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 Posted: Mon Nov 03, 2008 11:42 pm
CONTEST IS CLOSED
CURRENTLY JUDGING A long time ago, in a forest near the Soquili lands, the powerful forest guardian was punished for a terrible crime by being turned into a tree. Superstition based on this misdeed renamed him the Forest Demon.
More recently, a pair of soquili lived near the woods, always wanting a child but never conceiving. Hoping to find a solution to the problem, the prospective father wandered into the woods. Accidentally, he freed the evil being from its curse, and unwittingly received a curse in kind, upon him and all his family.
All the stallion made was a wish, but now his mate's child is fated to belong to a monster. - This contest is not affiliated with the Dante's Inferno event, so you can enter even if you won in an event game!
- You will be able to TRY FOR ALL FOUR, but can only WIN ONE.
- There is no fee if you win!
- Prompt responses must be a maximum of 750 words.
- The contest will last about a week.
- All responses should be in the same post - editing is allowed up until the end of the contest.
- The forest demon and the mother only have TWO breedings left!
- You win it, you keep it. Do not enter this contest with the intention of giving the soq completely to someone else - you are winning this on your RPing skills and those are the skills that would be picked to finish the story.
- I would really appreciate, personally, if people enter because they are interested in RPing out the story. If it does get RPed out afterward, I will have a very strong motivation to do another one of these contests. Or two. Or a hundred ;3
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Posted: Mon Nov 03, 2008 11:43 pm
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? [color=#5F87BD][size=24][b]MOTHER PROMPT[/b][/size]
Mare's Name:
Mare's Temper:
Prompt Response:
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Posted: Mon Nov 03, 2008 11:44 pm
Quote: It wasn't often that fortune gave you the gratitude of a forest spirit. After accidentally freeing this ancient being, he shows that gratitude by offering you one wish, any wish with reason. But, he cautions, there is a price for all wishes, and in the case of yours he asks only for your first-born to be his. One sip of the murky red potion he carries in a bottle around his neck will seal the deal and grant the wish. Ultimately, perhaps spurred on by the slight bit of Kalona blood in your veins, you accept the offered wish.
When you leave the forest and return home, your mate gives you the news you were not expecting (at least, not this soon) - she's finally pregnant! You decide not to share your forest exploit with her any time soon. Your wish comes true, as does your mate's, but what of the child?
Why did you want the wish, and what did you wish for?* Do you have any qualms about exchanging your first-born for it, and without your mate's knowledge?
* NOTE: Please keep the wish reasonable within the soquili setting. [color=#AA221C][size=24][b]FATHER PROMPT[/b][/size]
Stallion's Name:
Stallion's Temper:
Prompt Response:
[/color]
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Posted: Mon Nov 03, 2008 11:45 pm
Quote: Once upon a time you were a beautiful and powerful guardian stallion of the forest, wielding the powers of nature for your own ends. For your valor, a traveling Angeni gave you a potion that would grant wishes, which you granted at will to those you deemed worthy of them. But later, for one unspeakable act, you were cursed to take the form of the very trees you were meant to protect, and thus you went from the Forest Guardian to the Forest Demon in the local lore. No longer able to do anything but slowly grow and watch the world flit past, it did not give you remorse but a desire for vengeance.
It was ages before the curse was finally lifted. Once that foolish stallion had read the magic words etched into your bark, you came to life once again as a horse. Unfortunately, between the time as a tree and your affinity for the earth's magic, the curse would not shake completely. Your once unrivaled beauty is no more, still held captive by the roots, branches, leaves, and bark that had once claimed you entirely. Not only that, but your seething hatred was absorbed into the purity of the potion of wishes, which was tainted so strongly with evil as to create a backlash to anything wished for with it. You offer one of the remaining wishes in the bottle to the stallion who freed you, and ask for his first-born in exchange. This is only the beginning, though. Oh, you have such plans for this future child, this forest, and this world that forsook you once before but would never get the chance again. The moment the young stallion wishes with the potion, your child is miraculously conceived by the stallion's mysterious mate, and the curse of the wish falls upon both of them as well.
What was that terrible deed in your previous incarnation? Are you ashamed of your newfound ugliness, or do you find it useful?
What do you even want a child for? Would you try to find this child later, or wait for them to come to you? [color=#3F5D2C][size=24][b]DEMON PROMPT[/b][/size]
Demonn's Name:
Demon's Temper:
Prompt Response:
[/color]
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Posted: Mon Nov 03, 2008 11:47 pm
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. [color=#64769E][size=24][b]BASKET PROMPT[/b][/size]
Basket's Name:
Basket's Temper:
Gender for Prompt:
Prompt Response:
[/color]
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Posted: Wed Nov 05, 2008 11:56 am
BASKET PROMPT
Basket's Name:Okryn
Basket's Temper: Self-Centered
Gender for Prompt: male
Prompt Response:
It was cold. At least, that’s how he felt. Even though the sun was out and it was obvious warm, he still could feel a cold chill set in. It wasn’t a natural chill either. It was the kind he got while he listened to the older soquili tell scary stories around a fire while the villagers huddled in their blankets while the darkness of night would creep closer with each word. Okryn snorted. He wasn’t afraid of scary stories, except that one about the fire soq that would punish bad foals. THAT was scary, as far as stories went).
With each step Okryn felt as if he was getting closer to something he should even be anywhere near, let alone find. Tossing his mane he let out a whinny. ‘Oh all the places to get lost…why did it have to be here?’. His mane tangled itself in the branches that grew from his body. Great. Now he wasn’t just lost in the words he had been told he should never go into, but, his hair, which the kind village girl had spent at least a hour brushing and braiding, was now in tangles. Today couldn’t. “No, no. I won’t say it. I won’t.” He knew what happened to the foal that said things couldn’t get worse. Things DID get worse. Quickly.
And thus, they did.
The trees shook in the wind and Okryn whipped his head around, smacking himself in the face with a low branch. “Ow…stupid branch.” He snorted at it and began to walk away, at least he tried to walk away. “Stupid trees.” His branch had gotten caught in the tree’s branches. And the tree didn’t want to let go any time soon. “Stupid woods.” He pulled back from the tangled branched sharply, earning himself a whipping branch to the nose. “AH! STUPID FOREST!” He stomped around.. Okryn was lost, alone, cold, and now, had gotten him hurt. How would explain this tohis dad? It was oblivious from the dirt and leaves in his hair that he had come here.
He kicked a rock, which bounced back and hit him in the leg. He yelped.
And thought he heard a chuckle. “Wind. It’s always the wind.” He sighed. When was it ever the wind? Stupid scary stories.
“Some branches shake and I go stiff. What am I? I girl?” Okryn heard it again. That light chuckle.
“STOP LAUGHING!” Oh perfect, he was yelling at trees and wind and dirt. Today was getting better by the second.
The noise didn’t sound again however, but, Okryn got the feeling what ever had made the chuckling noise wasn’t far behind him.
