You walk through the deep, dark forest in the dead of night. Nothing but the chirp of bats stirring and a rustle of woodland creatures interrupts the silence. Soon, the trees grow sparsely and the forest opens into a large, seemingly endless corn field. Only the very tall can see above the yellowed stalks, so you wander helplessly, lost until you come across a strange trail.

The trail winds around the corn field like a maze, twisting you this way and that and around. Your head starts spinning until you reach the center where all the corn is flattened out and a single, black, gnarled tree stands half-dead in the center. The moonlight reflects off of an oily, grotesque looking vulture with one red eye and one black socket, and he ruffles his greasy feathers in a slow, dreadful way.

"I am HARALD - squawk - " he muttered, flapping his wings listlessly as he looks around.

"I am HARALD the - squawk - HARPY, and I have - caw - gifts and - cackle - maladies...." he trailed off in a disturbingly pleased pitch.

Carefully, he reached a scarred foot into a hole in the tree to pull out a small amulet with his talons, dangling it tauntingly at you. If his beak could smile, the expression would be sinister, and he bobs his head up and down, flapping his wings as he balances on one foot.

"Brave are you? Want to try?"


Please read over the rules here: http://helovia.net/showthread.php?tid=10358

Upon his travels from the Foothill's the stallion had managed to meet a few new equine or unicorn that shared these lands. They all were unique and most seemed quite nice to chat with but not too many cared to stick around for very long. Not that he could blame them, he was a stranger and they likely had their own tasks to attend to so like them he had carried on his way. Not really knowing where he was going to go he had just started walking towards what he had thought was the threshold but looking around things were quite different in scenery. Darkness seemed to surround him and pumpkins grew along the forest floor. He was thankful for the faint glow of his markings as it provided him with a bit of light considering there was no knowing what he would run into in this new land. Within his mane were a number of beads woven into the thick locks and upon his crown sat a pirate's hat placed precariously between his auds. A black eye patch with the skeleton skull and crossed bones rested off to the far side of his left eye so not to obscure his vision while the brown tassels of clothing adorned over his withers and back as clothing.

Pricking his auds forward while trying not to displace the hat, a screeching cry echoed through the bush. Whatever that was he was not sure he really wanted to find out but curiosity got the best of him and he changed his course following the sound. Eventually the forest cleared to reveal some sort of corn maze growing upon the field of brown. It took a moment of so for him to decide to enter the sprawling maze but pretty soon he found himself wondering where he was surrounded by nothing but corn on all sides. The tall stalks proved to be much too thick to push through them so the only option he was left with was to keep walking. Hearing the call once again he stopped to listen and try and pinpoint its location. "I am HARALD the - squawk - HARPY, and I have - caw - gifts and - cackle - maladies.... What was this thing going on about maladies and gifts for especially in the middle of a corn maze. Sinking down in his hocks he reared up balancing on his hind feet stretching his neck up trying to see where he was. His tall height provided only a glimpse of darkened branches only a few rows over from where he stood. Well at least now he had a location.

Backtracking a little bit he carefully tried to map out the maze in his head based on the tree's location. Many minutes passed before finally he emerged into a clearing to reveal the darkened gnarled tree standing, well sort of, in the middle with the source of the rather irritating voice he had been hearing. The creature was unlike anything he had seen before yet strangely resembled some sort of crow. Gazing at it with silver orbs he carefully took a step closer to see it holding some object within its clutches. Should this be the treasure that the creature spoke of earlier or should this be some kind of trap. Stopping before Harald he wondered if the thing even knew proper language or should it only understand pieces. The object he recognized as some amulet, his father had shown him these as a colt and he would never forget their distinct shape or aura. "What is all this about? Where did all this come from?" He said clearly motioning to the maze that surrounded them despite thinking it was rather festive. Unease prickled his nerves but he stood strong showing no fear or hesitation like his father had trained him to. No warrior should show any hint at what they feel before the unknown, it may if presented be used as a weakness or vulnerability. The gold trinket sparkled within the creatures talons drawing his eyes to its beauty and to its secret within. If it was a matter of bravery to receive this treasure he would take the chance, he loved the thought of a challenge and was eager to discover the amulets ability. " I would consider myself to be brave. What is it we have to do?" Calmly he awaited anymore speech from the clawed beak of the creature wondering what it would reveal if anything.


