[PRP] First Buds of Spring ( Nebula & Drifa )

[LunaRei_SilverBlood]

Nubula lifted her nose to the air. The mist filled air flowed into her nose as she inhaled. She could smell it, the others could see it, the first bud had come. This would be the Spring Ceremony. It’s a very important ceremony too for many different reasons. It’ll be Nebula’s first spring time as an Oracle and so it meant she had more responsibilities.

In the summer months when the path opened, curious horses from the Dreamworld came. She wasn’t so sure of their harmlessness. The Dreamworld invading the reality, it could hurt the entire herd. This was the fear that was floating in her mind that morning and the entire morning. The Spring Ceremony –had- to please the Gods so that they could keep the herd safe from what lies out there.

She had been so lost in that thought that she walked right into one of the trees that grew near were Drifa resided. The purple maned mare shook her head the jewels that lines her mane flicked back and forth, she had hit it rather hard and would undoubtedly get a bump. “Ouch…” She mumbled softly mostly to herself.

Her ears perked up and she had to take a moment to get her bearings. The fog didn’t bother her or hinder her like it did or could the other horses. For Nebula was blind. Her eyes pure white and was told once they in the moon light, they glowed. The mare looked around reading the energies she felt around her to find Drifa. She was one of the 3 Oracles and the most veteran. She would know best how to handle the Spring ceremony.

“Drifa~?” She called out softly, turning toward the other mare’s energy.

 

[JetAlmeara]

LunaRei_SilverBlood

Drifa was all but brimming with excitement - as expected Ramiel and Phasianidae had been quite pleased with the news of the first leaf and the entire herd was abuzz with predictions and thoughts on what such an early budding might mean. Some thought it meant good fortune and the Oneiroi's favor, others wondered if such an early spring might just mean the Oneiroi wanted to test them more then they had last year. Drifa herself wasn't sure what it might mean, but she was sure about one thing - they had to make this Budding Festival the best in recent history. If they managed to do that then it would bring them favor with the Gods and favor from the Gods was never a bad thing - indeed if the worry warts in the herd were right and the early budding wasn't a good sign it might just bring them a bit of forgiveness..and if the rest of the herd was right and the early budding was a blessing, well, it would just make the season all that much better. Perhaps later, if she had time she would meditate on the subject and see if she could decide for herself which side of things she stood with on the this subject.

Her inner musing's were interrupted by a quiet murmuring nearby and Drift turned to see who had joined her just as Nebula called out. "Ah Nebula! Wonderful, we have much to do in preparation." She told the younger Oracle. "It's quite exciting is it not? Such an early budding! I don't think I've ever seen the first leaf this early before."

 

[LunaRei_SilverBlood]

JetAlmeara

Nebula couldn’t help but think to herself that she had never seen spring. But she dismissed the inner sarcastic thought. She realized that she was closer to Drifa that she had thought, the mares scent was stronger. Nebula felt she was lucky she hadn’t collided with the mare. That would have been truly embarrassing. Nebula lowered her head slightly with a nod. “Yes Drifa. I figured as much. Once I heard the news I came looking for you.” Nebby’s voice carried a factly tone to her. Her voice wasn’t soft or sweet, but it was still pleasant to another horse, rather than coarse.

“As it is my first spring as an Oracle, I look to you for guidance as always Drifa.” Nebula lowered her head more in a sign of respect for Drifa. The two were different in multiple ways, but Drifa was someone Nebula had always looked up too, even when she was younger.

To be learning from Drifa was a dream come true and Nebula often fretted silently over it. The last thing she wanted to do was make a huge mistake and so just like in the other ceremonies, Nebula always followed in Drifa’s lead. She wanted to make sure that the ceremonies were held right. Even the behind the scenes setting up and preparing was important. Things the other horses didn’t know happened or saw.

The smaller mare turned to walk beside Drifa. “What did you have in mind for this year’s festival?” Nebula had the past festivals describes to her but she was at a bit of a disadvantage because she wasn’t able to see what was done. And every festival Nebula had helped planned she was always worried that something might not look right and she just didn’t know. She had gotten better at sensing when items and flowers, know if it was in full bloom or if the item was damaged but it was still in progress.  

