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 Posted: Sun Jan 05, 2025 5:43 am
 Monthly RPs
April
Aurelia & Gwyneira - Word Count 1,301
Nadya & Naomie (Mélanie & Lucilla) - Word Count 318
Ayane & Cranberry Sunset (Isidore) - Word Count 998
Salena (Yuuki) - Word Count 319
May
Ayane (Aiko) - Word Count 271
Cranberry Sunset (Capsaicin) - Word Count362
Gwyneira, Nadya and Naomie (Lucilla and Mélanie) - Word Count 693
Aurelia, Cera Jellybean Amachi and Euryale - Word Count 1,118
Glimmer Glitch (Ches) - Word Count
Heliotrope Haze (Peripeteia and Spike) - Word Count
--->Turned in 5/21/25
() - Word Count
() - Word Count
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Monthly Bonus Question
January is Luck! - Aurelia, Kiri de Kiwi, Cahaya, Savanna, Rowan - X
February is Stamina! - Aurora, Glimmer Glitch, Gouyenisi, Fiadh, Hyacinthia - X
March is All! - Glimmer Glitch, Peisinoe Drekk, Photuris Shine, Howlite McFright, Mahpiya Citlalli - X
April is Strength! - Gwyneira, Garnette, Tahbloka, Howlite McFright, Serafina - X
May is Courage! - Eerika Bright McFright, Cera Jellybean Amachi, Ne'uno, Ne'wah, Solar Rain - X
My TeepeeThings to work on         
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2024 Collection
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Posted: Sun Jan 05, 2025 5:44 am
January  It's a new year in the Kawani lands! Winter is in full swing and much of the land is covered in snow. Does your soquili do anything to acknowledge or celebrate the new year? Are they part of a herd or family that has a tradition or ceremony? Have they made a promise to start the new year with a clean slate and change themselves for the better? Or did they simply try to stay warm and wait for the snow to melt and spring to arrive? Write an RP responding to the above prompt. Your soquili should acknowledge the fact that it is a New Year - how they react to that is up to you. Word Count 1,012
Autumn was normally Aurelia's favorite season. Since finding the cursed dagger though it had become much harder to enjoy. She had exploded and engorged quite a few pumpkins and other winter squash. Worse than that she had also randomly cussed out several farm hands while working the fields.
The seasons had moved on and Autumn shifted effortlessly into winter. The fields were now dusted with snow and winter fest was in full swing. The community kept a bond fire burning throughout the coldest part of winter when the days were at their shortest. It was a time of celebration and gift giving. A time to share what you were thankful for from the warmer seasons prior and what your goals were for next year.
Aurelia, however, found it hard to join the celebration. She felt best while working and she was relatively new to the community so these sorts of social gatherings were rather foreign to her. Since finding the cursed dagger she couldn't enjoy being productive for long periods and she hated being frivolous with her time as well.
Sitting away from the fun she watched the other ponies dance and flirt. Before long the season of love would follow and then the spring thaw and foals would be born. Foals of course being the results of the coldest months activities that were well underway. An elder walked around talking to each of the ponies and other critters. “I’m sure it’s the same question as last year,” Aurelia mumbled to herself. She thought hard on it, because she was sure eventually the elder would make her way around to her. Since the dagger incident Elysia had taken a special interest in Aurelia. Even if she was away from the festivities Elysia would come find her.
“How did it go last year?” she thought to herself. “Last year's seasons are nothing more than memories now, what do you hope for with the new year’s seasons?” This year's celebrations marked her third full year living in Hawthorne Crossing. She had evaded the question in previous years festivities, perhaps it was time to actually give it thought.
The fire was fed several more times before the elder worked her way around. Most of the ponies dancing around the fire had paired up and moved away to be alone together. Elysia simply sat down next to Aurelia without saying anything. The silence was putting Aurelia on edge, she could feel the daggers curse starting to tingle through her again. But before anything could fly out of her mouth Elysia interjected.
“Have you been thinking about the question I know you know I’m here to ask about,” she simply smiled through Aurelia’s discomfort.
“Yes elder, I have been giving it a lot of thought.” She said quietly, semi surprised there weren’t extra colorful words mixed in with her answer.
“Oh dear, by now I think you're allowed to call me Elysia. Elder is far too formal.” She giggled. “This is the first year it’s been my turn to ask everyone about their goals. Seems like just yesterday I was on the other end of this question, young and fretting over the answer.” Looking her hooves over she continued, “obviously it’s been quite a number of years since then.” She laughed again, this time more true to her age.
“Are you going to ask me the question?” Aurelia asked unsure if she’s supposed to answer yet or not.
“Do you need me to? You wouldn’t look so serious if you didn’t already know it.” Elysia looked her over.
“I suppose you don’t need to.” Aurelia laughed this time, awkwardly. “I have indeed been giving it some thought, well maybe too much thought. In truth," she hesitated, "I would like to find a way to break this curse and once again enjoy my summer and autumn activities unburdened by indecent vocalizations.” She stared off at the fire, just a few figures moved around it now. Most are a little less joviale than before.
“I thought as much, you really do enjoy working in the fields. And you do look like you're in pain when one of those bouts hit you. Even if it brings some amusement to an old mare like me…” Elysia was silent for a moment. “I’ve been doing some research,” she began, “And I think I found a starting point for remedying your ailment.”
Aurelia’s ears perked up and eyes grew wide. She was unsure what to say in response. That was exactly what she had been hoping to look for. The village had a lot of old texts, surely one of them had a cure. Apparently she was right.
“It would be quite a journey, mind you, and there are no guarantees that it would work.” The elder looked at Aurelia with serious eyes, “But I found information in the archives about a cavern filled with crystals that are supposed to dispel curses.”
“No F***ing way!” Aurelia practically screamed, interrupting the elder. Aurelia was little confused if that was the curse or her own choice of words just now. She sat silent and shocked.
Elysia giggled like a child again. Her face filled with a smile. “Get to bed darling and I’ll tell you more about it in the morning. It appears we have both been up too late tonight.” She got up to leave. “Oh and Aurelia,” She smiled and her eyes flashed puckishly. “There are still a few strong stallions near the festivities tonight. Still looking for a beautiful mare to keep warm." She moved a little aways and looked over her shoulder, "Just saying maybe you should consider....sampling one of them.” She smiled wickedly and for a moment looked much younger than she was. She started to trot off. “I’ll make sure and let them know where to find your…” she yelled behind her.
