A Deep Forest Glade .....
You walk along the wide path, whistling happily. After a time, you come across a wonderful path of soft, amazingly bright green grass. Gratefully, you plop down, nudging your denim backpack under your head until it's a suitable pillow. You must have dozed off at one point, because you can no longer remember if the strange note in the wind was there before. Slowly you open your eyes.
You blink several times before you finally register what you are seeing, and then sit bolt upright, because the breath of the strange creature is icy. She whinnies in amusement, and you can only blink. " I am Tsumetai, which means Icy in Japanese. I am a Faequine mare. You look utterly dreadful, let me take you to my herd." She says, her soft, melodic voice firm. You nod, and absently grab your knapsack as you follow her at her soft trot.
You enter a huge clearing just as the sun starts to set behind the mountains. As you draw your eyes from the beautiful sunset, you are astonished to see that the clearing is very like a primitve city, and it alive with action, for all it is nearly night. Tsumetai changes her direction and walks toward a lovely, bright mare who seems to be chatting with a small bird who is sitting happily on the small of her back.
She smiles at you and Tsumetai, and her little bird chirps incouraginly. Her deep, languid voice seems to ripple across the air in waves. " I am Erekiteru, which means Electricity in Japanese. I am actually a Lightning mare, but my keeper had some restrictions about naming me Raikou, the true Japanese word for Lightning. You see, she didn't want me to be named after a Pokemon. " She says, grinning mischeviously. Tsumetai laughs merrily, and you then notice a slim, silvery figure in the darkness. She seems to see you, because she starts walking toward the group, her hooves not making a sound on the earth beneath them.
She walks with a boneless grace, the ribbons on her legs and wings billowing in the wind, and the ones on her mane and tail trailing beautifully behind. She smiles slightly at you, tilting her head ever so slightly. " I am Kagetsu. It means Bright Moon in Japanese. I am a Celestial Faequine of the Moonlight element. You look utterly famished, follow me. I will take you to see Kaze, our current lead stallion. " She turns gracefully, and walks slowly towards a grove of large trees. You turn around, looking at the other two mares, who nod encouragingly, and follow you as you catch up Kagetsu.
You are almost dissapointed when you reach the glade, to find it empty of all but a dark, forboding shape. You look nervously at the two mares, and look around frantically for the lovely moonlight mare who seems to have dissapeared. The shape steps out of the shadows, laughing bitterly.
The mare narrows her eyes at you, fanning her raven wings absently. She speaks in a light tone, but her voice has a sarcastic edge you don't like to it. " If you are looking for Kagetsu, she has gone to fetch Kaze. I am Burakkumajikku. It means Black Magic. I am, as you may have guessed, a Black Magic Faequine. " She says with a sneer, and leaves you standing, stunned, with the other mares. You would have asked the mares what that was about, but a swirling and flurry of wings above your head interrupts that moment. When the dust settles, you see Kagetsu again, but now a handsome stallion stands at her side.
He smiles at you, bowing courteously. " I am Kaze, or Wind. I am a Wind elemental Faequine, and lead stallion of this herd. You look very hungry...allow me, " He says, and backs up to a tree and kicks it. Many ripe, delicious looking fruits fall from the branches, and drop into the soft basket of his wings. He grins as you take one and bite into the juicy flesh and close your eyes, appreciating the rich taste and flavour. A soft feminine voice from the entryway makes you whirl, dropping the fruit. Kaze steps up to the lovely, slender mare who is standing tall, tossing her silver mane.
" Hume, this is my lovely daughter, Haran. I means Stormy in Japanese. She takes after her beautiful mother, Eriketeru, don't you think? " He asks, beaming with pride as his daughter blushes, ducking her head. " Father, really.." She says softly, but he brushes away her modesty with more praise, and she surrenders. You smile at the heartwarming scene. Edging your way out of the glade, you leave the father and daughter to talk. Outside, you notice a shape larger than the others, standing still as a rock, his shape a dark omen in the night. It moves ever so slightly, then lifts it's head, eyeing you. Stepping forward into a beam of light, you see it is a bulky stallion, with curious braids and some lovely jewelery.
