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 Posted: Tue Nov 11, 2008 6:55 pm
BASKET PROMPT
Quote: You always knew you were different. After all, how many other soquili grew branches and leaves? Perhaps it wouldn't have mattered so much if your parents didn't make it so obvious, whether in action or words.
Despite your simple life with your parents, you find yourself apt to wandering. There is, of course, nothing more tempting than a forbidden area. The large forest that borders the grazing land looks dangerous enough for an excursion alone. Your father had explicitly told you never to go there.
Next thing you know you're lost in the woods. You'd have great camoflauge if only you weren't such bright colors. It's pretty boring all in all, except that you've been hearing creaking that seems to be getting closer, and it's unlike anything you've ever heard. The longer you spend wandering the forest, the closer it gets. Soon, out of the corner of your eye, you could swear there is one tree that is... moving. Following. Smiling. Your father was right about this place!
How do you react to this threatening soquili? Do you stand your ground or run away? Will you threaten it, or beg for mercy?
You cannot godmod the forest demon in this prompt, so consider what the foal is thinking before it acts - and if it acts ON the demon, create a cliffhanger.
Basket's Name:
Basket's Temper:
Gender for Prompt:
Prompt Response:
MOTHER PROMPT
Quote: It seemed like so long ago when you first decided you wanted foals of your own. And finally, as if by magic, your wish was granted! Aside from a slightly stronger need to be out in the sun more, you've pulled through and had your foal. However, the basket the villagers put the foal in is strange and worrisome. Almost immediately after your child was put inside, strange white branches punched through the wicker and sealed the basket. It also gives off a branching aura. Your mate has none of these traits, to say the least, and your mate doesn't want to talk about it.
Worst of all, you did get a brief glimpse of the foal. It appeared almost as though their skin was rough and gnarled like wood, and their eyes..... they were so... ... Could that really be your... child?
What is your reaction to the basket looking nothing like the father? What do you plan on doing with the foal when it comes out?
Mare's Name: Talise
Mare's Temper: Willful
Prompt Response:
Talise stood staring at the basket in front of her. She trembled slightly knowing it contained her foal. The white branches sealed in her little one, her mates little one. The thought brought her to the foals appearance. He was not at all like his father. He skin was like wood and it reminded Talise of the forest.
'Why', she thought, 'such a blessing, should not seem so cursed.'
She lay down beside her basket and nosed it gently feeling the rough bark that closed her foal of from the world. She could not help but to wonder what would happen when the foal came out of the basket.
Hopefully I will be able to edit it tommorrow heart
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Posted: Tue Nov 11, 2008 6:56 pm
FATHER PROMPT
Stallion's Name :: Devlyn
Stallion's Temper :: Calculating
Prompt Response ::
"I wish for my beloved Vega and I to have a large family between the two of us!"
For days he'd thought about the rumors of the wish-granting ancient, of how to best approach and word his desire. Too often he heard of stories where sloppy spoken requests brought on dire, often lethal, results. Always there was a heavy price to pay for what you sought, but how could his backfire? He specifically mentioned his mate, himself - so their separation by whatever means was out of the question. Between the two of them obviously held to the concept they would conceive lots of children, something the melancholy mare wished for with all her heart. How could he go wrong?
Perhaps it was the Kalona pride that made his chest swell so as the words left his maw, red eyes glowing against the darkness that surrounded them. It was surely the demon's blood that made him so bold and unfaltering as the monstrous creature stirred, gazing at him with unseen eyes. Cackles like scrapping branches echoed from deep within its twisted body, the crow at its back cawing as if agreeing with its master's sense of humor.
Drink, came the hiss of wind through the cracks in its thick hide, the liquid at its neck sloshing as it drew closer to him. The crow again came to life, this time popping out the cork so that he might take a swing. Without a moment of hesitation he did as he was told, letting the foul liquid slither down his throat like sludge. Disgusting, but worth it if he got what he wanted in the end.
First born... shall be mine, it had said the moment he'd made his demand of a wish, though Devlyn had thought little of the consequences, even as he made the trek out of the forest and back to the modest cave in which he and the beautiful Vega had made their home.
Pregnant. He hadn't even stepped a hoof through the threshold when his mate charged him, attacking him with nuzzles and nickers and tears of joy. Already, she was with child. Already, she plotted possible names for any possible genders that might come of their union. Already, she knew where they could keep the baskets to keep them warm and safe and dry. Already, she loved and clung to the still unborn child.
For a moment, his world shook. Could her heart take losing this child? What if it caused more irreversible damage? His mind set to work on the problem, though outwardly he was all smiles and praise and promises. What if he spirited the foal away soon after it was born? Told her the infant was stillborn? Plausible – it would take time for her to recover, but she could nonetheless, then they could have more children, move on with their lives to the paradise he always wanted for her. That she deserved.
It would be painful, tragic, to see her in the agony he now knew, without a doubt, losing her first child would bring. He would simply have to be her pillar of strength in the hard times, her constant nudge to move forward and on towards the happiness she so longed for in this world.
He could grin, he could smile. Although the demon’s price was loud and booming in his head despite his self reassurance; he could still shrug and joke and nuzzle his beloved as she twittered on and on about their luck and how fate wasn’t so bad after all. How they were blessed, how this was proof of it. Yes, they would be blessed. His granted wish would promise that. She might not see it for a while once the payment was made, but in time, she would grow to understand and accept his decision. Dark irises fell upon her stomach, not yet showing a single sign of the forming life within, and his smile was genuine and his giddy laughs and voice true.
For although the beast had demanded this one, why should he fret or feel discouraged? There would be others. According to his well-placed wish, there would be many other children in their future.
If it meant bringing his mate many children, he was rather excited about losing this one.
BASKET PROMPT
Basket's Name :: Jolon
Basket's Temper :: Blunt
Gender for Prompt :: Female
Prompt Response ::
"I'm going out to play," she shouted into the cave, none too shocked when only her mother called back to her with acknowledgment. As usual, her father was busy fretting over his mate, all three fully aware of the mare's swollen belly. The moment she'd announced the impending siblings, Devlyn had seemed to all but forget about his first born. Not that she could blame him, though.
After all, who wanted a child that looked nothing like you, with branches and leaves protruding from their flesh?
She looked like the child of the forest, not the part Kalona stallion. It was a comment her dear mother had made many a time in the secrecy of night when he was away looking for food. How many conspiratorial words had the blue woman whispered into her freakish child's ears? Although she had been faithful to her dear mate...
Jolon snorted softly as she turned to take her leave. It was the theory among the women that her mother's love for the wood that was so close to their home was what spawned the strange anomalies. Yay.
"Oh, Jolon,"
She paused, ears flicking back towards the stallion, head twisting only partway to view him vaguely over her shoulder. Unlike her mother, she had little patience with her father. Why should she bother being friendly when it was obvious he cared so little for her?
"I won't stay out late, dad. Promise."
