Time and Time again.

[Kiriko-san]

<sup>Under the moonlight a dark figure slowly glided over the Lakeside's shoreline. Black hooves penetrated the ground and dug deep like a wound to the rocky shores. Yellow orbits that was man's envy, glowed like a latern in the night. It was gift given to all animals, all the creatures that the gods had thought worthy, but only one creature denied that gift...Man.

When this vision first came to him, he stood shocked, right where he was. Sweat gleaming on his pelt, he had seen man before, walking blindly in the night, cursing their vision. Aeonflux had thought that they weren't gifted to see in the dark because it was a punishment given to them by the gods. But now that the truth was unnveiled, he listened intently as Man gave his reasons.
He had wanted wisdom instead if sight at night.
They seemed better off that way too, since they had found out other ways to walk through the night, with those lanterns and glowing orbs that they carry.
He was amazed to find out that it they had also found out other ways, even in the Begining, when they were just nomad clans.

This knowleage made Aeonflux not just admire them, but fear them as well. With the wisdom they had been given, Man has made magic, even when they could not see that they had done so.

He began to wonder now, about those equines that were born without the gift of magic...
Was this because they had also denied the gift, and chosen something else?

Could they have been the wiser...not choosing magic, and end up not remembering why they were born "ungifted"?

His thoughts were all jumbled up right now, here in his head. As curiosity got the best of him.
Maybe all those pointless sacrifices that herds have made, were really, actually pointless indeed?
What if they were destroying their own future by giving their giftless young up to the gods?

Afterall there were some equines that were giftless, and alive...but those were in the human dwellings, they couldn't be possibly any more special than he, could they?

I mean, they are trapped in captivity...living with Man.
He sighed, frustrated with these thoughts...Who better to know, than the giftless themselves?
Maybe, because they had no magic within them, they focused on other...more important things.

Yes...that must be it, isn't it?



He was still in doubt, and looked up to the starry skies searching for comfort. Aeonflux knew he was different from the rest, he had purpose, like all did, but he was actually driven to fufill it.
He knew that his livelyhood, might just change the future as he knows it so well.

Memory at the vision that made him leave his homeland, came to him now..He was still troubled at what he was supposed to find out there, but he was driven to find it. He was going to find it. Whatever it was.

He sighed and closed his orbits for a while, walking into Lakeside's lake. Feeling the cool waters on his pelt, ridding him of dust and dirt, and renewing him. He thanked the gods silently for blessing him, ...for making him strong.
Yes...we all have a purpose in life...don't we?</sup>

[Azalea]

Dull white pelt gleamed under the moonlight, eyes reflecting the light like mirrors. The little muscles this female had were tensed, small hooves dancing away from each sound whether caused by the tiniest of rodents or simply the wind. The night was beautiful, the scent of sweet grass perfuming everything, stars brightly glowed above, not a cloud in sight. The lake in the far distance was speckled with the little flashes of light, this female's fearful eyes able to catch the sight of ripples in the water, even from this distance. If she was the cursing type, she would've right at this moment. The main reason she had trod upon this land was becase she wished for a safe drink.

It was times like these Fadala wished she had a pelt black as night or brown and dirt. She brought her head lower to the grass, trying to keep herself from looking like a threat. Nostrils widened to the wind, at last noticing the musky scent of a stallion. She ruffled herself softly, continuing a slow journey away from the other horse. Fadala knew well enough that every horse that touched this land probably had a hidden power, some strong enough to cause death. This silver wisp of horse had no power that she knew of, no protection from the magic that was on this land. She had no troubles yet, being solitary, and had a suspision that meeting with another horse would ruin that peace.

The white horse was nearing the edge of the lake, unable to see the excat figure of the horse but still able to scent and see the ripples. It was far away, she assumed, seeing how little the ripples appeared when they reached her lowered muzzle. Pink lips entered the water and drank softly, her wide eyes in the general direction she though the other was.

||My muse decided to die
._.||

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[Kiriko-san]

The scent of the lake swept him off his feet, and he grew wild as he went deeper and deeper into the lake. The cool waters reached the the top of his nape. he brought his muzzle up, so his nares could catch a huff of air.
His legs fought to bring him up, and swim faster, Aeonflux propelled himself swiftly and effortlessly, feeling as if he was flying in dense skies. But then again, he would never know how that felt, for he had no wings. He was no Pegasus, he was not flapper..