“What an old loon,” Aurelia thought to herself, blushing at the thought of the strong young stallions likely to still be left in the fire light. Quickly she left to get to bed, happily alone but still slightly curious.
Word Count 362
The night sky was crystal clear, full of winter stars. Gwyneira loved this time of year, she buried her body further into the fresh snowy blanket. When the wind shifted the smell of burning wood reached her. In the distance she could see a couple of bonfires in the distant valley. “Is that time of year already?” She wondered to herself. She thought about all the wonderful foods and enjoyable company that always accompanied the festivities. Shaking the snow from her coat she started down the mountain, knowing full well it would take her at least a day to reach the outskirts of town. The festivities often lasted for weeks so she wasn’t in a rush.
Unlike a lot of communities, Hawthorne had been very welcoming to her. The first time she wandered in during the festivities was in bear form, and everyone gave her space but didn’t cause her any trouble. They shared with her their bounty and made her feel welcomed. She returned yearly now, bringing them news of distant places and helped travelers traverse the snowy peaks and avoid unwanted run-ins with local herds. It was nice to feel useful.
Gwyn stopped several times along the way, but still managed to arrive in the early morning the next day. The light from her blue lantern bounced unnaturally off the fresh coat of snow that had covered the valley. The fires still burned but now embers compared to last night's bond fire, the warmth still coming off strongly from them. New logs were already stacked nearby ready to feed the fires.
“Gwyneira, I thought I might be seeing you today.” A kind voice spoke up. The older mare smiled sweetly.
“Elysia! It’s been too long!” Gwyn smiled, running up to her old friend. “How’d you know I’d be coming?” Gwyn asked half kidding.
“Oh Gwyn, that lantern of yours can be seen even when you're on top of the mountain.” She gestured to the blue glow coming off the snow, “It reflects. Plus I can always count on seeing you shortly after the festivities start. Please come join me close to the fire. We have much to catch up on.”
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Posted: Sun Jan 12, 2025 8:06 am
   It's a new year in the Kawani lands! Winter is in full swing and much of the land is covered in snow. Does your soquili do anything to acknowledge or celebrate the new year? Are they part of a herd or family that has a tradition or ceremony? Have they made a promise to start the new year with a clean slate and change themselves for the better? Or did they simply try to stay warm and wait for the snow to melt and spring to arrive? Write an RP responding to the above prompt. Your soquili should acknowledge the fact that it is a New Year - how they react to that is up to you. Word Count 422
The waters around the island stayed mostly comfortable year round, but Ayane could always tell when winter hit in the mainland. The dark water brought a chilling current to the outer edge of the large island pushing her to stay close to home or go towards the reef. In her younger days she would wander the reef looking for excitement but since meeting Isidore she stayed close to home. Aiko, their daughter, is never far from her. The tide was high enough last night so Ayane and Aiko could spend the night in the warmer tide pools of the island. The shore is well decorated with trinkets from the ocean.
Ayane lazily watched her daughter jump between pools twisting and turning in mid air while Isidore fret over each leap. "What will you do if you miss?" he'd say and scurry off to the next pool for her next jump. She knew he was worried but really was putting on a bigger show of it for Aiko's sake then his own. Smiling as they played she zoned off thinking about another season passing and that another year was gone. Sometimes her wonderlust makes her want to explore for a bit but lately it seemed like a distant memory. She was perfectly content here with her family. An odd family but it was her’s nonetheless.
Shaking herself from her distant thoughts she yelled across the pools, "Isidore, I'm getting a little warm in the sun. I'll be back when the tide comes in with some cool water." He waved his little arm at her and continued chasing Aiko from pool to pool. Isidore was soft spoken and he wouldn't have raised his voice enough to reach her. Effortlessly Ayane jumped out of the tidepool into the comfortable shallows of the ocean.
Swimming out to sea Ayane looked for the warmer current, moving away from the chilly side of the island. "Sometimes I wonder how I ended up here." She said aloud to herself. "It's surprisingly nice. I would have never guessed I would enjoy being settled down." She swam in circles, twirling acrobatically through the water stretching her muscles. It felt good to swim. Normally she would have to slow down for Aiko and couldn't go full speed. "It would be nice to have a foal or two to teach how to swim." She spoke aloud again even though no one was around her to say it to. "Maybe the wishing star will return soon..." She trailed off and returned to her swim.
Word Count 264
Cranberry owed Ayane and had been keeping an eye on her, helping her out from afar whenever he could. She didn't know it but it was his meddling that had her bump into Isidore when she did, otherwise she might still be wandering aimlessly through the men of the sea.
Carefully he peered around a rock watching Ayane wading in a tidal pool, her little koi bounding around like the child she is. “The lizard is just as silly as normal,” he thought to himself watching Isidore chase after his daughter. He heard Ayane mention something about the sun and then she was midair splashing into the shallows. He hid, holding his breath hoping she hadn't seen him.
Staying out of sight be fought to keep up with her. He was no match for her and she wasn’t even trying. As she slowed down Cranberry darted into a seaweed patch. She had been swimming circles and somersaults and then slowed to a meander. It was common for her to do this and start up a conversation with the emptiness around her.
Slowing his breathing so he could listen he heard her say "It would be nice to have a foal or two to teach how to swim." She spoke aloud to no one, looking lost in thoughts. "Maybe the wishing star will return soon..." She trailed off before swimming away.
This time Cranberry didn't follow. She also wasn’t going as slowly as she had been before. Had she really said what he thought she said. “Your wish is my command,” he whispered to himself.
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Posted: Sun Jan 12, 2025 2:28 pm
 Word Count 309
A shaft of light lit the next room, bouncing off a room nearly filled with gold. "What in the world did I fall into...?" She stood in awe looking at gold sculptures, expensive fine jewelry and more gold then she could have ever imagined.
Ne’va startled awake, overwhelmed by the sudden wet heat of the world around her. There was no bright golden light bouncing off of treasure, the world was dark. Dark and once again sticky. “Had it really all been a dream?” She thought to herself. Concentrating hard Ne’va tried to hold onto the memory, she tried to make sense of what she had just drempt. The harder she concentrated the more it just faded away, slipping through her hooves. All that she was left with was a faint thought that there were places hotter than this jungle. Giggling she shook that thought from her mind, there was no way there was anywhere hotter than here.
