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 Posted: Sun Feb 22, 2009 3:53 pm
Ash.
The Elder tree was ash.
The Prince knelt beneath the twisted form of the revered willow, head bowed in deference. He was unable to look at the tree's gnarled limbs, reaching towards its partner even in death. Charred by the raging fires that swept the land like a ceaseless plague, it was one of many casualties in this war of Nature's pride.
Forsaken eyes the color of pale honey flashed towards the lifeless Forest giant. Did sap still run through its sooty bark, or had it been crystallized by the inferno's wrath?
So much pain. So much sorrow.
He suppressed a violent shudder as he pictured the fawn's broken form, still cradled in it's mothers protective embrace. The pair had taken a wrong turn, and been trapped within the turbulent wildfire's cruel talons. He had known the mother since childhood; her name was Amadahy- Forest Water. He had been there the day her fawn, Awinita, was born.
Too much death; too much sorrow.
He gathered all his strength, drawing from the deepest reserves in the farthest reaches of his cavernous soul. He rose in one single, fluid movement, and turned to face what was to come.
He watched as the herd, hesitant, emerged from the shadows of their former life. He watched their eyes- blue, green, earthen tones- he watched their fear, their timid despair, their halting expectation as they met his stoic gaze. He watched as they fell into the familiar half-circle about the Elder tree, ready for their Leader's instructions.
"My friends..." The land was barren. The land was parched, sterile- it could no longer support life. To stay would be suicide; To leave...? "This land served us well." Now was not the time for eloquent phrases and courtly prose. All must understand, all must know. "There comes a time when we must move on. When the past gives way to future deeds, yet lingers on, remembered and cherished but never forgotten." From the most addle-brained doe to the most ignorant of fawns, all would be safe in the knowledge that this was the right choice. That this was the only choice. "The Elder tree is not earthly bark and homely roots- it is an ethereal concept that will withstand the passage of time. There will be other old-growth forests, other Mother Giants that we gather around in daily passage, other streams and rivers and valleys." He met each wavering gaze, infusing each and every one with hope and faith as his powerful voice rang out in the clearing. ""We are forest dwellers. We live in the forest- we eat, sleep, rejoice, and pass on within the forest's gentle bows. But we are not tied down to one place, one time. We will live on. We will leave, but it will not be a desertion, for the Good Spirits of this land have deserted us. They have moved on, and so shall we."
His gaze flickered to the form of his resolute companion, Faline, who had stood by him so faithfully throughout these tough times. To Awita, his mother's old friend. To Tooantu, a rambunctious fawn who had carried water for the sick and dying. To Adsila and Galilahi, Salali and Sidine, Teque and Tiadowi. Elini, Quaquaa, Kamili, Dowa, Liliyani. This was his herd. These were the Cerynei- not the land, not the sky nor the air nor even the ideals, but the ardent souls who stood before him now.
This was what he was born to defend. This was what he must protect- at all costs.
He must guide them to new, fertile pastures where they could rebuild and rejoice. "The Good Spirits wait for us in the Kawani lands." Lands of such promise, of such earnest potential.
The Cerynei would live on.
They would survive.
"We leave at first light."
The Herd would rise from the ashes of their desolate past, rising to meet whatever the future held like a phoenix from the flame.
Ashes to ashes, dust to dust. Be not afraid; flee we must.
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Posted: Sun Feb 22, 2009 5:16 pm
Annoyed. Frustrated. Truly tired of all of it.
"What would they do? The leaders before me would have already made a decision on how to fix all of this!" Thaddeus let out a soft, aggravated sigh in his frustration. He had taken the day for himself to think to himself about what to do about the current situation his herd was going through, to choose and decide what was best. The Prince didn't want to show weakness in front of those that looked to him for.. everything. He was the Prince, a stag of royal blood, his family being the leaders of this great forest for many a generation. They were the ones who helped guide their people, keeping them safe and making sure nothing ever happened to them. Yet here he was, the Prince, Thaddeus, not able to come up with any ideas of what to do. His eye lids drooped down halfway, leaving him with a tired, honestly defeated appearance. A tap against a tree was given with his antlers as he slowly made his way through the forest, once again, in another walk to think. Looking about with a gaze, he flicked his ears back as a sharp reminder of what had to be addressed showing up in front of him. Trees and their bark burned, the once flourishing, moss green ground now charred and smoking, the herds native fields that had given so much life at one time now merely a large pile of ash and soot, all of it scarcely being a sign of what had once been the Prince's forest.