[JetAlmeara]

LunaRei_SilverBlood

Drifa gave the other mare a warm look - which the other mare couldn't see of course ,but Drifa tried to treat Nebula no different then any of the other's in the herd, that the Oneiroi had chosen to gift the mare with a different way of life was not to be shied away from or made excuses for - but embraced and cherished. Nebula might not be able to see the world as she herself did but Drifa was sure that she sensed things in other ways that were typically lost with the distraction of sight and sure the other mare could tell by tone of voice and scent that Drifa was pleased with her punctual ways.

"Your words are kind, and I pray that the Oneiroi continue to guide us both along the proper pathways." This festival was of great importance and Drifa was somewhat nervous about it's outcome, to displease the Oneiroi so early in the year would be a great shame and quite likely bring untold disaster down upon them - disaster that she and the other Oracles would not want to be blamed for.

"The Spring festival has always been a celebration of rebirth, the budding of the First Leaf is a symbol of fresh starts and new life. The herd has made it through another year as the Oneiroi's favored sons and daughters, the mistakes of last year must be forgiven and the hopes of this new year must be celebrated...as such we will hold a forgiveness ceremony, where those in the herd can formally forgive those who have slighted them this last year, it is important that we all move forward as a well balanced and cohesive herd - once the forgiveness ceremony is completed then we must allow the young and newly born to reality in the herd a chance to declare the paths the Oneiroi have set for them, each will be given a chance to dedicate themselves to a job in the herd, the Coming of Age ceremony has always been exciting for the families of the young, then there is the Prayers for New Life..., the Telling of the First Herd and the Feast and Celebration to close things out." The Feast and Celebration had always been Drifa's favorite time - but then who didn't enjoy such fun? Good food, dancing, and time with friends was always something to look forward to in her mind.

However, it was important that she not slack on the preparations for the other aspects of the festival, even if they weren't her personal favorites they were all equally important. "We must gather the proper herbs for each part of the festival, take tally of our left over stores for the feast..and choose those who will recite the prayers and stories from our own ranks. I feel we are about to get quite busy Nebula..quite busy indeed."  

[LunaRei_SilverBlood]

JetAlmeara

Nebula perked her ears up and she turned her head toward the sound of Drifa’s voice. She listed carefully as the mare talked about the Forgiveness Ceremony. That was fairly ‘standard’. Since the Spring, as Drifa mentioned, was symbolic of rebirth and starting over the Forgiveness Ceremony was key. Throughout the year the Oracles help the other members of the herd settles disputes and it was natural that sometimes someone didn’t like the way things ended and might still be holding a grudge. It was nice that when the Spring came the time to Forgive and Forget arrived and that lessened tensions among the herd members and allowed them to fully commit to the herd.

However the next event to occur that Drifa mentioned was the one that Nebula felt the most uneasy about. The foals of the herd announced the path they were given by the Gods to follow. This meant that Oracles in training could come about. Nebula was considered herself still in training and then to possibly guide the newly born in the ways… She had to be strong. Her breath caught in her throat and she exhales deeply. She was chosen for this path for a reason. She had to believe in the decision of the gods.

The other events for the Festival were what she was expecting. Her mind drifted for a moment wondering if she’d ever find someone to Pray with for New Life. But as far as she could tell, no one was interested. The mares ears give a twitch of disappointment but her spirits raised at the mention of the Feast and Celebration.

“Drifa, have there been consideration of doing the Telling of the First Herd, at the beginning of the Festival? It could help bring everyone into the mood and proper mindset for the Festival. “  

[JetAlmeara]

LunaRei_SilverBlood

Although Drifa was caught up with thoughts about the Festival and it's schedule she couldn't help but notice the reaction Nebula had to a few things - but despite being an Oracle and learning to take note of signs from the Oneiroi, Drifa was not a mind reader and the mare's reactions were not something that she could puzzle out at the moment, in any case since Nebula didn't bring up any worries or thoughts Drifa decided that she wasn't ready to speak about what was bothering her and it would be best to let it go for the moment.

When Nebula finally spoke Drifa paused thoughtfully, her ears twitching in consideration. "It has never been done that way before...but your suggestion does make sense and we do want this festival to stand out from past ones." She allowed, still mulling it over in her mind. "That might be just the change we need." She agreed with a slight bob of her head. "Perhaps you would be interested in participating in the recital?" She asked, after all it had been the mares suggestion and it was important to reward those who came up with such things..but Drifa did not want to assume the mare would want to, not everyone was comfortable speaking in front of the herd.  