"Hm? No, it's not that - though yes, don't stay out too late. More than that, don't go into the forest now, alright? Can't have you getting lost, now can we?"
The filly gave a grunt of acceptance, sending out another round of general farewells before finally making her way out of the cavern and into the sunlight, her pale body almost seeming to perk up with the sudden heat. It did, in a way – she grumbled, blaming the stupid plants for the cheerier mood she was suddenly in. The leaves, stretching towards the sun, sucking in all the golden joy and affection she otherwise couldn’t feel beneath the piles of stone and earth. Out here, she could even adore her father, despite her grudge towards him.
A grudge that showed itself whenever she left the cave, hooves moving immediately towards the darkness where light punctured through leaves every once in a while. Her mind was left to wander, careless as the sun was still high in the midday sky. No need to be concerned with staying close to the edge as she normally was where she would normally graze and gaze into the depths of the forest. What lay within its belly? What forces called to her, pulled at her, like the promised nectar the flowers sang of to the bees? It was that preverbal nectar that lured her in now. Perhaps she would find treasure? Or Flutters that would invite her to their lands to play? A place where she wouldn’t receive strange looks, or have to listen to illy muffled whispers and hisses about how unfaithful her beloved mother must have been to receive such a horrid creature like she. Not have to see her father’s fake smiles, or watch as he paid so much attention to unborn children while he all but ignored the one standing right there in front of his face.
One step. One creak. Two steps. Two creaks.
She blinked, gaze flickering behind her momentarily as she continued on with her mindless wanderings. This part of the woods was unknown to her, though she walked on, deeper and deeper into the black. Unknown, sure, but no reason to be jumpy about it. There was still light, so no problem. Another step, and another groan sounded behind her, one she recognized immediately. It was the sound of moving wood.
A branch from her body swayed into view, gaze softening as the recognition clicked in her head, forming wary questions as she continued at an easy rate. At her side, great trees seemed to sway, meandering closer to her as time ticked by. A broken smile – ancient slices into bark - met her questioning gaze though her eyes remained trained forward. A broken smile to match the broken bark and heart of the filly beside it all. As the creature grew near, no sense of fear came to her. Only the vague smile upon her muzzle and the fleeting thought of if her father would cry over her broken body should he find it in the morrow.
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Posted: Tue Nov 11, 2008 7:04 pm
BASKET PROMPT
Basket's Name: Ackley
Basket's Temper: Withdrawn
Gender for Prompt: Male
Prompt Response:
Ackley wandered to the edge of a nearby creek. As he edged closer, he could see a blurred mass of blue reflected in the water. The flowing water obscured the details of what he looked like as he glanced at the water. In reality, this was all very similar, because to him it felt like there was some flowing water obscuring his vision of what he truly was. An issue that often plagued Ackley’s thoughts was the fact that he barely represented his father in his afflicted appearance. Ackley wasn’t entirely sure who exactly he was representing, but underneath all of the deformities and strangeness was his mother’s blue coloration. It wasn’t the fact that he didn’t look like them, but rather the idea that they were both normal, and he was not.
Along with the fact that he misrepresented his parents, his name felt like it carried little meaning. Obviously he didn’t just change into this monstrosity overnight during his youth. So why did his mother and father give him such a meaningless name? Wouldn’t ‘O Afflicted One’ identify him more with what he truly was? All that needed to occur was for his branches to hollow out, and he’d be just as empty inside as out.
The struggling adolescent was plagued with such questions almost every time he caught a reflection of himself, or a straggler’s disapproving glance lasted a bit too long. Although his deformities were the cause of such ostracism, he hadn’t come to loathe them, but neither did he embrace them; they were simply there for all he was concerned. When he wasn’t beat down, and taxed by his numerous questions, the young curiosity he shared with many his age took over, and wanted to explore. Because of this, he loved to sneak off towards the forest, part of the reason being that he was told to never go there.
After a few hours of wandering through the forest, Ackley figured it was probably best to return home. Instinctively, he doubled back on from where he thought he came from, but he couldn’t find a way out of the forest. He was positive he hadn’t wandered too far into the thick of the forest, but if he didn’t, then why was he unable to find his way out? Slightly panicked, his pace hastened, but then he became careless, and tripped over a log. Defeated, he laid on the ground, not sure if he should go on, only just to get even more lost. But then he heard something he couldn’t believe. At first, he thought it was himself producing the noise, but he held his breath to make sure he wasn’t. He heard the familiar sound of a rib cage expanding against a coat of branches intertwined into one’s fur. The recognizable creeeeeeek as the ribs pressed them out, and then let the branches return inwards as the individual inhaled. He knew it couldn’t be a branch bending in the wind, the sound was far too rhythmic. The young horse was excited, because this meant that there could be someone out there like him. However, the excitement soon turned to apprehension as the sound got closer and closer. Almost instinctively, he pulled himself off the ground, watching and waiting. All he could see was darkness until, by the dim ray of light seeping through the canopy, something beyond belief emerged into the illuminated area. It was… a half plant, half horse, half freak just like himself. A wave of mixed emotions passed over Ackley; confusion, paranoia, tranquility, and primarily, fear. Ackley knew that he often frightened people, because they didn’t know what someone that looked like him was capable of, and now he knew why they felt this way. There was an air of mystery about the other one, and he didn’t know why, because at the same time he felt some deep connection that couldn’t be explained.
He ran as fast as his root-embedded legs would go. He ran, because he impulsively did what his parents would think was right. He wanted to stay and learn from the other like him. He did not want his parents to know what he had been doing, because he would probably be reprimanded. Ackley wasn’t afraid, but mystified, for seeing the other one made him feel more comfortable with whatever he was. Ackley couldn’t be sure, but if there was one thing he knew he was going to do, it was to go back to that forest.
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Posted: Tue Nov 11, 2008 7:17 pm
BASKET PROMPT
Basket's Name: Lenka (illumination)
Basket's Temper: Thoughtful
Gender for Prompt: Male (though both could work as I wrote in first person since I wasn't sure if we were supposed to pick a gender ourselves and I didn't think to check till now)
Prompt Response: (I hope it was okay to make mention to what was already stated in the prompt for the Forest Demon (about him following+smiling+making creaking noises. I apologize if it's considered godmoding, that wasn't my intention at all.).
The trees were so tall. Of course I knew they were tall, but having them all surround me like this, it was suffocating. I wasn't supposed to be in here, father always warned me about this forest. I always respected his words, except today. I had been playing out in the field, father had went to go and gather some food for mother, who had come along with me to the field. While mother did play with me, eventually she went and laid underneath an oak tree, telling me that it was all right to play for a little longer before the time came to go home. Our home was near that forest as was the field, not a long walk back.
