"Where brilliance is good and madness is better..."
Helovia Info
Helovia opened in February 2012! We are an active fantasy equine RPG
Where once the world narrowed into naught but gray dust and desolation, the gods called for life. Wielding the elements of fire and light, dark and wind, earth and water, spark and time, they have created Helovia. The realm is set within the mythical globe of Loorien, a planet rich with all variety of creatures and blessed with all manner of magic. Originally populated by nomadic, tribal characters, they've since grown into massive empires saturated with culture and history. Separated into four distinct segments of Helovia, called "The Regions," each band of horse strong enough and capable enough, took up the power and responsibility of leadership. Unicorns, old, wise and mysterious, took to the north, hidden in forests of mists and shadows and rarely making themselves known beyond their cliffs of the World's Edge. Equines, vast, organized and militaristic, split into two, one group went north to the Windtossed Foothills and the other group went south to the Dragon's Throat. Pegasus remained nomadic, making their homes in various parts of The Wilds in a migratory manner. For many generations, the land was peaceful and calm, but peace was never the way of the gods. With a clash of argument, war and bloodshed massacred Helovia, and in the aftermath, the realm was eerily quiet. Now, as newcomers sweep into this land, they are met with the lingering bitterness of the gods and the struggle to reclaim what was lost. Nothing remains safe or certain while sorcerers and soldiers alike brood and bide their time for revenge, honor and glory.
Site Wide Plots
Kaos :: The Beginning of the End ☼ - 6/2017 - Kaos placed Helovia in a time-bubble for a short period of time, but the Helovian gods are fighting back. But Kaos is powerful- far more powerful than anyone thought. This may be the beginning of the end of Helovia as we know it.
Kisamoa :: A New Kind of Kaos ☼ - 3/2017 - Kisamoa asks Helovians to help him restore the Spectral Marsh. Which side will you choose?
Invasions :: All Out War ☼ - 5/2/16 - New layout and the brand new invasion rules are up! Thank you for your patience and we look forward to getting started with this new adventure.
The Rift :: Gods Do Die ☼ - 8/2015 - Helovia Gods are saving the Rift from corrupt gods! Can Helovians band together against these foreign deities?
The Literal Ship ☼ - 2/8/15 - Oh no! You have to pair up for Valentine's day!
Sky Island :: Murder ☼ - 10/25/14 - Vesta has been found dead on the island, and the gods have called to you to solve the murder!
Sky Island :: Peace ☼ - 7/7/14 - An island has appeared in the sky! Clouds carry Helovians from the Veins to the sky.
Restoration :: We Welcome the Dawn ☼ - 9/21/13 - The sun has finally risen on this day, giving the land new light, but the Time God and the Sun God have yet to be seen.
Endless Night :: Broken Magic Plot ☼ - 8/30/13 - The earth god has returned and is walking across Helovia to heal the land. Every area can now be considered lush and prosperous, but the sun has still not risen.
☼ - 7/19/13 - The moon has risen in the sky, heralding the return of the Goddess of the moon. Lamp trees which light the paths have grown brighter, moon flowers which grow in dark places have begun to grow and prosper and the world is brighter, filled with a new hope.
Endless Night :: Dead Magic Plot ☼ - 6/22/13 - The gods of Helovia, in order to protect the world, have disappeared into the rift, leaving the world sunless, moonless and magic-less in their absence. Only the herdlands have a source of light, but lamp-trees with glowing leaves and branches sporadically line the popular roads and paths from place to place.
Doppleganger Plot ☼ - 6/20/13 - The God of Time is still struggling to close the rift though which the dopplegangers have come. He has requested that his brothers and sister assist in closing this hole, but without knowing why it opened, the task is proving difficult. Magic still remains faulty and hard to control, but the herdlands continue to be places of refuge for those who are fortunate enough to call these lands home.
ORANGEMOON cools off the lands with a a viscious force. Colder than normal, a sign of things to come during Frostfall, Helovia is bathed in a rich tropical lushness - albiet a cold one. The coastlines of the Dragon's Throat are pelted constantly by tidal waves, and the desert climate is humid but chilly. Ice begins to form early in the Aurora Basin leaving the winding trails slick and dangerous. The mists of the World's Edge coat everything in a glistening crystalline shine which encourages mould to grow everywhere. The Spectral Marsh is the only area which remains fertile, blissfully temperature and lush.
Cotm
Character of the Month for
June, 2017
WEAVER, Corporal of the Aurora Basin, is a relatively recent addition to Helovia and has taken it by storm. Branded with the seal of Death on her chest, intrigue and interest follow both her past and present. Though she is assuredly beautiful, her sometimes sharp personality reveals that there is more to this uni-peg hybrid than meets the eye. Proving herself able on the battlefield in the Basin’s warrior ranks, we can’t wait to see her test her mettle against the looming Kaos happenings! Congratulations!
