Welcome to Gaia! ::

Name: Alanna the Pirate Queen
Thicket Trying for: The Canary
Prompt:

"Mama, mama, mama! Someone was mean to me... about my singing! Mama, am I a good singer?" a young, canary yellow fawn whimpered to her adoptive mother.

Sara looked down at her daughter with a gentle smile, some how always feeling braver when it came to protecting the ones she loved, "Oh little Aria, you have a beautiful voice.... but here, tell me what happened."

With a sigh, Aria nodded and settled to tell her story, "Well, it all started this morning when I heard a really pretty bird singing, so I decided to sing counterpoint like you taught me! I followed the bird and then lost it so I just started singing to myself... I got a little bored of the classical stuff you teach me, so I tried something new...! It had a really cool beat, mama! Like something you've never taught me... it just came up from inside... I don't know how, but I think I know what it is called... Jazz! Do you know what Jazz is mama?"

Sara chuckled and shook her head, replying softly, "No darling... I don't think I know what Jazz is, but you can tell me all about it la---"

But Aria could not wait till later and just started singing the only jazz song her guardian had taught her so far, "Birds flying high, you know how I feel, sun in the sky, you know how I feel..." She belted out those last few notes, however, and her voice cracked. Falling into a depressed silence Aria sighed, "Well, I'm still PRACTICING... and these two big bully fawns came up to me and told me I sounded like a... a... FROG!"

Sara listened to the music with patience, actually kind of liking it. Not as much as the classical folk stuff she and her mother sang, but it was quite good! Until... her voice cracked. Sara could barely hold back a giggle and then gasped in indignation for her daughter, "A frog? How terrible... did you cry?" the blue-winged singer asked, since this is what she would have done when she was little...

With a bark of laughter, Aria shook her head comically, "What... me? Cry? Over that? Now way! I'm not a cry baby! But... they wouldn't leave me alone, even when I asked them too, because I wanted to go back to practicing... so... I kicked one in the face and then..."

"You... WHAT?!" Sara gasped in surprise, "Aria, when did I ever tell you it was okay to hit others? Even when they are being mean... only if they hurt you or someone you love physically can you hit someone..."

Aria shook her head rebelliously and whined in reply, "But mama! They wouldn't leave! And you didn't let me finish! The moment I hit that one in the nose, they left really quickly... I think they were afraid of me, isn't that silly mama?"

Sara just sighed and shook her head, "You should not have hit them... but alas, what is done is done... now... why don't you sing me some more of this... "Jazz"..."

Name: MargeXX
Thicket Trying for: Cardinal
Prompt: What a smoky thicket... And a fire recently broke out- and you're being blamed for it! How do react?... Or were you the one to start it?
Response:

There was that smell again. That harsh, heavy smell that burned the nose and stung the eyes. Smoke. There was always a smell of smoke.

The redden fawn coughed, blinking the tears away from his eyes. He lifted his tiny head, looking up through the foliage that made up his thicket. A few branches were charred and smoke drifted from them up into the air. The fire seemed to have already died out so there was no panic in the fawn as he stood and raised his nose toward the burned leaves. Where had it come from? He had heard no one come near so it was doubtful that someone else had set it. Maybe the fire had travelled on its own? He peeked through his thicket, staring out into darkness. There was no moon that night and the blackness of the evening was absolute. The fawn gulped, dredging up his courage, and took a nervous step out into the open. It didn’t look like the fire had touched anything except for his thicket, although in the darkness it could be possible that he missed it. He circled his thicket, staring up at the faintly glowing embers at the top. It made no sense. Had… Had he caused the flames? The fawn let out a tiny gasp of horror. Of course! It had to be him! The fawn looked terrified. He hadn’t meant to do it! He didn’t even know how he had! His ears flattened against his temples and his jaw dropped. Oh goodness, oh goodness! He was a monster! The fawn panicked, rushing around his thicket. What if he burned the forest?! The fawn whimpered softly and flopped on to his stomach, wiggling and wedging his way under a prickle bush. He would have to leave. Yes. That’s what he would have to do.

”Hey. What the hell are you doing down there?”

