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 Posted: Mon Oct 20, 2008 10:26 am
Survival became the worlds top priority and everyone struggled to push through the hard times ever more. But there were quiet beauties with winter, life unseen; the trees lived even in such a husk of a state; the flowers of spring were growing deep within the earth, preparing to bloom when the sun kissed the ground once more.
Winter truly was an incredible season.
Pushing her way through the dead grasses, moving away from the seclusion of the woods, the angeni paused to gaze up at the sky. The moon formed a waxing crescent, shining its sliver of light down upon the world. It amazed Kaiya to know that the moon looked the same here upon the kawani lands just like it did in her place within the clouds; the painted heavens were beautiful no matter where one was placed in the world. Smiling softly to herself, she allowed herself a few more moments of peace; though she could admire the moonlight and star shine, it pained her to know that there were many who never saw such beauty. Those shrouded in darkness, in pain, in hate, in damnation were never allowed to appreciate such simple pleasures.
It was a shame, but it also reminded Kaiya of her life's purpose. She was here to rescue those that couldn't save themselves; she was there to let them know not everyone condemned them to their darkened fate. And though many would never hear her, would never turn from their darkened states, Kaiya would refuse to give up. Even at the cost of her health, of her life, she would fight for the lost and the broken.
Goodness knew the rest of the world didn't care for them, she refused to follow such a trend!
"Starlight, starbright. . . " She murmured, years of her foalhood and lessons of her parents echoing in her mind. It was merely a superstition, a fantasy, but wishes were a cousin to hope and Kaiya was chalk full of the latter. It wouldn't be right if she didn't at least offer a wish or two to the spirits that guarded them above.
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Posted: Fri Oct 31, 2008 4:14 pm
[[I will RP with Styx, I think he will be the best 'challenge' for your girly]]
Styx wandered in his usual dazed state, each foot step heavy and sinking slightly in the softened ground. It must have rained at some point in the day. His eyes caught the sliver of the moon, it was horrid, a laughing hound so far out of reach, he shouted in rage towards it, "come and smile like that to my face you pathetic creature!" Just like the Sun tormented his day the Moon tormented his nights. He never understood either of them, seemingly so small yet so untouchable to him, if only he had been granted wings he would show them who they were really messing with. He disliked being judged by those who knew nothing about him, about the pain he felt with each breath, about the visions his eyes saw with every waking moment of the day, about his duty to ferry the dead souls. Sighing he paused and lowered his head to the ground, he continued his mumbling, often he did not realise he was speaking out loud, it was such a fine line between spoken word and those confine to his mind. "Get a grip, just ignore him, that grin will fade one day soon. Patience."
Standing tall once more he continued to walk in no particular direction, his surrounds completely oblivious to him, he was not interested in observing such things anymore, it often lead to disaster, "betrayal" and heartache. All things bound to this world eventually faded, only a lucky few had the power to cheat death in a sense and roam the land for a little while longer. Yet he did not truly consider it to be lucky, simply an inconvenience that he needed to endure a while longer. Licking his lips he allowed his eyes to drift to the stars, being careful to avoid the line of the Moons wicked smile. They always seemed so calming, he often enjoyed looking up at them from the Oceans shimmering depths, and even from they twinkled the same. The connection between the different parts of the world that made up its whole.
Grunting under his breath he mumbled once more, "fool" he spat in distaste upon the ground before he continued walking. "Such romantic concepts do not exist in this world that’s so cold."
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Posted: Fri Oct 31, 2008 5:41 pm
The mare's attention was drawn away from the starlight above her as a voice sounded out behind her. Standing alert within the tall, dead grasses of the open plains, she slowly turned back the way she had come. Obviously she hadn't been quite as alone as she had first imagined. . . Brows knit in concern as she stepped back towards the forlorn woodlands. The words that had called had been muffled by distance but she had thought she could make out the word 'pathetic'. . .
Oh dear.
Silence had once again reclaimed the autumn night but Kaiya didn't trust it. Whoever was out there might be fallen victim to some predator, or perhaps it was the predator of the lands that had fallen prey himself. Whoever was out there potentially needed help. . . . and the angeni couldn't turn away from such an idea. There was no rest for the weary, no time to call her own.
Others needed help and to know that hope truly walked among them. She couldn't rest, couldn't stop for a moment lest the night once again move in.
Wings shuffling in concern, Kaiya strained to hear further words; an argument would be lovely so she could better pinpoint the source (or sources) but nothing could be heard. Edging closer to the gnarly and naked foliage around her, it seemed the spirits had smiled down upon the mare. . . For while she feared losing direction and potentially losing a soul in need, it seemed said 'victim' was prepared to come to her.
