|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
 Posted: Wed Nov 05, 2008 4:48 pm
MOTHER PROMPT
Mare's Name: Maluhia
Mare's Temper: Ardent
Prompt Response:
She stared directly at the basket that sat only a few feet from her, brow furrowed in deep thought. Thought? Distress or confusion, maybe, but perhaps that was all a part of the ‘thought’ process. Her eyes stung as she felt tears welling up in them, threatening to break forth at any moment.
What was going on?
She had watched not even an hour before as branches burst into view, enveloping the basket. A concerned, petrified look had been immediately shot to her mate. He caught her eyes for only a fraction of a second before quickly averting his gaze, looking anywhere but at her face. What was wrong with him? He didn’t show any of the worry and fear that she thought he should be showing, only a nervous mask that hid whatever was running through his mind.
She shut her eyes hard, blinking back the threat of another onslaught of tears. Her ears were forward, listening for even a rustle of movement from the basket. Nothing came; perhaps it was… sleeping? A frown pulled at the corners of her maw as she lifted her body from the moss-covered ground, tentatively crossing the short distance between her and it and settling back down. Her pale, azure eyes watched its wicker surface and tiny leaves with a yearning expression. She could see every facet where the rattan moved over and under other pieces, distinguish every color of her own pelt represented on its exterior.
There was no denying that it was her foal. No question about it; the markings adorning her were as plain as day across the parts of the basket that weren’t covered by those horrid white branches. Yet there was still not even the slightest mark that showed her mate’s patterns on it; why? Why was he avoiding her questions? She couldn’t even begin to fathom why such a thing would happen to her, to her child.
The mare’s face set hard as she shook her forelock out of her face, a dull sigh coming from her lungs. She was so… tired. Tired of not knowing enough to set her mid at ease, tired from being afraid for her foal’s life and well being. Glancing at the basket once more, her eyes roved its surface. It was her child, and branches or not she’d protect it. What kind of mother would she be if she abandoned it? The scorn of both the soquili and human world, that was what. Eyes closing, she set her cranium down upon the ground, trying once more to attain restless slumber. She would have to wait for whatever the morning would bring… perhaps then her questions could be answered.
--
FATHER PROMPT
Stallion's Name: Kekoa
Stallion's Temper: Spineless
Prompt Response:
What she didn’t know wouldn’t hurt her.
Not at all, for that matter. His eyes glanced for the slightest of seconds towards the basket that wasn’t his, guilt stabbing him in the heart like the hot cattle iron he had once seen a white man using on one of his stock. Before his mate could notice him looking, he quickly glanced away, scarlet irises searching for something to focus his attention on.
He didn’t really believe the demon when he said he would take his first born; not entirely. Probably a stupid idea, since the forest stallion had literally become a living thing from nothing but bark and wood. It was slowly dawning on him that perhaps this whole ‘granting a wish’ business had not been such a good idea. His wings folded and unfolded restlessly against his back, one or two feathers dropping from them and lilting languidly to the floor.
Had it come out yet?
He glanced impatiently back at the basket, glaring a little as he noticed that the foal hadn’t come out. How long did it take these things to happen, anyways? His mate had caught a glimpse when it was born; he had seen sheer terror and shock on her face. What could she possibly have seen? The thought was slowly eating away at his façade, bringing him closer and closer to revealing the deed he had done.
Would he really be able to do it?
Probably not, he was too much of a coward.
Wait, no he wasn’t- wasn’t that what he had wished for? Valor. Bravery. The ability to do things he was formerly too skittish to do, to say things he never thought he’d be able to say. His cloven hooves pawed the ground anxiously, glancing about him. Had the demon kept up his end of the bargain? He better have, or… or…
It suddenly occurred that he didn’t quite know what he could do to this demon if he had tricked him, but the welling feel of mild anger clued him in enough to know that the wish had probably been granted. He felt no fear as his emotions rose; that alone was enough to calm his rattled nerves. Where once there had been anxiety and timidness to any opposing force was now a powerful will, an angry tide of control lurking in the dark corners of his mind. He glanced to the basket once more, eyes lingering upon it for a moment longer then he would have liked. He had gained his wish and his mate hers… but at what price? As his mind began to tick, the growing feel of guilt rose again. This foal knew nothing of its conception, had done nothing to deserve any of this.
Perhaps time would let him reflect on what he had done, but for now… he was determined his anxious mate should not know the sin he had committed.
--
BASKET PROMPT
Basket's Name: 'Ala [unisex name]
Basket's Temper: Intrepid
Gender for Prompt: Female
Prompt Response:
What was so bad about this place? The filly’s eyes roamed from tree to tree, taking in the moss that hung in thick sheets from their branches, the broad leaves that fell every so often to the forest floor and anything else that happened to catch her eye.
It was… beautiful. A little bit boring, but beautiful nonetheless.
In fact, she felt quite at home here, rather than being scared for her life. She was quite lost by this point, mostly wandering in circles to pass the time. She was intelligent; she could find her way out soon enough. It was more of the fact that… she didn’t want to leave. It was calm in here, quiet. Perhaps a little too quiet, however; even the sound of her slightly cloven hooves was dampened to a soft, dull thud every time she stepped.
It was around this point that she froze, suddenly acutely aware of that ever-so-cliché feeling when one knows that they’re being watched. How could she have been so naïve? Her leaves twitched as her cranium turned, ears swiveled forward in a desperate attempt to hear whatever it had been again.
Creaking?
She paced in a small circle nervously, slit-like eyes looking to and fro. Her gaze set on the ground for a moment and she had to stop sharp to avoid walking into a tree.
When she looked up, however, it wasn’t exactly a tree, per se.
He was like her. Gnarled and rough like the hide of the forest around them, branches growing off of him in several different directions. He was grinning, slit-eyes like her own seemingly looking down upon her- she couldn’t quite tell exactly where his eyes were looking. If she hadn’t been frozen up in surprise, she could have sworn she heard a soft chuckle coming from his throat. Did she hear it? She wasn’t sure anymore, all she knew was that this strange stallion had come out of nowhere, seemingly appeared from thin air, just like… just like he was part of this jungle.
The forest being looked as if he were going to speak right as the filly had decided it was about all she could take of this encounter. Whirling on her back hooves she bolted in the opposite direction, the voice in the back of her head spurring her towards the edge of the forest she instinctively knew was the way out. Already the trees were thinning, becoming less frequent. The sound of her hooves beating the ground became louder in her ears, the air becoming clearer and easier to breathe.
As she hit the sunlight, a revitalizing jolt hit her and the filly skid to a stop. A little ways off over a hill, her ears picked up the distant sound of her mother’s voice calling out in a strained and nervous manner, looking for her. A pang of guilt hit her chest as she took off at a gentle lope, heading towards her family. From the forest, a whisper of a voice seemed to beckon her back to them; she wasn't sure if it was the trees or the strange soquili she had encountered. Either way, she wasn't going back in until her nerves had calmed and she had regained her composure. As she made her way in the direction of her family, however, she once again felt the distinct feeling that she was being watched…
--
DEMON PROMPT
Demon's Name: Adahy
Demon's Temper: Depraved
Prompt Response:
The stallion stared at his reflection in the forest pool, slatted eyes glaring daggers at the image. Once he had been gorgeous and charming, gallivanting about the forest as he pleased, easily loping in and out of lines of trees that he knew so well. He had long since lost his dexterity in this form, and the forest layout was a little strange to him after all this time. He was more attune to the trees, sensing their despair as others beside himself wandered its depths, feeling their elation with the coming of rain.
Turning away from the water, the leaves of his mane rustled softly against his pelt, the practically empty bottle at his neck clinking against the beads on either side of it. A frown tugged at the corners of his maw, ears swiveling to listen for any other sounds in the forest. Nothing. A sigh escaped his lungs as a wistful feeling spread through his heart.
He had only done it for her, after all.
Who cared if he had taken her from her herd? Once he had spotted the beautiful young mare from afar, his heart had done back flips for her, never knowing her name, never hearing her voice. Oh, yes, he had done it for love, because love is a treacherous thing at its innermost core. Slaying the stallion that had commanded her attention out of cold blood, he lead her away back to his forest, his home, his sanctuary. He was happy then, but it was not long before his actions were reprimanded. The Angeni that had once granted him his most glorious gift of wish-making returned, saddened that the once graceful protector of the forest had turned to such ways to get what he wanted.
So she cursed him, freezing him into his position as one of the forest. He detested this form, the garish bark that covered his once beautiful pelt, and the vines that crept ‘round his ankles and wound their way up through his tail. Hated them. They were ugly and shameful, a reminder of everything he had lost. The locals who approached often said they could hear whisperings from the strange equine-like tree, a soft and silky voice in the back of their mind that beckoned them closer.
None ever dared to come close.
At least, not until the day that imprudent stallion had come, reading the ancient words like a book had been lying there. With much flourish he had broken from his bonds, bark shattering into thousands of pieces. He had given that boy his wish, but not without jealousy raging through his core. Why did this naïve, careless soquili deserve the one -he- loved when he, the guardian of the forest, had been ripped from his? There just wasn't a reason, as far as he was concerned. As envy and wrath built in his chest, he had done the only thing he could do to release it.
He wanted their child. It would be the offspring he had never had in his past life, raised to protect this forest with their life and soul until the day that he himself passed on and forevermore after that. He was only returning the favor of course; the forest protected him while he remained cursed and alone, whispering sweet nothings into his ears as he watched the rest of the world go by. He would protect this child once it was with him, teaching them everything of life he knew, and in turn… when he died they would protect the ancient forest that was their home.