The fawn squeaked, jumping at the harsh voice, and then immediately yelped in pain as he unwittingly scraped his back along the prickles he was hiding under. His eyes filled with tears and he slowly crawled out from under the bush, looking as guilty and downtrodden as a young fawn could. His ears were completely down and a few tears ran down his cheek. ”I was jus’ hidin’ ‘cause I’m a m-monsteeerrr.” His words had turned into a wail and the tiny fawn wandered forward, burying his face in the leg of the black doe that had appeared before him. The fawn sobbed, shaking like a leaf against the female’s leg.

”…… A monster? Really? You don’t look like you could even kill a bug.” The nearly invisible herla stared down at the fawn, her green-gray eyes narrowing. The crying was irritating. She allowed the young fawn to continue for a few minutes more before she growled, snapping angrily. ”Would you shut up already? The fawn jumped. Good. The doe snorted, shaking her head before looking to the charred thicket. ”I smelt smoke so I came to investigate. You’re the one that started it, right?” Hm…. A fire starter. That could be useful. Yes. Very useful indeed. ……………… She’d just have to keep him.

The fawn stared up at the doe, his eyes wide and mouth hanging open. Tears still clung to his fur and at her question they began to once again fall. ”Y-yes! Buh I ‘idn’t mean tah start it! I d-don’t even know how I didddd! I was sleepin’ and then there was smoke and I didn’t do itttt!” The fawn was trembling, sure that this huge, mean herla was going to step on him or something. He normally wasn’t this timid but the sudden shock of realizing that he was a monster and the total darkness of the night had him terrified. He once again buried his face in the dark fur of the other herla, sniffling and sobbing. His crying might have lasted a great deal of time had he not received a sudden whack to his side that had him toddling sideways before losing his balance and collapsing to the ground. In shock, he blinked away his tears, staring up at the now glaring female. She scowled down at him and for the first time, the fawn noticed her sharply pointed antlers. He gulped nervously.

”Stop it. There is no need to cry.” Her blow had caught the youngling off guard, and it showed in the shock on his face. She had merely nudged him a bit roughly and hadn’t meant to knock him to the ground. Still… At least it had stopped the crying once again. ”You don’t know how you started it and you didn’t mean to? Who’s to say you actually started it and it wasn’t coincidence? What a waste. She could have used a fire starter. She frowned, staring down at the fawn before she suddenly sighed, rolling her eyes. ”Come now. Stop crying. You’re okay.” She leaned down to lightly nuzzle the fawn’s head. He was only a baby and she felt a bit bad for upsetting him so much. The darkly colored mountain herla lightly nudged the fawn back toward his thicket.

The fawn sniffled, letting himself be pushed back into his thicket. He was suddenly exhausted and yet at the same time he was relieved. He couldn’t have caused it! The mystery hind was right! It… It had to be a coincidence. He gave her a weak smile, wiping lightly at his tears. ”Th-thank you, Miss.” She might be a bit mean but at the same time she was so nice. He slipped into his thicket, walking a circle a few times before he laid down. The smoke had since cleared and the world was again peaceful. He wasn’t a monster. He wasn’t a monster. He wasn’t a monster. The fawn smiled lightly and drifted off to sleep. His dreams were full of bright flowers and colorful birds and he slept peacefully. However, above him, the charred plants once again to smoke as a small flame appeared, started once again by the sleeping young fawn.

Name: Reina Brujita
Thicket Trying for: Canary
Prompt:
Gypsy shimmied her rump to the left, and then to the right. She wriggled with glee, shaking her limbs all about her. She could feel the music swelling inside of her, trying to escape. She got control of herself and stamped her hoof in time with the music in her head.
1.... 2.... 3... 4...
She opened her mouth and warbled a note that shook her soul. The trees rustled with the local fauna, but she didn't notice. She just kept on a'singing and a'strutting through the little clearing she had found.
"A little birdy once told me the boop boo-doodle day
The spirits took my soul away-
and I dumble-doh doodle-ee-da sangggg
In the raaaaaiiiiiiiinnnn-"
She looked up to smile at the sun to find an older youth staring down at her, one eyebrow raised in contempt.
"I hate your singing," he snorted, staring down at her.
For the first time in her life, she found herself without a voice. Well, not exactly. She could tell it was there, but it was a tiny voice, stuck in her throat, choking her. She 'meeped' and lowered her head.
"Why?" was the only squeak she could muster. She looked up at him from heavily lidded eyes, hugging herself tightly with her canary yellow wings.
"I don't know," he said, shoving past her. "And I just don't care," he called over his shoulder.
Gypsy shook a little, the tremors of embarrassment and humiliation rolling through her. She didn't turn to look at him as he left her. She just shuffled to the pond that waited for her in the middle of the clearing, her hooves digging through the dirt and crumpling the grass. She dragged herself to a rock by the water and hummed a somber tune into the waters. She wouldn't tell anybody. It was her secret to the pond.
She stared a the ripples she made with her wings and saw nothing but the face of the male fawn, thinking of maybe what she would say if he ever decided to come back.

