[prp] In the Valley of Darkness (Leilan and Ecclesia)

[Fatal Irony]

The stallion ventured beyond the protective ring of trees that surrounded this particular valley. The mountains on either side of it cast deep shadows upon the grassy land at all times of the day or night, shrouding the area in mystery. Lacking proper sunlight, the grass and weeds here were short and flowers would not bloom. Leilan had heard stories of something dangerous lingering in the stunted grass and had come to investigate. Most of the stories were mere rumors, stories passed from one soquili to the next. He'd never heard a firsthand account of the supposed "evil" here and presumed it was no more real than many other such fantasies.

Still, the stallion was on guard as he tread silently into the darkness. He'd never known fear in his life. He grew up on stories of many different creatures, good and bad, from his grandmother. She had come across many things, and through sheer luck she had escaped every encounter unscathed. Leilan took another approach to things. He was bound by some inner code to protect the innocent and heal the wounded, and for this code he found himself wandering into uncharted territory.

There was a rumor that there was an injured soquili somewhere in the valley, and if there was even a hint of truth to it Leilan intended to find out.

The rolling hills and scant trees and bushes lent their long shadows to the darkness, making it harder to see. Leilan almost held his breath, so intently did he listen for any sound of life. It was so still in the valley, as if any creature dwelling there was afraid to even breath. An involuntary shiver ran up the stallion's spine despite the warmth of late summer. He walked slowly and scanned the darkness.

 

[Uta]

The valley was quite dark, a little dismal, and generally harbored every stereotype of being 'haunted' that a valley could! Though it was dark, difficult to see far in, and occasionally could be spotted with mist when the weather was right there was one mare whom enjoyed the solitude it offered. . .

A petite thing with ebony dipped mane and pure black eyes enjoyed the quiet place. Though she had been scared to enter before, with encouragement from her brother (and not wanting to look like a sissy) she had entered the grove only to find it harmless. It wasn't particularly appealing territory, but the young mare had found a strange sort of comfort with in its dismal shadow. Furthermore, upon lingering for a few days, the young Ecclesia had befriended a small family of hares. . . They were about the only ones that resided, and though the pickings weren't great, the lack of predators suited them just fine.

Of course, if rumor spread at all about some one in need, there was truth to such words. One of the young hares, from the past springs litter, had taken quite the tumble down an old abandoned den. He was bruised up, and couldn't use his front right paw, but the family had hopes he'd recover. And, with luck, learn to walk on the side of caution.

As it was, the young mare was resting with in the grasses. The hares weren't afraid of her black gaze, and while she tried to be strong, there were some whom judged her for such a 'freakish' design. "There, there," she cooed softly, reaching down to nuzzle the ebony rabbits side. "You must be still for it to properly heal. It's going to take time before you can move again," and if the poor things paw didn't heal properly, there was a chance he'd never regain the full use of it again!

So Ecclesia had vowed to linger. She served as protection against any possible predators (as the occassional hawk or eagle did glide over head) and allowed the rest of the family to seek out greener fields while the young hare healed. Such silence through the valley did give her an advantage. . . for while she spoke, her ears swiveled to focus on some sort of noise in the distance.

A foreign noise, a noise that sounded like the soft crunching of dead grass and dry soil. . . . A noise that alerted the mare that she was not alone. Not wanting to alarm the young hare that dozed at her side, Ecclesia turned to gaze out within the shadowed darkness. The rabbits den wasn't far, so the hare could surely escape if need be. And while she was trying not to think the worst, if whatever approached looked at all malicious, she too could swiftly flee.

 

[Fatal Irony]

The stallion swiveled his head back and forth, scanning for any dark forms in the darkness that might be an injured soquili. Suddenly, he spotted such a form and stopped, trying to make it out. He wanted to call out, but it was still difficult to make out the form before him. He had the odd sensation it was watching him and a small amount of trepidation crept up on the stallion. "Is there someone injured?" he finally called, holding firm to his ground, both for his sake and so as not to frighten whoever might be laying before him. He didn't feel any danger here and slowly moved forward, hoping he wasn't frightening anyone. "If you are injured, I can heal you," he added. He was only part unicorn, but he was more than capable to heal minor wounds and even serious wounds could be stabilized. He hoped the later wasn't the case.



(sorry kinda short... I wasn't sure what to write. What's their story? They were good friends as kids, but do they know each other as adults? )  

[Uta]

((Wow. . . after months. *dies* I figured they were good friends as kids but kind of drifted with time. Not out of choice but families moved or whatever (I'd imagine) since her family does a bit of wandering. If they don't recognize each other right off the bat, I'm sure they will eventually as how many mares have black eyes or his intricate pattern? x3 ))

Whoever was out there was approaching, and the black eyed mare squinted in hopes of making out a form. It was terribly difficult to make out anything within the dense fog, and she cursed the poor luck. The young rabbit shivered against her, burying his head against her side, skittish young thing it was. Reaching down, she paused to nuzzle the fellow once more before looking back up.

A voice called out, obviously male, but intending no harm. "What luck!" She whispered, wanting to jump up and run to the proferred aid but knowing she could not. She feared the little rabbit might bolt and further injure his paw. So Ecclesia remained still, though she was quick to respond.

"There is a small one here, injured and in need of aid," she replied, silently thanking the spirits for such guidance and good fortune. While some might have called her foolish for believing the fog-hidden stranger, there was no reason for her to doubt his good intentions. He didn't sound evil or dark, and just because she couldn't see him didn't mean she couldn't trust him. There was too much negativity in the world, and honestly, if the beast that emerged WAS some skinwalker or kalona, there was time enough for her to run.

Besides, they were too stupid to take such a 'kind' stance anyway, or so Ecclesia believed. To find one who could pull off a false kindness and sincerity just didn't seem possible.
 

[Fatal Irony]

Hearing the stranger's words he moved forward calmly. He still didn't want to startle her - an indeed it was a her from the melodic voice- and moreover he did not want to frighten the injured one. The fog seemed to part before him as he neared, thinning enough for him to catch a glimpse of the mare, and his heart caught in his throat. He paused, staring - rather stupidly, he realized- at the female before him. He'd never in his life forget those eyes or the kindness deep within them. "Ecclesia," he breathed, hardly believing his luck. It had been many summers since he'd seen her last, and the two were mere foals at the time. She had blossomed into a stunning beauty, and Leilan found himself at a loss for words. He'd intended to come through the fog a hero, not a gaping adolescent!

He pulled himself together and glanced at the rabbit near Ecclesia. "Ah, so here is the injured one." Blushing and flashing a smile at Ecclesia, he bent to take a look at the injuries. "Please don't be afraid," he said soothingly. "I'm here to help and I'll get you healed up and running in no time." Standing straight once more he announced "The wound is not bad. I think I can heal him fully." He smiled again, hoping he was not acting too foolishly.