He doesn't smile, but he does do a little bow. " I am Henran, or War in japanese. I am a war stallion, only the second of my kind. I am sorry...but I really am not in the mood for idle chatting......goodbye...." He says, and seems to melt back into the shadows. A soft whimper from nearby makes you tear your eyes away from the sahdows where you are still searching for the mysterious stallion, and to the brook, where a small mare is slipping, flapping her silver wings strongly. You run over quickly, and seizing her forelegs, pull her up onto dry land. She looks up at you, her large dark eyes grateful. She scrambles to her feet, assuming a posture of dignity.
" I am Zhur Shadza. It means Daughter of a Prince, " She says proudly, straightening. " I am a Starlight mare, of Lightning Shazda and Starlight Bati. I come not from here, but my parent's herd....I almost miss it, but I enjoy it here, epecially after Haran arrvied. As you can see, I am a
basic starlight except I
inherited father's lightning markings and a little of his power. I also am fleabitten with a face blaze, but then, you can see that, " She says, with the tiniest of smiles. The mare canters off, joining the group of mares eagerly. You sit down on the river bank, stretching out your aching legs. After a time, you begin to feel as if you are being watched. Growing uneasy, you rise, peering into the inky surface of the water. With a yelp, you fall back, for a silky head has popped up, peering at you with amusement.
She giggles at you, her voice like bells. She flicks her tail throwing cold water on your face. You shiver, sitting back down, watching the sleek mare. " I am Naiya, which means Water Nymph. I am from another herd than this one. My parents, Chailyn and Hakan live there. I am one of the rare mixes of fire adn water, but as you can see, I am more water than fire. " She says, her dark eyes twinkling with amusement. A sudden whinny from not far off catches the attention of both you and Naiya. You rise, and take off after the small group that has taken flight to find the source of the cry.
You follow them with all haste, but just the same you are out of breath when you reach the edge of the cliff. You push your way to the front of the crowd, the cold night air chilling you to the bone. At the edge of the overhanging cliff, there stands Henran, his large head raised towards the full moon, and by his side stands a mare half his size, white as the moonlight shining down on the herd.
You approach the pair slowly, your arms and legs like lead. The mare is crying out at the moon, her soft red mane whipping around her. She turns to face you, her cries cut short from her suprise. Henran watches on, and you could swear he's smiling! The mare speaks in a sweet, gentle voice. " I am Uxinta-, first daughter of Henran and Tsumetai. My name means Winter. I was only performing the Song To The Moon....my father was teaching it to me. Why does it frighten them so?" She asks, turning to her father in confusion. He smiles. She quiets down, yawning softly. The herd slowly disperses, and you follow as the mare's sweet, clear voice rings out again, this time in a beautiful harmony.
Back at the bottom of the cliff, in the pasture, you find yourself all alone, the herd having gone their seperate ways for the night. In the distance, you see a soft pink glow, a graceful shape. It grows nearer quite quickly, and finally you find yourself face to face with a lovely pink mare.
She smiles warmly at you, her eyes warm and commpassionate. " I am Tejina, or Magic. I am a Magic Faequine mare, and the healer of this herd." She smiles warmly again, then promptly begins to fade into the darkness until she's gone completely. You wonder if she was really there at all. Gliding noiselessly in the night air, you wouldn't have noticed the slick mare had one of her feathers not drifted downwards, landing in your palm. You look up, and see her dark shape spiraling gracefully down, her landing no more than a tiny click. You stand stiffly, but the mare sees you, and walks toward you, her body moving in liquid motions.
She smiles ever so slightly, the wind blowing her silky mane and tail around her graceful form. The dark night clouds have blown over the moon, and only the starts light the dark pastures. " I am Suta-Raito, which means Starlight. I only come out to hunt or fly on nights like these, when the wind blows cold and the moon dissapears...I enjoy the solitude." She says, her voice unreadable of emotion. Suddenly, the clouds begin to drift away from the moon, and the mare shies away, rearing. With an anguished cry she leaps to the air, and glides away into the night. The moon, now clear in the sky, seems to enlarge, and then..burst into flames! It grows golden and bright, and the land becomes bathed in sunlight. You look towards the ancient grove of trees and see the faequine herd emerging, looking no more alarmed than they had last night. Then, an idea strikes you. Could this be how their night turns to day? Involved in your thoughts, you only notice the shape spiraling down from the large sun when it is but a few meters away, it's large golden wings beating swiftly.
