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 Posted: Fri Jun 06, 2014 10:06 am
 The winter had been long, cold and snow filled. Here in this isolated area the herd was used to long and cold winters, however this winter had been even worse than normal. While other herds may struggle through such experiences the DreamWalkers had made it through strong. This winter had been a challenge sent to them from the Oneiroi. Life for the herd was a delicate balance between the trials and blessing of the Oneiroi. It was these experiences, along with their strong beliefs that allowed this herd to prosper in such a land that few others could survive in. Now spring had finally arrived, the pathway to their home was free of snow and open once more to allow dream creatures access to their life. While Phasianidae enjoyed life year round, it was in the spring when the dreams commenced once more that she truly felt the most alive. The dreams after all were blessings from the Oneiroi and she looked forward to seeing what her herd would experience in the coming months.
She walked through the land with it's carpet of low lying mist taking in the activities of the herd members. Spring and summer were their busiest times. The collectors had only a few short months to gather what the herd needed for the upcoming winter and after the winter they had endured there was a good chance that all ranks would be assigned to collector duty at some point to ensure they would have enough. Her gaze shifted to where the pass lay, though she could not see it due to the mist she knew where it lay and she wondered what blessings and nightmares would visit the herd this year. Would the Oneiroi be kind after such a harsh winter or were their more trials for the herd to endure in the coming months? She would speak to the Oracles about this, they must do everything in their power to ensure their Gods were happy and thus that the herd remained strong and faithful.
Turning she made her way though the lands towards the Oracles area. There she could speak to them and gain their wisdom and insight of what would await the herd.
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Posted: Fri Jun 06, 2014 10:35 am
 It was a most wonderful time of year spring, a time to celebrate the herd and it's ability to once more flourish after the tribulations that the Oneiroi had deemed appropriate to toss upon them. The winter season had been a hard one, Drifa had not been surprised - none of the herd had been. She and the other Oracles had warned the herd that the the Oneiroi were in a particularly testy mood when fall arrived so early last summer.
Drifa could only hope that the herds hardiness throughout the winter had pleased their Gods. Thus far it seemed to be so, the first bud had opened upon a tree just yesterday - it was a good omen so early in the season. When the leaf had fully unraveled they would harvest it for use in the spring prayer..until then it would be guarded by the Oracles..it simply wouldn't do to have some wild creature eat the First Leaf. Drifa shuddered at what the Oneiroi might do to them should they allow such a sacrilege to happen. Winter might return, killing the tender tree buds and shoots of grass, delaying the growing season and dooming the herd to a hard year of struggle and toil ... she had heard the stories, it had happened before.
Before the Spring Prayer could commence and the First Leaf harvested however there was much to do, the pass must be cleansed of winters burdens..else no friendly dream creatures would be sent, only Nightmares, strong and tireless to punish them for being lazy and unobservant, the gatherer's plots must be blessed to ensure a good harvest. and a myriad of other chores to be seen to. They must hurry..the First Leaf had come quicker then normal and as such tey were short on the usual time to prepare. Why she didn't even think anyone had had the chance to inform the Luminary yet! Giving a slight shake of her head Drifa picked up her pace as she started down the path from the Oracles abode.
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Posted: Fri Jun 06, 2014 10:48 am
Phasianidae took in the world around her as she made her way towards the Oracles abode. Everything here was a gift from the Oneiroi and so was to be enjoyed by all. Even something simply like the chirp of a cricket was a small blessing from the Oneiroi, letting the herd know that they were here, they were watch and, for now at least, that they were happy. All around her was life, her herd and the signs that the Oneiroi continued to bless them. What more could she ask for?
As she continued her way down the path that would lead her to the Oracles she caught a bit of color through the mist. She slowed, taking a good look at what was heading her way. One could never be certain when a test of faith would appear before them and as such it was best to remain observant and watch for any signs until they knew what lay before them. Slowly the color solidified itself as the shape came out of the mists. When it came into focus Phasianidae saw that it was one of the herds Oracles Drifa. Thanks to the Oneiroi who were delivering her destination to her. The mare continued forward now until she was closer to the Oracle and came to a stop. "May the Oneiroi bless you and all that you do." She said in greeting to the pale colored mare. Drifa was a well established Oracle in the herd, rising to her rank around the same time that Phasianidae became their leader, their Luminary. Truly the Oneiroi had smiled upon both mares as they passed the trials to achieve such high ranks.
