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 Posted: Sat Feb 27, 2010 8:57 pm
 Liliah picked her way carefully through the dense forest undergrowth, trying not to snag her mane or bow on the reaching branches of the trees while still trying to look around and see everything. There were so many different plants and herbs she'd never seen before, and she wiggled excitedly like the youngling she once had been. Every plant had a purpose, and most could be used for healing, or so the kirin medica she had spent so much time with as a foal would say. She spared a thought and no more for this subject and went back to studying the life all around her.
There were some she recoginised as ones described to her for their properties, but they were few. Deciding to forego her explorations of these new lands for a while so she could focus on what was around her now, she wandered over to a cluster of brightly colored flowers she'd not seen before, and her eyes lit up.
"Now," she mused to herself,"what was it that Medica said about identifying plants?"
She racked her memory for the lessons she'd had long ago but were largely faded from her mind. Absently she took in details about the color and shape of the blossoms, and she drew closer to take in the scent. There were other factors, she was certain of this. Now, what were they again?
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Posted: Sat Feb 27, 2010 9:23 pm
 Embri slipped through the forest with practiced ease, hooves taking to the almost imperceptible paths that crisscrossed the deep virgin forest. A deer bounded across the trail at the mare's sudden appearance, white tail flashing as it leapt away. She smiled with bemusement, for the forest animals had nothing to fear from the likes of her. She was only interested in the flora, not the fauna.
A bit of movement, out of place, a shadow just a touch too large for a forest denzien caught Embri's attention. It was hard to make out friend from foe in the deeply mottled shadow, and she knew well enough to be cautious. A seed pod by her hoof offered a simple solution. Lobbing the missile with practiced heft, she tossed the husk towards the not-quite-shadow that had seemed to move.
I suppose I'll have something to laugh about tonight if it turns out to be nothing more than a tree.
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Posted: Sat Feb 27, 2010 9:44 pm
Liliah was so engrossed with studying the flora in front of her that she didn't note anything around her. So caught up in studying the minute details of the plant, her world narrowed to just the scent, texture, and appearance of it, that she wouldn't have even noticed if the sky fell down around her ears.
As it was, it wasn't the sky falling down that managed to break her out of her almost trancelike state.
She had been leaning closer to the plant, almost ready to take a very small nibble to get the taste of it when there was a quick sting on her hindquarters. With a rather embarassing and unladylike yelp, and leap, Liliah returned once more to reality.
Looking around for the culprit, she spotted a seed pod laying innocently on the ground next to where she had been standing. Her eyes widened as she realised it hadn't been there before. That meant there had to be someone or something close by. A presence that could be friend or foe, that had gotten rather too cose for comfort.
She looked around a bit nervously. "Who's out there? Show yourself."
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Posted: Sat Feb 27, 2010 10:20 pm
"Well, you're far too vocal to be a tree." The voice floated out from the forest, somewhat bemused. "I was wondering if I was imagining things, apparently not. A better question would be, who are you?"
Embri slipped a bit closer to the strange mare - her dusky coloring explained why it had been hard to spot her down here below the forest canopy. What she had mistaken for vines were actually braids, draped over the mare's shoulder. Was that... a bow? And beads.
"Forgive my caution, but you look to be a bit out of place. Are you lost?"
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Posted: Sun Feb 28, 2010 10:12 am
A tree? This other being thought she was a tree?Liliah felt almost insulted, but then paused to think. With her coloration, should she be surprised that she seemed to blend in with the forest surroundings? If anything, she should be greatful, given how absorbed she was in her studying. How open and vulnerable she'd left herself.
She turned face and body towards the voice, trying to see just who and what it was that came upon her. Though hesitant, she realised this overly cautious one could have attacked her at any time when she was vulnerable, so it was more than likely not someone to be afraid of. She took in a breath and introduced herself. " My name is Liliah."
She didn't know what more to say, when the mare stepped closer, and she was able to see her clearly for the first time. Brightly colored, Liliah wondered how she hadn't seen her yet. A secondary glance made her aware of not only the birdlike wings the mare sported, but more importantly the horn which signified unicorn blood.
Almost happily, Liliah noted this fact as the last of the tension she didn't know she felt drifted away. Unicorns, even those of mixed blood- with the exception of unikalonas- were universally good and trustworthy. Or so she was taught from the time she popped from her basket.