Helovia RPG was created by Tamme and Blu and coded by Tamme also known as Schwartze. All coding, palettes and imagery are copyrighted to the website and are not for use outside of Helovia. Thank you to our ServerMaster for hosting Helovia. A special thanks goes to Neo for all of her coding help and fixing Tamme's errors, Boom, for her loyal service and creation of the Time God, and to Ali for her consistent contributions and dedication.
OOC: Is it 3-5 posts in each of the last 4 weeks, or just over the last 4 weeks? If the former then just ignore this <3
WE ARE THE HEIRS TO EMPTY THRONES AND PROMISES UNKEPT
WE SIT AND WATCH THE EMPIRE BURN WITH MILD DISINTEREST
He planned to leave right away after the taking of Confutatis.
He has had what he came for - her beneath him, his spawn in her belly. It is past time he left this stunted place and headed back to his empire, leaving the vampire queen to care for their child, as was a woman's duty. Yet, something keeps him. The desire to see with his own eyes what his and Confutatis' exertions had produced, the urge to witness their offspring being forced forth unto this land in a scream of blood and glory. He has hungered for this moment since he first met the queen of bones, and it is not something that is likely to occur again. Best to remain, to enjoy it, to savour the pain that their pleasure has created and see with his own eyes what comes of it. Colt or filly? Magic or plain? Skull upon the face, or teardrop between the eyes? No, he will not miss it, and so he sent Cynder back to his herd outside Helovia, to inform his second in command that their worshipped king will be gone longer than expected. They can cope without him for a few months, and they know he will return with haste as soon as he sees his foal's safe passage into life.
He has no intention whatsoever of socialising with the foul Helovians, the mongrels and the equines that live so freely among them. He remains alone with only his green war-dragon for company, eating and sleeping in blissful solitude. It is the first time since his nomadic youth that he has spent so much time alone, and he finds it rather pleasing. When he leads his herd he is constantly alert, having to keep his mares in line and regularly put young colts in their place to prevent any threat of an attempted overthrow. Rarely does he get time simply with himself, with his thoughts, with the sweet grass beneath his feet and the jade reptile at his side, so he is savouring every passing day. Soon he will return to the chaos of herd life, but until then, he will enjoy spending time with himself and with Cynder.
But there's something different about today - something in the air, and a bellow of surprise leaves him as, suddenly, a cloud forms beneath his feathered feet. "What the....!" The expletive is smothered by a whoosh as he is lifted and taken, Cynder releasing a surprised squawk from her perch between his ears. Together they are flown away, his struggling futile against the cloud that holds his feet like cement. Finally it slows and he is deposited like a sack of shit, anger bubbling in his chest as he glares at the offending cloud. He finds himself reaching into the part of him that used to once contain his magic, only to remember it is long since gone.
With another death glare at the innocently fluffy cloud, he begins to walk. He is not alone; there are others here, and the stallion's ears pin grumpily, disturbing Cynder who slumbers between them. Awoken - having slumbered during their trek on the cloud, clearly unpeturbed - she gives a small hiss and bats at one of his flattened ears with a clawed foot, sending a sting through the behemoth's body. He barely notices, so engrossed is he in what the other Helovians seem so taken by. A turtle of all things, but one that is far from ordinary - his curiosity gets the better of him and he steps closer, tail waving between muscular thighs as he draws to a halt a short distance away, slate gaze narrowed suspiciously on the foreign object. It is covered in bells, and seems to be the centre of attention for these other Helovians. With a huff he backs away - if it wants to talk with him, he'll be right over here a safe distance away from the scum, before he catches horrible-mongrel-pegasus-unicorn-itis.
I can fake a smile, I can force a laugh. I can hold the weight of worlds.
It was time she visited the Island again, whether or not she liked it. Edgar didn't didn't remember it, and from poking around in his memories, wished to return up there even if for a little bit. So as a little surprise, while he was quietly asleep she mustered the last little reserve of energy that she had and lifted herself into the air. The flight was a little longer than normal, as she wasn't exactly as fast anymore.
Even still, Edgar slept the entire flight. It was quiet, and kind of boring, but as soon as she landed, his eyes were open and awake. Immediately he propped himself upright, big eyes staring out onto the island like a child waking up on Christmas. Quickly he took off, flying above her head before zooming around to check things out. This place, to him, was awesome!
He was all over the place in a few moments, but something else caught his eye. A large crowd had gathered near a tree, but he couldn't see much else past the twinkling lights. He hovered for a moment, relaying the scene to his bonded. Elsa then, was actually very confused. The last time she was up here, there was nothing like what Edgar just saw. She picked up a quick trot, making her way to the commotion.
