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 Posted: Sat Jan 16, 2010 6:20 pm
 They had once again been battling the weather for what seemed like forever - but unlike their first trip where Shylah had been plagued with doubt and fear...on this one her heart was greatly lightened. They had done it, they had found - with a bit of help - the perfect new home for the survivor of the Five Herds. And the spirits must have blessed this discovery she reminded herself as she stuck close to Maponus, why else would they have sent Breckin and Herne to guide them?
Speaking of the owl Shylah glanced over as the feathered creature winged down to pace itself alongside her, it's beak clacking as it regarded her with large solemn eyes."There is not much farther to go young Shylah, and the Spirits have seen fit to bless you in many way not yet apparent" Breckin told the young horse as he gave her an appraising look before flapping his wings to rise once more to fly alongside Herne above the two horses.
Shylah's ears pricked slightly as Breckin spoke, giving him a slight nod as he flew back to the other, he'd left to quickly for her to question his words..but could only assume the blessing he spoke of was the health of the survivors they were going to meet.
"Breckin say's we're getting close" She called ahead to Maponus.
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Posted: Sat Jan 16, 2010 6:33 pm
His ears swiveled around as Shylah's voice reached out to him. Yes they were close, he could feel it. They were back in familiar territory now, not that he found their new home to be unfamiliar anymore, but something about this place called out to him. It wasn't long after Shylah spoke those words that he could make out in the far distance Sentry Rock, the marker of the central herds border. They were very close. "There's Sentry rock up ahead." He called back to her, his voice filled with happiness. "We will be there soon."
He lowered his head as he picked up the pace, his strong muscled legs carrying him almost effortlessly through the deep snow. Blazing the path for Shylah to easily follow behind he let out a happy whinny. And though Herne had reassured him the other day that the others would be alright he did worry in the back of his mind if there were. He and Shylah had been gone a long time and until he saw the others he couldn't shake the feeling that they might not make it back in time.
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Posted: Sat Jan 16, 2010 6:45 pm
Shylah lifted her head up as the moved along in Maponus' wake, blinking against the wind and snow as he called out the sighting of Sentry Rock. Yes indeed it was the marked straight ahead it outline sharp even through the whirling snow. It was a nice familiar sight to see and while she knew they still had much to do before this terrible season ended, it did much to ease her heart.
She had been so worried..for so long that the thought of finally returning to see what remained, to make sure Divone and the others were still alright, to find out if the colt they rescued had survived made her wonder briefly what she would do with herself once that worry was through. This was a silly question of course - why she and Maponus would lead the herd to the beautiful grove they had found and then, well then they would get back to their old lives,well with a few additions - Breckin and Herne. Divone and the elder would no doubt appoint new Alpha's to rule the herd and though it was small, and had been through a terrible ordeal Shylah had no doubts in the herds ability to survive. There simply couldn't be a world without the herd in it - of that she was sure.
"Should we push through? Or rest for the night?" She asked Maponus as they drew closer to the rock and the small grove where they had sheltered on their way out. Traveling in nigh in a snow storm was generally not a wise thing to do - but ith Herne and Breckn the two horses had become infinitely braver when it came to such things. Which had probably had a hand in shortening their trip home.
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Posted: Sat Jan 16, 2010 6:58 pm
Maponus didn't answer Shylah's question right away. It wasn't that he was ignoring her, but he just wasn't sure of the answer. He wasn't tired at all even though he had been running all day, but Shylah might need to rest. He had pushed her hard during this journey, first to reach their new home, and now to return to their old. And of course they would soon be on the move again to return to the new lands. He slowed his pace a bit and then once finally arriving at Sentry rock came to a stop.
Herne flew overhead staying silent for the majority of the trip, only speaking to give direction to the stallion. Now he landed on top of Sentry rock, looking at Maponus with large yellow eyes. "Rest a short time. Eat. We will direct you at night. Time is still short."
