Welcome to Gaia! ::

  Nervous excitement bubbled inside of Rosaline. She'd never been outside of Homewood before. It was dangerous outside of Homewood. Only those who were experienced and knew what they were doing should be outside of Homewood. Everyone knew that. Rosaline's parents had made extra sure that she'd known it. And now, here she was, outside of Homewood. Of course, her parents were with her. They were sure that she wasn't ready to be out here alone, even though it was time for her to approach Grandfather Tree, and receive a gift of her own.  Another set of bubbles popped inside of her. A gift all of her own. She could hardly believe that her time had come. It was a sweet warmth. One of belonging. Rosaline was going to be part of something. Use her gift for good. But first she'd have to get to Grandfather Tree. And face a vision quest. She was even more glad she wasn't alone. Her parents were there to make sure she made it there safe. They'd carefully planned this day, leaving in the late afternoon so the sun wouldn't be too intense on her delicate skin. They'd packed provisions. Water, food. They'd all rested well. While the Barrens were far from safe, with her parents she felt prepared to face them.  The trek felt like it was taking ages. Dry earth clung to her hooves, and sweat coated her. Even with help, this journey wasn't easy. But she walked on, safely between her parents, who kept a watchful eye on her and their surroundings. Finally, Grandfather Tree broke over the horizon. Rosaline gasped a breath. She had been told it was big, but nothing could have prepared her for how it towered. "...Goodness." It was little more than a whisper. Now it seemed like each step was truly bringing her closer and closer. Before much longer the little family had arrived. Her parents urged her forward. These last few steps she must take alone. She stepped forward, as ready as she could be. 

  It was a perfectly bright, sparkling day, and Rosaline didn't have any specific duties to undertake. A blessing, certainly! Her spirits were high. As much as she loved her role as a nanny having a day off was a treat as well. She was determined to go an sun herself at a nearby little creek, and the perhaps seek out some flowers to press. She had a few ideas for showing some of the foals she nannied the flowers when they were dry. She skipped along, not paying a lot of attention to her surroundings. It was Homewood, after all. Many nouls worked hard to make it extra safe for everyone. After taking the some sun she planned to pay a visit to some of her friends, and catch up on what they'd been up to. It seemed to such an exciting time of life for everyone - starting to make their own way in the world.

Rosaline began to hum to herself, out of the pure joy of having free time on such a perfect day. As she carried on on the little trail she heard a rustling noise in the brush. She paused. Was it a familiar? Perhaps it needed directions or assistance. She stepped forward, carefully. "Hello?"

A thin little foal stumbled out of the brush. It was young, far too young to be alone. Its eyes were strangely misty, and its coat dripping with sweat. It was no where near hot enough of a day for that to be normal. Rosaline cast her eyes around, looking into the undergrowth for the foal's parent or guardian. Nothing. Her brow furrowed. Had little one wandered away from a nanny group? "Can I take you home, little one?"

The foal wavered on its feet, and didn't even seem to register the words. Rosaline's brow furrowed further. Something was seriously wrong here. She took a step closer, inspecting the little one. The more she looked, the more little signs she was. This foal was unwell. And she couldn't add together the signs she saw into any illness she knew. Being a nanny she was fell accustomed to figuring out common foal ailments. This was something far more serious. "Poor little one ..." She cooed, and nosed the foal towards some soft grass. "If you just lay down, I'll get you help. We'll get you feeling better soon."

She knew strange illnesses had caused serious problems before, but she wasn't going to let this little one suffer. After all, they were in Homewood! There were many Noulicorns with amazing gifts for healing, and she'd seek out every one if she had to. She couldn't abide seeing anything suffer. Her heart beat faster as she looked at the foal again. "You just stay there, little one, I promise I will get you help." She took off, away from her idle, sunny day, in search of the first vivify she could find.