He sighed and began to walk again, his destination however, he was very unsure about. ‘Eventually, I should end up at the village.’ He smiled thinking of getting his coat brushed again. ‘That is…If I’m going the right way’. He stopped to look around him. Nope. Still no idea where he was.
The chuckling started up again. He snorted and kept walking. Forget this he was going to beat this darn maze of a forest.
Those were Okryn’s thoughts, until he ran into another branch.
“Damn it.”
Forest one; Okryn zero.
Hair was tangled again. “This is getting ridiculous.” He pulled away slowly this time and ….WHAP!
Forest THREE, Okryn zero.
‘You win this round’, he though, sniffing, ‘but not the war.’
He turned around. That was it. No more branches. No more trees making fun of him, no more spooky looking soquili staring at him.
Okryn’s jaw dropped open.
The Soquili was...forest-y. Okryn had no way to describe it. This soquili, while…scary looking, looked very much like the forest. Like he was the forest given life. The woods showing its true shape.
However, it didn’t change the fact that He had just come from nowhere, and Okryn was pretty sure he wasn’t going to be too nice. That scowl certainly said a whole lot. Same with that red thing around his neck.
Okryn began to back up, tangling himself in the branch again.
‘Oh crap.’ He thought. The other soquili hadn’t moved. Tugging on his mane, he managed to get loose. That is, he got loose by tugging towards the mysterious soquili, and when he did get loose, Okryn accidently went too far back and ran into said scary soquili.
“Oh.. sorry…I just...um, is that a BIRD you have on your butt?” He asked.
He was definitely on the fast track to friendship with this guy.
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iStoleYurVamps
iStoleYurVamps
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Posted: Wed Nov 05, 2008 12:10 pm
 DEMON PROMPTQuote: Once upon a time you were a beautiful and powerful guardian stallion of the forest, wielding the powers of nature for your own ends. For your valor, a traveling Angeni gave you a potion that would grant wishes, which you granted at will to those you deemed worthy of them. But later, for one unspeakable act, you were cursed to take the form of the very trees you were meant to protect, and thus you went from the Forest Guardian to the Forest Demon in the local lore. No longer able to do anything but slowly grow and watch the world flit past, it did not give you remorse but a desire for vengeance.
It was ages before the curse was finally lifted. Once that foolish stallion had read the magic words etched into your bark, you came to life once again as a horse. Unfortunately, between the time as a tree and your affinity for the earth's magic, the curse would not shake completely. Your once unrivaled beauty is no more, still held captive by the roots, branches, leaves, and bark that had once claimed you entirely. Not only that, but your seething hatred was absorbed into the purity of the potion of wishes, which was tainted so strongly with evil as to create a backlash to anything wished for with it. You offer one of the remaining wishes in the bottle to the stallion who freed you, and ask for his first-born in exchange. This is only the beginning, though. Oh, you have such plans for this future child, this forest, and this world that forsook you once before but would never get the chance again. The moment the young stallion wishes with the potion, your child is miraculously conceived by the stallion's mysterious mate, and the curse of the wish falls upon both of them as well.
What was that terrible deed in your previous incarnation? Are you ashamed of your newfound ugliness, or do you find it useful?
What do you even want a child for? Would you try to find this child later, or wait for them to come to you? Demonn's Name: Kaboku
Demon's Temper: Bitter
Prompt Response:
Finally, I live again.. The first thought to pop into his mind once he was reborn. But into what? He had now become a monster.. His man was like grass.. And he had trees coming out of his body. It felt like he was a tree, brittle and fragile. But his new found appearance was the least of his concern. He didn't mind it, all that mattered now was returning to his previous state. He used to be happy and peaceful, but now, he was bitter. Why would someone curse him, for something so dumb? His past plagued him with horrible thoughts. The last thing he could remember was using the potion for himself. And now it resorted around his neck, tainted. He thought himself worthy of one simple wish.. But no one had told him he wasn't allowed to use it for himself.. You'd think a simple rule like that would be mentioned. But alas! It wasn't, and he was cursed for something so minor.. How could this have happened to HIM?! But he would surely get back to the top.
And now that he had a chance, he was one step closer. What a dumb stallion to make a wish, so insignificant, for something so BIG! Hmph! He would surely regret the day he crossed Kaboku. As he had just sold himself, and his WHOLE family to the will of the new forest demon! And soon his child would help him redeem his place. He deserved to be worshiped and praised. He did not deserve to be frowned upon or looked at any differently then any other creature.
He would use this child to show the heavens he wasn't a monster, and didn't deserve this curse! Watch & teach it how to deal with it's appearance, and never be put down. He would become like a father to it, and it's parents could do nothing about it! Even though Kaboku would be such a deviant on his way back to the top. He would prove to be better, or so he thought.
It was odd how he thought such a plan would prove his purity. When it would surely only lead to destruction and devastation.. Maybe it was all the plans of the heavens to teach him a lesson.. We'll just have to see~ BASKET PROMPTQuote: 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 camouflage 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: Karen
Basket's Temper: Insecure
Gender for Prompt: Female
Prompt Response:
"Oh God! I'm lost! Daddy is going to kill me!" Is all she would say.
Her father AND mother told her to never come here. But she couldn't listen. With her appearance, of trees growing from her body. And such a bright color, she seemed to be drawn to the place. Even though she was so insecure and could get frightened rather easily. She couldn't help but wonder into a forsaken place. She found it rather interesting, and wanted to know what was so wrong with the place. She had no idea why, but she seemed to be drawn to the place. It was so beautiful with it's bright trees and colorful grass.. But that was only her viewing the entrance of the forest. She hadn't gotten that lost and was only a few miles from the "exit". But she was to concerned to even realize what was around her. But the more she seemed to walk, and the deeper into the forest.. The more she heard this sound? The sound of a bird peeking at wood..?
Her heart pounded every time she heard it, and only pounded faster as it got louder. She didn't know what to do about it. She was to frightened to say anything out loud.. And who knew what it could possibly be! She didn't want to threaten it, so it would come back and attack her! Her face showed extreme fright, and she couldn't do anything else but frown.. She wished her father were here.. But he wasn't. Her eye shifted as the wind suddenly began to pick up, her leaves began to quiver. With a slight turn of her head, she saw something.. A face.. A smiling face. She let out a yelp! And began to run in the opposite direction.
She could hear the sound getting louder and faster as she was. But she didn't realize it was only her branches rustling with the trees around her. She was so anxious to get out that she couldn't think straight or even pay attention to where she was actually going. The only thing in her mind was leaving. Only if she could've blended in more, she wouldn't be dealing with something following her! But then something crossed her mind.. How did whatever that was after her blend into the woods so gracefully.. So, unpredictable like? She suddenly stopped and looked behind her. Is it like me..? She couldn't help but think it was somehow like her. Blending wonderfully into the trees.. How was it possible? She had to find out! And she was going to.
