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 Posted: Sun Jun 14, 2009 1:12 pm
The sun blended into the horizon. Selena watched the earth swallow up the great ball of fire. She smiled.
The sun was not her favorite celestial object, she much preferred the stars. She loved staring at the twinkling lights, wondering how they were born and whom they were watching over. She thought of all the stories about fortunetellers and healers that used the alignment of the stars to people's advantages. Either to know what is to come, to foretell what is happening somewhere in the present or even to see the time it takes to heal a fatal wound.
Suddenly a branch snapped and she returned to reality. She was smiling even more now that the sun had disappeared. Time for a moonlit hike. she thought with glee.
She turned to see who it was that snapped the branch, and found herself face to face with a beautiful green flutter.
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Posted: Sun Jun 14, 2009 1:32 pm
 With the heat of the summer sun disappearing behind the mountains as the sun disappeared for the evening, giving way to the far more gentle light of the moon and stars and far cooler shadows, Laures began his nearly incessant wandering.
It had been far too long since he'd followed the light of the stars, allowing night to guide his hooves, and he realised with a pang how much he had missed it. He thought back to the last time, remembering the inquisitive unicorn colt he had met then, almost a full year previous.
Normally when he walked in full-size form he moved with the same dancers grace he had in his smaller form, but as preoccupied with his memories as he had been, and not paying attention to his surroundings, the sharp crack of a branch beneath his hooves sounded like thunder and brought him abruptly back to himself.
Looking around for the source of his fright, he was chargained to find it caused by himself. But morely, he started to see a form that blended in with the steadily lengthening shadows. He blushed with shame that someone saw him at less then his best. Ducking his head a moment so that his forelock covered his eyes, he bowed his head gently in the direction of the mysterious soq.
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Posted: Sun Jun 14, 2009 2:02 pm
Selena giggled silently as she saw the stallion blush. It was like fire in the darkness. lighting the surroundings. he must have been embarrassed. She smiled at him, but realized that he could probably not even see, due to her coat and the time of day.
She walked a little closer towards him and returned his gentle bow. And shook her head so that he could see where she was.
"How are you sir?" She asked in a soft tone. He seamed the stereotypical gentleman, and she had no reason to be rude. He had not intruded on her in anyway,though he seemed to think so.
"Where are you going of to in the dark?"
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Posted: Sun Jun 14, 2009 2:29 pm
Turning his head to the giggle which sounded off to his side, Laures appreciated the irony- having met a blind angeni, and acting as a seeing eye guide of sorts- of needing some clue other than sight to "see" something in the world around.
It seemed that he was forever to be caught at less than his best and in many different, embaressing situations- one would think he'd be used to it by now- but as far as situations went, it could have been a lot worse than to be caught wandering with his head in the clouds.
"On such a lovely evening as this promises to be, how could one be anything other than content?" He lifted his head to look at the clear navy sky, the first few stars of night twinkling brightly. Nodding at his logic, he turned to look back at the shadowed mare now that he could see her better. "I go wherever my hooves take me. Be it too the resting place of the sun or the dark side of the moon."
Remembering his manners this time, he bowed again. "I am called Laures. What is your name?"
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Posted: Sun Jun 14, 2009 2:47 pm
Selena listened to his words, they sounded like poetry, did he always talk like this? She hopped so. His words calmed her and created chills down her spine.
"Well i myself have a destination, the mountains. Im going for a twilight hike to their peaks." She wanted to invite him along as he had no real journey ahead, and she wanted to have an adventure with someone. But she didn't want to seem silly and a flirt. She didn't like him that way. She barely even knew him!
"I am Selena," she said with yet another bow, "your name is beautiful."
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Posted: Sun Jun 14, 2009 3:14 pm
It was both in his nature- as well as nurture- to be polite and well-spoken. Being born to a bardic mother and silver-tongued rogue father he couldn't be suffered to be any less- even if he was the black sheep and outsider of the family. And while it might come off as flirting to others, it was really just his amiable personality. He didn't know any other way to be, and he just hoped it didn't come off as anything more than what it was meant as.
He tilted his head in interest. So she actually had a purpose and destination in mind, something he was completely lacking for this nighttime wandering, but perhaps she wouldn't like it if he invited himself along, but the mountain paths could be treacherous at night, but the views must be something spectacular. Still, a spot of company at least part of the way might not be unwelcome.
It was his innate need for companionship, be they male or female, young or old, that decided him on his course of action.
He rolled her name on his tongue finding it flowing and definately suitable for to shadowed mare. It reminded him of the story his mother told him about the doomed lovers Endymion and the goddess of night Selene.
