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 Posted: Tue Aug 12, 2014 1:01 pm
 Fear had kept him going. Fear had forced him to run even when his muscles screamed at him to stop. He was exhausted, frightened and lost. He didn't know if that monster still follower him and he didn't know what was happening to his parents, but he had a bad feeling in his gut that told him he might never see them again. His pace was slowing now, the terrain sloped upward making it harder for him to keep going. His muscles hurt so much and his lungs burned. Freyr didn't know if he could keep going much more. Worst of all he couldn't see much either. The further he had run the less visibility he had. A fog seemed to coat this path blocking everything from view. Occasionally he would see the rocks that made up the side of the path and turn away from them. He had only two choices, keep going in this direction or turn around and possibly face that beast once more.
He continued on for a while longer, his pace slowing even more until he found that the land flattened out once more. Hitting the level ground Freyr lost his footing and fell to the ground, a small strangled cry escaping the colt. He was too tired to keep going, he didn't know where he was and he didn't care either. He closed his eyes and tried to rest, even as horrible visions swam in his mind.
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Posted: Tue Aug 12, 2014 2:34 pm
 Ramiel had quickly been alerted to the arrival of a seemingly small Dream Creature, the pass had only just opened and already it seemed the Oneiroi were ready to test them. From all accounts the smallish Dream Creature did not seem inclined to cause trouble - though it had let out a strange noise upon arrival and as per instructions the guards had kept well back to watch it and fetched Ramiel.
Through the mist they couldn't tell quite what it was, Ramiel had only been told that it was small and had collapsed upon arrival without moving. It was intriguing, typically Dream Creatures who came through the pass continued to move further inwards making their intentions know pretty quickly, this one though - this one almost seemed to be waiting for his arrival.
Slowly Ramiel moved through the mist, approaching the small figure laying motionless on the ground. As he got closer the stallions surprise multiplied - a foal from the dream world? Ramiel had never heard of such a thing. Cautiously he approached the creature looking it over. It did not seem deformed or dangerous, rather it's pale hide and bright markings were quite pleasing. Circling the Dream Creature Ramiel concluded that it would not be a threat. What it ultimately wanted however was yet to be seen. "This one is not a threat." He told the guards lurking nearby. "The Oneiroi have sent us a foal from the Dreamworld." He went on, his ears flicking at the gasps he heard at that revelation. Yes...that seemed appropriate.
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Posted: Tue Aug 12, 2014 4:32 pm
The longer he lay there the more normal his breathing became, but he was still too tired to move. He had heard movement at a distance but hadn't dared to open his eye in case it was that monster. Whatever was causing the noise seemed to keep it's distance for some time and then he heard it approach. Maybe if he didn't move it would just leave him alone and move on. He could hear it moving around him and he tried hard not to shiver at the thought of that monster circling him. Then he hear it speak, or at least he assumed it was the one circling him that spoke.
"This one is not a threat."
Were they talking about him. He waited a moment longer to see if perhaps whoever it was would move away but instead there were more words spoken and then what sounded like gasps. Oh no, there was more than one! But...if he wasn't considered a threat then maybe whoever was standing nearby wasn't a monster. Slowly the foal opened his eyes. Things were still hard to see, that fog existed here too. He lifted his head so that he could get a better look around and as his eyes focused on something glowing not too far away he felt a shiver run down his spine. As his eyes roamed over the creature that stood there Freyr took in the dark hide, feathers and...claws! It had claws! Freyr forced his tired legs to move and got to his hooves unsteadily. "Don't hurt me!" He cried out and tried to back up to distance himself from the creature, but he didn't know what or who may be behind him due to the fog.
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Posted: Wed Sep 10, 2014 9:45 am
Ramiel drew back as the dream foal suddenly surged to it's feet and cowered away from him, shouting out a plea not to hurt it. The stallions ears flicked in uncertainty, although he and his champions were typically the first to run across the Dream creatures as they came through the pass this was the first time he had encountered a foal. Instincts long buried within him rose to the surface, made him want to leap forward and protect the creature but Ramiel shook his head - the foal was yet a dream and did not truly exist. It's display of fear could well be a test - meant to draw him out and make him act in an unseemly manner before his fellows.
It was a Dream creature like any other and he would do well to treat it like he did any other. Having declared it a non-threat he would let it be, it would either stick around and perhaps become real or it would leave again. Perhaps he should inform Pha of this development however - the shock of such an unusual Dream Creature running about was sure to cause a stir within the herd proper.
