sure! No problem,” he was about to mention to her that he also had a tent with him if they had need of that, when she promptly dismissed everyone and hurried off. Well setting up camp with this many people certainly would take some organizing he mused as he hurried off in the direction Cadence had indicated. He quickly found the man who he assumed must be Liam, since he was the only other man he’d run across at this point, and told him he was to help carry the water. The two talked jovially as they carried their burdens back to the clearing and deposited the water where the Guardians had asked. Looking around, it did not take long for him to find the chestnut stallion and he jogged over to where he was grazing. Picking up the backpack he had dropped before going to retrieve the water. He once again began unpacking his tent and various other items.
“It is safe to unpack this this time right?” he said with mock sarcasm to the stallion. “You aren’t waiting for me to get this half put up before informing me we are spending the night elsewhere?” He watched as the stallion rolled his eye and laughing, continued to set up the tent.
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Post by angelofmusic on Nov 6, 2009 21:25:18 GMT -5
When the rush had come to a halt and all seemed safe, Trinity slid from Tien's back, resting her hand on the mare's neck.
"Sorry for the unexpected motion, but ye were the closest to me when that had all happened," she grinned sheepishly. "M'name's Trinity by the way. I've not met you yet."
Aurellie came up beside her companion and leaned over to give a gentle nuzzle to Tien's neck, then stood back a little.
"My thanks to you for getting Trinity out of there quickly. I wandered a bit further than I should have back there when we stopped," Aurellie said softly.
Trinity looked around for a moment, once more noting the stallion they had followed. She had seen a stallion his color before back in her homeland, but the stallion was not the same as this unicorn.
"At least we are all safe once more. We can all catch our breaths," Aurellie said and looked around, seeing all were accounted for it seemed.
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Post by Lady Whimsy on Nov 7, 2009 12:44:24 GMT -5
Instead of going straight to the clearing, Areion veered off towards the stream; there he plunged his nose into the cold water and drank, one ear cocked stubbornly towards the sound of voices beyond. When he had his fill, he began grooming. His hair was a mess! Where twigs had come and tangled from he didn't know - considering asides from the small wooded oases, the trees on the plateau were thin and far between. And the dry dust of the canyon floor had coated every inch of his coat, so that he was not an ivory stallion, but merely a sullied off-creme. And that would never do. He set to work feverishly, splashing around noisily in the water and working the most stubborn knots with his teeth. As he worked, he began to feel better, for really he had found no better way to clear the mind then to clean the body. Not to mention that a gleaming coat did wonders for his sense of self too. As the light fell, the golden glow of sunset made his sleek hide gleam, and he sighed. He realized he was quite content to leave Gypsy to deal with their brother; he had more important things to tend to anyways.
He gave himself a final shake, relishing the cool evening breeze. Craning his elegant neck back he set a few wet strands of mane into place, then turned his sites towards camp and the mares. He had only gone a few paces when noise in the opposite direction caught his attention. Nostrils flared he stopped again, but after a moment's scrutiny he relaxed. "Greetings, Sisters of the Isle! What brings you here this fine evening?" he called.
"Same to you, good sir!" Gwyniera called out jovially. "As a matter of fact we come looking for YOU! Fiera has been kind enough to bring us here, as we are seeking the Guardians. Along with Astarte, a foundling or two is in our midst, and we are thinking of their well-being; and, if we have found you, the others must be close at hand. So, a fine evening it is this indeed!"
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Post by Admin on Nov 8, 2009 15:25:38 GMT -5
Lily was still slightly agitated when the newcomers arrived. She nodded her head cordially and erased the look of annoyance on her face for a more welcoming look. Rhaine seemed to have these matters in hand, so she complied when the other asked her to begin making dinner. She gave a quick nod to Knightly Cadence and his companion and then went in search of the packs which contained all their food stores. She found the packs off to one side of the clearing and began to inspect their contents. Lentils I seemed would be the logical choice for this evenings feast. The lentils were stored in the bag next to the spices, so the guardian scooped up all the required items (including the cooking pot) and headed towards the centre of the clearing. Setting the pot down, she began measuring out the lentil spices as Tiponi saw to the fire.
Glancing over her shoulder, she saw Liam setting down what appeared to be the last of the water skins. “Liam,” she called, “could you please bring some water skins over here to fill the dinner pot?” Motioning at the pot before her with her free hand. The soldier hurried to do as she asked, as the young woman continued working with the lentil spices. She picked up on someone approaching her several seconds before the the young woman actually spoke, and she looked up from her task to see another stranger. She smiled warmly at the newcomer as she expressed her confusion.