It wasn't as if he wanted to be one either, he was contempt with the way he was, flying on the terrains of a new and unknown land was enticing, and most certainly exciting.

Flying probably felt great, but running was all the better, at least for him.


As time flew by he grew hungry, the pangs hitting him hard. He decided to swim back to the shoreline, already a few leages away, but he didn't worry much. He had streagh enough.
This was challenging, and Aeon couldn't possibly deny himself a good challenge.

as he drew closer, he caught wiff of a mare. A lonner, perhaps?

No tha couldn't be right, mares never roamed alone, that was absurd...yet...oddly interesting enough to bring his attention.


He never mated before, seeing the all the mares he could have chosen from weak and boring. None was different from the rest, no mare stood out, instead they all followed the masses, decided to be protected in the herd.

He didn't know it, but his excitment made him swim faster, with renewed streagh, his hunger hidden away...for the moment.


Before he knew it, he had made it to the shoreline, and as soon as his black hooves reached the rocky shroes, he trotted directly to her, mane waving at his every bounce.

He was happy to see a solitary other. Finnally he came across an equine in this foreigned land!

But was she native to this land or just a stranger like he?


Well, there really was one way to find out...


The moon revealed to his cristaline orbits a pale mare, no older than he. She seemed afraid and shy, he thought that maybe his excitment might scare her off or something, so he played it down a bit.

Her refined figure spoke to him a languge of beauty, and his own bodice wanted to reply to her...but he held himself firm, speaking in soft hushed words.

'Ello, my lady.

[Azalea]

White body felt comsumed by terror and the many evil possibilties of the night. Perhaps the water was not as innocent as it seemed, maybe the ripples were actually coming from not an alive stallion but maybe from a dead horse used as lure for curious horses. She inhaled deeply to smell the scent of blood, but she was only overwhelmed with the scent of water and her own fear. Honey eyes were everywhere along with her ears, but neither were paying attention to where she was supposed to. Mouth had timidly reached down to the grass below a few times to catch a few blades of grass, though she took great and time consuming caution. Drinking from the lake was of the same nature. She danced back when a small frog swam past her, the terrified whinny quickly forced as a silent but forcefully exhale and inhale of the sweet wind.


The wind was not as sweet as she hoped. It had shifted directed, and proved that the horse she smelled in the water had moved as well. Wide eyes looked about, her body held frozen in place, the icy fingers of fear curling around her legs. Ears pinned back tightly against her head, trying to look threatening to the shadow that softly approached her. He seemed almost in joy at her presence, but when his eyes overlooked her he had softened his steps and bold looks. Perhaps this would be enough to get others to trust the stallion, but definitly not her.


She held her lanky body as tall and proud as she could, stained tail raised like a flag in a sign of dominence. Ears were pinned tightly against her head, nostrils wide and flaring and hooves shifting in the soft dirt and rustling the grass. She might've been more threatening if she wasn't a couple hands shorter than the black figure before her and if her giant eyes didn't show the fear she had of him. Fadala's tail whiped around her haunches a single time as he spoke, making an audible slap against her side.
The words were soft, trusting. There was nothing evil lurking in even the depths of his cristaline eyes. But her ever present fear made him seem quite a bit larger than he actually was, a bit more gruesome. She even swore that she saw a glimspe of blood red teeth as she spoke.


Head shook softly, her eyes never turning away from him. She opened her mouth, left agaping for a moment before she could grasp words through the boundary of fear.

"Greetings Stallion. I mean no harm in trespassing in your land. If you find a problem I will gladly remove myself," she spoke quickly, though her voice showed hidden talents of being a lovely thing to listen to. She realized that she'd gladly remove herself if he found a problem or not. The company of another did not please her like it did him, rather it frightened her, like many other things.

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[Kiriko-san]

The wind whispered and caried fear over to him, it was so thick that it almost choked his joy. Making his cristaline eyes slant with worry. Why was this mare so afraid of him? Why did she seem so unneasy.
His orbits caried a visual on her bodice and dignified, face. He saw as she tried to pose a threat to him, but failed at her attempt.


