Name: Tsula (Fox) D.o.B.: Autumn Exquinox Age: 20 Gender: Female Village Job; Duties: Medicine Woman (Shaman); Dreamcatcher Crafter, Blessings, etc.
Appearance: At a height of 5'6'', Tsula is just shy of average size for a woman her age, though with her reed-slim body, she manages to look elegant. She has long, raven coloured hair, which she proudly displays with her honeyed-hazel eyes peering from beneath the edges of her bangs. Her skin is the golden-tan recognised as ''normal'' for the Kawani tribe.
Her dress is made of soft and supple doe-skin leather, and she is proud to have worked the hide herself, that part alone taking several moons to complete, let alone all the details required for the tassles and beading for decoration. With gloomy weather, she slips the cape onto her shoulders and is easily much warmer than she would normally be.
Personality: Tsula has been aptly named, for she is as clever and wily as a fox. While she is something of a free spirit, she has reined in the urges associated with that since she decided she would become the next Shaman for the village. She has a kind and caring nature, but a strict and serious side has developed since she started studying the art of medicine...though that doesn't mean she won't play around.
History: Tsula has had quite the peaceful life in Kawani Village, but that's not to say it hasn't been interesting, or touched by sorrow. She hadn't always wanted to be a Shaman, being such a lively and 'free' girl, but things change when great disturbances occur...
When she was fourteen years old, she was given a Soquili basket of her very own to care for the small creature inside. She was overjoyed, and did everything in her power to gain her sweetheart's trust. Tsula could imagine the day when her Soquili would emerge from its basket, all legs with big, bright eyes. However, horrible things sometimes happen to good people, and Tragedy decided to strike before the young Soquili could emerge from its nest.
Tsula had spent the day in the forest, leaving her basket not far from her teepee so the foal would be warmed inside the basket, making for a rather pleasant sleep. Too late she turned back, unknowing of the storm that swiftly approached. By the time the wind was howling through the trees and the storm overhead, it was too late to sprint back. An angry funnel spouted from the heavens above and touched down not so far from the village. As it came closer, Tsula lost her teepee, and the basket holding her precious baby Soquili. Unable to emerge from the forest until after the torrent of wind had passed, Tsula spent the rest of the day searching, hoping that she could find the basket with her Soquili. By the time she found it, tattered and ruined with the dying foal sprawled out awkwardly - its poor body broken and battered - she was much too late to save the Soquili... And so she did the only thing she could: she sang a tune she had used many times before when near the basket, and the foal passed on with one final, almost relaxed, sigh.
While she knew she couldn't have done anything to prevent it, she decided her calling would be to bless the baskets and make them as safe and secure for future Soquili, and to heed the spirits who would hopefully guide her and alert her to the coming of another storm such as that. While still retaining her free spirit, Tsula became a lot quieter for several months after the incident, but has gradually regained her vim and vigor.
Note to self: Done~! (I think.) If needed, add moar! mad
. o O ( Click the Picture to visit this artist's DA page! <3 ) O o .
'Don't look back. Don't look ba--run, run faster. RUN!'
It was fear that fuelled her. It was fear that drove her.
Sheer, heart-pounding terror coursed through her veins.
Fear pushed her faster. Fear made her careen through the forest, branches tearing at her pelt, her hair, her eyes. Eyes wide with fear. Heart near to bursting with it.
Still she fled.
There were no time for wild zig-zags, or mad sprints to the side. She had to grab her trinket, had to grab it fast. And she had to flee, even then. The Hounds of Hell closed in. She could feel their heated, eager breath on her tail.
No time for even thought now, only for drawing gasping breaths into her aching lungs, her strong, normally steady legs propelling her onwards. Faster, faster, faster. Don't let them get close. Never close. Run, run, run! It became the beat of her hooves against the forest floor.
There!
She came upon the place she had hidden it, her silken drape. A special, magical piece of sinuous fabric. With it, she could escape them. Stretching out her neck, she yanked it from its hiding place and charged on, fear still pushing her faster, faster, faster..!
Wild hope, fierce and bright, surged through her at the smell of the sea. Her home. Her sanctuary. She was going to ma--!
Her world shattered as she didn't duck soon enough, running smack-dab into a thick, low-hanging branch.
Her world went black as her horrified scream filled the air.
The Hell Hounds closed in, circling and sniffing, grinning their malicious grins; her sheer drape settling over top of her...
A funeral shroud..?
"You come from a place of deep dark...sometimes. Other times, you come from a place of blue light, wonderful freedom...but still you come where you've been warned to not. Your heart longs for something different from your vast home."
An eerie chill settled over the mare's shoulders, but she was raptly intrigued. How in all the lands was it possible for this mare to know and to see so much?
Time passed, and the fortune-teller continued to reveal more and more, so very close to the truth it was both exhilerating and unnerving. She found herself interested in this, this business of seeing, of fortune telling...of miracles. She couldn't wait to express her enthusiasm, and ask to be taught. Maybe she could bring the talent to her home, and be satisfied then.
Suddenly, the air seemed to shift and change, a foreshadow of the events to come. It was that moment the beautiful mare drew the Tower card. Her heart stuttered nervously in her chest, the hushed whispers urging care and caution only amplifying that effect. In a shaky voice, she promised to guard herself well. As she walked away a few short minutes later, the feeling was replaced by mild anger. Why should she want that talent when it brought such fear? Would she want to scare the others with such outlandish tales? Certainly not!
Deciding that she had had more than her fill of the land, and the Carnivale...she set off at a stately trot towards her hiding place for her fabric, the draw from the sea pulling her onwards.
Until she noticed them.
Was it her imagination that they had slunk from the shadows, forms that couldn't be--had to be impossible? Her heart slammed into her throat in that instant of panic. Hadn't she been warned?! What would she do?