"Hello..? A-are you like me..? H-hello..?" Her eyes widened with the sight of the creature magically coming out of nature.. What was he..?
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Posted: Wed Nov 05, 2008 12:13 pm
BASKET PROMPT
Basket's Name: Taioni (Tay-own-ie)
Meaning: Hidden truth
Basket's Temper: Curious
Gender for Prompt: Male
Prompt Response: [Word count: 749]
"Star bright, star light, first star I see tonight. I wish I may, I wish I might have the wish I wish tonight." He paused, contemplating the one thing he longed more than anything else from life. Closing his eyes softly he came to a soft realisation that there was nothing he wanted apart from to know the truth about himself. Holding that concept deep within him he spoke, "I wish to know the truth."
His Mother had told him of the power of wishes, she said that they could change your life completely in a blink of an eye. Little did he know about his parents past and the fated wish that had thrust this situation upon them, nor did he expect that his wish could ever lead to the events that where about to unfold. All this fragile, part wooden, colt knew was that there was something wrong with him, something that did not seem quite right.
He had often tried to play with the other colts, but no matter how he tried there was always a hidden wall that simply seemed to keep them separate. It was probably for the best; after all it had helped intrigue his curious nature. He would often watch and listen to those around him, or explore new places and even claim new land in the name of his family. It was through such observations that he came to discover his fear of fire. As it flicked and danced before his eyes he could only imagine the horrific pain it would inflict upon him, that was defiantly not something he ever wished to experience for real. Yet despite how hard he tried the flickering orange and red glow seemed engraved into his nightmares.
Clambering awkwardly to his feet he started to head home, his mind replaying the excitement of the day as he attempted to formulate the speech he would tell his parents of his wondrous adventures, they would both listen intently, lingering on his every word almost as if it would be his last. Strange perhaps to draw such conclusions, but the look of surprise every time he returned had left him wondering that perhaps they expected him to simply disappear, even hoped perhaps that such a miracle would happy.
Shaking his head softly he attempted to suppress such childish thoughts, he loved his parents through all their flaws and he knew that they felt the same towards him.
His legs seemed heavy as he walked, a strange tiredness began to settle upon him as he wandered, eyes scanning playfully for signs of new adventures and stories to be told. It was then that he caught sight of the forest, just like every night since he had started his adventures he had found himself almost drawn towards it. A place of such taboo, such mystery was the ultimate prize for an explorer. Stopping in his tracks he allowed his eyes to watch the shadows as they played their tricks among the trees gnarled and ancient branches.
Eyes. He blinked suddenly, he was sure he had just seen a pair of eyes burning towards him. Curiosity began to flicker behind his rough eyes. Perhaps this couldn’t wait, he had been warned of the forest, but the prospect of making such a discovering was so overwhelming that he found himself racing towards the forest. Heart racing. Mind thumping. Dreams whirling.
He ventured though, the noises fascinating as they rustled and chirped around him. Bright eyes sparkled with awe as he turned his head to take in the forest glory, mouth open in astonishment. It was nothing like he had expected, it was calming, homely, and strangely familiar. He called out "Hello", his word almost echoed as it vibrated through the air, he turned with excitement, tail stiffly wagging behind him as he attempted to find the eyes. "Anyone there?"
His eyes continued to scan, until suddenly the focused on their target. Before him stood a creature, as gnarled and as ancient looking as the oldest of trees. There was strange wickedness, yet at the same time familiarity about him. Although he could not explain why he felt the way he did, he could tell that here lay some truth about him. Standing, watching, listening, he felt his heart pound within his chest as he noted every detail that his eyes allowed him to observe.
Perhaps his mother had been right about wishes after.
You should always be careful what you wish for.
DEMON PROMPT
Demonn's Name: Silvius
Meaning: From the forest
Demon's Temper: Relentless
Prompt Response: [Word count: 485]
The smell of fresh bait drifted towards him as he sniffed the air hungrily, his new leas on life had provided him with a heightened sense of smell and hearing, it was remarkable. Although he lost his magnificent looks his new ones seemed more fitting to the curse he had thrust upon himself, the evil that consumed his soul seemed to alter and change with every movement, adapting to a new outlook upon life, a new horse-like outlook on his life.
Yet he could not help but consider the terrible pain he had caused the forest before, a small lingering smile flickered upon his lips as his memories dragged images of screaming creatures among a sea of red flames, its tongues flickering and licking at the trees as they burnt to ash. The consuming smoke clouding the vision of those around him, chocking, coughing, dying. It was all he had thought of trapped within his cocoon, the gnarled tree that formed around him was only ever temporary, a pathetic attempt to contain such evil. Slowly becoming the central point for the new forest to grow around. In a way he went from the protector to the protected. It was laughable. Nothing on this Earth could contain him for long.
Taking a deep, satisfying breath he allowed his eyes to linger on his surroundings. The reflection he had observed of his new form reminded him somehow of the trees around him, and a thought flickered, had they in some way attempted to absorb his evil intent and convert it into a more productive form of life by growing? Laughing he raised his head, the lightly piecing through the thick leafy canopy caught his attention. It had been so long since he had felt the warmth of the sun on his flesh, and felt the glowing ambiance of the Moon upon his face.
Attention drawing thin he allowed his thoughts to drift to the basket, the new spawn of the forests evil guardian. He knew deep down they would reunite eventually. Similar to himself he knew that with the infants mind's mind a lingering and niggling sensation would form, growing with each day, attempting to escape until finally it would draw them back to the heart of the forest itself, it was the draw back to the tree from which he had been freed, the start of this new adventure of his.
Snapping his jaw he once again noted the fresh scent that had caught his attention, perhaps now he could finally test the ability of such a frail looking body. With that he bound forward through the forest, his hooves disturbing the dirt below roughly as he picked up speed. The potion banging upon his chest with each movement, it rang in his ears like the beating of a heart. A heart he had long lost to darkness.
Blood was calling his name.
He was free.
FATHER PROMPT
Stallion's Name: Asa
Meaning: Born at Dawn (Japanese)
Stallion's Temper: Temperamental
Prompt Response: [Word count: 603]
BANG. He hit a tree. CRASH. He stumbled over rocks. Excitement whirled and whizzed within him as he stumbled haphazardly out of the forest back towards his love. His mind was alive with the thought of the events that had just come to pass, and he couldn’t help but smile, his wish had finally come true.
From the moment that he found himself thrust into existence he knew there was something unusual about himself. His parents had gifted him the name Asa, meaning born at dawn, yet in comparison to his siblings his name seemed somehow plain and ordinary, they all had magnificent wings and unicorn horns, yet he had inherited some of his fathers ancestors genes making him part Kalona. His eyes glowed with a fiery furry, and the horns that protruded from his head only stood as a constant reminder of his terrible temper. Although his father had always had to contend with a similar condition it seemed that his outward signs seemed more conservative.