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Posted: Fri Jun 06, 2014 11:13 am
"And may they continue to shine their light upon you in favor" Drifa responded as she drew to a halt before Phasianidae, the elegant most favored of their herd. The fact that the Oneiroi had seen fit to make her cross paths with the one she had been going in search of was another good sign - if they were irritated with her currently they might have made her search for the Luminary - a trying task in the herds mist filled lands.
"I was just coming to seek you. The Oneiroi have blessed us with an easy search." She shared with the other mare, a warm look in her eyes. "There is something you must see in the Gladelands." She told their leader a slight motion of her muzzle towards the span of trees she referred to. She could of course tell her that the First Leaf had opened but it was better to let her see the blessing for herself. The Oneiroi liked it when the herd gave such things their full attention, and to see something in person was far more appreciating then merely being told of it second hoof.
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Posted: Sat Jul 19, 2014 7:25 am
The mare smiled at the return greeting. "The Oneiroi have indeed blessed us, for I was on my way to speak with the Oracles." It was obvious that today the Oneiroi were happy with the two mares, perhaps even the whole herd, and that was good. Even the smallest of gestures made by the Oneiroi could have huge impacts on the herd if they were not accepted properly. All it took were a few words to acknowledge the gift, in some cases there was more needed, but today both mares had spoken of the Oneiroi presenting them with what they were looking for and thus they would be happy.
As Drifa said there was something to see, Pha nodded her head. There could be many reasons for the Oracle to seek her out, but with the Oneiroi helping them both find each other in the mist it meant that what was to be seen was special. "Lead the way Drifa." Though she knew her way around the herd lands well enough to travel them blind Phasianidae knew the importance of letting others guide her as well. She may be their Luminary, their leader, but that did not mean there weren't things for her to still learn, and that she still needed to listen to and take advice from those around her. She waited for the Oracle to begin walking before falling into step beside her. What wonder did the Oracle and the Oneiroi hold in store for her today. Though she had sought out Drifa to see what sort of things may lay in the herds immediate future she would wait until she had seen what the Oracle wished to show her before voicing her questions and concerns about the herd.
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Posted: Sat Jul 19, 2014 2:12 pm
At her leaders urging Drifa turned to lead the way to the Gladelands where the first leaf awaited them in all it's splendor. "I think you will be most pleased with what you see." Drifa told the mare as she fell into step beside her - of course how could one not be pleased with the promise of such an early spring? Spring was a time of plenty in the headlands, as the winter receded and life returned to the valley existence became much easier for the residents of the herd.
Scarecly had she gone a few steps however before the sound of another, approaching through the mist caught her attention and Drifa turned her gaze, squinting into the mist to see who it was who was coming - another Oracle perhaps? It would not be all that surprising as they traveled along one of the herds main pathways throughout the land.
... but no, an eerie blue glow began to emerge from the mists and Drifa knew of only one in the herd who presently created such an effect. "My Lord." Drifa spoke up, dipping her head in greeting as Ramiel appeared.  Ramiel had been returning from checking upon the condition of the high pass, moving quickly back towards the meeting stone where he was likely to find some of his Champions lurking around, about halfway there however he had changed his mind and turned towards the Gladelands for reasons unknown but Ramiel had long ago learned not to ignore such instincts and this time,as they normally did, his instinct has led him true once more.
"Milady, Drifa.." He greet the two mares as he came upon them, a slight dip of his head towards Phasianidae in respect, the runes upon his antlers glowing slightly brighter as they reflected in the misty air, feather crest flaring as he ruffled his feathers and shook his mane to rid himself of the persistent droplets that saturated the air, It was a loosing battle...but a habitual motion that he did none the less. "Do you mind if I join you? I've just been to the High pass and could use a brisk warming walk." He stated
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Posted: Sat Jul 19, 2014 2:53 pm
"I look forward to seeing what you have to show me." She told the Oracle as they walked. Whatever it was, Phasianidae would thank the Oneiroi for it, for surely with the way Drifa was reacting it was good news indeed.Her gaze shifted about the same time that Drifa's did. It was hard to tell who was coming to them in their mist filled home, such was the way the Oneiroi worked, keeping things hidden from them until they absolutely needed to know. All would be revealed with time and patience. And within a few moments they knew who approached, as the soft blue glow of the herds Guardian Ramiel came through the mist.
