{ORP} The Perfect Gift *Thank you Everyone*

[Rein_Carnation]

Finally the morning was on its way as the twilight was giving into a brighter sunrise. The black canvas above was fading into the most gorgeous array of warm colors he could ever imagine. It was finally here, that day of reckoning that any questor could look forward to.

Zaribe was finally home.

Smiling with a swing in his step he walked rather proudly letting the basket sway gently back and forth. The parrot was rather proud of himself, seemed he traveled all over the land in a few short days. Wouldn’t Celendria be ecstatic with what he had to show her? So many helpinghooves and smiling curious faces. He simply couldn’t recount the times that he repeated his tale over and over. Somehow the scarlet winged felt surer of himself now more than ever.



As he rounded the bend there stood two familiar faces talking quietly. One being a fair skinned unicorn with deep brown curled long tresses. Her eyes set softly in the same color as her elegant mane that lied within an ornate detailed headdress circlet upon her forehead, around her ears. She finally was adorned with a silken white cape hanging gingerly soft upon her shoulders and back. Finally her tail was that of a lion sort that filled into a full silken tuft of her gorgeous hair, dressed in savory browns. Arwen was always a favorite of his for she was mysterious and always seemed so self -preserved.



The other was a winged carrying a fair coat that dressed in an odd outfit. Pink for that matter that fit on her body nicely. Her back feet carried what looked to be shoes, with white wings as soft as an angel’s own appendages. The tresses were mid length for a Soquili dyed in a reddish cranberry color as her violet eyes set off her whole temperament. Finally around her neck there hung a golden pendent. Kairi was always sweet and understanding, even to the silly outspoken parrot.

There was no mistaking that these two were indeed Arwen and Kairi, two strangers that arrived to the clearing at separate times. The only difference was Kairi had a nasty little rodent follow her, which might he add liked to steal things as well. He better not try anything with my basket. Zaribe was quite firm with this.

Stepping forward he nodded to them displaying the basket proudly, “Greetings Arwen and Kairi. I have returned from my quest with success!” It was quite a funny sound he made, for the basket still held firmly within his teeth. So talking with a handle in his mouth did have its disadvantage over his speech.


Arwen’s ears swiveled towards him as a light smile traced upon her face. So the parrot had completed the elder’s quest, there was something to be surprised at. “Greetings of the morn to you as well Zaribe of the jungle. I take it that your journey was quite eventful?” she spoke with a soft expression upon her face, a radiance the mythical unicorn held within her.

Kairi smiled and nodded her head to the brightly colored parrot Soquili. He always made her smile as Sora did when they were together. Who couldn’t like an overly showy stallion born to be flamboyant and bold in life? “Hello Zaribe. You look quite charming, did you get everything you were asked to find?” she closed her eyes with a tilt of her head watching him.

Zaribe looked around warily, then set down the basket working his upper and lower jaw from being numb. Only one more trip he’d have to lug all this with him, and deep in the parrot’s heart, he knew it was well worth it.

“Yep. I filled it to the top with many things given along the way. It’s become so heavy that I felt it filled enough now. Sure a few more things wouldn’t hurt, but I’m not being greedy. I’ve finished what I started and,” he paused glancing around again, “I’m starving.”

Where was that little monster? There was a good swift kick or bite waiting if he tried anything.


“Well I’m glad everything worked out for you Zaribe. I have heard that your mate is anxious for you to return. But before you head off I’d like to gift you with something of my own, if I may.” She turned her hooves to the West, walking slowly with much elegance and grace. Stopping near a tree there hung a pouch made of a leathery make. Pulling at it she dropped the contents upon the ground which was only some sort of jewelry it looked like. Leaves made on a finer metal. A medallion possibly.

“I present to thee, Zaribe of the jungle, a mallorn leaf representing the great tree of its kind. There are no other leaves found that shape of its kind. You and your mate shall be blessed by spirit and the bond you share when both or one of you wear these. May both of you be protected and forever happy in your days with one another.” She stood rather still as a solitary breeze with the scent of fall wafted through, gently blowing through her long tresses.

