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 Posted: Thu Feb 24, 2011 4:21 pm
Self-RP by Aniira, including Ominos, Kanani, Kamakana, and Liella. May have one more addition later, but we'll see.   
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Posted: Thu Feb 24, 2011 4:40 pm
Kanani paused on the path, glancing to her side to see her daughter, Kamakana, and her friend Liella. They had decided to steal away for a short walk, letting Crisanto and Hanna take care of the young foals. Kanani was glad for the respite, for she had been spending much time with her younger children lately and felt as if she had a large weight on her shoulders. It wasn't the quality time, of course, but something had been picking at her thoughts and had made her uneasy and distracted. She hoped that a walk away from the commotion of her large family would help clear her mind.
She smiled at the other two mares and said, "Strange, the weather has been so warm lately... but today it seems colder. Almost as if a foreboding." She sighed, letting her eyes glance away. "I've been having strange feelings, as if something bad is going to happen. Have you noticed anything?"
Kamakana's heart fell as her mother voiced her concern. True, things had been different lately. Ever since her mother's old friend, Liella, had come to the herd seeking sanctuary, the herd had had to pick up their guardian routine, as if an attack was on its way. She hadn't learned of the whole reason Liella had been so distraught when she came to them, but she had a feeling that trouble was following her.
"I've only noticed the added tension, mother. But nothing physical... my brothers have not seen anything either. Why must you be so worried?" She glanced sideways to the pristine mare beside her, a slightly accusing look in her eyes.
Liella had to glance down at the ground, her cheeks reddening slightly. She knew that the reason for the herd's unrest was her sudden arrival and news of her daughter's kidnapping. She had brought bad tidings... but she hadn't known anywhere else to go! Her son was far away, unknown to her. Her youngest and "special" daughter had been kidnapped by a fearsome Kalona monster. Her eldest daughter had ran off, frightened, and forgotten about her mother! What else was Liella to do? Half her heart was torn, and she was still trying to heal, praying that Ianthe would make her way back to the herd.
"I... I have not noticed anything," she murmured quietly. She was not the most observant mare, for her life was about song and fairytale and dancing in moonlit glades. Never had her life been this serious, and half the time she didn't even know how to handle it!
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Posted: Thu Feb 24, 2011 4:54 pm
Kanani made a slight huffing noise at her eldest daughter. Kama had a way of expressing her thoughts more than openly, and despite the fact that most of the unrest WAS Liella's fault, she didn't feel like the poor mare deserved it. It just seemed as if bad luck had been following her around, like bees attracted to a bright flower. It had been natural that Kanani had offered her sanctuary and love in Haven, for Liella was her oldest friend and prior teepee mate. Besides, Haven was a safe place for any Soquili who needed help and comfort. Liella had no where else to go.
"My dear daughter... I must be concerned because it is my duty to protect Haven. And the ones I love. This feeling is one I've not felt in a long time, and I'm sure that it means no wellness." She stopped in her tracks, realizing that they had veered off of the main path. Her nose raised to sniff at the forest air, and she frowned, realizing that they had gone farther north than wanted. They were close to the darker, denser woods of the upper herd lands. A place where enemies could easily breach the borders...
"I think that we have traveled too far... perhaps we should turn around," she stated, her voice low and rough. It was not a suggestion, but rather a command. Things were dark enough in these parts, and this feeling was not helping.
Off to the north, across the rocky river of Haven, the kalona Ominos had landed, a successful kill under his hooves. He bent low and grabbed a hunk of meat from the deer's neck, ripping upwards to dislodge it from bone. Lifting his head, he gulped it down in a shaking motion, his sharp teeth clacking. Then he stood up straight, ears perked, as a fresh scent came to his nose. One kill had been lucky enough, but now the scent of fresh prey came to him. Fresh... Soquili... and female. Yes, he wanted to see more. And with the way the trees shaded him from the sunlight, he could see very well in this forest. A dark grin came to his mouth as he launched himself across the raging water, bloodied deer corpse forgotten behind him.
His large form blended in perfectly with the shadows, though he hated how his wings scraped against the lower branches. It was not long, however, until he came into viewing range of his new prey. Three mares, and one with amazing beauty... and she smelled so good! But wait... something was familiar about her. Who was she...? His mind searched for answers, and then his eyes widened as the thought came to his mind.
His master's mate. This... this was her mother!