It was twisted and sick, this strange cycle of love and hate, but the forest guardian didn’t seem to take notice of right and wrong any longer. As a low rumble of laughter came from his throat, he trod lazily through the trees and away from the water that could purify his soul and stop his lunacy. Long-dead leaves rustled as his tail dragged over them, hooves carrying him towards whatever the gods above had in store for his distorted spirit. He wouldn’t need to go looking for the foal, fate would draw them together as the song of the forest rang in their heart, in their mind… it was only a matter of time.
|
 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Wed Nov 05, 2008 5:10 pm
MOTHER PROMPT
Mare's Name: Lytera
Mare's Temper: Guarded
Prompt Response: So many cycles of the moon had passed and still she and her mate had been unable to conceive. She had nearly given up hope, but one day she found that she was with foal. It was a blessing that she had almost lost hope for, and she felt that soon her family would be complete. She expected that her mate would be as proud and elated as she would be, but when he returned to hear the news he seemed oddly perplexed. She had expected some measure of surprise from him, so she forgot about it as the two celebrated their new happiness. The joy that they shared quickly faded and a strange suspicion fell over Lytera. The pregnancy went well with only the strange urge to be in the sun, but something had begun to grow inside her that was unexpected. She felt that something was…odd about her child but she convinced herself it was nothing. Once the villagers put the foal in the basket however, her worries increased. She’d noticed something about the foal in the glimpse she’d gotten before it was sealed into its basket and it frightened her. Was something wrong with her baby? What could possibly have gone wrong? She looked to her mate for answers but he refused to speak on the subject. He seemed so distant, like he was hiding something from her and it broke her heart to think that he knew what was wrong with their baby and would not tell her. Confusion took her as she spent long hours staring at the strange basket. She felt an odd sort of detachment, as though this child, though biologically hers, belonged to someone- or something- else entirely. As the days passed she withdrew from her mate more, feeling that in some way he caused the deformity in their child. She was filled with guilt for these feelings, but at a loss as to what else could be the matter. Her child had none of the traits of her mate, and in fact had frightening deformities. The aura around the basket was strange to her, increasing her feelings that this was most certainly not her mate’s child. The foal within seemed like it belonged to neither of them, and it shook her to the core. Something profound and frightening was happening to her family, but she was at a loss as to what. She visited the basket often, pacing circles around it in contemplation. For days she refused to speak to her mate and she knew it worried him. She began to obsess over the basket, staying near it more and more as she worked through her feelings and ideas. She came to the conclusion that the gods had merely given them a challenge, something strange to test their strength. Finally, she found her mate and nuzzled him softly in apology, her mind decided. “Whatever comes out of that basket, it is our child,” she said softly. She was filled with trepidation, but also a new confidence. It may not be what she had expected out of their child, but it WAS her child and she would never abandon it.
BASKET PROMPT
Basket's Name: Tanos (if boy) and Aldia(if girl)
Basket's Temper: Defiant
Gender for Prompt: Male
Prompt Response: Tanos kicked a small rock with a deft flick of his hoof, bored. He glanced at his parents who seemed occupied and distracted by something else. With an impish grin he slipped away, headed for the forest his father had always foreboded him from entering. How dangerous could a bunch of trees be, anyway? With a laugh born out of the excitement of defiance, he took off at a gallop, leaping over small trees that had fallen and some thick roots. Deeper and deeper he went, spiraling and zigzagging, until nothing looked even remotely familiar. Stopping, he frowned as he spun circles, trying to get his bearings. He suddenly felt very vulnerable and exposed with his bright colors, but still he did not fear. He felt a strange pull to the forest, a connection that he didn’t understand. He supposed it was the fact that he grew leaves and twigs out of his own body much as the trees did. Whatever it was, he felt at home in this place, as though he were the rightful king of this domain. He started off in what he thought might be the right direction back, walking slow and examining the trees curiously. There was something oddly familiar about these trees, but he couldn’t guess at what it might be. Suddenly he heard a noise unlike anything he’d ever heard. It must be the trees groaning, he tried to convince himself as he increased his speed slightly. The noise drew closer and Tanos knew it had to be something following him. He started to catch glimpses here and there of a tree that was moving! It had a face, and as Tanos turned to look at it, it smiled at him. Surprised, but intrigued, Tanos moved a few paces closer. It seemed to be a stallion that had trees growing out of him, much like the colt did. Tanos cocked his head at this larger stallion, unafraid and curious. Something about the frightening stallion was familiar, disturbingly so. Tanos started to take a step backward, suddenly very uncomfortable in the large stallion’s presence. The young foal didn’t like the weird connection he felt to such a strange creature, or the implication that he SHOULD feel something for him. Tanos thought of his mother and father and quite suddenly wanted them very badly. It was not fear that drove him, as the young colt felt none. It was the complexity of something he was not ready to understand yet and the strange way the old stallion was looking at him that made him want to return to his parents. He turned and ran as fast as he could, stumbling here and there over roots and branches, but by some miracle made it out of the woods and to his family. His mother nuzzled him worriedly, but when Tanos looked to his father he was looking strangely at the forest and the pull it had on Tanos seemed all the stronger…
DEMON PROMPT
Demonn's Name: Hellebore
Demon's Temper: Jaded
Prompt Response: How ironic, to be sealed within one of the trees he loved so well, to never move or reach out to touch… no. He didn’t want to think of her. He tried his best to keep his thoughts away from her but he always drifted back to her lovely face. She had been so fair and beautiful when he first saw her, a forest nymph running about, carefree and lighthearted. It was later he learned she was an Angeni, and more lovely than he could have ever imagined. The courtship was magical, and if Hellebore could he would smile at the memories. The happiness quickly turned to hurt as the inevitable reality reached him. His last actions that he would commit for many years would haunt him forever, but it was nothing compared to the anguish he felt at losing her. He had stolen away into the night to ask her father for his blessing, and he was charged with hunting down a skinwalker and killing it to prove his worthiness. All he had to do was bring back its pelt, and her father’s blessing would be granted. He set out that very night full of the youthful confidence of a stallion fighting for the honor of his lady. The battle had been hard, and he had been badly injured but he managed to complete the task. It had taken weeks to do, as skinwalkers were not easy to find when being sought and even harder to kill, but return Hellebore did with the pelt. The father scowled down at him and told him his daughter didn’t love him and that she had gone, but Hellebore could hear none of it. He ran through the forest, seeking her but didn’t find her. He returned to the father, wounded from skinwalker attack and hurt that his love was gone and demanded answers. He was delirious with the pain, both physical and emotional and all he wanted was his mate! The father laughed in his face and told him that she would never be found and that he wasn’t worthy for her anyway. It was all Hellebore needed to snap. He killed his love’s father that day, and brought down upon himself the curse of the angeni. They trapped him in the tree for the murder and no explanation justified it. He hoped that his love hadn’t heard of his horrible deed, and that she might somehow still love him. Days turned to weeks, and weeks to months and still she never returned to the forest. His hope and love for her twisted into despair and seething hatred for the world that had separated them. He wanted vengeance, and he had plenty of time to plot.
It was by chance that he was released, and Hellebore would not waste the opportunity. He granted the foolish stallion one wish in exchange for his firstborn, and was surprised that the stallion took the chance. How greedy this world, full of deceit and betrayal. Hellebore sent the stallion off with a warning, that wishes were not granted without a price. How bitterly true was that warning, Hellebore mused as he wandered the forest he had once been master of. How different everything was-including himself. He glanced down at a still pool with horror, stomping into the pool to disturb the image. How hideous was he! She could never love him in such a state! Nonsense, he told himself. She had fallen in love with him, not his looks and she would love his new form. A wicked smile crossed his face as he continued to explore the strange forest that had been his home. This was not his forest anymore. It had changed, as had he. But he would not leave this place without a master, and so he would wait for the child. Yes, the child will grow and the call of the forest will be too strong for it. Soon he would meet his offspring, and soon IT will share the curse of becoming master of the forest. He will bind the child here with the magic he still possessed, and then he will exact the revenge he so rightly deserved on the angeni community. When that task is complete he will find his love, yes. They will find a new forest for him to rule over and she will be his queen. They will return to that happy time, all he needed to do was be patient until the child grew…
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Wed Nov 05, 2008 5:35 pm
MOTHER PROMPT
Mare's Name: Elyina
Mare's Temper: Serene
Prompt Response: Elyina the blue mare with a belly so round it looked like a bursting waterskine, stepped out from under the shade of a wide leafy tree as she made her way down to the beach. This was where all the good sunlight was at this time of day, and she was feeling a little weary. She hummed to herself as her long graceful legs carried her and her unborn child.
Hmm my child, my foal…mmmm my love. Grandmare was right! If you wish hard enough your dreams do come true.
Elyina continued to hum to herself as she stepped onto the soft sand and into the sunlight.
“Ahhh” she let out a breath as she stood and closed her eyes soaking in the sunlight. For some strange reason no matter how much she ate or rested she only felt stronger after sunbathing. Elyina was somewhat perturbed by this strange need, she tried not to let it bother her for she always felt that her foal was growing strong because of this. However she was becoming a little concerned that she had needed to sunbath more frequently, and she had started to sleep in a place where the sun’s first light washed over her.
“Oh my love I do wish you would come soon,” Elyina softly crooned to her belly. Almost as in answer Elyina felt a sharp rip in pain in her stomach. Gasping out loud Elyina opened her eyes and looked at her belly the best she could. Thinking it just a strong kick she relaxed taking in several breaths of fresh air when another sharp pain rolled through her.
“Oh, guess I should be careful what I wish for” she tried to chuckle, but through gritted teeth. Turning around the mare started to make her way back to the village, stopping more frequently to handle the pain as she neared the village.
I can do this, I will make it, be strong little one she thought to herself and to her child as she became slower in her movement. It took much longer than Elyina wanted to reach the village, as soon as she did she was converged on by villagers and led to give birth in private.
The pain was great as her mother and grandmare before her had foretold, but she handled it for she was giving life to her child, her child......or so she thought. As soon as the foal was born the villagers whisked her child from mother to wicker basket to protect it, as was custom. But something was wrong Elyina thought. Right after they placed her child in it’s basket white gnarled branches shot out and clamped the basket shut. Not only that but Elyina had managed a small peek at her newborn, it’s skin was rough looking covered in whorled patterns almost like...almost like a tree’s bark. The child looked nothing like her or her mate, but those eyes...her child’s eyes...they were unlike any she have ever seen, and they made her chill down to her bones. Elyina didn’t fret for long because soon after she feel into a deep sleep feeling as if one weight had been lifted off of her and replaced with a new burden.
Those eyes...
Elyina woke to see her mate standing over her protectively and staring at their child’s basket. She didn’t say anything at first her eyes were drawn to the basket, where her child lay. This basket was unlike any other she had ever seen...or felt. Elyina could feel a...woodsy like aura.
“Elyina” her mate spoke having looked down to check on her and seeing her awake.
“How are you my love?” he bent down to nuzzle her. Elyina did not move just stared.
“Elyina..what’s wrong?” he nudged her gently. Opening her mouth she let all of her worries and thoughts about their child spill out into the air, feeling slightly better until she looked up at his face. He was as stone unmoving unwavering.
“Everything will be fine it’s best that you stop this worrying” he said in a cold monotone voice that was not his. This only caused her to worry more.
