the Rift


Well Would You Look at That

Vertigon Posts: N/A
Unregistered
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#1




The world was set in an eternal night, watched over by the pale moon and her twinkling children, the stars. The light of the sun had not returned with the appearance of the silver moon, yet life bloomed in the dark world. Blossoms filled the trees and young grass and plants poked through the quickly melting snow to wave up at the single orb that shone constantly in the sky. All was bathed in silver light, softening the normally bright vibrant colors of the young flowers as if it were a world from a dream. In the thick forest darkness reigned as the soft light futile attempts to penetrate the thickly woven branches that formed the forest canopy above only resulted in a few glistening streams, like abandoned spider webs, to filter through dotting the forest floor.

The world had changed so drastically since the young wolf had left the elderly couple's den, the world had been plunged into sheer darkness as all light vanished. Leaving the manned wolf to stumbled through the blackness, relying upon his others senses to guide him. Then one day, or night, he had long since lost track, the moon rose in the sky where it would constantly remain. These sudden changes defied all logic, shaking the wolf's foundation. But like most things Vertigon could not change or alter what was happening, and so he opted to change the one thing he had control over, himself. Accepting these events as something he could not effect, he shifted his attitude and moved on. If the world wanted to right itself it would, and it would do so without his help or input. Until then he would have to learn how to adapt. And adapt he did.

Green eyes peered through the shadows, picking out subtle movements as the wolf walked. Long spindly legs effortlessly, silently moved him forward until he was nothing but a spectral gliding through the shadows. His body moved and swayed with the natural rhythm of the forest, allowing him to blend in perfectly with the surroundings, becoming one with the land as he did so. Large ears swiveled atop his slender cranium, like two satellite dishes, detecting the quiet nighttime sounds of the forest. I seemed the land was at rest, marking the passage of a day. Not that he really knew whether it was really day or night with only the moon and stars lighting the earth, for all he knew time had completely stopped and he was merely wandering in circles.

He half expected to look at his reflection and find that he had grown an extra head or pair of eyes. With all the crazy that was going on in the world it was quite possible he'd experience some sort of mutation, maybe his fur would glow green. that'd be pretty cool. He smiled at the thought, it wouldn't help with hunting though. Still walking Vertigon remained on his toes, you never knew what was lurking in the shadows.

Walk "Talk!" Think

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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
#2
K A H L U A
The gentle mare wandered the lands, hardly thinking of the endless night and the moon that shone down upon her. How long had she spent in this strange, eternal darkness? Days, weeks, months? Who knows. Without the sun to track the passing of time it could have been any length of time. Her internal clock was shot, and yet she felt strangely at ease in this land where the sun did not shine. The gentle glow of the lamp trees sent their light into the land, working with the moon to brighten the earth.

Not thinking too much of it, Kahlua dipped her nose to touch her chest. A plum colored stone hung their on a vine of green. As far she knew it was a gift from the moon goddess herself. Of course, Kahlua had only happened upon it. Still, she could only assume the gods worked in mysterious ways. Certainly she was no scholar and not meant for pondering the ways of the world. All she knew was that if she found it, she was meant to have found it. Knowing it hung on her neck gave her peace in these lands. And, though she feared the evils that wandered in the darkness, she felt safe knowing lady moon was nearby.

Walking the lands, she kept an eye open for any newcomers. As much as she loved her trade, crafting, she loved recruiting almost as much. In recruiting, she was bound to meet new and interesting horses- her favorite part of life. So here she was again, hoping to raise the numbers at the Edge. As she walked, a movement caught her attention. Swiveling her head to get a better view, Kahlua spotted the strangest thing and shook her head. It was there and then it was gone again, like she had only been hallucinating. Still, she couldn't help but feel like what she had seen was the truth.

“Hello?” Her dancing voice was full of questioning as it reached out into the shadows. “My name is Kahlua... is someone there?” She danced uneasily on her toes, ears flicking this way and that as she contemplated turning tail and running. Still, curiosity was a strange beast and it held her in place despite the fact that she wished to run. All she could hope was that this strange beast of the shadows was friend and not foe.