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Posted: Thu Feb 24, 2011 6:48 pm
Kanani's ears pinned back as a twig broke to the small group's side--she glanced into the trees, though the dense canopy and the dimming light of the day kept anything more than a few strides away hidden from sight. She felt a pull at the pit of her stomach, and wished that she had paid more attention to their path. The northwoods were not a pleasant place for mere romping, and had to be guarded constantly by one of the males. The southern portion of the forest was much more lighted and cheerful than this place, though the territory improved once the wildflower fields of the north were breached. If only the trees were not so dense here...
"Come, in front of me, both of you. Let us return!" She nudged the other mares in front of her, taking care to keep her eyes on the trees behind them. Something was there... she could feel it.
Kamakana wasted no time obeying her mother, yet could not suppress the sudden need to protect her family and friends. Despite her small size, she thought herself quite formidable, at least with words, and would do whatever she could to help the herd. If only she knew what was wrong.
"Mother, what is it? Is there something behind us?" she asked, glancing behind into the depth of the trees. She blinked her eyes as a glint of gold revealed itself from the shadowy depths, but tried to erase the thought from her mind. Surely an enemy couldn't have made it this far into the herd territory... surely her father would have known by now? Or perhaps her brothers? She realized that the herd was in desperate need of more warriors... too bad Kristan was only a foal. He seemed to have quite a spirit in him.
"Come, Liella. We must be quick, as mother says."
Liella, however, felt fear in her heart at the first sound of the twig snapping. It had happened the same way when Cherish was stolen from her... and that beast had spirited her away! And poor Ianthe, whom was still lost to her! She knew that it could have been the wind in the this moment, that perhaps Kanani was overacting. But a deeper feeling caused her blood to run cold, and she could swear that there was a glint of gold in the shadows...
She willed herself to move, but her voice was shaky with fear. "Kanani, I think something's in there. What will we do if we are attacked? I can't fight! I can't be stolen away!" Tears brimmed in her eyes, and despite her want to will them away, one ran down her cheek. Cherish... her poor daughter. And it was all her fault!
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Posted: Thu Feb 24, 2011 6:57 pm
Ominos felt the blood boil in his body--he wanted to rage into their little group, tear them to pieces! He knew of the hatred that Demon had for any horse that wished to take Cherish away from him, and why wouldn't her mother be the best candidate? Just look at her... beautiful and pristine, like a little nymph. She most likely was already devising a plan to get her daughter back... how foolish of her. Ominos would end her for Demon!
Then again, what if the fierce Kalona leader wanted her alive? Perhaps Ominos could try to spirit her away into Demon's territory. And then he might earn a reward... a large animal to eat, perhaps? Without the task of hunting it? Or maybe even another Soquili. Yes, he would love to feast on the blood of an Angeni, or one of those beautiful unicorns. The thought made his mouth water.
Thus, decision made, he leapt out from the trees, letting loose a roar of hatred. His light eyes seemed to glow in the dimness of the trees, and his tail whipped wildly behind him, showing the shear strength that was enclosed in his large body. Defeating these mares should be no problem, he was nearly twice as large as the largest one! And they were only mares... soft little things.
He stormed forward, taking care to have his time taunting them. Then he stood still, his teeth exposed in a feral grin, and his deep voice bellowed, "You, nymph mare! You are mine!" He chuckled darkly as her legs trembled, enjoying her fear.
"And your friends... they will DIE!"
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Posted: Thu Feb 24, 2011 8:07 pm
Kanani gasped as the Kalona barged from the trees, instantly placing herself between him and the other mares. Her chest tightened at the sight of him--the golden horns, the sharp teeth, the piercing brightness of his eyes, the muscles and overall powerful look of his large frame. How had he made it so easily into Haven lands? The northern woods... the river... it had to have been there. No where else was guarded so little... she belittled her foolishness. No longer would she take peace for granted!
And then he spoke of Liella. Did he know her? But how could he? But the blithe mare's story of her daughter's kidnapping came to Kanani's mind. Could this Kalona be affiliated with the one who had kidnapped Cherish? That had to be the only way he knew her...
"You will kill no one!" she shouted, puffing her chest out as much as she could. Then she glanced back at the other two mares, her eyes holding the glint of terror as she gazed at her daughter. "Kama! Get out of here! Go find help! And take Liella with you!" Then she turned back to the Kalona, lip trembling, but otherwise stout and ready for what must come.