I had been fine with that, I enjoyed playing on my own but mostly I enjoyed exploring. Admittedly, my exploring had gotten me in trouble many times since I was known to wander off when I found something of interest or if I was so engrossed in my imagination that I hardly noticed I had wandered off until I heard my mother's cries and father's shouts. I didn't like it much when father shouted or mother cried, it meant I would lose a privilege shortly.
As I had been playing in that field, I noticed something. The trees seemed to move, yes the leaves and branches did tend to move but it seemed as if the tree trunks moved! Naturally, that was impossible but being the curious foal that I was, I decided to investigate. Chancing a single glance at mother, who was at the time resting her eyes, I left into the forest that was forbidden.
The trees were indeed tall, I nodded and continued on, further and further into the forest. It wasn't terribly exciting, actually it was fairly boring, the field was more vibrant and adventurous than this forest was. How could father ever think of this place as so dangerous that he had to tell me never to come in here? I was just about to turn around and go back to the field, before mother noticed I was gone, I heard a creaking. I tried to be as silent as I could manage, which was very hard when you're a foal, to see whether or not I imagined that sound. But no, I had not. The creaking was growing closer and closer.
I gulped, nervous. I walked through the forest again, pretending that I hadn't heard anything when I had. The creaking just came closer and closer until I saw it again. The trees, no it was just one tree, was moving. It seemed like it was following me, I shook a little. It was unlike anything I had ever heard or seen. The moving tree was familiar in a way. Watching it out of the corner of my eyes, I took in the colours of the branches and leaves. They reminded me of well....me. I always knew I was different, looking somewhat like mother but nothing like father. I continued on, the tree followed or it looked like it was. As I turned my head a little to the side I saw it smile.
I froze. First, how can a tree smile? Second, that smile frightened me. It was nothing like the smiles mother and father always gave me. This smile, it wasn't friendly nor loving, it was eerie. I continued standing there, rooted to the spot as the tree came closer.....and closer. I turned my head away, shaking. "Lenka!" I jumped. It wasn't very loud but it sounded like someone was calling me! Another voice joined the mix, calling my name. I turned, no longer rooted to the spot, in the direction of the voices. Mother and father. I let out a sigh of relief but remembering the odd tree, I turned back to look at it. It was gone. I let out another sigh of relief before hightailing it out of the forest as quick as I could.
FATHER PROMPT
Stallion's Name: Kreso (Cross of Peace)
Stallion's Temper: Regretful
Prompt Response:
The wish he had made seemed like a good choice at the time. He drank the murky red potion and promised the forest creature his first born, never realizing what a mistake he was making. The wish was wise, in his mind, but his choice in wishing for that wish was foolish.
Heading home from the forest, Kreso could see now what a mistake he had made. His daring demonstrated only how he seemed to care only for himself, regardless of the wish he had made. Kreso was taught to put others before himself, most of all he was supposed to put his mate first, and the decision he had made proved otherwise. He was ashamed.
He continued on his way, his head bowed and his red eyes slightly shut. His wish had been for his mate, he loved her and yet he betrayed her. Every time they tried to produce offspring they failed and each time his mate grew crestfallen. She always tried to appear happy, smiling as if nothing was wrong, but Kreso knew she yearned for young to call her own and each failure hurt her more.
Reaching their home, Kreso saw his mate head over to him, smiling. She seemed to emit a soft glow. Forcing a smile in return, he headed to her at once. "Pregnant?" He repeated, his voice cracking. No...no....she could not be. He shook his head. His head turned to the forest, what a fool he was. Minutes passed before he turned back to his mate, who seemed saddened by his reaction to the news.
"I'm happy, really. Just shocked that I'll be.....a father. At last." He managed to force those words out, they sounded hollow to him. Kreso smiled at her, hoping it would reassure her. It worked as his mate smiled back at him and turned to walk over to a tree, lying down underneath it. How could he lie to her? He was strongly against lying and he did it anyway. Questions plagued him, at the back of his mind, would she ever forgive him? How could she?
His wish was for his mate to be completely happy again. It came true.
MOTHER PROMPT
Mare's Name: Iryna (Peace)
Mare's Temper: Caring
Prompt Response:
Iryna had wanted foals of her own since she was a young adult. It was tradition to eventually settle down with a mate and produce offspring to continue the family line. Though, regardless of tradition, Iryna wanted foals because she adored them. When someone was needed to take care of a foal or two or even many foals, she always volunteered. They had such huge imaginations and were so playful, they made her feel like a young foal again. As a foal she never had the worries she had now nor the commitments that came with adulthood. Iryna sometimes wished she hadn't wished as a foal to grow up fast, she should of enjoyed her foal hood when she had it.
When the time came that she knew that she was with foal, Iryna had almost fainted. Her and her mate had tried for so long, there were times when she thought she would never be blessed with foals of her own. The pregnancy went lovely, her mate always told her she emitted a radiant glow which was natural with pregnant mares, from her past experiences of knowing some. Iryna had always blushed when her mate gave her such compliments, it was tender and sweet and made her heart beat just that much quicker.
Though the pregnancy went well, there were moments that puzzled Iryna. She liked the sun more than usual when she pregnant. The sun's rays were beautiful and all but she never spent that much time in it. But she just took it in stride, perhaps that was something that happened to mares who with foal? However, when she finally had her foal, Iryna knew something was off. Her mate was reluctant to talk about it which caused many fears to form in Iryna's heart, what had happened? The glimpse she had of their foal before the villagers placed the foal in that wicket basket stunned her. It reminded her of tree bark.
Iryna blamed herself. It was her fault that she had been unable to produce foals and when she finally succeeded in becoming pregnant, their foal was unlike what she ever imagined. It looked nothing like her mate. No wonder he didn't want to talk to her, it wouldn't surprise her if he was gone by morning's first light. Iryna teared up, no he told her he would remain by her side always and Iryna believed him, she trusted everything he said because he would never lie or betray her. It was unnatural in his character if he did that. But still, their foal was different, even its basket was peculiar. As soon as their foal had been placed in its basket, branches sealed it.
Iryna sighed, laying down by their basket where their foal lay. Her mate hovered nearby, he was still so withdrawn. But Iryna had to believe that everything would be all right. She nosed the basket lovingly, everything happened for a reason and Iryna would love their foal with all her heart.
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Posted: Tue Nov 11, 2008 7:46 pm
MOTHER PROMPT
Mare's Name: Stormy Winds
Mare's Temper: shattered
Prompt Response:
How…
Simply and in all concerns, just….how…
And why?
Her entire life for as long as she could remember, it seemed, was set to revolve around her family. Her small but wonderful family of two. That’s all she ever needed, just herself and her mate beside her. Her wonderful mate that cherished her, and whispered sweet considerations in her ears each and every day. That made each day more detailed and vivid to her memory, in comparison to her lonely life before.
“But…I became selfish….I…I... became demanding….”
The mare paced back and forth blindly as she spoke this mantra under her breath, deaf to any outside sounds or statements. There was no value to them, not when what she spoke was the only truth that mattered any more.
