Welcome to Gaia! ::

It was a quiet night. Even the noisiest of animals seemed to have taken to an early slumber. The silence was almost surreal. The silvery beams of light cast over the land by the moon high above adding to the otherworldly sensation. “It’s a good night for an adventure.” A faint voice broke into the mood. It belonged to a young songbird named Taryn. Always one for a thrill, he was known to seek out adventure wherever it might be found. “It’s a good night for peace,” came the tempered response from the young bird’s companion. Hoshikage, a young stallion and resident of these lands, was not one to so easily overlook the slight rarity that was a peaceful night. While he enjoyed his fair share of escapades, he tended to thrive on the smaller, finer things in life. Time spent with his family being his foremost favorite pastime. Spending time with those in the herd, training with his father, or helping his mother tend to the little ones, or simply keeping an eye on his mischievous little sister- all these moments were highly cherished and most pleasing to the stallion. A disturbance in the herd’s territory would only serve to interrupt that harmony.

Which is why both he and his bonded were out at such a late hour. The herd’s borders needed to be patrolled at all intervals of the day and night to ensure its safety. A quiet patrol meant that all was well and that the peace had not been disturbed. So far, that peace appeared to hold. Their route around the outer edges of the territory had been nothing more than a pleasant walk. No intruders to speak of, nor any odd happenstances to discuss. All was well. However, fate has an interesting sense of humor. As the two were working their way inward, scouting the middle portion of the lands, an odd event would soon occur. “Adventure can be peaceful.” Taryn ruffled his feathers so that he could preen them. “Or, at least, it can lead to peace.” Hoshikage sighed and shook his head. Of course, Taryn would be the one to have such reasoning. “As true as that might be, would it not be better to enjoy the peace we are bless with rather than to seek out trouble for the sake of more?” He waited for a moment while the little songbird thought on his question. “Perhaps, but not nearly as fun sometimes.” “Heheh.” The stallion chuckled, glowing green orbs peering up at where Taryn currently sat atop his head. “I suppose I can conceded to that point. Some adventures are worth the difficulty.”

The duo kept up their progression, passing into a thin stretch of forest. Taryn eventually grew fidgety at his perch. With a quick fluff of his feathers, he lifted off from the stallion’s head, taking up position next to him. “I’m going to fly ahead for a bit. Stretch my wings out.” Hoshikage glanced over at his friend, inclining his head in agreement. “Please remain within earshot.” “Of course!” Taryn chirped with a smirk before flapping his wings and dashing off. Restless as ever. The young stallion smiled in amusement at his friend’s slowly fading form. Sometimes he wondered what it must be like to see the world as the little one did. Full of danger and adventure, ready to take on the world. As to himself, Hoshikage possessed a more intuitive and humble nature, always striving to understand a situation and those involved lest he make any rash and unfounded decisions. Their personalities were different in many ways yet worked well together. It was as he mulled over their friendship that he heard a shout from ahead. “Kage! Come quickly!” The little bird’s tone was a mixture of panic and awe.

It spurred Hoshikage forward. Hooves clashed against the earth, kicking up dust, as the stallion raced to aid his friend. The distance between them wasn’t grand and he soon caught sight of Taryn’s familiar form. He didn’t appear to be in any danger, with not another soul anywhere in sight. “What is it? What has happened?!” Hoshikage breathed a deeply, drawing to a halt. His gleaming green orbs cast around for any signs of a disturbance in case he missed something in his haste. “Look! Up there!” Taryn pointed with one wing at the tree branches above. His little wings flapped furiously as he flew higher, summoning his friend’s gaze where he hovered over the object he had seen. The stallion’s eyes widened in shock. For there, nestled awkwardly in the branches, was none other than an orange and purple basket.