He gazed at her, with curiousity, what had happened to her, that made her so afraid of him?


He frowned at the thought of any fae being in fea of him, he was certainly not used to it. His orbits glazed abit, to take a peek at her path to try to see the suffering that she had unveiled to him.
But her soft leathery voice distracted him, from his course, and he bode his audits, who were most willing, to listen.


"I will gadly remove myself?"


The words echoed in his head as if he did not understand them. They were so foreing to him. Why would she...?


The winds picked up and made his mane wave a bit, it felt cool at it's touch, and it soothed his worries a bit. This mare really is different....but not the way I expected..

A sigh escaed his lips, nares flaring a he took a step closer to the dainty little thing. Eyes warm and friendly, but full of confusion, not understanding.

Do not.
I mean...this is not my land...I cannot possibly make you remove yourself from a land that isn't mine.


He felt tongue tied, and was desperate to convince the femme to stay for a while, to keep him company in this foreigned land.
He licked his lips which felt dry and tried again.

Rather..I would remove myself, if I pose any harm to you.

He blinked, voice soft, almost inaudible to his own ears. He did not know what he had just said, but did not ponder on that, but kept his tongue rolling.

My name is Aeonflux...please, let me at least have the blessing of your name before you bid me to leave your side.


His orbits were indeed pleading, turning that yellowish color, when the moonlight hit his face.

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[Azalea]

Light brown eyes watched the curiosity grow in the black horse's eyes, finding his gaze giving a quick sweep of her attempt to look larger and stronger than she really was. Her head lowered slightly, stance dropped to mimic a more submissive pose. Her ears were now only tilted slightly back, tail low and her fearful eyes hidden by shadows. Large eyes continued to watch him until he almost looked almost as uneasy as she. The wind ruffled her mane and tail until the flying hairs were close to the stallion's flaring nostrils, her small hooves stepping back as he attempted to near her. The breezes just made her feel more uncomfortable, chilly fingers trailing along her sides and cheeks. Ears flinched as he started to speak, his voice trying to be reassuring and welcoming to her. But there was none to little chance of ever being able to reassure her. She begged to differ at his first statement, Fadala knew numerous horses who would scare loners of the land even if it wasn't theirs. His second, however, she didn't know what to think. Her mind immediately went to assume that he was trying to get him to trust her, but her heart meekly offered the option that he was just lonely, and wanted some companionship.

She tilted her head once more, both eyes now mirrors reflecting a ghostly light. Fadala quickly moved her gaze away from him when his eyes had shifted to a shade of yellow. Magic, she believed, hypnotism. Look into those eyes and she'd be trapped to do his will. Whether to kill herself or others, or even perform other tasks, she didn't know.

"I am Fadala," she whispered softly, hardly even heard over the wind, "I thank you for your kindness, and apologize if I make you feel at unease. Old habits die hard." The softest of smiles cracked on her pink muzzle, the flash of the smile grim and knowing of the evil of the worlds. The wind had shifted again, the smile shifting back into an ever tense mouth.

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[Kiriko-san]

The charcoal stallion just sighed, shifting his weight as he saw her take a step back at him, he was relieved though that she had moved to a more subtle stance, this time not trying to scare him away.
The midnight clouds obscured the full moon from view, the light that poured out of the lunar orb turning into shadows, making his yellow reflecting orbs back to their crystalline mirrors.
An audit swayed as they caught the sound of rustling leafs just a bit far off. What could this be? He wondered.

He brought his upper lip up, exposing his teeth to the skies in thought. He was downwind of the sound, or creature. Maybe if he lifted his head, he could catch that creature’s scent…

But maybe he was just being paranoid, like this mare, believing it to be a creature when it indeed was the wind or something. Nonetheless, he poked his nares up to the skies, hoping to catch a scent that was not his nor the mare's.

His forelocks obscured his view even more, and in the light darkness he felt himself swaying. He was getting dizzy for some reason...

Deciding to lower his cran he noticed that he had indeed caught a scent, but resigned from lifting his head again, before he made a fool of himself and tripped in front of this lovely, yet frightened, mare.

He grinned at the thought of tripping on his own legs, what a fool he would turn out to be! He chuckled at that misfortune, worries scattering in the winds.