In the grips of sleep,Elyina had time to herself to think, what would happen?, what would she do? This was her child her’s and her mates, and her or she would be loved unconditionally not matter what. As she woke from her nap there was love in her eyes as she glanced at the basket, with a hint of fear buried deep inside.
*Musical Inspiration: Jacqueline de Pre (just for fun little tid bit <3)
FATHER PROMPT
Stallion's Name: Ggarr
Stallion's Temper: Haughty
Prompt Response: The ground shook under his mighty hooves as he pounded the earth. Running deep into the forest he ran until he had to stop to catch his breath. Ggarr was training himself to be in peak fighting condition. Maybe because it was in his being, having that Kalona blood running hot in his veins. Ggarr was not one to turn down a fight, and was quick tempered. It might have been because as a foal other’s made fun of his heritage, training him to be quick with heated words and just as quick to start a fight. Now that he was older most kept their mouths shut about it, but now that he and his mate were trying to start their family and she had yet to conceive people were talking. This brought back those horrible memories of his youth, and drove him towards this goal. Ggarr decided to train himself because while his mate had captured his heart and she truly knew him heart a soul he had laid down his urge to fight. He felt his limbs were weak like a baby foals and that he had no stamina. Something every fighter needed.
While he rested Ggarr decided to take a look at his surroundings. He hadn’t realized how far he had ran only now noticing that he was in the dark spookier part of the forest, the part where scary stories came from. Shivering slightly as a cool breeze fell over his shoulders Ggarr walked on a few more feet until he came upon several gnarled and twisted trees as wide and thick as two teepees. Moving closer the stallion noticed that there seemed to be a carving of some sort. Ggarr feared nothing so steeling himself against the voice in his head that told him to leave this place he moved even closer to see what this carving was. Upon closer inspection Ggarr discovered that the carving was one of a Soquili, but so lifelike that he took a step back. Fighting the urge to run from this place he continued to carefully look over the wooden stallion.
“How did this come to be” Ggarr spoke softly trying to decide if it was a carving or something ...darker. Maybe it was some poor Soquili stuck this way. He gave the wooden stallion another once over his eyes flashing over what looked like writing.
“What’s this?” Ggarr’s words almost stuck in his throat as he glanced at a string or spidery writing scratched onto the shoulder of the stallion. Something inside of him was drawn to these words and slowly Ggarr read them out loud.
Awaken O guardian of the forest, take up your place amongst our trees and watch over us all. I as your kin command you to awaken
Ggarr could feel something powerful flow out of him and into the carved Soquili, little did he know that it had been a long while since this stallion had been a guardian of the forest, but instead had become the demon of the forest. He waited what seemed like an eternity until suddenly...movement.
Stepping back quickly the once lifeless stallion began to creak and groan like a tree resisting a strong wind. Still lungs began to inhale cracking like an old branch bearing too much weight. Ggarr had to concentrate to not let his mouth hang open wide. The forest stallion opened his eyes which seemed to be unfocused for a while as he began to move his legs, and then slowly separate himself from the grasp of the other trees. A low raspy chuckle escaped his throat. To Ggarr’s astonishment a raven flew down to take up watch on a piece of gnarled twisted wood on the stallion’s back. As soon as his eyes focused and trapped Ggarr in their gaze he knew this was no forest guardian.
“You..mighty stallion, thank you for freeing me. It has been many years since I have had life in me.” His voice was like a ragged blade’s edge. Ggarr had to force his voice out of his throat.
“You are welcome mighty spirit” he bowed his head in respect.
“Come you must let me repay you... make a wish, any wish your heart desires! I can grant you anything” he laughed a barking laugh that made Ggarr want to shiver all over, and yet his words carried power.
Anything? He can grant me anything? Ggarr thought about this. He could have strength, he could protect his family and his name, no more would anyone torture him over his bloodlines. As Ggarr opened his mouth to speak the demon interrupted him.
“I warn thee, all wishes have a price.” The stallion moved forward starting out with jerky creaky steps until his movement was smooth and silky.
“Your price shall be that your firstborn will belong to me” a wicked sly smile broke out across his face. Ggarr stopped again to think.
Let him have his price, no Soquili shall stand in my way again he had to suppress a laugh of his own.
“I accept your price spirit, I wish to be strong enough to defeat any Soquili that challenges me” his smiled broke out.
“So be it Ggarr” the demon spoke startling Ggarr with the use of his name. Unhooking the bottle of red liquid and setting it before Ggarr the demon said.
“Take a sip of this and your wish shall be granted” Ggarr lowered his head took the bottle carefully between his lips and raised his head to take a small sip. He placed the bottle back as the demon chuckled again.
“Now be gone from here Ggarr and you wish shall come true soon” Nodding he turned and began to trot away from that place, his trot became a full out run as he raced back to his beloved.
His trip back was cut in half he felt good he felt stronger. He trotted over to his mate not even needing to stop and catch his breath.
“I have good news!” his mate said as soon as they had greeted each other.
“I’m pregnant!” she sang as she glowed in her happiness. Ggarr celebrated with her.
Let him try to take my child he smiled even wider. No one would stop him now.
*Musical Inspiration* Roisin Murphy's Night of the Dancing Flame
DEMON PROMPT
Demonn's Name: Menoa
Demon's Temper: Loathing
Prompt Response:
The time has come to awaken
Menoa could hear the stallion’s voice as he read the spell that would release him from his frozen state. A rush of burning fire seared through his veins, tendonds, muscles, bones, and flesh. The fire ran through his very being, it was life he felt. As he was slowly released a flood of memories flashed through his mind.
He had lived a good life of service to the forest and to protecting others. He had been rewarded for his effort, but it had turned out to be a curse. Soquili and two leggers alike had sought him out for his wishes. He had given them to the worthy, but some thought those blessed were not worthy and turned on their brothers. The lush peaceful forest was covered with their blood as a great battle ensued. He had accepted his followers to do the right thing, but they two had hatred in their hearts and retaliated. As protector he had made his was down to stop this, but could see that they were all poisoned against one another. Someone had set blaze to his beautiful forest. In his fury and pain he too was poisoned with this hated of theirs. He punished them all; in turn he was cursed either by this hatred or some other great spirit he did not know. But he lost his beauty and took on the semblance on the forest he loved and was frozen until the day someone would wake him.
Menoa wanted to scream his fury and frustration to the sky as all these memories and feelings were brought to the surface like freshly turned earth. The time spent alone had not done him good. Menoa was now determined to punish both races. He would make them live like him, they would lose their beauty and become part of his living forest. He hated them with every fiber of his being, it had been heir fault this had happen to him. In his mind his fall from grace was their fault. No matter that it had been many years since this had happened, they were all the same and no one would learn. Menoa finally separated himself from the copse of trees that had been his prison for so long, however he was not fully separated from the semblance of one.
No matter this form suits me well now, and soon they shall all look like me he chuckled pleased at himself. Menoa felt that pest of a bird who had been hanging around him for the last few years land on a branch protruding from his back. Fighting the urge to take his fury out on it he turned instead to the fool of a Soquili who had released him. With his dark silky voice he greeted him and offered to reward him for his help.
If only he knew, the poor stallion he thought to himself he laughed on the inside, his laugh was like a burning poison.
“The price for a wish will be your firstborn.” He announced to the stallion, who took this to heart and still agreed to the terms.
“So be it Ggarr” he said in a low voice using the Soquili’s name to frighten him.
So sad that they never learn she laughed in his head slightly mad. He offered the stallion and sip of the tainted potion. As soon as he had his sip the wish was granted and Menoa’s seed was planted in this stallions mate.
“Be gone from here now” he told the now cursed Soquili, he would be the first of his new followers.
HAHAHA! Not event he poor fool’s wish can stop me, for I am no mere Soquili
“I AM THE FOREST DEMON!” he let the last of his sentence roar from his mouth and reverberate off the trees. He could feel them tremble at his fury and pain. His child would come to him, that Menoa had the means to make sure he or she would, and then he would either try to talk them into being his right hand. If that failed he would bend them to his will like a young green sapling. Menoa laughed again causing the raven to caw and flap it’s wing uncomfortably. Pacing like a great stalking beast he planned. All he had to do now was wait, and after all the time he had already waited, this would be easy it was his time for vengeance and all would feel his wrath. This time he would not fail.
will add other prompts as I write them! <3 great contest and great idea!
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Wed Nov 05, 2008 6:52 pm
MOTHER PROMPT
Mare's Name: Mia
Mare's Temper: Naive
Prompt Response:
Mia looked upon her basket in wonder. How could this be? She had heard of foals having odd traits, but this was a little much. The one glimpse she had of her baby was disturbing. It looked nothing like her, or its father. What would its father think? Would he accuse her of being unfaithful? That wasn't the case.
"You don't know what kind of turmoil you're causing little one," she said gently to the basket. Even though her child wasn't exactly pleasing to look on, she could do nothing but love it. It had come from her own flesh and blood. But even as she loved the child, it still gave her an uneasy feeling that she couldn't shake off. Where had it really come from? Was her mate actually the father?
"get a hold of yourself." She said, shaking her head as though to shake off that uneasy feeling. "Don't worry little one," she said to the basket, making soothing noises. "I'll be right here for you. Mamma is here."
DEMON PROMPT
Demon's Name: Marcato
Demon's Temper: Vengeful
Prompt Response:
"Perfect," Marcato muttered to himself. "Everything is going exactly as planned." The plan was actually going better than he had hoped for. He had fully expected someone to free him from his imprisonment, but the child...
As soon as the foal was old enough, he would begin to poison its mind with evil and hatred. He would tell the little one, who would be oh so impressionable, about how the evil Angeni had locked him in the trees to keep him from granting wishes. He would be a hero in this child's eyes. Hopefully the child will take on the mother's more innocent looks, but it didn't really matter greatly. No one suspects a child of committing horrible deeds.
His heart gave a pang as he thought of what he, or rather the child, would be doing to his first and only love. He had loved her, and had paid for it. She had been the most beautiful Angeni he had ever laid eyes on. Eyes that were now dark and menacing because of what she did to him. He had wanted her to love him. That's how it should have been. He had tasted just a drop of his potion, and had wished she would love him. That's when he was cursed. He knew then that she would never love him of her own accord, but he would make her.
Looking down at himself, he frowned. It would be hard to love a stallion as horrid looking as him, but it would be done. He would tie her to him from the child. The child was the key.