Kamakana yelped as the monster jumped from the trees, instantly pulling back. But she couldn't leave her mother so vulnerable! Despite her bravery, Kanani was but a mare, and only herself. She needed help, and now!
"Mother, I will not leave you!" she shouted, looking around for something to help them. A stick might be used for jabbing, but would it do any good against a Kalona's teeth? No, not as much as they needed. But maybe she could distract it...
It was time to tap into her innate shrinking power, though she hated using it. She was small enough as it was!
"Mother, when I say run, you must run!"
Liella was frozen in fear. How did this beast know her? Did he have contact with the Kalona who stole her daughter? Had he SEEN Cherish? Been close to her? ......HURT HER?
No! The thought brought sudden anger an anguish to her heart. She couldn't bear the thought of her daughter being so close to beasts like this! She had to do something... and she couldn't be the death of her friends. She couldn't let this happen again.
She grabbed a stick from the ground, running forward to stab at the Kalona's side. She hadn't anticipated the blow from his strong tail, though, and went flying to the side, stick snapped in half. She moaned as she landed in a heap, dirt clinging to every inch of her hide.
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Posted: Sun Mar 20, 2011 9:38 am
Ominos ignored the two brown mares as he watched the blue mare flop to the ground, her beautiful mane tangled and dirt laden as she slid in the dust. He laughed darkly, not remembering the time he had this much fun. He usually didn't have the thought process to prevent himself from killing his prey quickly, for his stomach usually ruled over his desires. But he was full from his meal of deer and wanted to see this blue mare suffer before he stole her away.
Perhaps it was his foolishness that caused him to stalk towards Liella, or the fact that he thought every mare inferior except those of his own kind. But, whereas he had wanted to finish them quickly, he now only wanted to taunt the blue mare, and left the other two alone behind him.
He moved forward, tail lashing. "Liella, is it? I haven't forgotten your name. You look just like your daughter... Cherish, right?" A look of concern passed over the mare's face. "Yes, I've seen her. I KNOW where she is. And I know what HE does to her." He was talking about Demon, of course. THough the other Kalona never hurt Cherish, or even disturbed a piece of hair on her hide. But Ominos felt like lying for the sake of this enjoyment...
"Don't worry, I'll take you to her. Only so she can watch you die under my master's teeth!" He was about to lunge forward, to lash at her with his cloven hooves, when something buzzed by his face and, disbelievingly, "kicked" at his eye! He roared, thrashing his head about, trying to rid the sudden pain of his sensitive eye. What the Hell was going on?
He finally opened his eyes again, only to see that the blue mare had risen and moved away with the help of the deer-like female. And then he spotted his attacker--the flutter mare had shrunk, and was picking up tiny pebbles from the ground to throw at his eyes. He roared, outraged that he had been foiled by a mere butterfly!
"Insolent b**** of a mare!" he growled, snapping at her small form as she buzzed by his face again.
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Posted: Sun Mar 20, 2011 9:57 am
Kamakana had pushed away all of her reservations and tapped into her innate power, shrinking her body to a mere fraction of her normal size. She sighed, disliking being the size of a butterfly, but knew that it was the only way to help her family and ensure them a chance at getting back to safety.
The Kalona had forgotten about her and Kanani, obviously holding some grudge with Liella. She wondered where he knew her from, and how he knew her daughter. The things he said were so confusing and frightening that she felt a wave of pity for the dainty mare, and the events that she had lived through. But she knew her duty, and a plan was already forming in her mind.
She grabbed a small pebble from the ground, gagging as the dirt clogged her mouth, but launched herself into the air all the same. Just as the Kalona was about to attack Liella, she dashed past his face and dropped the pebble in his eye, kicking at the orb with her back legs as she passed. She grinned in triumph as a roar of pain was heard behind her, and flew back to the ground, searching for another speck of dirt.
"Mother!" she called, looking to where Kanani stood. "Get Liella! Start heading back! I'll catch up!" Then she grabbed the pebble and flew back towards the monster, ready for another attack.
Kanani couldn't believe her eyes as her daughter shrunk and took the leading role of the battle. An array of emotions filled her chest: fear, pride, apprehension, hope. She knew that Kama would make a fine alpha one day, and hoped that this battle would not be her last.
At her daughter's cue, she ran forward and helped Liella from the ground, dodging the Kalona's sharp hooves as he thrashed. She shouldered most of the mare's weight as they hurried away, her eyebrows furrowing in worry as she noticed that Liella had sprained her ankle. The injury would have proved no difficulty on a normal day, for Hanna would have been more than willing to heal it. However, they were in terrible danger, and her half-uni daughter was no where in sight.