Each hoof dug firmly into the ground as he continued to race towards his love once more, he had such exciting news to share with her, after all now he was free of his temper, he no longer had the fear that he would pass his evil bloodline to any of his children, if of course they where ever blessed with such rewards.
Slamming his hooves hard into the ground he stopped, panic spread like a wildfire upon his body, he had been so consumed by his desire to remove the impurity within himself that he did not consider the consequence of his actions, after all he had promised to allow the demon who granted his wish to take his first born child. Though just like the thought had occurred to him in the past he wondered if he and his love could actually have children or if they were destined to remain fruitless for all of eternity, at least if that was the case he had nothing to worry about.
Eyes darted between the trees, as the shadows appeared to loomed closer and closer to him. Thump, Thump, Thump beat his heart as he contemplated how he would explain this to his lover. Perhaps it would simply have to remain a secret, one of those things she could never learn the truth of, but that would also include the removal of his Kalona spirit, to her he would always have to remain tainted.
Guilt slowly trickled over him, he was no monster, yet it was obvious even now that there would be serious consequence to his actions. Asa froze for a moment longer as he allowed his thoughts to linger upon his options, but as always there was only ever one thing to be done. The truth needed to be revealed and quickly, he would not be able to keep such terrible things from her, he had never been able to. After all she was his entire world, his light that lit up even the darkest of times, his hope that kept him warm when he was saddened by life. To him she was everything; he only hoped that he could return such feelings.
It was for her that he had wished for his Kalona blood to be removed, he no longer wanted to argue and cause her pain, even if it was unintentionally, for every time he found himself lashing out towards her it caused him such immense pain that he wondered if his heart would ever hear.
He had been granted a fresh chance on life. Now he just needed to use it.
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Posted: Wed Nov 05, 2008 12:20 pm
FATHER PROMPT
Stallion's Name: Caliban
Stallion's Temper: star-crossed
Prompt Response:
Fortune had never seemed to smile on Caliban. From the very beginning with his unfortunate birth where he, more than either of his other siblings, bore the striking marks of his father's kalona heritage. Those horns had earned him dirty looks from the beginning. They were striking, a vibrant red and completely unmistakable against his otherwise ashen fur.
But to Caliban, that wasn't the worst of it. His mother was a wind, and at first it had seemed as if all three of her children had received the gift of flight. But as they had grown, and his brother and sister had taken to the skies like birds, he had remained landlocked, watching them with a growing envy. Certainly, he had wings, but for whatever mystery of the blood, his mixed heritage had left them weak, his bones heavy. It was even worse than if he had not been born with wings at all. They were large, ungainly, heavy on his sides. He had grown dreaming of the day that he would take to the skies and leave his troubles behind him, just the unjudging whistle of the winds around him. But that sweet dream would never be realized. At least, Caliban had nearly given up hope. But the yearning for the skies still simmered in his blood and haunted his dreams.
The one boon in his life had taken the form of the kindest, most beautiful mare he had ever met. And in what seemed like a fortune too good to be true for the cursed stallion, she loved him back. For a short time, everything seemed perfect. Her perfect blue fur and sinuous markings reminded him of the skies that he yearned for. There was a purity about her that managed to even bring a measure of peace to the stallion's soul.
For a time.
But for Caliban, gifts always seemed to bring with them a greater pain. She was unhappy. For as much as they adored each other, he couldn't seem to perform the most basic of duties of a mate. He could not give her a foal. Maybe it was his strange hybrid blood. He didn't know. What he did know was that she was unhappy, and it was his fault.
Restless wanderings to cool his head led him deeper into the forest than he had ever ventured before. At the center of it all was a tree, but not any tree. It was massive, making the other trees in the area look like saplings. It was gnarled and twisted, and along the swirls in the bark was writing. Without thinking, his lips shaped the words, and a voice that seemed not his own reverberated through the woods and with a groan that shook the forest like thunder, the tree came to life and Caliban was confronted with the guardian and his gratitude.
Finally, fortune seemed to smile on him. Finally, some force seemed to recognize his suffering and his good heart and wanted to offer a reward. Anything. Any wish. Caliban did not even have to think about what that wish would be: to finally be able to fly. He heard the other words - the price - his first born. But he had not been able to conceive in these long years with his mate. Caliban, deviously, thought that this would be a price that he would never have to pay. After all, he HAD freed this ancient being. And if he and his mate DID conceive... well, that would be a joy and be just another curse finally broken, right? Besides, he couldn't exactly wish for a child if the price were to have it be taken away. So Caliban justified his selfish drive to himself. These thoughts flashed through his mind in an instant, and his wish was uttered.
Little did Caliban know, as he finally, blissfully took to the skies before heading back to find his mate, the events that he had set into motion. Or how the tainted magic potion that he had swallowed was already beginning to twist his thoughts and emotions, energizing that kalona blood in his veins. Nor did Caliban notice that his soft blue-gray eyes that had been unremarkable against the rest of his coloration had been stained a vibrant crimson. The same crimson of his hated horns. The same crimson as that magical vial when it had shone in the sun. Once more, this precious gift Caliban had been given came with a nested curse.
DEMON PROMPT
Demon's Name: Kharamoule
Demon's Temper: Corrupted
Prompt Response:
The forest master could feel the pain of the forest like an infected wound. The seedlings were choking, dying, starving in the shadow and yearning for help. So attuned had the unicorn become to the plight of his wards that he could feel them. He could feel the new life choking, overshadowed by the ancient trees. He could feel the chill that set in the delicate leaves as the decrepit giants jealousy guarded the rays of sun.
It was for the forest that he had done it. He had lived long enough to understand the balance between destruction and creation like few others. He could see past the immediate and understand that what he was doing was for the good of the forest. Even as the fire licked at ancient trees and sent animals running for their lives, the Forest Guardian smiled, knowing that this fire would cleanse the woods and bring new life. Never once did the thought occur to the unicorn, as he clutched the branch with the stolen man-fire, that what he was doing was bad. The strangled screams of the plants had cried to him for too long. He would silence them... make them better.
But then… the voice. It spoke to him as clearly as if whispered in his ear. And he could swear to this day that the voice was the same as the very angeni who had once gifted him with the potion that he wore around his neck. It whispered a curse: if he could not guard the forest as a stallion, than he would be doomed to merely watch, and let the consuming flames that he wrought become his weakness as well. As the fires died, he felt a deadness creep up his legs, rooting him to the spot. As the numbness crept up his shining coat, covering it with coarse bark, Kharamoule became the first tree in the new growth forest.
This scene was forever ingrained in his mind. For while Kharamoule had become a tree, his consciousness had been left to him, making his torture all the more sublime. He could not sleep, just watch as the forest began to regrow. The trees that grew around him after the fire were different. Darker, twisting and clawing. He could feel them still, spreading their roots outwards, intertwining with his.