Sure enough, walking out of the underbrush came a form that looked almost mutant. The moonlight's glow didn't offer much support but she quickly cought sight of a crimson gaze and what looked to be some sort of serpantine tail behind him. Dual-toned eyes studied Styx as she stopped her walk, no scent of blood (his or otherwise) anywhere upon him. He was muttering something, words she couldn't fully translate, and didn't seem fully aware of his surroundings.
Something. . . . something was off about the stranger, and Kaiya couldn't help but want to know what ailed him and how she could help. Empathy was a strong suit of the mares, followed closely by compassion and as stubborn a nature that could come; saving the world wasn't easy and wasn't for the faint of heart.
A shame Styx was destined to meet her.
Lowring her head ever so slightly, her body language relaxed and gentle, the mare hesitated to speak. If the crimson eyed one was on a mission far be it for her to detract him from such a thing. . . Perhaps she was wrong in fearing for his life but intuition and experience told her everyone was in need of some kind of forgiveness and hope. . . . No soul was pure, no soul was perfect. . . Everyone harbored hurt, everyone harbored pain. . .
The question was finding out where.
"Forgive me, sir," her voice finally broke the silence, her guilt too heavy to bear should he pass without a sound. Warmth was in her words, a kindness natural to her species lingering within them. "I mean not to interrupt but please. . . have you heard of a passing soul crying out to the night? I fear I've lost his trail, and worse, may lose him as well." If this stallion wasn't the one who had cried out than she would have to hasten herself along her way.
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Posted: Sat Nov 01, 2008 2:43 am
Styx’s eyes wildly scanned the creature that spoke, he had not detected her presence or heard her arrival, bearing his teeth he grunted his distaste for the situation, how had been so "foolish," to let his guard down enough for a creature to approach. Lowering his head near to the ground he took up a defensive pose, tail sway high in the ground as his rump held high, his red eyes shimmered like evil jewels as he looked upon the intruder.
Once again he started mumbling under his breath as he took in her details, "Plain really, yet" his eyes looked to her darkened rump, "somehow unordinary." Growling under his breath he spat to the ground, he had never been very good around others, especially when he was in one of his “moods” he simply couldn’t control the feeling that poured and boiled to the surface. It was always strongest at night, something about the darkness stirred the creature within him awake. In a desperate attempt to control his emotions he straightened up, eyes narrowed as he continued to stare at her. Tail swaying unhappily behind him. "Curse the night." He spat upon the ground as he listened to her words, he did not understand them, surely apart from themselves there had been no others around? Yet to allow one to get so close without detection Styx suspected his senses were not at their strongest today. As he thought about her answer he began to mumble once more to himself, "Forgiveness is for the weak, why would she ask for such a thing while intruding upon my space." He grunted once more. The breeze blew coldly towards him, chilling him to the core as his eyes began to watch the blades of grass around her hooves as they danced and swayed in the wind.
Slowing his tails swaying motion he listened intently to the world around him, all but ignoring the creature before him. He had seen one like her once before, what was their name? "Angeni scum" he bore his teeth as he spoke, the last Angeni he had the unfortunate luck to meet had frown upon him in absolute distaste, was this creature here to do the same? Mumbling once more he spat the word "Cold," his body gave a small shiver as the breeze flicked against his stiff fur, and blew his greasy hair with it.
Lowering his body he sat down on the cold ground, the heat had all but transferred into the sky after being warmed by the sun all day. His mind was a buzz with activity, yet he could not contain his thoughts into one reasonable string of ideas.
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Posted: Sat Nov 01, 2008 11:28 pm
Kaiya watched as the stallion finally took note of her presence. Yes, her instincts had indeed been clear and right on point - there truly was something a little off about the crimson eyed stranger. But far be it for her to judge, she merely wanted to find a position so she could understand him. . . could take a walk in his hooves, could see what he saw and feel what he felt. Regardless how he acted, with his chopped up phrases and dangerous snarls. . .
He was wrong if he thought Kaiya would stand proud and judge. No, if anything she wanted nothing more than to understand and, most importantly, love. No matter how dark the night one could always remember that the dawn wasn't eternally out of reach. Even the most damned and wretched of souls could find hope and taste the sweetness of kindness. . .
There was no such thing as pure evil no matter what one argued.
Therefor, standing humbly before the broken kelpie, Kaiya did her best to look as unassuming as possible. Taking a more submissive and subservient stance, she lowered her head and kept her dual wings folded close to her sides. Some were intimidated by her kind, and others. . well. . . his choice of adjective 'scum' that followed her species told her everything she needed to know.
