the Rift


[OPEN] imaginary friends live in imaginary homes [Jay, welcoming]

Kahlua the Sunshower Posts: 662
Outcast atk: 5.5 | def: 9.5 | dam: 4.5
Mare :: Equine :: 15.3hh :: 9 [Orangemoon] HP: 65 | Buff: NOVICE
Khan :: Common Blue Dragon :: Frost Breath Sevin
#1
Interesting that the purple pony should find the idea of unicorns and other such mythical beasts odd. But then, as Kahlua was not privy to her words, she could not comment on the oddity of the moment. Of course, the whole situation was odd, with Jay having imaginary friends and Kahlua accepting them as rightly as they were visible before her. But odd was just her style, she supposed. And didn’t she have a few or seven odd friends? And what of herself, hadn’t she been taken in by magic and changed and warped until she hardly recognized herself. Yes, if Jay was odd then Kahlua was too, but that was just how life went here in Helovia. Even Kahlua had grown to love the magic of it all.

So laughing as Jay chastised her imagined boggart, Kahlua proceeded to shake her head about ‘proper respects’ and all that nonsense. “No, please, pretend I’m not. I’d rather be thought of as a friend.” Then she laughed again, that brilliant chirping soprano that brought so much life to the forest around her. But at least Jay and Lily seemed to be thinking about the Edge as a home. The more time she spent with this mare, the more she was certain that she’d fit right in with the merry bunch that lived in her draconian forest. Luckily for Lily (or perhaps for Kahlua that she did not walk straight through the purple pony), the Sunshower stopped to turn and look at Jay as she accepted a home within the herd. “Fantastic! They’re all gonna love you!” And with her promise she tossed her head and continued on, indicating that Jay should follow.



As they walked across the land, Kahlua had entertained herself and her companion with chatter on the functioning of the Edge herd. There were the healers, the crafters, the warriors, the spies, and the philosophers. And of course her and Kaj- the king. So whatever Jay’s heart desired, she could surely find a position to fit into. Or, if she didn’t want a position at all, she could just live there and decide later on. “Whatever makes you happy,” the queen insisted. And of course, though all of her talking, she left room for Jay to respond as she saw fit. Over a meadow and through a few more patches of wood, the pair finally made it to the glass wall that marked the border of the Edge.

“Well, here we are,” she said decidedly as she stepped over broken shards of the glass wall, the remnants of a creation that had once been beautiful but was not just a ruin. “Sorry about the glass, we’re going to get it cleaned up.” And so she turned to smile as she walked down a well-worn path, wondering what Jay would have to say about the place that she could now call home. All the while, she smiled to feel the familiar mists curling back about her hooves and hear the soft hum of the forest, alive with woodland creatures.

@[Jahzara]


Permission granted to use magic or physical force with Kahlua at any time
for any reason to any degree, with the exception of killing her.

Please do not tag Kahlua unless it is in an opening post

Jahzara Posts: 63
Hidden Account
Mare :: Equine :: 15.1 hands :: 6 Birdsongs
Xyroca
#2
Jahzara

The entire journey to the World's Edge was by far from boring, as the golden princess and even her hallucinations were thoroughly entertained by the Queen's stories and explanations. Jahzara was completely enthralled with the various positions that were available, positions that she never could have dreamed of achieving. It had been so long since she was in anything other than just a regular harem mare, so long since anyone told her that she could be something, that it was nearly overwhelming at the very thought. "I think I shall wait and meet the rest of the herd first. Perhaps over time I can find my calling within the herd." A wise decision for the arabian cross to make, given that she had very little skill set as it was. If the herd was as friendly as Kahlua described, surely there would be someone available to teach her new things until she was able to find her niche.