Hoshikage blinked at the sight before him. "It is a basket." He stated in awe. "How did it get up here?!" Taryn chirped out, flitting about the basket. The stallion blinked once more before shaking his head. "I do not know." His face scrunched in a contemplative gaze. How should a basket come to be in such a precarious position? Would a parent truly be so careless as to abandon it in this manner? The mere thought that someone would be so heartless or reckless sent a shiver down Hoshikage's spine. He could hardly imagine it. To have no one to care for it, to be lost and alone. These were things he never had to deal with. His own herd and family being warm and caring, protective and secure, without the faintest hint of maltreatment by or to anyone.

His heart ached for the little one. It was not even born and already facing the ravages of the world. At the moment's notice, it could be blown from its perch to crash to the ground. An end no being should suffer. Hoshikage bobbed his head as he came to a decision. "We must get the little one down before something happens." The young stallion's words were hushed though loud enough for Taryn to hear. "How are we gonna do that exactly?" The little bird glanced from his bonded to the slumbering basket and back again. "It's not in the best spot and you don't have claws or paws or any real way to grip it." "I will not need to grip onto it." Hoshikage spread his grand wings while he spoke. Flapping them once, twice, three times in exercise, he gave a big thrust to lift his body from the ground. His multiple wings made flying simple as he glided gracefully into the air.

Circling the tree, he was careful to mind the many branches jutting from its trunk. Hoshikage slowed himself when he drew near the ones supporting the basket. He did not want to end up being the cause for it falling. Glowing green orbs glimpsed the tiny songbird. He was small but he should be able to do what the stallion was about to ask of him. Although not fool proof, there were few other options left to them at the moment. To leave and summon help could be a folly of its own. In the time it might take, the wind could increase to the point of knocking the basket off, or the little one slumbering inside might stir a bit too fervently. No matter how Hoshikage studied the situation, nothing seemed to hold merit. Save for one.

"Taryn, I am going to ask something of you that might be a bit difficult. It is necessary, however." The stallion turned his head so that he could gaze fully at his friend. "I will position my body so that it will be directly below the basket. I ask that you grip the basket as gently as possible and pull it onto my back. Do you believe yourself capable?" His last question was rhetorical of course. Hoshikage knew full well that Taryn could succeed, despite his size, and that he would be more than willing to attempt a rescue. Taryn batted his lashes once at the proposed idea. Seconds later, his chest puffed out while his head rose higher. "Leave it to me!" He flew around the little one a few times, judging the best way to take hold of it. "Okay," he hovered above his chosen location, though he dared not touch it until the other was in position. Hoshikage nodded. With a gentle flick of his wings, he made ready to take possession of the little one.

It was not going to be easy. He would have to gain additional support from the branches beneath him. Fortunately, the trees of the forest were strong oaks whose branches could take heftier weights than most. This would be key to his plan's success. For he would need to use one set of his wings to prevent the basket from tumbling over.

"Hey, quit moving in there would you?" Taryn huffed in mild annoyance. He had not expected the occupant of the basket to awaken and suddenly move. His little feet held fast to the strips of wicker. I'm not letting you go that easily. The songbird thought as his body was pulled downward. The basket wiggled and slid its way from branch to branch, skewing this way and shifting that way. Taryn could have sworn his heart stopped more than once. Yet he kept in sync with the little one, resolute in securing it onto Hoshikage's back.

Hoshikage, for his part, could merely watch and pray. He prayed to the spirits above that the basket and its occupant did not tumble to the ground below. That their ethereal hands might guide it safely to rest upon his broad back. Please, do not let the little one come to harm. His mind cried out at seeing the basket make its rather disturbing descent towards him. The stallion noted the death-like grip which Taryn maintained and he silently thanked him for it. No matter the circumstance, he knew that his bonded would never leave the basket to such painful fate. "You are almost there." He encouraged the two struggling beings. Hope glimmered in his vibrant green orbs as he made sure he was in position to receive them.