Thaddeus felt as if it were all his fault. The does, the bucks, everyone was slowly decaying because of the damned fires! And he could do nothing to stop it. All of this made his heart ache.. What hurt him even more was that, floating about somewhere in his head, were possibilities of what to do, how to bring back life - but he just couldn't decide. His people were slowly dieing, most already lost to the blazing infernos that had plagued their woods, leaving only so many for him to care for. Thaddeus stopped in his tracks, lashing out and giving a sharp stomp of his front hoof at the black ground in his exasperation. He cast his eyes to the ground, in hope that there would be just a bit of what once was underneath the crushed remains of the fire.
But nothing was there. "Don't show weakness. Your people rely on you." He muttered to himself with a sharp intake of air, gritting his teeth and trying to gather himself together. A Prince was not allowed to cry or show his grievance, he simply couldn't! His people looked to him for leadership and the forest for protection and nurturing. They always did, since the beginning of time, when the first of the leaders had taken the two into his own hands to look after and protect. Opening his eyes again from their half-lidded state, the Prince then began to form tears in his eyes. He suddenly let out a wail, and everything he had been trying to hold back from his fellow Cerynei and the forest's hidden eyes came out.
"I can't.." Tears dribbled down from the corners of his golden eyes as he relieved himself of his royal duties to everyone, everything, for once. Thaddeus sobbed inconsolably, bringing himself to the ground in fear of his legs giving out on him in his weakness. A gentle nuzzle was given to the ground, the male seeking some form of comfort from the once flourishing forest. It had provided him with so much in the past, and now what? It was simply gone. There was nothing here for any of them, just remains. Panting lightly as he gathered himself once more, he wiped at his soot coated muzzle, biting at his lip before letting out a long breath. "We have to go."
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Posted: Sun Feb 22, 2009 5:17 pm
I’m a prince… not the king. These feeble antlers are no crown. A large russet body shifted about uncomfortably as it contemplated; its amber eyes lit through the shades of night like a pair of fireflies. The Cerynei could not have a more comfortable bed, but his conscience was what kept him up. It felt like it had been a century past sunset, and Alkaios sure hoped he’d fall asleep soon. He had to see her, he just had to. He needed help… the problem could no longer be overlooked.
It was the decay. The forest was dying, and the Cerynei were dying with it. Alkaios had noticed it. He had noticed it for a long time, but he ignored it, only hoping it’d get better. It haunted him though. The wind never blew and the streams ceased flow; it was like the beginning of the end. Would the sun rise the next morning? And if it did, what would it rise over…? He began to fear that it had progressed so far that nothing could be done, and then they’d all fall together. Their numbers dwindling and their home crumbling, was that what was left for their future? Even the strongest of bucks were vanishing, and soon he would as well.
One sheep two sheep three sheep four sheep… Alkaios wondered if he’d never fall asleep, and never get the chance to plead for help. What would he do then, without her guidance? There would be no hope left than for any of them if that case was to come. She was the only hope he had left.
Evadne. Since his salad days Alkaios had been visited in his dreams by the young mare in a forest much like his home. Every single dream she’d come, never late or absent. Through good times and bad she would arrive and give a few words of wisdom; her mane never quavering with doubt. He’d never be where he was now if it wasn’t for her. She was the only creature he truly trusted in his whole. Come to think of it though, she wasn’t a Cerynei like him and the rest of the forest denizen. What was it…? Soquili? He was pretty sure that’s what she was.
Sighing he closed his eyes as flood of fatigue washed over him. His worry had drained much of his energy, and he could no longer keep up. Alkaios did not slumber just yet though. With his sight inhibited his hearing heightened; everything became malformed into something much greater. The world was so much different when he couldn’t see it. He felt so much more vulnerable, but beautiful sounds came from all around him and soothed him with comfort. He always felt at ease hearing the light and gentle snore of those that cared for him, and the hoot of a horned owl resonating through the endless towers of trees. If he was blind he could easily be fooled into thinking everything was alright, that the forest was at total peace. Night truly was his nursery, and the rhythmic songs his cradle.
“Evadne…?” His eyelids fluttered open, and he was no longer in the same forest. A spectrum of greens and browns plaster the woodland that surrounded him and beneath his body was the soft brush of verdant grass. It was like a memory, and he had to make sure he wasn’t a fawn again. Getting onto his hooves he gave a short grunt, quite embarrassed. He may not be a fawn but at the moment he really was as weak as one…
“Alkaios.” He swerved around at the call of his name, and his expression brightened to see just the one he was looking for; the best adviser he could ever want. She looked the same as always, her light airy eyes reflecting him like a mirror. Though it could be viewed as ridiculous, Alkaios really did love this mare. Not as a mate, but… more like the relationship a child had with their mother or best friend. He took a step forward to directly ask for her thoughts on what to do, but was interrupted by a chuckle. He tilted his head to the side in curiosity, only slightly though due to the weight from his antlers. Flicking his short tail he took a step back. He could hide nothing from her, and from the looks of it she already knew, and apparently already had the answer.