Time flew by and before she knew it, they were standing at the ruins of the glass wall. Jahzara became slack-jawed as she eyed the shards that littered the earth, having never seen such a sight before. Glass was unavailable everywhere she had lived before, and the closest structures she was used to were the stone ruins of Ilnalia. Curiously she lowered her muzzle to a particularly large shard, watching light shine off of the sharp angles and create prisms of color on the earth. 'Don't touch Jay, it'll hurt. Do like Kahlua is doing...' Archie's advice echoed in her mind, warning her of the dangers of getting too close. As annoying as she found him sometimes, Jahzara was thankful that all the tropical bird was trying to do was look out for her well being. Trying to be extra careful, Jahzara began to carefully step over the glass remnants to catch up to the Queen. Thankfully, even her blind side got through without so much as a scratch.

As they entered the forest, Jahzara's fascincated expression never left. So far, the World's Edge was a beautiful dreamland in her eyes. As the gentle mist played with her legs, beckoning her to delve deeper into the lands, Jahzara grinned. Much like a filly, she stopped in her place to watch the mist settle at her feet before playfully jumping forward to watch it swirl and spiral into the air. Lily was no better, though the mist was not affected in the slightest by her prancing about. Only Jahzara was able to imagine the mist dancing around her friend, and was curious about how tall the mist would rise for fear of losing the purple pony it it. The golden vixen's laughter bounced off the trees as she caught up to Kahlua.


"Speech."
'Hallucinations'

Walking On Air
Image Credit

Kahlua the Sunshower Posts: 662
Outcast atk: 5.5 | def: 9.5 | dam: 4.5
Mare :: Equine :: 15.3hh :: 9 [Orangemoon] HP: 65 | Buff: NOVICE
Khan :: Common Blue Dragon :: Frost Breath Sevin
#3
Kahlua understood the sentiment to want to wait well enough. She herself, upon arrival, had been a very different horse. In her homeland she had been taught that mares were more useful as sex objects than as strong, independent beings. She had been prepared to do whatever job it was that she thought she could flirt her way into. Oh what a world had been opened to her. But just like Jay was hoping, Kahlua had quickly found her calling and figured out where she fit into the herd. She would be a crafter, she had decided. It was part of her very heart and soul now. Even without her magic, she was a crafter. “You will,” she said decidedly.

Once they had both made it past the wall safely (Jay would learn how to pick her way through quicker with time), Kahlua just watched the mare she was with beam. She never got tired of this feeling- the pride at bringing another home, the joy that was almost always on their faces, the awe that they got to live in this beautiful forest. Kahlua had been aware of a strange feeling in this forest when she had joined; she was certain that others must feel this way too. There was something ancient about these woods and the gnarled bark and twisted roots that snaked across the forest floor gave show of their age. But there was something more about it, something... magical. Kahlua was convinced it was because of the dragons that lived here. There was nothing quite like the sight of a dragon or their magic.

When Jay jumped through the mist, Kahlua chortled brilliantly, her soprano song filling the forest and awakening any birds that might have been sleeping. “The Moon Goddess appears in the mists sometimes... to our Seer, Nasreen.” And then she paused, her head tilting. “Were there gods where you came from? There were none in my old home... but there are four here. They watch over us so kindly.” Like the home that they lived in or the magic that coursed through Kahlua's veins. She would not been queen without the moon goddess. Yes, they all owed so much to the deities.


Permission granted to use magic or physical force with Kahlua at any time
for any reason to any degree, with the exception of killing her.

Please do not tag Kahlua unless it is in an opening post

Fiore Posts: N/A
Unregistered
:: :: ::
#4
Fiore
A heart of steel starts to grow

The ocean lapped itself up against the cliff wall and Fiore shivered before taking a step back. The view from the top was impressive indeed, the wind toyed with his mane, ragging it back and forth. Impressive but respectable and rather scary if one should look down, Fiore had quite quickly decided. No horse would take a dive off this sheer edge voluntarily, though it was certainly a good place to dump unwanted visitors should such an unfortunate need arrive. With ample steps, the soldier backed away and made his way towards the forest having cleared his mind with the wild wind. He started searching his mind for things to do, places he could go or visit, tasks that needed completing or just... Stuff! It was one of those days where the hours dragged and his feet dragged with them, a day where some would probably use it to rest and recuperate, but the painted lad found himself a little to restless, but not quite raring for adventure. The awkward in between that usually amounted to not doing much at all.