[LunaRei_SilverBlood]

JetAlmeara

For some reason Nebula found it strange that no one has thought to use the Telling of the First Herd in the beginning but then again it could be something that was over looked when you thought about it. It was usually more about the content then the timing that was important. But in Nebula’s mind she thought about everyone gathering for the telling and it seemed natural because then everyone had it fresh in their thoughts to why they were there and doing the things they were doing. Then they would be able to go about the rest of the Spring Festival with appreciation.

Nebula could sense Drifa’s aura, some concern for her but she knew Drifa wasn’t the prying type. And it was all just stuff in Nebula’s head. She had to stay focused; everything else was inconsequential to what was best for the herd. But at Drifa’s question Nebula’s white eyes widened in her surprise. “A-are you certain?” She asked the other mare. This was a great honor! Nebula wanted to as helpful as possible and this was more then she had hoped for being her first time as an Oracle at the Spring Festival. “I would be greatly honored.” She smiled in the direction of Drifa. She was confident in her ability for this task. And it allowed her t think about something else and focus.

She wanted to become a stronger horse and this was a step toward that. She had to let everything else go and take those strides to be the horse and Oracle she wanted to be. It was at that point that Nebula started speaking softly to herself about the list of horses she would need to speak with to get some more in depth information on the first herd.  

[JetAlmeara]

LunaRei_SilverBlood

Nebula's response to her inquiry gave Drifa great hope for the mares future as an oracle in the herd - not that she had had any doubts in the first place - but the fact that she so clearly understood and appreciated the importance of the telling and this festival was a wonderful sign. More then once Drifa had met members of the herd who thought they wanted to truly serve the Oneroi only to find out later that what they really wanted wasn't to serve but the status that serving gave them. Drifa did her best to gently persuade such members towards other paths in life but that would not be an issue with Nebula. No she was clearly here for the right reasons and for that Drifa was grateful.

"Of course! I think you are an excellent choice for the telling of the first herd, an honor well deserved for your devotion to the herd and the Oneroi." Drifa assured the other mare. Nebula would do fine with the telling "And of course Myself, Phasianadae and Ramiel will be available to help you should you need it." She added, surely the mare would think of some questions and perhaps a refreshing of the tale, it had been a while since it had been told after all and details were easily forgotten with such things.  

[LunaRei_SilverBlood]

JetAlmeara

Nebula had to bring her mind back to the current conversation. Drifa was such a wonder mentor and now that Nebula would be stepping out on her own, she knew she had the support of Drifa and the other members of the herd. Nebula always enjoyed the Telling of the first herd but there was something so invigorating about research and discussion. Getting to hear stories from some of the older horses who had family members that told stories of the first herd that had been passed down. It was more personal and more meaningful. At least Nebula thought that. She lowered her head under Drifa’s kind words. Maybe she didn’t need to be so concerned that she wasn’t doing the right thing after all.

“Ah… Drifa.” Nebula chimed in after a few moments as they walked through the herd’s camp. The cool air was still pricking at her pelt. “If it’s not too much trouble. Could you tell me about your first Spring festival as an Oracle? What did you do in the ceremony?” Nebula didn’t often hear about the other Oracle’s talk about their previous roles in ceremonies. It made sense because they were always looking forward and moving on. But the past was also an important thing. It’s something everyone could learn from.

The mare’s ears twitched forward hearing another horse nearby but they continued on. This was going to be a very exciting spring for sure. Nebula was certainly hoping that she could be put to good use for the herd.  

[JetAlmeara]

LunaRei_SilverBlood

Drifa considered the other mares request for a few moments, trying to cast her memories back far enough and recall her first Spring Festival, she had not been so lucky as to be selected to tell the tale of the first herd as Nebula was but she still considered her contributions to that ceremony to have been important.