When she arrived, there were a lot of things going on. So many sights, sounds and movement she was kind of on sensory overload. What had drawn everyone here? Peeking through a couple of bodies she noticed a large turtle had settled on the ground. He memory falls back to an egg a while back, before Edgar. Was he the same one that protected such an egg? Either way, it was still a pretty awesome sight.
"Talketh."
[Thanks guys! <3]
I can dance and play the part if that's what you ask.. give you all I am.
but i'm only human. and I bleed when I fall down.
Returning to the Caela Insula had been a very simple decision, and as it would turn out, they wouldn't be disappointed. Even though he had gone to the World's Edge and had been accepted into their ranks, Apollo was eager to go out and return to the place of Zola's birth. The floating island was a peaceful, beautiful place... And something drove the stallion to return to the majestic kingdom in the sky.
Zola remained upon the stallion's withers as they ascended towards the floating isle, pin-prick claws digging into the overo's ebony hide to better grasp the balance that tended to elude her. There was a feeling of excitement that bubbled inside of the eyeless kitten, a feeling that Apollo couldn't claim he had felt from her before.
"Do you know where we are, Zola?" He asked the black kitten, a warm chuckle worming its way from his barrel. "This is the island of your birth." And where Apollo had gained the Egg that Father Earth had bestowed upon him. All in all, the Insula was a place that held many memories for the bonded pair, and as they arrived there was no stopping the familiar feeling of peace that filled the overo's veins. It was just as he remembered it...
Wait.
Or... Close to how he remembered it. Off in the distance there was quite a strange sight, something he had never seen before... What in the world? A conifer tree, decorated with tingle-bells that sounded rather beautiful to the bonded pair's ears, especially to young Zola, who couldn't see the sight before them. Not only was there a decorated conifer tree, but a turtle settled comfortably beneath the tree, and around them stood many, many others. Some, Apollo recognized, and others were nothing but strangers... But something was going on, and Zola's surge of excitement that suddenly flew through his veins pushed Apollo forward.
Hooves moved forward, a jeweled crown pressed upwards towards the heavens as he began to mingle around those who had gathered. Slowly he pushed through the crowd, careful not to rudely bump any around, and approached the beautiful conifer, marveling at the jingle bells and the tinkering, joyful sound they made whenever a breeze caressed through the air.
"So beautiful, good Sir," Apollo said, honey-brown orbs glancing jovially down to the Earth Turtle, "A good day to you." On his back, Zola purred, speaking her joy at the sound of the jingle-bells the only way she could.
The last time that she had stepped foot upon the Floating Island, it had been for a celebration. The party, the dance, to celebrate Lady Moon and the Basin's thriving unity had been a truly jovial affair... Except it had ended crudely, dangerously, bringing an omen of death and terror of the likes that Rhiannon hadn't seen in a long, long time. It had been terrible, ugly, and had reminded the Brindled Devil of a time when wraiths and demons walked the earth.
Now, however, it was obvious that things were different... But like the last time she had strut upon this beautiful isle, there was some means of celebration. Before her very eyes, a group of horned, hornless, and winged creatures stood and mingled. Icy-silver and molten-gold eyes narrowed at a few of them with distaste, but sucking in a deep breath, Rhiannon plastered a smile upon her dark lips as she sashayed into the crowd. Now... What, exactly, was going on?
Curiosity killed the cat.
The saying rang in her ears, burning her eardrums, but the desire to know simply overrode any other feelings of caution or weariness. Individuals from different herds had come, their scents foreign and strange, and the Weaver milled close to the back of the group, head held high and proud, a perfect vision of eloquence to be expected from the Basin... But the moment that her eyes spotted the conifer tree, accompanied with the turtle nestled beneath it, the brindled mare's brows rose with even more curiosity. The curvaceous mare ventured closer, eyeing those that stood about the tree and the turtle, oculars flicking about but focusing on the tree. It was beautiful... Maybe she could weave tapestries upon the cone-trees in the Basin? Surely that would look lovely?
"Huh... Interesting." Was what she said, her smile upturning in a simple, genuine way. How very interesting indeed...
After his little escapades in the Throat, he needed to get away for a little while. Spice had shown him a little bit of friendship, but other than that he had shackled himself to the stupid beach like it owned him. So it was time that he got away. Sneaking out of the throat, he kind of felt like an escaped convict. He slipped out during the night, attempting to fight his way to some place fun.
He quickly learned that the only way to get out was head to the north. Why? Well apparently they were on this island thing. Every part seemed to be surrounded by water. Maybe it was all part of the plan, they were trying to trap him here! So the sneaky little foal took off running as soon as he saw the land spread out before him. After that, he isn't really sure how he got to where he was at. He had tried to circle around back to the Throat, but now was on this other peninsula thing, and there were these fluffy clouds all over. They looked so soft...