Name: shortcutt
Thicket Trying for: Quetzal
Prompt:
'You are beautiful and full of splendour,'

Yes, yes, that's it. Just keep smiling. Perhaps you heard them wrong?

'No other may come close to mirroring your enviable gaze,'

Long ears flicked with irritation as a bright gaze turned a bit sour with shock, a rather graceful hart turned rigid with fury. This femme fatale standing proud in front of him was claiming to be the most gorgeous of them all? Surely the ruby-chested hart's ears were mistaken. They had to be.

'Nor your emerald coat to be worn proudly with grace,'

"What, are you deaf? All I said was that while you're certainly attractive, there's just... Qualities that set me on levels far beyond your reach. It's nothing to be upset about. I mean, you can't help your... Interesting looks."

'Let your elegance shine so you may take what is yours!'

And I will take what's mine.

A mantra repeated itself in the hart's mind like the song of the quetzals he often heard in his dreams as his cool gaze narrowed into a fierce glare, taking step after step toward that doe, his voice dripping with venom.

"I'm not so sure what qualities you could be talking about, but all I see is some snot-nosed little brat whom was fed lies by mommy and daddy all her life. You? Gorgeous? Hardly. Unless you find beauty in the still water that mosquito larvae squirm and feed in, then I'm not so sure how you came about with this blasphemy. You smell of disgusting voodoo lilies and you are quite possibly just as garish. And you have the gall to tell me that my coat, dyed at birth with the blood of emeralds and rubies, is 'interesting'. You had better watch your tongue, love, for if you stick it out too far, I might just bite it off."

The doe had shrunk a little from the fear of getting too close to the buck that had gone off on her, and his words, for once in her life, made her quiver with uncertainty. Without another word, the female bolted off away from the quetzal, leaving him to cool off on his own.

It was starting to make sense why that buck had no friends.

But who needs friends? He thought to himself, allowing his features to once again become soft, a gentle smile pulling at his lips again.

"'You are beautiful and full of splendour...'"

Name: musicaloner7
Thicket Trying for: Cardinal {calling him Anton for now}
Prompt:

Of course they would blame me! Tch! Figures.. , the little fawn grumbled to himself. Ever since he'd found himself the thicket he was born into, things just didn't seem to be turning up all flowers and butterflies for him. The young buck had been gifted, or cursed if you prefer, with the ability to weild and expel fire! But unfortunately, being so young, and inexperienced with such an endowment, Anton was causing quite the stir. His thicket was nestled deep within a very populated and thriving forest, almost camoflauged with the rest of the shrubbery and tree's that towered around it. There hadn't been a sign of a single parent figure in his short life. To most of his neigbors, the little fawn had just sprouted up out of the very earth! Or perhaps was dropped down like a falling star! either way, no one else had seen another Herla come in or out of their forest in quite sometime. It was a sad sight, really, the poor fawn remaining hidden most times than not in the little shrub of a home, wriggling about to peek out onto the dense woods beyond... attempts of pathetic bleating sounding from a shakey voice. They were short, or prolonged, always changing, rarely ever the same. Some held distress, others were weak, most were just mostly curious. Wondering if there was maybe someone who might reply to him... at least once...