“I would like a family, love. Children, just for us.” The idea was a welcomed enthusiasm, despite her first timid declaration of her wish. They were certain that between the two of them there was enough love to blossom forth future life to their union. And their determination held strong if not dim, time and time again as they tried. But, bearing children seemed to be a task beyond their reach. Was it her? Was it him? Or was it just fate, caressing them as kindly as they could to ease the pain of their vain attempts. Their vain dreams of a bigger family.
And then, it happened. Like the enlightenment of an idea, Stormy found herself rapidly pregnant. A blessing, it must be! Delight filled her mind and spirit as she brought the news to her beloved mate. And at the time she had been too blissful to fully note or question the quiet tongue of her mate. Speechless and proud, she had assumed him to be. Months of weight and pain sped by, and it wasn’t long before her burden of life was separated. And a new burden was realized.
Nostrils flared as the mare laid in pain, pushing and howling at the slow birthing process. It was no matter to how much the two-legged herd helped her, in the end it was her work and effort to count. Focusing and straining, Stormy found great relief when the work was finally over. Breath and energy escaped from her, she laid longer with closed eyes as the rustling noise of the humans surrounded her. Murmurs hit her ears, and the tone of distress was something to recognize even despite the language barriers. Wincing her pale eyes open, Stormy craned her neck to view her newborn. Her first, only, and long awaited treasure. What she saw sent her heated blood into a cold dread.
Numerous ‘limbs’ amongst a stiff body was cradled in the human’s arms, the skin looking raw and torn like bark on the small body. And the eyes, the eyes that peeked over the human’s shoulder from a void face and a limp neck stared dully into the mother’s soul. Stormy’s fatique wired into a fragile frenzy. Sreaming loudly, the fresh mother kicked and fought herself and the humans to rise to her hooves. All the while with wide and unseeing eyes on her newborn. It was injured, and it was empty. Her child was empty, a paper blessing. Now being bound and covered in its tomb of a basket, away from her. Maddened by this onslaught of events, the loss of her wish, Stormy bound in a hateful and teary rage toward the basket. Ropes rained down swiftly upon her, and the mare found herself restrained from mourning her tragedy. Mouth frothing, the mare struggled long and hard, until her energy was spent and she trembled to the ground in sobs.
“It was all a lie, it was all a nightmare.”
Blinking, the mare halted her steps to look down onto the well-worn earth. Her maw had long ago been tethered to the massive log of the two-legged herd, being condemned as an ill-minded and unsafe soquili. So much unknown time had passed, and with it her ability to forget her pain. The pain of her long forgotten freedom. Her handsome mate whose fate was all she could pray upon anymore. And her poor child, given to her but for a single glimpse, before being taken away from her and banished to the woods to survive its deformality on its own.
What twisted plot were her dreams thrown into, that’s all she’d ever want to know...
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Posted: Tue Nov 11, 2008 10:05 pm
MOTHER PROMPT
Mare's Name: Eidel
Mare's Temper: Pensive
Prompt Response: Midday, yet another day since she had become a mother. It should have made her heart soar on wings of joy, not flounder with leaden limbs. For Eidel, joy had always been a part of her life. With her parents, and her beloved mate. Terrifying at first, and yet, so gentle...that's how it was with him. Soft blue eyes trailed down to the matching basket not lying far from her careful guard. Terrifying. Would it be the same as its father?
"You are a mystery to me, little one." Midday, when the shadows were at their most hidden. The sun shone straight onto everything, so why should there be shadows? And yet, at the same time, there was a near-twilight shadow emanating from the basket. Eidel was chilled to her very marrow at the sight of it. It was the same, since the basket had been shown to her, the ever-present shadow when the light touched it. She'd known about her mate's dark lineage, but was it truly this dark? What would this child become, and did she truly wish to find out?
Banishing these thoughts from her mind, the delicate mare bent and snagged the basket between her teeth, dragging it further into the thicket, resting against her side as she laid in the grass. He would not return until after sundown, and it was tiring to wait endlessly, with nothing else to do than dwell on the malevolent unknows tied to her child.
As the sun slowly dipped overhead, further into the afternoon, gendle Eidel was caught in the grips of horror. She was in the depths of the darkest forest, rustling all around her, and the creaking and ripping that came from a tree being torn apart. Beads clacked in a brash cry as she moved, first at a steady walk, trotting, and then flat out running. No matter how far she ran, the sound never got further away. And now...the dark shape that was circling her.
Breaking into the sunshine, she saw that dreaded shadow that haunted her basket, only now it belonged to a great beast...that had hair the colour of hers. "Mother? What is it mother?" a deep voice, a dark smile. The branches spreading from his body were horrific, and atop his head, great horns. With one breath, fire came from his nostrils, and vines wrapped around her body. "You shouldn't leave me mother. I need you. You can't leave me mother!"
With a screaming whinny, the mare threw herself awake, drenched in sweat, hair hanging limp over her brow. Pastel eyes were wide with fright, and the basket still leaned against her side. The sun was low in the sky now, and her mate would return at any time. With a hoof, barely wanting to touch the thing now, she pushed it as far out of the thicket she could, shuddering in terrors, still in the grip of her nightmare.
A sharp noise had her whickering softly, spinning, nearly into the confused visage of her mate. He seemed unsettled, and nearly angry at her. After a sharp question, she couldn't help but recount her nightmare, and the unsettling feeling. “I cannot stay near this any longer. I wanted to be a mother...not the rooting point of demonic spawn!” Love her mate though she did, she flinched away from his child. Was this truly his legacy? Could it be his legacy?
If anything, that set him into a stronger frenzy. How could they abandon their child? How could she call it such a thing? With his spaded tail, the basket was pushed back into the safety of the thicket, her mate's eyes accusing. Always, always Eidel had given into his demands. She trusted him to keep her safe, but now she just was not so sure. “No! You must tell me, is that truly our child? Is that...” my child. She could not finish the choked plea. She wanted so badly to be told it was an awful mistake, it was not her child.
But the look in his eyes was no reassurance. Stricken, bewildered, and hurt, she slunk back into the thicket without a sound, and curled as far away from them as she could. All of her questions would be answered when the child emerged. Then...then she would decide. Child or monster, it would all be clear in just a short while. Though she had the feeling, that even if this child were pure, after this day, there could be no real love.
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Posted: Tue Nov 11, 2008 11:11 pm
DEMON PROMPT
Demon's Name: Tiburon
Demon's Temper: Twisted
Prompt Response:
A cackle echoed throughout the forest and the animals all shivered in their homes. Tree branches broke and roots separated as he moved and even all of the plans cringed as he emerged. Now that he had been released from his earthy prison, Tiburon knew that there was nothing that could stop him. He wanted his revenge and he knew exactly where to start.