Maponus bobbed his head in agreement before turning to look at Shylah. "We will rest here for a little while and get something to eat. Though Herne insists that time is still short and he will help guide us during the night." Turning he went into the small grove they had spent the night in when they first started their journey. Here they would be able to reach grass quicker and be sheltered from the majority of the wind and cold while resting. Not wanting to rest yet he began to dig with his large hooves to expose a large patch of grass. He scooped up a mouthful of snow to slack his thirst and then looked at Shylah. "Eat up, we need our strength, there is still a lot of traveling left for us to do." And bending his head he took a mouthful of grass, if only to prevent Shylah from pestering him about not eating while making her do so.
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Posted: Sat Jan 16, 2010 7:21 pm
Shylah didn't pester Maponus for an answer when he didn't respond right away - Maponus had never ignored her before and Shy had no reason to believe he would begin doing so now. He was probably just considering his answer she thought to herself, slowing along with him when they reached the rock. Her ears twitched slightly as he conversed with Herne and while of course she was eager to get back to the others and share the news...she was an odd mixture of weary and excited and so secretly relieved when Maponus finally answered.
It seemed like a good copromise to her, they would both get some rest and food...and still travel through a part of the night to make it back quicker. "An excellent idea" She told the tawny steed with an affectionate bump of her nose before lowering her head to graze. Shylah made sure to keep an eye on Maponus and see to it that he ate enough to keep himself going as well. "Do you think the little colt survived?" She asked Maponus as she rested under a tree a short time later.
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Posted: Sat Jan 16, 2010 7:34 pm
Tucking himself beside Shylah as she laid down to rest he nuzzled her softly. "I'm not sure, though he looked strong when we left. I doubt the Spirits would have made us find him just to let him die later." Though one could never be too certain of just what the Spirits wanted to have happen. "Worry about that later, rest now." He told her with another soft nuzzle. Letting out a deep breath Maponus closed his eyes, he wasn't tired nor did he feel like resting. His legs were eager to keep going, he could rest when they were back at their new home. But Shylah, she was strong as well, but she needed rest, he could see it in her eyes and hear it in her voice. He would never do anything to harm her, so he refused to push her harder than needed. Besides Herne had insisted that they rest so that is what the did.
"Night approaches, we must make our way." A voice rang out in Maponus' mind.
His eyes shot open at the sudden voice. Had he fallen asleep? He gave his head a shake to clear his mind. Turning his head he noticed the sun hung low in the western sky. Night was well on it's way and it was apparent that Herne was eager to get going. Nudging Shylah with his nose he spoke softly to her. "Rise my love. It is nearly night, we must be on our way." Then he rose to his feet, shaking out his body. Traveling at night was something he was not used to, but with Herne and Breckin to guide them as well as the silver light of Lady Moon he had no doubt that they would find their way to the Sacred Grove.
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Posted: Sat Jan 16, 2010 7:49 pm
Already? was the first thought to enter Shylahs mind as Maponus prodded her awake. It was harder to wake up in the evenings, she supposed that had something to do with the natural desire to start getting sleepy at that time. But neither she nor Maponus had the luxury of giving in to such things and with a slight shake of her head to clear away the fog the chocolate mare gathered her feet beneth her and rose, giving a vigorous shake to clear away any debris that might have gather on her pelt. Her eyes cast towards the setting sun and she gave Maponus an encouraging look.
"Let us be off then..the sooner we get there the quicker we can return to the new Grove" She stated with determination in her voice, they were so close to the end of this journey she wouldn't start flagging now, and she didn't want Maponus to worry about her either. "The others will love the spot we found" she continued "I just know they will"
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Posted: Sat Jan 16, 2010 8:19 pm
"Of course they will love it." He told Shylah as they made their way out of the grove. How could they not, it was the perfect spot to start their new lives, and it was clear to him that the Spirits had approved of this as well. The Spirits had blessed the pair and their owl companions with a full moon that bathed the land in a silvery glow. The air held a distinctive chill as they moved along. Herne led the way like always with Breckin either bringing up the read or flying beside Shylah.