"Ramiel." She greeted the stallion with a slight nod. He was just below her as far as herd rank went, and so she treated him as her equal. Though truly every herd member deserved that much respect as long as they stuck to the herd beliefs and did nothing to upset the Oneiroi. "You are most welcome to join us. Drifa has something to show me in the Gladelands, I am sure she would want you to see it as well." She said with a smile as she continued along the path that would lead them to their destination. "I trust everything is well in the High Pass." If there was truly he would have said so, but knowing even when things were as they should be was important to her and the herd, and so she asked about the state of the High Pass.
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Posted: Mon Jul 21, 2014 8:52 am
"Oh yes of course, you should see it as well Ramiel." Drifa stated in agreement when it became obvious that Ramiel would be joining them and started off once more, her pace ,maybe, slightly hurried. It wasn't that the first leaf wouldn't wait - indeed it would take a while longer to even fully unroll itself, but out of pure excitement. It was hard to move slowly when such wonderful things awaited you just up ahead. If she had been alone she probably would have broken into a trot - but she wasn't and out of respect for her two companions she made the effort to keep the pace somewhat polite so that they could speak to one another without huffing and puffing or otherwise being distracted.
Of course when the Luminary asked after the condition of the High Pass Drifa flicked her ears back so that she could hear his reply, it was a topic of great interest to most of the herd - for nearly half the year the pass was difficult if not impossible to travel, it was almost as though the Oneiroi knew that the herd would have difficulties during those months and so gifted them by blocking the pass to keep dream creatures from further burdening them...but in the spring, when the snows melted and the weather turned the pass began to open and the herd was once more open for such visiting dreams.
Falling into step with the two mares Ramiel considered his answer about the High Pass, he was well aware that, though the question was asked in a cursory manner, his answer was none the less of high importance and whatever he said would likely be repeated throughout the rest of the herd before too long. It was something of a matter of pride for Ramiel - that he had become well known for predicting when the pass would be fully open and so he wasn't going to give an answer without fully considering it.
Of course he was also partially teasing the mares, he had made actual prediction only a short time after looking the pass over..but he liked to watch them squirm while he made it seem as though he was debating it further. "Three days - if the weather holds, if it chills again then I will have to reevaluate." He finally answered. Three days and they could expect the pass to be fully open, capable of letting the Dream Creatures through. Sometimes that was good..sometimes that was bad, only time and the Oneiroi's current temper would tell how things would go this season.
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Posted: Fri Aug 01, 2014 6:06 pm
As her gaze shifted from the herds Guardian to the Oracle leading them to the Gladelands she could see the hurried excited pace that Drifa was trying hard to stop herself from falling into. The excitement she was picking up from the Oracle was a good sign, it meant whatever awaited her in the Gladelands was indeed a blessing from the Oneiroi. She just needed to get there first to see exactly what it was. With spring here there were a number of possibilities. She could spend a day guessing at it, but that was not what her time here was meant for. A smile graced her lips as she looked back to Ramiel, it was good that he was here to see the surprise as well. As the one in charge of keeping the herd safe Ramiel had just as much interest in the herds blessings, and curses for that matter, than Phasianidea did.
Hearing Ramiels estimation of when the pass would likely be open the mare nodded. "Three days. It does not give us much time." And yet, after the winter they had the pass opening soon would be a welcome thing. For it also meant spring and the easier months were here. The months of the Oneiroi's bounty were a special time for the herd and as such they would be far busier gathering, learning, preparing and accepting what the Oneiroi sent to them. She thought about the pass opening, it meant the dream creatures could come to their lands once more. Often the nightmares waited, allowing many good dreams to filter through before sending in their horrors. But after such a hard winter Phasianidae was not sure if their trials were truly over or not. She did not want the herd caught off guard and unprepared if the Oneiroi sent nightmares as the first test of spring. "The winter was hard on us. While I pray that the Oneiroi are kind to us once the pass opens I would like you to arrange to have the guards doubled at the pass from now until a week after it opens. We cannot let them think we have forgotten that they can the bad as well as the good." With life only just returning to their lands after so many harsh months it would be a tragedy to fall into complacency and offend their Gods.
