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When petals fall - Official - 08-12-2012 Lotus March 8th, 2012 at 8:24pm Running. Blinded by anger, I ran. Lands flashed by me in a wild blur. Through deserts, forests, beaches, swamps, I ran. The anger coursed through me, the adrenaline fuelling my motion. But even adrenaline runs out. I had some vague idea that new lands had appeared beneath my cloven hooves. But generally speaking, I was lost, disorientated, and very tired. Fluffy ears swivelled atop by chiselled façade, the large lotus flower that often sat atop my forelock leant against my left ear. I sniffled, then blew the air out in a rushed snort. Still running, though slower now, I looked more carefully at the lands around me. The scent of forests, and great expanses of trees drew me nearer, and I could not help but drift towards them. Though they were different to the trees of my homeland, they still provided a familiar sort of comfort to my poor tired and confused soul. Leonine tail counterbalanced my pace, flicking to the skies as I slowed down, a long trot reaching from my limber legs. Oh! What had I done! What had Mother done! It was terrifying just to think of it. Was I killer? Though it was not my hooves who laid the final blow upon poor Jereh’s crown, it was by my association that he came to die! But mother had said that it was the only way, all these years, all I ever knew… I was so confused. Why should I care that he died? Why did it upset me so? He was just a colt, completely dispensable. Isn’t that what I had been taught since birth? Then why was I being plagued by this wretched guilt! The great forest stretched before me, I had been climbing the incline for some time now. My muscles, they burned like a furious fire, all over my lithe bodice. My nostrils flared, I could smell them, the stallions of this place, and I knew that they would be able to smell me. They always could. It was a feature of my breed, my lineage, every so often, a filly would be born with extra magic that attracted those of the opposite gender closer to them. I paused my motion, and allowed the breeze to carry the pheromones from the petals amongst my mane and tail across the land. It was like a predator drawing their prey closer – except, now, I was no predator. When with my family, my sisters and aunts and Mother, we would stand together when the time came to dispose of them. But now, alone, I would never be able to do that. Would I have been able to do it back there anyway? The experience with Jereh had shaken me. I didn’t know what to think any more. It was true, I thought of him as my kin, as a true being worthy of giving my attention. A cloven hoof struck the earth as my anger welled up again. He had been worthy of my love! He was a brother to me, just as the rest of the herd were my sisters, he was genuine and caring and smart. But it all goes against everything Mother taught me, and I never knew any better. Until now. My breathing had returned mostly to normal, though my fatigue was no better. Hazel gaze looked about, my honey-rich song escaped my maw. I was lonely, and I was tired – neither things I wanted to be. Resolving myself to behave around any company that might greet me – Mother had told stories where stallions dominated and mares meekly listened – I would play my part until… until what exactly? I was not sure. My tiara tilted downwards, my gaze fell to the earth beneath. At the very least, I would do what I could to get by in these new lands, no matter what. [ooc: Open for anyone. Be kind to her. :-3 ] d'Artagnan March 9th, 2012 at 7:32pm d’Artagnan was in a bored mood. The great red stallion stood at the edges of the cliffs again and watched the waves lap up against its weathered white face. Icy wind whipped around his black mane, wildly dancing in the frosty breath. Small icicles formed in the Doctor’s rugged fur, his single blue eye pierced into the horizon before him as thoughts were mulled over his newest experiences. The herd he had now become part of didn’t seem that large to him and the lack of numbers was a worry on the stallions mind. Mauja, d’Art had him down as the main unicorn of the herd and d’Arts own respect for the stallion ran deep. He liked his rules, the laws that kept the weaker below and the strong on top. To d’Artagnan, it was the way the world should be… Since being appointed the Moon Doctor from the powers above he had sensed a new presence inside of himself. A magical disturbance rocked his very core as the ability to heal was bestowed upon him and blessed by the Moon God. He had never thought much of magic, especially in combat. The mind of a great warrior would always surpass that of fickle magic wielding, it annoyed him that some possessed the gift yet did not seek to learn to use it to the highest level. Seiren, his vengeful sister, had a knack for conjuring hail storms yet she did not know how to control them. d’Artagnan thought her weak, the shady mare was no match for him. A scent shook him free of his thoughts; a mare was nearby in the woods. Fed up of being by himself, d’Art trotted off into the woodland in search of the newcomer, cloven hooves bounced off the ground and mismatched eyes patrolled the area before him. After jogging round a few turns the stallion found the mare he was looking for. He slowed to a walk and approached cautiously before standing a little way back from her. Noting her leonine tail and horn not too much different to his glass one, d’Art spoke. "You look tired sister, do you perchance need a place of rest? " His voice was rough and weathered like an old boot, it was kindly spoken with an honest concern for his kin before him. "I’m d’Artagnan the Moon Doctor of this land you now stand." Lotus March 12th, 2012 at 6:20am It did not take long for me to become noticed. It was to be expected really, especially for a stallion to approach me. I wondered what mares outside of my clan would think if they knew of the ability my mere smell had – frankly, they would not know, only