"Ah when I was a young oracle I was given lighter duties then you are being asked to do, the tale of the first herd was delivered by an older Oracle who would soon pass back into the Dreamlands and wished to tell the tale one more time before she went. Instead I helped to prepare the mares and stallions who desired to pray for foals, it is not a complicated duty but an important one, the Oneiroi won't grant foals to those who have not been cleansed and prepared properly for their arrival. The herbs must be given in very specific orders and amounts."

she sook her head slightly to keep from going off on a lecture about it all, this wasn't the time for a lesson on such things. "In any case it was a good ceremony, and a good year followed it, Ramiel and Phasianidae have been predicting this year to be a year of testings - but who knows if that testing will be good or bad? It is hard to say until it happens."  

[LunaRei_SilverBlood]

JetAlmeara

Nebula glanced in the direction that Drifa’s voice was coming from. She was in charge of helping those wishing for foals prepare… The younger Oracle wondered if she would be able to ever do that duty. Sure, she could do the routines and motions of it. But it went back to what she was thinking earlier. Would she ever be able to have foals? Not because of her position as an Oracle but… Did her blindness make her less desirable? She hadn’t put too much thought into it because of her desire to be an Oracle. She had always believed in the Oneiroi to provide what she needed and lead her down the path that was for her. But sometimes her own desires seeped through. She was of the proper age… And it not only that, but it would be good for the herd.

Nebula give herself a small shake. She was getting herself distracted. She wasn’t sure she could put the right meaning behind that part of the Ceremony. It was a very important task. It was part of the survival of the herd and it granted happiness to the horses of the herd. Nebula hoped that one day she would be in the right place to do that part of the ceremony. But until then, she needed to learn, grow and become more then what she currently was.

“Thank you Drifa for sharing that. I think that I might stop by and speak with Ramiel and Phasianidae. With a little more information from them… I think I can find the right emphasis for the telling.”  

[JetAlmeara]

LunaRei_SilverBlood

Drifa could tell that Nebula's thoughts had drifted elsewhere for a moment, but it was hard to tell where exactly, Nebula seemed to be a private mare and so Drifa decided not to ask about those stray thoughts, if ever the mare wanted advice surely she would ask and until that happened..well it wasn't really her place to butt in now was it?

"I am sure that you will do a fine job and Phasianadae and Ramiel would be more then willing to speak with you, Ramiel is likely near the pass - he frets over its opening every spring and he will likely know where Phasianidae is, the two are generally aware of each others movements." Drifa responded though she was sure the other mare knew all of that already, pretty much everyone in the herd knew such things, in such a small community it was hard not to know each others habits and business.  

[LunaRei_SilverBlood]

JetAlmeara

OMG I'm so sorry DX I must have read the post and then just went off to Narnia or something!

Nebula tilted her head some listening to the mare. The pass... Even though Nebula has lived with the herd for quite some time now she didn't stray too far from this area. She rarely visited the pass... She hate to admit it but it would be a struggle for her to make it out there without some trouble. But she would do it in the name of her duty. She was getting better with sensing her surrounding so this would be a good test run regardless.

"But before I do that, I'll go and collect some herbs?" She asked the mare, hoping she could be further assistance to Drifa. She had manage to figure out the herbs by sent and touch. It was tough learning them, but with the help of the other Oracle she was able to learn through some trial and error. If Drifa didn't have anything else she needed Nebula for the mare would go around her tasks. She was growing more excited now that she had re-centered her thoughts properly. She was still young and knew she had a lot of to learn. Her impulse control for letting her thoughts wander was moving higher up on her list of things to work on.  

[JetAlmeara]

LunaRei_SilverBlood

Drifa considered for a few moments, it would be good to guard the first buds of spring from any undesired spirits which might be lurking from the dreamland - despite the good omen such an early spring was it was never good to let yourself fall into a false sense of security, perhaps that was even the test the Oneiroi were placing before them. "Some rosemary, rue and basil might be helpful." She finally told Nebula.

"And by the time you gather up those and spread them here among the trees I imagine Ramiel will have returned from the pass and be more accessible for talking - that stallion is so caught up in his duties it can be difficult to get him to think of anything else while he's up there." She stated with a laugh. "In any case I shall leave such duties in your capable hooves, I must go and find Pha, there is much to discuss regarding the upcoming festival." She said in farewell to the mare before her before turning and trotting off with no doubt in her mind that Nebula would do quite well both in this duty and all of them before her.