Welcome to Gaia! ::

"Oh noooooo," Watch Me cried as he did circles through the grass. "Not here again!" He’d left this land a long time ago, when he’d realised that his ideals did not match up to other, normal Kiokote. It was all because he should have been an Acha, but the MotherFather obviously had a terrible sense of humour and now he was back and this place was horrible.

He huffed and pranced angrily through the grass, splashing through a creek and then stopping to cry out, "whyyyyyyyy?"

The Kiokote ignored the big grey stone, because he’d seen it before and it wasn't that awesome and you know what, it was kind of nice to be back. The sun was gentle; there were no stinging bugs, the grass made a soft ‘shushshush’ sound when the wind rustled through.

At least there was no one else around to challenge him to races or tease him, and even if there was, he was a tribe leader now. He wasn't that young colt who’d been so different. He had a family and a purpose and everyone else could go jump off a cliff.

It was actually strange now that he thought about it. This area was rarely devoid of other Kiokote. There was always one herd or another, vying for space, making a pilgrimage to the stone tower to discuss politics, race each other through the grass or simply murmur prayers for their family. The fact that the area was now deserted was really rather odd… which of course led him to the conclusion that this must be a very vivid dream. What a relief.

His thoughts were thoroughly interrupted by a voice and the sudden sinking fear that this was going to be a Kiokote that would inform him that ‘no this wasn’t a dream and to stop acting so stupid’. Watch Me turned, sucking in breath to denounce all Kiokote ways and found himself staring at an Acha.

A marvellously, stunning, beautiful, handsome Acha and he was instantly in love and since when had there been Acha on the plains, oh well, it didn't matter.

"It seems like an eternity!" He cried out and smiled his most brilliant smile. "But all is well now. I had no idea the plains had become so sophisticated. If there are Acha here I suppose it’s not as terrible as it was. Are you just visiting or have you relocated permanently? That must have been a trip! Do tell me of it!" Oh but wait, this was a still dream, wasn't it?

"It's a sign," Watch Me declared grandly. It was a shame Acha weren't actually living in his old home but that could be changed. "I must rally my tribe and bring them to the plains!" It would be perfect. He would show the plains the extent of his greatness.

"That's really all they ever do," he despaired, stepping closer to the Acha for emotional support. "Run after mates, run after food, run after friends, run just for the sake of running. It's all very tiresome. They never dance."

"Oh, it was terribly boring. All that racing and challenges and trying to be better than everyone else. That's why I had to leave." Watch Me danced a few steps, to make sure the Acha could see just how un-kiokote he was. He followed the other's gaze to the tower but could only shrug. "It's always been there. Many herds congregate here, well... normally they do. This is a meeting place of sorts."

Watch Me surveyed the sand and empty landscape and nodded knowingly. "Indeed. I'm so glad you understand." Then all his melancholy lifted as if it had never been, the Kiokote lifting his head proudly.

"Why, the Royal Rainbow Troupe, of course! You must have heard of us. We are a collection of talented Acha; singers, dancers, acrobats and much more, but all of us entertainers. We fill the Swamp with delight and laughter with our shows."

As always, just the mention of his beloved troupe had him beaming like the sun.

"We've got a few things planned. As long as we don't have to walk back to the Swamp, or even if we do I suppose, you will be my personal guest at our next show. Front row seats, free snacks and my wonderful company. Just ask around and someone will know where to find us. We're very good at spreading the word."

His chest swelled with pride. Wasp's reaction was just as it should be. "Ah, while I dabble in dancing and storytelling, it's my darling Acha who deserve the spotlight. Only they can truly wow an audience. I merely stand as a humble guide."

"I am Watch Me." His introduction included a neat bow and another very big grin. "At least if I must make that horrendous trip again this time I'll have good company." He'd done it alone before, very much out of his element and close to giving up on ever making it to the Swamp.