He moved through the forest but he still felt parts of the foliage on his body. He walked to a lake and stared down at his reflection and saw what had become of his mane and tail. The shock hit him but then he regained composure. Maybe.. this new look could help him. It marked his change from a guardian to a demon and then he couldn't help but admire his new physical appearance. But then, as he reflected on his previous life, Tiburon was slowly reminded of why he was cursed to become apart of this forest.
Long ago... Tiburon was given a potion by a wandering Angeni and when that Angeni approached him, beside her was a little foal. The stallion didn't know what happened but that little foal struck a chord in his heart and he wanted to save her. That Angeni could not possibly take care of the foal and provide the attention it needed. He needed to be its savior. So, when he got the chance, he stole the foal away from its mother. But then that damned Angeni cursed him into the forest that he protected! Tiburon snapped out of his reverie and growled loudly. If only she understood that he was trying to protect her child! His moment of kindness was thrown back into his face. But now, he had his chance again. This foolish stallion! Oh how he wishes that his dreams could come true. Tiburon let out another cackle knowing that his time would come after waiting for so long.
This child... He wanted so much for it, to grow up in the forest and have him teach it the ways. He would protect it with his life and it would eventually take his place. It would be shielded from the evils of the world and he wouldn't even have to take it from it's basket. He would raise it so that it would become the strongest being in the land and make its father proud. It would know... It would return to the forest and would find him. This foal would not be normal and it would know that.
It would only take a little time... And Tiburon would have his revenge.
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Posted: Tue Nov 11, 2008 11:33 pm
FATHER PROMPT
Stallion's Name: Antaeus
Stallion's Temper: Wavering
Prompt Response:
Red was such an appealing color.
The stallion stood in the middle of the dense forest in the middle of winter where the air held a deathly chill and the comfortable woodland creatures had retreated to their warm dens. The midnight shadows danced around his hooves, cackling and laughing while the winds whispered their dark secrets and plans while darting through the trees, rustling as they went.
One came across life changing opportunities only a so many times in their lifetime. Because of this, it was natural for one’s reason to be clouded by what their heart seeks when the opportunity came, was it not? It was a shame, then, that one’s heart didn’t always seek pure and good intentions. This was particularly true in his case.
Antaeus looked towards the larger male, his eyes glittering in the pale moonlight as they ran over the awesome being before him, examining the bark and leaves, the conniving smile that never faulted, the dangling crimson vile…
"Well?"
As the demon spoke, his voice low and booming and causing Antaeus’s very core to shiver, he was pulled out of his light trance.
"…Excuse me?"
The demon's head tilted slowly to the side, almost curious. The grin didn't waver.
"Well?" He moved closer, and Antaeus didn't move. Even as the forest demon's head leaned in towards his, not a hoof's distance apart, he didn't move. "Well? What is your wish?"
"Wish…" His mind began to spun, weaving ideas, plans. The true nature of the half-breed's heard began to peek through, and the shadows continued to cackle. A wish… Oh what one could do with a wish…
Antaeus could feel his pulse quicken and his half-breed blood running, boiling, through his veins. His mouth curved into a wicked smile that mirrored the one on the face of the forest demon. His heart beat within his chest and his inner spirit and being emerged.
"I wish…" His mouth hung open for a few moments as his mind ran with the possibilities. Power. That's what everyone wanted, right? Power. Endless power and opportunities…
"I wish to be pure." He said finally, eyes drawn up to the demon's face. "I wish to be pure. Pure kalona." His grin widened. He had wanted it for so long, underneath everything it had always been what he had wanted.
There was a pause. "Fair enough. But, there is a price, you know." The demon spoke and his head drew away, the bark that grew from his hefty form creaking. He stood tall, and Antaeus could tell he was watching him.
"What is it then?" Antaeus was drawn once more from his thoughts and his eyes quickly diverted to the demon. His horns gleamed in the darkness and his eyes flicked over the larger stallion quickly.
There was a pause and the demon drifted in closer once more. His movements were slow and archaic and as the space between the two closed the vile began to sway in the cold empty air. "Your first-born."
His first-born? Antaeus paused. That was what she had always wanted, was it not? He loved her, even if the basket not true, it wouldn't matter. "So be it." Antaeus replied simply, looking towards the vile as it was offered.
The liquid slid quickly down his throat.
The demon left then, quick though his movements were slow. He watched it leave, silent for a few long moments. He would never regret this decision…
"When does the wish come true?" Antaeus called after him, watching as the large form moved away, almost invisible among the trees.
"My dear child." There was a low chuckle. The grin was still visible in the darkness. "It already has." The laughter grew as the winds began to laugh after their spirit and the shadows continued to cackle. "Look at what you have done, my child. Look, now. Your mate? Her dreams come true? Mere lies, mere lies. And your 'child?' Mine. My dear, my dear. You are indeed kalona at heart. Past the 'good intentions,' you are kalona at heart. A wish you have granted on your own. Return, now. Never forget. When you see the child…"
The spirit drifted away. A grin started to grow onto the stallion's face. The shadows continued to cackle.
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Posted: Wed Nov 12, 2008 3:36 am
BASKET PROMPT
Basket's Name:Juniper (bitter but medicinal )
Basket's Temper: Conflicted
Gender for Prompt: Female
Prompt Response:
Oh what a beautiful forest, she thought, not that she was of course, very familiar with forests, having never been allowed to enter one before. They lived a simple life, and never traveled too far, so this forest was the sole one in existence to her. In truth she preferred it that way, there was simply...something about the woods. It could simply have been that it was forbidden (that added no small allure), but there was something more, like it waited for her.
Like it called her… and she’d been listening for such a long time.
She would have loved to have said it was a simple matter to slip into the woods, but it wasn’t, not with her family’s watchful eyes on her so often. In truth, had it not been for that, she might have slipped into the deep and shady depths ages ago. But it truly seemed that fortune was on her side today. She had slipped away while her father and mother were talking to one another, both too old for her to care much about, too dull and not at all interested in things like playing and exploring, but such an opportunity.
Walking within had seemed an adventure unto itself, half tripping over roots, slipping in the dry leaves and snagging her mane in branches and the brambles, and the trees low hanging ‘fingers’ that seemed almost to reach for her. But there were so many wonderful things as well, more so than she could have imagined, the smell of it, the soft soil, the way the leaves rustled in the slightest wind. She was delighted that when she stood still, she could hear more and more birds pick up in a twittering chirping chorus around her. She stood for a very long time watching a snail climbing the gnarled and twisted trunk of a tree, its bright yellow shell standing out in brilliant contrast against the soft lichen and deep splits of brown. It was then, in fact, as she moved carefully to keep watching it as it oozed and inched in a curve around the trunk that she heard the first creak.
It was different, somehow, than the gentle groans and scrapes of the trees bending in the wind. It was longer, perhaps, more...deliberate? It almost sounded like something had snapped, a tree falling, even. Instead of silencing, however, it continued and she realized the first prickle of fear.
What if there really was something dangerous here, what if her father was right?!