I am not at unease by you, Falada, rather by a scent I caught not too long ago.

He tried to sound cheery, but with this mare, he had thought he made a mistake. She was already terrified, and telling her that there might be a possibility of a wolf out there would probably cause her to have a heart attack and run away up to were her dainty legs could take her.
So he decided to give her warning before she did something too rash.

I wouldn’t stray too far from this small herd we form, friends or not.

He grimanced, knowing that not all horses were made for the wild. Hopefully he hadn’t done the worser of not tell her it was a wolf that lay in wait for her leave of her company.

[Azalea]

The only light source had disappeared, relaxation almost seeping through her. No more haunting shadows spread their fingers along the ground, threatening to grab any stray horse that walked alone at night. But there was still the fact of how vulnerable she was at night, thinking how safe she was in the dark, out of sight, out of mind. Though, Fadala literally seemed out of her mind with this theory. So, even though she felt more at ease in the darkness, there was still the fact that she was easy to fool this way. She had closed her eyes to block out any shadows that were left, and perhaps even the figure infront of her. Sensitive ears listened to him, hearing him breath and his hooves shuffling in the grass and dirt. Fadala had no clue what he was doing, but assumed the worst, eyes snapping open and head thrown up as he spoke, her eyes watching him with almost a horrid fascination.


A scent. A scent he had caught earlier. She was almost having hopes that the scent was gone, since his cheery voice had indeed pulled the wool over her eyes. But his next sentence shoved her into a cold realization. Her imagination spread, grabbing onto every, single fear she had and making this night into the most horrible night mare. The worst aspect was that she was awake, and the damage that happened now would cause pain, it could be permanent. Her pink muzzle opened to take a shuddering inhale, a cold sweat covering her body. The whites of her eyes showed, the lighting just making it seem as though her eyes were extra tiny.


Her voice was a pathetic squeak, any embarrassment she might of have blending into fear. Any emotion she might of had was blending into horror.

"What is out there?
That was all she was able to shudder out, something deep in her mind and heart reaching out for some shread of common sense that would keep her from performing her natural flight instincts.[/center][/size][/i]

[Kiriko-san]

xXxSorry I didn't get on much yesterday, my mom says I'm getting addicted to the internet, so I have to lay off it on the weekendsxXx

He had noticed his wrong doing easily enough, the mare now figeted, her eyes showwing it's hites, her feet trembling below her, ready to run. He guessed that the only thing that held her back...was his warning. This mare found it hard to trust anyne at all, even him. But at times of danger, one was safer in a pack. In a herd, even one so small as this.

He sighed again in exasperation, thinking wildly at what he should do to calm her down, to show her that he was safe company, that at least he did not think of harming her in any sudden way.

One idea reached his mind, he didn't know if it would be enough, it could backfire so easily, but it was the only thing he had.
He compelled it for several minutes though, thinking it over in silence as birds and crickets chirped, moon still blocked from the clouds.

At last, he spoke, moving his muzzle up to hers, letting his warm breath touch her, though not his soft skin.

Dove..

He leaned forward a bit, now muzzles touched, warmth spreading in his body, he himself trying to deliver it to her. Equines were exceptionally good at sensing emotions, so he gave her a relaxed one, trying to sooth her into it too.

..you are safe with me.


He clsed his orbits, enjoying the sensation that rushed through his veins and body, though his audits were still up and alert, ready.
He remembered her question now, should he give her an answer? Would it ruin this whole thing?
Well she was still frightened and nervous, he felt that this wouldn't cause much damge.

What is out there is simply a lowly wolf, not very much harm to us. For where I come from, there were any, and I was bred to fight them. And fight I will, lass, for you.


He ceased their touch now, looking upon her, leaves still rustling behind, far behind still.

[Azalea]

Moments passed, fears grew wilder and wilder until even she was scoffing at them. Though it didn't help that the scary thoughts still lurked. Her ears flicked towards the sigh, her white rimmed eyes on Aeonflux and waiting for his reply. Her fears stopped their gnawing for a moment, ears unable to hear the imaginary screams of her facing her terrors. Limbs were still grabbed by fear, unable to do anything but stare at him wildly as he neared, her head held high and bent back. She tilted her head away from the breath, though she couldn't believe that the warmth almost seemed to ease the cold fear that wrapped around her muzzle and kept her from keeping a conversation. Fadala wasn't expecting the next move he performed, replying with a flinch that ran through her, though it was mysteriously followed by a reassuring warmth.