BASKET PROMPT
Basket's Name: Min
Basket's Temper: Adventurous
Gender for Prompt: Female
Prompt Response:
Quivering in fear, Min tried to turn away from the incredibly life-like tree that was coming towards her so she could run from it, but her hooves felt like they were cemented to the ground. Her eyes grew impossibly wide, the whites showing clearly as she looked on the massive branched thing. In shock, her mouth hung open, and she couldn't seem to think clearly of what to do. As the strange thing approached her, she seemed to regain control of her body and was able to take a step backward.
"Wha, what are y-you?" She asked in what she thought was a brave voice, taking another step back. Laughter came from the tree-like creature as it came ever closer, and she took several more steps backwards. No other noise was uttered from the thing, and she was trembling in fear. feeling something bump into her from behind, she gave a shriek and looked behind her. She had backed herself against a tree. "STOP!" She cried, tears starting to fall down her face. "PLEASE! Don't hurt me!" She sobbed, her knees giving way and falling to the ground. The monster still approached, and she started crying uncontrollable. "Please..." she almost whispered, looking up into the eyes of the thing. "Please, I'll do anything..."
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Wed Nov 05, 2008 8:11 pm
MOTHER PROMPT
Mare's Name: Sitala
Mare's Temper: Apprehensive
Prompt Response:
Sitala lay motionless in a field on the cool grass staring into the darkness of the forest. Finally having her wish fulfilled....her eyes swelled up in tears. Going through the pain of child birth was enough stress on her, but seeing what she gave life to....
'What did I give life to?' Sitala thought to herself. Her heart, once full of joy for the foal that she always wanted, was now filled with anguish. It had only been hours since the birth and everything has gone wrong. Her eyes widened as the memory of that small glimpse struck her. "I-its skin...." She harshly whispered to herself. She remembered the wood-like skin so similar to the trees she stared blankly at. The said trees her mate had walked among a while ago....
Suddenly her mate crossed her mind. "My mate....why won't he say anything?" She cried. She knew from that small glimpse that the foal looked nothing like its father, but why would he not explain? It was his foal too...well it should be. He should have a reason for it looking that way.She hadn't done anything wrong! A growing suspicion began to root in her mind. "What has he done?" She whispered into the wind. She tucked away a mental note.
I have to ask him.
Glancing aside, she stared at the basket which held her foal. There was a large space between her and the foal's basket. It was previously placed near her, but she distanced herself to clear her mind and thoughts. The wood she had seen on her foal's skin had wrapped itself around its basket as well. She cringed for a moment as she looked over the basket and its wooden clasp. Sighing, she stood up and slowly walked toward it. Her mind focused on one thing; she had to care for the foal. It was hers.
'...but was it his?'
Driving her thoughts away from her mate. Sitala noticed her shadow cast upon the basket. It's eerie glow, warning yet welcoming her. Placing her nose against the basket, she whispered softly to it. "I will care for you my foal....since you are the one I bore." Her tone was tired and strained. The vision she saw of the foal had reentered her mind. Shaking it off, she hesitantly continued. "...I....will love you...little one." After her short speech, Sitala sat down and nuzzled the basket to show the foal inside that she cared. She suddenly felt trapped. Something in her mind clicked. There was something horribly wrong about this foal. Her heart wary and her mind weak, a thought then plagued her mind.
'Can I truly love this creature?'
Showing pain and worry, Sitala rested her head on to the basket before closing her eyes. Her wooden child ran through her head smiling, beckoning her to play. Visualizing the foal and herself together, they ran in the fields happy and carefree; as Sitala wished to do with all her foals...if she had anymore. Opening her eyes, her mind was resolute.
'...I have to try.'
DEMON PROMPT
Demon's Name: Nahele
Demon's Temper: Conniving
Prompt Response:
A young female voice called.
Awaken..my dear....Awaken......AWAKEN!
Nahele opened his void-like eyes. Before him stood the young stallion of Kalona and Wind blood. Obviously not the owner of the voice he heard in his head. How sad. Oddly calm, Nahele stared at him. He then smiled; bark falling from his face. Nahele was finally free! "Oh..wonderful stallion...I am greatly humbled for you releasing me!" Nahele bowed his head to the young horse, his eyes glancing up to see the stallion's expression. It was surprised. Nahele internally sneered.
'What a disgusting being.'
He hated the stallion at first glance. His proud features, the stature he held...everything! The stallion was so 'pretty' yet tainted in his eyes. Compared to himself which was gnarled and ugly, but he was not like this before...oh no...he was a beauty. His beauty was infamous...and how he wished for such beauty again! It had gained him so much love and respect. Especially from her.
Raising his head to look at the stallion. He continued his facade. "For releasing me I may grant you a wish....anything you desire." His voice took an alluring tone. Nahele glanced down to the red liquid encased in a clear glass bottle which was given to him by the Angeni. The same people who cursed him to become who he was now...a monster. The stallion was so eager at the wish, he poured all his thoughts and wishes onto Nahele, asking him which wish would be possible. The description of the mixed breed's mate caught his attention. He frowned.
It was her. The one who's voice awakened him. He would never forget such a mare.
Nahele mind went into chaos. He was furious. This...this..thing caught her eye? Or was it the other way around? It didn't matter.The stallion took away his mate-to-be. They were to be together for eternity....but it never happened. Nahele, blinded by love, forgot the important task he had. He had to protect the forest. It was his first priority as its guardian...but fate had to befall him. The Angeni were not pleased. In fact, they were angered greatly. They forbid him to love her and he retaliated, almost killing one of those who gave him his strength. His act of defiance deserved punishment and he became what he was now. Leaving his ex-lover to the hands of this creature. Nahele's frown worsened as he played the story in his mind.
The stallion questioned the look on Nahele's face. "That is nothing of your concern." He responded a bit roughly. Taken aback for a moment, the stallion paused before deciding on his wish. Nahele's frown turned into a thin line. He wouldn't just let this soquili run free with a wish...it would cost him. "I will want....your first born child for this wish." He stated firmly. The stallion paused, then nodded his head in agreement. Internally, Nahele was cackling like a mad man. Giving the stallion the potion to drink, he watched as the young soquili took a sip. Nahele's plan had become a reality. Everything was coming together so well!
Taking back the glass bottle, he smiled and wished the stallion well as it left his presence. His face immediatly turned into a wicked grin. "Everything is coming together!" He sang. The pieces were falling in place and the cast had been chosen. Nahele would take the child as it wandered away from its loving mother. The child that was rightfully his. He would make it despise who made the terrible wish which used it as payment.The lowly stallion. He would corrupt the young child's mind with wicked thoughts and send it out to do the ultimate deed. The stallion would pay for taking what was rightfully Nahele's.
It was just a matter of time...before he shattered the stallion's life.
BASKET PROMPT
Basket's Name: Tiponi
Basket's Temper: Indignant
Gender for Prompt: Female
Prompt Response
An acorn was crushed beneath Tiponi's hooves...and another..and another. She was walking through the forest which her parents, especially her dad, forbid her to go in. Just in spite of them, she went in anyway; maybe coming out unscathed would make them loosen up. After all, it was just a forest. Filled with birds, trees and everything else that wouldn't comment on her looks.Why would there be anything bad about that? It was like a sanctum to her.
Her parents would protect her from everything...from others who ridiculed her for being 'different'. Being constantly protected did not suit well with her. She loved her parents, and she knows they love her too...in their own little way, but it was just too much. "Why protect me from everyone else?! I know I'm different! I don't care! People who do care can bite me!" Yelled Tiponi into the woods. The birds scattered at the sound of her voice.
Tiponi scoffed. Walking further into the forest, she took note of every tree and bush she passed. She snickered at a few which looked just like her. She walked up to one of them and grazed her hoof on its bark; feeling every knot and wrinkle that passed under her. She quickly frowned. "You..Mr.tree..are lucky. No one can mock you for being a who you are. A tree." She remembered the cruel names everyone would call her...bark and woody, just to name a few. Angrily, she kicked a bush as she remembered the ridiculous name calling.
Deciding she had enough of moping and ill will towards her parents, she prepared her self to head out. She paused and blinked. Her eyes casting from one tree to the next, her mind was blank of the previous route she took to get here. "Oh great," She sarcastically remarked. She was utterly and hopelessly lost. Tiponi sighed. 'How could I be so careless?' If she didn't get back soon her parents would think worse of her and possibly hang over her shoulder for the rest of her teenage life! "I have to get back."
Taking a random route, she weaved through the trees, leaves and other fallen objects crunching under her feet. She glanced to her sides now and then watching as she passed trees. One tree though, just never left her side. Deciding it just was an illusion, she continued on her way slowly becoming angry at the fact that she would be returning to her 'safe and happy' life.
'Yea..safe....right..'
Tiponi reached a clearing somewhere in the forest and thought she was out. Looking around she sighed again. "Where the heck am I...?" Still lost it seems. Glancing at the trees, she noticed all of them were different compared to the ones she saw earlier...except for one. It was the tree she saw before that followed her and it was moving. She raised an eyebrow. What kind of tree would move? She then squinted to get a closer look at it. Involuntarily she took a step back at her discovery. The tree was a soquili! Its form was much similar to hers...but she didn't care. Her temper flared at the sight of it. "You...are you mocking me?! Trying to make fun of me by looking like that?!"
You will pay for mocking me!
Believing that it was just another horse making fun of her by wearing bark and twigs, she charged. She knew that she wouldn't be able to hurt him much...but just enough to hurt it's ego. Scratch that. To hurt its ego a lot.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Wed Nov 05, 2008 8:52 pm
FATHER PROMPT
Stallion's Name: Naddaer
Stallion's Temper: Torn
Prompt Response:
The irony, oh such irony of this situation. His mate was pregnant but at what cost. It was all his fault, yes he was the one to blame for this and he could never tell her. Naddaer was torn between what to think, what to do. His thoughts went back to what had happened earlier, what events set this all in motion.
His bright red eyes widen for a moment at the towering forest spirit that was before him. Naddaer took in the words said by him. I am to get one wish granted but at what cost. My own first-born? But… we are having difficulties, who is to say we shall ever have foals. Back and forth his thoughts fought on what the correct action would be to take. Finally, his mind settled (or perhaps it was the Kalona blood kicking in), he spoke his wish.