Figuring it can't be too horrible, he steps over to one and it seems to support his weight. He curls up on it, and suddenly it begins to move. His eyes widen as suddenly the ground becomes really far away. He bleats for help, but no one is around. Up and up he continues to go. He's about ready to pass out when another darn thing comes into view. Slowly it takes the shape of a land... a land in the sky?! His entire world was being flipped on its head and he's sure that he is dreaming. 'WAKE UP!' he screams into his mind, trying to awaken himself. Yet, he continues to "dream" until the fluffy cloud places him on the island.
On wobbly legs he finds his feet again, and totters forward like a newborn foal. It was probably due to the combination of extreme fear and anxiety, along with the lack of oxygen cause on the way up he kind of forgot to breathe normally. So here he is, on this deserted island, alone. His eyes search as he stumbles through patches of cherry blossoms, the smell is sweet, but not as relaxing as the stench of many horses. It seems that there were horses here, did someone live here? He follows his nose until a huge... and he means huge, crowd is all circled around the tree like some sort of cult. He sneaks up behind these unknown faces, careful not to touch them. He can't see anything though except a twinkling tree. Why was that so cool?
[Cerin is only recently active, but I believe half of his 8 posts have fallen in the last few weeks. If not, disregard this post. :3]
No matter what season it was, the floating sky island never seemed to be effected, staying true to its heaven like beauty despite the recent murders marring its reputation. Sacre reached its vast expanse and proceeded quickly to set off at a racing gallop, challenging Inari to a battle of swiftness, a battle he’d surely win if it weren’t for his playful jesting. In front of them was a gathering of many bodies, their mass capturing the young boy’s attention who changed direction and trotted off towards the meeting. Inari followed closely by his stained bonded’s side and his fluffy black feet flicked outwards with great anticipation. He could already spot the sooty form of Natraj and quickly the vulpine set off at great speed in attempt to tackle the Kitsune in a brotherly embrace.
There were many present already! Of those he knew he recognized Sikeax, Ampere, Amaryllis (Aithniel), Ignitius (Erebos), the Lord of the Basin, his own father and Mauja. There was also that strange stallion with the scary green dragon, Rhiannon who had grown so much since last he saw her and, of course, Tandavi. Whom he moved to stand beside, offering a careful nod to his father, not knowing how his sire would be, considering their recent loss. Was he a bad son? Should he have gone to see his father in such a time of need? It seemed bizarre to think the Mender would need the support of his own children, so hard he had always seemed, still his heart twisted when he saw him.
Turning back, Sacre surveyed the glittering tree and the Earth God beneath and he threw a glance to Tandavi. “This is amazing!” He exclaimed, his eyes gleaming at all of it.
I couldn’t even tell you how long I actually stood there and debated with myself--warred against myself, fought myself and gave myself a busted lip-- on whether or not I should approach the giant, jangling turtle. One one hand, there was sand. On the other, it was a giant turtle covered in bells. Jingling his ass all over the island, finally setting himself happily beneath some tree in the middle of it. Sand everywhere, clearly being awful about real-estate.
I mean, whatever, right? Sand is always going to be awful. But how many chances was I going to get to see a giant turtle scoot their ass across the way, across my field of vision, and welcome me over instead of snapping my butt in two?
So I went to say hi and look at the twinkling lights in the tree. There was this disorienting moment of deja-vu where I recognized the scene--a sparkling tree, beckoning me forward? And surrounded by a bunch of assholes, now that I got a good look of where I actually was going. Yeah, of course there was gonna be a whole crowd before I got there.
Okay, scratch that. Not all of them were assholes. I saw Ma folded in there; she was so pale, it would’ve been harder to ignore her, honestly. My mouth tightened and my throat twisted somewhat, and I only spoke after the third time I tried to open my mouth. “Ma,” I said, a little hoarsely. I took a step toward her, and I guess it was the jingling and the jangling and the turtle’s quiet contentment that was making me do it--I mean, I dunno man, I’m just talking out my ass.
But I wanted to see my Ma for a little while.
[MARR CHRIMBUS]
talk
Like stars burning holes right through the dark
Flicking fire like saltwater into my eyes</style>
This island is beautiful. I have to admit. It is surrounded by a circle of clouds, I wonder what would happen if I stepped on one? I smile in thought, my eyes dance with the thoughts of standing on air. How would that even feel...? My mind waltzes through the lane of wonder and thought.