Acting purely upon instinct, she burst forwards. They would never catch her; they couldn't.
'Oh please, oh please...Angeni above, please, they can't catch me. They just can't!'
Heart pounding, she fled into the dark forest, beautiful mane and tail streaming out behind her. Terror nipped her heels, and she was running. Running faster, faster, faster..!
The silken cloth was yanked from her form. Cringing, she shrank away from the 'Hounds' and cowered...only after several minutes realizing that something was wrong. She should have been dead right?
...but...why did she feel her tail?
Looking at herself, her eyes confirmed her greatest fears. She was half-morphed. Her sha--there, but... But... She shuddered, repulsed and afraid of the Soquili that held it now. Her only way back to her family, her life...her everything. Inside her mind, a loud wail broke free. Grief, disbelief, horror, fear, and many others slammed into her at once and she heaved several sobs.
She had a tail alright, though it was normally the tail she had when she lived and breathed the ocean waves. She was a Mer when she was beneath the water, a horse when she used her shawl to remove that which prevented her from moving along land...but now...now... What was she now?!
"You're one of us."
The voice was eerie, and only then did she realize that the fortune-teller had spoken. Somewhere amidst their ranks, a cackle of laughter burst, followed shortly by a shout. The shout turned her blood to ice.
"Welcome to the family!"
Ending Note: Drawn out by my love of the sea, the "freedom" beneath the waves, as well as some of my favourite "Legends". <3 And my love for A7X; the song fits perfectly; in a fit of inspiration I had to include it.
How Far They Fall {Cursed Skinwalker Contest}
EveryLightCasts aShadow...
SW's name: Nixe Wiki Says:The Nix/Nixe (German) refer to shapeshifting water spirits who usually appear in human** form.
** For the purpases of Soquili, "human" will be synonymous with Horse.
A crystalline horn flared brilliant blue, the surface actually sizzling as a blood-red powder hit both it, and the mare's face. A sinister cackle came from a peculiarly dressed two-legger, but that was completely overridden and drowned out by the shriek of pain that came from the Unicorn mare as she reared up, lashing out with her hooves in attempt to batter back the little man while thrashing her head from side to side.
Her vision became a red haze quickly, the burning sensation feeling as though her eyes and flesh were being eaten away by a strong acid.
The man bounded away - more sprightly than someone his age should have been - with a trailing cackle. Nixe threw herself forwards in attempt to find him by trailing the sounds he made. However, the unfortunate mare had never once been blinded, or tried to move with her eyes closed and using only her ears for guidance, and she crashed headlong into a thick tree trunk of a rowan tree after stumbling over one of its protruding roots.
She let out a squeal of - bloodthirrsty - rage, though she wasn't aware of it at the time. Lunging to her feet, achingly sore and still assailed by pain, she shrieked again, in defiance, and raced ahead, the echos of the man's laugh still ringing in her ears, even though he'd long gone. She was delusional, and after bumping and crashing through the small thicket of trees, burst out on the other side.
Skidding to a stop and shaking her head hard, she dropped to her knees to scrape and rub her face into the grass, attempting to rub away whatever it was that coated her face and crept over her body. Dropping further, she rolled, heaving her body against the grass while she was assailed by flashes of memory. Her parents, nonexistant. Siblings, none so far as she knew. She was alone. She didn't understand why. The "purebreds" who scorned her for her existance...looked down upon her like she was some hideous mutant. Scorned her. She couldn't bear the ignorance that flapped from those haughty...filthy little blaggarts' jaws! She resented them, yes. They'd pay! He promised! And if they didn't, she would hunt him down and dance in the shower of his blood!
She squealed again, thrashing violently against the ground, rubbing her face against the green, sweet - disgusting! - smelling earth and grass. With another heaving, jerky motion, she flailed to her feet, panting hard. Until she chocked on the vapours of that vile dust caught in her throat. Caught in the throes of pain, blinded by the burn of her eyes, she thought it couldn't get much worse. Until her horn flared bright and a crippling pain brought her to meet the ground again where she writhed as her bones snapped, broken, only to shift...and begin to reknit themselves. An agonizing wail was forced from her mouth, and with strength borne of desperation, she lurched to her hooves and flung herself forwards, ears trained on the gurgling and babbling of the river, normally so quite, but seeming like a loud roar in her ears.
Jumping into the nearly placid river, hoping to cool the raging pain of rekniting bones, she ducked her head beneath the water's surface after heaving a breath, flailing her legs against the sand to drive her agonized body further into the water. Water that did only relieve her pain marginally. Her memories were hazy. Had she loved someone? Love! Useless! Or was it? Wasn't it warm? Something she'd always longed for?
Each time her thoughts shifted, her horn would dim or glow brighter accordingly as it fought a losing battle against this curse. This new...self. The evil within that was brought, raging and snarling, to the surface. Her horn, the symbol of her former pure self, was failing against the dark grip of the corpse powder. And then it was gone. The pain, the agony, the memories, and something took its place as she pawed to the surface. Bloodlust. Thirst. A driving hunger and need to maim, kill, and torture. She pulled back her lips, mildly surprised to find fangs there, but that didn't stop her feral grin. She found she was at-ease in the water, and flicked her ears as she paddled towards the bank.
Dragging herself from the water for a few minutes, she lashed her wet tail back and forth...and stopped. She didn't have that much control over her tail before. And the earth...was different beneath her feet. Sensory things were easily remembered. And it was unfamiliar. One glance down told her the truth, and she let out - surprisingly enough - a content purr, feeling the power in her new form's muscles. Oh yes...great power.