"Let the Dream Creature be." He ordered his too curious Champions. "Remember what it is and disregard what it looks like." The stallion instructed, giving the cowering dream foal another glance himself before turning away and walking back towards the fog. Soon the mist would swallow up the glowing light of his horns, flicking his ears he heard the remainder of his Champions melt away in to the mist.
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Posted: Wed Sep 10, 2014 9:56 am
Freyr stood there, feeling trapped and yet not wanting to run for his life once again. He waited, heart pounding once more to see if this large clawed stallion or any of the others would suddenly turn on him and try to attack him like the earlier creature had. His head tipped a little as the one who spoke before referred to him as a Dream Creature. What was he talking about? Surely they couldn't be talking about him, could they? Was this all just a bad dream that he was imagining? Perhaps he was laying on the ground, in an exhausted sleep and his mind was making all of this up.
Before he could truly process what was going on the large stallion with the glowing horns turned and left. And then the others were doing the same. They were leaving him! He didn't want to be alone. He didn't entirely know if he should trust these mist dwelling creatures but he really didn't want to be left alone. After a moment of indecision Freyr got up the courage and hurried after the large stallion, having to almost run to catch up to him before his disappeared within the mist. He wanted to say something to the stallion, to ask a question, to break the silence but he kept quiet and followed along behind him trying to process all that had just happened.
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Posted: Wed Sep 10, 2014 10:42 am
Ramiel glanced behind him as the small Dream Creature chose to follow, the creature was silent and still looked frightened but it was coming further into the herdlands. Well at the very least it would make explaining things to Pha easier, showing her would be far simpler then telling her and then having to find the little creature in the mists afterwards.
From time to time Ramiel looked backwards to see if the Dream creature was still following as they moved further into the herd's territory, the path they followed joined with a main thoroughfare and became worn and easy to pick out, the mist began to thin somewhat and they passed other herd members, some turned to stare at the Dream creature, others followed for a little while before turning back to the duties the had been attending before. At this rate Ramiel wouldn't even have to find and tell Pha, undoubtedly the rumors of what he had with him had already ranged ahead and was spreading like fire through tall grass. As they came to the grove Ramiel paused for a few moment,s undecided - should he tell the Oracles as well? Turning he glanced at the small Dream Creature, the beast had followed him this far but that was not always an indication of what it wanted, he had had Dream Creatures grow weary of the herd and leave without becoming real before and others stay only for a short time before it became apparent that they were meant to join.
Pha would know..and the Oracles would know but he was neither and not suited to make such a decision without consulting him. "Little Dream creature, you are a strange thing and I don't know what to do with you." The stallion spoke out loud, directing his comments as though merely thinking out loud rather then speaking with the Dream foal. It was unbecoming to speak directly to a dream and while he knew others did it, he held a high enough position in the herd that he would not lower himself to do so...still there were loop holes, there were no social issues with thinking out loud.
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Posted: Wed Sep 10, 2014 10:50 am
Freyr had expected that the mist would clear as they traveled. It had lessened a bit but it still was quite thick and he wondered how anyone could live in such a place. He could only see a short distance around him before everything was swallowed up in the grey-white mist. He kept close to the stallion as they made their way through the land. When they came to a more worn trail he looked around a bit...he still couldn't see much but it was obvious that When he began to see others coming out of the mist, and especially when some started to follow him, Freyr practically pressed himself against the stallions side until he could calm himself down.
When the stallion stopped Freyr did the same. A quick glance around and he still wasn't sure where they were. He could see a few trees and the path they were on and on occasion he saw movement in the mist but mostly he just saw mist. When the stallion spoke again Freyr's ears perked forward. Finally he couldn't remain quiet any longer. "Why do you call me a dream creature? Am I dreaming all of this?" If he was dreaming shouldn't the stallion be the one that was a dream creature?
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Posted: Tue Oct 14, 2014 7:33 am
Ramiel was perplexed, an emotion that he did not often have to deal with - but the dream foal kept following him and trying to speak to him asking questions that the stallion knew should be answered but only by the right herd member and more importantly only after the proper ceremonies had been concluded. The foal would have to become real before he could hope to grasp anything about the herd.
But what was he going to do in the mean time? Just as he was about to try and come up with a solution to the problem Ramiel found himself, thankfully, relieved from doing so as he scented Drifa through the mists and although he couldn't see her quite yet he called out to her anyways. "Drifa!" Surely the oracle would know what to do, thought Phasianidae would be beneficial to ask too and he sent a silent prayer to the Oneiroi hoping that they would send her his way. Drifa had been hurrying back to the storage cave intending to do a final count of the herds left over supplies for the upcoming feast when she heard Ramiel calling for her through the mists. Although she had a great deal to do Drifa knew that the stallion would not call out to her for no reason and so she turned to follow the voice seeing the tell tale glowing of his horns and feathers before the rest of him came into view.