As suddenly as the tense ordeal began, it ended. A soft thump on his back told Hoshikage that the basket had finally made its way to him. The gentle purring noises indicated the occupant's contentment. Sparing a brief glance over his shoulder, the stallion confirmed that all was as it should be. "Now how are we to get down from here?" Taryn's voice barely registered above a whisper. He did not wish to stir the basket again so soon. Hoshikage tucked the lowest one of three wings on either side against the smaller object. "It will not be easy but I can make it to the ground. It is the benefit of having more than one set of wings." Offering his friend a wink of confidence, he took a steadying breath before flapping his massive wings and taking to the air.

His flying was not the most graceful he had ever done; however, it did not need to be. He simply needed to reach the ground without losing the basket. A goal in which he ultimately succeeded, despite the hair-raising moments involved. "Great job, Kage!" Taryn beamed, hovering above the basket in case any issues arose. "Now what?" Hoshikage smiled as he gestured with his muzzle in the direction of his herd. "We take it to Mother and Father, of course. They will know the best course of action to take from that moment onward." Hesitating briefly to check on his precious cargo, he made a small adjustment of his wings before he started his trek. He moved with purpose, slow and steady to prevent any mishaps. Sleep now, little one. You are in good hooves.

Progress to the herd’s central territory seemed to stretch far longer than normal. Perhaps it was the stress of finding an abandoned basket, maybe his paranoia that the basket might tumble from his back. Whatever the case, Hoshikage found himself wishing the land closer. His deliberately slow pace was almost agonizing, yet he refused to quicken his steps. “How much longer?” Taryn fluttered over the stallion’s shoulder. The little bird dared not take his eyes from the basket lest it start moving and fall. “We are nearly there. Within the next few moments, we should crest the hill that overlooks the meadow.” He hesitated as he cast his green orbs over his shoulder, peering at Taryn and the basket. Did I feel something just now? “How is the little one? Is he secured?” Hoshikage knew that his massive set of triple wings would prevent the basket from toppling from his basket; however, that would only be a result should the basket remain unmoving. If it were to start bouncing about, then it might well somersault from his broad back.

The smaller songbird cast wary eyes to Hoshikage’s precious cargo. He thought he might have seen the basket move at one instant, but could not be positive. That is, until it moved again. “Uhhhh…Kage…” His voice held uncertainty. Concern plainly written in his features to match that in his words. The stallion did not need to be told what transpired. He felt it for certain that time. No, little one! We are not there yet! Facing forward again, Hoshikage decided that the risks of a faster pace were worth taking to prevent the young foal from bursting from its basket without proper support and care. His pace quickened considerably, wings wrapped even more firmly around the living soul. Truthfully, his wings were beginning to hurt from the way in which he held them, but he refused to focus on the pain. Instead, he shoved that to the darkest recesses of his mind. His only thought now to make it home and deliver the little life to his parents. A place where it could come into the world in safety, around those whom would guide it to its home. “No, no, no. Don’t you dare come out of there!” Taryn’s chirped loudly, letting his voice ring out for the young one to hear.

“Kage, we need to hurry.” He added a second later after noticing the three claw marks on one side of the basket. “It’s getting impatient and I’m not going to be able to keep it inside its basket.” Hoshikage nodded his acknowledgement of the situation. We are almost there. Please, Spirits, do not let the little one pop! Seconds later, his heart leapt in his chest. They crested the hill which overlooked the territory. Just below, a meadow filled with flowers of varying shades and designs could be seen. Beyond that, well, beyond that would be the main center of the herd’s land. Even now, from his vantage point, he could see the various members going about their daily routines. Yet it was the shapes of two familiar forms towards the left that promptly drew his gaze. Another nudge from his back sent worry coursing through him. Without hesitation, he barreled down the gradual slope, angling his body so that he headed straight for his parents. Through the meadow, past the herd’s totem, overlooking the gazes of curious bystanders, Hoshikage darted past. Time was growing short. The basket could pop at any moment!