The handsome golden stallion lands with a short series of powerful backwings, his deep, burnished gold hooves touching the hard packed earth just as the fillies of the herd emerge, laughing and playing amongst themselves. He tosses his dark gold mane, rearing and pawing the air. You step back stiffly, your body still stiff from the cold night. He returns to all fours, his dark brown eyes amused. " I am Hizashi, or Sunlight. I am a Sunlight stallion of this herd. Did the morning cerermony startle you? Considering you've never been here, I'm not suprised. It can be very....unsettling." He says, smiling charmingly. Suddenly he spots the crowd of fillies and mares, and grimaces. You then notice how young he is, barely out of foalhood himself. With a sigh, he leaps to the air, spiraling upwards on updrafts of air. You run along the flat, seemingly endless plain, just for the sheer joy of it. After a time, you stop, breathing hard. Looking around, you see you are in the middle of the plain, far from both what lies ahead and what lies behind you. Looking up nervously at the scorching sun, you can almost feel your sun burning. Suddenly, a coolness on your skin calms you, and you relax, feeling normal. Turning slightly, you see a small mare, grinning broadly at you, her markings a mix of white and gold.
She bounces hyperly, her little wings beating 100 times a second, or so it seems. " I am Sanbi-mu, or Sunbeam! My mother is the beautiful Tsumetai and my father is the devilishly handsome Hizashi! Who are you?!" She asks hyperly, still bouncing. You giggle at her perkiness, a welcome change from the serious herd. "I'm uh...a friend.." You answer, unsure of what to say. Suddenly, a dark shape blots out the sun momentarily, and seconds later the handsome Hizashi is standing before you, smiling at his daughter. "I see you have met my lovely daughter Sanbi-mu. I am impressed you made it out here, especially with no followers. I must be out here sometimes, you see. I cannot take the constant cool that is our grazing land. I am a sunlight stallion, after all, and I need heat and light to survive. Sanbi-mu here often comes with me, but unlike most sunlight element Faequines who can withstand extreme heat, she cannot, for she is part ice. " He says, yawning, and stretching his long, slender forelegs out before him. Sanbi-mu looks around, alert. Nipping her father's ear playfully, she giggles. "Faattherrrrr...I want to go home now! The sun is getting too hot!" He stands bolt upright, attentive to his very special daughter's needs and well being. As he prepares to take flight, he looks at you thoughtfully. " Do you need a ride back? We're headed there anyways.." He smiles again, tilting his head so his forelock covers one side of his face. You smile, charmed in spite of yourself, and mount him carefully. Without warning, he leaps to the air and glides smoothly back to the herd, his daughter following suit with what appears to be no effort. When you finally return back to the main grounds that the herd occupies, the sun is beginning it's stunning transtition to night. Hizashi lets you down and then trots off towards the mares, his daughter in close pursuit. Looking around, you stretch wearily, for the flight back has stiffened you considerably. You walk slowly towards the woods where the Faequines take refuge during night, but when you look inside, it is entirely different than the grove you visited before, and inside are two large stallions, well built and strong-looking. The larger, a deep green colored one, raises his great head and looks at you with calm, dark eyes.
He smiles, tilting his head. He speaks in an odd voice, somewhat like a rusty gate but not at all unpleasant. " I am Chijiku, or Earth's Axis. I am a Dragon Faequine stallion of the Earth element. My parents are Hiyuu, my dear mother, and Spy, my father. I am one of the first Dragon Faequines. My mother was among the very first group, and I am second generation. This is my brother, " He says, stepping aside to reveal a slightly smaller stallion, his coat a shimmering purple.
He smiles warmly, and performs an awkward little bow. " I am Ichijin, or Gust of Wind. I am a Dragon Faequine, a Wind stallion. I am Chijiku's younger brother, but all that he has told you applies to me also. I take after my dear mother Hiryuu, a Dragon Wind mare, and Chijiku takes after our father, Spy, and Dragon Earth stallion." He tells you lightly, tossing his tail boredly. Suddenly a slender, silky shape steps from the shadows, and her appearance is strange, for she is half in the moonlight and half in the shadows. She smiles, tossing her dark mane.