Zaribe smiled and nodded his head to the soft-spoken unicorn whose voice carried quite deep yet mystical. Taking the leaves he placed them in the basket along with everything else. Bowing to her he smiled with pride,” And I know Tic and I shall live happily forever in our days. Now that you’ve granted us a blessing from the spirits themselves, I feel we’ll be eternal in love and respect.”

“And I too have something to grant you Zaribe.”

Kairi in her own way walked over slowly to some sort of box and nosed it open. Reaching in she brought out one of the oddest looking things Zaribe had ever seen. It was a weird fruit that the stallion had never seen before, shaped like a star.

“This is Papou Star fruit. It is said that when two creatures share the fruit, their destinies are intertwined and they become apart of each other's lives,” she nodded bending her head downward to reach the basket, placing it lightly on top.

Zaribe thought of the sweetness or tart inside that fruit had, and groaned at how hungry he was thinking about it.

Arwen shook her head in a light lyrical laughter, “Zaribe, We’ve kept you long enough. Go see Celendria. I’m sure she knows you’ve arrived by now."

Kairi nodded with approval, “Indeed. You worked really hard to get this far. And Tiranna has breakfast waiting for you as well. So go relax and enjoy yourself. You earned it Zaribe.”


The stallion grinned and nodded back, “Thanks both of you. Now, its complete.” Leaning down to pick up the basket he snorted and stepped ahead. There stood the ice mare standing near the girl cooking by the fire.
What a sight they were to his deep eyes. So tired and hungry his palate was watering with protest.

He was truly home and at the end of his promise to the elder.  

[Rein_Carnation]

The smell was something the parrot couldn’t resist as he made his way towards the cooking pot where the Indian maiden stood. Her hair wove in a braid that snaked down her back in a deep black. Around her waist hung awhile mink type fox pelt that made her petite form look more full. Long slender legs fit upon a figure that held creativity and agility when there were things called upon. A graceful player of music, her slim fingers could create a melody with the slightest breath she blew into the instrument.

As he neared closer Tirranna looked upward, letting her fingers pull away from the spoon she was stirring with. A gasp escaped her lips as she smiled at the ice mare that stood idly by. “Colorful Bird has returned mare of ice.”

Celendria chuckled walking smoothly toward him, her eyes cool and clear, “Well done Zaribe of the Jungle. I’ve heard of your progress, and admire your will to strive this far to the end.” She stood now in front of him reaching outward to retrieve the basket. ‘For now we shall eat a good meal, revive your strength, and let you rest before you return to your mate.”

Taking the basket she walked in front of him slowly with smooth strides. Her mane and tail flowing soft and moving like a grand waterfall, cascading towards the ground. She seemed to not falter carrying such a heavy carrier in her mouth, though looking delicate as ice she hid a deep strength at flowed in her heart and in mind. Finding a tall stump, out of the looming ferret’s reach, she placed it safely on top. Saissis’ familiar Istas , the white, purple, and teal raccoon planted herself near the stump to guard the treasures. It was all just too tempting for a thief not to advance closer.


Zaribe followed the mare, staying back to let her have as much walking room as needed. He noted that Tirranna had already set up a table with various treats and drinks almost like a buffet. The stallion’s eyes went wild as he waited for the okay to indulge. Shaylee’s sugarplums had sustained him for a while, but then it was random grass and other things when he was hungry.


The maiden nodded extending a hand to the scarlet bird, it was him reward for doing what the mare of ice had told him to do. She wondered still where the yellow rainbow was, but understood not too soon after. A painting had been applied to his rump, one that depicted a bird and a rainbow. But, she also noticed that it was smudged with no lacquer to seal it.

Zaribe saw the signal and ate to his heart’s content. Various berries, sweet corncakes, and sweet treats filled his belly till he could eat no more. Yawning, the stallion stretched his wings as his eyes fell heavily. Then he lied down, letting his head stretch out amongst the fall leaves and wintry grass.