She scented the wind that blew into her face, standing with her green eyes glinting in the night. Smells she hadn't paid attention to before that now spoke of fun and sustenance, for the pain she had just went through her been excruciating and to build strength, she would need food. Blood. Their blood. Little did she knew that each time she shifted, that meddlesome horn would cause her such pain. But pain would become part of her life. Hers, and she would be certain to fill theirs with it...and delight in the hot blood that would rush from wounds she inflicted.
If she wasn't caught in an odd state of confusion; the line between good and evil would always be two very slender grey lines...and in her 'normal' form she would be plagued by them...
The sounds and faint glow of fire in the sky made her yowl in sinister glee and slink back to the water, into the dark, concealing chill of it.
And when she emerged, if any survivors remained...she would be remembered.
Always with fear.
Always with a glance to the lake and rivers surrounding them.
"It came from the water!"
-----------
Ending Notes: Nixe's personal battle between good and evil will be brought forth into RP, should I win her. It's an integral part of her character, but as seen here [and in the rules]...evil will definitely triumph at some point. Being only half Unicorn wouldn't be enough to combat the evil, much less being a full Unicorn...but it does present an interesting twist. She'd be much like a Uni-Kalona, with the exception that the appearances of a troubled, but "good" [using that term loosely xD] mare would be very slim.
Angel x Raguel Basket Contest (dkagjd;klja -_-)
Name of Pet: Truth be told there are several names I'm tempted to use, and I'll list them, though I will decide on one of them, should I win~ Esme [Welsh: Gracious protector.] Aftiel [The angel of twilight.] Selene [Greek: Moon] Gabriella [I seem to be leaning towards this one more than the others; I also realize this is not an Angel's name, however, it is a feminine variation of the Angel Gabriel~ (Yes, I know, it's ironic that it's technically her brother's name. xD)] Temper: Irenic* [Tending to promote peace(fulness) or reconciliation.] What appeals to you most about this family? What can I say that others haven't already said? I'd be delighted to RP with this family; you're all talented writers, and the way you project each member of the family is stunning. The story is spectacular. It makes me wonder if (and what) I could add to it~ *I chose this temperament because it seems to be a suited spin-off from her Father. It's another step in the way of Justice: reconciliation. Whether it's working to repent or forgive one for their injustices, or come to terms with what they've done.
Roleplay Example: Gabriella was alone. That was to say, left alone near the edges of the small glade her family had occupied for the past...unknown amount of days. Her parents and siblings were on the other side, talking quietly amongst themselves; even her older siblings were there...even Gabriel. She was content to observe her family, content to wonder how she'd been privileged to be born into such unity and unconditional love. It was something she wondered often. That, and whether she deserved their unconditional love. She knew, deep down, that she belonged with her family and deserved their love, just as she knew how to breathe or that her family was safe for her to be with.
The little filly was feeling - not smothered, but - overcome by the love her entire family showed her. Of course, they showed each member the same love...but she was only one filly, and her heart was only so big. It didn't mean she loved them any less, but compared to their combined love, she felt hers was somewhat insignificant. But it wouldn't stop her. 'No,' She thought, wobbling to her feet with a happy nicker directed at her family. 'I will love them with everything I have, and more.' She didn't know if it would be enough, as she tottered over to her parents; but she would earn their love for her, by showering them with the same love. A sense of peace settled over her, as she looked shyly at her eldest brother, her namesake, and wobbled towards him, stretching her neck to lift her muzzle high enough to touch his. Her dark eyes were bright with peace and love, her heart resolute.
[( Whee, last forty minutes. I've been planning this girl out all week. @o@;; Thank you, Tweek and Meeki, for giving us this opportunity to join into a fantastic family and story~ )]
Ruby Angeni and Tiger's Eye Kirin Entries
Prompt for the Ruby Angeni
You've just arrived in this new land, and already you've run across a problem. During your travel, you spot a young foal in distress. What situation have they gotten themselves into? Are they hurt? Lost? And, what do you do about it? Do you ignore the foal? Help them? WHAT DO YOU DO ABOUT IT?
It was quiet, something Alessandra hadn't really expected. But it was peaceful. Serene. Much to her liking, normally. Today was different. She was restless. It was like the Angeni knew she should be somewhere, but she just wasn't sure where. Restless, she wandered around, out of the newly-familiar territory to expand her travels.
...and it was midday before she came across a troublesome - yet somewhat amusing - sight.
A colt was stuck in the mud. Deep mud. It was like a small pond had been there, and had dried up, leaving a muddy hole in its wake. The colt squealed and stretched his neck up, calling out to the ruby-red winged mare: "Help me! Please! Heeelp!"
Now, Alessandra was more than just a little concerned about her looks...but she knew the colt would die if he didn't get out. As it was, he was stuck passed his knees in the muck.
"Oh my~ Little one, are you okay? What's your name?" She called back, genuine concern in her eyes as she tried to talk the colt into a calmer state. On one hand, it was so he didn't fling mud into her face with his struggles, but also so he wouldn't worsen his situation.
"Kairou..." He whimpered. "My name is Kairou, and I only thought this sinkhole was just a little bit of mud!"
The expression on the colt's face had her laughing daintily, prancing upon her hooves. "My, you look like you're in a serious situation now~" It was working. Gradually the colt relaxed, and Alessandra took her first few steps into the mud. She sunk down, but nowhere near as much as the colt had on her body. Even though she was heavier, her legs were longer. He looked hopefully at her, and she found her heart go out to the little lad.
"My name is Alessandra, you know~" She said in a serious, yet musical voice. "And I'm so very glad I felt like I needed to be somewhere. I needed to be here with you, Kairou, to help you out of the muck. Now, you'll listen closely to what I'm going to tell you, yes?"
The colt nodded, and she waded in further, wincing as the end of her mane and tail became coated with the mud.
"I'm going to grab hold of as much of your pretty little mane as I can, and when I move, you try and jump at me, alright? It'll hurt for a bit, but I'll pull you out of the mud."
