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]