Tirranna shook her head but understood that the parrot had not eaten or slept in quite a few days. Patting the icy mare, she went into the teepee grabbing paints, lacquer, and a rough brush within her long arms. Mixing desired berries and lacquer, she created the colors she’d need to fix his ruined symbol.

Then the maiden with lithe fingers began to softly brush the stallion’s coat, uplifting the dirt and grime he’d acquired wherever he had gone. Nettles from a forest, sand from the ocean, so many things that he’d taken along with him. She smiled softly continuing to brush down the now snoring stallion. Pulling gently upon his certain torn feathers she removed the ones blotched, making them more organized and perfectly straight. A long one that she pulled loose stayed in her hand for a few moments, looking at the basket she smiled for an idea popped into her head. “I’ll save this for later. You sleep for awhile colorful bird.”

Then she bathed him, a soft warmth of water combined with jasmine and lavender petals, making his coat shine the beautiful red it once had been. When that was fully dry she set to work on the symbol., making it right once more.

“Beautiful colorful bird. You took her as a mate I see.”

Touching upon the original she painted the detail, filling in the gaps where they were smudged and broken. The paint mixed with the lacquer now would become practically permanent. He could do just about anything and it would never rub off. When satisfied she stood up on her long legs holding the long tri-colored feather and her paints. Looking at the ice mare she nodded and walked in for the night.

Celendria pulled out a blanket and covered the stallion gently as he lie upon the hardened ground. Seemed he’d traveled to the ends of the land on her words, simple gestures of friendliness and kindness that were used to summon aid for his quest.

She was indeed proud the parrot had finally become a stallion.

“Sleep well Zaribe of the jungle. In the morning you will describe everything you experienced, and then I’ll send you home to your waiting mate for I think she has something of her own to tell you dear one.”

Folding her legs she lied next to him, her cool serene eyes watching over him as he slept peacefully throughout the night, and soon into the morning.
 

[Rein_Carnation]

Opening his eyes another night had passed into morning, light flickering into his subconscious and eyesight. There was a blanket draped halfway over him and the warmth of a cool bodied elder was pressed against him sleeping peacefully. The familiar smell of the cooking pot wafting toward him as the young maiden stirred it thoroughly.

Celendria stirred slowly hearing the stallion’s first morning grunt. Rolling to her feet she stood stretching and yawning with a soft sigh. “You slept well Zaribe? How are you feeling this day? Able to go to Tic Tac Toe, or shall you rest another day colorful adventurer?” She mused as she bent downward to retrieve the blanket so he could stand.

Zaribe smacked his lips, rolling to his own feet. Stretching his wings he yawned and grunted. “Well enough Elder Celendria. I don’t think I could stand being from her another day. I’ve missed her so and am ready to be by her side once more.”

“Very well” She nodded with a soft breath that she blew outward, “Then you shall eat and speak to me what you’ve experienced in your long journey. I want to hear of those you’ve met, what you’ve seen, all over anything that comes to mind. Tirranna is going to help you organize your treasures, so you’ll have a more easier to carry basket.”

Tirrana walked over and let her fingers touch upon his velvety muzzle, scratching them in a playful manner. “Eat well colorful bird. Keep your strength for the way home.” She held up a bag mixed with heated mash, berries, and sweet honey she slowly placed over his ears, letting the long strap rest over the crown of his head. A remedy to revive and keep equines healthy and strong.

Zaribe didn’t protest, eating every last bit that his stomach now felt revived with more nourishment and happiness. Opening his maw he belched rather loudly then blinked.

A funny laughter was heard from a familiar face, “Yep. Still the same old Zaribe I see. Woooooooow that was loud.” Shaylee chuckled carrying a bag in her mouth as she trotted up to him. “Thought you might be hungry when you got back, so uh here have some more.”

Zaribe chuckled flicking his tail back and forth, indeed he did feel much better.

Celendria smiled as she motioned for the flutter and the parrot to follow her. Already the maiden was emptying the basket of all its contents. Her eyes lightened at the trinkets, flowers, and even two remaining sugarplums that sat within the pile. “Wow Colorful bird. So many things you returned with for your mate. Lets make it easier to carry.”