But the sharpest pain was knowing that his redemption was right there. The vial tied around his neck held precious liquid that could free him if only he could let it touch his lips. But no matter how hard he struggled, how much he hated, the only movement he could make was to grow. Each passing year only made his hatred more acute. The injustice seethed in his chest, the hatred emanated from him, staining the shining blue liquid in his vial a deep crimson. And the trees writhed in chorus with Kharamoule's hatred.
And gradually, a plan began to form in his mind. His vantage gave him a certain... perspective. No matter how powerful the beast, it was the plants who eventually feasted upon them. The plants' roots feed deeply from the rot and decay left by even the mighty wolf. If the angeni thought that to protect the forest was not to make way for new growth by falling the old... then he had a new way: one that would make them pay. He would let his forest grow - outwards, outwards, forever outwards. Letting the roots drink deeply from the vibrancy of those who had the audacity to judge HIM. Kharamoule was learning patience, and that was a very dangerous thing.
The time eventually came that one foolish enough set him free. And it was with sheer delight that Kharamoule felt his power and influence seep into the naive stallion as he drank the red liquid. Just like his influence with the trees. Just like the trees that now covered him. He was truly one with the forest now, more than ever before. He understood. This was always his domain, and he would expand its borders until it consumed the world.
Of course, to spread, one needed seedlings... runners. And that was precisely what this stallion also promised him. It was a small start, but Kharamoule was patient. Soon, HIS foal, the foal of the forest would hear the siren's call in its blood and find its way to him. It was only a matter of time... and Kharamoule had all the time in the world.
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Posted: Wed Nov 05, 2008 12:51 pm
BASKET PROMPT
Basket's Name: Allon [meaning: Strong Oak]
Basket's Temper: misunderstood
Gender for Prompt: Male
Prompt Response:
Unfair. Thats what this was, the cruel reality cradling you, brushing icy fingers down along your spine. Why me? The colt always asked himself in his weary disposition, thoughtful, tranced by the free spirits running in circles around him. Of course he was different, no two lovers decide to have a foal to only end up with something that had traits of a monstrous creature, thats what they called him. A freak of nature maybe the forest his father had desperately tried to persuade him away from wasn't such a bad place after all. at least...
At least he belonged there.
The tree's all held the same curves, shape, texture. Rough as bark, who would ever want to touch, love or care about something that belonged planted within the ground;a curse! they would shout, Allon trying desperately to shake their harsh words away. "No your wrong!" He would retaliate, but nothing stopped them, not even logic or reasoning.
Reasoning wasn't good enough for them.
No, no. They would laugh at his attempts, he wasn't 'the same' as them so he was shunned from their acknowledgment in any kind or blessed thought. Just a freak. He always believed there would be one at least, like him, pushed away, misunderstood... Alas there never was. Just himself and the troubles bared. Even his family, which consisted of a worried mother and an over protective father, defensive of every choice or action he ever decided for himself.
What was so bad, they had to hide him away from.
Entering the entrance of the mighty creatures mouth, shadows loomed along the strong barks of oak trunks, to be honest, the foal had been determined to seek out the sole purpose of his fathers words, this distracted him away from the tiny details that the forest threw his way, however that did not mean he wasn't a keen listener, oh no. He was. With a mighty yawn, the foal soon grew bored, there wasn't anything here that was threatening or entertaining at all, unless you call a few squirrels and some fluffy bunnies running around your feet dangerous.
He watched them crawl up rapidly to their homes, back to their families.
There it was.
Cracks edged along into his delicate ears, in paranoia he glanced around uncomfortably, before now there were the calls of animals with at least some familiarity, but he felt it. Eyes solely focused upon him. What was it? At once, Allon found himself frozen to the ground, panic bubbling inside him. In the corner of his eye something flickered and he gasped throwing his weight around quickly to back up, his gaze placed on the area where the movement had slithered away in his vision.
There was a shadow, the colt feeling nervous never let it leave his gaze, after a short while there was no movement, nothing. was he just being silly? No he did see something, he knew he did. or was his father right? Did this forest play tricks on you... His fathers words echoed within his indecisive mind, unsure of what to do, right now he was regretful for not realizing earlier.
Deluded whispers fell through his ears, the movement beginning again. "No stop! Don't come any closer!" He found himself screaming, utterly terrified, he had been used to torment but if something rather bigger, stronger than what he was used to came his troubled way what was he to do? His mind told him to run, but the pounding in his chest, ticking like a bomb told him to stay, why? Why couldn't he do it. he couldn't move or fight back against the feeling it was too strong, and for once, he wasn't running away, far curious, perhaps... This 'thing' he saw was the same..?
A spark of hope lit up in the foals eyes, placing them on the key feature tangled within the surrounding tree's as it came closer, his eyes widened in disbelief. Jaw gaping open in incomprehension. He was the same... Somehow in a way far more than Allon had ever expected.
Was this the reason? It couldn't be.. No... Never, they wouldn't lie to him! Would they? the colt found himself distrustful of his own words, and confused about everything he was told until now. It had to of been and in question, he quietly uttered a name he felt was so misplaced within his life...
"Father..?"
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Posted: Wed Nov 05, 2008 2:42 pm
MOTHER PROMPT
Username: phoenix_resurgam
Mare's Name: Inoke
Mare's Temper: devoted
Prompt Response:
When she first met her mate, he was unnamed. A poor soul of obvious mixed heritage. Of partial Kalona blood as evidenced by his glowing eyes and curling horns. The other members of her herd, her family, distrusted him. How could he be good? He was tainted, evil. They threw out their judgment without taking the time to get to know him. To know who he was or why he was there. Because of his features, he frightened them.
At the time she was a relatively young filly. Just old enough to start exploring, away from the watchful eyes of her overprotective parents. She thought the world a place of rainbows and butterflies. There was nothing or no one that would hurt her. So when he was run out of their territory, but stayed along the very edge, Inoke had often left the watchful gaze of her family and went to talk with the enigmatic outsider. He had never frightened her, and deep down, she knew he would never harm her.
Over time, the two became friends, and slowly the friendship deepened into something more. While other fillies her age were out testing their charms on different unsuspecting males each week, or as often as suited their fancy, Inoke only spent time with him. The one she called Aimon, her home, who protected her heart. She knew he was her mate and she could never want anyone else.
For years they had been trying to have foals. It was Inoke’s dearest wish to have a family with her mate, and he too desired to have the family he had been denied. But no matter how often or what they tried, it seemed that they were destined to remain childless. Until one day, while Aimon was out wandering as he was prone, when she felt it for the first time. A small flutter in her belly. A sharp movement which couldn’t be anything other then the shifting of a foal. She was pregnant. She was giddy. Now if only Aimon would return so she could tell him the good news.
Though the pregnancy was fairly easy on Inoke, the only real change aside from the size of her abdomen, was the need to lay out in the sun and absorb as much of the heat and light as she could, still she listened to her mate and the left their cozy clearing to be near a human village in case something went wrong. He was so insistent, so overprotective. He was hiding something, something important, she just knew it. But whenever she tried to broach the subject he would just laugh it off or deflect the conversation.