“By Kal, we have had many newcomers these last few days who’ve accidentally found their way to us. It’s very nice to meet you Iole, I am Lilaini, one of the Guardians of Kalidore. And that is where you have found yourself, on Kalidore.” She paused briefly to give the youth a chance to process what she had just told her before continuing. “But please, do stay and have something to eat. No need to feel anxious, we are all friends here.” The Guardian gave the girl a reassuring look when she read the concern from her mind.
“Ah, Gwyniera, it is always a pleasure to see you,” the cremello stallion said as the mares came into view. Arieon stood and waited as the group approached, planning to escort them back to the clearing that they were in search of. He bobbed his head in greeting to them. “And it certainly is a fine evening if I am to understand that you all will be joining me on my way back to the clearing.” His face gave the impression that nothing else would have pleased him better, and he inclined his head in the direction they were to take. “Greetings foundlings,” he said with good humour, all the irritation from the confrontation with his brother having, for the time being, left him. The pale stallion lead the way carefully back to the clearing, going at a pace he felt was slow enough not to cause the mares to jostle their riders.
Gypsy stood quite still and watched as the others all retreated before her. Arieon had trotted off as she asked, and the others seemed all too eager to extricate themselves from the situation. Her eyes wandered after her companion fleetingly as the young woman busied herself with dinner preparations. When everyone else seemed to be engaged she felt herself relax slightly, as if her body had been coiled, ready for anything. The black stallion next to her had not moved since the group had dispersed and she turned to look at him.
“It has been many years Ulysses since we’ve seen one another. You are looking no worse the wear for your travels.” Her voice was somewhat guarded and she chose her words carefully. She felt the stallion had not meant to show himself to them when he did, but the peril the group had been in had forced him and she did not want him to leave when they had only so recently found him. "What brings you back to the Isle after so long and absence?"
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Post by Lady Whimsy on Nov 8, 2009 16:42:48 GMT -5
The stallion's attention seemed fixed on some point in the distance, weather it was of significance, or just conveniently not where Gypsy stood it was hard to tell. Her company seemed to perplex him, but at the same time seemed unwilling to turn and leave altogether. Every now and then he stole a look back to the clearing where the others had gathered, but whenever he did the storms in his eyes seemed to brew over. So he stood, back to her, and brooded.
To her pleasantries he merely snorted, flicking his tail without commitment. The fact that she already knew the answers to everything she asked irritated him all the more, and he refused to give her credit by answering. So he continued to stew and fret, letting her words fall silently, until her final remark his resolve failed. "Ha! Always the same, the whole bunch of you - wanting me to remain with the rest of you here, like happy little sheep.... what folly that is," he spat, striking the ground with his fore. Then he seemed to catch himself, and bit his anger, but the stink of it remained on his breath.
"I came back, because some idiot was good enough to open all the Gates of Kalidore... I thought, years back, when they were first closed, that maybe - just maybe - you had come to realize just what lies beyond that grey sliver of dawn.... I should not have been so disappointed. So now you've opened the Gates, and let great evil into the Isle anew."
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Post by Admin on Nov 8, 2009 16:57:03 GMT -5
The bronze mare fought to control her anger when he insulted the others. She controlled herself and got a memory flash of him all those years ago before he had left. He was so young, she thought to herself. No wonder this has happened to him. What he said next left her quite silent for several minutes. Her eyes darted back to the group of ever growing humans in their midst and a worry she had at the back of her mind came forwards. “All the gates are open?” she paused letting this spoken thought work itself around in her mind. She shifted her weight uneasily, but pushed that thought away to address something else he had said. “What is this evil you speak of?”
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Post by Lady Whimsy on Nov 8, 2009 17:21:35 GMT -5
"Now, now, Gypsy - playing dumb was never your lot!" the stallion goaded, "nothing would disappoint more as to discover that!"
Laughter rose in his throat, but it was cold, sad, a broken sound trembling wantonly forth. "And yet you took a companion... whatever did Imbri have to say about this? ....yet I noticed she is not with your group; perhaps that is self-explanatory."
"As for evil--" he pressed forth, not allowing the mare to interject with an almost cruel toying, "--what other evil then that in it's most primary form? Or had you not yet realized their were Dragons on Kalidore? By that look on your face I say nay.... well, mark me, isle-sister - you soon will."