Placing things neatly out on the blanket, Tirranna attended to the flowers with water in the meantime.

Celendria then seated herself on her haunches, then gestured both the flutter and the parrot to do the same.
When they had done so she spoke to them both, “Zaribe of the jungle, you have fulfilled a promise and have opened my eyes to the dedication you posses. In your doing so you have proved to myself and many others you are capable of great things.” She nodded her head to him and smiled, “Now, indulge upon me all you’ve experienced. The happiness, the wonderment, the mystery of places you’ve visited.”

Now she'd hear from his own words, and even Shaylee who’s curiosity lingered with her wanted to hear the tale as well.

Now Zaribe would begin.  

[Rein_Carnation]

Where to begin when a journey had finally closed, where heart and soul had become your one true guide in life. Dedication and deepest love for someone you profoundly confessed your heart to forever in your lifetime. This was his time. His memory would unfold like the opening of a long awaited book.

Clearing his throat he began in his deep throaty voice, and smiled deeply as he weaved his tale with ears eager to listen.

“When I sat out the first day, I had no idea what or who I’d encounter in days to come.” He smiled turning to face the little flutter grinning wildly back at him. “Shaylee was the first to offer her sugarplums as a gift, five in total. I could eat three as long as two were saved for my mate.”

He nodded in thanks to Shaylee than began once more.

“Next I encountered a mare that reminded me of the sunsets I’d seen from a foal till now. Soft in her words and elegant in her ways, she offered me a feather tipped in blue and golden. Because it symbolized the parrot I am. A piece of me that was given to my Sunny Rainbow, from one called Ayelet”

Shaylee chuckled to herself yet her eyes never wavered from his speech.

“My travels lead me to the ocean where a great stallion reigned colored of the Sea herself. His offering was a piece of the Sea, a shining shell that washed upon the shore wrapped in seaweed like a present. So much like the water that surrounded him, he reminded me of the sea itself. He is known as Mizu”

“Wow… a Sea colored stallion.” Shaylee was thoroughly entranced at the idea.

“Then I met a unicorn whose beauty was enough to make me feel calm and subdued. Her hair curled in silken ringlets as white roses layered like a touch of frosting. How she shined like a diamond in the closing night. Her gift she presented to me was a white rose from her very person. Her name was Starla”

Celendria nodded and smiled, “Please continue”.

“My travels past the ocean into the meadows brought me to a mare whose coat was golden and light, while the darker haired stallion that was with her was deep and mysterious. The mare offered a beaded necklace as the stallion offered a shiny rock for Tic. Their names were Jean Claude and Esperanza.”

“In my travels I met a flutter and winged who liked adventuring. She, being small and frail with green tresses. The stallion was overly large with the biggest feet I’ve ever seen dressed in the weirdest clothing.
The flutter was named Feena offering the healing pendent Amethyst. The stallion by the name of Yuuri offered a beautiful crystal ball.”

“Holy wow! A stallion with big feet and a flutter you say?” Shaylee’s eyes went incredibly wide.

“Next I ran into the grown children of Andromeda. Lyra and Cassiopeia were happy to offer gifts of dandelions and while lilies. I remember them as foals, but I must say they shine like the heavens above.”

He paused to stretch his wing sniffing the strange scent about him. Was it just his imagination or did he smell cleaner?

“Walking deeper into the meadow I ran across a wonderful winged named Aurete, whose coat shone black as his face carried a white unique mask. His gift was offered from himself and his Godsire Silbalto. A gift of gemstones.”


Celendria nodded once more taking in his reactions and happy thoughts that had stayed within his mind.

“Next was something that made me chuckle for I ran into a friend and her daughter of yours great elder Celendria. Frosta and Izzie were delighted to see me. And oh how they told me Tic was excited for my return. Bleeding Heart Flowers and amber were their gifts to Tic”.

Celendria nodded, “Ah Frosta. I see that she and her daughter are doing well then. I shall have to visit when the winter passes back to the mountains once more.”