An almost- sob rose in her throat when the other mare asked if she was lost. No, she wasn't lost, she was new to these lands, but in her heart she felt rather small, and lost, and all alone. "No, I'm not lost."
She was glad to hear her voice remained steady."It's kinda complicated, but I am rather new to these lands."
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Posted: Sun Feb 28, 2010 11:10 am
Embri separated herself from the trees, crimson and gold mane glowing like fire as she stepped out into the dappled light, regarding Liliah with a kind eye. "And I'm Embri, and I must apologize for pelting you - but more often than not anything big in this part of the forest tends to eat meat, and I'd no particular wish to come nose-to-tail with a bear under the canopy." She raised one wing, brushing it against the lowest branches. "Isn't much room for proper flying down here."
The mare tilted her head slightly at the plant the dusky mare was standing in front of. "New... mhrr. I would hope you don't have any pressing reason for searching out a white snakeroot bush. You don't look like you're on your last legs, at least." Such an innocent looking plant. The feathery white flowers were appealing looking, but the plant itself was progressively toxic. "At that, there are more pleasant ways to pass on than by rotting your brain."
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Posted: Sun Feb 28, 2010 5:35 pm
Liliah tossed her head, waving off the apology. After hearing the reason, well, it made a lot of sense...though she wasn't totally sure of just what a "bear" was, it sounded like it could be a bad thing. And really, it was just a seed pod, it's not like the projectile really hurt anything, other than her pride. "No, apologies are necessary. It's a pleasure to meet you, miss Embri."
She was fine to have company, but she really wanted to get back to studying the plant. She perked her ears with interest as Embri mentioned the plants name, starting to tune out her voice, while managing to hear the important points. White Snakeroot. ... last legs. rotting brain. That sounded very ominous, and if truth be told very tempting if she was one to seek death or oblivion to get rid of the burden or sadness she bore of her own free will. " Medica never mentioned anything like this...You mean to say that this plant is dangerous? What effects does it have? How long would they take to manifest? " Questions spilled from her lips without any thought.
She realised just what Embri had said, and her own questions and laughed. "You're a natural healer."
Her almost sad aquamarine eyes lit up, losing their burden for a moment. There was so much she could ask. So much she wanted to know. But it would be rude to demand so much from someone she just met.
"I'm sorry." She felt almost like she needed to explain herself." In my old herd, I had just started my apprenticeship under the main herbalist. It's really quite fascinating. But due to some unfortunate circumstances, I was forced to leave both my lessons and the herd."
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Posted: Sun Feb 28, 2010 11:14 pm
The alicorn shook her muzzle, ears flopping side to side. "On the contrary, apologies were in order, even if it's better safe than sorry." She wrinkled her nose towards the snakeroot. "That, young one, is one of the nastier plants you'll find out here. Not the worst, but not one you should be playing with. The milky sap is poison. A little causes weakness, a lot will paralyze you from the inside out and cause death in a few days. Well, if something hungry hasn't found you first, that is. It's not hard to detect, snakeroot poisoning imparts a very distinctive smell to the coat."
Embri nodded slightly at Liliah's statement. "I suppose you could call me that, of a sorts. My primary profession is midwife, not healer, but you can't be one without the other. You were apprenticed? A healer's life isn't one for every mare, but it certainly has it's rewards, and trials." She paused, as if not quite sure how to continue. Small talk wasn't one of Embri's strengths, one might even call her a bit blunt in her general efficiency. "What happened?"
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Posted: Mon Mar 01, 2010 10:36 am
Liliah nodded, taking in everything the other mare said, adding to her store of knowledge. She shuddered thinking of the possibilities, and outcomes... the what ifs and what would have beens if Embri had not come along.
The way Lil had been taught was through observing what her mentor asked her, and then by actually tasting the various herbs and whatnot she would use as the elements of her trade. But then her mentor was able to make sure there were never any ill effects from her methods. She had to marvel once again at just how coddled and protected she had been.
This poison... she shuddered and couldn't think of it as anything else, this plant had almost cost her her life, and in a not very pleasant manner at that. "I was always told that every plant has a purpose and can be used for healing, but of what use is that?"