The sun was going to rise soon, Ne’va headed towards the cliffs to get to the shadiest part of the island. It made the daytime hours much more manageable, an ice pony born to tropic conditions was at times torcher. She could see just the hint of snow on the tallest peak, something that rarely happened on the island, and something that would be melted shortly from the heat of the sun. It had to have been well over a year since the last time she saw this, then again it probably was almost as long since she last saw her children. “Perhaps it’s time to wander back inland again.” She thought to herself, unable to convince her hooves to start moving that way. “Well, maybe I’ll head that way after midday.” Settling down she found a spot she could watch the snow melt from, the glistening white didn’t last long.
Word Count 271
The day was already making everything hot, like most of Ne’uno’s family he didn’t particularly care for the heat from the middle of the day. Stretching his wings he moved to fly higher up the cliff face, the higher he got the better the air felt. Just a hint of chill hung in the air. The ring of mountains seemed to trap moisture and heat in the jungle crater below. It didn’t take long for him to get above the cloud cover, making everything look a little hazy. Landing on the ridge he folded his wings and admired the view below.
The crater was a mix of dense jungle, thin trees and open grassland. Ne’uno stared curiously at the large lake. The center was dark and eerie looking. “I wonder how deep the water goes?” Ne’uno tilted his head to the side. He had swam in that lake many times. The shoreline was comfortably warm but the center had an odd chill to it. Of course he loved that feeling but not knowing what was under him made him uncomfortable.
Looking out to the ocean all he could see was dark deep water. Just as foreboding as the center of the lake, the unknown of what lurks down deep. “More water,” he thought to himself. Since adulthood he had been working his way around the cliffs trying to learn more about his home. Wings were not common in the Utloyi tribe, none of the elders had them, so he felt privileged to get to see a different view. “I wonder if there is anything past the ocean?” he said to himself.
Word Count 317
Ne’wah had been coming daily to this spot for weeks, it was the perfect vantage point to watch them in their native habitats without interfering. The hill was high with a sheer drop to the river below her, the trees and lighting made it unlikely for anyone to notice her. And even if they did there wasn’t a good place to cross for miles. The river was slightly wider below with a silty/rocky shore along the far side's bank, slow moving water ran through this part which made it a perfect place to see pups in play. Today was no exception.
Two female wolves walked into the clearing, 10 pups in tow between them. The lighter one entertained the kids, head moving and looking around the whole time, while the other darker one walked the area. “Perhaps she’s looking for danger?” Ne’wah wondered. It was a habit she had noticed several times before. “I wonder if those two adults are related to each other? Perhaps sisters? Or are they close friends?” She mused to herself. They had arrived with each other in the past, taking care of the pups together with no distinction between who belonged to whom. The kids each having distinctly different colors and markings made it unlikely to be a spirit breeding between the two.
The sun rose higher and higher in the sky. Ne’wah could hear distant howls and the females began making yips and growls. “Must be time to go,” Ne’wah’s stomach growled loudly. Giggling, she realized why they must be leaving, “Guess it’s lunchtime.” She said getting ready to get up herself. One by one the pups began listening until only one was left. The female with the darker coat roughly grabbed the pup by the scruff and then they were gone. “Perhaps some day I’ll be able to see their village.” She said wishfully as she started down the hill.
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Posted: Mon Jan 13, 2025 4:45 pm
  Word Count 275
Helio pranced home with a spring in her step. She couldn't wait to get back. Her new cat had stayed comfortably on her back even though she had been walking for miles. “Dad! Peripeteia...Ches! I got a new cat!” She called out looking around for her family. “Dad?”
“He wandered off again.” Peripeteia hopped out of a hole in a tree. Her plantlers twitching at the sight of the cat on Helio's back. “Haze, dear. I think we need to have a talk about what a cat is. Because that thing on your back isn’t what I’d call a cuddly kitten.” She made eye contact with the cactus cat.
“Where do you think he goes when he wanders off like that?” Heliotrope ignored her comment. The cat was now fully awake and curious about the new hopping creature before it.
“Haze…” Peripeteia tone was fearful. Her nose twitched rapidly. “I don’t like the way that thing is looking at me.”
The cat jumped down, walking slowly towards the winged blupee. “Whatever you do, don’t run." She said seriously. "Or he’ll think you pray.” Helio watched carefully. Once she was sure she wouldn't need to intervene her tone changed. “What should we name him?”
“Don’t tell me you want to keep it!” Peripeteia kept a close eye on the cat, now sitting right in front of her. “With all those spikes, I’m not…” She was interrupted.
“That’s purrfect!” Helio shouted, making the other two jump. “Spike it is. Welcome to the family Spike!” Helio smiled at him.
Peripeteia sighed knowing she wasn’t going to change Halio’s mind. “Homes this way, Spike.” She turned and hopped slowly.
 
Word Count 265
“Flowers, why so white?” Glimmer wandered about. His paw prints zigged and zagged and crossed his own tracks several times. He had left the woodlands and was currently somewhere in the mountains, a fresh coat of snow on the ground. Laughing uncontrollably, he answered his own question, “Make them red!” His body glitched and he stopped in place. The world was clear again and made sense. “This place is new…and oddly cold” He said looking back over his tracks. “How odd. Perhaps it's time to turn around.” He carefully started stepping in his own footprints. His gitch hit again. To him he was wandering a warm jungle, odd plants and flowers danced around him.
To Ches he was following his footprints one step at a time even in circles, the same way he got there. “Glimmer, why would you come all the way out here?” He flew around trying to stay warm.
He yelled loudly. “What do you mean the tea’s all gone?” Glimmer giggled. “How to fix, how to fix?” He mumbled to himself. He was halfway back down the mountain when he glitched again. His tracks now both in front of him and behind him. “Hmmm,” He wondered aloud, “Am I coming or going?”
“You're going the right direction, at least if you're trying to return home?” Ches fluttered around Glimmer. “Your glitches are getting worse.” He landed on Glimmer's hair and snuggled in. “I took a nap and when I awoke you were gone…again!”
Glimmer continued quietly down the mountain. Halio was probably at home worried about him, again.
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Posted: Wed Jan 15, 2025 6:28 am
 Word Count 258
Marty left the flutter family feeling oddly refreshed. It was kind of like having a clean karma slate. His worries were low and for once he wasn’t in a rush to get anywhere. The ground had a fresh coat of snow causing his hooves to plow snow with each step. Despite the chill it was quite an enjoyable walk. Some birds flew overhead making a ruckus. Curiosity overtook Marty and he left the well worn path to see what had spooked him.
