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 Posted: Mon Jan 25, 2010 1:29 pm
The moment was perfect.
Frozen, as if mesmerized, the sun hovered just beneath the horizon, casting it's final rays through the watercolor sky. The atmosphere was free of imperfections, and glorious in it's myriad shades of purple, orange, red, and gold, only a few wisps of clouds to reflect the light.
Watching it, Amarinne couldn't help but feel at ease with the world. Though she was alone, she was not for want of companions... and truth be told there was a small legion of fireflies that were dancing on the breeze around her. Thoughts of predators, skinwalkers, and herd politics were far from the ivory unicorn's mind; the fireflies and the sky was all there was.
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Posted: Tue Jan 26, 2010 8:00 am
The green eyed male slowly picked his way amidst the plains. It was growing dark as dusk fast approached, the long shadows reaching out and tugging at him. Home. It was almost a foreign word and yet deep in his heart Galahad knew that this territory would always be home. No matter how far he roamed, no matter how deep in the woods or lost in the deserts Kaiya and he wandered, his heart and fondest memories would be of Crousader and Amarinne's territory.
. . . . would they recognize him? He'd left them as a young adult, not quite full grown and not quite a foal either. His big dreams had torn him from his family's side, to make his way through the world with the Angeni of Redemption. Sure, he often had yearned and wondered about his family and what adventures they had. . . . but he also knew he had a bigger role to serve the world and others. With Kaiya he truly felt his calling. . .to heal her, firstly, whenever the hostile and twisted hearts felt need to attack. But also, to heal the physical wounds of others as well as help nurse their hearts and mind.
Though it was a difficult road to travel, Galahad had helped change the ways of some wicked and forlorn creatures. . . . It felt good, really good, to know he could allow others to see the light, to find love and to realize hope. Even the most cruel and hostile creatures could eventually be swayed. . . . .And giving one heart an ability to forgive, to forget, and to open itself to love was a great accomplishment.
He was no warrior like Crous, but he also hoped perhaps his mother and father might yet be proud. Eyes peeled, searching for the first signs of movement, Galahad paused as the fate's smiled down on him. There was a figure on the horizon, a petite form but one he quickly and joyously recognized. The long horn that adorned her head only proved it. . . . . the long mane and the pale figure was none other than Amarinne, his mother!
And the mare was indeed a sight for sore eyes. . . . Homesick even while standing on the land of his youth, Galahad pushed himself forward in to a swift trot. He didn't want to bolt fully and look foolish (pride and a demand to make HER proud of him kept his excitement in check). How would she respond? Would she be pleased or . . . would this all be very awkward?
"Mum~!" He called out as he approached, green eyes bright. No matter how big he got, no matter how far he traveled, Amarinne would always be his most beloved mother.
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Posted: Tue Feb 02, 2010 9:03 am
Perhaps if Galahad's militant father had been in attendance the mood would have swiftly turned to awkward. Crousader hadn't necessarily had the nicest of things to say about his two sons, both of whom he had judged airheaded vagrants who trotted off on their own without a single by-your-leave. Tiarnan was a disgrace, that much was certain, but Amarinne also knew that somewhere beneath the plate armor, Crousader was quite proud of Galahad... even if he had assumed a female's healing role. Plus, Galahad hadn't exactly just trotted off. Amarinne, at least, through the traveling of Toujours, had come to hear word of the great good her son was doing with a certain Angeni.
Details, however, were in short supply... though the scant news heard on Gala was far better then the no news heard of Tiarnan.
Still, the almost-familiar voice shouting the very familiar phrase drew the ivory mare out of her sunset revelry with a snap. Blinking, Amarinne started to rise, remembered that the growing stiffness in her hocks would likely come back if she did so too quickly, and settled on craning her neck around to get a better look at the youngster that approached.
Was it..? The sunlight was fading fast, but the fireflies were rising in greater numbers, as was the moon.
"GALAHAD! Dearheart, welcome home!"She whinnied, before attempting to struggle to her feet once again. No need to stand on decorum with her offspring after all, they were well aware of her age!
