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Kronos was all too familiar with the passage of time. Each spring, his wings slowly turned from an ashen brown to a brilliant spring green. They darkened slowly as the spring progressed into summer, and then his favorite part - during the autumn, they transformed from green into a dazzling array of colors. Gold, orange, red, and even hints of deep purple streaked through his delicate wings! He was always the most proud of his appearance during this time of year. However, the vivid colors were always so fleeting, and he grew tired of waiting for them every year. Kronos scoured the land, searching for a way to keep his colors all year long, when he finally heard of a magical carousel. Some said that time remained frozen for those who stood on this carousel. He would be trading the circle of time for traveling around and around in a circle, but he didn't care. He knew it would be worth it.

It was in the wee hours of the morning that the music filled your ears, stirring you from your slumber gently and sweetly, its enchanting tune waking up your body and mind and filling you with the sudden urge to follow it and find its source. There was a certain otherworldly quality to it, one that overcame all thought and feeling as it whispered softly in your ear, until all that was left was the music and only the music. It was unclear how long and how far you had travelled in search of it, but that mattered little at the moment, your feet simply continuing on, seeking, your mind on one goal. Gradually, however, the music became louder and louder and with it the need to find its source grew that much greater, your pace quickened until you were running through dark woods and thick bushes as fast as your legs could carry you.

The moment the need was most strongest (almost unbearably so), you burst fourth through a particularly thick patch of bushes and into a wide clearing, coming face to face with... a carousel and many a staring soquili. The need dies down then, turning to merely a murmur at the back of your mind, the music a faint tinkle on the wind. Replacing it is the feeling of foolishness, your head bowing sheepishly at your sudden outburst of only a moment before. How silly you had been... However, you can't help be curious at what you have inadvertently stumbled upon.

You look across at the watchful eyes of the other soquili within the clearing, taking in the almost uncanny appearance to them. There is a somewhat magical aspect to them too, one that leaves you in awe. And yet, you cannot help but feel a faint twinge of uncertainty, a quiet voice at the back of your mind speaking words of caution. For things do not always appear as they seem.

The staring soquili do not linger for long, soon moving on to continue whatever they had been doing before being interrupted, and leaving you to stand awkwardly and unsure of what to do. Although it is not too long before you gather the courage to go forth and see what this carousel and its inhabitants have to offer, taking in sights and watching all with great interest - but never do you actually join in (despite the efforts of the carousel's individuals). You may have the courage to walk around, but not so much as to participate.

''Greetings.'' A soft voice calls out to you unexpectedly, causing you to almost jump out of your skin. You turn slowly to face its source, gaze falling upon a faintly smiling mare – fey-like in appearance from the flowered crown that graces her head, to the twigs within her mane, and the floral markings upon her body. It is strange, you think to yourself, before meeting the mare how winter's grasp had seemingly taken a firm hold of the place. And yet, here and now in her presence, traces of spring appear to have lingered. Despite this strangeness a quiet sigh of relief escapes you then, and you smile back politely and greet her in return. ''Welcome to the Carousel. I am Весна-Красна, but you can call me Spring.''

For a few moments in silence she regards you with a degree of interest, eyes thoughtful, until eventually she turns to leave, motioning with her head for you to follow. Surprisingly enough (to yourself, that is) you do.

You cannot say exactly how long you have spent at the carousel following after Spring, but it is clear with the darkening dusky sky that you have been here far longer than you had intended. Even the soquili you had seen earlier were retreating to somewhere unknown, giving way to an entirely different crowd. A crowd far more unsettling in appearance and in demeanor. It is only when you make mentions of leaving and return your attention to Spring that you realize the mare is gone and that you are very much alone. You look this way and that, turning around frantically in search of the mare, but she is nowhere to be seen. Darkness has crept in and you are surrounded by unfamiliar and unsettling soquili. However, a far too familiar feeling soon washes over you as enchanting music fills your ears, and the urge to just stay on and enjoy the carousel overcomes you...

Why had you been so worried again? You couldn't quite remember.

Stories tell of lights dancing against trees surrounding a carousel that stands off by itself in the wilderness, cheerful music enticing any nearby Soquili or wandering natives to come play among the brightly painted horses that spin in their slow eternal loop.

One horse in particular though seemed to sit untouched, collecting dust along his back. Cob-webs had formed in his open maw, and stretched the expanses between his legs and body. He was beautiful enough with the hues of browns, reds, and blues. Rumors about the carousel pony were to strong though, and non dared to get close enough to the horse to see if his head would swivel around and his jaws would clamp down like the stories said.

The kalona-esq horse looked frozen in take off, wings spread wide and mouth agape in a roar of defiance to his captures. Yet he still floated around like every other.

Yes stories tell of that ride, the one that no longer exists, in it's stead is a wreck. Sure it still spins, lights dancing and flickering the music still plays but now it's tune is slow, haunting and terrible.

Horses, of all shapes sizes and colors that were once so brightly decorated in bits of gold and jewels lie scattered on the ground, their bodies broken and missing some of their accents. Only one horse is missing, that brown kalona, you know him right?! That cursed thing nobody dared to touch? They say he stalks the woods around the attraction, waiting for someone to show up, so he can acquire more treasures.

It's just a story right though? No such carousel or monster could ever exist right? Well, how can you be so sure?

In one small herd and village the night of a thousand lights is celebrated. Every Soq and human welcomes the coming of the new light and the return of the sun. It is a night of hope and renewal. At the start of the night everone lights a latern or other source of light. A party takes place with fun a festivities. At the end of the night they parade eastward to where the sun will rise again with one gallant Soq and brave human leading the way. Once they reach their destination they blow out their lights and make a wish that they hope will come true in the new year for them. If a one cannot carry a lantern or light than they make there wish upon a star. Lucius was chosen to be this Soq and a saddle was fashioned for him so that the chosen human could ride with him.

When Lucius was just a basket he was found in the trees on the night of a thousand lights by a lifemated couple who had been barren. This couple took it as a miracle and the rest of the herd soon followed suit because of the auspicious find. When Lucius was born he was given the task of leading the herd in the parade. Lucius even as a foal was well respected and most treated him as sort of a good luck charm. They would come to him for advice or for a sense of security. Even when he was a foal they did this and sometimes got responses that made no sense. As Lucius grew to a stallion thought this experience and given him ability to read others and give better advice. He is a peaceful stallion who wants to see everyone's dreams come true.

Old stories have always been told about how the different seasons come to pass. Each said to be controlled by the will of a different horse. Spring brought with her new life, blooming flowers and tiny babes. Summer helped with the growth of crops for he bore the light of the sun and the fall of the rain. Autumn followed in silence in Summer's wake, silently changing the leaves of the trees and allowing a safe harvest before the freeze. Winter, always harsh, forced snow and ice upon the land and brought the death of everything with it. Each horse was represented on a single, small carousel where they could be seen in all their wonder and glory.

Autumn was the youngest and last to be added to the carousel. He represented the spirit born to offer a buffer between Summer and Winter. He was made to allow those to harvest their crops and prepare so that they may survive the harsh cold Winter brought with her. He is humble and warm, attempting to offer safe thoughts for the few short months. Though you'd never know it by his age or looks.