“Well, I have never seen you do that.” He giggled to himself. “Not even as a foal.” There in the middle of the field was his grown daughter. Kicking up snow like a child. Pure innocent joy on her face.
Out of nowhere Howlite ran in to join, running straight through her snow angeni. “Oh son, that's not going to work,” Marty thought. But it was too late, He heard his son yell something and Eerika gracefully shifted out of the way. Howlite tumbled to the ground with a puff of snow. “Yep, that's my boy. Like father like son I guess.” He rolled his eyes.
Eerika danced around and then sprinted away leaving Howlite in a trail of snow dust causing Howlite to disappear in the white mess. Soon Howlite raced off after her. “See you at home.” He said to himself before wandering back to the trail. "Those two have changed so much since they were foals. Who knew as adults they'd be more childish than when they were foals?" He shook his head.
Word Count 266
Howlite felt no different since finding the dagger. He hadn't heard that strange voice since his adventure in the crypt and the dagger hadn't glowed. He truly believed he had given himself a concussion and imagined the whole thing. Maybe he did.
He was snapped out of thought by the familiar, yet odd, laughter. “Is that Eerika?” He wondered walking towards the noise. To his surprise she was running around kicking up snow like crazy. “What's gotten into her?” She dropped to the ground rolling in the snow before returning to galloping around. He started to feel a bit giddy himself. Before he knew it he found himself raising to tackle her. Just before he got to her he yelled “GOT YOU!” but just before that she moved and his face planted into a soft pile of snow. It was cold and not the most dignified landing. He huffed out of disappointment.
“Nope, still too slow big bro!” She taunted him. Her hooves danced in the snow around him. By the time he got up she was dashing off into the woods, kicking huge amounts of light fluffy snow. “What's gotten into you sis,” he thought. “You were never this fun growing up.” He smiled widely. "Gah, I'm going to catch you!" He half yelled before sprinting off behind her. By the time he got through the woods she had disappeared. "That's my trick." He said looking for any sign of which way she went. The forest critters had left this part of the woods well disturbed making it hard to tell where she had gone.
Word Count 266
The world seemed oddly more secretive since Eerika met Saxi. Or perhaps she was more curious than before? Either way it was almost like seeing everything for the first time. Since that day in the graveyard Eerika hadn't seen the ghostly mare or any other ghostly figures.
The snow on the ground was mesmerizing and elicited a strong feeling of joy. She had never enjoyed the snow like this before. She smiled largely and galloped through it, kicking up a blur of white snow everywhere before plopping on the ground and making a snow angeni. Her bony wings making large swooshy wings around her in the snow.
“I make beautiful snow angeni’s,” She said admiring her work before running around again kicking up snow. That’s when she sensed something familiar behind her. Giggling she swooped out of the way just in time to hear a familiar voice yell past her.
“GOT YOU!” Her brother screamed just in time to fall on his face. He huffed into the snow. The sight of his rump up in the air made her giggle louder.
“Nope, still too slow big bro!” She laughed dancing around him, kicking up some snow onto his rump. "Better run!" She thought and took off at full speed into the woods. She ran around some large boulders before dashing between them. Holding her breath she waited patiently and sure enough he never rushed in after. Carefully she peered out as he started to wander back towards home. “He's still such a doofus.” She thought to herself, kicking her hooves in the snow a bit more.
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Posted: Thu Jan 16, 2025 6:13 pm
  Word Count 337
The click, click, click sound of the giant scorpion still rang in Nuala's memory making it hard for her to concentrate on what she was looking at.
“Nuala, do you know what any of this means?” Holly asked, still sounding a little worried.
Nuala stared harder. “Not really, there were ancient people and ancient ponies.” She vaguely pointed a hoof at different points. “And they lived here?”
Rolling her eyes Holly looked annoyed. “Looking at this beautiful depiction and that's all you have?” Taking a breath she composed her thoughts. “It does appear they worked together but do you see that mare?” She pointed. “She appears over and over again, that wreath on her head and her markings…”
“You're right. I wonder if that's the high priestess the scorpion was talking about?” Looking at it that way, and being distracted from the guard in the passageway helped her start to think better. “What if this is her over time? A timeline story of her life. Seems like she is small on the right and matronly on the left.”
“What about those strange creatures she's with sometimes.” Holly staired trying to make sense of them.
Some were people with different animal heads, others were ponies with different animal heads, paws or tails. There was even a strange abomination with the body of a stallion and the top of a human. “Maybe they worshiped them? Their gods,” she noticed the over obvious breasts on some, “and goddesses?”
“Maybe.” Holly shrugged. “Do you think we've been here long enough and learned enough for Mr. Clicker to let us leave?”
“Nope” Nuala simply answered
“Yeah, me neither…” Holly sighed. “Did you bring any food?”
“Yeah I brought an egg or two and a satchel of water.” She thought for a moment. “Maybe if we snack and stay put for a couple more hours?”
“Sounds good.” Holly agreed.
They got out the eggs and started snacking all the while continuing to throw ideas back and forth about what they thought everything meant.
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Posted: Mon Feb 03, 2025 5:16 pm
February Word Count 375
Elysia and Gwinn sat close to the fire for hours catching up. Gwinn told her about things happening on the other side of the mountain and the various rumors she'd heard from travelers. Elysia caught her up on all the village gossip and pointed out each and every eligible stallion that Gwinn might find comfort in meeting.
"Elysia, you're so bad!" Gwinn blushed from the elder attempting to set her up yet again, this time with a tall, dark, and admittedly handsome stallion. He kept dancing close, taussig his long hair around smiling at her. "Really, they're all a tad young for me. Don’t you think?” She gave her a serious look.
“Oh hun, you’re only as old as you feel.” She scoffed at Gwinn.
“Well then, by that account you must be the perfect age for him.” Gwinn saw Elysia smirk and knew it was time to change the subject, otherwise things were going to take an awkward turn. Clearing her throat, “So this traveler you mentioned, when is she looking to go over the mountain? And how far does she need to go?”
Elysia’s eyes lingered on the young stallions for a bit longer than necessary. “Oh, yes. Right, Aurelia” She turned her attention to Gwinn. “She needs to find a safe way over the mountains to a cave rumored to be somewhere near Atalvyi Pass.”
“A-ta-lv-yi Pass.” Gwinn repeated several times slowly. “I’ve never heard of it.”