His mane returned in messy clumps onto his neck as he entered the cover of trees, his forelock lopped oddly over one ear in curly, unruly strands as his tail snagged on bits of undergrowth. Fiore found the cover of branches to be much more preferable to the open sea air that rolled in over the cliff. He watched with interest as a lantern fox darted off behind a bush, a blur of black soot and white paws, they were hard to catch and not animals you'd want to look straight at lest they enchant a spell upon you. The land as a whole was full of strange creatures, Fiore had quickly found out, and he was intrigued each time he saw something new.

Lazy footsteps took him closer to the border where he heard voices, one familiar and the other less so. Eagerly, he increased his rhythm until finally he came across the painted Queen and a warm dun coloured stranger. He smiled brightly, dipping his head respectfully to Kahlua and nodding once to the new girl, his beryl eyes were bright and welcoming. "'Lo Kahlua, my ever beautiful Queen. Who might this be?" His voice was bold and intensely vibrant as ever. He remembered the first time he had come here, Kahlua and another mare had met him at the shattered glass wall, welcoming him into their land with ardent gesture. The feeling of belonging and family was something he would never forget from that day.
geekybodhi@flickr

Jahzara Posts: 63
Hidden Account
Mare :: Equine :: 15.1 hands :: 6 Birdsongs
Xyroca
#5
Jahzara

Moon Goddess? This was the first time in Jahzara's entire life that she had ever heard of such a being, and it only added to her curiosity and fascination with this wonderful new home. Settling down from her playful leaps, her sides still heaving to regulate her breathing in between giggles, she paused to listen to Kahlua. Jahzara had never heard of such higher beings before, and she shook her head in response. "No, not really...In my birth herd, our ancestors watched over us. We didn't worship them exactly, but they were the sacred guides of our lives. It was considered a great honor to become a guide in the afterlife. One would have to have lived a very evil life to be shunned even in death."

It was the easiest way for her to explain the ways of Ilnalia, and it brought back memories that she had not thought of in years. Jahzara wondered if her father, old with age by the time she left, had become one of the spirit guides to the future generation. Or if anyone else she used to know became one for that matter. Her train of thought returned to the mentioning of the four gods within Helovia, and her curiosity returned. "Have you ever met one?"

Before she could hear the Queen's response, Lily suddenly became alert to the woods surrounding them. The imaginary pony stiffened like a statue, tiny ears flicking to and fro at a the sound of another approaching. By the time Jahzara realized what Lily was listening too, a uniquely colored stallion emerged from the trees. Though he looked friendly enough, the stallion set off an unintentional, uncontrollable response in the golden vixen. She grew quiet, clamming up while hiding her ears within her flaxen tresses and dropping her gaze to the earth. Nervously, she took several steps back, though was ever careful to keep him within the peripheral vision of her good eye. A flashback to Laughing Corpse brought a lump in her throat, and desperately she tried to gulp it down while her mouth grew dry.

Lily stood rigid in front of her, eying the stallion up and down defensively before looking to Kahlua to gauge her response to the stallion. Clearly, he was a member of the herd. 'Watch it, boy...' The figment muttered as he nodded, as though she could do anything to protect her dear friend. After a few more seconds of inspection, Lily began to relax just slightly, calling back to Jahzara. 'It's alright Jay, I think he's safe...' But her reassuring words did nothing to relax Jahzara. They encouraged her to attempt to look at the stallion, but no sooner had she lifted her gaze did it drop down again shyly. "...Ja...Jahzara." Finally, the words were stuttered out.