She felt almost embarassed. Amongst her herd, titles of jobs were distinctions and very important, and she had misjudged. An error that she hoped wasn't too grave. " A midwife. That must be very rewarding. And yes, I was apprenticed, though not for too long. I am well aware of the risks and rewards, and still I chose this path for myself"
Liliah flinched at the question into what happened, why she was here. The wound left on her heart was still very fresh and it hurt to think about. But she was polite, and would answer the question.
"My brother," she started, feeling a lump form in her throat. She had to pause for a moment to get her feelings in check." Well, I should say my adopted brother. It wasn't his fault, not really. He was the mystic of our herd, and he had seen something. That somehow, if I were to stay, it would destroy the herd. He brought it up with the Alpha as was his duty. There was a council. They were evenly split... I just couldn't let them be hurt if I could help it. So, by my own choice, I'm an exile."
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Posted: Mon Mar 01, 2010 12:52 pm
"Your teachers were either overly optimistic, or naive idealists. Every plant does have a purpose, but it's not always one that is for us. The forest is it's own mistress, we are simply another part of it, like the trees, the birds, the rivers and yes, even the snakeroot." She shifted from hoof to hoof, searching for the words.
"It is Balance - pain has healing, life has death, thirst has water, night has day, strength of youth has wisdom of years. For every thing, it's opposite. Everything changes, but the cycles repeat."
A single eyebrow arched in response to the lilac-maned mare's confession. "I have never met a Mystic, truth be told." The whole idea seemed a bit silly to Embri but she wasn't about to go hurting the mare's feelings by saying it. "We have no fate but that which we choose for ourselves. What are you going to do now?"
There was no question in Embri's mind about leaving the young mare on her own - curiosity and no knowledge were a deadly combination out here, and she fell smack dab into the older mare's definition of "inexperienced and in need of guardianship"
A nippy breeze drove fingers of moist air down through the leaves, and the alicorn half closed her eyes, nostrils flaring as she sniffed the wind. Hmmm... pressure's dropping, shift in the weather. We'd best be moving soon.
"I'm not sure about you," Embri tilted her head towards Lilliah, "But I for one am not fond of having a soggy coat if I can help it, and there's a storm rolling in. Walk with me?
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Posted: Mon Mar 01, 2010 4:27 pm
Liliah wanted to bristle with rage or get angry on behalf of her teachers who weren't there and couldn't defend their views, but she happened to agree with Embri about them being idealists, but still. "There's nothing wrong with being optimistic, or naive, to point. And yes, I'll be the first to admit that they were definately dreamers with their heads in the clouds more often than not, but there is enough darkness in the world without trying to find it in everything. They were good teachers inspite of everything. Or they would have been if I'd had more time with them."
Growing up as she did, Liliah was surprised to find that there were others who hadn't met mystics or those like her brother. But then, there was a reason he was so highly respected despite being young. "I'm not sure about other mystics, but Gio was something special. He didn't get visions, per say, or talk to animals or plants like you'd expect of a mystic. He looked both bacwards and ahead. He would see the ripple effects of certain actions. He could almost predict the future based on the rule of cause and effect. I guess, perhaps mystic isn't the best title for it, but there aren't really any that describe what he did... does."
And while she was brought up by one who firmly believed in cause and effect, she herself was somewhat less pragmatic. She had faith, and she did believe in fate, so to hear the other mare speak so casually and dismiss it, she was surprised. But in thinking about it, she hadn't necessarily been fated to be sent away here, and it was possible that Gio was wrong, and the herd wouldn't have been destroyed if she stayed. So wasn't this fate, in a sense, one she had chosen for herself. "I feel so confused.I don't know..."
She lowered her head as new thoughts formed, new possibilities and scenarios. Had she done the right thing?
She was surprised out of her thoughts when Embri mentioned having a soggy coat. It wasn't raining right then so why would she mention it? And then she noticed the obvious change in the air around them. She decided to accept the mare's invitation.
"If it's not to much trouble..."
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Posted: Mon Mar 01, 2010 10:20 pm
"Don't do that." Embri snorted in rebuke, picking her way along a faint trail. "You mustn't look like a beaten puppy out here, stand up straight, ears tall. The weak, the sick, and the unwary get eaten. You aren't trouble, I've cared for many a mare far worse off than you." She softend her voice, offering a half smile.