Light brown eyes watched as his gaze was hidden from sight, his soft exhales pressing against her skin. She felt his lips move against her skin, it was a strange sensation. She brushed off these emotions, ears perked and listening to his words. A wolf, just a pathetic wolf. Most times, she would be just as frightened of a wolf than anything else, but his words had somehow made this whole situation less horrifying. The touching between them had stopped, her head straightening again. Her head had unknowingly lowered to a more comfortable height, though it made the height difference between them drastically change. Fadala looked up to him, their gaze meeting for a moment before her head snapped to look to the rustling leaves behind her, brought much closer by fear.

Small hooves moved quickly, circling him partly to come to his other side, a step behind his forelegs. She peered around his shoulders to the far off bushes, giving her tail a swish as though that could shoo her fears away.

"I thank you for being so understanding, sir," she said, hating the silence that had blanketed the night, "And...and you are certain that it is just one wolf? I-tt...it has not brought it's pack?"

Her feet repositioned beneath her, giving a quick jump away when she brushed against him, but nearing Aeonflux when she heard another sound in the bushes.[/center][/i][/size]

[Kiriko-san]

The tingling sensation hadn't really left him, and he felt the wanting for more in his bodice, but steadily controlled himself; something he was oddly good at. His eyes flickered to her's as she positioned herself next to him, her small frame nervously trying to keep the warmth between them.
His breath was even, and he felt so calm he had to shake his mane to keep himself up, steeling away from the sleep that threatened more than that wolf out in the brush.
Lashes curled up, as he opened his orbs again, listening to the mare's sweet voice break the silence that had streached between them.
He hadn't really checked if it was a whole pack out there, but if it were, it would surelly be with the leader would it not?

Was this wolf a scout or a loner? Well, he had to find out..

His ears twiched as he grew nervous, lifting his nare up to the skies once more, exposing his throat to any creature that be near. His breath was a raspy huff huff the only sound, apart from his heart that seemed to stir now in Lakeside.

His lips grew slim and tight, forelock brushing his eyes as he searched eagerly for the scent he had picked up earlier..
Now, where are you lad..?
Ahh, here you are.
He moved his muzzle more to the left, streaching his neck up...
Now...do you have others with you..?
Minutes seemed to pass by with his head up to the skies, Lakeside's breeze making him shiver in the moonlight as once again the lunar orb lay exposed to all.
He sighed once more...
It seems not-
What was that faint smell he caught just now? This certainly wasn't a wolf, but...a bear.
He lowered his head, now certain of what he scented out there, a real threat to both of them, together or apart.
but maybe, together, they would have a chance.
He turned to Falada, his expresion blank, but his voice trembled as he spoke now in a hushed tone.
My lady, Falada, do you trust me?
He posed the question to the air, a bond of truth, would she accpet his friendship or dispose of it?

It was all up to her right now...

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[Azalea]

Fadala watched him carefully, watching eyelids hide his cristaline for a flash, thoughts probably rushing through his mind about her words. But she didn't find his reaction too it very reassuring. She wanted him just to say no, that there was nothing else out there and that even the wolf was starting to run off. She wanted him to just scare off the wolf himself, finding herself taking glee in the fact of seeing a wolf run away from them. She wanted him to rid her of all her fears. She wanted him just to be there.

Pale head shook softly, as though there was a buzzing fly there. She was going mad, crazy. He had bewitched her, that was it. Who knew what magic he had? Who knew if he had magic? Well, Aeonflux probably did but she doubted he'd come out of the blue and say he had it if he was using it against her. Nostrils widened as the breeze brushed past him, unable to smell past her own fear smell. Brown eyes looked up to Aeonflux, watching his expression change as much as the scents on the wind. None of the emotions he displayed were too comforting. She almost let loose a breath of relief as he spoke his first sentence, only to have to hold it again as she watched his dark face become emotionless. Ears pinned back as his head swung around to look at her, her white figure taking a small step back and listening to his slightly wavering words.