the very wise in my old herd could detect it. She had told me of it with pride, and said that my attracting a suitable male to join with – and then subsequently slaughter – would come naturally to me, like eating one’s favourite pick of grass or drinking from a still pond. And yet now I am so full of doubt and qualms, I do not know if my pearlescent horn could ever pierce another’s flesh the way my mother’s so ruthlessly pierced Jereh’s. I sighed, trying to sort out the multitude of thoughts coursing through my head as the stallion approached. The lotus flower twitched as my svelte ears detected the other’s movements, my earthy gaze soon following the sound to spy the stallion. Mother had spoken of different species, though I had never come across one without a horn or with wings, I knew of their existence, and wondered if I had wandered upon a herd of one of these unknown species. But it would seem my first experience with a winged or hornless foe would have to be another day, for approaching me was indeed an unicorn stallion. He was tall and built like a warrior should be built. His horn was unique and stunning, his piercing gaze sharp and unforgiving. And yet he held himself in a humble and kindly manner that suggested he did not mean to use his brute strength against me, but rather, he was almost immediately welcoming me – showing a blind willingness to use that strength of his to protect me while I rest? Though my breathing had slowed, the sweat upon my hide and the fatigue in my muscles was plain and clear to see. Leonine tail swept the ground, the effort to keep it raised lost upon me for now. My delicate features nodded to this stallion, showing the meekness that I was taught to show when seeking acceptance from those of this gender. Let them think they are in charge, let them have no insecurities about my loyalty. He spoke, and the colloquial term he used struck a chord within me – sister. “Indeed, brother, a place to rest my forlorn soul would be appreciated.” I returned the sentiment without a hint of the inner battle over the term leaking out. It was difficult, let me assure you, for I simply was not practised at treating stallions as equals. No, to me they were good for nothing but providing that other half required to reproduce, and then their blood would be given to the earth – Jereh was the first colt to challenge this view of mine – I don’t think I had much choice here. Obviously there were different customs and rules here – I would not be able to locate a band of Amazonian mares like the ones I had left – I think I was in for some major adapting. I breathed purposely, before resuming my speech, my voice warm and sweet. “Lotus is my name, and I thank you for greeting me, d’Artagnan. Might I know the calling of this beautiful land, and whether it might have room for a mare such as myself to call it home?” The trees whispered and groaned with the wind blowing through them, I could feel the earth welcoming my presence. Though I pondered over his title of Moon Doctor – perhaps they did not worship the great Earthern God here? It mattered not – I could bend to whatever mould was needed to gain acceptance. Perhaps this stallion would elaborate – my warm gaze and alert ears awaited his response. d'Artagnan March 13th, 2012 4:30pm She was strangely compelling to d’Artagnan; he’d never been too interested in spending his time with mares. His uniform personality left not much room for such frivolous games of the heart, so the fact she managed to rattle his iron cage unnerved d’Artagnan. His formal and cold exterior didn’t deter though. With this in mind d’Art now approached the mare with caution, suspicious that she wasn’t all she seemed. "You are welcome to rest until you are recovered sister" he paused then as she spoke of the means to join the herd. They needed numbers. It was something that deeply troubled him, the more unicorns he recruited the safer their base became. At the moment the ratio of stallions to mares was almost equal but nowhere near enough for this red stag’s liking. Yet he must be cautious when recruiting, they’d need to be tough and trustworthy to thrive in the current climate of the herd land. "Welcome then Lotus to the Worlds Edge. A land not best suited for the weak hearted. We do have room for new members to this herd… Yet I must press to ask a question of you sister.” Blue and black eyes glanced back through the trees to d’Art’s favourite spot on the edge of the cliff. He wasn’t too fond of the trees, they enclosed him and restricted the winds freedom. Where the horizon met the ocean and the gusts ran wild was where d’Artagnan loved to be. To feel its power and beauty was when d’Artagnan found himself most at peace, this mare however set his nerves on edge. Shaking off the unease he continued speaking in the friendly formal manner he started with "What is your opinion on the equines and pegasus intermingling with our pure blooded race?” d’Artagnan allowed his eyes to bore into hers, the answer to this question would determine her fit to meet the king or not. So the Doctor stood in his custom cold stance and awaited the answer of the mare to decide her fate in this land. Should she answer in a manner that d'Art found concerning, he'd have no choice but to keep an eye on Lotus as she rested then get the mare to leave. Expertly concealed thoughts echoed about his mind as the red stag hoped she shared the views of him and the herd, even if she did set his teeth on edge they needed the strength. Of course, the King would have to approve of her after. It was a rather long system to become part of the herd yet d'Artagnan liked the way it worked. It had structure and logic, the way d'Art liked things to work. Lotus March 13th, 2012 at 9:17pm I watched the steed before me, perplexed and yet slightly amused at his attempts to remain cold and indifferent. He was fighting the attraction, and he was doing a damn fine job of it, for it was not a simple task. I had seen mares who could wield it at differing strengths