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

Vertigon Posts: N/A
Unregistered
:: :: ::
#3




The mare's scent alerted him to her presence long before the sounds of her soft hoof beats reached his sensitive ears. Eyes glinting in the moonlight as his head turned in the direction of the sound. Quietly he moved, remaining hidden in the darkness as the equine came into view. Her black and white pelt shone in a patch of silver moonlight. She was unaware of him yet as he skirted around her, curious but as of yet unwilling to reveal himself. For now he would watch her to determine whether or not she was a threat. He was a wolf after all, she a horse. Their species did not mix.

In fact, the only time he had ever seen predators and prey mingling and working together and a cooperative unite was in his family. Meaning he'd need to be careful when approaching this mare. As he moved across an open patch of ground one of Ver's back paws got caught on a hidden root causing him to stumble. Crap! Moving on he vanished into the shadows, keeping his pace even, never hurrying up. If he moved to quickly, or jerkily he would disrupt the rhythm and alert the mare to his presence even farther.

The mare had obviously detected his bumble as she danced nervously in place, searching for his presence. he paused when her voice reached out to him. An ear twitched as he silently moved alongside her before skittering away deeper into the shadows as he stole his way toward a rotting log. Like a spectral materializing from the shadows Vertigon seemed to simply appear on the log, his scrutinizing eyes watched her calmly.

He remained silent as he offered a nod toward Kahlua before speaking, his voice quiet but strong, easily carrying over the sounds of the night. "Greetings, I am Vertigon Estray." His head turned and he took her in out of the corner of his eye. "What brings you to these parts?" Judging by the her scent she lived somewhere within these lands, among a herd if his nose was correct, and is always was. However he thought it more prudent to allow her to answer him on the assumption that they were both loners, let her reveal her true intentions before questioning her about her herd and raising her guard.

Of course his decided course of action could be all wrong, it had been a while since he had actually socialized with anyone, not counting the elderly couple, and he had to admit he was a bit rusty at this sort of thing. He was at least willing to try however and remained atop the log a good distance away from the mare in hopes of not startling her any farther. He was a predator after all, it would make sense for her to flee or attack, the distance would protect them both.

Not she'd need much protection from him, he had no desire to attack a horse unless provoked. Of course she didn't know that, for all she knew he was this scary wolf out to eat her. he certainly looked the part with the moonlight shining on his orange fur, revealing the network of scars that could be seen through his thick pelt while the rest remained hidden. He certainly did not look like a savory fellow and that often got him into trouble, and he knew it.

Walk "Talk!" Think

Table Made by Aztec: Credits

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
#4
K A H L U A
As the strange beast, like a wolf on stilts, suddenly appeared on the log Kahlua could not help but skitter backwards. She had not seem him moving, not seem him near the log, and yet he was there, standing upon it, like he had always been a part of the log and the forest. She shook her head. Again she considered running, looking this way and that for a reasonably clear path. It was difficult to find one. The collection of trees was rather dense and, stupid as she was, she was still confused about where to go. All she knew was that she had no intention of becoming a meal today.

She caught his nod out of the corner of her eye and for a moment it distracted her from her contemplations- not difficult to do. His voice came next. The quiet tune was somewhat soothing to the agitated mare and did do her best to listen. Vertigon Estray. Now she was entirely confused. For all of her time here, she had not seen a wolf speak to a horse. She had seen nothing dangerous speak to a horse at all, save other horses. Certainly... no. She shook the idea from her head. He could certainly not be friend. And yet, was there not a gryphon that lived in the Edge? Was there not the half-dragon mate of the queen, and the queen herself who took the form of the scaled beast? She had seen none of them, of course, but did they not exist?

What brings you to these parts? His words could have been construed as malicious or deceiving, if the mare had been one to think in such a way. Instead, his words served to calm her further. She still stayed light on her toes, ready to run should it become necessity, but something in her stupid brain begged her to stay. Perhaps it was that she liked to meet others that kept her here, perhaps it was that she was curious to see if the stilt-wolf could in fact be called friend. Whatever it was, she decided to speak.

“Recruiting for my home,” she said, just the slightest hint of suspicion present in her voice. She was not much of a secret keeper, but for the time she did keep the name of her home concealed. With any other horse she would have revealed it quickly and without hesitation. Looking him over, she did notice the breadth of scars that covered his hide. Quickly, she added a few more words, lest the wolf should get the wrong idea. “We search for those that search for peace.” Mirage's ideal had become Kahlua's. A veteran of only one and... one half fights, she was decidedly against the practice and had not taken much convincing. Touching her nose to her plum colored stone, then, she silently prayed to the moon goddess that peace would remain with her this day, all the while watching the stilt-wolf with careful eyes.