"Speech."
'Hallucinations'

Walking On Air
Image Credit

Kahlua the Sunshower Posts: 662
Outcast atk: 5.5 | def: 9.5 | dam: 4.5
Mare :: Equine :: 15.3hh :: 9 [Orangemoon] HP: 65 | Buff: NOVICE
Khan :: Common Blue Dragon :: Frost Breath Sevin
#6
Kahlua listened kindly to what Jay had to offer- words about her birth herd, her ancestors, the sacred guides of her lives. All the while, she enjoyed the way the winds blew through the misty woods and played at her mane, her tail, her painted coat. “I'm sure you'll be a lovely guide.... in many, many years, I hope.” Her gentle smile played upon the innocence of the words. She did not mean to imply that Jay would die soon, and death was a hard subject to broach at all, but Kahlua had tried her hardest to pay a complement to the mare who had been ripped from her old homeland and transplanted here.

And as she was about to answer the next question, about meeting the gods (certainly she had met several of them), she was happily interrupted by the sounds of another's approach. She was not upset, not in the slightest. What a better welcome for Jay then to meet another of the herd. “Fiore!” she cooed brightly. The gentle stallion with the odd, but handsome markings made her smile a little brighter this day. Unfortunately, that smile faded as she noticed the frightful display of her new friend.

Stepping backwards, pressing her nose to the mare's shoulder if she would have it, Kahlua nickered softly. “This gentle stallion is one of our sergeants,” she offered as way of response, hoping that the pretty palomino would be able to calm herself in his presence. Of all the members of their herd, Kahlua was quite certain Fiore was the least frightening of them. Except, perhaps, Resplendence. Who could be frightened of their frightened healer?

“We were just speaking of the gods, sergeant,” she added then. “Have you had the good fortune to meet any of them? I've met several of them. The Lady Moon, the Sun Lord and Father Earth.” Memories of the Earth God drew a song from her lips. She hummed softly, a tune that the god had created from whipping winds and splashing waves, the sound of reeds rustling and birds chirping. Her imitation was poor, but the song had stayed with her ever since that day. She only needed the tinkling of Hototo's harp to round out the song and make it complete.


@[Fiore]


Permission granted to use magic or physical force with Kahlua at any time
for any reason to any degree, with the exception of killing her.

Please do not tag Kahlua unless it is in an opening post

Leeka Posts: N/A
Unregistered
:: :: ::
#7
"Then you'll have to shed some of your goodluck on me, Kahlua. I still wish to meet our dear Moon Goddess."" came the spotted mare's interjecting voice, having caught the last snippets of conversation from afar, a light and teasing tone imprinted on its chords as she trotted through undergrowth and bracken alike toward the newcomer, the Queen, and one of their newly appointed Sergeants. Fiore, she recalled as she looked upon the unsual coat pattern of the stallion. Leeka herself had been touring the cliffsides having attained a certain fondness and intrigued for gazing out into the rimless world of the ocean ever since her visit to the Endless Blue, in awe of its vastness when it could be seen without mar from the ever-present fog of the Edge. However, when she had visited it had been in the last stretch of Tallsun, the Helovian equivalent of Summer. The breeze then had been a pleasantry in constarst to the heat that day, but now it was Orangemoon and the fall was in its full swing, making Leeka shiver time to time in the damp drafts that besieged the white cliffs in their relentless and eternal struggle against the land.

She could have stood there for hours soaking in the view and daydreaming in the salt tinged wind but in the middle of her dreaming, as chance would have it, the green eyed mare had caught the retreating form of the Sergeant out of the corner of her eye. Curious, she had followed in turn to find this little gathering. And lo-and-behold, Kahlua was leading the party with a new guest. Leeka swore that mare was magnetic.

It did not escape Leeka's notice how timorous the dun looked, even by Kahlua's side. Scenting the air the spotted mare caught the familiar hint of the Threshold still lingering on the strangers coat. That brought back some memories. Since her own arrival Leeka had learned the Threshold was the way nearly all in Helovia entered by, its enigmatic slopes channeling every stray soul the world divulged into its heart, so it seemed. In her own time in the Threshold it had been the Queen herself that had found Leeka that winter, finding her at her journeys end and near within the end of herself one way or another. The exile from Eoroleen had been the most tremulous part of the mares life, forcing the fae to travel into ever foreign lands she barely knew how to survive. But she did, if by the skin of her teeth. The comfort of Kahlua's presence then...Leeka would never forget the Sunshower's kindness and infectious laughter and let her be cursed if she couldn't find a way to return the favor.

