|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
 Posted: Sun Jan 11, 2026 5:57 am
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Sun Jan 11, 2026 11:50 pm
January  For those soquili with a green hoof, it is almost time to harvest before the summer sun wilts crops. Does your soquili partake in any farming or gardening? If so, what do they plant? How do they care for their garden? Do they work solo, with familiars or are they part of a herd or family who work together? Are they farming for food, are they gardening flowers, do they grow herbs for medicine or are they trying to conserve or restore a damaged plot of land?
If they don't farm or garden, why not? Do they not have the skill? Have they killed every plant they've tried to keep alive? Do they want to learn but don't know where to start? Maybe they can reach out to a farming or gardening soquili to get some tips! If they don't farm or garden, how do they eat? Do they live off the land and forage for food or are they hunters?
Write an RP responding to the above prompt telling us about how/why your soquili farms/gardens if they do. Or why not if they don't and what they do instead. Word Count 1,572Hyacinthia - 603Glimmer Glitch - 301Heliotrope - 419Summer is always the best time to garden, the mushrooms from the spring are almost ripe and the down trees from winter were well primed for colonization for fall and winter crops. Hyacinthia walked her underground garden taking mental notes of all the tasks she hoped to complete tonight. As she counted the cups of some of her favorite varieties she had an odd sense of not being alone. In the distance she could hear echoes of more than one someone moving outside her cave. Unfazed and unworried, she worked her way to the entrance. ’If they're here to visit I should go greet them,’ she pondered. ’And if they're just passing by I could use some more rotten logs for processing. It got darker as she moved up the cave. Heliotrope was on her last bit of sanity, not that she had much to begin with. They had been traveling for months, and on several occasions they went backwards, in circles or lost each other. She spent every waking moment trying to keep her father moving in the right direction. At night the familiars took turns on lookout. On more than one occasion Glimmer Glitch wandered off on Spike's watch. Cats, even cactus cats, are lazy and known to sleep whenever they wish.
It was hot and she was tired. She gave the cave a skeptical look. "Spike, are you sure this is the right place?" The cavern hole was small and resembled a large mouth with sharp rocky teeth jetting out of the ground and ceiling. She heard soft snores from her back. Spike was out cold. "I guess this is as good a place to rest for the night as anywhere. Sounds good Dad?"
Glimmer Glitch wandered up, wide eyed, staring at the giant whale before him. "What big teeth you have. I wonder how I taste." He turned his head around waiting for the ferns to answer, but like always they flailed at him disapproving. The oddly spiky one stretched his leaves talking to the big fern 'or is she a small tree', he wondered to himself.
"This should be it." Spike stretched lazily. "When you enter there should be a tiny stream," He licked his paws. "And if you follow it, deep into the cave, you should find a pool of water." The licking sounds got louder and louder. "Somewhere around there, there should be what he needs but," his tongue wandered behind him making more disturbing noises, "I'm not sure what exactly does it. Could be the water, the rocks or a spirit of some sort. It's a mystery,” He paused, not really wanting to say it. “or a tall tale."
"She is definitely a tree fern." Glimmer announced randomly aloud, completely unaware that he had only been thinking about it earlier. "Cavern of Dreams, is it just behind the mouth? Shell we skip on inside now?" He started weaving his way towards the cave, swaying to and fro.
"Dad, it's almost dark. We should wait till morning." Heliotrope tried to reason with him. The heat was getting to her making it harder to think.
Ches flitted by. "It probably couldn't hurt to check out the cave, at least a little bit before we lose the sun." He moved around quickly looking around. "Plus, caves are cooler. I'd love to get out of this heat." He landed and looked at her seriously.
"This is true. I think we could all use a little bit of cool air and cooler water." She sighed. "Dad," she looked at him seriously. "The rules are this, we only go as far as I say and we rest for the night! Spike, you will sleep on top of Glimmer and if he moves you better use some claws, otherwise you'll be sent after him alone. Dad, do you agree?" Peripeteia caught up, joining the tail end of the conversation.
 Glimmer nodded, turning to the spiky fern. "A spiky wake up call, should I wonder deeper into the whale? That sounds wonderful. Shell we Tree Fern?" Glimmer bowed his head low to his daughter.