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

Vertigon Posts: N/A
Unregistered
:: :: ::
#5




He remained still as he watched the mare panic, twirling around as she is she were dancing as she appeared to be trying to find a place to flee. He could see the whites of her eyes rather clearly as she continued to pace, her breath coming in heavy distressed gasps. He felt rather bad for the woman, he hadn't meant to cause her so much distress. But at the same time he was greatly amused by her display, the routes of escape were rather obvious, yet she completely missed them. Either her fear was idling her brain, or she was seriously dense. Either way he waited for her to calm down on tense legs, animals were very unpredictable when they were afraid, a lamb could become a lion when cornered.

It seemed that his voice had broken through her haze as he calmed slightly, at least enough to speak. Satisfied that she had some shred of sense back the orange colored creature slowly lowered himself until he was stretched on his side out upon the log, the full length of his body wiry athletic body and legs shown off to the horse. He felt that he could risk such a position, this black overo certainly didn't strike him as a threat. In any case he could roll of the log and land back on his feet if she suddenly charged. In making himself appear smaller her hoped to calm her down even farther, it wasn't often he got to speak to a horse.

His eye remained focused on her, however he only spared one ear in listening to her, the other remained constantly vigilant, angled back toward the forest behind him to catch any sounds of possible danger. The maiden didn't seem capable of keeping aware of her surroundings at this time, meaning it was up to him to remain alert for the both of them. He felt obligated to do as much, he was the one who had sent her reeling in the first place. His head cocked slightly as he considered her words, there didn't appear to be any deceit behind them, only a guarded suspicion, understandable.

Her words did perk his interests however. "Peace is a hard obtained thing, it is even harder to keep." he replied evenly, sounding far older then he truly was. He paused, flicking a loose piece of bark off the log with his tail. "You must have many strong warriors to protect such a precious thing." He watched her for a few moments, studying her face intently. "But I suppose that does not matter. You speak of recruiting, please, tell me more about this peaceful home of your's. Would they be interested in allowing a creature such as I within their borders?" He was still unfamiliar with the beliefs and traditions of these lands, he had only entered them a few short hours ago, gauged by the counting of his steps. A system he had used when with the elderly couple, to ensure that he did not remain away from them for longer then they would desire while his wound healed.

Because of his unfamiliarity with this land, he knew not of their views about allowing other species to associate with, or even join their herd's ranks. Even so, the idea of finding another family group to be in was rather appealing, although he was not entirely sure if he could adjust to it. It seemed everything he grew to love was doomed to destruction, could he really put another family at risk like that? He thrust the thoughts away before a internal war could be raged between his miss giving's and his desire to be with others. He would hear Kahlua out, then decide what he would do.

Walk "Talk!" Think

Table Made by Aztec: Credits

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
K A H L U A
If she had been mindful enough to pay attention, or able to see into the wolf's brain, she probably would have been startled by the amount of attention he payed to her. Poor, stupid Kahlua was not used to thinking of things in such detail. As it was, it was a wonder she had managed to notice the scars upon his hide. So lost in her own world, she rarely had time to devote to such contemplations. As was his plan, laying down further eased the mare's troubled mind. Now thoroughly confused about whether she should count him as enemy or not, she settled herself to just watching him. She could only handle so many thoughts in her head at one time. With her level of confusion rising, her level of fear was subsiding slightly.

As the orange wolf began to speak, she allowed herself to listen, watching his lanky form rest upon the length of the log. He seemed unnatural, like a terror of the night, and yet he was kind enough and speaking neutrally. If she had been smarter she had may added the whole scene up as an act, a devious ploy by the wolf to make her his dinner. Perhaps he was lucky then, that he had startled this dull and fearful mare and not anyone else.

“I had never thought of peace as hard to keep, until we were attacked,” she said cryptically, though the secrecy of the words was not on purpose. He sounded like an ageless sage speaking to a newborn. She almost liked it. So long as they were not hindering her clandestine plans to steal the Glazier's seat in the Edge, she was fond of having those who were bigger or smarter around her. “Though you guess correctly. Our... warriors prevailed.” She hesitated as she spoke of the warriors, her head tilting back just slightly to look at the long scar that marred what had once been an unmarked hide. Through sheer stupidity she had managed to confuse her unicorn attacker into leaving the Edge, but not before he had made a sizable slice into her left thigh.