"Liella," Kanani whispered, her eyes darting back and forth between the trees and her daughter's buzzing form, "you must try your best to go back. I realize you're in pain, but you can not help in this battle. You must go and get help!" She nudged her forward, knowing that she could at least help her daughter and buy time for Liella to escape.
Liella had never been so terrified in her life, except for the time that her daughters had left her. She saw her whole life flash before her eyes as the Kalona neared her, and her heart sank as he spoke of Cherish. Her poor daughter! In the hands of nothing but ferocious, blood-thirsty beasts! She couldn't imagine it, not with Cherish being so innocent.
She closed her eyes, almost resigning to her fate, when a pained roar came from her attacker and Kanani's form helped her from the ground. She gasped as slight pain came from her ankle, but moved forward as quickly as she could.
"Me? I must go back? But what about you, Kama? And... and... what he said about Cherish... I can't! I can't leave!" Hot tears pricked at the corner of her eyes, but she fought them back, realizing her childish foolishness. She had always been like this, had never wanted to face reality. Had always lived in a dream... but it was time to face the facts. Her friends were relying on her... now was not the time to back down.
Therefore, she cleared her head and nodded. "Very well, Kanani. I will go back. But be careful! Run as soon as you get a chance. This beast... he knows no mercy!" With that, she left her friends behind, taking on an awkward gallop as she hurried back towards the herd center, and help.
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Posted: Sun Mar 20, 2011 10:06 am
Ominos turned, fury building in his chest like water behind a dam. He wanted to tear, rip, kick, stomp and smash until nothing but pulp remained of those two insolent brown mares. How dare they try to stop him, to attack him like they were worthy of a battle? They deserved nothing but death, and a dark, wet afterlife in the pit of his stomach.
He hissed as he saw Liella galloping away, albeit awkwardly, through the woods. His mind was split between following her and killing the other two. But he could always track her down when he was finished... and he knew how to find his way back to this place. If he killed the other two mares, then he would have less to worry about in the future.
Therefore, he snapped around, his eyes narrowing as he spotted the deer mare not far away. He looked around for the flutter, wanting to snap her out of the air and swallow her whole. But she was no where in sight... perhaps she had given up? He stalked towards the older mare, teeth exposed in a feral grin.
"Time to die..." he murmured, legs bunching for a pounce. But a sudden pressure came from his skull as a clump of his hair was ripped out, halting his progress. He hissed, more in annoyance than from pain, looking around for the tiny flutter. Then he found her--heading straight towards him! He didn't even have time to react before she dropped another clod of dirt in his eye and kicked at the other. He screamed in pain, his eyes tearing and blinking as he tried to rid them of dirt. His head balked this way and that, his neck muscles bulging.
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Posted: Sun Mar 20, 2011 10:28 am
Kamakana was slightly angered that her mother hadn't escaped with Liella, but knew that it wasn't her place to command Kanani. Her mother was stronger and braver than she looked, and had seen many troubles in life. Kama was confident that Kanani would find a way to help. They would defeat this Kalona with teamwork!
She flew quickly, just out of sight until the Kalona was distracted once again. Then she dashed forward, pulling out a small clump of his hair to divert his course from her mother. When he turned around, she swooped low, grabbing a mouthful of dirt, and then glided right towards him, her speed outdoing his ability to react. She dropped her load in one eye and lashed out at the other, kicking with all of her tiny might. She then dashed away, humphing in content as the Kalona thrashed, unable to do anything but fret at the pain in his eyes.
Kanani took the Kalona's distraction to reach up and break a branch from a tough-looking cedar. As far as she could remember, cedar wood was hard and broke off in sharp points. It would be the best choice as a weapon to stab the Kalona. She ignored the tiny splinters on her tongue as she wrenched the half-dead branch from the trunk, and smiled in triumph as the end came off with a pointy break.
She turned, looking for the best spot to attack. She had to be wary of the Kalona's hooves, teeth, and tail, which were thrashing about in random patterns. His wings flapped angrily, but a blow from them would not be as harmful as his other limbs. She ran forward, clearing all fear from her mind, and used all of her neck strength to thrust the branch forward, stabbing the end into his side. Luckily, his fur was just as vulnerable as theirs!