ooc: Ciceron is dressed up as a pirate

Kahlua walked through the woods, determined to the find the ruby-lined pool that she had visited before. She still did not know what use the rubies were to her, but someday she would become Glazier and finally be able to use them. Besides, she wasn't going to just sit around and wait for directions from Aaron and Lace when they were nowhere to be found. Idleness was not something the cheerful mare enjoyed. Of course, she didn't not enjoy being lost either. With every step she took, the sun was falling farther over the horizon and the darkness was settling deeper into the forest. Silently, she cursed herself for not trying to find her way back home sooner. As it was, she hadn't even found the pond.

As the day disappeared entirely and the blackness of the night began to rule, Kahlua looked to the few scattered lamp-trees that remained from the days of the endless night. They were her saviors in this moment, as the bats begin to call out and the nocturnal mammals began to scurry to and fro. Her body was tense as she continued to search for an exit or a path home. She feared she would never find one. Then, the trees began to thin and the forest gave way to a corn field. The stalks were high, far higher than she could ever hope to see over, and she was certain she had never seen it before. Still, getting lost in the forest had done her no good. Perhaps...

She set off down the trail, both fearful and hopeful. The winding and weaving of the path confusing to her no end. She began to wonder if she would ever make it home. Every so often, as she walked, the blue gingham dress she was wearing would catch on one of the corn stalks and pull on her. Each time this happened, Kahlua couldn't help but trot off a few steps in fear that something more nefarious was pulling on her dress. As she did so, the sparkling polish that covered her hooves glinted in the moonlight, distracting her and causing her more confusion. At least her mane and tail were braided neatly (with bows tied into the ends) and the corn stalks couldn't pull on those. She was beginning to feel like this costume that she was wearing in honor of the festive season was nothing but trouble.

Her heart beat faster in her chest with each step, and finally her gait was a consistent trot. She did not like the darkness of this cornfield. There's no place like home, there's no place like home, she chanted to herself as she went along. She had to keep believing she would find a way out of this soon. Then, finally, the corn broke. Kahlua slowed to a walk, then halt, as her eyes settled on the disgusting creature that was settled in the half-dead tree. Her ears pricked directly towards it and her body stiffened even more (if that was possible). His speech unsettled her but at least she did not have to face the fear alone. A silver stallion seemed to be taking the lead, speaking to the evil-looking thing. Perhaps he would be her savior.

OOC| Kahlua is Dorothy from the Wizard of Oz

Ciceron :: You visit Harald, asking for a treat but alas you are tricked! Your entire face has turned orange in color as if covered in paint. This unfortunate trick will last for your next 2 posts!

Kahlua :: Oh dear, you seem to have fallen to a similar fate! A row of poisonous mushrooms have started to sprout from the top of your bum and will remain there for your next 2 posts!

Amara :: How lucky! Harald has decided to give you a treat. Your next foal shall be a beauty of your imagination! (Prize = foal stats w/o magic)

Osiris :: Haha! A trick! A pair of tiny bat wings sprouts from your coat, fair enough for companion to mock! The wings will last for your next 2 posts!

Ampere :: Fortunate! Clever! You have won Harald over, somehow (I can't imagine that this is good), and he has granted you magic... (prize = magic or magic upgrade of any type)

Carnesîr :: You follow suit of Harald's good mood. He shoves at you a trinket while watching the pegasus obscenely. (prize = medium item! non magical)

Skywalker :: Again, a lucky one of fortune! Harald is so generous! Your next child can be granted two bloods! (prize = join with or foal hybrid pass)

Kelec :: The luck runs out! You suffer from a pernicious case of the sneezes for the next 3 posts!