The colt blanched and whinnied in protest, but soon realized he wasn't getting out of his predicament on his own. Hanging his head, he nodded. " 'kay.."
"Don't worry, Kairou~ I'll get you out." With a nod, she did as she said she would, and tugged lightly, keeping the pressure on his neck and mane, straining backwards, wings flashing through the air as she struggled to loosen the colt. Kairou did his part well. Suddenly, with a squelching noise and squeal from the colt, he popped out of the mud and tumbled into the fair ruby angeni, sending them both sprawling into the shallow-end of the mud.
Alessandra could only gape, eyes wide as she lifted her head from the mud. She was, now, absolutely filthy. But within the next few moments, as the colt laughed and scrambled to his feet, she laughed as well. It didn't matter! She'd helped the colt, and it would wash off. Her heart glowed with joy, and she scrambled to her feet, slipping awkwardly in the mud.
"Come, Kairou, I passed a stream on the way by. We'll go clean up before I take you back to your family~!"
Prompt for the Tiger's Eye Kirin
You were born with the desire for shiny things. Riches or trash, if it shines, you want it. After years of collecting your shinies, you've amassed quite the collection in an undisclosed location (whether it's in the forest, in a cave, etc, up to you). While out one day, you return and find a familiar (you choose what kind) rummaging through your treasures and attempting to take something. What are they trying to steal away from you? How do you react? Roleplay the scenario and the outcome.
Username: ArashiX Kirin Name: Kin Familiar Name: [Fox] Seth
Kin had a great many baubles and beautiful items in his hideaway, but he kept his most treasured around his neck. It was a gift from the Angeni, he believed. The embodiment of all things pure and good. Truth be told, he only found it on the shore, washed up and only glinting just a bit. Still, he treasured that item over all others.
Kin hummed a lively tune as he made his way to his sacred, secret place. His gold eyes glimmered, and his tail swished as he pranced along. His back sparkled in the faint sunlight, something he adored. He wasn't really vain, though...but his love of treasures made him pick up every sparkly or pretty bauble he came across. At first, it wasn't much, but eventually he needed to move it...and he found his place at that point. Yes, his secret, safe place. He wouldn't reveal the whereabouts of it to anyone.
...so it came as a huge surprise when he waltzed back into his not-so-humble abode and saw a fox trying to scurry passed him. Kin believed himself to be a good and fair Soquili, just as all Kirin were... But there was something about the fact this place, these treasures...and the fact they were his...and the fact this fox was trying to steal from him.
The small bag in his mouth clattered to the ground, spilling all the tiny beads and stones he'd found today.
"What. Is. THIS?!" He nearly roared, hooves ringing against the stone floor. He stomped near the fox, driving him back deeper. The fox, for his part, quaked back but tried to snap. He was immediately introduced to Kin's horn as the Kirin lowered it, snorting bloody murder at the creature that dared to take what was his.
"What is your name, thief?!" Kin hissed, enraged.
"Seth! As if it was any of your business!"
"It is when you attempt to steal what is MINE!" Kin bellowed, leaping at the fox and crashing his cloven hooves next to the fox. Suddenly, he stopped, and his ears flicked forwards. ...was there? Yes there was a faint, gold sparkle to his coat. The Kirin smiled, taking a breath of his intruder that was suddenly very interesting to him.
"For attempting to steal from me...you shall remain with me, and be my companion, Seth~" He intoned.
The fox hissed, snapping out at the Kirin: "Not on your scaley-shimery life!"
A yelp escaped the fox's mouth as Kin stamped on the end of his tail, snorting directly into his face. "You. Will. Because you owe me. It is both your punishment and your freedom, Seth."
Seth's whimper cut off, his darkly tipped ears flicking forwards. "Is that so?"
Kin nodded, smiling somewhat. "Yes. You, for becoming my companion, will be able to share this with me. You will have access to all I have, and you will be permitted to store your own treasures here. Does this sound...suitable?"
He truly was willing to share. Because this fox, with his rare, golden hide...was too irresistible to...well, resist. The fox's topaz eyes gleamed...and he nodded. Slowly, mirroring smiles flit across their muzzles. Kin and Seth. Kin took his hoof off the fox's tail...and the fox stood, facing Kin, tail swaying back and forth. The would-be thief and the noble Kirin. Two very unlikely creatures, co-existing.
It was a good arrangement, for them. It was apparent, as they would soon find, they were a lot alike.
Basket Contest
User Name: ArashiX Prompt(s): Number Two Foal's Name: Keflee (Filly); E'tan (Colt)
"Is this 'cause we all got dirty playing in the mud the other day, daddy? Is that why you and mommy are splitting up?" The plaintive questions were asked by her siblings, who looked between their parents with tears in their pretty little eyes.
"Oh, no, darlings, that's not why at all~" Anolani cooed as she nuzzled them both one by one. She then paced away and flicked her ears forwards. "Now, my pretty little ones, you have the choice of coming with me or your father."
Keflee's siblings looked at one another before seeming to come to a simultaneous conclusion. They quickly trotted towards Anolani: their kind-hearted and gentle mother. That means it was her choice.
For Keflee, time screeched to a violent halt as she deliberated.
~~~ ~~~ ~~~
Out of the three siblings, Keflee felt like she was smack-dab in the middle in regards to her parents' looks. It was also true for her personality, too. She was proud of the way she looked, just not as much as her father, Dorian, was. He'd nearly fallen to the ground in a fit when the three had come back, mud-splattered and giggling.
Anolani just shook her head and nudged the three of them to the nearby springs to clean them up.
But Keflee also found she was flirtatious like her father, teasing even the little colts she knew, though most just shouted "Cooties!" and ran away, sparking a fun game of chase.