“It’s right in front of you,” sighing she lowered her head as she shook it gently, in mock shame of him. Raising it tall again a sweet smile adorned her tender face. Giving one last curt nod she turned and began to trot away. He had no idea what she meant by that, but stared as if mesmerized, only looking away when her silhouette was completely gone.
Alkaios woke with a sudden jolt; that was it! Looking to the east he grinned to see a new dawn and a new future.
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Posted: Sun Feb 22, 2009 5:27 pm
Prompt You are the Prince of the Cerynei, and the others look to you for guidance and leadership, as they did for your father and grandfather, dating back to the beginning of recorded history. It has become more than evident that the land in which the Cerynei have resided in for decades is decaying, becoming unlivable. The does and bucks are starving and growing weaker with sickness, and they all look to you for the answer. How does this make you feel, being the one in charge? What are your intentions? We know that the Cerynei eventually make their way back into the world of their cousins, the regular Soquili, but how did you come to that conclusion? Duty was both the mantle that he wore and the cross that he bore. The weight of responsibility lay heavily upon the Prince's shoulders, but he did not bow under it. It had been his since the death of his father, and so it had been for his own father and every Prince of his line almost beyond the memory of his people. It was this duty that drove him today, for Meilyr knew that the land in which his people lived was dying. The smell of it greeted his nostrils every day, a reminder of the task which he must fulfill. He would not fail them, could not fail them. The Cerynei would find a way to live, whether it be in this land or another. He would find a way. He had made a sacred oath, a promise to his people when he had taken up the mantle of the Prince. He had promised them that he would succor them, safeguard them and stand by them. These things he could not do if they remained in the land of their birth. The land of his birth. It was a wound on his soul that he must bid them to leave... bid them to follow him out of the world which they loved so well. They would have to find another. His people were dying. The stern, watchful stag within him was filled with a paternal rage as he observed the small ones starving, their parents made feeble with their own hunger. The mother land could no longer bear the bounty which they had for so long come to expect of her, and so it was time. "It is time, my people, time to journey to the lands of the hornless ones. I have let this sickness of our land and our people fester, I have allowed our fellows to die. No more. You have been good and loyal subjects. The time has come for me to repay your loyalty." Raising his proud, noble head, the stag pierced each and every Cerynei with his golden gaze. "My people, I ask that you follow me. I can no longer bear the death of this place, and of our herds with it. It is high time that we shed this death, this decay like a snake sheds its old skin. We have outgrown it, and we have outlived it. Let us move on now, and take the soul of our land with us, that the new lands be enriched with its splendor. Ours is not the time to die. Ours is the time to live. Follow me!" Where at first, those words had been a request, they were now a command. They would follow him. They would follow him, or they would wither and die, and their beds would become their graves.
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Posted: Sun Feb 22, 2009 5:28 pm
Prince Faron took his position very seriously. He felt the weight of his people on his shoulders, but he kept his head high and his heart clear. He had been preparing all his life for this, and he knew that he was ready to rule the Cerynei. However, he was dismayed to discover that his land was dying, and that his people would die with it if he did not do something about it very soon.
The Prince thought long and hard about what he might do to solve this problem. He consulted his advisors and friends, and listened to the voices of his people. He sent out scouts to determine the state of the land and to see if anything could be done to reverse the decay of the forest. He even sent his friends among the other animals beyond the borders of their lands to try and find somewhere else that they could settle. All of this was done quickly and quietly so as not to alarm the people, but he let whispers spread that their land was dying and that something had to be done. This news was not met with much surprise, for the Cerynei could see what was happening around them.
There were some dissenters, however, and bitter arguments were fought between the Prince and some of his closest friends. Some bridges were burned and some ties were broken, and Faron grieved for the lost friendships. He hoped, however, that once the crisis was past he would be able to mend those broken ties and reforge some of those bonds. For now, though, he would have to go on without them. One comfort was Faline, his sweet little doe, the light of his heart. He felt for her a love that matched that of family bonds, though she was not his sister by blood. With her by his side, the Prince knew that he could find the strength and wisdom within him to do the right thing.
His scouts returned from their searching and he was disheartened by their tales of barren land and harsh climes. One brave soul, however, had ventured far beyond the outer limits of the Prince's set distance, and returned with whispers of a fair, green land populated by gentle creatures. The words that this little bird murmured in his ear awoke within the Prince dreams of sunshine and starlight and a land rich with life. In this dream he saw a new home for his people. In this dream he saw the heart of the Cerynei, and the Prince made his decision.