The birth was over relatively fast, and without complications. She was overjoyed and couldn’t wait to see the basket which held her child, her foal, until the time it grew strong enough to join the world. This was the child she had felt grow within her. To whom she would often spend hours just talking or singing to. There was no foal more wanted or loved. Her baby. She finally had her own child. She couldn’t wait to meet him, or her. She wondered who it would take after. She dearly hoped it would be as handsome as her mate, with her own gentle nature. She nickered, hoping the villagers would get the point and bring her basket, her baby, to her.
They brought out a basket in soft blue hues like hers, blended and woven carefully. The person carrying her basket stumbled slightly, the top of the wicker basket slipping slightly. She caught a flash of gnarled, bark-like skin around eyes that were cold. She started to rear in surprise. There must have been some mistake. There was no way eyes like that could belong to her baby. There was just no way. And as the basket was placed reverently in front of her, twisting white branches punched through the material of the basket sealing it shut. Well, there was no way to see if the glimpse she had before was real or just some figment of her imagination.
As if agreeing with her thoughts, a strong aura surrounded the basket, clearly showing the intent to stay until the child was ready to face the world.
She didn’t know how, or what, or why, but this basket held her child, and child that somehow looked like it had no traits in common with it’s father, and only color to claim it’s mom. There was something not right about it.
But then she shook her head impatiently clearing away those dangerous thoughts. This was the life she felt growing within her, be nourished by her body, being lulled by the beating of her heart or the sound of her voice. This was her child, and no matter what it looked like or how it acted, she would love it just the same.
DEMON PROMPT
Username: phoenix_resurgam
Demon's Name: Mariiatu (“sea of bitterness”)
Demon's Temper: bitter, twisted
Prompt Response:
"As you thrive, so to shall the land to which you are bound. By your health and life this forest shall prosper. It shall shelter those who need it. Shall provide food, comfort and a home to those you deem worthy. Those who dwell in peace, taking only what they need to survive. Those of pure heart and good intentions. This is your duty and your charge. You must never falter. Never forsake your duty. Or else face dire consequences.”
Mariiatu tried really hard to stay focused and listen to the elder, truly he did. But the combination of mid-summer heat trapped in the still heart of the surrounding forest that was to be his home, his charge, and the sense of timelessness, made him drift in and out of consciousness. Had he listened then, he might have not made that one small mistake which cost him everything he held dear.
It all started when the travelling Angeni came to ask passage and protection through his forest. When it was granted without hesitation and wholeheartedly, the angeni offered him a priceless gift. A potion that, when a sip was taken, could grant a single wish. This power would work only once for whatever Soquili took it, so that warning was required to be given to those judged worthy.
For many, many years, Marii discharged his duty. Watching others have their hearts desire granted. Love here, beauty there. It was always the same. He grew disillusioned and tired. These petty wishes and even more pathetic beings. At least they were free and could find love and companionship. It seemed that he was always destined to be alone.
Evil came to his forest. It crept so slowly and unseen. Each wish cut deeper into his heart, showing him the happiness he would never get a chance to feel or achieve. When finally it came to a head, it seemed that even the forest sighed with relief. It was his duty to take care of the forest, to offer shelter to those who needed, and he did so without hesitation. But when he accepted the wish potion, that also became his new duty. Those who had proven themselves were to be granted a sip, no matter what.
For each time he refused to fulfill his duty, both his spirit and the potion twisted. When his neglect was discovered, Marii was brought back before the elder. "You were warned. Now you will face the consequences for your actions. Let your vanity be stripped away, and your outward appearance match your soul.”
Once the condemning words were spoken he felt a shift start. At first it was just a minor discomfort which slowly turned to agony as bones twisted to reform and shape him into a gnarled twisted tree to be set deep in the heart of his forest. And if, by some chance he were to be released from tree form before he finally felt guilt and remorse for not fulfilling his duties, he would never again have the perfect form of which he had been so proud.
Though Marii would have loved to be able to keep his original form, perhaps there were some advantages to this new one. He could blend into his forest home and never be seen unless it was his will. Yes, there were definitely some advantages. But now the question was how to use them. He plotted and planned, making ideas and discarding them. There was truly only one he would ever need to really see. The child he was owed. His child, his companion for the bleak eternity he faced.
He had time. He would wait until his child grew enough. Enough to hate the parents who raised it, to hate the world who misunderstood and mistreated it. The hate would bind them, and together they would have their revenge.
BASKET PROMPT
Username: phoenix_resurgam
Basket's Name: Zahi
Basket's Temper: conflicted
Gender for Prompt: female/ filly
Prompt Response:
The earliest memories she had were of a warm voice talking to her, singing to her, surrounding her with warmth and love. Next to the thudding beat of her momma’s heart, this was what she treasured most. She grew healthy in the womb knowing that she was so loved. Wanted more than anything. She basked in contentment. She couldn’t wait to finally meet momma and da.
It stung. The fear and disgust she saw in their eyes. She was their daughter, for crying out loud, yet they didn’t really want anything to do with her. Da always had some fear and ..regret? coloring his brilliant crimson eyes. And momma… Momma wanted to love her, and really she did try, but there was no more songs, no more lullabyes. The warmth she once felt had disappeared. She looked like neither da nor momma, even if she had her coloration. Still it wasn’t enough.
Rules were set, to keep her safe, she knew, but still the restrictions chafed. Her parents didn’t truly want her or love her, so she took to wandering, especially where she was told to stay away.
“Listen, little one, the forest is evil and dangerous. You must stay away.” Her father had warned and cautioned against visiting it. His eyes always looked haunted and the scent of fear hung over when he mentioned the woods.
The young filly would just nod her head and agree. But deep inside, a flame of curiosity burned bright. What was it about the forest that scared her father so? Was it somehow connected to her? She got the sneaking suspicion that it was, but she would definitely never find out from her parents. There was just one way she would ever learn the truth. She would have to go to the forest and find out for herself.
Tentatively she stepped forward into the shade of the trees. She looked around cautiously, expecting it to be dark and horrid, filled with monsers hiding behind every tree and shrub. When in fact, it was merely like any other forest, if slightly more crowded and with a sense of age and permanence.
She conitnued to explore, now curious. There was no reason she could see for the forest to be forbidden her. She walked on noting the different trees and plants, realizing that if she weren't such a bright blue (even if until now that was her one pride, that she had the same beautiful coat as momma) she could easily blend in here.
For once she felt a profound sense of peace. She could belong here. No one to fear her or be disgusted. No one to think her a monster or a changling. There was no doubt in her mind that the forest would welcome her.
It was then she heard it. The sound of breathing, the creaking of a tree. She looked around startled,fearful. There was nothing there. She continued walking, but more cautious now, pausing every so often to look around. The sound kept moving closer and closer. Finally she saw HIM.