But who was she to go with? She loved her family very much, even her father with his quirky and sometimes irrational ways and expectations. She loved her brother and sister as well... Could she bear to be separated from them and go with Dorian?
...still, someone had to watch him.
And who was better for the job than Keflee? She, unlike her father - and currently unbeknownst to her - knew there was a limit on flirting and generally when things went too far.
She was going to be in for one heck of a surprise...
~~~ ~~~ ~~~
She trotted up to Anolani with tears in her eyes and nuzzled against her warmth and calming scent for the last time before nuzzling her siblings.
"Mommy, I'll come find you one day, I promise. I promise~!" She squealed, stamping her hoof against the ground. "I'll miss you so much, but I have to go with dad..."
And so she turned and fled, a few crystalline tear drops flying into the air as her long stride took her over to her father, Dorian, who wore a look of shock upon his face. He was apparently either hoping for solitude, or was just shocked his daughter had apparently changed her mind.
The future was sure to be...interesting.
Basket Contest
User Name: ArashiX Prompt(s): Combination of One and Two Foal's Name: Sein Asëa (sayn ah-say-ah; Female: New Leaf); Dagnir (dahg-near; Male: Bane)
(Opening notes: I've been granted permission from Antigra to allude to the guest Kalona as Phobia, but in no way does she have to accept plots with me if I were to win~ I just adore Phobia like whoa, so getting to use him in this RP Contest has sent me way up to Cloud Nine~ >3 (I don't claim that what I've written is Phobia, as I couldn't find any info in Antigra's Teepee, so it's just my interpretation.))
Asëa. A New Leaf...but a plain one, compared to her siblings. She didn't have any interesting swirls of design like them. She took after her mother, Neve, more than her father, Marius. And genetics were funny things. Her mother had feathered wings...but Asëa had the dangerous Kalona wings. She'd also inherited her mother's amethyst, serpentine eyes. Her appearance was more Kalona-like than her siblings.
So she was plain, but looked like the evil ones. The ones - aside from family, they were safe, mostly - she was told never to interact with.
She looked like her grandmother with her Kalona features...
Yes, her grandmother, the absolutely insane, violent Kalona that had once attacked her mother. She had been entranced with the story as her mother told her. Sure enough, she didn't want to meet her grandmother, but the story made her gain a new appreciation for her family...her mother, in particular.
It also explained something.
There was something...something dark and evil...that lurked within her heart. Her love for her family counteracted that darkness, but it welled so close to the surface sometimes. Her love for her family also made her strive to be a good, if somewhat mischievous, filly.
Her father's mother, in particular. She saw the good in everyone regardless, but Asëa felt the need to put more effort into her resolve with her grandmother, to try and prove her trust and faith to be correct.
Of her elder siblings, she was most close to Belial and Jaci than she was with Maharet. She adored her older brothers and wanted to learn much from them. She didn't know whether they shared the same creeping darkness she had, but she could be more herself and more at ease with them than she could of Maharet, who seemed to be absolutely terrified of her Kalona features.
Still...even with her thoughts of being good, the darkness lurking within didn't scare her. She found it intriguing. And the closer it bubbled, the more curious she was. And someday, she knew, the curiosity would get the best of her.
Little did she know that darkness would burst forth today.
There had been no warnings that she would have her first encounter with a pure-blooded Kalona. It was a pleasant sunny day, and she was enjoying a good romp in the field. And then she stopped, looking up from the hole she had just chased a small gopher into.
She could feel something.
It felt like something was slithering across her flanks. An odd, creepy feeling that had her shuddering and perking her ears, listening for anything that might have been in the trees nearby. She fanned her wings, puffing them lightly to make herself appear larger than she actually was.
Then a new sensation crept over her. Heat. Like roaring flames of an inferno. Seething with rage and hatred.
And a darkness so deep it made hers look like a brilliant sunset.
Evil called to evil, no matter how diluted it was.
Whirling, the slender filly finally saw the source of the disturbance she felt. It moved through the shadows of the trees with an unearthly grace, bound in shadows and cloaked by the scent of blood with dead and dieing things. The huge stallion emerged from the trees, sinister grin making his fangs stand out against his dark muzzle. His pale flesh was splattered with bloody patterns, pointed tail swaying side to side with every deadly step he took. A bloody, ragged swatch of fabric covered his head, draping with acute beauty across his form, bloodstained as it was. And his wings! The same colour as his pelt, but with such intricacy it made the filly wonder if it really was blood coating his form, or whether he was born like that.
He was so stunning she couldn't look away.
So she stood her ground bravely, head up in pure defiance. She knew without a doubt he could see her, despite the bloody cloth over his eyes. Perhaps he really was blind, but with the sure way he walked towards her, she couldn't help but think that it was not the case.
Her heart was pounding away in a frantic tempo within her chest; but it was not merely fear, but excitement. This was a Kalona, the very thing she was told - in no uncertain terms - that she should stay away from. Yet this creature's deadly beauty she could not resist. Emboldened by his intriguing looks, she was the first to speak, feeling that familiar sensation of evil climbing up within her...before it actually broke and she became more attuned to her Kalona heritage.
"Why do you approach me, Kalona?" She questioned, ears pinned back for a moment as she bared her own set of Kalona teeth.
A malevolent chuckle caressed her senses, sending her heart a flutter again. And then the stallion spoke, his voice roughly sensual. "What a delectable little filly. Such spirit, such fire. But it should be known that I shall be asking the questions, as it is you who so blatantly trespass upon my territory. You are not of pure blood, I see. No graceful horns sprout from your small head."
He said it in a way that made a shiver roll down Asëa's spine. As though he could crush her at any moment and not care less. His posture oozed danger, his muscular frame whispered of seductive power. He was completely magnificent in his utter darkness.