The Prince chose to follow his heart and the wisdom of his people. Though there were some who hissed that it was too much of a risk, that he would lead the herds into a desert of pain and death, the Prince felt that this was the right path to take. It pained him to leave the land of his birth and of countless Princes and Princesses before him, Faron knew in his heart that the forest was no longer their home. So with head held high and heart shining bright with hope, the Prince led his people out of the forest of their ancestors, and into the future of the Cerynei.
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Posted: Sun Feb 22, 2009 5:42 pm
many of the Cerynei looked up to him as he was the prince and the one destined to lead the Cerynei when his father dies. A frown came to his face as he saw many of his kind starving and growing weak or close to death. It was clear he had to do something or they would soon die out and be nothing but a memory. If even that, which caused him great pain to have to see this Happen. Saddened, pained, and anger was what he was feeling whenever he looked upon the herd. He knew he had to find some kind of solution to the problem they faced, as it seemed no one else was going to. After many days of thinking, and debating, he finally thought of a solution that would help them but it meant leaving their home land that they loved so dearly. It was going to be hard to convince them of doing as it was their homeland. Confronting his father boldly, he spoke in a calm voice. "Father I think we need to leave these lands to search for new. I do not want our kind to die out and become nothing more than a memory." his father glared at his son, and couldn't believe what he was purposing to him and at a time like this. "This is our home land!" He started "Where many generations have lived and died. I can not agree to leaving these lands." Furious, he was not going to give up and he continued to argue his point regardless of if his father disproved. It took many days of arguing with his father until he finally was able to convince him it was the right thing to do. sadly unknowing that his father had been ill for sometime, he was shocked when his father died before they could get the plan into motion. with the loss of his father, he almost couldn't bare the pain and on top of it the responcablity that came with now being the new leader. frowning, he couldn't run off from what he knew he had to do and so he set off to convince the herd that it was in the best interest to leave their homeland. most would follow his lead and leave the lands but some would not as they saw the new leader as too young to make such a decision so quick.
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Posted: Sun Feb 22, 2009 5:43 pm
The prince stood tall as he stared at the many Cerynei that looked at him now for guidance. His eyes fell to each one individually before he stepped forward to speak.
"For generations, we have lived here in our sanctuary away from the outside world. Our land was once lush and thriving. The time has come to make an important decision."
He walked slowly through the gathered herd and paused to lower his head and nuzzle every foal. They were all becoming sick from hunger and the inhaling of smoke. His heart ached at their misery. This was their future and they were dying.
"For too long now, we have been struggling for our right to live. Our bodies can barely fend off the sickness. We are starving, too weak to protect our own families. What food we do manage to scrounge we have been giving to our foals and even their bodies show sign of starvation. The land we knew is dying and we along with it."
The Prince once again stood tall and looked back over his shoulder at the smoke and flames off in the distance. They still had a few days but it wasn't nearly as long as he'd have preferred.
"Yes, a time has come to make a difficult decision. I ask for you to trust in me as you have trusted in my father and grandfather before me. I ask you to open your mind to the ideal of us going back to the land of our cousins. The land we had turned our back on so very long ago. I know it will not be an easy journey. There are threats there that we have been sheltered from here but we would have a chance to live. A chance to once again know what our bellies felt like full. To hear the laughter of our foals as they played upon this land. We would once again have hope for a future. As long as we worked together, I am confidant that it would be a better future."
His heart nearly fell when several mares broken down in tears. Their mates stood as proud and tall as the Prince and each one nodded their head in silent gesture for him to continue.
"I realize it is a painful decision. We would not be abandoning our home. It will stay in our hearts and our memories. While our future would be uncertain, we would face it together. What I ask of you is a lot but please know that it is I who will stand by you. I have been giving this a lot of thought and I have realized that it is not this land makes this my home. It is the family and friends within it that does so. If you choose to stay here, I would be honored to stay on as your Prince, even into death. Whatever our next still will be, I will take it with you. I will not leave you."
The Prince lowered his head to the ground, scraping his antlers across the ash stained earth. Within seconds, the cries became louder and he could hear joy mingled in with the sadness. Soon, the entire herd seemed enveloped with the hope of a better future and preparations were taking place to make the trip back to the land they had almost forgotten.
It would not be easy but together, they would build a new life.