As she fell to thinking about her herd, she did not stop to wonder what she should say to him. The words came naturally to her mouth, suspicion melting away with every word. She did not hold on to such feelings long, even when Onni had frightened her half to death they had quickly become friends. “Our forest home is shrouded in mist. Eternal fires burn, gifted to us by our queen.” She paused, realizing that this was not exactly what he had asked about. “Perhaps they would be interested though, sir...” She stopped again. She wished she had not said it, but had not been able to stop herself. “We are not strangers to oddities, I suppose. The queen Mirage has a gift from the gods, the ability to turn into a dragon at will. Her mate is a dragon-horse.” She stopped once more, suspicion rising within her once again. “For your curiosity though, I guess I should ask why interest you have in living amongst us.” It was not a question so much a statement, but she did expect an answer.


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

Vertigon Posts: N/A
Unregistered
:: :: ::
#7




He nodded as she spoke of an attack and how they had warded it off. This one's strength was definitely not centered around her wits, no she was a doll, beautiful on the outside with a brain of sawdust. Knowing this Vertigon's darker half spoke to him, he could easily manipulate her, get her to divulge information one with a shred of common sense would never reveal. He thrust those thoughts away instantly, he was not the sort to take advantage of another in such a way. Of course with these thoughts came the idea that perhaps someone had already gotten to this sputtering star.

Warping and twisting her thoughts until she full heartedly believed that their cause was indeed that of peace when it was the farthest from the truth. Although plausible, he did not think this was the case. Despite her naivety, she seemed to be an innocent spirit, at least one that couldn't or wouldn't do much harm, the light that one holds in their eyes that vanishes when they have spilled blood still remained. She was not a killer, she did not carry herself like a warrior, she certainly wasn't trained in the art of stealth. She was slightly dim, not merciless and he couldn't picture her among those of a darker spirit, not willingly at least. If she knew, if they had not hidden their true colors from her, then what she spoke of was most likely true.

His ears twitched, then switched directions his left turning toward the forest as his right faced the Kahlua. She was giving far more information then what he had asked, but this was okay, more information would not hurt him. Although it could hurt this herd, he would have to warn her of that. Even so he liked what he heard and his was curious about this queen who could take the form of a dragon and her mate who was part serpent as well. If they could accept one such as they to not only be apart of , but lead the herd then perhaps there was a chance they'd allow a meager manned wolf to enter their ranks?

With each word Vertigon was becoming more and more interested in this family, he was also becoming rather fond of this ditsy lady. She reminded him of a young filly with her energy and love of the world, but little knowledge of it. Perhaps it was her air headedness that made him feel as though she was in need of some sort of guardian to watch over her and make sure no one took advantage of her, like he knew some would. Either way his protective instincts were aroused by the funny girl and he found himself taking pleasure in her company.

It seemed Kahlua had some sense to her as she suddenly shot him an upfront statement. This caused him to smile. Sitting up ever so slightly the creature slowly itched his large left ear as if he were lightly pondering this question. Once finished he settled back down, then spoke. "I will not deny that I am interested in residing in your home among your herd, from what you have told me it sounds wonderful." he answered, choosing his words carefully so as not to confuse her.

"I come from a far wilder land, where violence and death is a common event, a sport even." He was being rather vague on the details, and he had probably already confused her, but he didn't feel like launching into his entire life's story at this moment- even if it was rather short. He did not want to share such information with a horse that was so loose tongued. "I seek a place that is the opposite of my old homeland, a place of peace and life. A place I can be accepted as family despite my differences, in breed, beliefs, and opinions. A home I can protect." He looked her in the eye. "So tell me Kahlua, do you think your home is the place I seek?"