Naturally he wasn't going to like her. Somehow he'd been fed views or poor experiences with others of her kind; somewhere a wound had been struck and she was now the judged. Oh ho, but wasn't that the story of her life? Even if she was unusually hodge-podged in appearance, half saved, half damned, she was clearly an angeni. The world often liked to stop and stare, to poke, to pry, to wonder and she herself was no exception.
Thank goodness she harbored an eternal amount of patience.
Kaiya did take note that Styx spoke, not just in clipped phrases, but in third person. Sort of. He seemed to narrate in his conversation which allowed her a small sliver of knowledge . . . and yet it was wrapped up in mostly mystery. Somehow she doubted he was going to be an easy case to crack. . .
First things were first. And not tossing him in to a rage or running him off within the first few moments of meeting was vital. Further judgment would soon be cast, for better or worse, as well as a small window of trust. Such was the saying, first impressions were everything.
"If I have intruded too far truly I meant no harm," she added softly, averting her gold and silver gaze to study the ground near his hooves. She didn't want to stare him down, didn't want him to think of her as a challenger. She was strong, but she didn't want to come off as overbearing or arrogant. . . .
No. . . weak she might appear but his worth was much more important to Kaiya than her own.
She did look up as he sat and gave comment about the weather. The cold autumn was fast transforming in to winter and she could only imagine how he might feel; he didn't seem to have the warmth of a winter pelt and his tail looked to be made more of scales than fur. . . .
Ah, but their acquaintanceship was far too new and tender for her to offer any comfort or aid. She had none to give, not at this moment. . . not yet at least. More and more she was coming to an understanding that he might've been the voice she heard. More and more she was certain the spirits had lead her this night to meet him, stranger of the night, and perhaps work a little magic her own.
But how to approach with conversation? Now that was going to be the tricky part. . . "Is there anything I can get for you to ease your discomfort?" She asked it in complete sincerity, thinking first of his needs. He was cold. . . he had to be cold - she was chilled and had more fur than him! What was a kelpie doing out and about this far from the ocean anyway?
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Posted: Sun Nov 02, 2008 6:18 am
Styx stopped moving; his breath became raspy and slightly laboured as he lowered his head. It was a live with new activity, new thoughts and visions, new words and places. It was so much to contain, so much to bear. As always when this happened Styx had no knowledge of its origin or its meaning, shutting his eyes suddenly he lowered it closer and closer to the ground before his nose finally touched the cold surface below. "STOP!" He shouted, his voice shaky yet laced with a hidden aggression, it longed for his head to empty for the pain to disappear.
Forcing his head up towards the sky he looked at the Angeni before him, her words seemed honest, yet he was suspicious of them, squinting softly he watched her lips, "Agenda" she must have "one", why else would she disturb him? What was her "purpose" for being here beside him. Styx had no room to believe in fate, curses perhaps but not fate. For fate was a creature that would dictate his life like so many others attempted to, he went were he wanted, lived how he wanted and ate what he wanted.
A soft snarled curled onto his lips as his headache started to subside, it was a great relief that he could think slightly straighter. Listening to her words he felt it best to ignore them, mumbling once again as he slowly began to continue his trudge in no particular direction. "Discomfort? Pah!" He spat to the floor, "no discomfort here, what a strange thing to say." As he continued he allowed himself to turn his head for a brief moment to look upon the strange creature, she seemed nothing like the other of her kind he had encountered, yet that did not erase their sins upon his soul. He did not need "help" nor did he want it. Once again he found his thoughts spilling through into actual words, yet his troubles seemed to lay so heavy upon him that he did not notice it.
Solitude was something that Styx had been happy to obtain after being trapped with the lost souls for so long, he returned to them often yet their impact upon his mind was obvious now, just as the series of events leading up to his new duty also left their marks upon him. He did not understand the purpose of his existence other than to suffer, something which he seemed to do well without actually thinking about it. Grunting a thick vapour of water flowed from his slightly flared nostrils as he turned to walk away, it was typical that he found such company on a night so strange.
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Posted: Mon Nov 03, 2008 10:14 am
How peculiar. . . . The angeni had met many a broken and black soul upon her journey but never had she actually met one quite like Styx. The kelpie seemed to be unable to hold an actual conversation, and continued to mutter and snarl phrases underneath his breath.
This was going to be one hell of a challenge. . . .