Naddaer shook his head and brought himself back to the present time. So what did this mean, his mate was pregnant. Still the wish rang through his head, perhaps this is… it? But then there was that price. What sort of twisted creature would do that, such cruelty. His red eyes drifted back to his mate, she seemed so happy, she was almost glowing. Happy… that was it. I wished for her to be happy… but for how long, now I cannot say.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Wed Nov 05, 2008 11:24 pm
MOTHER PROMPT
Mare's Name: Canalei
Mare's Temper: Devoted
Prompt Response: During a time when a mother should have been most excited, this young mare gazed forebodingly upon the singular basket within her charge. Emotions of joy and elation were squandered by the burden of apprehension which distracted her from the bliss of being a new mother. Her mate proving to be of little aid in quelling her fears over the unforeseen events which had unfolded for the new parents. The basket—and the foal it contained—appeared to show no resemblance to her mate and assumed father. Yet despite the obvious concerns which would have arisen from such a puzzling predicament he had yet to challenge her fidelity.
In fact, ever since Canalei had announced that she was expecting her love had been acting particularly out of character. She was certain; by the way he often avoided her gaze, that he possessed some knowledge behind the reason for their foals unusual appearance. Wishing only that he’d choose to confide in her the secrets he hid, the entire situation left Canalei feeling unworthy of her mate’s trust. While unaware of any relevant issues within the stallion’s lineage if she took into consideration how long it had taken them to conceive and her mate’s Kalona heritage anything was possible. Maybe he was ashamed to tell her and there in lay the reason for his silence.
Distressed but optimistic, Canalei’s heart swelled with unconditional love for the foal contained in an eerie basket against her side. Swaddled by birch-like branches which protruded from the carefully weaved bassinet. No matter, she told herself. Whatever the cause of her first born’s peculiar appearance it did little to affect her maternal bonds. After all, how long had she awaited this moment? To cradle a foal against her side? As a mother with unlimited reserves of affection and devotion to give she could only hope her mate would stand beside her in whatever challenges may lay ahead in the future, for her mind was already made. Her faith unflappable.
Canalei would raise her foal proudly and protect the babe with her life, come hell or high water.
DEMON PROMPT
Demon's Name: Conipheros (Play on Coniferous xD)
Demon's Temper: Nefarious
Prompt Response: “—but above all else you must never harm any human who might wander through this forest. For though you may be the guardian of this domain, mankind is the master of all domain.” Sobering words had filled Conipheros’ ears the moment he had stood over the lifeless body of a human child, from the village which hugged the border of his forest, and realized the gravity of his actions. Decades of lurking out of sight pretending to be impartial while the two-leggers defiled and ransacked his beautiful forest had decayed the Guardian’s better judgment. Acts of cruelty once unthinkable had become acceptable under the proper circumstances, made obvious by the sanguine fluid which oozed from his maw and painted his forelegs.
Such foul deeds didn’t come without a price. Having forgotten the pact he had made with Kanati, the first hunter, so many, many years ago and grown overly protective of the forest Pheros was punished. Unable to watch the woods without bias and sentimentality the stallion was forced to live out a fate worse than death, living in the guise of a tree, completely at the mercy of those he sought to abolish.
How strange it was to think that he was free now, limbs creaking like the branches of unstable saplings in the wind. Standing just behind the tree line between the solace of Conipheros’ ominous forest and the sun drenched world that mirrored it like some parallel dimension, a seedy glare narrowed upon the retreating backside in the distance. Perhaps he should have been grateful to the particularly imbecilic stallion for freeing him from the enchantment that had been his prison for far too many years, but all he could feel was pain. The same silent suffering he’d been forced to endure for decades without the ability to retaliate as his dear forest was violated with acts most heinous. The end was now.
Unable to step beyond the edge of the woods for himself, for as soon as gnarled physique was struck by sunlight twisting roots sprung to life--writhing and reaching for the terra beneath newly acquired hooves, the demon had decided a vessel would be required to reach the his goal. He would use newly acquired offspring for the purpose of completely overtaking the lands in a tangled overgrowth of woodlands which would spread far beyond their natural boundaries. Stretching over areas that were once grassland or desert, Conipherous would be able to roam freely without fear of being rooted to the ground by the elemental affinity which now even compromised every facet of the stallion’s life, including his appearance.
“Follow.” Thick voice demanded of the crow hunched upon the branches at the base of his tail, intense stare never drifting from the stranger’s traveled path. The stench of mankind was heavy upon the region, but not for long. All too soon the firestarters would know what it was like to have their homes torn down around them. To be hunted by those more worthy of life than they were.
Mankind was master of all domain?
Not for long.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Thu Nov 06, 2008 9:26 am
BASKET PROMPT
Basket's Name: Legacy
Basket's Temper: Earnest
Gender for Prompt: Female
Prompt Response:
“I will do and become the impossible. I will be accepted.”
That was her response to everything. Legacy knew she was different, that she couldn't be related to her father, she knew it all; but she didn’t care. If she couldn't be accepted appearance-wise, so be it, but she will be accepted personality-wise. She will be known as 'friend'.
Whether it broke her bones, drew her blood, or shattered her heart; she will become that dream, she will be light.
“I'm real. I’m here right now.”
If others thought her true self was fake; she’ll prove them wrong, prove she was she. Appearance did not make a person.
“I’m glad you’re glad.”
She will become wind, everywhere always.
“I’m sad you’re sad.”
She will become wood, giving umbrage to all.
“I’m mad you’re mad.”
She will become fire, assist those who need it.
"Do not turn me away."
She will become water, take the shape and form of what anyone wishes, and make them happy. But... was Lega happy?
She didn’t care if her attempts were fruitless. She'd become the elements, what makes a person, what a person needs, if she had to. She would be sought out by others.
She wanted to be needed, wanted, loved. This was her happiness, her joy.
She hid the hurt.
No matter how hard she tried nothing worked. Happiness is illusion.
Breathing sometimes hurt; living hurt.
Am I going to die?
No, then she couldn't do and become the impossible. No matter what she’ll be know as friend. But sometimes though Lega really did feel like on the verge of dying… snapping. Every once in a while she had to be the one to turn others away. Like they care.
That’s why Lega was here now; in this forest, forbidden area; alone with no one seeking her.
Where am I?
She knew where she was, but wasn't sure if she was still there. Lega felt like withering just from the sight of this place. What… what happened? The trees were gray and crooked; leafs curled. Compared to the rest of the soquili lands this place was like a scar. Nothing could have be born this way… Except for me. Yes, she did feel far too much like kin to this forest, but that wasn’t the point. The point was that she really wasn't alone. The wind didn't blow, the sun didn't shine; how was it possible for noise in such a dead place?
She was standing perfectly still.
Creaking… it had followed her since she entered the forest, growing louder, stronger. Lega had come here just to cool off, but she had always felt the forest call for her… Was it this creaking? Was it what had always called out for her?
“Please come out. I’d like to be your friend. We are kin, after all.” Yes, she had come to the conclusion that she must be related to this place in some form, by blood or by destiny.
Nothing happened, and the creaking ceased. For a second she felt a little foolish. But then suddenly something moved, and she swirled around. Oh my God… This wasn't what she expected. A tree moving towards her, smiling at her. From their neck hung a red concoction, glinting despite the lack of light. Like death it seemed to tell her to take a sip. To drink and… die. It wasn't the forest calling for her, was it... that mixture? Or had it been the... soquili, keeper, of it? What had shocked her wasn't the other's appearance, but the fact they were just like her.
I have to get out of here!
No! Lega was not about to run from this; she was practically equivalent to them! But she did not want to die either... What to do, what to say-! She could only draw a blank. What am I doing!? This was what I’ve been preparing for my entire life! To never be alone; always have someone else there. A best friend forever! Yes, obviously this person must have known her for at least forever... Well, we all need a start somewhere... Taking a deep breath she stared at the other in the eye, almost choking, wondering if they went through everything she has ever gone through. They can't kill me. No, they couldn't kill everything she has ever worked for, she wouldn't let them. This was not the end, only the beginning. Her legacy was forever too.
“Hello.”
DEMON PROMPT
Demon's Name: Nobody
Demon's Temper: None
Prompt Response:
He had lost everything in five seconds. His name, soul, and goodness.
All he kept was his life.
He had lied. He had wished to protect the forest forever, but it was a lie; a mask. Down to the core he simply wished for immortality.
Curse that angeni, this forest, this damn wretched potion!
Who was he now?
Oh, he had many names now; Lost, Fool, Fallen, Ever, and Sin.
But he could only go by Nobody; his own true name turning its back on him.
What was he now?
Stripped of his own face, he was simply a monster.
Worse than a tree, worse than any kalona or skinwalker. He was an it.
His alignment…?
Bad. Benevolence gone to malice, righteousness to evil.
At least he got his wish.
Nature was indeed immortal, was it not? He was nature now, was he not? Life wasn’t fair, nature was cruel; wasn’t he both? So, naturally it was all “fair” trade, naturally it was a simple, “cruel” receipt.
But he wanted his face back. To hell with name and soul, couldn’t they have at least left him his face!? A face is what a person truly knows another by. He was alone.
Live alone, die alone. And I can’t bring anyone down with me… Who would dare enter this forest? And it wasn’t like he could leave it. He needed someone just like him, no, another him. To break this wretched curse by living on the outside, so he was no longer bound, to break this curse by sharing the same face, so he was no longer the only it, to break this curse by always being there, someone he could need. Friends did not exist; he wanted family.
This was his choice; one he had to make in five seconds after being brought back into animation. Only one soquili would dare enter such a place, and it was this fool. But he did not want to relate to this fool in any way, even if he was the one that turned him from an it to a living, breathing, moving it.
Make a wish~
This fool really was a fool.
Finally; Nobody did not have to be alone. He just had to be patient; something he has been since the beginning of time. He had purpose again; to raise a family, instead of this stupid forest. Nobody had become somebody.
FATHER PROMPT
Stallion's Name: Mercutio
Stallion's Temper: Faltering
Prompt Response:
Make a wish, but it comes at a price.
When Mercutio entered this forest he had no idea what to expect; to come across a tree with carvings and a dangling potion included. It was strange, the tree was no bigger than him yet it seemed to have lived a many lifetimes. It also seemed to be dying, gripping to life for all it’s worth; it gnarled and scathed with numerous scars, but it seemed to refuse to succumb and wither like the trees around it. Upon closer inspection he realized he could actually read the scripture hastily carved into the brittle yet strong bark. It looked like a dead language, yet he could honest to goodness read it. Instinct told him to run as the tree seemed to loom over him, trying to tangle and choke him in its branches, but he stayed. Like a language that I knew but had forgotten so long ago… He knew pronunciation, but only had a vague grip on its meaning. This got him interested, making him keep his ground.