This place was so... beautiful. I don't even understand how I even got here. The sky was streaked with colors I could not imagine, bright and dark seemed to drip into each other, blending and shifting... as I walked, I could hear bells ringing. It gave me a sense of joy that I have not felt in a while. I soon see it, a tree coming into view.
I had been walking on a sandy terrain, and I wonder how a tree could be so beautiful. With small dots of light scattering it's outside, a turtle sits at the base, a smug but thoughtful look on it's face as it sits there. I walk at the same pace, I do not speed up, because I will get there in the time kept for me.
When I reach the tree, I do not talk. I look up, marveling at the thing. I didn't think I would ever stare at a tree. But I would expect you to stare at a tree if it had lights on it. I had never really seen anything like this, my the scattered lights glinting and dancing in my thoughtful chestnut orbs...
I look back down to the turtle, a small smile creeping onto my face. "Hello" my voice calm and soothing, I do not get interrupted by the Voice that only resides in my head. I only smile.
And I like it that way.
how I walk "how I talk" how I think -how She talks to me-
Some say you're trouble, boy Just because you like to destroy All the things that bring the idiots joyWell, what's wrong with a little destruction?
It never fails him, this queer sensation he feels as he steps upon the cloud-strewn isle. It is not a mortal realm; it is not a place for monsters. It’s gorgeous and grand, majestic and rich--a place for something greater, a place to achieve greatness. But it’s not for him. It rejects him, and he it; he guesses that the island itself suspects his own evil.
It is another tree; always, they are trees. They twinkle and smell, reeking with the odor of bodies, dozens and dozens of bodies; idiots, mongrels, the unworthy. His skin crawls as he considers their puddles of piss, their piles of waste, the sweat that drips from their limbs--detestable creatures, so at ease in so much grandeur. He cannot fathom this place. He is always drawn to it.
His skin boils, lately. His stomach rumbles. His blood burns curiously, not with anger or a fury, but with need. He goes to the tree, wondering if this is what his body hungers for. His suspicion fails; his restlessness persists, and he sees Öde.
He approaches the boy of blood and darkness. The confusion he see’s there on the wraith’s face is palpable. He cannot help the dark, boyish smile that climbs his lips. “Strange, yes?” he asks smoothly; his voice becomes rich as it deepens. It no longer rasps; it is becoming. “It has always been a strange place.”
[Merry Christmas Peasants]
"talk talk talk"
day1953@pbase
--Please tag REGINALD in every reply!
--All force is allowed to be used against this character!
The wind lifted gently towards the Dauntless and his bonded, bringing sound on waves. It was a foreign sound, different on their ears, but oddly enticing.The jingling drew the pair in, and the gathering of so many Helovians peaked their interest even more. The pair picked up their pace, purpose in hoof and paw. What was happening on the island today? Was there another murder? Surely in this peaceful place there would not be another fallen, but the Captain and his bitch could never be certain of the oddities happening in this unpredictable land. Archibald and Loretta both lowered their heads and moved on, briskly trotting towards the gathering around the tree. Golden and amber eyes narrowed darkly before they stepped in to the fray.
When their eyes lay on what was happening, however, their heads raised and their faces relaxed. This seemed to be a celebration of some sort. A confused wave washed from Loretta's mind to Archibald's, but the massive equine stepped forward towards the Earth Turtle. A nod, full of respect for a servant of the Earth God, was all Archibald could give to the wise, aged creature. Loretta walked forward hesitantly, a small whine escaping her lips before she lay on her belly, chin resting on her paws as she watched the turtle.
It was not often that Archibald and his bitch showed respect to creatures whom had not earned it on their first hand witness, but something about this creature before them spoke of the true reverence the Earth Turtle deserved. "Thank you," Archibald's voice was a deep baritone, but it was a whisper, meant for the Earth servant and the Earth servant alone.
ARCHIBALD the DAUNTLESS
Call out to nobody, call out to me
Chip on the shoulder, the dime in the teeth
12-25-2014, 12:33 PM (This post was last modified: 12-25-2014, 12:34 PM by Africa.)
For the second time since she had returned to any state of mental steadiness, since Midas the Ascended had plucked her from the wrath of a Frostfall blizzard, Africa and Silas paused beneath Sky Island. The morning was bright, no white laced the sky and a warm wind swept up from the deep-south and tousled thick fiery tendrils draped ornately around shoulder and hock.
No unexplainable stirring in her soul had called the one-winged mare out of hiding this time, and she knew well that any from the desert realm of the God of the Sun could set their scrutinizing eyes upon her – she remembered the islands effervescent atmosphere, a hive more active than the honey home of a bee. Some weight had been eased from the Starry-Eyed’s shoulders however. Satanic Silk, the leathery-winged stallion had discovered her whereabouts early the week before and it had come as no surprise the nature of his visit. He had been an anticipation stinging her thoughts, plaguing her mind, but now that the truth had come to fruition and she was still standing, still breathing, and still quite safe bedded where the Gallant’s fine army stood guard, there seemed to be less apprehension about it all squeezing her heart.