But those lost in darkness were too often dismissed. It was a reason so many stayed lost and forgotten because they were 'too hard' to find. . . Well, as far as Kaiya were concerned no one was too far gone, no matter how unlikely it looked that they would ever change! Silver and gold eyes studied the stallion, unconcerned by his shouting, snarling and grumbling and more focused on how to get through to him.
Kaiya didn't want to drive him away. . . . but she watched as he turned away and continued on his path. It was here she was at a cross roads - did she let him alone in hopes that perhaps the spirits might cause their paths to cross once more or did she pursue?
Well, all things considered she wasn't ready to let him alone quite so soon. She knew not his name and knew even less about where he hailed form and what sort of soquili he was. He didn't look to be the vicious, blood-thirsy, homicidal manic kind but he also didn't seem particularly friendly. Defensive, lost behind some sort of inability to properly communicate. . . Head still lowered, ears half back Kaiya turned to followed, keeping a safe distance between herself and the stallion.
He wasn't going to like this, that she was almost certain, but she wasn't going to give up just because he walked away. She could be happily oblivious to his state, that might do the trick. Besides, the last word he uttered had been help. . . and Kaiya had no way of knowing he didn't mean in a literal sense.
"You seemed cold, chilled," she quietly explained, her demeanor gentle and unassuming as ever. The angeni seemed to radiate welcome and warmth in her presence; it was almost as if her soul was injected with chamomile and raw lethargy and there was no ability to stop such a thing. Kaiya was immune to its effects but her presence often had a calming effect on those in their right mind.
A shame for her many of her favorite subjects were far from sane and even less receptive to the concept of relaxation!
This one seemed to be no exception.
Ears pressed forward, alert as ever, the mare continued to follow. She wanted to make sure he was 'well' (or at least as well as she could figure) but with the nonsense he was uttering she had trouble understanding where that might lie. Yes, he had muttered help, but was it a subconcious plea or merely another clipped phrase? Physically he seemed healthy enough, despite his greasy hair. . . "I'm Kaiya," she offered an introduction, if only so he knew her name.
It wasn't much but it was a start, an offering and one where she did not require the kelpie to respond. If he gave her his name it was his choice, there was no pressure on her end.
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Posted: Mon Nov 03, 2008 10:52 am
Styx trudged on, his feet seeming to sink in the ground as if it was trying to swallow him whole, his presences somehow displeasing to it. It was a reaction he was used to, at the beginning of his long punishment he could remember how such attitude had stung deep within him, slowly causing his harsh outlook upon the world around him. It was his shield, his only layer of protection within a world so cold and heartless. Yet with each step, with each grunt, with each breath and beat of his heart this evening felt somehow peculiar to him. Yet nothing inside his own experience could help him explain it.
A heavy darkness seemed to release its tightening grip upon him; it was unusual for such actions to occur during the night as that was when the spirits of the underworld seemed most active. The three mighty rivers of Hades usually converging in one point, yet the hosts seemingly forgetting all knowledge of such an event. During his travels he had also witnessed those around him losing their ability to talk, through a number of different researches he found that this occurred to those who he encountered who had broken an oath or a promise to someone dear to them, although the effect was temporary it often left its victims look at the world in a different light. Yet no such comfort came to Styx himself. His punishment was loneliness, and after all his travels throughout the world it seemed he would never be able to find one who was as honour bound as himself. Mumbling once more he spat his word into the world "Typical."
Stopping for no apparent reason his ears started twitching, he was sure he could hear a voice near by. Soft and gentle, yet as always he concluded that such voices would never be directed towards himself, pleasantries such as hello rarely came his way especially during the night. Eyes gazing towards the sky he began to observe the different constellations, the Gods who had so wickedly bound him to the pass between Earth and the Underworld mocked him in their usual twinkling manner, "pretend Gods".
Then the voice drifted towards him once again, a soft flicker of golden fur shifting in the corner of his eye as he jumped around offensively, tail swaying behind him as he watched and observed her once more, in his freshened state of mind it was like looking at her for the first time all over again, her aura was pure, unlike his own that had been blackened by time itself. He allowed his piecing red eyes to catch sight with her own for a brief moment as he observed the differences in their colour, speaking out of turn once more he commented, "weird". His comments meant no offense, well not on this occasion any way, but it was getting harder for him to distinguish between himself and the world around him, each day that past seemed to drag him deeper into darkness. Heart beating strong and fast he allowed her name to grace his ears, it seemed familiar. Almost like a long forgotten dream that he had experienced years before the markings sprang in their glory upon his flesh.