The wind blows fiercely and you catch sight of her gorgeous rainbow tail and wings. Her voice is strange, with a slight accent to it, and her dark eyes are mysterious. " I am In'you, or Yang. I am a Yang element mare. My brother is a Ying stallion, and he lives with Aurora, as far as I know. I am a rare element, and the only one of my kind, " She says, her voice trailing off, and as you blink, you have trouble distinguishing her from the shadows and moonlight. Suddenly a glimmering strand of moonlight shines down from above, and it seems interwoven with shining golden beads. You turn your head, looking for In'you, but she is gone completely. Suddenly, the light seems to shrink, focusing downward until it takes on a shape it's own. In the place of the golden moonlight, now stands a gorgeous sleek mare, golden maned, with etherial feathered wings and a gleaming golden horn.
She smiles, her soft mane and long fetlocks billowing softly in the cool night air. " I am Tenshi, or Angel. I am an Angel element Faequine, and a mare. Did you enjoy my entrance? I thought it quite dramatic. I do love the theater," She says, a mischevious note in her soft, melodic voice. A sudden rustling from the trees draws you from the trance the soft, chiming voice has seemingly put you under. In a few moments, two medium-sized shapes burst from the trees, both bright and covered in feathers. After a little more scuffling, the two land, ruffling their feathers and trying to look dignified.
The first, a bright, glowing red stallion steps forward, reaching you and Tenshi in two strides of his long legs. " I am Koukanchou, Or Cardinal. I am a Bird element Faequine, of the Cardial sub-element. My friend and I were just settling an argument, forgive our rudeness, " He says, his deep voice ringing in the night as he tilts his head to first Tenshi then you. The other stallion rolls his eyes and steps forward. "Hoo boy, he really laid it on thick. Ignore prince charming over there, he's just a moron," He says, grinning wickedly, and Koukanchou makes a move to step forward, his eyes flashing, but Tenshi fixes him with a stern look, and with a grumble, he steps back, shuffling his hooves. " I am called Aokakesu, or Blue Jay. I too am of the Bird element, and of the Blue Jay sub-element. It is true, we were arguing. I won. " He says with another wicked grin. Tenshi makes an exasperated noise, but you can see her smiling. Suddenly, the sky darkens, and the stars and moon seem to dissapear. The only light in the seemingly complete darkness is a faint glow from Tenshi. Suddenly, a low growl begins, and while you are not sure why, the hairs on the back of your neck stand up and you feel a deep sense of dread. A deep red streak shoots wildly across the sky, and you briefly catch sight of a dark shape high above. Thunder sounds in the distance, and lightning streaks across the sky. But this is not normal lightning. It is blood-red. Suddenly, a feral cry, a deep shriek rips across the midnight sky, and you fall to your knees on the blood-red earth, your head pounding. Though you cannot be sure, you feel a new prescense, and evil one, very near. A clang of metal, of iron, striking earth, makes you look up, your head rising jerkily. You look up into the cold eyes of a fearsome stallion, his black head adorned by two red horns.
He smirks, and laughs cruelly, his voice containing a strange note. The two stallions who seemed so confident before are frozen to the spot, their bodies rigid and their eyes wide. Even Tenshi, who seemed so calm before, looks alarmed, which in itself is terrifying. He snorts, brushing their fear aside. He speaks in a gruff voice full of pride and arrogance. " I am known as Debiru. As you obviously know nothing of other languages or worlds, I will humor you. It means Devil in Japanese. I am a Devil element stallion," He says, narrowing his eyes as his wings fan behind him, showing frighteningly red inner membranes. Suddenly the wind, which up until this point had seemingly stopped blowing, started up again, and the fearsome dark clouds are blown away, leaving the strangely comforting vision of the night sky, full of stars. He snarls, and with an angry mumble, he leaps strongly to the sky, his dark wings beating only a few times as he speeds away. The others remain silent, but they seem to have begun breathing again. As you gaze at the peaceful night sky, you blink. You could swear a piece of the sky just dropped out! As you turn to ask Tenshi, you squeak, because right before you is another Faequine, it's coat covered in stars.