His heart was longing to see the Sacred Grove again, to set his eyes upon Divone, Alaunus, Duska and the young foal. Eyes flickered to the owl in the lead. Herne seemed quite eager to get the horses back to their herd mates on this night, and while he didn't voice his concern over this he did wonder if he was rushing them for a specific reason or just knew how eager the horses were to see the others. Either way before long the outer edge of the Sacred Grove came into sight. "I can see the grove." He called back to Shylah, and rallied more strength from somewhere within him to increase his speed, pushing the deep snow aside as if it wasn't even there.
Maponus didn't slow down at all as he raced through the thick trees that enveloped the Grove, letting out a whinny as he did so announcing to any who were there of their arrival. They would all be asleep but as Herne had indicated earlier they were still short on time. Bringing himself to a sliding stop once inside the Grove Maponus send up a wave of snow as he did so. Herne settled onto a branch of a nearby tree, letting out a soft hoot also announcing his arrival. His ear swiveled around listening for any sound of the horses who had been here when they left.
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Posted: Sun Jan 17, 2010 8:25 am
Shylah was glad for the pathway Maponus drove through the snow drifts - the weather was not as terrible as the weather they had faced on their first journey but it was still irritating enough and Shylah was sure that without Maponus' larger form to carve the way she would be even twice as tired as she was now. Or else taken twice as long to get as far. Neither were good options as far as she was concerned and so she was more then pleased to have the tawny stallion lead the way.
Despite the aches and weariness that came from such a long trip however even Shylah could not help but pick up the pace as Maponus said he spotted the grove, a sudden surge of adrenaline enough to counteract how tired she was and the chocolate mare skid to a stop not long after her mate, Breckin landing silently in a tree beside her, his great weight causing the branch to shudder slightly. "Divone?" she called out hopefully ears pricked and eyes scanning the trees in hope of seeing the roaned elder.
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Posted: Sun Jan 17, 2010 8:45 am
Divone has been slumbering with the rest of the survivors when her ears twitched slightly - she could have sworn she heard the sound of hoof beats through the tress. For a while she thought it must be her imagination but then a familiar whinny rang through true and clear and moments later a more feminine voice calling her name.
Shylah and Maponus?! She and the other Elders had been starting to worry after the two young horses, they had been gone for nearly an entire moon cycle now and several more members of the herd had sickened and died while they were gone. Struggling to her feet, old bones and muscles protesting Divone hurried through the trees to meet them - she could only hope that the two brought with them good news. What would happen if they had returned only to say no place could be found? Divone shook her head - she would not think such things, the spirits she told herself had chosen those two for a reason and Divone would not question their wisdom.
Upon sighting the two horses Divone gave them a quick once over - both looked weary, though Shylah seemed to be the worse off and narrowing her eyes slightly Divone tried to pinpoint exactly why that was so. when she did her eyes widened slightly - but she chose not to reveal quite yet what she had determined about the mare. There were other mattered to attend to first. "So you have returned" She told them as she walked forward to greet them "Spirits help us I hope it is with good news"
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Posted: Sun Jan 17, 2010 9:08 am
Maponus blew out a sigh of relief as Divone made her presence known to them. He inclined his head slightly to her as she spoke. "We have good news indeed Divone. We have found a new home for what remains of the herd. It is a good distance away, but it seems the Spirits have approved of the new grove." He told the gray mare with a subtle motioning of his head to the owl perched above. "How are the others?" He asked worried about the fate of the other elders and those few who had been sick when they left. "And the colt, is he okay?"
He glanced at Shylah as she stood beside him. She looked so tired but he knew that she would be okay, there were together and the Spirits had made it very clear that no harm would come to them as long as they were together.
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Posted: Mon Jan 18, 2010 8:41 am
Shylah as so very grateful to see Divone as she made her way out of the trees - for while she had been telling herself there was nothing to fear, that Divone would be just fine - she had none the less harbored a secret fear for the older mare. Shylah was fond of Divone as a mentor and wasn't sure how the herd would fare should anything happen to her, or any of the Elders for that matter. They had already lost the Alpha pair, to loose the Elders would be catastrophic to the herd, in their will to continue as well as the day to day running of things. How could they function without not only their life Leaders, but their spiritual leaders as well?