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Posted: Tue Feb 09, 2010 6:46 pm
Galahad understood his father's strict rules. He knew that he had disappointed his father when it came to his chosen path; yes, he was predominantly a healer while assisting Kaiya but he wasn't completely defenseless either. He had headed the training of his father while a youth and used it many a time to help defend the angeni and any others in need. Personally, the young knight thought himself quite well rounded . . .
But then, he also knew that he hadn't returned home to speak of his deeds or defend his choices in life.
Despite what he could imagine his father thinking of him, Galahad still respected Crousader. But his true heart belonged devotedly to his mother. How he loved her so. It had been difficult for him to leave Amarinne's side while younger and had been hard to adjust. . . . But he had kept his family, all of them, near and dear to his heart. It helped him through many difficult times.
The sight of his mother caused the stallion to gallop toward her. Skidding to a halt as he neared, he didn't hesitate to wrap his neck fondly around her own, wishing he had wings so he might embrace her properly. "It's so good to be home. . . . " He murmured, suddenly overwhelmed by homesickness he'd repressed for years. How much he'd missed by choosing his path to defend the innocent and attempt to save the world and the damned. . . . .
A heavy price to stay away from home and miss bonding with his family. But it was the path he knew he was destined to walk.
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Posted: Mon Feb 15, 2010 5:37 pm
A wish for wings was not a thing that had ever crossed Amarinne's mind, as she felt that the simple embrace of a warm neck was just as profound. Plus, this was Galahad. Unlike Seresai, who took the most after her sire, or Tiarnan... who had borne the brunt of his sire's failed expectations and had run for it. Gala had always reminded her of herself, or at least, all of the stronger qualities in herself.
Galahad had, in a way, managed to meet all of Crousader's criteria without meaning too. It was in his nature, and Amarinne was dreadfully proud of the only one of her offspring to bear such a remarkable likeness to her. Even with just the whispers and rumors to go on, she was a proud mother.
"Not as good as it is to have you home dearheart." The ivory mare replied, releasing a heavy breath of relief into her son's mane. "Why don't you rest with me here, you can tell me about your travels while the fireflies dance." she said, taking a small step back to motion around her with a flick of her mane.
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Posted: Mon Mar 01, 2010 4:53 pm
Galahad couldn't keep the great smile off his features. He was literally beaming under the attentions and administrations of his mother, and the joy that he felt was obviously apparent. Settling himself close to his mother, not wanting to break apart after being away for so damn long, the stallion took a few moments to enjoy the quiet.
He looked up, watching the fireflies, and while he'd always seen them in his travels he never had much of a rapport with them. But now, just sitting with Amarinne, he knew he would always watch the little creatures with a renewed fondness and affection. They would always be a reminder of home, and the love he left behind.
"Well what would you like to know? I . . . I know I've been gone far too long, and I never meant to get so wrapped up. But Kaiya has been a good mentor and friend, she has helped teach me much about the world." He hesitated, looking over at his mother before leaning over and nuzzling her lightly. "Not that you didn't help teach me things. It was your teachings that lead me to her and drove the desire to heal the world."
He didn't want his mother to think that he thought less of her just because he traveled with an angeni. What he learned from Kaiya was more specialization in his abilities than anything. . . the foundation of his heart had been firmly made by Crous and Amarinne alone.
"I've seen the world though. . . from one coast to the next. I've been in some terribly dire situations, mother, but . . . the good I've done. I mean, I don't want to brag but I've really helped change some creatures. I've seen so much hurt and pain and have even been accosted by them as well. But every now and then, there was so much good. . . to heal a broken soul, to mend a heart, to save them from the darkness that haunts them I. . . . I got to be part of that. And it's been wonderful."
Still, the stallion heaved a small sigh and cast his gaze away from the fireflies. "But it hasn't been easy. I've missed you and Dad something fierce. Same with Tiarnan and Seresai . . . I think the demons of homsickness have been worse than the most hostile skinwalkers and kalona I've met."
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Posted: Sat Mar 13, 2010 8:22 am
Amarinne was amused by Galahad's repeated attempts to tell her that where he came from had helped him go where he had. Truly, it was a blessing to be young. Being blind to one's own strength also kept one blind to one's weaknesses. Both meant the young could go out into the world and grab it by the horns and demand of it what they wanted.