Shrugging off the fear of everything and what darkness lurked around him and this tree he began to read it aloud, stopping only for a minute as a raven suddenly swooped down and landed on one of the twisted branches. A specter? Spirit familiar? This tree… had a spirit!? Gulping he continued to read the etchings, not sure if his hooves were still touching the dusty ground. He had to figure out what this all meant! How was he suppose to leave this forest happy and satisfied when he scared himself out of his wits for no reason?
“There, that’s all of it…” He glanced nervously at the raven, or crow, whatever it was, jumping backwards startled as it squawked and flew away.
Creak.
What was that?
Creak.
There it was again!
Before his very eyes one of the four trunks of the old tree began to tear itself away from the ground, its roots crumbling up the dirt and revealing a rich brown under the dead gray. One by one the other trunks did the same, bark peeling off the entire structure. This tree… was not a tree… it was… a stallion! The old guardian of the forest!
Mercutio slowly began to back away, almost tripping and tumbling down as his legs trembled. What had he done…? Before he could turn and run light a child he heard an offer come from the… thing, an offer, as thank you. A thank you for unleashing such a dreadful thing back onto the earth!? The only thing that stopped him from trying to run again was a glint from the bottle, the liquid swirling and projecting random images of the past like scry.
Make a wish, but it comes at a price.
My first-born? No, why… Why does it have to involve her? Why does it have to involve her of all people… She is my most precious possession, how could I… He thought of his mate. Her scent, her voice, her touch… How could do something that could possibly, no, will hurt the one he loves most?
We don’t have any children, maybe never will… but if we did, it would be a dream come true… But why first-born? Why any of them? Why her… It’s like a curse on both of us!
But… I do have a wish.
“I wish for happiness!”
The red liquid tasted like blood and though thin it seemed to ooze down his throat, leaving a bitter aftertaste. Was he making the right choice? Had he even made the right wish? It… it was a pretty selfish one, he should have thought more carefully... I… I do already have everything I could ever want though…
Before he could think anymore he finished his sip, which felt like a gallon. The world around him spun faster and faster, until it seemed to hold a complete standstill, seconds were eternity.
When Mercutio came back to he could only cry bitter tears, just like his wish and the taste of the potion that still lingered on his tongue.
He wasted his wish, and he just gave away his child for nothing. He betrayed his mate, first-born, and himself. The only thing that could complete his happiness would be a child bore by his mate, but… even so that child would belong to that demon.
What have I done?
MOTHER PROMPT
Mare's Name: Promise
Mare's Temper: Fun sized
Prompt Response:
That child… was it really hers? His?
Her conscience must be denying it, as she has always been referring to it as “that”, but she just couldn’t accept that it might not be her mate’s. She was a good, loyal mare; not some whore! She wanted children but wasn’t that desperate… And the only stallion allowed to be the father of any of her children had to be her mate, no one else!
Wait. What am I even thinking!?
Deep down she knew it had to be his and hers, it was impossible any other way! She nodded, head held high as she laid in the hay next to the baby blue basket. Even if this child looked nothing like either of them it was still their baby, even if it belonged to someone else it was still their baby. Yes, theirs. She loved her mate and this child; she wouldn’t have it any other way.
Sheesh, I really must be having that newly mother insanity thing! She rolled her eyes at how silly she was being. Sheesh… hm; that would be a pretty fun name… Remember would be a pretty girls name too. Names. Promise really must be in some kind of a denial as this was the first time she actually thought about it. Naw, I’m probably just too excited… She looked at the basket with gentle, soothing eyes. The atmosphere was peaceful. You know… even now when I think about it, I really do still get excited and flustered when thinking about your father. Promise never thought she’d ever actually become his mate and bare his children. But now it was finally happening, she felt like she was freshly in love with him again. This child… was made of pure love.
“My sweet baby…” She laid her head gently on the basket, her hair ornaments chiming against one another as her mane swept over the basket like strokes of comfort. “Lets make a promise,” she whispered to it, the foal or filly residing inside of it asleep. Her head was close, close to the child's heart, like a heart to heart, “when you are born, you will be raised strong; strong and beautiful. Raised to be great. Let’s promise that you will be reared up well by your father.” She giggled, “and don’t worry. You’re father has already made this promise, the moment he became a father he made it. He will keep it, and so shall we.” Whispering a few more words of tender love and care she sighed dreamily before laying her head down, quite sure she heard the baby’s heartbeat. It… it was not like her heartbeat, or her mate’s, but she paid no heed to it, but only thought of it as a lullaby.
This child… it really must not be ours.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Thu Nov 06, 2008 10:23 am
I'll be editing in the responses to the other prompts as I complete them!
DEMON PROMPT
Demon's Name: Amdusias
Demon's Temper: Vengeful
Prompt Response:
Amdusias sat in the forest, near the edge. He gazed out, looking for the child. Surely his daughter would come today. He had waited on her for so long. He shook his great head, eyes focused, but lost in thought, on what had brought him to this awful state. So long ago, it had been... So very long, yet the anger and hatred were with him to this day. Yes, he had done wrong! But he had done great good, surely his wicked act had been more then balanced! So what if he, himself, had sipped from the potion? He had spent so long helping others with it, surely he had deserved a reward as well! But no... He had been punished, most foully, for wanting that which he gave others. All he'd wished for was some time for himself.
He gave a bitter whicker. He certainly had gotten time for himself, unable to do anything, trapped in that tree. Ages of time for himself, time to hate, time to plan. Some might claim time to go mad, but he was sure he was sane. Sane enough to know what he had to do. Which brought him back to the focus of his vigil. The girl. He had to work out how to greet her. He did not want to terrify her with his appearance. Useful though it was to keep others out of HIS forest while he worked on his plot, it would fail if he could not bring his daughter to trust him.
She would come, though. He was sure of that. She would come, to find out what her parents surely hadn't told her... Why she resembled the trees of the woods. No child of his would be too stupid to notice that she was so different from her father! No child of his would be stupid. He was positive of that. He was also sure, when she came, as long as he found a way to not scare her, he could seduce her mind, get her thinking as he thought. Because he needed her. She grew up out there... Others would know her, see her... So would not associate her, as they would the sight of him, with his 'wickedness.' She would be the method of their fall. He planned to have her be his emissary, to find the darkest spirits... And collaborate, together, with them, and take out the Angeni. They would pay for their poisonous gifts! He would show the world the truth, that the Angeni gave gifts that were poisoned! If any had deserved a sip, it was he, and they knew it, he was sure, that he would take his deserved reward... They had planned this, and they would pay. He would lead an army to kill, and destroy them! They would die, and he would take his rightful place again. Surely at their death, he would be free of their vile curse, and his beauty would be HIS again. They had stolen it, with their poisoned gift, and he would take it back, if he had to wear the hide of the killed to have it.
Amdusias shook his head. No, stop. Focus on the task at hand... he had a child to wait for.
MOTHER PROMPT
Mare's Name: Deirdre (Sorrow, Grief)
Mare's Temper: Sorrowful
Prompt Response:
Deirdre was sitting, quietly, staring at the basket that held her child. Since it had arrived, her world had changed, and she wasn't sure what was going on. She had finally had her baby, she had been so joyful! Now, though... Something was wrong. Why did her mate act so odd, so distant, over the basket? He would say nothing. And her child looked not at all like him, she was sure of it!
She stands, still tired, some, from the birth, but needing to pace as she thinks. Her tail flickers and she walks around it. The basket... it was so strange, itself. It sealed itself, with white branches! Surely the baskets don't do that! And it was so odd. The coloring was pretty but yet it didn't match her own... or her mate's... She was almost terrified of it. What if... if the child... What if she was right? What if it DIDN'T look like him? How would she explain it? She didn't understand it herself, and she had done nothing, nothing at all, to cause this.
She looks over at him, and then back at the basket. He'd not said much since the child was born, to her. She worried. She really did. Did he blame her? Did he think she'd... turned to another stallion? Oh she hoped not! That would break her heart. But how... how could this happen? She wanted to scream and cry, in fear.
FATHER PROMPT
Stallion's Name:
Stallion's Temper:
Prompt Response:
BASKET PROMPT
Basket's Name:
Basket's Temper:
Gender for Prompt:
Prompt Response:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Thu Nov 06, 2008 5:31 pm
BASKET PROMPT
Basket's Name: Orin
Basket's Temper: Gallant
Gender for Prompt: Male
Prompt Response:
This SO wasn't a good idea...
Orin stopped in a middle of his step, and looked around - he was doing it every few minutes, since the moment he entered the forest. He slowly moved the ground with his hoof, and made another careful step. He knew that he shouldn't have come here.
Because something was watching him.
The foal didn't know who or what, but it was there, its gaze stuck to Orin's small, shaken body. What did it want from him? Why is it tormenting him so?
He shouldn't have come to this forest at all.
But he heard stories, stories about a magical spring with red water, that can cure any wound, and even negate death itself! If he managed to find something like that, wouldn't his family be proud?!
But they were right. There was something really, really bad in this forest.
Something dangerous.
He decided that haste might be a better choice. Maybe he'll manage to lose that thing?
He started to run, all four of his hooves moving quickly, his small body leaning slightly when he was taking turns, but no matter how much he hasted, the gaze followed him. Father was right. He should never, ever come to the forest. Terrible things hide there, things he should never see, things he should not even be aware of... He was now in a trap, and it was too late.
The foal stopped finally, in need of a break. And water, please there be water...
He raised his head, and yelped in surprise. Because there really was a spring there.
For a moment he thought that he had found his goal. That it was the healing spring before him. But no, the water in it was quite normal. He move closer, and slowly touched the water's surface with his mouth, starting to drink the much needed liquid.
It took a moment for him to satisfy his thirst, and when he did, he finally opened his eyes.
But when he did so...the reflection in the water wasn't his own.
For a moment he thought that he really did find a magical spring. The image in the water had branches, just like he did, and he felt an unusual familiarity with it... But it was just a moment. Because then he turned around.
And saw the 'reflection' standing behind him.
A monster, a demon, even scarier than the scariest of kalona... But... Why are his eyes so sad...?
The wind blown, moving the leaves on the monster's branches. Moving the leaves on his own.
And then, suddenly, an impossible thought appeared in his head, like if someone just lit a candle.
You should never, ever come to the forest.
Terrible things hide in the forest. Things you should never see.
Things you should not be aware of.
...because that thing...that thing could shatter his 'father's' lie forever.
He didn't run away. His body was shaking slightly, but the foal proudly raised his head, and looked into the monster's eyes.
"...You are my father... Aren't you?"