“I would expect you wouldn’t have.” Elysia said. “It’s a fair distance west of the Kawani village. She has a bit of an issue she wants to solve as quickly as possible so I’m sure she’ll want to leave sooner rather than later, even in this weather.” Elysia nodded her head upwards, light fluffy snowflakes fell and melted before they touched the ground around the fire.
Gwinn considered the state of the mountains right now. “What could be so urgent she’d need to leave now?”
The elder simply responded, “A curse.”
“A curse?” Gwinn looked her over, trying to judge if the mare was going senile or having another one of her puckish moments.
“Mhmm,” She responded. “And wait till you see it when it hits her.” She gave a naughty smile. “It’s quite amusing.” Word Count 400
Aurelia could feel Gwinn’s eyes judging her, looking her up and down as the mare circled her. The mare's sharp teeth made Aurelia shift her hooves nervously.
“Can you fight?” Gwinn asked bluntly.
Aurelia stuttered, “No, but.” She wanted to say she was smart in a pinch and was good at avoiding fights.
Gwinn interrupted. “Are you a fast runner?”
Aurelia began again, “Not really, but I.” She wanted to say she was good at dodging and didn’t tire easily so speed isn't always necessary.
Again she couldn’t finish her sentence, “Then we can’t leave till spring thaw. If you can’t fight and you can’t run, we can't travel during the snowy season.” Gwinn growled menacingly. “It’s that simple.”
Aurelia was flustered and trying her best to keep it together but the dagger got the best of her yet again. “Look B****! I don’t know who the F*** you think you are and I don’t know what the F*** Elysia has told you but I am leaving with or without your F***ing guidance! If I don’t leave now I won’t be back in time for fall harvest. I NEED to be back for fall harvest!” Aurelia’s nostrils flared and hooves stomped, appearing for a moment almost feral. Very unlike her otherwise soft spoken and sweet temperament.
She could feel her body calming down, it made her feel slightly dizzy and as always very red in the face. The previously menacing shifter before her was now rolling in the snow laughing her bear butt off. “Gahh,” Aurelia sighed, realizing what had really just happened. “Elysia put you up to this, didn’t she. Oh that mare, I swear.” She kicked the snow.
“That you do, worse than any seathi or mer I’ve ever met!” Gwinn tried to stop laughing but it was obvious to Aurelia that she was having difficulty. “Leaving in the morning is no problem. Given I’ll need to take you a little farther to the east to avoid the snow and you’d be safer going south before heading west to avoid the Flock, you don’t want to get caught in their territory. But other than that I can get you going on the right path.”
Aurelia’s jaw dropped. The shock and slight disgust was hard for her face to hide. She wasn’t sure if she was happy or terrified but perhaps she was finally moving in the right direction.
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Posted: Wed Feb 05, 2025 7:40 am
  Love is in the air - you can feel it as the temperature is starting to warm and day by day the snow is starting to melt. What is your soquili's experience with love? Have they experienced true love? Is the only love they've experienced that of a family or a friend? Perhaps they have known love and lost it. Maybe they do not love another - but they find love in their hobbies or the world around them. Write an RP responding to the above prompt telling us about something or someone your soquili loves or loved. Word Count 1,381Love was in the air, and most of the village was loving every moment of it. Aurelia on the other hand was happy to get away from it, Elysia was in full blown meddling mode. The night before she left with Gwinn there was a farewell feast and Elysia trotted out as many tempting stallions as she could. The large communal bonfire wasn’t as large now and smaller, more intimate ones, dotted the hillside. Aurelia and Gwinn snuck away before sunrise.
They had been traveling for several hours before their conversation turned to the elder mare. “Has Elysia always been so…” Aurelia struggled to find the right descriptor for her actions. She settled on “...interfering?”
This made Gwinn laugh, knowing full well what Aurelia was talking about. “Yes, she has. I think she has made it her personal mission to pair off the whole village. More couples equals more foals and thus future residence. And foals grow up and she gets to pair them off too. A never ending meddling cycle.” Gwinn was surprised Aurelia was able to keep up with her pace so easily. “The first time I wandered into the village I made the mistake of entering as a bear.” Gwinn giggled thinking back to how everyone reacted to her. “Elysia didn’t even miss a beat. She had four, rather scared looking, stallions lined up before me by that evening. She wasn’t exactly young then, but I expect that’s just how she’s always been.”
They traveled in silence for a little while before Gwinn’s curiosity got the better of her. “Bear form?” she asked.
Setting down her lantern, Gwinn easily shifted from a large white pony to a large white polar bear. Turning she made sure to bare her teeth at Aurelia with a low growl. Aurelia didn’t flinch and just cocked her head looking her over. The blue light bounced off the snow around them. “Well, some people find it menacing.” Gwinn huffed and sat down, a little upset she didn’t get a little rise out of Aurelia.
“I’m sure they do, but after seeing you circling me yesterday your bear form is much less intimidating.” Aurelia smiled softly, picking up the lantern and continuing onward.
“Sorry about that,” Gwinn said, fully meaning it. “Elysia suggested it. She wanted me to see for myself why you felt the need to leave in such a hurry. It definitely could get you into a bad situation if you're,” She paused. “condition, popped off at the wrong person. I needed to know what I was getting into.”
Aurelia nodded, still feeling badly for cursing up a storm.
“Now what I don’t understand is, why do you need to be back by the harvest?” This had still confused Gwinn but with as upset as Aurelia had gotten during their first meeting and all Elysia’s interference after that there hadn’t been a good time to ask. Aurelia didn’t answer right away, it looked like she was struggling to explain it.
It was hard to come up with a way to explain it but after talking so much about the elder Aurelia knew the best example to try. “Elysia enjoys matchmaking. It is that one thing that she does better than anyone else and brings her ununderstandable joy.” Slowing down Aurelia looked at Gwinn, not 100% sure when she had transformed back. “Without it she wouldn’t be herself.”
“And working the harvest, is that your thing?” Gwinn said.
“It’s more than just that but I don’t know if I could survive missing a harvest. The harvest is the part that helps make the long winter bearable.” Aurelia picked up the pace again trying to put it out of her mind.
They walked in silence for a while. “I get it,” Gwinn interjected and laughed lightly. “I feel the same way about snow and winter.” She slowed and looked around at the snow covered mountains. “It’s somewhere between a security blanket and an old love. Familiar and comfortable.” She set the pace slightly slower.
“That’s a good way of putting it. Is that why you only come down to the village in the winter?” Aurelia looked at her out of the corner of her eye, unsure if this was a touchy subject for her or not. Aurelia slowed to match Gwinn’s pace and then joined her when she suddenly stopped.