Time healed all wounds.
White cloud gathered beneath her steadied hooves, materializing from nowhere to lift the weight of the slender Pegasus and whisk her flightless form away through the air. It was a phenomenon she still found unsettling, unnerving, but to avoid skewed balance Africa quelled the natural urge to swing out her lonely wing. In no time at all she (with Silas gliding then by her side), was being placed delicately upon the lush, sweet grasses of the island. Her kind transport dissolved promptly on arrival and Africa drew a very deep, pensive breath, and bewildered her sweeping gaze scanned rolling hills and the narrow valley nestled snug between.
Her eyes settled upon a curious (though familiar) silhouette far down in the distance and intrigued, distracted immediately from any anxiousness, her long sooty ears tipped forward. Interest grew still more as the Earth turtle attracted a crowd, and though she was not overly keen on throwing herself yet into a sea of bodies, the Starry-Eyed knew that the strange, otherworldly creature was the host of activity, of games. A light snort rattled by pumping nostrils and coal-black knees in the same moment, started forward.
Zephyr and mare wandered down through the swaying field of soft emerald until they noticed better the evergreen rising above the Earth Turtle – the tiny lights glistening where shadow fell beneath flimsy green foliage and still more inspiring, the merry chorus of jingle bells welcoming them forward. A soft, encouraged smile slipped across thin lips and she stepped forward to join those gathered (some familiar, many more not), legs swinging to the tune of the festive music.
Megaera told herself she was on patrol but her assignment was only to the Heart this season. What she wouldn’t admit, and perhaps was even fully conscious of herself, was that she had followed Ampere. She wanted to know the Throat’s Gladiator better than she did, as their first meeting had been a little less than cordial, but it seems that all the activity in the Throat had kept them both busy with their respective duties. It didn’t set well with Meg that she would be set at odds with her captain, and she tried to remind herself not to try and butt heads with the Blue before she’d had a chance to get the full measure of her. They really hadn’t spoken, and already Meg though the mare definitely a little abrasive and to quick, in Meg’s mind, to show a high level of disrespect to their Sultan. Still, warriors of a herd had no business fighting each other when there were outside enemies.
So she’d tailed the Blue to the floating isle, determined to have an opportunity to talk. When Meg arrived however, there was a gathering around a tree, filled with little lights and bells that chimed in the breeze, and…. Was that a turtle? The bay touched down and pulled up to stand near the Gladiator and some other members of Dragon’s Throat, a little mesmerized by the odd scene. Her dark head swiveled to glance at Ampere, who seemed a little uneasy with these strange proceedings, and the tuned back with narrowed eyes at the strange shelled creature. This island might me more troubled than it’s worth, but still Meg was definitely curious.
Merry Christmas my lovelies! You're all the best!!
Everyone was getting presents, gifts, awards? From a turtle. I merely stood in the back of the crowd, admiring all those that had gathered to collect something from the turtle. I didn't truly want anything other than perhaps a companion, but I wouldn't ask for anything. If the turtle had anything left, I would gladly accept a gift bestowed from him. If there was nothing left, I would gladly talk to the turtle, but I would not be upset there was nothing left. As everyone got something from the turtle, I stood there watching, wondering what wet through the receivers minds. The turtle seemed content, which was good. I wouldn't want them to spoil such a good mood! If I was happy, and someone made me angry, I'd be really upset.
I looked over all the horse, but one specifically caught my attention. He was large, muscled, with grandiose feathering. His coat was onyx, legs dripping into ivory. But I couldn't wrap my mind around the fact that he was so huge. My gaze slipped from his frame, and moved to another's. A few stood out, an Appaloosa unicorn, a cherry bay with a companion, even those that were simple seemed to stand out. A bay mare with a horn caught my attention next. Her horn was black and she sang. She sang. Why was she singing? I'd only sang in privacy.
Soon, I found myself near the turtle, marveling at its grace. I moved to a mare I had met once briefly, Africa. She was one-winged and that should've made her lose hope. But she prevailed, beautiful and magnificent. I offered her a soft nicker, a greeting. "It's been a while, Africa." I smiled, glad to see her once again. She was kind last time. Would she be kind again? I hoped so.
“Believe that life is worth living and your belief will help create the fact.”
My first ever trip to the island was.... horrifying. I couldn't move when those clouds carried me up into the sky. Oh, i thought i'd keel over right then and there. But my hooves finally hit earth, and for quite some time i laid where i landed, too petrified to move. Eventually i gathered my wits and pulled myself up onto my feet, quite an unsteady stance. Something sounded in the distance, something... i've never heard before. I had no name for the sound, and cautiously i approach it. But what i see is so bizarre that i can't comprehend it. It takes me quite a few minutes before i realize what i see.