Hyacinthia watched the odd group from the shadows. She had been returning to the surface to get some rotten logs to feed her mushroom garden when she was surprised to find an odd group standing at her door step. A purple stallion who could barely stand and was obviously in a state of mindless madness, a cat-like mare with a tail that twitched and moved in and out of existence, a literal cactus cat, a small song bird and a mutant bunny. 'They don't seem to be here to cause trouble.' She thought to herself moving deeper into the darkness to watch them. Hyacinthia had lived most of her life in this cave system. The stream provided water. The cavern provided a year round protection from the elements and the rocks in the depths glowed with a warmth that filled her with joy.
Glimmer trotted in behind his daughter. "This whale is quite different inside than I thought it would be. How odd. Everything's so bright.” His eyes focused through the darkness. “And the most beautiful creature is hiding here within." He smiled at the darkness where Hyacinthia was hiding. "Why hide, my sweet blue bird?" The ferns rolled their eyes thinking he was crazy but they couldn’t see the world the way he did.
Walking out of the darkness Hyacinthia looked sheepishly around the entry to the cave. “It would seem you see things a bit differently than your friends. My name is Hyacinthia. I was just coming up to find some rotten logs for my mushroom garden. The heat really helps them flourish.” She smiled, not taking her eyes off Glimmer.
”And a voice of a bird to match. I’m Glimmer Glitch, the tree fern is my daughter Heliotrope. The spikey fern is Spike and the shooting star is Ches. I know Peripeteia is here somewhere, she’s a forest spirit. So calm though I find it hard to see her most of the time.”
One by one the group reintroduced themselves to Hycinthia. “I apologize for accidentally invading your home but Spike here,” she pointed in his direction, “had heard a rumour about this being the Cavern of Dreams. A place that might be able to help my father navigate the world, more clearly.
Hyacinthia looked around taking everything in before leading the group deeper into the cave. “It’ll be dark soon but that’s the best time to visit the deepest parts of the cave. I’ve had people visit from time to time looking for the Cavern of Dreams and most of the time they find something that helps them.” The deeper they went the brighter it started to get. The water ran under her hooves, a gentle trickling stream. The walls opened up to reveal a strange underground garden with a quite blue lagoon in the middle.
“If I didn’t know better I’d swear I walked into the way my father sees the world.” Helio gasped looking around. The crystal walls glowed oddly blue and mushrooms and ferns scattered along the path around the little lake.
”What makes the crystals glow like this?” Ches flew around taking a close look at everything.
”Your right Heliotrope, this is exactly how I picture your father seeing things. It’s just so trippy.” She said hopping behind the group.
”Are all the mushrooms edible?" Glimmer asked, looking from one to the next. “Lots of varieties I’ve never seen before. And you grow all of these?” His eyes were clear again. Spike laid lazily on his back watching water drip from the ceiling and make perfect rings in the cool wet water.
”All the ones in here are edible. But they're not quite ready to harvest yet. I have a few other areas dedicated to medicinal or recreational varieties in harder to reach parts of the cave system.” She watched Glimmer looking closely at all the different shapes, sizes and colors they came in. “The best sleeping area is up ahead.” Moving slightly uphill they left most of the moist slippery floor behind. “I'm not certain if it's the water or some sort of healing minerals from the rocks but for some this place helps them. Hopefully it can calm Glimmer’s,” she searched for a good word for it, “deliria."
The floor got softer and made her tail fully appear before coming and going again. Her cat eyes rolled back in her head. She shifted her paws over the moss that covered the floor. “I can tell why this is the sleeping room. I've never felt anything so,” her fur stood on end for a moment before dropping, “soft.” Her cat-like nature was hard to miss.
Spike smiled, watching Helio's true nature show through her tough exterior. Hopping off Glimmer he kneaded the floor calmly.
”There are no extra tunnels out of this room and I normally work in the mushroom garden at night so there is no need to worry about Glimmer wandering away. Relax and we'll talk more in the morning.” She smiled at the group before excusing herself. If she hurried she could still grab the rotten logs to start incubating them before there was a chance for Glimmer to stir.
”Good night Mrs blue bird.” Glimmer said quietly, finding a comfortable place to sleep. The soft moss hugged him, like he was sleeping on a cloud.
|
 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Sun Jan 11, 2026 11:54 pm
 Fall has finally come and it's about time. You're really starting to enjoy the cooler weather after this blazing summer. You've started gearing everything towards this transitional time....Only, it's false tall or as some call it, second summer. It's getting unbearably hot again. Does it seem hotter than before or is it just because you'd finally had a break from the relentless heat? How does this effect your travel plans? Do you have to put them off or prepare differently? What about your hunting plans or you planting times? Is this whole thing a blessing in disguise or are you going to have to do a complete 180 in your life to make it work?