Despite that, he needed to be cautious. There was no need to bring too much attention to the issue at hand. Hoshikage waited until he was closer to his parents. “Father! Mother!” He called out softly, though his tone indicated something was amiss. “I need to speak with you.” His wings kept where they were, blocking anyone from seeing the cargo upon his back. “Inside, please. It is important.”

Kagehoshi and Atieno were speaking quietly in front of their chosen abode amidst the residential portion of the herd’s territory. The stallion had returned moments earlier from his rounds in the eastern section of the lands and was on his way to speak with the herd’s alphas. However, he decided to stop by his home so that he could learn of Atieno’s plans for the day. His beloved, one of the caretakers for the young ones in the herd, would be returning from the morning lessons. It was time, no matter how brief, that the two could enjoy one another before breaking away to take care of their remaining duties. As luck would have it, their eldest child found them in that exact instant. Both parents turned troubled gazes upon their breathless son as he struggled to get his words out. Kagehoshi’s perceptive nature discerned instantly that he guarded something upon his back. His wings folded protectively around whatever the object might be.

“This way then.” Kagehoshi gave a curt nod then led the way inside. Hoshikage gulped down a breath, nodding in kind, before swiftly following his father with Atieno bringing up the rear. Both her bonded and her mate’s entered shortly afterwards as well, curiosity plain upon their features. Once everyone was inside and secluded, the elder stallion turned to face his son. “Now, what is the matter, Kage?” The younger stallion wasted no time in explaining the situation. He left little to the imagination, describing in detail about his rounds in the southern forest where he happened upon an odd sight. As he spoke of the heart-stopping anomaly, he peeled his wings back for all to witness his precious cargo. Taryn whistled softly at the tattered appearance of the basket. “That little one wants out of there bad.” “Indeed.” Kagehoshi motioned to Atieno. “Hurry, my love, before the little one bursts forth and tumbles.” “Right!” As one, the two parents shuffled closer and, using their muzzles, secured the basket between them to swiftly yet gently lower it to the ground.

Hoshikage was able to finally get a decent view of the basket. His eyes widened in surprise at how little actually held the woven strands together. Surely it is merely a matter of minutes before the young one frees itself. His musings were interrupted by his mother’s thoughtful suppositions. “Do you suppose someone was trying to kidnap the little one? Or perhaps get it to safety somewhere? To find such a thing so high in a tree…it is unnatural and worrisome.” Kagehoshi frowned and shook his head. “I do not know.” He kept his voice in a whisper, unwilling to startle the young life still hidden inside the basket. Green orbs darted to his son as a smile of pride touched his lips. “But it is fortunate that you were there to find it, Hoshikage. It is unlikely it would survive a fall from that height.” “Agreed,” came the additional voice filled with adoration. The younger draft blushed at his parents’ praise. He felt it undeserved, however, since any one of them would have done the same. “I am merely glad that I was in the right place at the—” His sentence remained unfinished. The sounds of struggling from the basket intensified….

The trio of family members waited with bated breath. A young life roiled and rippled from within the basket before them, writhing and raking against its confines as it yearned for its freedom. Then, in the flash of an instant, the woven strands gave way. A body the color of the heavens at dusk, bespectacled with silvery-white dots akin to stars, and with mane and tail the deepest shade of twilight came tumbling forth, landing rear end first against the elder stallion’s legs. Kagehoshi noted with intrigue, as the little one skittered away, the paws where hooves should be as well as the triple set of wings the foal sported. His tufted ears and elongated fangs emphasizing his more feline-oriented nature. Of course, these were mere observations to be logged. They mattered not in the least to the family, nor would they ultimately matter to anyone else in their ever-growing herd. Nay. What mattered most was that the foal knew himself to be safe, that he could relax and understand he was among friends.