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Posted: Sun Feb 22, 2009 6:00 pm
Sabathiel looked at his people. The Cerynei were once graceful, beautiful and all together majestic. Now they were scarred, emaciated, thwarted with hunger and given up on any hope to survive. Some lain in the burned grasses, perhaps wondering what was to come of their life now. Maybe even wondering why their Prince has not saved them from this godforsaken place. They needed to move, but to where? He watched time after time another member fallen from grace to this despicable place they once called home. The lands were once filled with thick grasses and complimented with flowers, cherry blossoms blooming in the spring. But now...it was not so. Sabathiel could feel wetness in his eye that he had not felt since his father's passing. He was too young to have this leadership thrust upon him. Just because he was the blood of his ancestors, what gave him that right? Should it not be given to someone who knows what to do in such a desperate situation as this? He thought of all of these things but he could only look at the Cerynei's faces in desperation.
Sure, he had given advice to silly mares who wanted to know if so-and-so were interested in them or battle techniques for young bucks like himself. After all he had learned from the best. They had lost hope in him, not one could look him in the eye. Had he truly failed them? Could a Prince fail his people as he had? His face turned to bitter anger, yet his heart sank with sorrow. These fires were a massacre for his people, killing their lands their food source and everything around them. How had it happened, why had the gods cursed him, perhaps...in all reality it was a blessing or a wake-up call for him to take his roll in life.
He looked among the crowd, they huddled together for warmth their bodies no longer keeping them warm. There was no shelter for them to hide, no grass to eat and the water was dried up. They must move, though this was where they had been for generations it was time to move.
His tall stature took a step forward, and with that motion he could feel all of their eyes fall on him. His auburn eyes watched them in a panic before he let his hoof stamp into the ground and his eyes narrowed, and he did what came naturally…
“Fathers, mothers, friends and children,” he announced with a calm voice. “This is not our home,” he stated with a firm looks, the audience seemed to disapprove their faces weary. “Our home has been taken from us from the ones who have given it to us, for reasons I am uncertain with…though I may have found the answer within my own soul.” He looked to them pleading, he could not leave them and let them die…they had to come with him. “We must go to the lands we shunned generations ago, the land where grass still grows and flowers still bloom. Where are children may play and rejoice because they have a shelter and home. A place where we may thrive and survive. If we stay here we have no future,” his voice quavered for that moment. “I will not leave you; we will go together as a group as we always have. We will leave no one behind; we will find our freedom again. The ashes will not be our chains.” As he looked into the audience this time, he saw approval, tears and for once some smiles. They would survive and they would be as they always had the powerful and graceful Cerynei.
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Posted: Sun Feb 22, 2009 6:21 pm
'Ancestors...give me guidance....' The Prince thought to himself as he made his way to the highest part of the knoll while the eyes of his peers looked to him for his leadership. Though he seemed calm and relaxed on the outside, inside he was unsure as to what to do. He could see what the disasters were doing to his people, he could hear their cries even if they didn't utter a single word. But all of them were asking the same question that he, himself was asking: What are we going to do?
"My people, there are no words that I can say that would ease your suffering, as well as my own. The land we have known and loved is no more, and it seems that all hope is lost." His ears flicked gently as he looked at everyone, he could see many of them ready to give up. "But have we forgotten the tales we have heard from our elders that their elders told them? The tales many still hold in our hearts today? The land our race originally came from, where the grass sways, even without the wind, where the water is cool and sweet...the Land of our ancestors, the land shared by the non-horned ones, that is the place we shall go."
"But how?" called one of the Cerynei, "we don't even know if this land exists anymore, or even how to get there..." There was a murmur from the others which rippled throughout the large herd. The Prince rose on his hind legs and went back down until silence was maintained yet again.
"We will take from the old songs and tales from our memories and create our own map to the land of our ancestors. As long as we carry the belief that it exists, we cannot fail in our journey, our children's children will tell their tales of how we returned back to the land we belong to." The Prince said, his voice carrying. But he himself inwardly was doubting his own words. But he could tell, from the eyes of his people, that they were beginning to believe, the glimmer of hope that was all but dead had renewed. He stared at them in silence for a moment. He then took a deep breath, the uncertanty in his chest still hanging heavily on it. "Come then."
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Posted: Sun Feb 22, 2009 8:53 pm
Galloping back home from an afternoon out in the sweltering heat of the day Ahiga laughed as he slowed to make his way to his own private spot. He was to be surveying his people, listening to their concerns and misfortunes, but he had managed to slip away from his own personal herd of advisors. Instead Ahiga had spent the day frolicking out in the forest away from his responsibilities; ooh if only he weren’t the prince. He longed for the day when he could pass on his mantel to someone else, if only he could be normal a peasant even, so he only had to spend his days doing what he wanted.
Ahiga did love his people. He would just rather be one of them to enjoy the care free days as they did, even though with their homes burning and his people becoming ill from hunger it seemed an impossible dream. Maybe he could just slip away he was beginning to become and expert at avoiding those annoying advisors.