"Ramiel? Whats wrong? Do you need hel....oh my..where did that come from?" The mare's questions trailed off as she caught sight of an unknown foal near the stallion ,it had to be a dream creature as no mares had given birth lately and no baskets were present in reality. It had to have come from the pass and the mares eyes widened in excitement, had the gods truly sent them a foal as the first visitor? An early first leaf and now a foal?!? This spring was certainly shaping up to be an interesting one!
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Posted: Tue Oct 14, 2014 7:58 am
 The herd was alive with activity as things were getting prepared for the First Leaf ceremony as well as the general spring time activities. Phasianidae was busy moving around among the various members checking on their progress and ensuring that none of them needed any help. She was moving towards the far edge of their land when her head lifted up and she paused. Something told her that she was needed elsewhere. Not one to ignore these signs from the Oneiroi the lead made turned around and moved quickly through the mist. As she went she began to hear whispers as she passed a few members. Something was happening and it was causing a stir.
Moving by instinct she made her way through the lands as quickly as possible and soon was greeted by the faint glowing that she knew was Ramiel's antlers. This was where she needed to be, whatever it was, it had to do with the stallion in some way. As she came through the mist her gaze settled upon Ramiel, then Drifa and finally it settled upon the foal near the stallion. "And so we are to be tested even more." She stated as she looked over the colts grey pelt with it's yellow markings. It had been a long time since they had been visited by a foal Dream Creature, and rarely was it ever the first in the season.Freyr waited for the stallion to answer his question but all he got was silence. He couldn't understand what was going on but he also wasn't about to leave the stallions side. The stallion may be strange looking but he felt safe beside him for some reason. When the stallion finally did speak it was not to him, but he uttered a single word. Freyr looked around and before long a second Soquili appeared. This time it was a mare and though he shied away from her for a moment he didn't feel threatened by her presence. Perhaps this mare would answer his question. He took a small step forward to look at the mare when a second mare appeared through the mist. This mare was different from the first but he again felt no fear or threat from her. Freyr swallowed as he looked between the two mares and then back up at Ramiel.
"He keeps calling me a dream creature." The foal finally admitted once he had gotten a good look at the two mares. He wasn't sure what the purple mare meant by being tested or if it had to do with him or not, but the silence was bothering him. He just wanted them to talk to him, to tell him what was going on and to let him know that everything would be alright.
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Posted: Tue Oct 14, 2014 9:11 am
"From the pass." Ramiel answered Drifa's question with an exasperated sigh, what did she think he'd gone and dreamed a foal into being on his own? That would be absurd, he had no time to raise foals! Not with his current duties and certainly not all on his own.
"I wasn't expecting one to arrive so soon..and certainly not for it to take the form of a foal." He went on, the pass had only just opened but he supposed that that meant little to the Oneiroi, they did what they felt the herd needed and any sort of physical barrier was of little consequence. Thankfully before he had to contemplate this much further Pha arrived and Ramiel found himself letting out a breath of relief.
"Yes my lady..and it seems content to stick around." He told the mare knowing that in the end she would decide the dream creatures fate, would it be made reality or would it be ignored until it wandered off or caused enough trouble to be chased away.
"Well yes, that was somewhat of a retorical question, I figured out where it must have come from almost as soon as I asked." Drifa told the stallion with a slight laugh. It had just been a knee jerk reaction to seeing something so unexpected. Drifa nodded her head as Phasianidae joined them.
"It seems to have some promising markings." She offered, shifting her weight and leaning forward to further study the dream creatures coat. "Certainly nothing that is offensive or disturbing and foals are generally seen as a blessing, surely the Oneiroi would not have sent us a dream creature in such a form unless it was meant to be a blessing." She further stated, a test yes..but she did not think it was a negative test.
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Posted: Tue Oct 14, 2014 9:30 am
Phasiandiae nodded to both of them and considered their words before turning her attention to the foal Dream Creature. It was early to see one considering the pass had only just opened, but the Oneiroi seemed determined to put them through the ultimate test this year. The First Leaf was set to open very soon and the preparations for the festival were well underway. Every member of the herd was being stretched to their limits and now they had a small Dream Creature to contend with as well. The foal indeed did have suitable markings as Drifa pointed out and while it was obvious that the creature felt fear Phasianidae was not worried, often times Dream Creatures were fearful at first because their life was filled with uncertainty until they could be made real and truly become a part of the herd.