"Selena." He sketched a bow. "It is treacherous at night to walk alone, and I find myself without a destination. Might I perhaps accompany you, at least a part of the way?"
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Posted: Sun Jun 14, 2009 3:22 pm
Selena looked into his deep green eyes and nodded. But realizing that the action was in no way easy to see she smiled to herself and answered with her voice, "I wouldn't mind your company, no. You are welcome to come along. Lone adventures are nice, but a companion is even nicer, better...er..." she felt like a fool. "Well, anyway, Im sure it would be a nice change from what im used to." She tried to hide her humiliation. So much for her cleverness.
She looked back at him and began to walk towards the mountains. They were quiet until they reached the border between grass and rocks.
"Have you ever found the large cave on the eastern side of the rock-face?"
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Posted: Sun Jun 14, 2009 3:50 pm
Ignoring the slight stutter of the mare as she tried to put her thoughts into words, Laures nodded his head. He had been alone almost all of his foalhood, excepting some time with his sister, and most of his adult life so far. He was content to find such company and friends as a hoof-loose wanderer without a home was able to. He greatly enjoyed and treasured every encounter he had.
Kindly, knowing just a little how the mare felt, he looked away and tried to ignore the humiliation that was rolling off her in waves so she could compose herself. He had been in that position too many times for his liking, and he knew without a doubt he would again, so he felt compassion for Selena.
It was awkward for a little while as he followed her lead to the grass and rock border that marked the beginning of the mountain trails.
He had not yet travelled to this area of the Kawani lands and was curious as to what he might see.
Inclining his head he answered in the negative. " I have travelled much through these lands, but I have yet to come to these mountain passes. So I dare say I haven't seen this cavern of which you speak."
There were times he felt much older than his few years, but by goodness he was still a young stallion, and one who enjoyed life, and this was starting to make him feel old. Something he had vowed he would never be, so he started to sing, softly at first, hoping it wouldn't disturb his companion or break the stillnes of the night but he needed to do something to set them both at ease before he went mad.
"To the edge of infinity, an invisible reality
Where the power of thoughts sets me free
On the journey to wonderland
I will hold the key in my own hands
If dreams can come true let us dream"
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Posted: Sun Jun 14, 2009 4:07 pm
Selena surveyed the scattered rocks under her hooves, trying to find the best way to climb onto the larger, more sturdy boulders. It was all strategy, a plan. Without it you could get very hurt.
I would have been much easier to just fly up to the peak, or the cave, whichever. She truly wanted to show this amazing stallion her find. Last time she had entered the great stone mouth, there were no signs of other Soquili. There was the odd scent of deer and rabbit, but it had never been touched by another Soquili.
She wished to show him how far the cave ran into the heart of the mountain, how the water dripped and created an eerie feeling, and how, far down into the cave's throat, you could almost hear a pulse. The heart of nature and adventure.
She turned to the stallion, wishing to explain her plan to climb the jagged rocks, when his soft song wrapped around her ears.
She stared at him. When was the last time I had really opened my eyes?
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Posted: Sun Jun 14, 2009 4:26 pm
He'd not realised the mare had been absorbed in trying to find the best footing, the best path to take, and so she wasn't ignoring him or whatever he had thought. The feeling of her eyes on him were intense enough to feel almost physical. It was enough for him to forget what he was singing and blush. Feeling very much like the gangly colt that had so many times been berated by an irate father figure for ruining whatever he had been doing.
Perhaps that particular song was too distracting. He racked what little memory he had of the past and his mother's grudging tutoring in music, trying to find a song that was soft enough that it wouldn't be too bad. The silence was just something he had problems with.
A mischievous smile blossomed for a quick moment. He knew the perfect song. While it may or may not be accurate or even well accepted it was just too perfect not to try...
Nocturnal poetry:
Dressed in the whitest silver you'd smile at me
Every night I wait for my sweet Selene-(a)
But still...
Solitude's upon my skin
A Life that's bound by the chains of reality
Would you let me be your Endymion?
I would
Bathe in your moonlight and slumber in peace
Enchanted by your kiss in forever sleep
This was who he was. Friendly, outgoing and full of life. He just hoped that by showing this side of himself he didn't destroy any hope of friendship. He walked to stand up by the mares side and look around for a safe path to take to wherever she was trying to lead. (( My Selene by Sonata Arctica. I just couldn't resist ))
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Posted: Sun Jun 14, 2009 6:53 pm
Selena mind opened, her body froze and tears began to pool in her eyes.
Each word brought back memories, young, forgotten memories. She could see her mother clearly. She dark figure standing before her. She could never picture her face before, but here it was, smiling down at her.