"Optimism is all well and good, but without some practicality, it's likely to put you in a bad situation. You can go be a dreamer after you have the basic skills of survival. And right now, my weather sense is saying we'd better get moving." The alicorn glanced skyward and picked up her pace a little.
"I mean no disrespect to your elders, but they seem to have sent you out into the world woefully unprepared for what you would find. The choices you make everyday shape your tomorrows, call it fate, call it destiny, or call it free will, it matters not to me. You decided to come to this out of the way corner of the forest, you chose to stop by the snakeroot bush, you chose to talk to me, and you chose to follow me. I'd say you have quite a bit of say in your own future." Embri's lips quirked up into a momentary smile, dispersed by the first distant rumble of thunder.
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Posted: Wed Mar 03, 2010 8:09 am
There were many things that Liliah could say in response to so much of what Embri said, but to do so would make her seem even more naive then she was. There really was a lot to ponder and think over that made so much sense now that it was said to her face, and she had the time to think it through.
Maybe she wasn't prepared to live life on her just yet, or that she'd be better off in a herd. She had been a sheltered princess for much of her life, spoiled and coddled, so it only made sense that she make mistakes every now and again. But this was getting to be rather ridiculous. And darn it all, she really was trying to make it on her own.
Her train of thought interrupted by a distant rumble of thunder, the mare flinched and turned to her guide, picking up her pace but trying not to get ahead of Embri. After all, she was the one who knew where they were going after all. While she didn't mind rain and getting wet, there was something about thunder and storms that just made her uneasy.
"I'm really greatful for your help miss Embri." Liliah didn't think she'd said so before- but it was good manners, and those had been drilled into her skull early on, as well as being the absolute truth. Considering the mare had more than likely saved her from a gruesome fate, as well as offering to help her get her legs under her so to speak, thanks were rather inadequate. but right now, that was all she had to offer.
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Posted: Wed Mar 03, 2010 1:16 pm
"You're welcome, though it's the least I can do. Life out here is very different from the plains." The alicorn made a guess at Liliah's former territory, since most of the larger herds required open areas with plenty of grazing to support them.
"For one, it rains. A lot. We're close to the Northern mountain ranges - the storms sweep in from the ocean and dump their water here before heading out over the desert. The plants and animals that live here are also probably not the same than the ones you're used to seeing. It's not a bad place, though; for a healer, it's a treasure trove. More varieties of flora exist here than anywhere else in the world that I know of, and this is why I chose it as my home."
The first fat raindrops were beginning to fall, rolling off broad leaves before making dark spots on the ground. A bright sky flash followed a few seconds later by another rumble of thunder made Embri lay back her ears and break out into a controlled gallop. The sky was growing ominously dark with rapidity. "Almost there!' She called over her shoulder, making a quick turn down a break in the forest growth.
In front of the two mares was a sloped cliff face, too small and gentle to be called a mountain. It was hard to tell in the false dusk of the oncoming rainstorm, but the presence of so many different plants in clumps along the cliff seemed suspiciously deliberate. A darker patch of blackness was visible as the winds tugged at the hanging growth of foliage and vines than tumbled down the rock. Embri made a beeline for the dark patch.
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Posted: Fri Mar 05, 2010 9:14 am
Lils neither confirmed or denied the other mares assumption that she was from the plains. The fact of where she was from was irrelivant in the scheme of things. After all she was here, not there. And she delightedly took in all the other information Embri was giving her about this new land she found herself in. Her new "home". A truly lonely and dismal thought for the young mare.
Rain started to fall, almost like the sky agreed with her heavy feelings. There was another crash of thunder, much louder and closer this time, followed by a flash of lightning, and she picked up her pace, following as close by the other mare as she could get. Rain was one thing, it was clean and good and brought life. But there was nothing good about storms, which it seemed the weather was determined to become.
She shuddered and took a few deep breaths and focused on taking one step at a time. She hated storms, she really did. She really hoped the promised shelter was nearby. Thunder crashed again. Seeing Embri's pace pick up still further as she made for a patch of darkness, Liliah could no longer control the fear and terror that storms seemed to cause in her, and blindly rushed forward. Not knowing or even caring if this was their destination or not. She just needed to get out of the storm.
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