DEMON PROMPT
Demon's Name: Deryad
Demon's Temper: Regretful
Prompt Response:
...am I...really free now?
Deryad moved one of his legs slowly. Can it really be true?
It was so many years. Years, in which he lived spellbound into a tree, like some sort of an evil-doer.
What did I do to deserve such harsh punishment? He felt betrayed. Betrayed by the same angeni who gave him his powers back then.
Is pity such a crime...?
That day was just one between many on his service to the other soquili. He was the Guardian of the Forest, a being so beautiful that he could rival even the most wonderful of the angeni. He was admired by many, not only for his looks, but also for his kind heart.
And he was capable of helping everyone. Because of the magical potion the angeni left in his care.
It was truly a magnificent thing. One sip, and any wish could be granted. And Deryad was making sure that those in need for their wish would be able to find him.
But one day, his own tragedy happened. While patrolling the forest, he stumbled upon a young mare, standing guard next to her foal.
Her foal, who was just dying.
The guardian ran to her as fast as he could, but he was too late. On the very moment that he reached the mare with his bottle, the foal drew his last breath.
The mare cried, cried oh so badly. And when he observed her grief-stricken face, he decided to try something, that he never tried before.
He handed the potion bottle to the mare, and told her to wish for her foal's come-back to life.
And so she did, and as they were watching, the foal slowly opened his eyes, and stood up. Deryad was happy, oh so happy...
...but only for a moment. Because soon after, the angeni that he once saw appeared before them.
"You did something, that you shouldn't have." She said, with a sorrowful look. "Death is something, that we shouldn't meddle with. A price for a life is only another life."
"But you cannot die, young stallion. You've been guarding the Potion of Wishes for too long already. But the price...still has to be paid."
She looked deep into him, and he felt it... Something happening to him. His legs, his body, his head, slowly immobilized...
"You will continue guarding this forest... But this time, as a part of it. You will become a tree, and forever be a tree. You will not die, thanks to your immortal body. But still, you will be dead to the world."
The angeni disappeared, and so did the young mare with her child. He was now alone, to spends hundreds of years stuck like this as a punishment... Punishment so cruel, since he had the key to his freedom with himself - the little bottle on his neck, which he couldn't reach no matter how much he tried.
Years passed, and the guardian grew more and more bitter. More and more angry.
He hated the world that made him stuck like this. He hated everyone for loving them so deeply, that it brought his demise onto him.
And yet, when he already abandoned his hope, a miracle happened.
He was now free.
This foolish stallion found him by accident, and freed him from his prison.
Deryad was ready to unleash his fury on him. On all of this world.
But then, by yet another accident, he looked into the stream that was flowing behind him. And when he saw his reflection...
...all the hate and anger left his head, replaced by disbelief and sorrow.
Because the curse wasn't lifted. He was still a monster.
He had enough. At that very moment, he wanted to die.
But he couldn't. The Potion protected him.
Maybe if he gave the potion away... Found someone in his place...
He could leave then, forget about this place, and maybe, one day, the immortality given to him will wear off...
But who should he give it? This stallion? No, he would misuse it...
Then, the stallion mentioned his mate. And now he knew. This wasn't coincidence. This was fate.
Because that mare was a direct descendant of that foal he saved.
Life for a life. He will take back what was his.
"I will grant you any wish as a thanks." He said "...but in exchange, the first child from your mate will be mine..."
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Thu Nov 06, 2008 6:59 pm
[[-Will edit when she's finished her other prompts- :3]]
MOTHER PROMPT
Mare's Name: Maylinda
Mare's Temper: Discontent
Prompt Response:
“Oh… my child. Don’t come just yet.” Maylinda breathed out softly with a pained look coming across her face, her light blue eyes lidding themselves halfway as she made her way towards a nearby village. ‘Mnh.. I can make it.’ She told herself in her head, knitting her brows and letting out a sharp gasp as an unexpected pain shot out from her belly. As sharp as the icicles of the winter months were they, causing her to give a soft whine and a quick stomp at the ground with a hoof. Oh, the village and its kind people felt so far away! “Come on..” She muttered as she began to continue onward, having halted in her tracks from the pains of the foal inside of her. No matter what, Maylinda would continue on. It was…
It was where her child would be born. Her foal!
And her mates. Oh, how she loved him so. The blue shaded mare just adored spending time with him. But the call of the sun had been a strong one, and had been taking up much of her time lately. Time that could have been spent with her beloved… But it had been strong. Basking in the distant, fiery orb during the mornings and afternoons seemed to be the only thing that satisfied her lately. And how restless and discontent she was at night now! Perhaps it was just the pregnancy…
Or was it more?
Maylinda was brought out of her thoughts by the approaching sight of the village. Giving a sigh of relief, the icy mare let a shake of her head go, the loosely banded braids of her darker shaded mane falling to the sides of her face.”Finally!” She cried out, a slight smile gracing her lips. But it wasn’t over yet.
Quickly making her way over to the border of the village, she was met by a small gathering of people, one with a wicker basket in its hands, who then led her to a more quieter and private section of the village.
And life blossomed from the ice.
Most of the birth was a confusing and blurred image for the mare. Some notable and worrisome things had caught Maylinda’s attention though. The skin of her foal.. it had not been like her own. And not like her mate’s gray colored coat. An odd appearance it had… like that of a gnarled tree. Then the child’s eyes. Having caught a slight glimpse of them, Malinda had her own eyes widened in surprise. The newborn’s eyes had been… blank. A desolate and faded look they had. And it’s basket! It was custom for all foals to be placed into a basket for their protection. Their foal had somehow managed to push branch-like arms through its basket’s sides and sealed itself, which most certainly wasn’t normal.
Letting out a soft breath, Maylinda laid her head down against a provided blanket, from the helpful villagers, now resting. A rustle snatched her attention away from her worrying, a tired smile coming over her as she saw that the guest was her mate, a questioning look on his face.
“You’re alright?” The gray pelted stallion asked, obviously concerned about her health from the birth. His marked skin shifted and moved as he stepped towards her, his outstandingly different red eyes looking her over as he stopped. His wings were resting along his back’s sides, and before the mare could answer, the male gave her a gentle nudge, letting his Kalona-blood horns trail through her mane. “I hope you are, my dear.” Giving a nod of her head, Maylinda let out a weary laugh. “I’m alright. Just… tired. A foal like ours can do that to a Soquili.”
She was putting up a facade for now, not wanting to tell her mate of their child’s odd appearance.
Not yet. But their foal would be loved, no matter what…
Right?
FATHER PROMPT
Stallion's Name: Conall
Stallion's Temper: Distant
Prompt Response:
“No. It can’t be.” Conall let out a harsh breath, his usually sturdy legs starting to tremble underneath him. He gave a slight shake of his head, trying to slow his breathing. He needed to lie down. Was it from blood loss? Or the fact that he had just traded off his first-born child?
Only the forest spirit knew.
‘A sharp, loud, booming creak startled the winged stallion, the large tree behind him becoming animated.
Real.
Conall’s mouth shaped into a circle in dumbfoundedness at this oddity, the creature’s slitted eyes looking at the surprised male. “Thank you, friend.” The gnarled tree spoke with a curt nod of its head, the liquid filled vial around its neck letting off a soft ‘clink’ as it tapped against the bark-like skin of it. “You look surprised, fellow. I am a forest spirit, in frozen animation for many a year. But you have awoken me! And I thank you for that. My gift to you is one very rare. You see… this vial about my neck is filled to the brim with a potion. You think of a wish, take a drink to quench your... thirst. Then voila! Wish granted.” Listening intently to the odd looking other, Conall raised a brow up questioningly. Alright.. This he would do. Easy enough, right?
“But,”
This caused the smaller stallion to listen intently once more, giving a tilt of his head. “Yes?” He said simply, wanting to hear what the forest spirit had to say.
“For this wish, I only ask for one thing in return.”
“And that would be what, good sir?” Conall inquired, raising his head back into its usual position. He gave a ruffle of his feathered wings, a soft snort escaping from his nose.
“Your firstborn child.”
‘Oh no... No way in Hell am I going along with this! My child going to some stranger?!’ This infuriated the gray stallion slightly, causing him to shoot a glare at the forest spirit. “No sir. I’m afraid I’m going t-..” Something didn’t feel right about his soon-to-be decision. An unknown voice was screaming, pleading, egging him to go on and take the offer! Thinking his decision over in the silence of the woods.. A smirk began to form across his lips. “-to say yes.”’
Tears were slowly, but surely, starting to well up at the corners of Conall’s red eyes. ‘Oh, what a damned fool I am!’
‘Having wished out loud for something he had wanted, wished for so long had felt…
Good.’
“I wish to not be feared, forest spirit.” Those words echoed in the trembling male’s head.
‘Oh, for so long he had wished for this. During his lifetime, poor Conall had been feared and disgusted by most, both by his appearance and his lineage. A Kalona and Wind cross breed, but not truly belonging to either race. The devilish horns planted on his head and the blood red eyes of his usually kept others away. They feared him. But oh, how they spoke of him!
‘Misfit.’ ‘Freak!’ ‘Mutt.’ ‘b*****d child.’ ‘Devil blood.’
Just a few words detested by him. Such an oddity he was. But now..
Now all would we well.’
“No..” Conall snapped out loud softly in a harsh tone, teeth gritted together roughly as he recalled what had happened.
‘Now he wouldn’t be feared! Oh, happy day!'
Not really.
'The spirit had granted his wish, and moments afterwards, beasts of the woods had emerged and attacked. Him. No matter how he tried, no matter how much he tried to intimidate the creatures of the forest, it didn’t work.’
Torn, battered, and left for dead was he.
‘He had cried out for his mate to come. But she was off and away right then, unable to hear his pleas and cries for help. His feathered wins, the only thing he thought looked nice all throughout his life, were now limp and beaten, ripped apart and made useless by the attackers.’
Conall, the once feared creature of the woods, now wept quietly, by his sleeping mate's side.
For his lost child. “My poor.. my p-poor foal..”
And his unknowing love and her future broken heart. “Dear.. Gods, what have I done?”
‘Horrible as it was, Conall’s wish had been granted.
When he had returned to his mate, she had questioned the amounts of cuts and gashes marking his body, but he had just ignored it. She had then delivered some news.
She was expecting.’