The woodlands creatures would only pass by, perhaps pause for a peek into the odd coloured shrubs, but go on their way. His charcol cologne was not one that most revered as pleasant. Many would comment on it's punget aroma, and many would simply avoid the mass entirely as if it were a bad omen. To the majority of those who did... it was! The grass below and surrounding the fawn were completely charred, black with hardly any blades still intact. It was a wonder the fawns entire thicket hadn't gone up in flames yet! Soon enough, with the spits of fire that would light up at random from the bundle of vegetation, a great many began to despise the combustible youngster. But how could they get rid of him? There was a good chance he'd torch their fur, feathers, or scales clear off! And that certainly would not do! A few gave shameful attempts to throw or drop rocks and acorns onto the youngling inside, while a few others would kick in items to try and ward the gangly stag away. Maybe if they just pestered him enough, he'd leave! But Anton would just bleat with surprise which morphed to anger, causing a sudden surge of heat to emit from the tiny red fawn. The convicts would swiftly dart away, twittering, squealing, growling in disgust and mild fear. But the damage was always carried out one way or another... whether physically, or mentally, the small fawn grew hostile as they continued, en guarde, and angry. But who could blame him? No one ever stuck up for him. No one was on his side. The world was his enemy. With hatred that plagues, it grows into resentment, and can gain a partner in it's contamination; fear. With everyone against him, the fawn's heart grew cold. Even his radiant body could touch it, his body always tensely curled within the safety of his damaged thicket. He hardly ever ventured from it anymore... or even moved, for that matter. Slender wings remained firmly pressed to the streamline back, head resting on the burnt grass, sharp eyes closed and even sometimes lined with a film of salty tears. Even as it would rain, and douse his petite body, Anton would not budge. What was the point? he had no where to hide. Thankfully the higher branches of his thicket kept him safe, and dry for the most part. Being so young, and alone, he couldn't understand the strong loathing that was aimed towards him for actions he couldn't control! they were accident's after all!

To make matters worse... one night, a night that was still, and very quiet, Anton only added more chaos and depression to his morose life. Unintentionally, of course. But on this fateful night, after finally managing to drift off into a semi peaceful slumber, a shady figure began to creep along the outskirts of the crispy thicket. It barely made a whisper of a sound, skating seamlessly with easy along the thinning grasses. The nocturnal creatures that thrived in the night knew of it's presence, but made not a peep of warning... well aware of its purpose, and... job. Anton had fallen into a deep sleep, one he hadn't had in awhile since his.. well since forever, it seemed. But he hadn't been pestered that much that day, and thus felt a little more comfortable going to rest without as many qualms and worries. It was all short-lived... as he was awoken by a sudden n** to his rump, causing him to squeak and bleat in shock as well as distress. A spurt of fire suddenly blazed from within him, followed by more as he was shoved and nudged out of his thicket quite forcefully. He couldn't even look back to see what was causing this, but didn't bother to much to as he was struggling enough to gain his footing. Fire was wildly flailed about around him, catching to various plants as he stumbled out of his thicket, wings fluttering madly in the same process. As soon as the fire caught to a rather dry bush, it spread without hesitation.. More pinches and bites were pinpointed on the ruby red body, spindly legs kicking frantically to try and hit one of the dreadful little things that were causing such pain! The fire started to crackle, and snap, popping loudly as it jumped onto fresher vegetation, the water evaporating in seconds, leaves curling and blackening, branches thinning and crumbling... Soon enough the entire fire was surrounding him, engulfing the forest with a tremendous roar of it's immense power. It lapped hungrily for more of the woods bounty, spreading it's cancer further and further into the forest. Other animals began to screech, and wail in despair, fleeing the scene with much gusto. Those with wings took to the sky like bats out of Hell, others abandoned the tree's that were getting overtaken. It was madness. And the fawn was in the center of it all. Many creatures spat hateful things to him on their way to evacuate, some even trampling over him without mercy, or care. Such crude words rapped in his mind like a gong, echoing, and repeating. It fueled the rage that was boiling in side of him, causing fire to flare out from him like the wings on his back, wildly, and unabashed. Restraint was no longer present by any means..

As the final flames took their last few breaths of freedom, Anton wept silently. His body didn't move from it's tangled position, tears budding heavily on his lids. He was so cold... the once grand forests towering canopy's shriveled, and pathetic examples of overgrown twigs. The air was laden with the perfume of ash, even some of it raining from the breeze that passed the frail tree's. Everything was destroyed...
But... but it wasn't my fault... he thought to himself... If those stupid.. what ever they were's hadn't pushed him and bit him and shoved him, this wouldn't have happened! But who else would see it that way...? the place was still. Not a single sound asides from the creak of burnt branches sounded, and the howl of diving wind. The dawn was breaking, but it brought no joy to the lonely fawn. What would he do now..? His thicket was hardly in tact now... But suddenly, there was a sound... stepping. Someone was coming! But Anton was too wiped out to do anything about it. Probably just someone else to come pester him.. The steps drew closer and closer until they stopped.
A voice started up, a deep baritone, rich, and young,