In the tradition of her homeland the spotted mare bowed her head to her chest and raised her knee to her maw in greeting to fair dun, half wondering if Kahlua would remember the gesture from their own meeting in the Threshold. " So your name is Jahzara? Mine's Leeka. You've joined a great family here in the Worlds Edge."

"Talking"
Leeka
Just one, a little step at a time
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Fiore Posts: N/A
Unregistered
:: :: ::
#8


Often in his bold nature, Fiore forgot that perhaps he might be a little too full on for a first meeting and his ears wavered atop his head in uncertainty as the new girl stepped back from him. Though the young soldier didn't quite understand exactly what he'd said to offend her, he was polite and remained where he was, still as he could manage. This could be a whole new world to this golden girl and Fiore didn't want to frighten her out of it before she'd even began to set foot on the wild adventure. He recalled his own baffled feelings when he too had stood before the ruined glass wall and with this he found understanding with patience for the mare who stood before her new herd. A herd he was ready to embrace her into and call her by friend. The Sergeant, after smiling brightly at Kahlua when she mentioned his flowery alias, made not a move nor whisper until finally the frightened newcomer broke down her shell and introduced herself as Jahzara.

Fiore carried on trying express encouragement and he dipped his head to the sound of his Queen's introduction of his nature and title. 'Gentle' and 'Sergeant' weren't exactly harmonious words by the ink of legends, he was also quite small in stature and his appearance was all together rather fanciful for a horse clad with such a militaristic title. He wouldn't blame her for almost thinking it a joke. Fiore, however, took one small step forward before standing still with as much pomp as he could muster. "My pleasure, Jahzara! May I personally welcome you to the Worlds Edge" his jaunty voice chimed. He hoped his kindness at least reached her a little to calm the nerves.

The topic was changed by the ever endearing Sunshower who welcomed him into conversation with the subject of gods and fortunate meetings. Fiore's mind went wild at the thought of immortal beings living side by side with their subjects, such a humble image and yet so incredible to think! The painted warrior had not yet had such a privilege though he had heard talk of them here and there, a god was surely always a cause for whisper. Orange slicked ears caught the tune of his monarch and he listened to her pretty voice hum, it guided him deeper into wild daydreams of timeless beings, weaving and building the world that seemed perfect to them. It was when Fiore was just about to answer her question that he noticed the arrival of another.

A young equine mare, he remembered her vaguely from a past meeting, they had been ordered to follow Kaj to the Dragons Throat. Sapphire eyes gazed over her fawn and white coat, trying to jog his memory on the name that was given during the meeting, but he soon gave up. There were so many new names that he struggled to recall them all. Briefly, he turned his attention back to gods and dreamy thoughts "None yet, I've never met a god before! I'm not sure how I should greet one either" his vocals had taken an abstract tone, like he was trying to picture the scenario in his head before shaking and laughing. "I do wish for such an opportunity, however" he cooed. Perhaps he could work his charm and the Goddess would fall for his looks... Or the fish could fly.

"Perhaps we should consult our Seer."

There was a pause and a little time for the bay painted mare to jog his memory of her name. Leeka! He said it a few times as not to forget it and save himself from embarrassment later.


Open your mind, take a look within.
Are you happy with the world that you're living in?
If not, you gotta change what you do.

Jahzara Posts: 63
Hidden Account
Mare :: Equine :: 15.1 hands :: 6 Birdsongs
Xyroca
#9
That's Not The Way I Want My Story To End

As Kahlua brushed her shoulder, Jahzara's ear flicked towards her to listen to her reassuring words. Lily also stayed close, trying to encourage her friend to relax enough to enjoy the conversation. Very slowly, she began to show signs of visibly relaxing. Her ears began to flick forward to listen, her muscles eased from their tense state, and after a few minutes she lifted her gaze once more. Perhaps this stallion was friendly after all...Everyone else seemed to put their trust into him, even Lily, and he showed no signs of aggression for Jahzara to be wary of. Even Charles was held at bay, the wispy hallucination that locked her away in her mind in order to mentally protect her despite any physical damage.