Being the Luminary meant that she could speak to the Dream Creature more freely than the others. She made the ultimate decision on whether a Dream Creature could stay and become real or that it must be removed from the land before it could do any damage. "Stay still while I look at you." She told the colt and stepped closed to him. She paused when he shied away, stepping closer to Ramiel and then proceeded forward once more. "Do not fret, we mean you no harm." She managed to get close to him and look his over my closely. Yes, his markings were indeed a good sign and the fact that he accepted her presence was also good. She still didn't know what the Oneiroi intended of them with sending such a creature but they would find out when the time was right. "He calls you a Dream Creature because that is what you are. You are a gift from the Oneiroi and you will remain a Dream Creature until you are prayed into reality. As a Dream Creature few can speak directly to you. I am Phasianidae and as Luminary of the Dream Walker herd I am allowed to speak to you." She paused and looked him in the eyes. "The Oneiroi sent you here for a reason and I believe that you will bring good into the herd. As such I give my blessing in you becoming real and we will see to setting up the proper ceremony to make it so, then you can be truly accepted among the herd and the others may speak with you."
Freyr couldn't help but step closer to Ramiel as the one mare stepped forward. He wasn't completely afraid of her but the stallion was the one he trusted the most in this moment. Even so he did finally allow the mare to look at him. When she began to speak to him he felt such a rush of relief that he nearly cried. Finally someone was truly acknowledging him! Of course he didn't quite fully understand everything that she told him. Freyr was pretty sure that he was real, in fact he glanced down at himself and saw no reason why they would think otherwise, but it was obvious he had a lot to learn and if the mare believed he was meant to be here then he would be happy with that.
He looked up at Ramiel for a moment and then turned back to the mare, who was a Luminary - he wasn't sure what that meant but it seemed that this was all part of some herd, a herd called the Dream Walkers. "I would like to be made real." He finally told her and then looked at Ramiel once more. He wished the stallion would speak to him, but knowing that it would happen when he was made real through a ceremony made the colt smile. After a moment he pulled his gaze away from Ramiel and looked back at Phasianidae. "My name is Freyr." He told her and then asked the question he wanted to know since she spoke to him. "What are the Oneiroi?"
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Posted: Thu Nov 20, 2014 8:02 am
Ramiel watched and listened patiently as both Drifa and Phasianidae looked over the foal - although the large stallion hardly considered himself an expert on the matter he found himself nodding slightly in agreement with Drifa's words. How could a foal be anything but a blessing of sorts? Certainly it was not sent for them to fight, if that were the case the Oneiroi would have sent a far more menacing phantasm for them to deal with... like a bear, or even a wolf.
Hearing that the foal would soon be made real Ramiel looked down upon him before speaking to Phasianidae once more. "And once it is made real...who shall be labeled his guardians?" He asked. It was an important question, a foal needed guidance and support and while none that he knew of were currently praying for foals that did not change the fact of this matter - someone would have to accept the colt as their own.
"Well, perhaps you should." Drifa stated after the stallion spoke, lifting her head to regard him for a moment and ignoring he stallions startled expression before looking to Pha "He did find the creature after all and it seems to have taken a liking to him." she further went on. The final decision would be Pha's to make of course but Drifa had never been the type to keep her thoughts and opinions to herself, typically the mare spoke whatever came to her mind.
Ramiel said she lacked etiquette but Drifa preferred to think of it as following her instincts, why would the Oneiroi give her such thoughts if they did not want them voiced? The two had gone round and round on this topic many times without coming to a agreeable conclusion.
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Posted: Thu Nov 20, 2014 8:15 am
Phasianidea was very pleased when the colt announced that he would like to be made real. This was a very good sign and it gave her hope that he would be good for the herd in the coming months. "Then real you shall become, Freyr." She told the colt with a nod. It would take time of course, but surely he would not mind waiting for them to prepare the proper ceremony and to allow time for prayer. The colts question was both easy and difficult to answer. She didn't want to bog him down with too many of the details before he became real, but she knew that he needed some answer. "The Oneiroi are the Gods that the herd worship. They provide what we need to survive as long as we stay loyal and dish out punishment when needed as well. They guide us through our lives, even we you might not realize it and must be respected at all times. When you are made real you will be given a proper education of the Oneiroi and their relationship with the herd."
The question of who would become guardian of the colt brought Phasianidae's attention back to her two herd mates. It was something that needed to be decided on before the colt became real. Drifa's suggestion made her think. It was obvious that the colt already had an attachment to Ramiel, but she needed to consider all the options before coming to a conclusion. She stood there for several minutes pondering what the best answer would be. The colt would need much from the herd as a whole but the guardian was a special role for new members. "I believe that Drifa has made a good choice. Freyr is showing signs of being attached to you already. So unless a more suitable guardian is found that he can develop a strong bond with I will leave him in your care."