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Posted: Wed Aug 06, 2014 9:54 am
"Of course, the light of your wisdom shines brightly on the shadows of our world Milady." Ramiel agreed with a dignified nod of his runed antlers, it was good that she thought of such things. In the past the herd had had leaders who neglected their Gods darker natures, who had forgotten that the Oneiroi liked to test shier chosen as much as they liked to bless them. Such periods in the herds past were fraught with sad stories and terrible encounters. Yes..it was good to recall both sides of their God's tempers and it gave Ramiel great hope for the herds future under Phasianidae's leadership
"I will ensure that the guards are posted as soon as Drifa finishes showing us when she has found. Three days is not a great deal of time - but it will be enough" The stallion concluded with a glance towards the Oracle which led them, whatever it was she had to show them must be worthwhile if her pace and barely contained excitement were any indication. In any case he would make sure that his preparations for the opening pass were completed in good time. The Champions would have much to do but they would see it done as they always did.
Drifa listened to the conversation behind her but her attention had slipped to what she was coming up to after Ramiel had disclosed his guess about the Pass. Three days - well it would be enough time, she would have to contact the other Oracles and get things moving but for now...for now she would reveal the FIrst Leaf to Ramiel and Phasianidae.
Having reached the tree which had been blessed to bear the First Leaf Drifa stopped and turned about to face her companions. "It is will great honor that we have been blessed with the arrival of the first leaf." She told the two Soquili, stepping aside to reveal the new and still slightly curled leaf. It was small still but it would grow an with it spring would arrive. "It is earlier then any other I have seen during my time." She told the other two "It was only by chance that we happened to spot it as we did not expect to see it for another few weeks at least."
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Posted: Wed Aug 06, 2014 10:19 am
Phasianidea cast a smile at Ramiel. She was fortunate that it was he whom the Oneiroi had chosen as the herds Guardian, he was well versed to protect them but also had a way with words that was almost poetic at times. She gave a nod of her head as he explained that he would set to the task immediately after seeing to what awaited for them in the Gladelands. "Have them bring me daily reports. Any movement within the mist, even if it does not enter out lands, should be reported. If there is greater activity than normal in the pass we will continue the double guard past the first week." She gave her head a slight shake, while she did not expect danger it was better to be prepared, after all the Oneiroi were fond of playing tricks to those who were unprepared and unobservant.
Now that they had reached the Gladelands she turned her attention to Drifa as the mare stopped beside a tree. Hearing that the First Leaf had arrived already was wonderful news and she stepped closer to inspect it. Dropping her head in a low bow she spoke. "Thank you." She said in a whisper, acknowledging their early blessing, and then turned to Drifa. "It is a good blessing for us to receive the First Leaf so soon. Now we have even more to prepare for." She turned her attention to Ramiel. "Can you spare a couple of guards to keep watch over the tree until the leaf fully opened and the ceremonies can be preformed." It would be a terrible thing to allow anything to happen to the First Leaf. She turned her attention back to Drifa. "I think this calls for a grand celebration." Of course there would always be a ceremony for the First Leaf, but to have one arrive this early meant that something beyond the normal must be given to show their Gods how much they appreciate it. "We cannot let such good fortune go to waste or else we will offend the Oneiroi."
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Posted: Wed Aug 06, 2014 10:33 am
It was nice to find that every so often he could still be surprised, he hadn't been sure what Drifa had been taking them to see but the stallion had not expected to be shown the first leaf. It would have been easier for the leaf to arrive after the pass was over - as now he would have to split his guards between duties, however if that was what the Oneiroi required of him then he would find a way to see it through. "For the first leaf I will find a way." He told the two mares before him.
Indeed to let harm befall the first leaf would be a rather disastrous way to start the spring season and one that the Oneiroi would not forget. There were some among his ranks who had earned the honor of guarding the leaf and he would see they had the chance, certainly it was a duty more sought after then guarding the pass. It seemed that everything was happening early this year, Ramiel had yet to decide if this was a good sign or a bad one.