"I am descended from the great Izusa, and I shan't tolerate you placing yourself above me." Asëa bantered back, chest puffing out. She knew, deep down, that saying such a thing would be a mistake, and a grave one at that. She didn't consider her grandmother great at all, but in the face of another Kalona, she knew that only the powerful survived...so because Izusa survived, she must have been powerful.
A malicious smirk formed on the stallion's lips. "But you did not tell me your name, little firespark."
"I shall only tell you my name after I receive yours." She snapped back, flicking her dark tail from side to side.
"Ladies first, little one. Tell. Me. Your. Name." He intoned, every syllable sounding like a death toll coming from between his lips.
Rolling her eyes, the filly shifted in place, raising a foreleg to strike the grassy ground. "My name is Sein Asëa. Now be so kind as to give your name in return, Kalona."
"Such a soft name for one with such fire." He intoned dryly, shaking his mane from side to side, the smirk slowly coming back. "My name is more fitting for our proud and distinguished breed. Phobia is my name, little Sein."
"I prefer to be called Asëa...Phobia." She spoke back, imitating the dark and chilling Kalona to the best of her childish abilities, mustering up all the knowledge she could from what she had been told. "And just because my blood is 'tainted' does not make me any less noble or proud. No, in fact it makes me all the more so, because I have more to offer the world than a mere pure-breed."
"Then perhaps you should be taught the True Way, the way of the Kalona." He murmured with his gravelly voice before a sinister laugh broke loose. "Oh, child. One day, when you're ready, I shall know. And you shall be confronted and asked. And if it is not by me, then by someone else. And you shall only have one chance and one choice. Choose wisely and let that darkness within you rise!"
With a gnashing motion with his teeth, he snirked at the small but brave filly, tail whiplashing back and forth in his amusement with the little spitfire. He gazed down at her through the cloth. Though he highly doubted she was entirely right, she did make an excellent point for one so young. She had to be more proud than most Kalona if she were to survive...because of her tainted blood. It might be amusing to see what would become of the tainted filly.
With no more words between them, he sprang to the sky, barbed wings and pointed tail coming dangerously close to the filly, who leaped aside.
Phobia. She would be sure to remember the name that belonged to that dark, magnificent Kalona. Nor would she be able to forget that promise. The promise of the future, of what was to come.
Gradually, the creeping feeling she had got from the Kalona left, and the stifling heat cooled too. Belial soon emerged from the woods, shaking his dark mane before greeting her with a happy nicker.
"Asëa, I've come to take you home with me."
'How ironic...' She thought, remembering Phobia's words. Yet, this was a different matter entirely. She would always love her family dearly...perhaps that love would be enough to keep the darkness away. After her encounter today, though...Asëa wasn't entirely sure.
Basket Contest
Username: ArashiX Basket: Lily of the Valley Prompt Response:Tsula, Native Persona
It was sunset and the sky was lit up in brilliant shades of red, orange, and a deepening twilight the further away from the sun the sky was.
Spring was a busy time, even moving into early summer. Definitely more busy than other times of the year for the medicine people of the Kawani tribe. It was the time of year that most Soquili would give birth to foals, and with at least two foals per mate-pair, it meant a lot of weaving, blessing, and decorating. It was still warm, but a chill had started to creep into the breeze as the sun sank over the horizon.
Tsula looked down at her sturdy dog strapped to the travois. "Gahli, shall we take a break?"
The dog lifted his eyes up to her and wagged his tail, whining softly at his master. The Native woman smiled and unhooked the travois from the make-shift leather harness around Gahli's chest. Her dog bound forwards at being released, spinning in rapid circles before slumping down onto his hind end after losing his balance. Standing back up, he trotted happily over to her and licked her slender fingers.
Smiling fondly at her pet, she bent down to retrieve a mid-sized stick. Gahli was upon his feet in an instant, barking lightly with lit-up eyes. Throwing the stick as far as she could in the open plain, she watched her companion dart off through the grass after it.
Stretching her arms up above her head, she listened to teh soft clicking of the beads along the bottom of her doe-skin dress. It was such a pretty time of day. Just about time for twilight to descend, yet with such a beautiful display of colours that Tsula could pass the time each day at sunset just watching the colours change in the sky. Her faithful dog brought the stick back and obediently dropped it at her feet. His tail wagged furiously, causing the green grass to swish to its movements.
With a laugh, Tsula picked up the stick and threw it again, this time taking the few moments before Gahli brought the stick back to survey the small stretch of plains near the river. The grass waved gently, such a dark, rich green...but something seemed off. Just one spot had a different shade. Something that hovered between a milky white-ish-green, and the colour of the sunset, as though the colours were absorbed by whatever it was.
As Gahli came bounding back, Tsula walked towards what she had seen, a stray "Come" command slipping between her lips.
Gahli, alert now that the game was apparently over, paced by her side, sniffing at the wind curiously.
Within a few more paces, Tsula stopped short, honeyed eyes widening at the sight before her, her heart beginning a sharp, fast beat in her chest.
It was a basket. And not just any basket, a Soquili basket. It wasn't familiar to the apprentice medicine woman, meaning that it probably wasn't from around the village, at least.
Were the Gods feeling generous...or were their intentions simply for cruel irony? Tsula had lost a basket just a few years ago, and the memory of the broken foal still felt like an icy knife was being driven into her chest. The woman stared suspiciously into the sky...as if daring them to be so cruel to her. She knew that if she turned her back upon the basket - parent or not - she would be turning her back upon her promise and her mission.
But the trepidation in her heart and body were not easy to ignore, and could not be discarded.
"What am I to do with you?"
'Are you my atonement? Or are your parents about here somewhere..?'