Pausing for a moment he simply stopped and stared, unsure what to say or do. His name often provided little reassurance or welcome to those he granted it to, the connection between himself and death was all too overwhelming for them to handle that often they would flee. Yet her familiarity made him want to take the risk, coughing softly he cleared his voice, eyes still staring, unblinking and unchanging, as the red catching the glistening light emitted from the Moon as it caressed the world below. He spoke, his word somehow more audible than before, with a mild gentleness sprinkled upon it. "Styx."
The darkness was slowly starting to regain its control upon him as he allowed his gaze to linger for just a moment longer, yet he was forced to accept the fact that he was unlikely to remember such a beautiful creature, Angeni or not.
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Posted: Wed Nov 05, 2008 8:56 pm
The mare paused in her walk as Styx turned round to face her once more. His surprise caused her own brows to raise lightly, once again knitting in a moments concern. Had he . . . forgotten about her? Surely her trailing hadn't gone unnoticed or unheard. There was no way he couldn't have known she had followed, especially since she had spoke to him as she walked. Had the spirits wiped clean his memory or cursed him from realization. . . ? Only the gods knew...
All Kaiya could feel was more concern and a moments sadness for the kelpie that walked before her. She knew something wasn't right with him. She understood that there was something broken within him but further details were unknown to her. That was where the real work would happen. Kaiya had to come to an understanding of where he had been in life, the experiences he had come to face and what had happened to cause him to be . . . .not quite right.
Everyone was broken to some extent. . . but some were more shattered than others.
Kaiya's expression softened as Styx seemed to relax; her own two-toned gaze caught crimson and deep down the angeni wanted more than ever to help him out of his bizarre state. Whatever plagued him she wanted to cure, whatever hurt him she wanted to heal; it was her mission, her goal, to save the damned and to show them the goodness of the world. No matter his transgressions, no matter how the spirits cursed, there was none that was so far gone so as to be turned away from love.
"Weird."
The word elicited a chuckle from the mare, and she dipped her head in an almost coy and submissive manner. Long strands of gold and white hair covered her face for but a moment as she added, "I am a bit unorthodox, I'll admit," she lifted her head for another moment, glancing to look back upon her disheveled tail and bandaged set of wings. Blood splatter had also stained her coat, amidst the scars she had gained from years of battle and defense against more hostile creatures.
Giving her long tail a bit of a shake, she turned back to Styx and her features transformed in to what could only be called a radiant smile. He had given her his name, and pale ears hadn't ignored the gentility within it. Ah-ha! It was as if light had pierced the shadows for a brief moment, and such a victory was allowed to be savored.
Her pleasure at learning his name was undeniable and she tucked his memory away for future reference. "Tis a great pleasure, sir," she added, offering a formal bow in honor. Ooooh, it was hard to not further prattle but unlike her friend, Pascale, getting to know Styx would take a good amount of time and patient work. "It's not often I cross paths with one this late in the eve." At least not ones that weren't trying to eat her.
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Posted: Sat Nov 08, 2008 2:51 pm
Styx watched her with increased curiosity, although his focus was fading into darkness he could not help but sense her unthreatened tone towards him, it seemed that she did not care that he was so odd, but instead attempted to include them in her image of him. It was a nice change for him to experience, yet as always such sensations would dissipate into nothingness, a plain sheet of darkness that would consume him from the inside, he often wondered if his colours would once again fade as he changed even more, or perhaps he would just slowly start to disappear until he was no longer the avatar of the river but instead the flowing river that is stuck between the two worlds that despised him so much.
As he listened to her words he nodded, she did appear, in her words, unorthodox. Yet he seemed to like it, it was almost something similar to himself, but she would always be an Angeni.
His eyes began to grow heavy as he watched and listened, perhaps this Angeni was different. Turning he began walking, pausing a moment to flick his head towards her as an indication that she should follow him. Although he knew not where he was heading the "Moon" the seemed to sparkle delicately above him. Sometimes he wished that the clouds hid the Moon, perhaps then he would be allowed to think straight for one night. His thoughts already began to flow towards his duty, the river was waiting to awake from within him to carry the tormented souls that sank helpless within its depths, but with each step he could not help but think that the "dead" could wait.
With each step he allowed his eyes to take in his surroundings, unlike before he was actually able to take an interest in his surroundings, though it was pointless, he was bound to be woken up rudely by the sun in a place he could not remember with blood that he could not remember taking. It had been the same thing for years, enough to drive any Soquili mad.