and magnitudes, I used to watch as they would focus upon one steed, their chosen mate, draw him and take what they needed. My ability did not go that far, at least, not yet. Mine simply was a constant permeation of an infatuating formula that was not as potent – it did not reach far unless carried by the wind – but was very effective, especially at such close encounters. A bead of sweat rolled down from behind my ear, a twitched my nape, and the flowers amongst my silken brown mane shimmered. He remained cool and collected, though he still offered me refuge and solace, and I had to wonder if it was the effect of my magic or simply a part of him that was honestly good. But then, I supposed I never would know. He spoke of lands not suited for the weak of heart. I had to smile, a small, knowing smile. If only he knew from the family I came from, a strong, unbroken line of female killers. Of course, that I hadn’t actually performed the act myself, maybe meant I was different from all of them – but even I didn’t know whether that was true or not. My ears pricked upwards again as he prepared me for his query, and then delivered it. I mulled it over for a moment, trying to gauge which response would guarantee myself a position amongst the herd, but then, I knew nothing about the other species. Such lack of knowledge made me uncomfortable, almost, afraid of them. “I will be honest with you d’Artagnan, I have never come across any others besides our own blessed horned beings. I knew they existed, but I have no desire to allow one to befriend me, let alone intermingle with my kin. Such things would cause me a great discomfort of mind.” I shifted my weight, resting the other hindlimb now, recovering fairly quickly, given my general fitness. Admittedly I was curious now, for he confirmed my suspicion that other such subspecies existed here in these great lands, and I knew in myself that I would seek out at least one representative of the un-horned and the winged, just to see their misshapen forms. But for now, I simply needed to rest, I was so weary and tired. Upon the wind I could smell the soothing scents of the sea salt mingling with the strong and resilient forest that I stood upon the edges of now. Oh, how I simply wanted to be allowed to disappear amongst those trees for a time, to find that sea which must not be far beyond their reach. The powers of the Earth God were strong at work here, the elements of water and earth were obvious, and yet I got the feeling that this one before me didn’t feel them. Moon Doctor, he had said. “Might I enquire after the origin of your rank?” Politely curious I posed my query, wondering how my love for the Earth God would be taken – if they ever found out. It was plain to see that his rank suggested allegiance to the mistress of the lunar skies, the Moon God. It would be interesting to know what rights they practised. For myself, seeing as I wouldn’t have a chance to soak the Earth in the blood of stallions with my sisters, I would have to sacrifice my own blood and flesh to him. The prospects did not thrill me, and yet I was not reluctant to do them. It simply was what needed to be done, and so what would be done, in due time. d'Artagnan March 22nd, 2012 at 6:29pm He stood patiently as the mare considered his words and then replied herself, her compelling scent keeping the red stag’s teeth on edge. She spoke of her ignorance to the other races of the land and although d’Artagnan found it pleasing that the mare was honest and pure to her own kin, she would need some educating on the other species if she was to be of help. Of course, this would come later and Mauja needed to be informed of her request to join the Edge. d’Art became immensely encouraged when she further dismissed the races as irrelevant all together even though she hadn’t even seen one let alone met one. For a moment, the stallion wondered what drove Lotus’ uncaring dismissals which inevitably lead the stag’s thoughts onto her background. So many questions he wanted to drill her with yet he held his tongue and regarded her as she spoke again. This time Lotus asked about his own rank and its origins. d’Artagnan looked at her for a few moments, clear surprise in his face at such an odd question. He never even guessed his rank name would become a subject, to him it seemed pretty simple. He had been blessed by the moon god to be the Doctor for the Worlds Edge, hence Moon Doctor. However, the more he thought about it the more it made sense for others not to understand, especially if your allegiance lied with another god. Eyeing Lotus with suspicion and curiosity, d’Artagnan gathered himself for a reply "your loyalty to our kin would be truly respected amongst our ranks. I believe you can see right to the core of our purity. I think, Lotus, your ignorance of the other races my hinder you in the near future but that can be easily rectified through the passing of knowledge.” He stopped himself from mentioning anything more, the King needed to decide whether she had a place here. Mauja could guide the mare from there. The mahogany stallion considered her question now and then put into words his own thoughts, "my rank was a gift from her divine majesty of the Moon. I was charged with the welfare of this herd hence ‘Moon Doctor’. All members of this herd must adhere and respect the goddess at all times” he sounded like a dusty old rule book, brought out of its hiding place to reprimand a disobedient child. Sighing, he threw his head to the wind to try and catch the scent of his King. "My King must decide whether you are fit to join this herd. I can only grant you refuge here to allow for rest, if he so desires to allow you into our herd you may remain for as long as you please. If he does not… You must leave.”d’Artagnan placed a measuring glance on the mare and then moved his cloven hooves off in the direction of Mauja, inclining his head for Lotus to follow. [ooc; Soo sorry for the late reply!! If Lotus follows d’Art I’ll make a new thread to include Mauja] |