A giant turtle.
A GIANT turtle.
I don't know if i should be terrified, shocked or amused. Turtles were harmless(save the snappy ones), but i'd never seen a giant turtle. Was it a snapper waiting for horses to come in range to be eaten? There's quite a crowd already, i hesitantly linger at the edge of the group.
But it doesn't eat us. So slowly i weave through the crowd to peer at the turtle in awe, at the spheres on it's body. It hits me then that it's those orbs making the beautiful chiming sound, and my ears prick towards it, soaking up the sound. Beautiful. I relax then, willing to stay rather than run. After all...
If this thing wants to eat us, i don't have to outrun it. I just have to outrun everyone else.
Early in the morning, some strange exodus drew Kipling’s attention. The air prickled with an electric festive feeling, and the colt rose to follow the parade, as if drawn by an invisible magnetic force.
The chestnut child did not try to be stealthy or remain unnoticed, but he did not feel the need to draw any particular attention to himself. With everyone wrapped up in their own thoughts and feelings, a rather plain unicorn hardly seemed out of place enough to warrant any notice.
Maybe I could have been a spy like Essetia after all…
As he thought it, he stumbled on a crack in the lava and fell abruptly forward and had to scramble to keep his hooves beneath him. He jerked his head up to act as a counterbalance and shook it confusedly.
“Oops.”
And then the ground changed beneath him, and then he was… He was flying? He froze, staring at the sky that he rocketed past. A fine dew from the clouds beaded delicately on the tips of his fur, and as Kipling realized what was happening, he exploded into a fit of stunned laughter. Before he could consider the situation any further, he was dumped unceremoniously into a grassy field, landing hard on his knees.
It was quiet. Kipling picked himself up onto his feet and looked around quizically. A few weeks ago he might have questioned an unplanned elevator ride into the sky, but as he had learned his way around Helovia, he began to accept that he had plenty of novel experiences ahead of him in this land. He shrugged to himself before finally sighting the crowd around the tree and heading in their direction.
Kipling slipped through the crowd until he had made his way to the front. His jaw slackened as he saw none other than a giant turtle commanding the group’s attention. “Just like Ophelia said!” He chirped excitedly, recalling his conversation with the Lady of the Aurora Basin back in the Threshold.
The bells jingled in time with the colt’s quickening heartbeat. “Amazing,” He finally gasped, staring up to the top of the cheerily twinkling tree, “Just amazing.”
The shaggy tree-girl had not ventured back to Sky Island in many weeks. Despite the festive, brilliant atmosphere which seemed to captivate any visitoring, the murder had unsettled her heart and confidence deeply and she had spent most of her time after discovering its gruesome evidence personally, bundled up behind the well guarded border of her home in World’s Edge. Of course she had ventured out on occasion – taking any number of weeks to travel hither or thither, but any time she did seemed to result in still severed flesh and stolen life. Often she prayed to the Gods of Prim’sylva, asking for guidance and more importantly for their cloak of protection so that she might not suffer the same foul fate as those grim souls now scarred through her memories.
Some good had come of her restless searching (still her Soul Plant’s whereabouts remained a mystery). Fig had met many friendly fellows, learned much about their culture, and even from the youngest Rhoa, that a grand school offered greater education to any who cared to enrol – and the young Lignea was more that intrigued. Before that mission however, she had decided to revisit to the Island, and several days after leaving the security of the misty cliff-top forests, she arrived beneath the heavy shadow of the floating spectacle. Like the last time she had come, cloud formed small platforms beneath her hooves and before she had even lifted an inch her young, incredulous eyes had sealed tightly together. She could hardly bear the thought of flying, swishing canopy and branches swaying precariously above as they caught the warm thermals apparently churning where only birds should naturally reach. But again she arrived without incident, and the breath that had been taken fell rapidly from clenched lungs.
The clouds vanished, and Fig was left standing at the top of a vast field of green, a hill above the meandering valley at the centre of which lay an arena and many tents around it. Her face shifted and thick matted locks rolled as the warm wind touched them. After a moment spent considering, she wandered forth towards the valley at a very slow, ambling gait, because striding downhill with a sprawling tree rooted to your spine was no easy task. Even before she reached the town’s centre, the Lignea came upon a curious gathering – a turtle in fact, at the centre of a steadily growing group of Helovians.