But it wasn’t his child.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Thu Nov 06, 2008 8:44 pm
MOTHER PROMPT
Mare's Name: Berdine
Mare's Temper: Sweet and loving,Never would betray anyone and always kind to everyone and everything
Prompt Response:
"What have I done to deserve such an evil foul" Berdine exclaimed distraught "I have never harmed anyone or anything" She wailed. Crying she looked at the basket again "he looks like the forest demon what if he is". She laid down hopeing it was a nightmare then she finally said "
Iguess i will accept him it is not my place to judge a foul he may not be that bad. A feeling her gut told her otherwise.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Thu Nov 06, 2008 8:46 pm
MOTHER PROMPT
Mare's Name: Fiducia
Mare's Temper: Trusting
Prompt Response:
The basket sat next to her in the bright midday sun, light reflecting off of the white branches that sealed it shut. A shiver of uneasiness ran down Fiducia's spine. So many things about her foal were so odd, but she couldn't help trying to ignore the strangeness. It was the child she'd always longed for, and her pregnancy at long last had been a relief and a blessing - the mare had begun to doubt whether she was even capably of having children.
Even so...she was uneasy about the basket. The swift glimpse she'd had as the villagers put the foal into its basket had given rise to some unsettling questions. That gnarled skin...and those eyes...the child looked nothing like her, and even less like its father.
And Fiducia knew she had been completely faithful to a single stallion, so it wasn't as if the foal's paternity was in doubt. But still.
The day she'd finally known, the day her dream had come true, her mate had been less than enthusiastic. He'd been out all day, and even now he refused to discuss where he'd been.
Fiducia hated to doubt him so, but she had to wonder just what he'd been doing and where. And if it had something to do with their strange foal or not.
The mare glanced back over towards the basket. Regardless of strangeness, she'd born the child, and she was its mother. Nothing in the world could ever change that, and nothing in the world could prevent her from loving it as only a mother could.
FATHER PROMPT
Stallion's Name: Aleator
Stallion's Temper: Daring
Prompt Response:
It had been shocking, when he had inadvertandly freed what was clearly a powerful Soquili spirit of the forest. And then he had no time to absorb that shock because the spirit had offered him something as a thanks.
A wish. Any wish within reason...in exchange for his firstborn. He'd had to ask the spirit if it minded him taking some time to consider it. The spirit had graciously permitted him to take as long as he needed.
One wish. Any wish. And all it would cost him was his firstborn. He was tempted by the offer, and not just because the Kalona blood in him said to take it, and screw the consequences. On the other hand...there was more to him than that trace of heredity. And it cut his heart to even consider handing over the foal his mate had longed for for so long without her knowledge or consent. He knew how desperate she was for a child, so much so that he'd considered searching for a basket, any basket, that she could adopt and care for as she yearned to.
And yet...
There was one thing he wanted, and wanted desperately. More than anything, Aleator wanted the strength to defend himself and his mate from any attacker. The scars on his body might have been years old, but the wounds they had dealt to his spirit still lingered.
Perhaps that wish was indeed the legacy of his Kalona blood, but he couldn't help it. He loved his mate dearly and would be devastated if anything ever happened to her.
Aleator did feel guilty about bargaining away the child that his mate wanted so badly, but there would be future children, right? And he'd be able to protect them as well as his mate. That was well worth it to him. He thought that she might understand...but it was probably better to not mention it.
Or at least, that's what he'd thought until he saw the basket and the strange white branches. It made him fairly uneasy, but he refused to spoil his mate's joy. Perhaps when the spirit claimed the child he'd be able to explain...but the stallion feared it would be years before he dared tell his mate the truth. Or at least, he should wait until she'd had more chilrdren.
BASKET PROMPT
Basket's Name: Brachium
Basket's Temper: Suspicious
Gender for Prompt: Male
Prompt Response:
He was different and he always had been. Even from his own parents. They didn't have leaves and branches growing out of them after all. Maybe that was why he'd wandered into the forest that bordered on the grassland, which his father had specifically forbidden Brachium to enter.
The first few minutes weren't bad. It was fairly quiet beneath the trees, almost like the forest was empty. He relaxed a bit and enjoyed the experience of being the only creature around. Then the noise began. It sounded like the creaking of trees in the wind. That wasn't bad at all...until Brachium realized there was no wind. Still, it could just be forest animals moving around.
Time passed, and the creaking didn't. If anything, the foal would swear it was getting closer. And, out of the corner of his eye, he could swear there was something...moving. He tried to catch a glimpse of it, but it wouldn't stay still. Which was strange in and of itself...there was nothing in the forest but trees.
He tried ignoring it, but it didn't go away. Fed up, the foal spun around and found himself face to face with...a tree. A tree with eyes. That was smiling at him. Though there was something dark and nasty in that smile, something Brachium couldn't quite put a hoof on with his limited experience.
The foal stopped abruptly, too surprised to run. It was a Soquili! A Soquili that looked even more like a tree than he did! And even though his legs shook slightly in fear, the foal felt a kinship within him to this stranger. Not like a father/son relationship, more like they were of the same race.
The stallion wasn't doing anything and seemed to be waiting for Brachium to react. The foal licked suddenly dry lips as he tried to gather his wits. There was something...terrifying about this Soquili. Something that spoke of ancient days and forbidden knowledge.
For all Brachium's doubts about his parents, he knew one thing: they would protect him from this creature. The foal forsook all pretenses as he turned and ran, trying to get as far from the creature as possible.
DEMON PROMPT
Demonn's Name: Nemus
Demon's Temper: Vengeful
Prompt Response:
In days long gone, he had been a guardian of the forest, a creature of beauty and goodness. Life had consisted of protecting the forest from those who meant it harm, be they human, Soquili, or some other creature. He'd been good at it too. One of the best of the guardians, well-respected and highly regarded by all.
Until that one day.
It hadn't been planned, not really. But it had been something he'd been heading toward for many seasons beforehand. Nemus had resented how, for all he was a skilled and experienced guardian, it was the Angenis who had pride of place in all things that concerned Soquili of the Light. Just as Skinwalkers were the epitome of evil and darkness, so Angeni were of the light.
And no forest guardian had ever been able to compare to any Angeni. None of those angelic Soquili served as protectors of the forests, for they said their wings were likely to get caught on branches as they flew. The woody stallion snorted in disdain. It was obvious that Angeni thought that such a duty was beneath them. And oh, how that had rankled!
He'd felt sorry for the Angeni mare, but honestly, it wasn't as if he'd known her beforehand. She'd merely been the epitome of all he disliked - no, be honest, all he hated - about her race and something to take his anger out on. So, he'd lured her into an empty forest clearing late at night. Once there, he'd assaulted her and, when she resisted, trampled her to death.
And now Nemus found he was paying the price for that crime twice over. Once was obviously being imprisioned as a tree for so many years. The second was now in his changed form. And yet...it suited him. The stallion's lip curled in a twisted smile. Yes, this guise suited him, not only in a nod to his former duties, but his twisted heart as well.
Speaking of hearts, there was the matter of the child. It was already his in form, perhaps in mind as well. But should he claim it for his own? Nemus considered that course of action and rejected it. If the child was to be with him, it would work best if it came of its own free will. Were that to happen, he could probably enlist its aid in taking this forest and making it into the nightmare of any Angeni that dared venture in.
Yes, there was no point in ripping the child away from its adoptive parents when it wouldn't really benefit him or the foal. It wasn't as if he had the time or inclination to raise a child. It would be stupid to take on extra work he didn't much care for when there was a pair of Soquili who would do it for him.
Besides, if they did expect him to appear once the foal left its basket and demand it for his own, like in the humans' story, this would be a far better way to make them suffer. They would fear that one day he'd come and take the child, and that thought would always be lurking in the back of their minds, casting a cloud over anything and everything in their lives.
When he'd been imprisoned as a tree, Nemus had made up his mind that, should he ever be freed, he would make his forest into a dark place of sadness and gloom, where hope was faint and despair ruled. Perhaps it would be every bit as sunny as any other forest, but in the minds of its inhabitants, it would be his playground. No matter how much he could torment his unknowing victims, it could never compare to what he had suffered already.
And maybe, just maybe, that would appeal to his child. One could only hope for one's offspring to inherit one's sensibilities. Well, Nemus would wait and see, and wait for the foal to come to him.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Fri Nov 07, 2008 2:26 am
DEMON PROMPT
Demonn's Name:Tane Mahuta
Meaning: God of the Forest (New Zealand)
Demon's Temper:Twisted
Prompt Response:
There were always set rules to follow. Always. You never granted a selfish wish, that was one of them…Oho imagine his surprise, when his hooves started to twist and root into the ground. When the bone itself from his very limbs shattered and crawled from his flesh like hungry worms diving into the earth. Although his mother was alive, saved by his own wish, he could barely make out what she looked like. He cried out, but his voice was muffled from the dense bark sealing his mouth, sewing it shut. After a few moments, the only noises he could make were enraged guttural sounds, those too were choked as vines and earthy sinew wrapped around his massive neck. What was once the sweet smell of the fresh earth, now tore into his senses as only death and decay. The words from his mother before he saved her rang in his head. In her dying weak breaths as her chest rose quickly, shallowly.
“It is my time, Tane. I have lived my life… a wish for my life, would be a selfish one," came even then as a warning.
But how could he not wish for his mother to live?! She was his heart, his soul! Though he thrashed, struggling against earth itself as it pulled him to his hell, soon there would be nothing but darkness.
She never came to visit him, not once. The life he strained so hard to protect, the life that trapped him in this hellish painful existence, denied him. Although he was trapped, his body nothing more than a grotesque formation of earthen wood, this gave him time. Oh so much time. Soon his control over the very forest itself was unstoppable. Every living creature, every vine, every blade of grass… they were all tainted by his twisting hatred. He could see himself easily through the eyes of the living, the birds that came to feed on the insects that lay holes into his skin. His form was unrecognizable and comparable not to that of what he once was. It no longer mattered, his form was now nothing but a prison.
Soon he became bored with his forest, he needed a means to expand. He could feel the life just on the edges of his domain, like small warm bursts of light. He would need a link to these outer regions. One that looked like them, one with charisma and a strong will. One he could twist for his own needs, one that could easily walk among the others. This… other… he would do Tane’s bidding. He would plant the seeds of corruption, plague and chaos to those areas with the warm light, seduce them into this dark plague the rest of the forest had succumbed to. He would walk among those that would otherwise run from Tane in terror, the living.
A low chuckle echoed from within his belly as he saw the almost innocent looking male. The wood around his face started to crack a bit as it twisted into a smirk upon his freedom, upon hearing his plea…. Perfect.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Reply