“You know,” Gwinn slowly processed Aurelia's statement. “That probably is why.” It felt like a revelation. One Gwyneira had never really thought about much. When the snow receded in the spring she stopped entering the valley as much and moved higher and higher into the mountains. “Why do I do that?” she wondered aloud.
In the distance a wolf howled interfering with both of the mares' thoughts.
“Daylight is short,” Gwinn looked at the quickly sinking sun. “We probably don’t want to go down this mountain in the dark. There’s a cave nearby." Gwinn pointed her mussle in the direction. "Time to test your camping skills, village girly.” Gwinn smiled jokingly at Aurelia. Aurelia looked surprisingly unbothered by it.
Gwinn gathered a few additional logs of firewood before heading into the cave. Aurelia followed suit and grabbed a few more. The corner of the cave had dry logs and sticks and a small ring of rocks sat in the middle filled with old ash. “This is a traveler's cave. There are quite a few of them out here.” She moved ash into a bucket using a small shovel. “Proper etiquette is to bring wet wood in and leave it to dry for future travelers. Always replace what you use.” Gwinn stressed.
Carefully she stacked dry wood and pushed some dry brush in the middle. Opening her lantern she put a small stick in and let it catch fire. Carefully she lit the dry brush in the center and blew. “Fire needs air,” She took a deep breath and blew again. A little smoke started to be given off. “So never smother it by putting too much wood on it.” She blew again, long and slowly, this time a visible flame could be seen. “Never let the fire leave this ring.” She pointed to the rocks, “Otherwise you’re in for a bad night. Or a bad week in the dry season.”
Aurelia nodded trying to take it all in. There was a good chance she would have to learn how to do this herself in the future. Gwinn passed her some dry fruit and bread. She pulled out some jurky for herself. They sat and enjoyed the food. Eventually Gwinn broke the silence.
“Was your mother a pure Angeni too?” She asked kindly, unsure if that was taboo to ask. She had never met a pure Angeni before, and by Aurelia’s question earlier she guessed she had never met a shifter before either. Aurelia nodded, seemingly taken off guard by the question. “Did she have a domain over something, like you do?”
“How’d you know?” Aurelia asked
“Elysia may have explained some of your gift over a meal when I first entered the town. She’s quite impressed by you, probably why she pushes so strongly. You know, when it comes to the boys.” Gwinn gestured to the world around her vaguely.
“She could help flowers bloom. She was very good at it, and the meadow where I grew up was always covered with the most beautiful variety of flowers. My father used to bring her seeds from far off places as gifts…” She trailed off lost in memories.
Gwinn smiled, “Sounds beautiful.” It was dark out now and the cold didn’t bite as hard now that the fire was going. “We should get some sleep. The fire will keep most things out that would bother us”. She shifted slowly into her bear form. “And I make a really good deterrent otherwise. If you happen to wake and the fire is low, make sure and put a new log or two on. Careful not to smother it.” She warned softly. “Otherwise it will be a really cold night.”
Both mares drifted off to sleep dreaming of the things they enjoyed most. One a world full of plants and life overflowing around her and the other a blanket of cold white snow. Both perfectly happy with their obsessions.
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Posted: Thu Feb 06, 2025 5:25 am
  Word Count 515
Tap, tap, tap Nuala could hear it in the distance, but continued to run through the field anyway. The Tap, tap, tap got loader and the field started to fade away. And again the Tap, tap, tap got even loader. This time Nuala startled awake, her face slightly damp from drool. Looking around she realized where they were. A soft click, click, click sound could be heard somewhere outside the room.
"Holly, wake up!" She poked her mouse friend frantically. "I think Mr. Clicker is ready for us to leave."
Holly stretched and looked around. "Darn, still here." She sighed. "Time to go die?" She asked.
Nuala frowned. "Hopefully we can talk our way out of this." Carefully they navigated their way back to the large open space, the blue crystals still glowed beautifully. The Scorpion lay in the middle of the room, tapping a claw on the floor. They stopped and waited for him to acknowledge them.
“So, what have you learned?” He sounded almost bored.
“Sir, do you have a name?” Holly spoke up, as loud as she could manage.
The giant glowing scorpion sat up, looking a little more intently at them now. “Sutekh,” He paused. “For generations my family has protected the high priestess Nitiqreti’s final resting place.”
“How many generations away from the priestess is Sutekh?” Nuala wondered to herself. ”Does he even know her story?”
“Great Sutekh,” Nuala took a deep bow, letting her nose nearly touch the ground. Holly followed suit almost seamlessly. She stood up straight when she started to speak to him. “The compassionate high priestess Nitiqreti lived during a time of uneasiness in the kingdom that used to thrive in this desert. She spoke to the gods.” Nuala paused, waiting to see if he was going to correct her. When he didn’t she decided to continue, making sure to put as much charm into her rendition of the mural. “She was wise and loved her land. Because of this Nitigreti was able to unite her kingdom and help them thrive.”
Holly looked at Nuala out of the side of her eye. She had nothing helpful to add so she kept her mouth quiet. Her feet fidgeted.
Sutekh stood, stepping slowly closer to them. “Hmm,” he said. “Sounds like you learned something today.” His sharp barbed tail poised high above them. Nuala stood still looking him in the eye the whole time. Holly’s mousiness got the better of her and she was having trouble staying poised. “You are free to go.” His tail pressed a stone on the ceiling and a door opened behind him. Turning he said one last warning. “Should you ever return to do harm to the high priestess or her possessions, know I will not hesitate to kill you.” His claws snapped high in the air, tail waving above him.
Nuala bowed once more. “Thank you Sutekh, we will make sure to share Nitigreti’s story but we will tell no one where to find her tomb.” Moving slowly Nuala and Holly left. Neither spoke till they were far from where they exited.
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Posted: Mon Feb 10, 2025 7:22 am
  Word Count 409
Cranberry Sunset had found a small cave near where Ayane and Isidore lived. He spent the better part of a month watching the odd little family. Ayane often left Aiko with Isidore during low tide during the day. She swam fast, deep and far during these times. Cranberry rarely could keep up with her to really get an idea of where she went. When the sun was up during high tide Ayane would swim with Aiko around the island. She swam slowly so Aiko could keep up with her. A lot of this time was Ayane answering Aiko's questions of why. Cranberry needed to find a time when Isidore would be alone long enough for him to explain his plan without the girls returning.