"Hey there, little guy.." it called to the fawn with surprising gentleness, enough to make him peel open those water-logged glowers to see who it might be. Before him stood a grand buck, all brown, with a white under belly, and teal markings. As well as.. paws? A single blue eye was trained on him, the other side of the mature face covered by heavy blonde bangs. Golden wings dawned on the back of the larger male... was... this an angel..? Was it his time..?
But the figure came closer, and lowered the long neck to tenderly nose along the fawn's head. Anton flinched at first, prepared for something far worse, but relaxed with confusion into the affection,

"Let's get you out of here.." Aervon murmured, a few comforting licks given to the slender ears of the little fawn, and along his snout, to the watery eyes. Anton really couldn't decline such an offer. He hated it here. He had no where else to be... but the small bit of kindness shown to him by the stranger greatly effected his wounded heart.
Carefully getting on to wobbly weak legs, the fawn leaned heavily into Aervon, just needing the comfort that'd been starved from him for so long... Even if this was false, or temporary, he'd hang onto it for as long as he could.

Name: musicaloner7
Thicket Trying for: Canary {calling her Cadence}
Prompt:

"And now the sparrows come in with a trill~! cicada's follow at a lower octave! Squirrels, hit the effects! And the wind shall rattle the willow branches!" a lively, young doe directed with much gusto! Yes, that was it! If the frogs kept the bass going...! Perfection! It was a symphony for the ages! So alight, and pulsing! It would fill forests and meadows for years to come, giving life and energy to all whom were touched by it's fueling melody!
Of course... all of this was playing out in the little hind's head. Yes, there were sparrows and squirrel's about, even some frogs, but none were really following her bidding. But a girl could dream~! "It would be so lovelyy~" she sighed dreamily, wings fluttering briefly, before laying along her back once more. The various sounds of nature were the greatest of instruments to use! They gave inspiration, and thrill to the young fawn's virtuoso trait! Such beautiful music she could make out of it all! Dramatic battle music! A romantic ballad! Everything was at her disposal!

This play-pretend was common for the robust doe, as a tune was constantly streaming through her mind, which translated out through her mouth into song! She was almost always singing! Or whistling in a tone that matched any song bird effortlessly! she would join in their choir's as well, the morning and evening one's being her favorites. There was constantly music all around, you just had to listen for it! Her favorite places to sing were open fields, or sometimes caves! Though she was a little hesitant around them, since they were usually dark, and creepy... but my how grand her voice did sound in the echoing depths! It really brought out her rich vibrato, and it made it sound like there were more of her singing! oh to be in a herla choir~ How delightful that would beeee~<3

Upon one day of singing in her usual spot in the vast flower carpeted meadow, Cadence found herself inspired to try a new song she'd recently heard from other fellow bards that'd passed by her home. She picked it up easily, and was now transfixed by it's meaning, key, and octave,

Green finch and linnet bird,
Nightingale, blackbird,
How is it you sing?
How can you jubilate,
Sitting in cages,
Never taking wing?
Outside the sky waits,
Beckoning, beckoning,
Just beyond the bars.
How can you remain,
Staring at the rain,
Maddened by the stars?
How is it you sing
Anything?
How is it you sing?


She would have continued... if it weren't for the sudden appearance of a mion! One who was QUITE annoyed by the angry chatter it was giving! Where had it come from? blinking in surprise, Cadence looked down to the rodent with confusion etched all over her features. Did... she not like her song? It was all puffed up and rattled, that was for sure... Frowning Cadence continued on,

My cage has many rooms,
Damask and dark.
Nothing there sings,
Not even my lark.
Larks never will, you know,
When they're captive.
Teach me to be more adaptive.

The mion was all in a fuss again, fuming, spitting, and puffing with great distaste. But Cadence merely shot it a firm glance, and turned off to walk further into the meadow, away from the angry mion. It was slightly disheartening, but... she wouldn't let it hold her back!

Green finch and linnet bird,
Nightingale, blackbird,
Teach me how to sing.
If I cannot fly,
Let me sing.

CLOSED

Will post judging results soonish!