Write an RP responding to the above prompt telling us about how this changes your plans. 750 word count minimum. Word Count 1,527
Salena - 254
Aurelia - 469
Cera - 291
Euryale - 297The summer has been long and hot but Salena could feel the weather changing. The garden was flourishing thanks to Aurelia’s help. During the day she worked in the garden together and at night she watched Aurelia discover her new form. Since Yuuki had been back she had been hidden up in her small workshop cabin working on something. Salena also got the feeling Yuuki wasn’t alone in there, which made her smile.
Today Salena decided to check on her. Carefully she knocked with one hoof. “Yuuki, it’s starting to cool off, the girls were talking about going for a walk. Care to join?A smaller than expected squirrel answered the door. “Mom, can we go for a walk?””Of course hun. Kouki this is Salena. Salena this is my son Kouki.” Yuuki nonchalantly introduced the two of them together. Salena didn’t know why she had left in the spring and Yuuki hadn’t felt like explaining it and when she returned carrying Kouki in her bag she decided not to introduce him to all the strangers that had joined them.Salena swallowed, ’this isn’t what I thought I’d find.’ She quickly recovered from the shock. “Nice to meet you Kouki.” An excited squirrel scampered past her and ran full speed down the path.”Best get galloping. He’s hard to keep up with.” Yuuki raced after him with Salena not far behind. Aurelia watched as two squirrels and Salena raced by. “That’s an odd sight.” She said mostly to herself. Not that she wasn’t just as odd of a sight right then either. She stood in her human form, now covered by scraps of clothing in a makeshift outfit. She had been practicing for several weeks on her new found power. Aurelia started out trying to fix a curse on herself only to discover that she was more herself now than she had ever been. Once she loosened up and enjoyed more of the world her fits of cursing stopped.”Oh good, Kouki’s out of the house.” Cera smiled, she and Aurelia had known about him for a while but for some reason Yuuki didn’t want Salena to know. So Cera kept out of it. “It looks like you’ve got walking down now.” Cera lightly bumped into Aurelia and Aurelia didn’t fall over. “And better balance too. Dinner is almost ready.” Cera turned to check on it. “Are you looking forward to starting the harvest in the morning?” She asked.She smiled. “I am, and I can’t wait to try these hands out. Should make things much easier.”For the first time since Yuuki had returned, the group of them enjoyed a meal together. The cool air was a refreshing change. Kouki turned in early while the rest of them stayed up late and told each other stories. Salena now knew everything about Yuuki and Gethin, and about her children. Everyone turned in and slept in late.Cera woke up to the sun being up and she felt warmer than expected. “Gahh, why is it hot again.” She wined to herself. “I thought we had passed all this.” She pleaded with the world. “Mother nature, you're so cruel!” She shook her hoof out in front of her. ”I wish,” Aurelia chimed in. “I’ve been up for hours just sweating like crazy. Guess we get a second summer.” She shook and stretched her wings, trying to get some air moving. “We were talking about packing up for a beach day. Care to join?”
 ”Now that’s what I’m talking about, count me in.” She rubbed her face against her leg trying to wake up. “I’m ready as soon as I can stand up.” The beach wasn’t partially close but luckily most of the trip was in the shade. Cera and Solena galloped at a fairly fast pace, the wind helped ease the heat.
Aurelia flew ahead with Yuuki and Kouki. They found a spot out of the sun, a large rock jutted out over the calm water of the tide pools. She lightly dipped her toes in the water while the two squirrels splashed around.
”You really should have packed more clothing to wear at the beach. Why do you think I made you so many different kinds” Yuuki chastised Aurelia, making sure not to take her eyes off Kouki who was currently collecting as many shells as he could find.
”I know, that’s why I’m staying in the shade. No burns today.” She looked at her arms and hugged her knees. “At least the offence bits are covered. Plus I wanted to bring enough food for us to stay a day or two.”
Yuuki rolled her eyes. “It will be nice not to have to travel back today and I think next time we’ll ride on Salena.” She shivered. “Flying is terrifying!”
Smerking Aurelia started braiding her hair to get it up and out of the way. “You jump from tree to tree without wings, and you're complaining about flying on something that is meant to be in the sky! I’ve seen you miss when you jump.” She stuck her tough out but Yuuki wasn’t looking. Her attention was fully on her son.
”Kouki, you really shouldn’t go that far out!” She shouted.
”Mom, it’s fine!” He continued swimming around, using his tail as a rudder.