This question was difficult, but she could sense the urgency. She would have to think about trusting him completely after they got after this mess. But she her mind was still in turmoil abot reasons why or why not she should trust him when she spoke the soft word

"Yes" through chattering teeth. It was not time to go all emotional and dramatic she found, it was time to keep both her and this new found, but mysterious, horse safe.[/center][/size][/i]

[Kiriko-san]

He smiled in relief, looking up to the skies now. I hope this works, please...give me strength.
He drew a breath, lowering his head, and closing his lanterns. His pelt shuddered in the cold night, mind contemplating on what he should do, although in was a clear answer to him. He shouldn't take any chances from this bear; he probably was already choosing his prey, deciding which was the weakest. And he doubted the bear chose him.

But what if this bear also had magic? Well he had to take his chances in this game of survival, for only the strong lived or the canniest.
He whispered something now, so low he guess the mare, Falada couldn't even hear him, so close as se was though, he could feel her unsteady breathing on him, she was probably wondering why he was doing this, taking his time when danger was so near to her. Her instincts probably told her to run, but her own will was stronger; he was grateful.
For running from a bear would be a fatal mistake; sh4e wouldn't have survived.

His orbs turned their lantern yellow, his vision clearing; he could see the brush from which the bear stood. He heard his grunting and a slight growling. This was odd, for the growling came from a different direction, could it be that wolf?

He shook his mane in dismay, no time to ponder that now, Falada wouldn't hold too long now.
Thinking of her, his dial turned to face her, seeing her frightened expression.
Calm down now, you might feel an odd sense of energy rushing through your bodice, but don't ponder on that because it will only be normal.
Just follow my voice.

He touched her muzzle, letting the warmth of magic flow through them. This was Invisibilidad Cloakruim , the magic of Invisibility. He was not sure that by touching, they could see each other, hence his final sentence, but he had heard this possible. Maybe she could and maybe she couldn’t, it all depended on his experience as a magiker and a practicing Summoner.
He was puzzled so he decided to ask. Can you see me, my lady?
If she could , she would probably be puzzled herself as to why he asked this questions, but he was the one who needed the clear head right now, not her. That is, if they wanted to make it through this.

He could already make out the bears confusing grunting, and the wolf’s growl much louder.
Aeonflux saw the shapely figure of it now, nearing to were they just stood. The wolf suddenly stopped in his tracks, blue eyes turning gray. He was looking right at them, but that couldn’t be right…
Unless this wolf was a magiker himself.
The wolf turned his head, fur tossing in the sudden movement. The bear now coming out of the bushes…

They are there.

[Azalea]

Her eyes were as large as saucers, reflecting the white moon above. Red rimmed nostrils had at last caught the scent of the new danger, her eyes watching the large figure waddle through the bushes. She blinked a few times, rapidly, as though trying to clear her gaze of anything dangerous. Nothing worked, this was not a dream. How tempted she was to run, how she wanted to bolt away from the danger and be free of it. But she had heard tales of the speed of wolf and bear alike, horses had a little chance if they caught up to them.

Fadala solemmly looked at him, watching his eyes turn their glowing yellow and her own ears picking up the sounds of growling in the bushes around them. She moved her head quickly away when he started to shake his mane, indeed wondering what the heck he was planning, why he hadn't told her to run and he would take care fo them. She hadn't though of the possiblity that he couldn't defeat them, nor the fact that predetors went after the weakest, also known as her. Fadala looked oddly at Aeonflux and his words, not feeling that buzz of energy that he explained. Nothing. Notta. There was nothing but a wave of confusion at him. Large eyes blinked a few times then narrowed, as though trying not to see him. But it was useless, he was there, plain as day. She opened her mouth to speak, cut off by the bear's and wolf's hunting sounds. She gasped outloud when the wolf appeared, staring directly at them, Under her breath, she replied in a frantic tone,

"Of course I can see you! Anyone can see you! Whatever you did isn't working. We need another plan!"

Her head snapped towards the lumbering bear, the white of her eyes thick and small pupils watching every movement of both bear and wolf, though it hurt her head terribly to swipe her gaze between them.[/center][/i][/size]

[Kiriko-san]

|| I will reply when muse comes along. ||