He began to make a clicking noise with his tongue as he stood and watched, it seemed that there was a strange silence around him. He disliked the silence, screaming and crying although horrid to him where better than the silence that seemed to engulf him, it was too similar to the darkness that consumed his waking thoughts usually. Stopping he turned his head suddenly, red eyes boring towards his strange companion as his opened his mouth. His words a little hazy, yet for a change he intended them to be spoken. "Why did you come?" He was always curious what made people tick, the living seemed to hold much more interesting lives than the dead, spirits just swirled and waved in the trickling water as the were escorted to the land of Hades, the living always seemed to surprise him.
Darkness within him was still growing.
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Posted: Sun Nov 09, 2008 8:52 am
Kaiya couldn't possibly imagine the sort of torment that ran rampant through Styx. He truly was quite unlike any of the damned she had ever met, not necessarily the most tormented, but certainly one of the oddest. Sad for her she knew not the reason for his agony nor the darkness that threatened to over come him. . . all she clearly knew was he needed a little salvation, a little comfort, and someone to take time to unravel the mysteries in his words.
The two toned mare picked her way delicately after him, slowly bridging the distance between them with each stride. She kept a comfortable space between them, not wanting to intrude too closely, but also not wanting him to believe she didn't dare draw near. Whatever plagued him didn't intimidate her, whatever threat he might be was a risk she was only too willing to take. He was, in Kaiya's eyes, no different than anyone else that lived and breathed. . . All she saw was a heart and soul that needed a little tending, a little patience, and who in this world didn't have the same requirements?
A silence lingered, broken only by his occasional words. Unlike Styx, Kaiya didn't mind the silence as conversations could be harbored with body language and unspoken words. While her mind attempted to come up with some reasoning behind the two words, moon and dead, the spirits smiled once more upon the pair and allowed the kelpie a moments clarity.
"Why did you come?" Twas the most words she'd head yet and it tickled her pink! Whether he could speak all along or this was but a rare occurrence didn't matter. Either way he had chosen to speak to her, had chosen to give just a little more than he had before! PROGRESS!
Kaiya responded in her velvet gentle voice, her inner joy radiating through each word. "Initially I sought you out because I feared you might be in trouble; I follow now because I choose to, because everyone could use a friend even in the darkest hours." That wasn't necessarily solely for Styx. Kaiya herself had been long without companionship. As he was intrigued by the living, the angeni was captivated by everyone in the world that wasn't her.
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Posted: Sat Dec 06, 2008 11:46 am
Unsure how to accept her words Styx rolled his eyes in his head and turned his head away. Friends.... Styx had never seen the like of such figures, nor had he ever felt the need for them. It seemed that his experiences only portrayed them in a negative light, a light that never seemed to land comfortably upon him. Everyone in his past had left him after his curse, but perhaps that was part of his curse, for who would truly wish to "befriend" a "creature of darkness."
There was something unusual to him about this particular Angeni, it was almost as if she was unique in some strange glimpse of a mannerism, it almost intrigued him. Grunting he could almost feel the darkness take control once more, yet as a harsh uproar of wind frisked around his side knocking him off balance he snapped back into reality, just in time to brace his inevitable impact with the floor as he clumsily fell. Greasy hair billowing in the wind, tail swaying in a desperate attempt to aid him steadying himself until suddenly. CRASH he hit the ground, his bound bouncing up as the force slowly distributed into the surroundings. "Typical" he spat as he looked up at the Angeni from the ground, a glowing red blush covering his cheeks instantly as he rambled, "Just like any Angeni" he spat at the ground, "playing tricks and causing another to make a fool of themselves." Wiggling from side to side to tried to regain some composure as he finally brought himself back up to his original position. In truth Styx did not actually believe that the fragile looking mare had had anything to do with it, but his pride would not allow him to admit to such foolish mistakes, especially in front of one of them.
Yet as quickly as the incident occurred it was erased from Styx's mind as a harsh smell reached his nose causing him to flinch. "Fire" perhaps? He was unsure, yet there was one thing for certain, the smell was rancid as if reached him. Eyes focusing sharply through the trees ahead, shaking over the sky above them, he looked for any sign that would confirm his suspicions. That was when he saw it, a billowing pillar of tarnished black smoke was rising quickly from the deepest reaches of the forest. Panic covered his body, this was usually his sanctuary, his walk into the forest usually left him forgetful bar for the happy feeling it left behind in the back reaches of his mind, but not tonight.
Tensing his muscles from a moment he leaped forward in a fiery sprint. His mind racing with a thousand different things. He was unsure why he was running towards the black tower but it seemed as if something was pulling him towards it. Turning his head for a mere moment, he caught a glimpse of the mare. Slowing he called towards her, his mind the clearest it had been for a long time. "Make yourself useful." He paused, laughing to himself. "Come with me!"