She took a careful step back from where she imagined she heard the sound. If she just moved away, if she headed home it would surely prove to be nothing, nothing at all.
But… which way was home? The fading light of day made even this familiar notch she had played in for hours seem unfamiliar, she could not recall the direction she had come from, the direction she needed to leave.
The sound again, a heavy creaking snapping groan that made her kick up her heels and run. There was no choice in the direction, just away that was all that was important right now, to get away from that sound.
When she paused to catch her breathe, just for a moment she wondered if she had been, foolish, a fraidy-foal. Her branches and leaves quivered and her tiny knees shook with the encroaching weariness. If only she were not so colorful…
Creak… groan… snap…
Those sounds again…closer than before, she spun trying to see it and found nothing but the deep forest and its thick trunks.
“WHO ARE YOU!?!” She yelled “GO AWAY!” her tail stood strait in alarm and she wished and prayed that her father and mother were there. She didn’t care at all at that moment that she would be soundly scolded and nipped. She would have given anything to be beside them being scolded and nipped.
Silence for a long breath, and then that sound again, but nothing, nothing to be seen except…
Her heart fluttered and she stumbled. That…tree… it was moving… it …it was LOOKING at her, moving closer with ponderous patient steps that creaked and groaned and cracked like branches under foot… and it smiled.
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Posted: Wed Nov 12, 2008 8:11 am
DEMON PROMPT
Demonn's Name: Beliar
Demon's Temper: Vengeful
Prompt Response:
Once so long ago he had been beautiful, his beauty often marveled at. He remembered when he was proclaimed the most beautiful and he had basked in such whispers and praise, the envy. Oh, he knew his looks had been envied and he had basked in this knowledge. While most would think it arrogant or something of the like he had never flaunted his looks nor had he been vain he had simply basked, mentally and in private, over others high opinion of his appearance.
All that had changed though and it had been such a sudden change he still found himself missing bits of the memories which encompassed the events regarding his current appearance and his cursing. What he did remember was the wishes he would grant to others and gaining that ability, he had loved being able to help others and give them their most desired wish. He would watch soquili glow with happiness as their wishes were granted.
It had been one of these soquili who had sought a wish from him a young mare not from these lands. She had heard of his ability to grant someone their most treasured wish and had sought him out in his woods. At first sight of her, and the stallion at her side, he had felt himself simultaneously fall in love and become jealous. For the first time in his life he knew jealousy and it ran hot through his body like fire as the mare in a most loving manner introduced her mate to him.
Somewhere deep in the furthest reaches of his mind, which was so focused on his anger and hatred of the world, there was still a part of him which desired to go back in time and stop the actions his feelings had given birth to but he knew he couldn't and that fueled his anger further as he couldn't undo his wrongs. He should have done his job and granted her the wish she and her mate had for him, to have a children.
He remembered what he had done next he had told her he would grant her, their, wish but instead he had cursed her. He had cursed her to have no children and for this to bring a rift between the mates. He knew it was greed and jealousy which fueled his actions, along with desire, but so caught up was he in his own feelings that he did not pay this any mind as he gave in to his plans and followed them through.
When the pair had left he was smug and knew she would soon come to him, seeking another wish, it was only a matter of time and he would wait, he would always wait for the lovely mare to return to him and he would woo her so she would find herself wanting to be his mate and he would oblige, of course, and then he would allow her children, their children.
So narrow had his plans been that he had not foreseen that her mate might grow angry and their fights would turn violent and he would one night slay his mate. Oh, if he had known that would happen it would have surely halted his actions, he was sure of it. But when word had gotten to him it was in the form of that same Angeni who had given him his wish granting ability returning.
He had been told of his actions final product and condemned for his actions, his plotting. He had fallen to his knees after staggering on suddenly week knees. He had caught himself against a tree and as tears had slipped from his face had he been cursed.
Why could he not be allowed love? Why had he agreed to the deal he had made with that Angeni? He had been indeed granted the ability to grant wishes but at a steep cost, which he had not found so steep a price at the time. He had agreed to not leave his woods he would protect them and wield them but he also would not love he had agreed to this not believing he would find himself in love with another, he had not thus far so thought it impossible to in the future.
All these past mistakes had eaten away at him over the time he had spent as a tree lost in the dense woods from sight, as he blended in with everything around him. Alone and un cared for branches grew wild and vines crept up him and wrapped around him strangling him almost. No one he had granted past wishes to had come looking for him and new people stopped coming, no one once mentioned their worry over him not being there to grant their wishes. All they spoke of was their wish and not having it granted...how selfish. He had become bitter and saw what he had never seen before now. He saw how selfish and truly evil the world was all self centered.
It hadn't been till that stupid stallion had released him that he had sworn to never grant another wish if he were ever freed. But this naive stallion and his wish for children had caught his attention as he was released. He would grant him the wish and use the first child to his advantage and reap his revenge upon an uncaring world that had all but forgotten about him to the passing of time.
For now he would lay in wait watching the child that would soon be his grow. He would keep hidden in the woods using his new found, ugliness, to his advantage as he didn't want anyone to know of his presence but soon, yes soon, he would gain his revenge.
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Posted: Wed Nov 12, 2008 10:09 am
MOTHER PROMPT
Mare's Name: Phoibe
Mare's Temper: Wary
Prompt Response:
Phoibe stood over her basket looking down at the strange creeping branches that should not have been there. She had prayed for children for so long but this was not what she had been hoping for. After staring rather blankly at it for several moments she stepped away. She had seen the child, only for a second but the image had burned itself into her mind.
A tree.
It had looked like she had given birth to a little tree. She wanted to believe that what she had seen was only her mind playing cruel tricks on her. She had been blessed with a child after so long it was wrong of her to think such horrible things of her child. With a small smile she took a step forward and nuzzled the basket gently only to pull back a second later with a splinter in her lip. She let out a quiet sob and bit her lip trying to calm herself slightly. Her child was in that basket her child the little tree. She sobbed again then took in a rattling breath. She would take care of it; she had to. It was hers.
She absolutely had to whether it was hers or not. She would pray that the branches, what she had seen and the splinter in her lip were not real. If they were. She lowered herself to the ground chewing on her lip nervously. If it was not in her mind then the forest would take it she was sure. It was a tree after all. Trees belonged in the forest.
“Please do not be a tree little one. I do not want to lose you.”She whispered softly rubbing against the basket. The rough feel of the branch's bark sent chills down her spine. "Please child, for my sake and your own." Her eyes fluttered shut wanting nothing more then to escape this nightmare and awaken to the dream she had thought it would be.
((edited at 2:39 PM MST- putting a time in case I messed my conversions up))
BASKET PROMPT
Basket's Name: Nashe
Basket's Temper: Devoted
Gender for Prompt: Male
Prompt Response:
There were so many trees he could hardly believe his eyes. They sparkled with delight as he continued deeper into the place that his father warned him to stay away from. He couldn’t see anything wrong with the place. It was dark and a bit creepy with all the weird noises around him. Still it was almost comforting being surrounded by the forest. It felt almost like home to him being with the things that looked so much like he did.