There was another soquili who looked like her!! Zahi was stunned. He was just there, grinning, almost like he knew a secret. Like he might have the answers she was seeking. Carefully she took one step toward him, and when he didn't move, took another and another until she was standing just in front of him.
"Why do you look like me? Who are you?"
Maybe she would finally get some answers.
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Posted: Wed Nov 05, 2008 3:10 pm
MOTHER PROMPT
Mare's Name: Mayu
Mare's Temper: Gentle
Prompt Response:
The birth of your first child is suppose to amazing, something that you will cherish for the rest of your life but something was wrong. A mother knows about her own child, they have a special bond one that no one else can have or take from you but yet this wasn't right. The foal, her own child something about it was just not how it should have been. There was a yearning in her heart for her child, she wished to be close to her child, to love it, yet there was something that just wasn't right.
She let out a soft sigh and just stared at the basket that held her child. She sniffed at a little and turned away looking for her mate, the father of her child. He was the father, right? Of course what a silly thought to have. She looked back at the basket and wondered some more how a foal could look nothing like it's father. Was that even possible? Oh how she wished her child would emerge already, there were so many questions but yet she wanted to be with her child. Something wasn't right and everything inside her screamed to be close to her child to nuzzle it and comfort it. Though in her mind somewhere logic seemed to tell her that this wasn't possible that she couldn't have given to birth to a child that looked like that, but she had. She knew she had just given birth, she remembered giving birth so clearly! The two leggers wouldn't have swapped foals, they weren't like that. Also in her heart she knew that the child was hers. So there and then she vowed knowing in her heart that the child was her own flesh and blood that she would love and protect her child no matter what. Then she would talk to her mate, maybe he had some explanation for why her child didn't look anything like him. She just hoped he wouldn't assume she had cheated on him. The child was his, it had to be. It was impossible for it not to have been.
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Posted: Wed Nov 05, 2008 3:54 pm
BASKET PROMPT
Basket's Name: Trebble [Treble... With two b's. The foal/filly is going to be very musical]
Basket's Temper: Forlorn [name+temper would be the same regardless of gender]
Gender for Prompt: Female
Prompt Response:
"Rain, rain, come to stay, never leave me for a day..."
A chilling tune chimed through the hollow branches in the dank forest. Time seemed to stand still as a heavy rain pounded the soil and ushered plants from their foundations. A scrawny young filly was trotting about, splashing in the puddles. She was a peculiar little thing; Branches protruded from her flesh at awkward angles and leaves sprouted forth from those. The child's eyes were a hazy gray. Lonely. Empty. Hollow.
On this particular day she was out and about, something her mother would surely scold her for; when Trebble tired of her explorations, that is. Being an outcast her entire life had taken its toll. The child was a tad messed up in the head. She would often see things that weren't there and follow them. For once, however, the shape she saw was more than a simple shadow. She was sure it was indeed another equine. One that was not unlike her. Another that was cursed to be entwined within branches that were one with his body for eternity.
She first heard it, the eerie creaking, when she was out playing in the pasture. Being alone, there was no one to confirm her sanity so she had no choice but to believe. This shape was the one that lured her within the forest --where she'd never dare to wander due to her father's warning. The sky blue girl galloped in like an air-headed fool. Never had she thought a forest to contain such complex labyrinths and a difficult obstacle here and there. She must've stumbled her hundredth time when she let go and collapsed exhaustedly. As with most tired folks that haven't any energy to go on, she fell into a slumber.
Upon her awakening the first thing young Trebble noted was the scent; Musky where it was crisp and fresh prior to her fall. Her joints felt jellied and her eyes protested against the dim light that chanced a flash through the canopy of leaves. Oh, the leaves. They were strange as all else in this strange place. The leaves varied between dried-out browns, grays and poisonous greens. The third thing --after the scent and appearance of the forest-- was the most shocking of all. A grown stallion stood overshadowing her, grinning. He was a tree. A moving, breathing tree. He so resembled the forest with the greenery flowing from his body as a mane and tail, body rough and woody as her own, adorned with vine-like necklaces and an empty flask with but a speck of blood red liquid floating about.
This experience knocked the breath out of the filly. She gasped and the breath held in her lungs until her system forced it out. She wasn't scared. No. Rather, she was happy. Tears welled and spilt over as she gazed open-mouthed at the Forest Demon. She wasn't alone. Not anymore. Perhaps he'd kill her, but Trebble felt whole when next to him and that's all she could have possibly asked for.
MOTHER PROMPT
Mare's Name: Cecilia
Mare's Temper: Naive
Prompt Response:
When her belly first swelled with the identity of a child, the mare couldn't be more pleased. She had tried keeping within an ideal, healthy diet. Nothing but the best for her child; A brown blotch on a strand of grass would not do. She now understood the reason that her friends' casual chatter about their own children was full of such joyous tales. She wasn't the youngest of the lot but they'd all bore beautiful children before her. She did not fully understand her sudden impregnation, of course, for it spurred out of thin air. Cecilia let the soft morning breeze usher those thoughts from her mind.
There were many other things the naive mare couldn't grasp at this point in her story. For example, her mate's surprise at her status seemed a bit guarded. She felt like there were secrets she had yet to find out. Unfortunately, her senses were much too accurate for her own good.
The birth was unusually painful. Perchance it was due to the filly's unusual skin; a hard, bark-like surface shielded her instead of a velvety coat. Cecilia shrieked. She cried for help; Someone must've hurt her child. Surely, surely this couldn't be her little one. Her husband eventually hushed her, but she would wander from him distrustfully. He hid something.
The kind villagers encased the abnormal child in a basket that matched its mother's colors. For that she was a bit grateful. Unsure, but grateful. Even as a surprising vine-like branch sealed off the basket, Cecilia felt at peace knowing that it was a bit like her. She would take the basket.. Take it and forgive all her mate's sins --whatever they might've been-- for now.
DEMON PROMPT
Demonn's Name: Athael
Demon's Temper: Corroded
Prompt Response:
Wisps of glorious evergreen hair whipped through the air. Four polished golden hooves were placed firmly upon the ground, supporting a grand stallion unlike any other. His coat was sleek and rich olive in color. Eyes shining with pride and dignity rested upon the forest which was granted his to protect. There was something descending from the heavens; an Angeni? He squinted his eyes against the sun to watch the beautiful creature descend. Oh what a wonderful feeling was the lust that flushed into his cheeks...
How foolish I've been...
The flask containing but a blood red substance and many unpleasant memories swung about on the rope which held it to his rough skin. His eyes would see no more, they would forever squint at a nonexistent sun; The trees were his silent spies, whispering to him the presence of anyone who'd happened across his living quarters. Roots dug into his skin and several malefic creatures perched where they willed. His mane was but moss, bunched up, growing longer as he aged. No, never would he forget what he did to that beautiful creature of so many years past... Her desperate bawls...