A wave of nauseating foreboding flooded her core, but there seemed not to be that mulling grief wherever bodies had lain before them. Carefully she neared, and glossy-green eyes glanced between those standing to view the strange Earth Turtle to their centre. Above him, a great conifer grew and she regarded its ornaments with a curious, smiling eye, lips reflecting the growing sentiment in her soul. Through her body stirred new cheer and her face shed its concern for brightening delight. It seemed the melodious ringing that had echoed right across the island, was coming from this tree, and she watched interestedly the jingle bells and the glistening lights strewn between, for a good long time.
my flight is lazy and slow, pain flowering over my body as i open my wings, raising myself through the clouds that are turning a soured blue from the fading sun. my world is dim, my body shaky as i head towards the island in the sky, sameira lingering behind to hunt and prey on the rabbits whom would be poking their heads out of their holes soon, awaking from hibernation and eagerly searching for food. my hooves lazily hang above the earth, ears flicked back and eyes dull. my hooves hit the earth, offsetting my balance in the air and causing me to stumble forward and fall, left shoulder hitting the ground, neck and head slapping into the earth after it. everything is a blur, my left side throbbing as i lay in the grass, noticing the irritability of sand rubbing against my skin and the faint jingling and chattering and stomping of hooves. raising my head i look at the world from an off kilter view, blinking the blurred edges of my vision away to focus on a jingling tree, lights twinkling beautifully within the branches of the tree. many gathered around it, all but a few were foreign faces, a faint blur of champagne makes my heart skip a beat, body trembling as i force myself to rise onto my hooves, shaking as i take a few steps towards sikeax with my lips hanging open in an attempt to call her.
shuffling towards my sister with a longing to talk, i wearily close the distance with a smile twitching upon the corners of my mouth, knees shaky as i move around the tree. opening my wings to readjust them, the tips of my feathers reach towards the tree before folding in, kept close to my raw sides, tail dragging over the ground as i settle myself on sikeax's side. despite the sinking black pit within my soul, something begins to pull me out, bringing joy within my heart as something warm spreads through my body, an unfamiliar feeling creeping into my body through my seams, prying me open to reveal a dark hole with the faintest of glowing lights drowning within it. something about the occasion made somewhere deep inside me feel soft and warm, and i began to feel sick because of this feeling that is so unfamiliar to me.
Okay, he knew Helovia was strange. It was a given, he'd seen quite a few oddities. But a giant turtle with bells? Definitely one of the oddest. Like, the very top of the list.
The Morningstar had been flying over the Caela, arguing with himself on whether to land and face his distrust and mild fear of the island. But the gathering below had captured his attention, and then his golden eyes had landed upon the turtle at the very center. He almost stalled out mid-flight, wings freezing for a second in shock before he quickly regained control of his flight. Bucephalus descended down towards the gathering, landing somewhere near the front. He watched folk gather with interest, head tilted slightly.
The turtle handed out gifts to the first that had trickled in, and the black pricked his ears. Gifts? What was going on? It was interesting and exciting, the things the others were receiving. He watched on with amusement, eyes flickering over every face gathered there. The tolling of the bells were a beautiful backdrop, and Buce's hooves shuffled, dancing as subtly as he could. A familiar figure, unique among the decorated, and the black moved over towards the one named Fig, eyes bright. "Exciting, no?" He asked her, although only vaguely listened to the answer, his attention focused on the turtle in awe.
Exciting indeed. He had no idea what was going on, but to see so many gathered, and such a sight as the gentle turtle... well he doubted he'd forget this.
Art done by Euphoriaxo
Coding by Tamme<3
Force and minor powerplay is allowed
Please tag me in all posts
I had not followed her. But I did see her land here, so I followed her now. I landed hard, fast. I felt my legs nearly five out from the sudden weight of my body and the hard ground. I galloped forwards, towards her, the sudden soreness slowly wearing off. I halted next to her, my muzzle reaching out towards her cheek. My warm breath danced from my flared nostrils. My mate.... Is beautiful. I smiled at her as my muzzle moved to her neck. I played with her tassels as I had the day we reunited. The turtle gave her something as many arrived. I grew protective, my ears flattening as I looked at the turtle. What was this? What did he give her I couldn't? Then I realized that she was happy with this and I settled calmly at her side, inching closer to her. I didn't care if I made it extremely obvious she is mine. She is. Always will be, I hope. Considering we were going to have a family together, also, I felt very protective. I had never felt like this before. I had never loved like I love Destry. I had never felt this protective, and I'd certainly never wanted everyone to know one horse was taken this much. Was it always like this?
My wings hung loosely at my sides, my head was low also. I watched the turtle give presents to everyone. I wasn't sure I'd get one after my display. I was glad for Destry. I wish I could give her things like the turtle could. I could love her endlessly, but was it enough? Thus, I began thinking of something to give Destry, something she would love, but what?
Success isn't the result of spontaneous combustion.
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