Drifa was quite pleased by the reactions of her companions, oh Ramiel seemed aloof about it but she chalked that up to his thoughts towards keeping it safe. There was a great deal of pressure in the stallions job and Drifa knew that it often weighed upon him heavily - especially when the Oneiroi chose to challenge them with multiple events at once. "I will have some of the Oracles in training help guard the leaf as well - surely the extra eyes will help and the tree must be prepared through prayer in any case." She offered in the hopes of easing the stallions mind.
"This years celebration will be the best we have ever hosted." She promised Phasianidae with a slight bob of her head. "The Oneiroi will know that we have noticed and are thankful for such a blessing." Drifa would make sure there was no doubt about that.
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Posted: Wed Sep 10, 2014 9:24 am
Though the guard would be stretched thin in this time Phasianidea was happy to hear that they would both be able to make it work. Everything was happening at once it seemed and it made her wonder what other tests the Oneiroi would throw their way. It had been a trying winter but she knew that the herd would be able to see through even the most difficult of spring trials because they were so devoted to their ways. "Between your guards and the oracles to keep watch of it and get the tree prepared I am confident that nothing with happen to the leaf and that the Oneiroi will be very pleased with our attention to this most special occasion." That being said, the herd would be put into overdrive for the next few days. There would be much to do between watching the pass, preparing for the springs first dream creatures arrivals, the celebration of the First Leaf and of course working out what needed to be done to prepare themselves for the upcoming season as well as planning for the winter to come.
"We all have much to do. News of the First Leaf must be spread quickly so that everyone knows how blessed we are this day. I will see to that duty to allow the both of you to make the necessary arrangements that we already discussed." She turned her attention to Drifa. "I have no doubt in my mind that your Oracles will blow us and the Oneiroi away with this years celebration."
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Posted: Mon Sep 15, 2014 6:58 am
Ramiel bowed his head in dignified acceptance of the busy tasks ahead - such was the way of life in the herd, winter was hard but a somewhat lazy time as the weather kept the pass closed and the herd spent most days with little to do but survive, something that was thankfully not normally difficult thanks to their preparations..spring and summer thought, they were a completely different story, busy and filled with a great deal of what he liked to call 'organized chaos' they were seasons of both great joy but great work.
"I will take my leave then and see that the guards are appraised of the current situation.May you both have a blessed day." He told the two mares before turning and trotting off.
Drifa was all but glowing with the confidence Phasianidae had in her and the other Oracles - of course with that confidence came a great deal of responsibility and Drifa was determined to make sure that their leaders thoughts about them would be proven true. The celebration would be everything the herd needed and more, it would be the celebration of the year! For that to happen of course meant that she would need to gather the rest of the Oracles and start delegating tasks. Like Ramiel she had a great deal to see to.
"I am sure that this news will bolster spirits and set the herd to task after such a hard winter." Drifa remarked, at the moment the herd was stuck in somewhat of an end of season slump - everyone was tired of the cold dreary weather and dried up stores to eat, the news that spring was well and truly on the way would do a great deal to restore morale and motivation. "If anyone you come across is especially eager to help I am sure that I will be able to find a task for them if you want to send them this way." She offered, she could use a few extra bodies cleaning up the celebration grounds or helping to take stock of the remaining stores for the feast.
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Posted: Mon Sep 15, 2014 7:08 am
"May the Oneiroi guide and bless you in your tasks." She said to Ramiel as he made his leave. He would certainly find himself overly busy for the next few days, perhaps even few weeks, but she knew the stallion well and knew that he was at his best in moments like this when there seemed to be more work to do than they could keep up with. She was very confident that he would sort out in the guarding duties with quick efficiency and before the day was done everyone would have their tasks under way.
Turning her attention back to Drifa the mare smiled. "Indeed, the winter was hard on us all but this news will undoubtedly lift everyone's spirits." She ahd felt her own spirits life greatly at the sight of the small, still curled up leaf. Even now she could feel a warm of happiness flowing through her that the Oneiroi thought to bless them in such a special, and early way. Though she was always grateful of her role as leader of the herd, it was days like this that made her truly cherish her status and what it meant. "I will be sure to sent willing volunteers your way. I am certain that there will be many who wish to help with such a special occasion." Of course she would need to ensure that the other day to day tasks were still performed. Spring may be arriving, but there was so much they needed to do in these few short months of nice weather to prepare for the next winter ahead. "Is there anything else you need from me at the moment?" She asked Drifa.
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