Tsula knew that the Soquili had a very keen sense of smell...maybe not as much as a dog's, but they could definitely follow scents, especially ones they were privy to. She was still wary of taking the basket, however, and as much as she crooned to the basket, she knew she would receive no answer...not even so much as a rustle, as she was a completely unfamiliar being to the foal within.
"Well, Gahli, we can't leave this basket here... Let's go strap you in again, and we'll take the basket home with us."
The short, slender native woman turned away from the basket, heading back to the travois with her prancing dog. Strapping him in and returning a minute later, she carefully rearranged the items she'd been collecting upon the travois, before settling the basket on top of the hide that was stretched between the two poles.
She had no Soquili of her own, and at the moment didn't dare to even hope she could have another chance...
"Come, Gahli, let's head home..." There was a softness in her voice, a kind of weary acceptance of the basket for now, but there was an undertone of fear as well.
~~~
As the Native woman and her dog moved away, a softly coloured Soquili glided through the underbrush of the nearby forest. A faint luminescence shone from her wondrously creamy hide, the flash of jewelled green eyes watching the departure of the two-legged creature and her basket.
"Perhaps the tides shall turn..." The mare pondered as she slid away from her very own basket. She had watched from afar, seeking someone who knew more about raising a foal than she did herself. It wasn't as though she held no love for the tiny creature within, moreso she wanted to share the gift of life with someone else as well...
A soft knicker echoed along through the trees, the flash of beauty fading as she drew further away from the edge of the forest. Yes, her darling baby would be in good hands with this two-legger...
~~~
Twilight had since left the edge of the Kawani tribe's village, Tsula and Gahli having made it back before even the sun had fully set. A fire blazed in the center of her teepee, her companion settled upon one of the heavy fur rugs that littered the floor. There was a pile of skins that the softly coloured basket had been set upon. Tsula, after rummaging around in a sack that was hanging from the edge of her teepee, brought out two pristine white feathers and some bits and pieces she had gathered earlier on their way back. Dyeing feathers wasn't hard, and the choice in colour would be easy, too. The milky white colour of the basket, along with the faint dusting of light green.
Staring at the basket as she worked with the dye and feathers, she slowly slid towards it before tying the feathers to the basket.
Sliding back to clean her belongings, Tsula hummed the soft, melodious song she had sang to another basket, a mere few years ago...before that tornado had struck and wreaked disaster upon her home and the small Soquili that had resided in the basket she had been charged with the care of.
And Tsula, for all her steadfast reserve with letting her feelings grow for the basket, felt a flicker of hope. If the Soquili that had the basket were to come and retrieve the foal, she knew she would be disappointed and saddened...
But that pesky little flicker of hope did not fade, even when she put some sweet grass and new clover into the basket, eyes averted. She would not spoil the surprise of the new foalling...not even with the chance she might not get to raise the small creature within.
'Perhaps I shall be given another chance...though not many come across second chances...' Yes, that little flicker of hope just would not go away...if anything, it burned brighter than before.
Amarrine x Crousader Basket Contest: 2nd Choice!
Semi-Newbie RP Prompt Two You are a young adult, male or female, suddenly faced with the very real threat of martial training from your father and his league of cohorts known as... Blais. Yes, you, as a strapping young lad/lass are about to be put to the test on both the ground and the air (feel free to play as a winged adult... but bear in mind this is NOT known.) Crousader is no lackwit when it comes to strategy, and you learned from him, while his former protege Blais is the current Protector of the Islagiatt herd, and a big burly guy at just over 17 hands high. Crousader will be the referee in this duel, and for this one I'd like to see how you (the RPer) fight! Please keep it clean and PG13, no mutilations, and bear in mind that Crousader would (in honor) stop any obviously losing battle. Blais has strength in size and in years of training, but you have youth and speed! Use it! DING DING!
( Your Username:ArashiX Basket's Name:Shei'dalin Basket's Gender:Female
I soooo hope (if I win) my basket holds a female. D'= I don't really care about wings or the horn (well, I do, because they're rather vital as well), but I'd desperately want a female. )
Shei'dalin. That was her name. Peace Weaver. Her name was, in her opinion, sheer irony compared to what she was.
She was her father's warrior.
Sometimes Shei'dalin envied her sister, Evaryth. Evaryth was born with her mother's horn, but she didn't have her father's wings. Shei'dalin, on the other hand, was blessed with both her mother's horn, and her father's wings. That "blessing" seemed more like a curse. That didn't mean her sister wasn't taught how to fight as she was...oh no, her father would never settle for that. But because Shei'dalin had wings, Crou always seemed more set on turning her into what he thought best, pushing her harder, faster, wanting her to become better and stronger. Perhaps he had been disappointed to be gifted with two daughters and no sons with Amarinne. Shei'dalin didn't dare ask--not that he would tell her anyway.
She'd spent the few hours at dawn flying in the sky, watching the sun come up and secretly enjoying the way it warmed her coat and wings. However, there was no escape from her father, who rode the wind to retrieve her.
"Shei'dalin, Blais is waiting. Come. I do so trust you're more than prepared."
Always, he addressed her by her full name. Never, even alone, by Shei or some other shortened form. No pet names, not even for her sister.
"Of course, he is normally always early." She would never admit it to anyone, but she thought of Blais as more than just the Protector. No, she didn't think even Crou could accept his daughter liking someone so much like himself...so much like one of his own sons. As his daughter, Crou expressed - or pushed upon her - his thoughts of an ideal match, and most likely expected her to follow them. Perhaps that was another reason she had always remained cool and composed (even mysterious) on the outside, never showing that free spirit within. She felt caged, it was true, and she felt the need to wander off on her own.
Perhaps she would come back when the time was right and she had her fill of the world. She knew she would always be welcome, and that if she brought anyone back with her, so would that Soquili. The reception might be a bit different from her father, if in fact she brought home a mate.