“My,” Atieno spoke softly so as not to spook the little foal further. “Isn’t he a precious little thing?” Her motherly instincts had begun to take hold of her. Gleaming yellow eyes softening to express the love and kindness from within her heart. She dared not make a move to touch the newly popped life, however. He was far too confused and excitable. The mare knew in such times of stress that little ones needed to be given space and time. Time to take in the suddenly massive world around them, space to ascertain their own status along with anyone else whom might be near without stirring fright. As if to emphasize these traits, the young one took to crouching in a defensive manner, his glowing teal eyes locking onto each form in the abode, until a spark of recognition lit within them upon sensing Hoshikage. Atieno’s lips curved in a smile. “Hahaha,” Kagehoshi bellowed a rich and hearty laugh from deep within his belly. “It seems he recognizes your scent, son.” The corners of his eyes wrinkled with a smile, warming and supportive. He knew that Hoshikage’s presence would be key to opening the young foal to the rest of them.

Uncertainty clouded his features as he stared unblinkingly down at the tiny form slinking its way towards him. It was not that he feared the foal but, rather, that he feared his own actions. He had never encountered foals before, not in this manner. What was he to do? What was he to say? One wrong move and he might scare the little one and cause him to flee. Hoshikage would be unable to forgive himself if that were the case. Glancing over to his parents, his vibrant green orbs asked the question he could not bring himself to speak. “It is alright, Hoshikage.” Kagehoshi inclined his head, urging him forward with confidence. “Simply be who you are. He will do the rest.” His mother echoed after. With a faint nod, the younger stallion returned his gaze to the tiny foal approaching him. “Hello there, little one. I see you have finally joined us. There is no need to be afraid.” He kept his voice low and supple, his words strong and clear. He gestured with his muzzle to all those present. “No one here would harm you. We are all family.”

Hoshikage’s heart nearly stops at the faint word uttered from foal’s mouth. It rang loudly in his ears, like the crack of a branch or the screech of an owl, yet it was a far more pleasant sound than either. A chirping laughter issued forth from Taryn and the stallion found his eyes darting over to where the bird sat perched next to his father’s and mother’s bondeds. Gleaming green orbs narrowed on the songbird, saying in their silent way for him to quiet himself lest he startle the young foal. A quiet reproach but not one of a mother, more so a brother. Taryn’s amusement swiftly stifled for the moment, Hoshikage shifted his gaze briefly back to his parents. His eyes lingered but a moment, though that was all he needed. Their encouragement shone brightly in their very posture. They would not push the little one to acknowledge them if it only desired Hoshikage; however, in their smiles sat the note of acceptance of him. Without uttering a solitary word between them, he understood that the foal would become theirs. Another addition to the family as organic in its entrance as he and his sister were in their own. He need merely clarify such things for the young life at his legs.

Lowering his head, Hoshikage studied the unflinching teal orbs. A smile rested upon his muzzle, neither judgmental nor angered, but gentle and helpful. “No, little one. I am not your mother.” His tone remained soft and soothing while he explained. Gesturing towards his parents, he continued, “You see them, there? The mare with glistening golden eyes reminiscent of the full moon and triple sets of wings similar to mine and yours? She is, Atieno, our mother. The stallion beside her with vibrant green orbs and feathers as nebulous as the stars in the heavens- he is our father, Kagehoshi. As for me—” Hoshikage allowed his smile to grow, happy to introduce himself to the life he had saved. “I am to be your elder brother, Hoshikage, and you shall also have an elder sister, whose name is Yasako. You need no fear any of us. For we are all family and our bonds run deep, as does our trust for one another.” Motion from his peripheral caught his attention. Shifting his head slightly, he noted that his mother and father had settled to the ground to be less imposing. Andromeda, Éclair, and Taryn all stayed where they were, watching in awed silence the beauty of a growing family.

“Hello, darling. Atieno cooed. “Do not be frightened. Hoshikage speaks the truth. So…would you have us, little one?” Her heart beat rapidly in her chest when she asked the question. Rarely had she been so nervous. From beside her, she sensed the same hopeful nervousness from her mate. Oh how they hoped the colt would accept them! It would be a glorious day for the family. Another addition to their brood, someone to nurture once more, and with the help of the elder children this time as well.