He turned his head to look at himself, his bark like skin. He didn’t understand why he was this way. None of the other soquili he had seen looked even a bit like he did. They treated him differently; even his parents treated him differently. He let out a sigh and slowly brought his gaze back in front of him.
Nashe set off again. He wasn’t really different here, just his color was and if he ignored that this place was wonderful. He blinked as he continued on. Something wasn’t right. The noises were getting louder. The young colt picked up his pace a bit and turned slightly to look behind him.
His eyes widened in shock at what he saw, there was a tree following him! His hoof caught itself in the root of an old tree and he stumbled but did not fall. He collected himself with a shake of his head and turned to look at the tree. No...not a tree...a horse like him! A rather scary looking horse.
He stared at the stallion and found himself unable to move, unable to breathe. He was scared but at the same time he couldn’t help but feel drawn to the other. Almost against his will his foot lifted and he took a step forward and then another. “Wh-who are you...?” He questioned taking another step towards him. Everything in his mind was screaming for him to turn and run but something in his soul told him to stay put, to go near. This horse, who was he and what was it that kept him there.
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Posted: Wed Nov 12, 2008 10:14 am
MOTHER PROMPT
Mare's Name: Ariadne
Mare's Temper: Fragile
Prompt Response:
There’s a corner of my mind that’s screaming and screaming and it won’t shut up. I’ve locked it up, though, locked it up good and proper and swallowed the key so it’s all love and roses and butterflies and daisies. Except –
Except every time I turn my head and look at that, at it, my stomach shifts, ever so slightly, and I can feel it resting there, cold and hard and sharp, so so sharp.
And heavy. Heavy like the foal, resting the way it did in my belly, down there, here, right here. I sang to it then.
I can feel my stomach twisting…
It isn’t mine. That’s not my foal, there, in the basket. The tree, growing out… and the baby, I saw it! , those eyes…
It’s not mine. I’ve been faithful, I know I have, I know I know, but my mate, will he believe me? It’s alright for now, the basket has my colors, he’ll just think the foal took after me, the mother, the mother the mother, but I can see his mind turning, even now, I can see the way his eyes slide over the tree, trying not to see, or the way he’ll stare…
Will he still love me? Will he love me, once the foal comes out? I’ll still love him, love him just the same, but how can he bear to love me back? Seeing… that. What I saw. But bigger. Unless the fur will grow out, smooth over the gnarled bark? This is my first foal, my only foal, I wanted one so bad…
I hope he yells. It’ll be better if he yells, and I yell back, bad for the foal but good for me because then I won’t crack all over, crack like a too-small egg trying to hold back an ungainly, unwanted chick.
The worst thing of all will be if he believes me, in the end, or even at the beginning. What then?
That foal’s not mine! They made a mistake, weaving the basket, they gave me the wrong foal. The basket’s all right, but the foal? They made a mistake.
My fault, my fault. I wanted a foal so bad, and now that I’ve been blessed, I think it’s a curse. Am I blind? I thought I would be a good mother, a responsible and loving parent. Me and my perfect little family, true love and happily ever after.
It’s just stress. It’s just worry that I won’t be good enough, the shock, the joy –
It’s not mine. But it’s still a foal, a basket, and I can make it mine. It will be mine. My baby, my darling child. I’ll keep you safe, keep you close. You’ll be mine.
Sometimes I dream that the key is sawing through my spine.
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Posted: Wed Nov 12, 2008 10:21 am
Quote: You always knew you were different. After all, how many other soquili grew branches and leaves? Perhaps it wouldn't have mattered so much if your parents didn't make it so obvious, whether in action or words.
Despite your simple life with your parents, you find yourself apt to wandering. There is, of course, nothing more tempting than a forbidden area. The large forest that borders the grazing land looks dangerous enough for an excursion alone. Your father had explicitly told you never to go there.
Next thing you know you're lost in the woods. You'd have great camoflauge if only you weren't such bright colors. It's pretty boring all in all, except that you've been hearing creaking that seems to be getting closer, and it's unlike anything you've ever heard. The longer you spend wandering the forest, the closer it gets. Soon, out of the corner of your eye, you could swear there is one tree that is... moving. Following. Smiling. Your father was right about this place!
How do you react to this threatening soquili? Do you stand your ground or run away? Will you threaten it, or beg for mercy?
You cannot godmod the forest demon in this prompt, so consider what the foal is thinking before it acts - and if it acts ON the demon, create a cliffhanger.
Basket's Name: Kleos
Basket's Temper: Noble
Gender for Prompt: Male
Prompt Response:
"Kleos..."
It was a warning from his father; sharp and imperious. The colt cringed and shied away from looking at the tempting forest...it beckoned him at every waking - and sleeping - moment. Mentally, he snorted and rolled his eyes at his parent. ...patiently, he nibbled upon the clover where he was until his father was sure he was ingrained in his task.
He was unlike his parents. He knew that, even without the faint luminescent glow, or the scratch of the branches and roots that clung to his body. He didn't have to be reminded every day from the pensive look his father gave him, or the sometimes pondering...lost...expression his mother held. So if he was so different, he didn't have to act like them either. His mother was sweet and naive, his father...well, it was hard to say some days. Shaking his small head, he took his opportunity to slip unnoticed into the trees as his mother and father spoke and fawned over one another.
As soon as he was sure he was well-passed the treeline, he broke into a run, galloping along as fast as his long legs could carry him. He tried not to make any joyous sounds he wanted to, just in case his parents were looking for him now...but it felt so good to be able to explore such a forbidden place unhindered...unwatched. It wasn't long before Kleos realized that...well, he wasn't quite as alone as he wished. There was something...creeping, creaking, eerie...watching. He could sense it.
He was brave--he could face it. Prancing and tossing his head to bolster his courage, he planted his legs and stood stark still to face whatever it was that was coming. His nostrils, small as they were, flared to take in the scents around him.
Trees...soil...a kind of musty smell. Water, moss, more trees. It was confusing.
What was that?! Whirling, he could have sworn there was something - someone - behind him. Snorting, he rolled his eyes, momentarily fearful, before he calmed himself. He was fine. His mind was playing tr--and then he saw it. A creaking, eerie smile that stretched far up the...soquilis?...face. Much farther than any normal mouth would go. Immediately tense, he stared down the creature. A million thoughts ran through his mind, a million questions. He shuddered. His father had been right to warn him.
And it was then he noticed something. The roots and branches...they were...similar to his own. Eyes widening, he remained as he was, snorting and pawing at the soft turf beneath his hooves. He tried to look brave, even if he might have quivered a little. What did it mean?
It was alright to be scared...but he didn't have to act on his fear--no! He would stand. He would fight. And he would get away, and go home.
