Welcome to Gaia! ::

Today, a small earthquake tore through the desert. It was more a nuisance than it was life threatening, since only light things, like teepees, were knocked down. It had also increased the pressure on some groundwater, which liquefied some sand, creating quicksand.

It was just Kai's luck that she would wander right into this quicksand. "Don't panic. Everything is going to be fine." This was far easier said than done. Even after she said that, she was shaking in her boots.

Then, she looked down and saw that she was just up to her knees and that not only was she not sinking further, but her body was bobbing up and down in the quicksand instead. She sighed in relief and said, "I'm floating. That's a good sign."

Now, she looked around to see if there was anything in reach that she could use to pull herself on dry land. She saw some branches from a dead tree, but sadly, they were just out of reach. She paddled towards them, but she only moved a few inches, before the pain became too much to bear. "Darn, I'll have to break down and do it then... HELP! PLEASE! I'm stuck here!"

Kai's ears perked up. She heard galloping! Someone was coming! She smiled and thought, Oh, glorious day! Someone must've heard me and now, he's here to help me. Her heart raced in joyous anticipation.

Then, something else came to mind. Either that or that's a Skinwalker who is planning to eat me. They do like to prey on the vulnerable, now, don't they? As if my luck could get any worse. She rolled her eyes and sighed after that.

Her fears were allayed when she saw the stallion that had come to her aid. He looked like a rainbow when he galloped over to her and he got straight to the point, instead of dilly-dallying, which she appreciated. "Yes, I don't have any injuries. I'm just exhausted and two of my legs are awfully cramped."

When he offered her his blanket, she grabbed onto it tightly with her teeth and pulled herself onto dry land again.

This was a new feeling. Her mane and tail were disheveled and her legs were soaking wet and caked with mud. It felt as if there was a great load on her shoulders and her legs felt like they had been swapped with the trunks of giant sequoias.

It felt like she had to take great pains just to look directly in front of her at her savior. Why am I so tired? In between pants, she said, "Thank you so much, sir." Then, "Please call me Kai. To whom do I owe the pleasure of speaking to?"