"Galahad. You have gone as far as you have because of a fundamental strength of character and mind.. I am also sure it is that golden heart of yours that your mentor saw and sought to cultivate." She said when he had finished, turning back to smile at him after a brief moment watching the fireflies. "All that you have seen, it will shape you for years to come. As your mother, I wish only for your continued happiness and good health." She continued, levying a slightly stern look at her son. "Always come back in one piece, no lost soul is worth losing your own life for."
"Although, I am glad you have the good sense to rein in bragging, the Spirits know that Pride is an affliction in our family." She added with a light smile.
"Why don't you tell me more about Kaiya before we head back to the camp? I am, admittedly, rather curious about the mentor who has been keeping my young son occupied for the past few years, and your father will certainly not remain quiet long enough for me to hear your whole story."
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Posted: Fri Mar 26, 2010 7:32 am
Galahad couldn't help but be a selfless creature. His golden heart could do much good, but it also got him in trouble. For awhile he was easily naive to the way of the world and had been caught in various predicaments. . . Lost souls, especially of the evil kind, were quite manipulative. They could appear serene and coy one moment only to transform in to something vicious and fierce the next.
Thankfully, he had learned and while he still put trust and faith in to those he met. . . he wasn't ready to trust someone quite as easily or faithfully. Trust was something to be earned. . . just as he often had to prove himself to those he saved, they had to give a little back as well.
"Thanks Mom," he murmured, feeling his cheeks flush with pride at his mother's words. Personally he thought she gave him far too much credit and he wanted to argue that he wouldn't have such a golden heart if not for his upbringing. BUT he also would accept his mother's belief. . . and for her faith in him and his goodness he could only be pleased and amazed.
How lucky was he to have such a mother.
"I'll be careful, I promise," he added, smiling up at her as she gave him a slight lecture about his duties. He didn't necessarily agree this his life was worth more than that of another's and if he gave his life to his work than so be it - it was a commitment he was more than ready to give. But sitting with Amarinne, he did realize that it wasn't easy work. . . to be away from those that mattered most was not easy.
Kaiya had always encouraged him to persue his dreams and yet he had stayed. But now that he was back home, sitting with his mother like he hadn't as a young foal. . .well. . . going back was not going to be easy. Still, who knew when Kaiya would return from her personal duties? How much time he had he knew not. . . but he'd cherish every moment the spirits blessed him with.
His ears twitched lightly as she inquired about his mentor. That was right, they hadn't been able to meet her before he took off on his own. "Kaiya is a lovely mare - she's an angeni of Redemption but has a very pure heart and soul. It's her duty to redeem lost souls, which is why tutoring under her care and guidance has been such a blessing. She isn't preachy or pushy though, she . . . . just has a way about her. She's always encouraged me to follow my dreams though, and up until recently I have.
"I've learned a lot of patience and a lot about myself while working with her. She does good work and I come in handy as both backup, additional support, as well as the healer in our group. She too can heal but I'm much better at it due to natural design," he added before nuzzling Amarinne's cheek, "and having a most excellent teacher while I grew."
Heaving a small sigh, looking up at the fireflies, he added, "I hope you can meet her someday. She's devoted to her work but has adopted two while n my care and helped raise them. I might still be working with her had she not some personal business to attend. . . . I don't really know what she's up to right now but I'm glad for the chance to come home for an extended visit."
Home. How he had missed it.
"How's Seresai and Tiarnan? I'll be excited to see them. . . And I trust Father has been well?" While his words grew a little more stiff at the latter, he tried to find himself unjudging of Crousader. He respected his father, but he also remembered a certain sadness about his mother around the time he'd left. . . And he also recalled his strict rules and grim nature. Life hadn't been so much love and games as drill and routine. . . .
But deep down, Galahad could only hope Crousader was doing his best in the only way he knew how. His antics weren't intentional. . . right? Right. Galahad couldn't possibly believe that his father could be a beast. His mother was too good, too pure, and his father's strict training only came with their best interests in mind.
He would be able to catch up with his mother, and now had all the time in the world. Without Kaiya... Well, it was probably better this way. Though he longed to be with the Angeni, he knew her business and duty came firs. She had sent him away, and someday promised to return. Perhaps it was time he focused on those who mattered first; perhaps it was time to focus on making up for lost time.
"Fill me in on all the details. I'm finally home."
((Fin.))
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