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Posted: Sat Jan 10, 2009 12:33 am
The mare's brow knit with concern as the estranged kelpie was knocked flat by a quite random gust of wind. The mare herself had to keep her own footing and half spread her wings for balance, but it was too late to assist the kelpie. He tumbled with a crash and Kaiya couldn't help but wince. Oh dear . . . Her first concern was whether or not he was all right. Taking a few steps closer, she paused as he thrashed and flailed back to his feet.
She said nothing as Styx accused her of playing tricks, and instead went with his belief. Bowing her head before him, allowing her long hair to hide her face in own guilt, the mare gave a soft but quite genuine apology. "It appears the spirits are playful this eve; any trick I caused you was completely unintentional I assure you. I . . .I can only hope you aren't hurt." Peering tentatively back up at the stallion, she kept her head lowered in a rather submissive and meek state. "I promise to keep my tricks to myself. Please, forgive me this offense." She half begged him, her duo-toned eyes pleading her sincerity.
Kaiya wasn't playiing a game, and it wasn't fitting to lay claim that she was humoring him. No, as far as she understood Styx truly believed that she had purposely tricked him in to falling; she had summoned forth the wind and had attempted to do him mischief. Though it was far, far from true that mare didn't believe in arguing. . . especially with how 'off' the poor kelpie before her appeared. Like many, many, many she met he was a bit broken and off-center; any and all details were up to her to discover but there was some inherit darkness with him.
Not evil, persey, but certainly a barrier that wanted to block out her light. Even the way he spoke and the defensive body language he projected told many that he was a force to reckon with. A challenge he might very well be, but a challenge Kaiya was prepared to take. Hoping that her apology might be accepted, the mare was caught off guard by the declaration of smoke.
It didn't take long for her own nose to pick up the dust and rancid scents that game along with a forest burning. Any previous disdain he felt for the mare seemed to be put on the backburner as he raced away; it surprised Kaiya that he paused to invite her to join (though honestly the mare wouldn't dare have waited for an invitation . . . not with the potential for death so near!) but wasted no time. Her wings spread wide and with a bounding leap she was off on her feet and running.
Make herself useful indeed. . . . Her mind raced and she wondered who or what had been the cause of the flames. What drove her present companion to race closer to looming death when all other creatures desperately tried to flee. Kaiya knew she had limited healing abilities and could help guide the broken spirits of the survivors. . . but what would Styx do when they came to the heart of the fire?
Only time would find out.
((Feel free to post Kaiya and get them to wherever they need to be. For time sake, that is. . *chuckles* <3 ))
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Posted: Wed Jan 14, 2009 4:10 am
Styx ran her words over in his mind as he ran, there was something off about them but he was uncertain what exactly that would possibly be. Perhaps he had truly misjudged this delicate angeni mare? Or perhaps it was simply an act that he would have to learn to overlook, after all he knew, or at least felt he knew, what the angeni were truly like. A breed shrouded in mystery who pretended to be one thing but in reality were something else. He sighed as he ran, each hoof digging into the ground sharply as he tried to pick up speed. It had been so long since he had felt this free, the wind flying through his greasy hair, rippling over his body in an attempt to evaporate the moisture that lay dormant within his skin. That was one of the advantages he would hold if this was indeed what he suspected, fire didn’t effect water as much as it did flesh.
He glanced over his shoulder for a moment, she was still there. It surprised him a little, turning back towards the path he carried on, her wings definitely gave her the advantage, if only they were in water, then we would see who had the advantage.
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Each step brought him closer to the impending doom that lurked on the horizon, the smoke was thick here, spiraling around his face like a torrent of death. It was almost uncomfortable, small lumps of fragmented material lay within it ready to peel his skin delicately from the bone. Flinching slightly he plummeted forward, his eyes on the ground as small creatures carried themselves to the safety beyond the tree line, they were not his target.
Holding his head up again he tried to push himself even harder, he was being pulled closer to the fire, closer to the flames, there was definitely something important that he needed to do, his mind was clear, stable for the longest it had been in years, perhaps it was a sign that this was not to do with his usual task of death, but life instead. How ironic for an Angeni to be here to witness his forced change of heart. He laughed, unable to control himself, his teeth ground together slight as the word "typical" escaped them.
Now he was closer than he would ever have predicted his courage to take him, the orange flickering lights licked his skin, they seemed tempting to him, yet thankfully they did not burn due to the moisture. A simple advantage of being a kelpie, his eyes looked for the Angeni that was with him, perhaps she would not be as lucky. It was in that moment that he heard that noise that seemed to draw him him, a yelping cry of agony.