She wrenched the stick deep, ignoring the disgust in her mind as blood spurt from the wound. She let go, trying to turn away, but could not evade a blow from the strong wings. They whipped into her head, sending her flying to the ground, a long cut down her neck from the sharp talons at the end of the wing joints. But, through her muddled thoughts, she clearly heard the scream of agony from the now injured Kalona. All she could feel was satisfaction.
"Take that, you horrible wretch! That is what happens to the attackers of MY FAMILY!"
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Posted: Sun Mar 20, 2011 10:42 am
A blinding, searing pain bit into Ominos' side, and a bright flash of white blinded him. He couldn't contain the agonized scream that came from his throat, or the tears that instantly clouded his eyes. All thoughts of the mares were thrust from his mind as he twisted his neck around to inspect the damage that the cerynei had done to him. The rough end of a cedar branch extended from his side, like a fifth leg almost. Blood seeped from the wound, the edges of the torn skin were ragged and black. It hurt to breath... every intake of air brought agony and a pained shudder from his chest. And the worst part was that he couldn't reach the limb to pull it out--it was stuck in his side until he could find someone to remove it!
Sudden panic clouded his mind. He had to get back to Demon! He had to get the wound healed before it became fatal, and at this point, that didn't seem very far off. He couldn't die like this... he couldn't die at the hands of these two mares.
He flapped his wings experimentally, wincing at the searing heat of pain, but grabbing on to the hope that he could fly back quickly to Demon's territory. The stick was a hindrance to his wing strokes, but he would have to make do if he wanted to return quickly.
He glanced back at the two mares, anger once again filling his mind. He wanted to rib them to shreds, but knew that he was not in the shape for such a thing. He couldn't believe that they had bested him! Shame and rage filled his chest, along with the pain. He would save it, yes, and return someday, with twice fold the strength. He would bring their sorry family to EXTINCTION!
But at the moment, all he could do was give a loud roar, his teeth bared and threatening. Then, without another word, he flapped his wings, grunting at the pain, and rose through the trees to the sky.
The battle was over, but he knew where to begin next time. He knew where Liella was, and Demon would be all the happier for that small piece of information.
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Posted: Sun Mar 20, 2011 10:57 am
Kamakana couldn't believe what had just happened. It was like her mother had become a whole different mare. She had lost all fear, and reservations, and had put herself in the path of inevitable harm to strike at the Kalona, who was nearly twice her size. And, best of all, she had succeeded, sticking the branch into his side like a twig into mud. His roar of agony had been terrifying, deafening. But now he was gone, and it was over. Unbelievable.
She finally returned to her normal size and ran to her mother's side, concern filling her eyes. She looked over the long gash on Kanani's neck, but was relieved to see that it was shallow and did not bleed heavily. The worst part was the dark bruise forming on her mother's temple, but at least she was coherent and moving around. Thank the spirits!
"Mother, we did it! He's gone! He's finally gone!" Tears of joy ran down her face as she stooped to press her cheek against her mother's, suddenly needing the comfort that Kanani's presence brought her. The fight now seemed like some horrible nightmare, and she needed her mother's touch to cure her shock.
"Oh mother! What could that have possibly been about?! Why did he want Liella so bad? Who... who was he talking about when he spoke of her daughter? Are... are we in trouble?"
Kanani sighed, feeling the exhaustion in her limbs as her daughter returned to her side. She smiled softly, feeling both joy and dread at the Kalona's leave. Yes, he was gone... but he was not dead, and most likely would not die. And now he knew where their territory was, which was the most frightening thing of all.
She shook her head to rid the clouded mist from her thoughts, and slowly stood back up, her muscles reacting very slowly to her commands. She stood on shaky legs, but was relieved to see that nothing was broken or injured, except for the wound on her neck. She turned to her daughter and wrapped her neck around hers, hugging tightly.
"Hush, child. We will find the answers all in short time. But for now, let us rejoice in our lives." She pulled back, her eyes soft and caring as she gazed at her daughter. She really was amazing, and Kanani could see pieces of her younger self in Kamakana's eyes. She was so proud of her.
"You have shown great bravery and knowledge on this day, Kamakana. I am so proud of you, and glad to call you my daughter. I love you so much!" She touched her nose to her daughter's, enjoying the moment of tender love, then pulled back and looked towards the trees. Towards home.
"Let us return to your father. We have much to tell." And with that, they headed away from the scene of bloodshed, and towards the haven of family.
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