He smiles at your openmouthed stare. He speaks in a warm voice, a welcome change after Debiru's terrifying appearance. "I am Mayonaka, meaning Midnight. I am a Midnight element Faequine stallion of the Silver sub-element. Try not to think of Debiru. Doing so only gives him more power. The best way to deal with him is to withhold your power from him, for he is very interested in gaining as much power as he can, " He says solemnly, his dark eyes sad. A second dark shape by his side, a slender mare who's shimmering dark coat is highlighted by streaks of silver with eyes of darkness. She steps forward, her motion liquid like.
She tilts her head, but between the darkness and her dark coloring, her expression is impossible to see. She speaks in a voice that is barely more than a whisper, but somehow rich and soothing. " I am Onikisu, or Onyx. I am a Gem type mare, of the Onyx subtype. Please child, do not fear what you have been told. The truth will protect you, " She says cryptically, and seems to blend into the shadows so that you wonder if she was ever really there. Suddenly the process of night to day begins again, and within minutes the sun is shining bright in the sky. As you return to the main area of the large reserve, and find yourself in a large blooming flower garden, full of rainbow colored blossoms of heavenly smelling plants. Kneeling, you tilt one of the long stemmed flowers to your nose and breathe out happily with the calming effects of the aroma. As you look up, your eyes half lidded from the aphrodisiac like effects of the flower, you find yourself looking straight into the kind eyes of a beautiful mare as colorful as the garden.
She laughs, her voice soft like birds chirping. " I am Niji, or Rainbow. I am a Rainbow element mare, only the second of my kind," She says merrily, tossing her mane. " Do you like my garden?" She asks, the sun gleaming on her rainbow shaded mane and tail. You nod vigourously, grinning. She beams. "Wonderful! Here, take some of the flowers, and spread the joy!" She says wryly, and motions with one slender hoof to a patch of flowers to her right. You thank her and pick a small bouqet, releshing in the soft feel of the blossoms and the sweet smell of them. As you make your way over to the lake, you watch several of the beautiful winged Faequines spiraling in the sky, their graceful movements a joy to watch. Finally you come to the lake's edge, and kneel by the crystal waters. With a quick decison, you take off your shoes and coat and dive beneath the waves, marvelling at the refreshing coolness of the turquoise water. As you come up for breath, you come face to face with a lovely Faequine mare.
She giggles as you fall back in suprise. She speaks in a soft fluid voice, her eyes sparkling. " I am Tansui, or Fresh Water. I am a water element mare, of the freshwater sub-element. Would you like a ride back to shore?" She asks, flipping her tail. You nod and put your arms around her neck. Without warning she shoots off, and your head snaps back from the impact. Within seconds you are at shore, and after a quick farewell, Tansui dashes back among the waves, leaving you high and dry. You wander, almost aimlessly, back around the pasture until you come upon a partially fenced off area, similar to a corral. You look in and see an energetic foal ramming targets and kicking at invisible foes. You lean on the fence, watching intently. He stops moving and slowly turns his head towards you, scowling.
" Who are you?" He asks harshly, turning full around to face you, his head lowered slightly and his horn pointing at your heart. " Uh....a friend of the herd," You blurt out nervously. He smirks. "Tsch, yeah right. Your just lucky I'm me or you wouldn't be here right now," He says, tossing his forelock, and trots forward. "I'm Masurao, Warrior. I'm the first child of Henran and Tenshi, and I'm a Paladin element. I was just working out." He says, still smirking. Then he rears, whinnying, and he charges at one of his targets, stabbing it with his horn. A shriek from the lake draws your attention to a small blue shape streaking across the sky, diving under the waves and plunging back up again. You jog back to the shore, watching the creature's strange dance.
You notice Tansui again, and the foal hovers near her, they seem to be speaking. Then the foal sees you. She folds her legs under her oddly sleek coat, and, spreading her wings out on either sides of her back, she zips across the waves to you, stopping a meter away. "Hi! I'm Umidori, or Sea Bird. I'm a Freshwater Blue Jay mix, but I guess you could say I'm a Water-Jay! My parents are Tansui and Aokakesu!" She says hyperly, the words tumbling out in a rush. You simply blink, and then begin to giggle. She begins to giggle as well, her bright eyes sparkling. Suddenly, a dark shape crosses the sun's path, and spirals downward. You have a faint tingling in the back of your mind, similar to the one you felt because of Debiru, but not nearly as strong. Within seconds, the new shape lands, a new foal. You notice that all Faequines you had seen in the last few moments have now dissapeared, and you swallow nervously.