...would he come back..?
Somehow, he doubted he would be free of this nagging sensation that told him to go into the forest in the first place. Still, he would be brave! Flaring out a small foreleg in warning, he tried his best to stare down the Forest Demon that approached, baring his small teeth with a loud snort.
Yes...he'd come back. But first, and most importantly, he had to get away. With a shrill whinny - to him it was his war-cry - he leaped towards the demon, a fire kindling deep inside of him. He was brave! He was Kleos! ...and he wouldn't back down!
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Posted: Wed Nov 12, 2008 11:09 am
MOTHER PROMPT
Mare's Name: Estellise
Mare's Temper: Serene
Prompt Response:
She was lost wandering in her own mind trying to grasp the image she saw of her new child. A child like that could not be from her and her lover! Her worries started the minute she saw the basket her new foal laid in. White branches had sealed the basket and the aura it gave off was something quite particular. She had dreamed about the day she would have young, now it seemed almost like a nightmare in the making.
Her lover also seemed to avoid her and any of her questions when it concerned their basket. Inside she was beginning to feel that he might suspect her of being unfaithful which wasn't the case for she knew she didn't cheat on him. A heavy sigh escaped from her as she held her head low. This was nothing she had wished for at all! Her eyes looked over at the basket with a worried look.
Will he leave her when it awakens? Will he ever trust her if he stays by her side? Can the two of them raise a child that carries rather unique features that neither of them bare? All these questions flooded her mind. Her heart felt heavy inside and her emotions were starting to break free.
She tried to keep positive about all this but the minute she saw a glimpse of her new child new doubts arise. Tears now cascaded down her cheeks as she slowly trotted to her basket and leaning her head down to give it a light nuzzle.
"No matter what happens, I will always be by your side."
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Posted: Wed Nov 12, 2008 1:07 pm
DEMON PROMPT
Demon's Name: Aritok’deshran
Demon's Temper: Megalomaniacal
Prompt Response:
The growth of a forest is a slow thing, something to which centuries are devoted, seedlings are so eager to sprout from the ground, only to take decades upon decades to become like the ancients they so admire. Old…old and wise are those trees which have survived the toll of the years, and could they speak, what tales might they tell?
Old also, and very wise indeed, should be the guardian of such lofty oaks and cedars, but even the eldest began as a sapling. Aritok’deshran was once one of these, a young foal with much ambition…but naught a hand to guide him save mother nature. The small creatures of the forest were his constant playthings and companions, and the ancient birch his teachers.
Strong and glorious he became, unparalleled, unequal amongst his forest kindred. This place was his, and he kept it well, the bushes and bramble were like family, and the ravens and owls like ever-bickering cousins. Aritok’deshran drove out those who would cause harm, and befriended the quiet and gentle who came to dwell within the confines of his own personal paradise.
Then came the Angeni, on that fateful day, one of the well-wishing visitors that had found the young stallion’s resting place. So polite he’d been, and so gracious, and Aritok had, in turn, shown only the best hospitality. In return, she gave him a gift, declaring him wise and courageous, and without qualms, he believed her, taking the potion to his bosom, wearing it always. She would return eventually, she told him, to see what good he’d done, and how he had preserved this beautiful home of his.
He was eager…too eager perhaps, to try this special potion that she’d given him. It took a little, only the most meager amount, to cause the most miraculous events to occur. Started, the whole mess, with his little forest friends. An injured rabbit here, a wounded doe there…good deeds, like a magical healer. He’d been able to soothe and tend before, but this was beyond what he’d dreamed.
Then the visitors began to hear tell of this wish-granter, and they took tales beyond Aritok’s forest…and as rumors do, they spread like wildfire, and the herds came, travelers from afar…Soquili and human alike came to see the great Lord of the Forest, and they lauded his very name.
Worship it was, the ultimate adoration, flattery and honey-tongues meant to garner his favor, and thus their wish. And always did he give it, ever eager for their approval, and more of the sweet words, like sugar on his tongue. They became his people, and an ever-changing lot they were. Time passed, and Aritok ceased to discern their intent, fixated only on what they had to give him, bolstering an ever-growing young ego.
But wishes are funny things, and what a dream is for one person may mean dire consequences for another. Wishes of vengeance and power and wealth, meant war for the lands…pain and oppression and famine elsewhere… Balance was lost with the power of a single wish, and Aritok now held court outside his forest, ignorant to the watching eyes of the forest, as they mourned his absence, and watched their forest decay as the visiting feet trampled and raped the place that had been their paradise.
“Aritok! Aritok’deshran!” They would call for him, voices ever more feeble with their plight…but always the calls to the Granter of Wishes drowned them out.
But another heard them. The kind Angeni, who had meant nothing but good by her gift came to them, and heard first their story, teary-eyed does and decimated trees begged her for help, begged her to take the gift away.
”I cannot!” She cried, “For a gift once given is given forever!” But though the animals wept in dismay, she told them that this she could do…she would give them back Aritok…and give them his power, connected to the forest for always. “But you must look after him…” She whispered, “For he must stay here, until he has served penance for the woes he has wrought upon the world.”
So came the curse. Without a word she cursed him, bound him to the forest forevermore, the roots of his power wound deep into the earth, as glossy coat and ripping mane became gnarled bark and leafy vines. He shrieked his agony as he changed, the pain of betrayal his only thought as his once-beloved forest drew him into its heart, to make him a part of it forevermore.
And thus the centuries passed. The world outside forgot the good that had come of the wishing, the wounds healed, and the pain extinguished. All that remained was the ravages of wars caused and the pang of hearts broken…the Forest Guardian had become a Demon they whispered, and so they taught their children, and their children that came after.
Centuries, it took…to gain wisdom. So the trees had once told a young foal, a young foal gifted with the powers of nature. Aritok was imprisoned in body, but his mind, ah, it lived. The forest creatures came to sit amongst his sprouted branches, and at the foot of his roots. Their adoration of him had not waned, but when the pain of their betrayal had ebbed, all Aritok felt was rage, a seething, slow-burning rage born of what he felt could only be righteous indignation. How dare they feign to love him after what they had done? The caressing branches of the trees told him of what tales they now told of him…malevolent…evil…demon.
So peculiar, it was, to feel the stirring of life again, a life that was not simply bark and wood…A pair of cloven hooves were his now, and his great maw curved upwards in a benevolent smile. “Well well, my rescuer…” He intoned, “What hast thou come to ask of me?”
No fool was the stallion, he asked what price, “What price, what price?” The Guardian trilled, “The first youngling that thy union makes, that be the price that this one takes…” He hissed, the creaking of wood in his very voice. Almost surprised was he, of his own request, but he knew well what would come of such a child of the forest. His lovely child would spread the forest where she walked…and where the forest could go, so might he.
All the world would be his forest, all the world…and all the world would rue the day, when the Forest Demon got his wish.
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