“Next were a father and daughter that also knew my mate. Zahariah and Zaiacate also asked if I was the one Tic had fallen for. Hee hee oh course I said yes. An arrowhead and an Amethyst heart were their gifts”.

“I see” Celendria nodded to another set from Tic’s herd.

“And even then there was another mother daughter set named Chrisabel and Rowenya that were asking about me and Tic. So many that knows about me. You’d think I was famous, “he grinned with a cheeky smile, “Anyway, they offered a sky meets earth rock and striped feathers.”

Shaylee giggled, “Whoo…small world we live in huh?”

“my next encounter was a troll soquili named Malis. She had the most interesting hair might I say. Her offering was a treasure map, an adventure for the both of us when we are able. Also a set or golden shells were given for something in the future.”

“Whoah. A troll? Thought they were merely superstition?” the flutter mentioned with a tilt of her head.

“Next was a familiar face to you and I Celendria. It was Dyami whom offered a rose, red as blood and deep as the love we share.” Pausing Zaribe frowned and became distant, immediately he swung his head around to his rump. “Huh? It’s not… I don’t understand.”

Celendria smiled, “Tirranna fixed it for you while you slept Zaribe. Now its permanent.”

“Oh really? I was worried about that. Anyway in the large meadow I met two faces that may have been familiar. One was a blue mare sweet as candy, and a plucky usdia named Peaches. Spearmint and blue violets were their offerings.”

“Ooh an usdia. They’re bigger than flutters sometimes. Bet she was really cute.” Shaylee bobbed her head and continued listening.

“Next I ran into a beautiful flutter that carried a horn. Though I never saw her kind before, Gabriela was most beautiful as she shimmered in the sun’s rays. Her gift was a tulip that grew in her own tresses.”

“Oh man a flutter with wings, I’d give a sugarplum tree to have a horn.” Looking to Celendria she giggled.

“Before returning home I met three more soquili. One named Catori, Samedi, and her son Misfortune. Their offerings were a striped flower and a beautiful ankle bracelet.”

“Samedi? Oh I need to get in contact with my daughter soon” Celendria nodded listening, knowing his tale was finally soon written and ready.

“Finally, as my exhausted hooves came into view of what I desired most, Arwen and Kairi gifted the last two things. Mallorn leaf pendants and Papou star fruit. Then I returned to see you as I have promised.” He breathed a sigh of relief that everything his memory held safely didn’t betray his thoughts.

“And you Zaribe have done as asked. Have you discovered which was the perfect present for her in your journey?” She smiled serenely watching him with interest, this was the final test.

Zaribe thought long and hard, so many things he’d seen and acquired, yet none could compare to his own light that made that beautiful mare smile. Nothing could ever replace that feeling of her shining eyes staring up in the sky for the one she loved.

“I am the perfect present. Nothing can compare be it a shell, to flowers, or even precious stones. She loves me for who I am, and that will never change. No matter what happens, what glitters over my own vibrant red. I know that she will love me till the day our lives extinguish to another realm.”

Celendria smiled her eyes shining with proud tears for the stallion that once thought of everything finally saw the one thing he sought for. Now he was ready to go home to the one waiting. She is the mother of his future children, the light of his existence.

Tirrana stepped over patting Zaribe, as she handed him a freshly organized basket. Two apples were placed inside along with something she held in her hand, “Colorful bird this is my gift to you and the sunny one. Colorful birds and rainbows.”

Celendria nodded blinking her tears away, “Go now Zaribe of the jungle. Tic awaits your arrival with every bated breath she musters. Go and be by her side once more.”

Zaribe took the basket and bowed to them with a grin as his head swung up proudly. Then with a surge as he kicked off the ground, he leaped toward the great cerulean sky on his way to be by her side once more. His final words that lifted like a page turning to the end of a book, “I love you Tic, Now and forever.”

And so ends the journey of finding what he sought. Perhaps someday when his foals had foals of their own, he’s come to retell this journey and relive that which he’d never forget thanks to all who helped him achieve his goal.

~THE END~