He looks around slowly, seeming completely at ease. He looks at you critcially, and sniffs disdainfully. " I am Enten, Scorching Sun. I am the son of Debiru and Sanbi-mu. I am a mixture of Sunlight, Ice and Devil.." Suddenly his face contorts into an expression of pain. " I wish they wouldn't fear me...I'm not my father. It's so lonely...." He says sadly, then he looks up at you and his eyes flare. " Of course, as a stallion and son of Debiru, and I can take it." He says harshly, his red mane glowing eerily. With an odd whimper, he tucks his head down, rears, and leaps to the sky, his large dragon wings pumping strongly. Your heart goes out to the colt; it can't be easy to have a father like Debiru, who is so strong, powerful, and...frightening. You notice a strange building in the distance, that didn't seem to be there before. It is like a small gazebo, but it styled like a Japanese Dojo. You walk quickly to the gazebo, and see inside a lovely Faequine foal. It stands completely still, as if in suspended animation.
As you step onto the polished wood floor, it's eyes open without a blink, and you see they are an eerily pure black. She says nothing, simply staring at you. Finally she speaks in a calm, controlled, and emotionless voice. " I am Akaaka, Bright Red, Daughter of In'you and Koukanchou, Yang Cardinal filly," She says flatly, and closes her eyes again. You blink, dazed. " Uhhh..." You say intelligently. She does nothing. You back away very slowly, slightly alarmed at her behaviour. Next you find you find yourself beneath a beautiful oak tree where two fillies are playing, a pile of ribbons between them.
They both look up at you, and you are immedeately aware of the striking beauty of each one. The first one, her coat a shimmering rainbow, speaks first, her voice slightly soprano but musical and pleasant to listen to. " Hello. I am Hanazakari, which means Flowers in Full Bloom. I am the daughter of Niji and Oberon, a Fairy stallion from another herd. This is my half sister," She says, nodding to the second filly, who smiles. " I am Pinkuredi-, Pink Lady. I am the daughter of Tenshi and Oberon, the handsome fairy stallion," She says, and her and her sister giggle at each other. You smile at the charming fillies, and watch in amusement as they decorate each other with ribbons. You catch sight of a striking foal not far off, who is hiding partially behind a bush of flowers. You walk over slowly. " Hello?" You say softly, and she looks up, startled, giving you a chance to look at her.
She looks frightened, and backs away a little.
" It's allright," You say, smiling warmly. She stops backing away, but stays put. " I am Hokkyokukou , Aurora Borealis, daughter of Niji and Mayonaka." She says, her soft voice shaking, and she dashes off. A muffled caw, birdlike in sound, comes from above, and you raise your head, sheilding your eyes from the bright sunlight. In the tree above is a strange shape, almost like a gryphon, but it appears to be a faequine. It glides down, the sun gleaming off it's mixed feathers and fur.
He lands in front of you, and ruffles his feathers noisily, his beak clacking softly. Bowing his head, he speaks in a raspy voice. " I am Fujiiro, Light Purple. I am a Gryphon faequine. I came to live here with my mate...perhaps you would like to meet her? In case you are curious, my physical traits include long ears, no mane, and long wings.." He trails off, then whistles sharply, the sun glinting off his golden beak. Within moments a second odd shape is spiraling down, and gallops over to you.
You find this one to be a beautiful mare, her coat light sky blue with rainbow points, and her long, cloudy white mane tied with pink ribbons. She smiles, bowing her head slightly before meeting your eyes. " I am Misora, Beautiful Sky. I too am a Gryphon faequine, and mated to Fujiiro," She smiles, then with powerful backwinging strokes, takes off into flight.