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Post by Admin on Nov 8, 2009 18:50:24 GMT -5
“Imbri is not nearly as pig headed on the subject as you are and she happens to know a great deal more about it. Perhaps you should speak less about things which you have no experience in.” The bronze mare kept her expression neutral but her eyes blazed. “I would have stood by you had you stayed and helped you when I could, so why you speak to me with such malice in your voice I can only guess.” She paused to ensure she was still composed before continuing. The mention of Dragons had shocked the mare and she had not had sufficient time to wrap her brain around this idea. The creatures had not crossed into her thoughts since the end of the war, so well over a thousand years. Old feelings of fear and worry flashed through her body as she was standing there digesting this information. Dragons could be cruel and violent creatures, although she knew not all dragons were like this. Kal and the Daiga had always taught them tolerance and about finding the good in everyone. Knowing this, she was unsure what the dragons intentions could be for coming here. Friendly? Or hostile? Ulysses was going to jump to the negative conclusion, perhaps they were here on a good will mission. Come to make a call on their neighbours. Worries about the occurrences in the Kaledon flitted through her mind before she realized she had been standing there without speaking for many moments. “Where have you seen dragons on Kalidore, Wanderer?”
Ryan stood back and surveyed his handwork. The tent was set up and ready to go. Feeling rather accomplished he stretched and yawned slightly. The stretch brought his sore leg muscles back to the for front of his mind and he silently wished he had packed some pain meds in his bag. Ah well, nothing could be done about that now. Lots of people road horses, and he was sure unicorns must move easier than horses did, and those people managed. So he concluded it was simply a matter of getting your legs and your hind end used to it. Cadence had wandered away to mingle with some of the mares, so the youth thought he would leave him alone for awhile and started off in the direction of Liam. As he was heading in the soldier’s direction he saw the young woman he had seen with the Guardian’s shortly before, carrying a rather large bundle of wood. Feeling chivalrous, he hurried over to her side. “Hey, good to see you again. Can I give you a hand with that? I’ll carry it wherever you were headed.” He smiled at her, sure the hostile expression he had thought he seen before was just an exaggeration.
Adar had flown off when he realized the food Lilaini was getting was some type of beans. Bleh, who wanted those? He was certain there were tastier things to eat hiding around this camp somewhere. He just had to find them. His beady eyes scoured the camp, looking for anything someone had left unattended, as Arieon and three mares entered the clearing. Two of the three mares carried humans, and the other carried a bag. Well, this certainly appeared promising. Giving a shriek of anticipation, he launched himself into the air and flew in the direction of the newcomers.
He circled and landed on the bay mare’s rump, then scurried towards the woman in front of him. He latched onto her clothing and snuffled around quick as a wink in search of any interesting food smells. It didn’t take him long to realize this human did NOT have any food. Squawking in annoyance he leapt from the bay mare onto the chestnut mare and began his search of the human there. Again finding nothing, he scurried out onto the mares rump and decided to try the bags on the grey mare. Landing right on top of the packs, he fiddled with the coverings until he managed to get the buddle open. Clicking his beak in excitement he stuffed his head into the satchel to search out the delicacies he was sure were inside.
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Post by geob on Nov 8, 2009 21:08:06 GMT -5
Tien Mu chuckled at Trinity's words. With a wink she said, "Don't think anything of it. To be honest I was up to mischief at the time, thinking to give your hair a tug or some such. I am Tien Mu and it is my pleasure to meet you." She acknowledged Aurellie and her words with a nod and a smile.
Making brief eye contact with Rhaine as she took the flint in her empty left hand, Tiponi registered what she had done and Rhaine's unspoken message. Blushing, she returned the short blade to its sheath in her cuff and turned to collect some fire wood. She started out with her back purposefully to the strange man, but she just couldn't bring herself to maintain that stance. It went too much against her experience to leave her back to any male of her species. She understood from every female she had encountered here that the men in Kalidore were the polar opposite of what her life's experiences had taught her and really she was trying. Earlier in the day she had been patting herself on the back for being able to ignore completely the two men that had been traveling with them.
Luminista watched as Tiponi moved about collecting the wood. She could feel the girl's embarrassment and self-castigation, but she didn't interrupt. Until she saw the new man approach, then she made haste to join the two even as Tiponi stiffened. *Easy now, she sent to Tiponi as she said to the newcomer, "Greetings. I am Luminista and this is my companion, Tiponi." With a look at Tiponi that was loaded with meaning, she continued, "I am sure she would be happy to accept a little help with her load."
Tiponi struggled with herself. He is not a threat, he is not a threat, running over and over in her mind. Making an effort at a smile she managed pry her fingers from their death grip on the wood and release it in silence to the man.
"If you could just bring that wood over by Lilaini, I am sure that fire will be going in no time," Luminista instructed when Tiponi failed to do so. Tiponi followed them over to the Guardian. Pulling out jumble of greenery from a bulging pocket, Tiponi handed the bundle over and managed to get out to the Lady, "I found these while hunting wood and thought they may go good in the beans."