Shaking her head, Shei'dalin turned away from the sun and those wayward thoughts, an ear flicking back in slight unease. It flicked forwards immediately though, lest her father see. Determined to at least make Crou somewhat proud of her, she sped off side by side with him until she landed, looking dignified and perhaps even somewhat delicate all at once.
"Blais." She murmured politely, stretching her muscles so she wouldn't show the slight quiver of both excitement and unease. Part of her didn't want to do this, the part that had a crush on Blais... But her other half wanted her to prove to herself, Blais, and Crou that she was good, maybe better than they all expected.
"Shei'dalin."
He seemed to smirk at her with his acknowledgement, in a very intriguing way that only a stallion could. Shei'dalin pawed at the ground with a fore-hoof, hiding her frustration by looking battle-ready. Her green eyes that she shared with her mother were looking intently at the stallion before her. Surely he towered over her by a good three to four feet right now, but she was still a very young adult. And while he was hardened by years of battle experience, she was fast, and had her father's wit and knack for tactics drilled into her firmly.
"GO!"
There was no more time, after that. Shei’dalin pranced at the yell before snorting her challenge without words. Blais, in response, flared a foreleg out to slice the ground.
And the duel was on.
Blais, from his position a mere few feet away, charged forwards, intending on using his size to its fullest advantage. Shei shied out of the way, dancing upon her sprightly legs as sure and swift as the wind itself, even going so far as to leap back as she did so to evade the well-aimed kick that was shot out as soon as Blais passed her.
She lowered her head, swaying it to and fro as a snake might, the tip of her horn gleaming a sharp gold in the morning light. As Blais started turning to face her, Shei'dalin started her counter attack. She leaped forwards, thrusting her horn outwards as if she was a snake striking her prey. She'd learned and copied this move from her father, only adapting it to suit her horn's length and shape.
Perhaps she had caught him off guard with her speed, perhaps the attack had thrown him, but she scored a light hit upon his flank, dancing away upon her toes as he struck out and tried to bite her. Blood dribbled from the cut she'd placed, and Blais charged, chasing her.
Shei'dalin took flight, wings flapping as she drove herself up into the air, just out of reach of Blais' slashing hooves as he reared and trumpeted his battle cry. Her chest heaved as adrenaline coursed through her frame, but her eyes were narrowed and angry. She found she didn't want to be here, didn't want to make Blais bleed. And her anger shone through in the way her wings snapped against the sky and wind, her tousled forelock and mane whipping violently in the air.
Still, she would stick it out.
That engraved warrior's pride forced her to remain in the game. She spiralled higher, ears flattening against her head as her temper - normally concealed well when it rose - shone through again. It was her father's fault she was here, battling with the Protector. And yet her opponent now was Blais...and honour said she couldn't let it go until it was done.
Her forelegs moved closer together as she tucked her wings slightly and drove down towards Blais in a tactical dive. She lowered her head so her horn aimed for high upon his neck should he rear, sharp hooves aimed at his withers. She would do her best to see the battle was properly over as soon as possible.
She sped closer towards Blais, but a few scant seconds before she could connect, he whirled around and kicked out with his hind legs, knocking her out of the sky to the ground. Winded, Shei'dalin lay there looking rather dazed, though her eyes instinctively sought out her 'enemy'. He moved towards her quickly, aiming to stomp upon her while she was down in the unmodified move she had used against him.
The irony.
Still, she pushed herself to get up, and with a heave, she pushed herself up, horn arching in a slash that placed a thin, somewhat deep cut across the front of his chest, right between his two forelegs before they could smash into her.
Struggling ungracefully to her feet, Shei leaped away on her wobbly legs to try and regain her composure...but was caught on her side by yet another one of Blais' kicks. She went down with a heavy thud, groaning in pain.
'He cracked some ribs...' She realized as she breathed in, a fiery shot of pain shooting through her with every new breath she took. Her eyes watched, and she struggled again to her feet, warily tense and waiting for him to come closer so she could attempt to attack him again.
"Enough! It is clear that if this goes on further, Blais is sure to win."
Shei'dalin had bared her teeth and was mid-snap at Blais when her father called a stop to the match. Jaws and teeth snapping shut audibly, she looked at Crou, green eyes bright with fury at both the interruption and his words. Quickly enough, her eyes dulled as she gained hold over her emotions once again, and nodded her head rather grudgingly.
"Not bad for your first real match."
It was Blais. The compliment was there, but lost amongst the cocky tone of his voice. Surely he wasn't suggesting her father went easy on her in training just because she was his daughter? Surely Blais was trying to provoke a reaction..?
"You did well enough, Shei'dalin. Your speed is impressive, though some of your technique needs improvement. Be ready for work in three hours."
She was dismissed. While the free spirit inside her wanted to protest and rebel against Crou, the collected, calm warrior she was melded into merely nodded her head and paced away slowly, trying not to show she favoured her breathing.
'One day I'll have my journey away from here... I swear it.'
( Holy cadoodles! O___O; That's really long. xD Sorry about the length, but I loved writing this. <3 )
Posted: Thu Apr 24, 2008 7:46 am
Breeding Forms.
Aleera and Persephonix
Name, image, and owner(s) of mother: Aleera, ArashiX Name, image, and owner(s) of father: Persephonix, `raze Low Luck?: Nope. Co Ownership?: None. <3 Teepees:ArashiX; `raze RPed couple?: Not currently, no. ;-; Throwbacks?: No. Link to previous Generations: N/A Lifemate?: Yes! Link to Breeding Agreement:Right at the top.; updated, lifemate agreement as of Feb. 10th, 2010. Preferred colorist(s): ALL OF THE COLOURISTS! <3 Couples entered counter: 1/5