Suddenly hoof beats interrupted his thoughts and he turned to face one of said advisors.
“Sir! We were so worried about you! We thought you had gotten caught in the fire in the western glen!”
“What” Ahiga snapped his head and full attention to the other Cerynei then lifted his head along with grand antlers, sure enough black smoke coiled in the air like a poisonous snake. Taking in a deep breath his nostrils flared at the sharp smell of burning forest.
“I’m fine…I was inquiring about good places for our homeless people to stay” A sudden pang of guilt stabbed his gut.
“Did everyone make it out?” he asked his advisor.
“Yes prince, but it was a close one this time.” He answers gravely and giving Ahiga a look the prince didn’t like.
“Thank you for your report…you are dismissed” he bowed his great head sharply implying he should leave.
“Young prince should visit the newly unfortunate and give them hope” the advisor spoke in a hard tone and then left. Ahiga quickly turned his head away from the vanishing Cerynei and went to lean against a tree rubbing his side as he thought.
For the longest time his thoughts consisted of anger towards the advisor for his words to him, then drifted to day dreams of being a normal stag, when finally that sharp pain in his gut. Ahiga had to figure out a solution if only so he could return to his dreams of grandeur. There had to be some way, another place where they would be safe. Closing his eyes he went over the mental maps of their lands wincing as he noted how much they had lost, when had this all happened?
Finally despairing he drifted into his daydreams, daydreams that this time consisted of the times when his kingdom was lush and full, back to the beginning after they had come from the lands of the Soquili. Ahiga jerked his head up so quickly he almost got his great tined antlers caught on some low hanging branches. The Soquili! That was it that was his answer! He would take his people to the lands from which his fore fathers had set out from. They would have to leave here sooner or later, they had almost nothing left which to call home. Ahiga would miss the forest as he knew they all would, but it had to be done. As he shook himself off and headed to see those who had recently become homeless he soared in his thoughts. When they arrived there were bound to be plenty of herds around, enough maybe that he could shirk his duties and have his adventures as a normal Cerynei. There would be so much to explore! Off he trotted briskly to give his announcement, to mourn their beloved forest with his people and to make their hearts sing with the hope of a new home free from chaos.
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Posted: Sun Feb 22, 2009 10:55 pm
Dominico stood on a small outcropping, attached to a hill, were he could look out, over his herd. He was silent, as he stood there, lost in thought, unsure as to his next move. He was worried, for his people, and for himself. They were depending on him. Sometimes, that truly made him proud, to know his people believed in him, trusted him, and would follow him, because of that. Other times, like now, it was a great burden, for he knew if he made the wrong choice, he would lead them all to doom, and that weighed terribly on the Prince's great, loving heart. He cared for his people, and wished all the best for them. So it terrified him, at times like these, knowing he could destroy them.
He sighed softly, as he gazed out. He knew, he truly did, they had to move. The land could no longer support them, it was killing them. It was up to him to find them a new home. But were to go, that was the question. If he chose wrong, he'd destroy them as surely as if he had them stay were they were. Conversely, if he led them to the right place, they would accept that as what he was supposed to do, as their leader. That, too, sometimes made this hard. They expected him to succeed, for that was his job, as leader of the herd. He knew he had been raised to lead, and they to follow, but if he failed... They could turn on him. Success was expected of him, so he got no real rewards for succeeding.
He turned, and walked down, heading for the lands. He'd decided, he knew that. He would do what was needed. It was time to move. He'd have to try to find the best place to go, but it was time to move. He couldn't bear the loss of another of Cernyie. His people needed to leave these lands. He walked towards a stream, one of the few still good, and leaned to stare at his reflection in it. He would gather the people tomorrow, and tell them. But now, he needed to decide where to go. That would be the hardest part. He leaned, and drank water... Then, something in the way it tasted made him stop, and stare at it.
He'd found his route. The water had a clean taste, he didn't know how to describe it, but it tasted 'cleaner' then the other water. He'd lead them along the stream. It would take them, eventually, to their new home. They would find a new land for the herd, to live, to thrive, and to have families in. He would lose no more members to the illness that had taken this land.
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Posted: Mon Feb 23, 2009 7:41 am
I hope I'm not too late... Wrong timezone so I don't know if the time is up or not. It was fun writing at least smile
It was easy to be a good leader in peaceful times, wasn’t it? He tried not to be bitter, but sometimes it was hard when he overheard a conversation or when his keen ears snapped up a barbed remark about how everything was better during his father’s reign. Some days he was ready to just leave, just to get away from the nasty rumours. Would they be happy then, when he proved once and for all that he couldn’t lead the Cerynei? Probably not, and he knew that he would never leave them. He was the prince, and would still be the Prince until he died.