Walk "Talk!" Think

Table Made by Aztec: Credits

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
#8
K A H L U A
Lucky as the wolf was that she was stupid, not a warrior, she was lucky too. His kindly and protective nature was certainly her salvation this day. One day it would be the death of her, she would fall prey to some being who did not treat her so kindly, but today was not that day. Maybe one day, as the wolf was thinking, she would betray her herd by giving away information she should not have. She didn't particularly wish to be that horse, her main desire was to prove her usefulness to her leaders, but one can change their personality the same way they can change the course of a river. Only with hours upon hours of hard-work, sweat, tears and training would she become the horse her herd needed, instead of the horse she was.

The wolf's smile caused her to shift just slightly, the display of his teeth unnerving despite his recumbent position. Her ears flicked with unease, although the motion was more or less useless. She was not scanning the area for sounds or safety, simply displaying her emotions as she was so wont to do. As he sat up she tensed, still unable to be fully at ease with the wolf. Though he had proven himself kind as of yet, Onni's fearful lesson of those terrors in the darkness would not leave her fully at ease. Still, he settled back down and she could not help but be drawn into his complacent display. She calmed, ears becoming still again and tensed muscles relaxing.

I will not deny that I am interested in residing in your home. He spoke and she could not help but feel confused about whether she should be glad or frightened. What would her herd mates think if she brought this, seemingly peaceful, orange wolf into the safety of their home? Would they think her stupid (more-so than they probably already did) for traveling in the company of a carnivore or would they think her brave and useful for daring to bring the beast home to join their numbers? She did not know, could not even begin to imagine how such a situation would play out.

As he finished speaking, she sighed softly, confusion fogging her limited thinking abilities. “If you tell the truth than perhaps it is. I have found peace there,” she said softly, looking down as his strong gaze met her eyes. She sighed again in discontent as she continued on. The wolf was far more eloquent than herself and she felt at a loss of what to do. “To be honest, no offense sir Vertigon, I don't know if I can trust you or how to find out.” She paused to look him over once again, avoiding his eyes as best she could. “But if you are willing to follow me, I know that there are horses far more suited to the task than myself that could meet us at the borders.” She waited for his answer. Should he answer affirmatively, which she suspected he would, then she would set off to the Edge immediately, careful to keep the wolf in her line of vision.


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

Vertigon Posts: N/A
Unregistered
:: :: ::
#9




Again the manned wolf could not help but smile as a chuckle rumbled within his chest. "You are correct, you have no idea who I am or what my true intentions are. " He answered. " For all you know you have just given a scout, sent out to find food, enough information to locate your home. To top it off you have agreed to lead me to your herd.

Upon arriving I could call my pack and alert them to the location of your family, endangering them. "
Crossing his forepaws he lowered his head until it was hanging off the log with his paws. He could have easily ruined his chances of entering this land of her's, she was not a deep thinker and might not pick up on the fact that he had been agreeing with her and speaking theoretically.

"I know you are taking a great risk in offering me a place amongst you, or a chance at least.You are lucky I am not a threat to you or your home." He clicked his claws against the wood, musing as he did so. "I suppose that is the risk you take when offering another a place within your home, you never truly know who is the wolf or the lamb, until one bites you."

A little too poetic for this one perhaps, but its meaning was true. You could never judge a book by its cover, he certainly was one who should know that. A predator who enjoyed the company of prey, preferring to speak with horses and live among them rather then eat them. he could not even think about making any horse, no matter how hostile they were toward him, a meal. To him such actions were like unto cannibalism and he'd sooner kill himself then resort to such horrific measures.

Slowly getting to his feet the lanky creature hopped off of his log. "I would be honored if you would direct me where to go. " he said, "Since you do not trust me I will walk a few paces in front of you, simply direct me by telling me in which direction to turn and walk and I will comply."

The idea of leaving his fate in the hands of this mare wasn't at all appealing, for all he knew she'd walk them straight in the middle of hostile territory, but he had to give her some degree of trust. She had come to recruit meaning she had to have some idea how to get back. If not he could always leave and find this World's Edge himself. The description she had given him should suffice, if it didn't he could always stop and ask for directions.

However he felt his best chances at getting a word in edge wise with the other equine of Kahlua's homeland would be to come with an escort that hailed from their territory. At least it should prevent him from being trampled to death upon sight. Taking a wide arch around the mare to avoid startling her, Vertigon stopped when he reached the area in which she had come. His paw prints were now mingled with that of Kahlua's hoof marks as he stood waiting for her to tell him which way to go. "Shall we go?"

Walk "Talk!" Think

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