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Post by Lady Whimsy on Nov 9, 2009 14:03:10 GMT -5
At Gypsy’s rebuke he flinched slightly, but not enough to concede. Ulysses did, however, remain silent until she had finished, and the silence between cooled them both. He was not willing give that his anger had been misdirected, but perhaps his words had been somewhat harsh; he watched her sidelong, measuring memory against silhouette, and not sure in that moment which one was more real. When she spoke of dragons, he closed his eyes. “I followed them here,” he said. Or did they follow me? “Three moons hence, through the Gate at Al’therwen’s ruins. Where they have gone hence, I cannot say, but wherever they go, night will follow. It always does. I should know; I have been chasing it since the day I left Kalidore, all those years ago.” * It was all so new and exciting for Lyonee that in the moment it transcended all fear, worry, and doubts she had about being here, by herself, on Kalidore. Well, not completely alone… She eyed her traveling party with interest; she had gathered that unicorns here were a common enough thing, while however humans remained quite scarce. This made sense, for obviously in a fairy-tale land like Kalidore such a ratio was completely natural and to be expected. So far the only other person she met was a woman who looked like the pictures in the history book of the Americas her father had in his study. These were full of crude illustrations of indigenous people, many engaged in ungodly acts such as strolling about naked, scalping frontier men, and in some special cases, boiling them alive. Olivier had declared one day he would go to America so he could hunt savages, while their father laughed and told him by the time he was old enough to do that, their likely wouldn’t be any savages left. This had disappointed Lyonee greatly, because she had always thought it would be neat to see – not so much for the scalping, hunting or boiling alive, but rather because she thought she might like living in the wilds. So long as nanny came along too and drew hot baths for her each night, after a day of scampering through the woods in animal skins was filled with all sorts of undomesticated fun. When she had said this her mother was appalled, her father laughed all the more, while the governess declared SHE would never set foot in the colonies and crossed her self, twicely, on behalf of the child. Lyonee was too shy to speak to Sapata, though a hundred questions bubbled in her head. Did she really eat buffalo? Could she dance and make it start to rain? She also wanted to ask about the scalping, but honestly that just didn’t seem polite, so she rode in silence until the small group happened upon another unicorn near the stream. From his size and pitch Lyonee believed him to be a boy. He was quite pretty – but really, which of the unicorns where not? – and snowy white in the falling light he certainly fit the story-book part exactly. The stallion welcomed them back to the camp, and at the prospect of food, the girl was remembered how hungry she was! They had just breached the clearing when a raucous squawking burst through the trees and landed first on Sapata, and then with an angry fluttering it turned on her. Now, Lyonee was a very brave child. After all, today she had gotten lost in the woods, misplaced her sunbonnet, spent the lot of her talking with a snappish plant, and was riding a unicorn. All this, and she hadn’t uttered a peep of dissonance or remorse, not even when Mio bit her fingers or bump-bumping on the unicorn’s back made her ache. But when that frightful creature flew at her and began to scramble over her clothing, that was more then the girl could take. She shrieked, throwing her hands about her head, feeling its million prickly claws pinch at her skin – she was horrified all the more to see that this bird had far too many legs and a lank, sinuous tail like rat’s – until mercifully it left her with flurry of angry shrieks. Lyonee burst into tears. Utterly unaware of the further havoc left in his wake, Adar had landed on Gywneira’s satchel and had made its way through the flap. It smelled of spices, and certainly, had to contain something good – if only he could push aside all these leathery leaves… “Great suckergnats! What vile evil is THIS?” Kaas Mio furled his leaves about him in shock and dismay. One moment he had been almost sleeping, dulled by the want of drink and hypnotic rhythm of the ride when suddenly he found his space invaded yet again. This time it was a beast of the most depraved kind – a bird, sharp with beak and claws to peck and scratch – not, perhaps, as all-encompassing a problem as say, a yak, who et you in one bite, but certainly far more annoying, because they tended to only eat the tender bits. And those were the parts that always hurt the most. Most concerned for his vittles, furiously the Kalidorian Flytrap set about with a cacophony of squalls and hissing of his own, first sounding like a skycat, then tasseled weasel, and finally a goshawk for good measure. The smaller heads that could only hiss could also bit, and they did, repeatedly, up and down the startled griffon’s flanks. They had hardly enough vim to do any real damage, but the effect was pretty disconcerting to say the least, all the while the dominant head letting loose a barrage of insults Adar’s way…
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