But could he really blame them for thinking fondly about times past? He too had been a happy fawn, but he had later learned that his father had already struggled with the first signs of decay back then. The unexpected blight that had hit the forest was one of the first ones he could remember. It had made the trees weak and perhaps more vulnerable to the recent fires. He was hungry too, and he grazed as little as possible to save food for the young, old and weak.
A crow picked shamelessly at the carcass of a fawn, and the Prince finally decided that enough was enough. He charged, scaring the bird away.
“Leave! Leave!” it seemed to caw from a branch just out of reach. Did it speak to him or was the lack of food finally getting to him?
“Fine,” the Prince shouted in a fit of rage, scaring off the ugly bird with this sudden noise. “Perhaps I will! But I will take my Cerynei with me. You will not feast on another fawn in this forest.”
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Posted: Mon Feb 23, 2009 7:52 am
{Hope its not too long!}
"Is everyone safe and accounted for?"
"Yes, my Prince! It seems that the early detection of the bush fire helped in evacuating the families living in this forest before the fire got out of control."
Achilles nodded, forcing a smile at the stallion in front of him, "Thank goodness... Please make sure that everyone gets ample rest, food and water. They've had it rough this afternoon."
"Yes, right away."
As the other stallion trotted away to where the evacuees were, the Prince of the Cerynei's smile faded as he turned away to face the flames raging through the forest. Tears slowly formed in his eyes, not due to the smoke from the bush fire, but due to a lingering sorrow in his heart. He was soft, almost weak. He would make a great Prince and heir to the throne during times of peace and prosperity; in fact, he would probably bring his proud and graceful herd to the peak of their age.
However, these were times of peril. Of sorrow. Of darkness.
It was like Pandora's box; the first wave of demons bringing disaster and destruction upon the world - their world. Everyone is now looking at the closed box, waiting for it to open again... This time, they wish to see hope, the light at the end of the tunnel. A sensation so great, it will help lift their spirits and bring smiles to their fear-stricken faces... This time, his aged father is not the hope his herd is looking out for. Instead, the hope they wish to see is him.
he knows it, although nobody says it out loud.
He loathes it sometimes, the feeling that everyone is watching his every move. The future of his people lies on his shoulder, and what a heavy weight that is! Can he really support it? Is he really strong enough?
Achilles blinked, letting a tear run down his face, smudging the soot from the smoke. He feels so insignificant, standing in front of something as wild and destructive as a bushfire. It destroys not only homes and sources of food and water, but break up families and friends as well. What can he do against such a formidable foe? What can he do not only as a Prince, but as a Cerynei?
What would his father do? What would his ancestors do?
His ancestors... They were the ones who brought the herd to this land in the first place! If they didn't, everyone would have disappeared decades ago. It is because of their foresight and wisdom that the Cerynei had survived and flourished up to now. Will it end with him? The stallion closed his eyes, opening them again quickly as his heartbeat increased, an idea forming in his head.
No! Their legacy will continue! Maybe... Maybe he could borrow their wisdom! They led the herd so many years ago to their place from somewhere else, where conditions in the past caused the herd to decrease in numbers. He had heard tales from the elders, who heard stories from the elders before them. This land was occupied by various stallions and mares of another kind; a distant cousin.
Maybe it was time to go back. He was sure that this land exist, that it is not just a mere legend. He will be the hope fluttering out of Pandora's box, and he will create his own legend.
Turning around, Achilles took in a sharp breath as he stopped his tears, trying his best to look brave and sure of himself as he approached the evacuees. As he neared them, all eyes turned to look his way, but he wasn't afraid nor nervous as he stopped in front of them.
"We know that our beloved home is dying. The drought brings with it not only bush fires, but the drying up of our water sources as well. Without precious rain, plants cannot grow, and we will starve... If the bush fires do not kill us, thirst and hunger will claim our lives." He paused, looking at the many faces in the crowd. Then, he reared up on his hind legs, and raised his voice, "I will not let it happen! I will lead a small group, an expedition, to the outside of these familiar lands. Together, we will find the land our ancestors came from, and together, we will save our herd."
There was a shocked silence from the audience, but Achilles continued, "I hope to have your trust... Wait in this decaying land, and hold out till this expedition group returns with good news! Hold out for the sake of yourself and your family and friends! Hold out for the sake of future generations! Spread the news! Tell everyone about this plan! Tell everyone that the storm will soon be over, and a new era will begin."
He knew it'll take some time for the others to see his plan from his point of view, but they eventually did. The expedition group was formed quickly, nobody wanted to waste any precious time. On the day itself, farewells were said, and they left to search for their new home, carrying the hopes of the people...