”Is that…” she said out loud. Aurelia noticed a familiar pile of rainbow snakes and tentacles moving towards the shore. “Yuuki, don’t freak out but I think Cera’s mother is here.” She pointed towards the odd mass moving towards Kouki. “Do you trust me?” Aurelia smiled an evil smile at Yuuki who was now looking at her with a mix of panic and enjoyment. Taking that as a yes she screamed “Sea monster!”
 Euryale heard the scream from shore and swam closer to the little rainbow creature. How could she not have a little bit of fun? Its legs were moving so fast and its tail was thrashing uncontrollably.
Kouki started screaming and swimming for shore as fast as he could. “Sea monster! Mommy!” He cried, stumbling back to shore.
As the water got shallow she began to walk rather than swim and before long she was standing in ankle deep water, a bit confused by the site before her. A pale almost naked Kawani woman sat on the shore with two brightly colored squirrels.
Yuuki hugged Kouki before telling him I told you so. “Next time when I say not to do something, maybe you should listen.
Aurelia stood up walking towards Euryale. “Still scaring others?” She said, smirking at the mare.
Euryale took a step back. She had never met a human who wasn’t afraid of her. Nor had she ever been able to understand one. Luckily for her she saw Cera running down to the shore with a full size mare.
”Cera! Salena! Glad you made it. Flying is so much faster than running.” She shouted at the two of them as they got close.
Cera didn’t even slow down; she ran straight into the water knocking her mother down. “Mom,” she screeched. “What are you doing here?” Not waiting for a response Cera dove into the water to cool off.
”What in the world did I miss?” Salena came to a stop next to Aurelia looking around at the sight before her. Kouki was crying, Yuuki was hugging him and yelling at him at the same time. An odd Nixie was standing half in the water being called Mom by Cera. “Aurelia?” She stood waiting for an explanation.
”Aurelia?” Euryale repeated, unfazed by her daughter rushing off to the water. “Is that you?” She asked getting close to the human. “I thought you looked odd for a Kawani and I’ve never heard them speak anything other than gibberish. Let alone show that much skin without being naked.” She laughed.
Aurelia threw her hands around Euryale’s neck, giving her a tight hug. “It’s nice to see you. I know Cera has missed you.” She said, pulling back, shivering slightly from the feeling of tentacles and snakes on her skin. Euryale was refreshingly cold compared to the rest of their surroundings.
Euryale hugged her back, letting her snakes and tentacles free. Her human skin felt oddly smooth. “I was traveling by and I heard someone yelling at their kid not to go too far so I thought I’d help remind him why he should listen to his mother.” She looked at Kouki who wouldn’t make eye contact with her. “And I may have taken it a little far,” She said regrettably. “When I heard you shout sea monster,” she nodded towards Aurelia. “I knew I had to come ashore and apologize.”
Kouki’s face scrunched up and he turned towards her. “I wasn’t scared!” He said stomping his little feet, still unable to look her in the eye.
Yuuki frowned and crossed her arms.
Smirking, Euryale walked up and leaned down close to him. “REALLY?” she said. “Are you Sssshure?” She let one of her snakes hiss lightly in his ear and a tentacle reached towards his face.
His eyes teared up. “Mommy!” He cried. “I’ll listen next time.”
Kouki buried his head in her chest. She gave a mom smile back to Euryale. A silent thankyou.
Cool and wet surrounded her and a light pressure from the waves moved her to and fro. It was moments like this that made her understand her mother better. ’Wait?’ her brain returned to the present. ’What’s my mother doing here?’ She worked her way to the shore, unnerved by the fact it was dark now. “Mom, what are you doing here?” She asked the group.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Sun Jan 11, 2026 11:55 pm
 The weather is turning but mother nature has one last hurrah in store - it seems she has mustered up a blizzard that's blown down from the mountains and over the majority of the Kawani lands. This is highly unusual for this time of year, it seems winter was not ready to let go! How does your soquili fair in this blizzard? Do they see the signs early and manage to avoid it completely? Do they seek shelter in time and wait it out? Do they find themselves stranded and in danger? Do they fend for themselves or do they help others around them?
Write an RP responding to the above prompt telling us about how your soquili responds to this natural disaster! Should you meet the requirements, the spirits may send them something to keep them warm! Word count 1,038
Nadya and Naomie - 329
Gwyneira - 352
Tahbloka - 303Nadya and Naomie hadn’t stayed in one place so long, and they were really enjoying themselves. Hawthorne Crossing had an odd flux of residents, something they really enjoyed about being here. A few, like them, traveled over the mountains from the south while others who lived deep in the woods and valleys of the mountains came here to trade or avoid the winter. On a few occasions even a few desert loving Soquilli joined them from the far side of the mountains to the north. All the variety they were used to without all the annoying traveling.