Fortunately, one day a rush of whispers clogged his ears as his sole companions eagerly spoke to him of yet another fool stumbling around his lands. A stallion that seemed to live relatively close by, in possession of a respectable family made up of himself and his lover. The stallion was nearing and for once in this second, gnarled life, time stood still for the forest demon. He felt the last of the magic sloshing about in his cursed flask. Enough for one. His mouth, stuck shut by the past eternities, pulled into a devilish grin, crumbs of bark falling away. His limbs creaked as blood flushed into them once more and he made his way to the other entity, guided by the very same trees that always had and would.
Of course, as anyone would, the other stallion gratefully accepted the wish, even when the demon spoke a request. This marvelous idea came to him the instant he felt the half blood's presence growing near. A child. A pure, innocent, first-born child of the virtuous mare that was the fool's other half. A child that would be corrupted just as he had been. Another that would feel his pain and have the like grotesque complexion that would allot space for sympathy. After all, children, in nature, are said to be quite curious. Especially when it comes to their roots. At this, his maw pulled into a grin once more. The child would seek him. Had it any other place to go?
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Posted: Wed Nov 05, 2008 4:32 pm
MOTHER PROMPT
Mare's Name: Radella {Elfin advisor}
Mare's Temper: Hopeful
Prompt Response:
The rays of the sun felt so good as they gently rested upon Radella’s cerulean hued hide. Craning her graceful neck about she looked at her inflated stomach with a soft smile. It had been such a long time ago that she had spoken with her mate about desiring a foal, even now she could remember the exited look on his face that caused his already burning eyes to ignite. She watched the deep blue swirls on her abdomen stretch and return to normal again with each slow breath she took. She turned her eyes upward as a shadow crossed her body and found herself staring straight into the face of her loving mate.
“My love.” She purred softly.
She was instantly surprised when he turned his head away from her and began walking in the other direction. Tilting her head she watched him go with a small frown tugging on the corners of her lips. He had been acting so weird as of late; perhaps it was just that he was worried about the child birth. Again her optimistic attitude kicked in and she found herself smiling at the vanishing form of her lover. He was always worrying about her, no matter what. In her eyes it was a sign that he truly did love her even with that Kalona blood boiling in his veins.
With a comfortable sigh she shifted her weight and gasped when a sharp pain twanged against her ribs. Though she had wanted a foal for a long time she still found herself fearful when the time came to deliver. In high pitched screeches she called for her mate until she finally saw his muscular build emerging from the horizon. She calmed down when she felt his velvet nose pressing tenderly into her neck. She thought it was strange that since the beginning of her pregnancy he hadn’t once gone near her stomach. Shaking the thought from her mind she focused her attention on the need to push.
Soon the baby was freed and the humans made quick work putting it into a basket. Once the bed of reeds was placed before her she cocked a brow at the strange markings imprinted on the surface. Her mate was immediately by her side, narrowed eyes staring at the basket. In one swift movement he had pushed against the cover to reveal one shiny black eye staring up at them and skin that seemed to be made of the bark of a tree. Her whole body jerked and she looked frantically up at him. His teeth were clenched and his eyes were full of anger and pain. For a moment she lay there in shock, wondering if somehow her basket had gotten mixed up with another. Humans normally weren’t that careless when caring for the young of others but still. She looked up at her mate’s displeased face and at once wondered if he was mentally accusing her of cheating on him. These traits that it was displaying didn’t reflect the sire at all, she wouldn’t be surprised if that was what he was thinking. Before another thought could cross her mind white fingers pulled the lid shut and sealed it upon the basket. Upon further inspection she realized that the fingers were actually the branches of a tree that had protruded through the material.
“Wha-?”
“It is probably nothing Radella, don’t worry about it.”
She turned shocked eyes up at her mate. How could it possibly be nothing? Something had just sealed her newborn into its basket and now a strange aura was emanating from it. Ignoring the compunctions that began to rise up she pushed her nose against the basket and breathed in the scent of the creature within. No matter what it was this being was hers. The one that she had been wishing for since the beginning, nothing would tear her away. It may not look like the father but that didn’t mean that she would abandon it in any way shape or form. Perhaps it was a strange appearance that had come of it having the blood of a Kalona. Shaking her head she looked with glittering eyes back at her baby. Even though her hope had returned that what she had seen was just due to her weariness she couldn’t help but feel an ominous presence looming about her mate and their basket. What was he hiding?
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Posted: Wed Nov 05, 2008 4:44 pm
FATHER PROMPT
Stallion's Name: Mayar
Stallion's Temper: Conflicted
Prompt Response:
He stared blankly at the spot where the forest demon had once been. A Small shutter ran the length of his body as he thought of what he had done. He had betrayed the one closest to him and his unborn child. For what? He mocked himself within the confines of his own mind. Something he had had all along but had been too selfish, to self centered, to moronic to see it even when it was right in front of him.
Shamed, Mayar hung his head clenching his eyes shut away from the sight before him. With the cursed being freed and moving around the forest again the spot it has once stood had began to teem with life once again. Life that shouldn’t be there now, life that wouldn’t be there if not for his stupid curiosity.
He has been wandering the forest that day simply to get away and think. The memories played clearly through his mind as his eyes slowly fluttered open to half mast. Though he could see the forest before him the horrific memories overlapped what he truly saw before him. He had come upon the demon slightly after dark. His blood red eyes were slightly enhanced due to his Kalona blood he believes giving him a small advantage of seeing better in the flailing sun light. He had heard the tales of the forest demon as all other foals did. But he had never believe it he thought the tales were nothing more then stories meant to keep foals from wandering off in the middle of the night and getting eaten. Staring at the soquili shaped tree before him he had rolled his eyes thinking how badly whatever two legger had carved the fierce demon had done. Looking over the creature he has noticed the spell carved into its side. What a nice but moronic touch he had thought. Then a small smirk had played onto his lips, he could say this little spell and then prove that such tales were fake. Though some small part of him had hoped he could awaken the demon and he could get the wishes that he had also heard about. With such a wish he could get what he had always wanted. Slowly he murmured the spell and to his horror it worked.
Most of the memories after that point were a horrific blur. The demon awakening and the creature offering him a wish for his first born child... What should have been his first born. Taking that faithful sip of the vile red liquid and murmuring the most stupid statement of his life. “I wish to be truly accepted.” Then the horrific laughter of the demon.
Then the realization had hit him. The demon had not laughed at his wish or even its own freedom but at the fact he had wished for something he had had all along but never seen. His sweet little mate, she had not cared that he has some odd hybrid of Kalona and Wind or whatever exactly he was. She had looked upon him with true love and acceptance. And he had been to self or stupid to even notice till he had promised away their first born. More shutters ran the length of his body as he opened his eyes fully. That had been days ago He had gone home to his mate in a daze and did the only thing he could rightfully do. He had told her or his moronic action that left to give her time to think…. But fear rested deep in his belly, his mate was normal, smart, lovely she would see his actions and judge them true to her heart. And that was good for her… but for him it could mean losing the one who had been his selfish and blind wish.
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