Freyr listened carefully as Phasianidae told him a bit about the Oneiroi. He was oddly fascinated by this tidbit of information and wanted to know more. Many questions formed in his mind but he kept them to himself, after all he had just been told that the rest he would learn once he had become real. But before he could process anything they were talking about who would end up taking care of him. As much as he wanted to know more about this new life he had found himself in, or would be in once he was real, this is what truly caught his attention. His gaze flicked between the three adults as they quickly discussed his options.
Freyr felt a huge amount of relief when it was suggested that the stallion Ramiel be his chosen guardian and Phasianidae agreed to that. He didn't know if he could pray to the Oneiroi yet or not, but if he could, he would ask them to let the stallion be his caretaker and to not let them find a different herd member for the task. Much as he wanted to voice this he kept it quiet, merely nodding his head in agreement to this decision.
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Posted: Thu Nov 20, 2014 8:30 am
Ramiel started at Drifa's comment, his eyes widening slightly, drat the mare and her well known opinions. "But ... but I don't know anything about raising a foal..." He protested somewhat weakly, while he wasn't as hidebound as some stallions and knew that a stallion could raise a foal just as well as a mare it wasn't a topic he had gone out of his way to study or learn about. What if he messed up? What if this dream creature became real and somewhere along the way he, Ramiel, failed to teach him something important. Raising a foal wasn't like training a warrior - there wasn't a set guideline about how you should go about doing it!
"I mean, I've never attempted to see to the needs of a foal before..." He went on, looking down at the little Dream Creature "I wouldn't want to mess it up..."
However as Pha seemed to have made up his mind already Ramiel drew in a deep sigh and nodded his head "But if you think it for the best I will give it all that I can." He agreed
"Perhaps that is precisely the reason he was sent here." Drifa remarked upon hearing the stallions worries "All should learn how to care for a foal at some point and you, Ramiel, are long overdue for such a lesson. Most stallions have helped to raise a child long before they have reach your age." She remarked, and then hurried to add on to her statement when she saw the stallions eyes narrow slightly "Alrthough I admit most stallions do not carry the same responsibility and bursdens to our herd as you do - still I can't help but feel that the Oneiroi feel it is time for you to undertake this lesson. It is a good decision" she assured both the stallion and her Luminary, laughing slightly as the stallion continued.
"Oh it will not be all that bad, although you will be his true Guardian and parent you will not be completely alone - the herd will always be available for help and advice should you require it." She told him, bumping him slightly on the shoulder with her muzzle in reassurance.
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Posted: Thu Nov 20, 2014 8:45 am
Phasianidae knew in her heart that Ramiel would argue, to a certain point, about the decision before agreeing with it. This was certainly putting the stallion in a position outside of his comfort zone. But it was clear by everything that had happened so far since the snows had melted that the herd would be tested more than ever this year. If this was to be Ramiel's personal test than so be it. She smiled at Drifa as the mare tried to point out that the experience would be good for him. It would indeed give him some knowledge that he currently was lacking.
"It is clear that the Oneiroi plan to test you through the foal, otherwise he would have not bonded to you so quickly." She said to help ease the stallion even though it was clear he would do what was asked of him. "And as Drifa says, it will not be just you helping to raise him, the herd will be here to help whenever needed and there will be times when he will be busy with lessons and other duties and that will leave you to your own duties." She knew the stallion would cope with this new responsibility, he just needed time to adjust. "Besides," She point while motioning towards Freyr, "I don't think he wants anyone for a guardian but you."
There was a moment of panic, about the same time when Ramiel had his own, where Freyr was worried that he would be put with a different guardian. He would of course accept whatever decision was made for him, because what little choice did he have, if he didn't then he might not be made real and that was something he really wanted. Then his panic subsided as Ramiel agreed to be his guardian. His herd perked up at that, not able to hide his excitement. Of course he listened to what Drifa and Phasianidae were also saying, that the herd would help out as well, and that he would have lessons and duties to attend to. The more he heard the more he was excited about the idea of becoming real and being a part of this herd truly.
Though he knew the others wouldn't, or couldn't, really talk to him yet, when Phasianidae pointed out that it was clear he wanted to be with Ramiel he finally spoke again. "Yes, I would like him to be my guardian." And that was all he would add at this time. The rest of his questions would have to wait until he was real. He hoped it wouldn't take too long since right now only Phasinaidae could talk to him, but at least that was something and he was okay with that.
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