"Yes...we were so worried about everyone" She added to Maponus' request for news on the others, she was especially curious to know what had become of the grey colt they had saved before leaving and her weight shifted nervously as she awaited Divone's answer. She was also curious about the condition of the surviving horses - would they be able to make the long trek to their new home? It would be slower she was sure...with older horses and foals to consider. Certainly they wouldn't be able to push things as hard as they had on their return trip and traveling at night would probably be out of the question. They would need to ensure everyone had enough time to eat and drink...yes it would be a wholly different trip then the ones she and Maponus had taken.
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Posted: Mon Jan 18, 2010 8:49 am
Divone felt as though a great weight had been lifted from her heart at the stallions words and her eyes drifted to the owls who seemed to be accompanying the two horses- how had she missed them at first? This was something she must share with the elder - Shylah and Maponus seemed destined for great things in their lifetime, fated to be together, to save not just a foal but possibly their entire herd and way of life from fading away...and now befriended by a most sacred animal. She inclined her head in respect to the two owls before turning her attentions back to Shylah and Maponus. "That is certainly the news we have all been hoping and praying for" She told the two young horses in a warm tone.
"But come" She motioned with her muzzle before leading them further into the sheltered grove "You both need rest before you can lead us onwards to this new home you have found for us" She stated firmly with a glance to Shylah in particular. "But in answer to your question - the colt has survived, has even managed to share his name..Ikran..and will be well taken care of, Myself, Duska and Alaunus survive of the Elders, along with a handful of other survivors." She continued, deciding there was no need to share the fact that several had died while they were searching for their new home. They would feel guilty she knew though it was no fault of theirs.
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Posted: Mon Jan 18, 2010 9:03 am
Maponus followed Divone into the more sheltered grove, casting a glance at Herne as he did so. He wasn't sure if the owl would follow or stay out here. Blowing out a sigh of relief at the news of the survivors, especially that of the foal, Maponus was glad that they arrived back when they did. It would have been a sad day had they been greeted with new of his or any other horses death. As he entered the smaller grove his eyes fell upon the few horses that were here. So little of a the five herds remained, and some of the horses still looked fairly weak from the sickness that had swept through the land.
"I am glad to hear that you have done well while we were gone." He finally said as he came to a stop, bowing his head in respect to Alaunus and Duska. "The journey to our new home will be long, but I know that it will be worth it." He spotted the colt, Ikran was what Divone had said his name was, and he was looking quite strong compared to the cold and weak foal he and Shylah had rescued. Though in the back of his mind he wondered if all the horses would make it during the journey, some were still a bit sick looking and of the elders Alaunus was the oldest, and he surely didn't travel much.
He turned to Shylah, his beautiful mate, and smiled. "You should eat and rest now." Then turned to face the others. "We all need to eat and rest. We have a long journey ahead come morning."
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Posted: Mon Jan 18, 2010 9:46 am
Shylah nodded to Divone and followed as she led them to a place where they could rest for the rest of the night, her eyes swept over the survivors taking in their thin profiles and ragged looking hides, but at least they were on their feet and looked hopeful for their future. Many of them had lost loved ones and family and while they would no doubt mourn their losses they were strong horses whose faith would see them through this - of that Shylah was sure.
"The colt looks well" she whispered to Maponus and being the youngest of the survivors Shylah thought that was a good thing, the strength he had acquired while they were away would serve him well on their trip to their new home, hough she feared for some of the older and still sickly looking horses. They would just have to take things slowly she told herself - there was no point in rushing if they didn't make it there intact and the herds blood had already been diluted enough by the sickness that each survivor was that much more precious.
"You need to follow your on advice" She told Maponus with a gentle nuzzle, wishing to make sure he kept his own strength up, he might be excited now but she knew he'd pushed himself hard on the trip as well. Surely he must be tired too. With one last warm look Shylah fell to eating and then found a suitable place to sleep for the remainder of the night.
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