The journey itself, however, is another story.
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Posted: Mon Feb 23, 2009 10:16 am
Dontien, last born son of the last Great Prince of the Cerynei, looked up into the branches of the Ancestor Tree. Here hung the antlers of the princes long past and other members of the royal line among them his 3 elder brothers. 'Tien had never expected to be where he was today bearing the weight of his people upon his shoulders. That had been the duty of his eldest brother who had been trained for the task. One by one though the ancestors had claimed his elder siblings and before Dontien knew it he was heir. His father still lived, a shell of his former glory the destruction of the land shattered him, aging him before his time.
Dontien kicked at the dirt beneath the tree and touched the antlers of his eldest brother with his own, remembering sparing with him the day before the fire that had claimed him and made Dontien heir. "What am I supposed to do?" he pleaded. "The advisors want me to stake my claim, father is barely coherent most days, and the land is dying." He turned to look at the green surrounding the Tree. This was one of the few patches still florishing and most of his people had come here for guidance and answers. A few other families held out in other such pockets but they too had sent representatives. "They all want answers, but our only hope is to leave everything we've known behind. How can I lead them forward when I do not wish to leave myself? I'm scared brothers."
A breeze moved through the leaves bringing with it the scent of smoke and decay. Dontien hung his head in silent prayer coming to terms with what he had to do.
He looked up again eyes bright with determination, "It is time then. I know what needs to be done and I am the one that needs to do it. Watch over the land my brothers for I am sure some will remain hoping to heal this land while the main herd travels on to the lands our ancestors once inhabited. I hope we'll find welcome among our cousins."
Another breeze this time bringing only the scent of green and growing, scents of hope and his eldest brother's antlers brushed against his as if in approval. For the first time in months Dontien smiled, "Thank you," he whispered before turning to face his advisors and to assemble his people; there was much work to be done.
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Posted: Mon Feb 23, 2009 10:43 am
Along the plains, the Prince had traveled many times before, his strong, undeniable gaze stretched for miles, watching the herd that believed in him over all others. The ones he cherished and those he was reliable for. The group were stood grazing in the little patch of green they had left. The fact he was going to suggest the great move soon was troubling him. He knew others would be upset and that started to tear him inside. He wanted to keep the group together, he loved these lands more than anything, but as the days went by and more vigorous fires spread, it just proved, it wasn't enough. To stay in these parts would mean death and all others new as well as he did what living here would lead to.
A throbbing pain spilled within him, the sky now becoming dark, painted with an array of colours, lilacs, grays, black, blue all soared ahead and the group had now took the rare peaceful chance to sleep, feeling protected by their Prince; Th prince was watching over them, but his gaze faltered, a look of disappointment flaring in the two golden orbs. What was he to do? Could he really move from the lands they'd spent so long in. Even he himself had lived here since birth. He also knew, now it was night everyone would expecting the embers to ride the night and for animals to flee once again awakening them, to only have to move from the next chance they'd get to rest. A sigh baffled the stag, there was no doubt about it, they'd have to move.
To no surprise, when the heard awoke, thick black smoke painted the sky, luckily enough the fires hadnt reached them, but had been put out by a downpour of rain. Was that lucky? The Prince had been on patrol ready to wake them all if it was too risky to stay, being the only chance they'd had in a while to sleep though, he was willing to do everything he could, to give them just enough time for a short amount of rest.
Whilst they grazed for break fast he hoofed the ground with a large two pronged hoof. Stamping it down with power. The Herd looked over at him, wondering what was getting him so wound up. He calmly looked over them all, his posture straightened and neat, as anyone of authority should look. His tone was deep, trusting as he spoke out to them.
"As you can see, our lands are deteriorating before our very eyes, there is less green flat and more dull, charcoal land. Our herd is sufferring from many illnesses due to this and we are growing weak, with no time to hardly rest and gain our strenghs I have come to only one conclusion if we are to survive... We have to move. Back to the lands of our ancestors!" He lowered his voice, and went quiet, listening to the conversation that were now numerously happening; the herd was exchanging there opinions and they looked back, he couldn't help but feel destroyed as upset faces, knowing expressions which longed for a peaceful life here stared him down.
"We will move at Noon sharp, when the bright orb in the sky is at its highest point.. Those that wish to stay may do so, but those who choose to come, must join me."
This was the best way, to join once again with the soquili in the distant lands, they would benefit for more off spring and greener area's to graze from, even if they might stumble upon half breeds along the lines, it was still there hope to survive and the Prince knew this. At last when noon had arrived, he turned and those who chose to, followed, his last good byes were one last, strong look over the quickly dying lands... It would always be their home, but the great move was their future.
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