Jerking his entire body towards the curdling noise his eyes began to scan desperately, his eye lids blinking automatically as they attempted to shift the black shards of ash that clung close to his flesh. His nose was burning as the putrid smell tried to distract him. "Weak" he screamed, addressing himself, "Flawed" he grunted stepping forward, his breath was shallow as the clouds of billowing smoke made it harder and harder to breath. "You do not deserve to live." He shook his head, perhaps it was right that now would be the time of his death, perhaps not.
The sight before him brought a single tear to his eye, he recognized it from a dream he had once heard, it felt like a millenia ago. The trees collapsing around him and the creature, the fire consuming the world he once held so dear, for there trapped with him was the one creature on the planet that he felt any compassion for. The fox. For he too was a cursed creature. The old native legends spoke of how the fox was punished for breaking his promise, that was why his grin was so wide. It felt nice to consider another creature was as cursed as himself. Its nose twitched, it started to collapse due to the smoke controlling his lungs. Panic laced his expression now, was he too late. He called out unknowingly, in a high droning pitch. "NO! Please tell me I am not too late." His movements now seemed more automatic than usual as he charged towards the nearest collapsed tree, shoulders crashing into it harshly. It splintered slightly but not enough for his hooves to crush. The heat scorched his skin slightly as the moisture began to evaporate only to be replaced when he stood up again, he eyes looked at the fox, the poor creature seemed unconscious now.
He charged again, a plan formulating in his mind. First he would help the fox, then he would help carry any small creatures who couldn’t carry themselves out of the forest fast enough to escape the flames.
In that moment he forgot that Kiaya was with him, his mind consumed with the mission he set himself.
His shoulder felt as if it was on fire.((The dice seems to like him being nice at the moment....but wanted him to ignore you XD sorry --> but I think he is getting a 'soft' spot for her.))
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Posted: Tue Jan 20, 2009 10:26 pm
Kaiya wasn't afraid of the fire, though she feared for all the life that would be caught within its fatal grasp. She was also concerned with her present companion; not many were brave enough to enter the smoke infested forest but Styx didn't hesitate a moment. Something drove him onward, regardless of his life, but where was he heading and to what purpose was he risking his life?
"Hurry, hurry," she encouraged those that fled past her own feet. She kept one eye on the driven kelpie before her, and another aware of their surroundings. The fire was fierce even for her, the heat all but unbearable. Her own flesh stung as embers and ash sprinkled upon her, but she refused to yield in the chase.
The smoke was overwhelming and the mare felt as if she might suffocate. Lowering her head, eyes watering she watched as Styx seemed to panic and charge toward the nearby trees. Where was he going? What on earth had gotten in to him!? "Styx. . . " She called out half-heartedly, trotting up closer to where he stood. Flames licked at them, the fire continuing to consume the woods, and Kaiya's fear rose. Not for her own life, but for that of the seemingly mad kelpie and those she knew she could not save.
But now was not a time for regret or remorse. Though she was entirely confused at exactly what Styx was doing, and she feared the fires would consume her new aquaintence, there were others that demanded her time now. Of similar mind and plan of Styx, Kaiya broke away and darted through the smoke, crying out to any who might be in need and searching for the coughs and splutters of others.
Smaller creatures had already taken hostage within her fur, clinging to her desperately. Half gagging on the smoke herself, the mare searched for a retreat; if she weren't careful she'd forget where Styx resided and lose herself. Pushing through the agonizing heat, the mare spluttered on the smoke before catching sight of his form.
"Can you fetch him? I can heal when we're out of harms way but we must hurry." She swallowed her anxiety, as well as a few more coughs. She'd be no good to anyone unconscious herself and her lungs demanded fresh air. Unlike the kelpie, she had no barrier of water or natural coat of slime. With the fire out of control there was no telling how fast it would spread or where it would jump. Kaiya was no god, she couldn't stop the flames but she could heal minor wounds and burns.
Despite a need to run, to deposit the small creatures huddling upon her, Kaiya wasn't about to abandon Styx either. They would stay together else something happen to one or the other. Kaiya wasn't going to abandon him just because he was a full grown stallion (and probably in need of no guardian angel).
((So sorry for this short and semi-lame post. I kind of failed on what to have her do. . . and then my brain melted and now I must sleep. Better post to come! Feel free to pose er following him or whatever; she will make more runs in to the woods until she can do no more. . . so yarr ; D ))
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