Her mate smiles, shaking his head. " She has gone to tend to our children. Just recently she laid a clutch of five beautiful babies, and has not left their side since they were born. Come, I will take you to them," He says, and kneels, allowing you to mount. Nodding, you swing onto his back with the precision and grace that comes only from constant habit. He takes off with a jaw-snapping jolt, and soars effortlessly over the tree tops. Long moments pass, and you find yourself unable to identify the region you are in. As quickly as he took to flight, he spirals downwards, landing softly on the lush forest ground. You dismount, feeling a tingling sensation in your legs as you stand. The stallion nods to you, and trots off. You follow, though you lag behind a little, as your legs still feel like lead. Finally you reach a small circular glade, where you again spot Misora, but this time she is standing amidst several gryphon faequine babies. She looks up at you and Fujiiro and smiles. The faequine closest to you squeaks curiously and scrambles over awkwardly, as if she were just learning to walk.
She giggles, fanning her wings excitedly. She speaks in half formed baby speach, her beak clacking noisily. " I's Aozora, Blue Sky. I a gryphie Faequine!" She tells you enthusiastically, shaking her braid for emphasis. Her mother smiles proudly, and watches as a second hatchling waddles forward.
This one is very unique, it's markings and colors completely different from those of the adults and other hatchlings. He bows smoothly, smirking slightly. "Hello there. I am Ha'Zavo, son of Kan'zaru and Mi'phari. I am a true gold type male, and I have kitty paws and floppy ears. My parent's keeper and Misora and Fujiiro's keeper decided to trade one hatchling from their clutches, to introduce some fresh blood. I came here in exchange for their son, Shikon, who now lives with my parents and siblings," He tells you in a medium-range voice, twitching his tail with each word.
You look closer at the knot of children around Misora, and your eyes linger on a small female, her tail curled tightly about a sky blue egg. She looks up at you, her dark eyes wide.
" I am Kaisui, Ocean Water, daughter of Misora and Fujiiro." She tells you quietly, and shuts her mezmerizing eyes again. A striking foal, her coat a deep violet, steps forward, shaking her stark white mane out of her face.
" I am Murasaki, Violet." She says plainly in a very soft voice, and steps away from you, her head bowed shyly. You cock your head. This is only the second of the many faequines here that ever seemed to be shy towards you. The final foal, an adorable and coloful little male with floppy ears, waddles up to you and blinks cutely.
" Hiya! I'm Shuniji, Primary Rainbow. I'd talk, but I kinda want to get back to my game!" He tells you seriously, and with a quick smile returns to the strange designs he is drawing in the dirt. Misora smiles with paternal pride at the whole flock of hatchlings, and her mate beams proudly, apparently pleased by their acceptance of you. Something clears it's throat beside you, and you look up, face-to-face with another faequine, but this one is different.
She whinnies, apparently amused by your shocked expression. She chuckles, and speaks, the flames roiling around her body flickering slightly as she drops to all fours. " I am Faia, Fire. I am a fire elemental gryphon faequine, and I was found by the Lady during an easter egg hunt at my homeland." She tells you, her voice still filled with amusement. " I am babysitter to the foals when Misora or Fujiiro cannot be near, but that is not often," She says, and steps back, ruffling her flaming feathers.
You are growing fonder of these creatures by the minute, and decide to venture to their realm, in hopes of bonding some of your own...but first, there's an interesting structure in the distance you want to check out....
Faequines
You walk along the wide path, whistling happily. After a time, you come across a wonderful path of soft, amazingly bright green grass. Gratefully, you plop down, nudging your denim backpack under your head until it's a suitable pillow. You must have dozed off at one point, because you can no longer remember if the strange note in the wind was there before. Slowly you open your eyes.
You enter a huge clearing just as the sun starts to set behind the mountains. As you draw your eyes from the beautiful sunset, you are astonished to see that the clearing is very like a primitve city, and it alive with action, for all it is nearly night. Tsumetai changes her direction and walks toward a lovely, bright mare who seems to be chatting with a small bird who is sitting happily on the small of her back.
You are almost dissapointed when you reach the glade, to find it empty of all but a dark, forboding shape. You look nervously at the two mares, and look around frantically for the lovely moonlight mare who seems to have dissapeared. The shape steps out of the shadows, laughing bitterly.
Back at the bottom of the cliff, in the pasture, you find yourself all alone, the herd having gone their seperate ways for the night. In the distance, you see a soft pink glow, a graceful shape. It grows nearer quite quickly, and finally you find yourself face to face with a lovely pink mare.