His patience paid off for him the night of the full moon. When Ayane and Aiko were out of Isidore's ear shot, Aiko mentioned being excited to visit the other koi fish. Cranberry knew this was quite a journey, one that included swimming up river on the other side of the island. There was a good chance they wouldn't return till the next day. Here was his chance. He swam in slowly and watched the lizard run about, tidying his seaside shore line, for a little before clearing his throat. Isidore stopped and moved towards the seathi.
“Good morning, it's been a long time since I've seen anyone swimming near this island. My name is Isidore.” The lizard waited politely for the seathi's response.
“Isidore, it's nice to finally meet you.” Cranberry tried to say it as nonchalantly as possible. “My name is Cranberry, Cranberry Sunset. I knew Ayane back during her,” he paused for effect, “well, wild days. I'm glad she's finally found someone who makes her happy.” He flopped his tail, letting himself get partially beached.
Isidore didn't seem very sure about how to respond. He rang his hands nervously. “Her wild days. Yes she did have quite a lot of those. Were you…one of her suitors?” His tone was controlled.
“No, nothing like that I assure you.” Cranberry tapped his hooves on the sand. “She once helped me retrieve my lamp.” He lifted his prized item. “It's an old family heirloom and I almost lost it. I owe Ayane a debt that I've never been able to repay.” He moved his hooves in the sand a little unsure how to bring the next part up. “Have you two ever considered a surrogate?”
Word Count 376
The waters past the islands had gotten cold as winter on the main land carried on. Ayane had been staying closer to home than normal. Aiko was leaping out of the water showing off her newest trick.
“Mom! Hey Mom, watch this!” She shouted before diving deep and jumping high in to the air. Flicking her tail effortlessly around several times before diving back into the water. “I can flip three times now!” She screamed excitedly. “Do you think the other koi will be impressed?” She stared into Ayane’s eyes.
Ayane smiled sweetly. “I bet they will be.” She told her daughter.
Before long the two of them said goodbye to Isidore and started off to the otherside of the island. Aiko practiced her leaps and twists nearly the whole way there.
“If you keep jumping so much you're not going to have enough energy to show off your new moves to the other koi.” She teased. “And if you're not careful you won't be able to swim upstream either.” She eyed Aiko seriously.
Aiko suddenly stopped swimming. “Oh yeah, I forgot how hard that is.” She paced her swimming. Instead she opted for her normal travel behaviour. “Why are the coral here all so funny looking?”
Ayane calmly spent the rest of the swim explaining random facts and answering odd what if questions. When they got to the stream she was surprised by Aiko’s final question.
“Mom, is it okay if I go alone this time?” Her eyes pleaded with her. “None of the other koi have their mother come with them.” Aiko’s tail twitched as she tried to keep herself calm.
“Now hun,” she started slowly, “none of the other koi have to swim through open ocean to get here or jump three waterfalls to get to the wide pools.” She could see Aiko’s disappointment. “I’ll make you a deal. I’ll take you past the three waterfalls and let you swim into the wide pools on your own.” Aiko’s face lit up a little. “And then I’ll go home. I’ll be back tomorrow to pick you up. From the wide pools.” She warned.
Aiko was excited and practiced her leaps with each waterfall. Ayane found herself slightly apprehensive, and rather unsure as to why.
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Posted: Mon Feb 10, 2025 6:30 pm
Word Count 340
Glimmer’s trip down the mountain took a lot longer than he expected it to. He tried hard to keep his mind from glitching. He managed to keep it mostly under control, but his body pixilated a bit more than normal as a result. “How long do you think I’ve been gone?” Glimmer asked Ches hopeful that the answer wouldn’t be as bad as he thought it was. The sun had been down for most of the trip back down the mountain.
Ches coasted on the warmer breeze coming from the wooded valley, happy to be nearly out of the freezing cold. “I’d like to tell you it wasn’t too long,” he paused before making eye contact, “but we both know that would be a lie. It’s been the better part of a day. I’m sure Heliotrope is worried sick about you. I don’t know why that girl puts up with you…” Ches trailed off.
“Because she’s too good for me.” Glimmer frownd. "Between her mother and I, I don't know how she turned out to be so normal." Glimmer glitched feeling the world around him turn a hue of purple. "Normal, normal. Why so normal? Spending time and hearing days." His eyes were glazed as he spouted nonsense. “And when was it my turn to play with the bunny! How dare you steal him first. The coins we could have had, and golden eggs he would have laid.”
"Earth to Glitch, earth to glitch!?” Ches said loudly and angrily. “Turn that off! Cut that out! Whatever it is you need to do to focus, do it and do it now!”
The world stayed purple but Glimmer pulled himself together. Or at least he thought he had. When they returned to camp he was really surprised to find a spikey cat sitting at his paws. "Ches? I think I might still be glitching..." His tone was almost panicked.
“Oh I wish you were, but I see it too.” He flew a little higher feeling the prickly cat's gaze following his movement.
Word Count 301
Heliotrope laid down with her tail behind her twitching, and fading in and out in a menacing way, as she moved it back and forth. She had been waiting for hours for her father to come home. She’d gone through all the normal emotions and worked her way through all the other emotions as well.
“In what world am I supposed to be the one taking care of him!?” She let steam off in Peripeteia’s direction.
“Hun, we’ve been over this before. It’s just the way he is. He’s fine, even when he’s in one of those states.” She fluttered her wings and paws dismissively. “Even when his brain is off to,” she paused, unsure where to say he went. “Well wherever it goes, he still has better reactions then any horse I’ve ever known. Even yourself.” Peripeteia’s plantlers twitched. “Speak of the devil, sounds like he finally made his way home.” She hopped through the brush towards the sound of Glitch having a panic attack.
Helio heard her father through the brush, "Ches? I think I might still be glitching..." His tone was that of panic.
Ches responded with. “Oh I wish you were, but I see it too.”
Walking towards the commotion Helio felt her anger melt away as she saw her father trying desperately to climb a tree to get away from Spike. His mind obviously only half there at the moment and even with his paws he was unable to do more than awkwardly hug the tree.
“Dad, this is Spike.” She motioned to the cactus cat. “Spike, this odd looking stallion is my father.” She pointed a claw towards her cowardly father. Spike just stretched his back and legs before losing interest in Glimmer and Ches. “Welcome home Dad.” She said, ready to go to bed.