Her lips moved without sound. but then, it turned to a whisper, then a strong, vibrant voice. I flowed like silk. It went perfectly with Laures' song. It hit each note at the same time, in the same tone... Then her eyes shut, and she could no longer see her, but the song ran through her head.
She could feel the first tear slither down her cheek. It burned.
"How did you know?" she whispered. Then she realized he didn't, he never did know. He was never there. It was that memory, that song. She was remembering. She could still see her mother's face. But it was blurring fast, soon it would be gone.
Her knees buckled and she felt to the ground. She didn't want to stand up, she just wanted to see her mother once more.
"Please...please sing that once more."
[I really love that song XD]
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Posted: Mon Jun 15, 2009 11:29 am
It was just a song to him, albeit a very haunting beautiful one that told a story, but the reaction it brought... He was totally unprepared for the tears. It had never been his intention for it to upset the mare. He was never very good with tears or comforting those who were upset.
He almost stopped singing as her knees buckled and she slid to the ground. As his voice faltered though, she asked him to sing it again. Not knowing what else to do he continued the song, his voice cracking ever so slightly.
I cling to a hope that's beginning to fade
Trying to break the desolation I hate
But until we unite
I live for that night
Wait for time
Two souls entwine
In the break of new dawn
My hope is forlorn
We will never meet
Only Misery and me
This is my final call
My evenfall
Drowning into time
I become the night
By the light of new day
I'll fade away
Reality cuts deep
Would you bleed with me
My Selene?
After the last notes faded away he looked at the mare and tried to apologize. "I... I'm sorry. I didn't mean to upset you, and and..." He stammered not knowing what else he could say or do to erase the tears and hurt he caused.
Aside from his own dislike of causing hurt and problems having dealt with enough in his own life, he was raised to not cause a lady to cry. How could a well-meaning song have backfired so terribly?
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Posted: Mon Jun 15, 2009 11:45 am
Tears run down her cheeks as the song continues, and her mothers face returns. Glowing like a bonfire in the black night. How could she have forgotten that face? How could she have forgotten the song?
Selena listened to the stallion sing the beautiful song, and as his voice hit notes, it seemed to light the stars. The sky was soon full of twinkling lights, they seemed to be smiling down at her. Then the song ended.
She found that she had enough energy to stand up once more. She no longer felt numb and helpless. She could feel her strong legs, each muscle in her being pulsing to the rhythm of her heart. She felt truly alive.
"Laures, thank you..." She looked at him, he looked so worried. No one had ever been worried about her before. Except her mother. Whose face shone brightly in her mind's eye. The image was not leaving anytime soon. It was there to stay.
"You sing so beautifully. And Im not upset, Im happy." She looked down at her scar, under it lay the scar left by the Angeni the day she escaped them.
"That was the lullaby my mother used to sing to me. I forgot her, and the song, but now, she has returned to me..."
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Posted: Mon Jun 15, 2009 12:12 pm
In all stories and songs there is some kernal of truth, and it is to that truth and our experiences that one clings. That was the first lesson Laures and his sisters learned when they proved to have a talent in that area. How could he have forgotten that simple lesson upon which everything else he learned was based.
He might not have known just what truth hit home so deeply for the mare, but it was easy for him to empathise with. There were many truths that hit home for him as well in that one simple song.
Her words, a forgotten parent and lost memories, the happiness of having them returned, that was something he could truly relate to though her memories seemed to be far happier than his own. He was just really pleased he'd not caused upset. He nodded his head to the mare once acknowledging her thanks as he tried to recover his voice.
"My parents were harsh and I never got lullabyes. My mother cared enough in her own way, though, to teach me all the songs and stories she knew. That was always one of my favorites. I'm glad it was able to help..." His soft voice spoke once he was sure he was master of his vocal chords once more. He cleared his throat and tried to change the subject, "How far is it to the cavern?"
He hoped that would be enough distraction to allow them both time enough to recover and he really did want to go exploring.
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Posted: Mon Jun 15, 2009 12:49 pm
Selena nodded to his proposal and jumped onto the first rock, with much more energy and excitement than one would have thought after what she had just experienced. But the truth was, she felt alive. She felt like her whole life, the shadows she was accustomed to had blinded her, and now she could finally see.
She looked at the beautiful stallion, who was surprised by her enthusiasm, but she didn't notice, "Its not very far, its harder to find its entrance than anything else."
And so they hiked up the mountains broad face, nibbling on the odd fern, or kicking a rounded rock around until it was lost. But the whole time they hummed together. they hummed the song, the song of Selena's past, and the song that opened her future.
"Here we are!" She announced. There was the entrance. But it was hidden. It looked like a boulder with a fern growing at its base. There was a little 'x' in the sand. Selena moved the fern aside, reveling an opening in the boulder.
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