By the time another mare had joined them, Jahzara was relaxed enough to offer a smile in response to the new, and very formal, greeting. The lovely golden vixen had not been greeted in such a way since she held the title of crowned princess. "It's a pleasure to meet you, Leeka...And Fiore." With a dip of her dished muzzle, Jahzara's words directed towards the spotted stallion were her way of letting him know that was was apologizing for her previous reaction. It was the best she could do for now, still leery of stallions as a whole. However in the presence of a group, Jahzara's bubbly personality began to return. "We've never been so...welcomed before. Thank you for your kindness." Lily gave a nod in agreement, pleased that Jahzara kept mention of her by saying "we've" instead of "I've."

As the subject returned to the meeting of gods, the golden vixen's curiosity perked up with obvious fascination. "To meet the Moon Goddess sounds wonderful..." The words escaped her lips in a dreamy whisper, trying to imagine what she must have looked like. Realizing that it seemed only Kahlua had met any of the gods, and of all things, almost all of them, Lily gave a chuckle that caught Jahzara's attention. Dropping her gaze to the level where the hallucination stood, her ears pricked towards her to listen to the voice only she could hear. 'You must be very lucky to be around to be able to meet so many, like a dang magnet. Perhaps if we hang around you long enough, we'll all get to meet one!' The comment made Jahzara giggle, and she looked back up to Kahlua with a soft smile. "Lily says you are like a lucky magnet."

"Talking"
'Lily - Hallucination speech'
JAHZARA
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Force permitted against Jahzara, but please to not maim or kill her!
Please tag only in first posts!

Kahlua the Sunshower Posts: 662
Outcast atk: 5.5 | def: 9.5 | dam: 4.5
Mare :: Equine :: 15.3hh :: 9 [Orangemoon] HP: 65 | Buff: NOVICE
Khan :: Common Blue Dragon :: Frost Breath Sevin
#10
The queen was glad that the combination of her touch and Fiore’s gentle natured seemed to calm Jahzara; in bringing the palomino here, she had certainly not meant to cause her any fear. At least Jay did not seem to mind the sudden appearance of Leeka. Watching as Leeka dipped her nose and raised her knee again, the same strange greeting she had offered before, the queen was almost tempted to try it herself. It looked elegant after all, smooth and practiced, but there were the constant words of the Moon Goddess in her ears, queens do not bow, and so she resisted mimicking the pretty flourish and instead nodded her head with a smile.

“Surprises are everywhere in Helovia, if you find time to wander,” she tossed out in response to Leeka, regarding her luck. Kahlua did not feel herself to be particularly lucky- just exceptionally good at running off and avoiding responsibility. And then, to Jay, “There are plenty of friendly faces here in the Edge, you don’t have to fear any of us.” She made no mention of the ‘we’ve’ that was spoken. She’d already been introduced to Lily, who was clearly the boggart companion of the palomino.

But talk of the gods was far more interesting to Kahlua. She had known no gods in her home of Avalon, but she had quickly taken to them when she had arrived here. It seemed so natural to let them guide her life, blame her troubles (but also her joys) on the whims of creatures who she couldn’t see or control, and look to them for solace when she needed it most. When the rest had done speaking, Kahlua added her own two cents. “The Moon Goddess is the patron saint of our land,” she offered first to Jay, whom might not know. “Nasreen is our Seer, who can summon her when we need her. I’m sure she’d be happy to help you meet her any time. You’d love Nasreen, she’s just fantastic!”

As for the compliment given to her by the boggart… well, Kahlua couldn’t help but smile and preen a little. “Thank you Lily,” she offered, leaving room for Jay to explain about it if any of the others asked.


@[Leeka] @[Fiore]


Permission granted to use magic or physical force with Kahlua at any time
for any reason to any degree, with the exception of killing her.

Please do not tag Kahlua unless it is in an opening post


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