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Posted: Sun Feb 16, 2025 5:16 am
   Word Count 367
Rowan layed down and watched the world around her, she enjoyed the changing season. False spring had started and the floodplain was starting to show it. The snow melting had made the river jump its banks and turn muddy and angry. It looked unsafe to wander too close. The shade of the distant trees still held patches of white snow along the ground.
“Rowan, I don't like how that thing is staring.” Romualdo stomped his hooves defiantly. Since Rowan had brought the cactus cat with her, Romualdo had been on edge. The beast had it out for him.
“Romualdo,” Rowan eyed him. “You KNOW he has a name.” She made a pspsps sound getting the cactus cats attention. “Don't you?” She spoke in her best baby voice. “Romualdo's just jealous of such a cutie pie. Isn’t he Nopal?” The cat purred, cuddling close to Rowan, his spikes against her blanket. He kept one menacing eye open watching Romualdo with a strange smile on his face.
There was a loud crack sound in the distance. Romualdo jumped, and stomped his hooves nervously. “Was that a tree?”
“Probably. The ice has melted but some of the trees are damaged from the last storm. All this water makes the roots weak too, soft muddy dirt doesn’t hold roots well. I expect a lot of trees will fall tonight. It probably would be best for us to sleep out in the open tonight.” She looked around wondering how high the river would get tonight. “ Maybe on a bit higher ground though. We don’t want to wake up stuck on a shrinking island.”
“Shall we get a move on then?” Romualdo danced around.
Rowan smiled, “If it would make you feel better we can start heading that way.” Once Romualdo was out of ear shot Rowan gave Nopal a knowing look. “You NEED to be nicer to him.” She said sternly. “I see how you treat him when you think I’m not looking.” Another loud crack sounded in the distance. Rowan's normally kind eyes showed a fierce anger, the sort that should never be tested.
Nopal slumped in response and followed with less of a prance in his step than before.
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Posted: Sun Feb 16, 2025 5:47 am
  Word Count 566
"Moon, are you alright?" Eldric nudged her gently. “You look like you’ve seen a ghost.”
Moon Shine turned around, "No, I wish it was just a ghost..."
Moon was pale and felt dizzy. Everything around her seemed back to normal until she could hear it again. The sound of the moth man's wings started to buzz around her again. Then the world around her went fuzzy and finally everything went dark.
She awoke with a start. Confused and disoriented.
“Oh, you're finally awake!” Eldric stood over her. “ I was soo worried! How are you feeling?” he asked, kneeling awkwardly next to her.
She had to think hard about it. “ I feel fine now. I just suddenly got dizzy and I could hear the mothman again.” She shook her head trying to make sense of it.
Eldric looked concerned. “How many hooves am I holding up?” He tried to balance with a leg swinging in front of her face. “Moon I think you might have a concussion. Are you nauseous? Does the world smell pink?”
“Pink? Eldric, sometimes I wonder if I should worry where you get things from. I saw the mothman.” She tried to get her thoughts straight. “In a dream? Except I never layed down to take a nap. A day dream maybe?" She shook her head. "What ever it was I think he showed me a premonition of the future.” she stated, a little started at the thought of that future. Moon Shine spent a good part of the next hour telling Eldric everything she could remember from the dream like state. She could feel it disappearing, she had to tell someone before it was gone. Dreams were funny that way. The more you grasped at them the more they disappeared.
Eldric sat and listened patiently, only asking questions when it seemed important to clarify things. “I can’t say for sure if that was a premonition or not.” He stated, trying to choose his words carefully, as to not upset Moon Shine. “But it does sound quite vivid and unsettling. And while dream like, you definitely weren’t asleep. You just kinda dazed out for a little and when you came back you swayed a little and then passed out. But only for a moment.” He thought back to her description. “What did the bridge look like again?”
“It was something man made, like nothing I’ve ever seen before.” Moon thought back, trying to picture it again. “Made from various sized river stones. It looked like it went on forever once I stepped on the bridge but before that it looked to only span a couple of feet over a small brook.”
Eldric hesitated. “Have you ever wandered close to the Kawanii Village? Out pass the floodplanes?”
“No, I’ve never been that far east.” Moon Shine responded, unsure she wanted to hear what he was about to say next.
“The only place I’ve ever seen a bridge like that was near the Kawanii Village. They have built a few to cross some of the small streams that feed into the lake and river near there. But I doubt the Kawanii would ever burn our home.” He said reassuringly.
Moon thought for a moment. “I don’t think they would either.” She smiled at Eldric letting the discussion end.
She wondered to herself, ”But someone destroyed the Kawanii homes too. Who would do that?”
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Posted: Mon Feb 17, 2025 5:00 pm
  Word Count 393
The way out wasn't nearly as easy as the accidental way in. Shadow and Cahaya filled their bags with precious treasures, making certain to roll the Usekh up carefully so it wouldn't get damaged in transit.
“Cahaya…I think we're going in circles.” Shadow looked down at the familiar looking hoof prints in the sand on the floor.
Looking down, Cahaya frowned at what he saw. “ Yeah, I think you're right.” Cahaya leaned on a wall feeling a bit defeated. Putting his head back against it he felt something give way behind him. A clicking sound reverberated somewhere nearby. “Can you pinpoint that sound?” Cahaya said quickly and quietly.
Shadows' ears twitched and he tiptoed towards the noise. “Over Here!” He yelled excitedly, watching his foot placement as he went. He didn’t want to hit a trap switch by accident. A door had opened in the wall, several sets of footprints could be seen walking right past it. “Ready?”
“Yep, looks like it heads up. So that's promising.” It still took them a few hours of wondering before they found themselves on the other side of the chasm that formed under their feet. If we hug the wall we should be able to make it. Just in case it gives under my weight you best go first Shadow.”
“I was afraid you'd say that but agreed.” He tested the first part sticking out. “I'm assuming I should go for help if you can't cross it?” Shadow asked, already knowing the answer.
“Sounds like a good plan. I'll toss my bag across before I try. If I do fall, could you throw some of the food down? I would suggest hiding the loot bags too, just so we don't have to split it more ways if we need outside help.” Cahaya said, matter of factly. Not sounding overly concerned about the whole concept.
“Sounds like a plan.” Shadow made it across without much trouble.
Cahaya swung the bag across, landing it well clear of the edge. Grasping his lantern in his mouth he hugged the wall, watching where he placed each hoof. The second to last stone shifted under his weight. Leaping, he struggled to pull himself up. “Whoa…” he breathed heavily. “Glad that's over with. Let's get out of here.” He gathered everything and they started their descent out of the tight cave.
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