But their main reason for staying was Gwyn, meddling in her romantic life was just too much fun. “Did you see the way those two were looking at each other on the last night?” Nadya smirked.”Yeah,” Naomie sighed, wishing she could find someone to look at her like that. “Do you think they’ll survive being apart so long?” She watched the town bustling around them. The outlying groups had joined them for winter and winter was coming to an end.”I hope so,” Nadya looked at the distant mountains and an idea hit her. “Perhaps there is a way to make sure it does.” She smiled at her sister. “Tahbloka is a bit of a romantic, isn’t he?”
’I wonder if he would go after her? Surprise her?’ She smiled more ’The snow is so romantic this time of year…’ Her thoughts trailed off.”He is…” Naomie said suspiciously. “What exactly do you have in mind sis?” Her eyebrow rose out of curiosity.”Wouldn’t it be sweet, and quite romantic too,” Her smile deepened. “If he met up with her at the half way point, the cabin on the ridge.” She paused, seeing the twinkle in Naomie’s eyes. “Wouldn’t that be perfect?””That would be perfect!” She squealed, causing her side of the body to twitch and jump. “I think I saw him outside the medicine hut not too long ago.” — Meanwhile on the edge of a mountain — Far away Gwyn felt a large shiver go up her spine, her ears perked up at an odd shift in the world around her. She had left Hawthorn after signs that winter was starting to check for Aurelia. Fall harvest had come and gone and there had been no sign of the Angini she had come to know so well. But now winter was slowing and there was no sign of Aurelia. The wind shifted, starting to blow from the west bringing her back to reality. “Feels like a cold snap is about to hit.” She said to the snow around her. “Guess winter isn’t done with me yet. Aurelia, I hope you're well wherever you are.” Shifting from her horse form to her bear form she left the cliffs and returned to the caves nearby. ’If you're not back by spring I’ll go back to town.’ She thought to herself, images of Tahbloka drifted into her mind, causing her to almost run into a tree. — Later that day back at the village — Carefully Tahbloka packed his bag. He made sure that there was enough dry food to last him a week or more. He also packed some of Gwyns favorite dried meat. ’This is such a bad idea.’ He kept telling himself. ’Why did I let those two talk me into this?’ He rolled everything up in a warm blanket and tried to focus on the positive. ’I’m being romantic, this is supposed to be romantic.’ Stopping in his tracks he admitted aloud. “No this really is a bad idea. Oh well.”
He moved through town quietly, in case anyone tried to stop him, his mind was doing a good job of that already. Last year's blizzard was still fresh on his mind. The start of spring wasn’t guaranteed. The first part of the trek was uneventful. He moved quickly and carefully, following the path laid out over the mountains for travelers. The first day was easy but the storm hit midway through the second day.
’Yep, this was a bad idea.’ He kept saying to himself. Keeping his head low he pushed ahead, looking up every few feet to make sure he could still see the next marker. It worked for a time, until it didn’t. The snow went from hard to blinding. Nothing but white surrounded him. “Crap, this isn’t good. If I can’t see I can’t move.” The snow now drifted nearly as high as his belly. A familiar smell filled his nostrils. ’Evergreen sap, please say it’s a traveler's fir.’ He pleaded with the world around him.
Following his nose he found possibly the smallest traveler's fir tree he’s ever seen but he didn’t complain he just shoveled his way into its safe embrace. Here he stayed through the night and the next day. Only when the storm died down did he venture out to find the path again. Luckily he hadn’t wandered too far off.— Back on the edge of a mountain — Gwyn had waited out the storm in the cavern near the dropoff but with the smell of spring in the air she couldn't wait any longer. ’Good luck to you Aurelia, may you find your way home.’ She silently prayed, unsure if Hawthorn was still Aurelia’s home or if she had found the place she fit in. The trip over the mountains was harder than normal. The blizzards had caused mounds of snow to collect. With each cave and traveler's rest she came to she had to manually dig out the entrances. Where she could she helped those trapped by the storm, never staying long.
She approached the half way cabin carefully. There was smoke leaving the chimney which meant it was currently being used. Soquilli and other animals weren’t the only ones who visited this cabin. She circled it quietly twice before daring to enter. She lifted the door knob with her nose and entered carefully, pulling the door closed with her paw. The room was comfortably warm, the fire had been well kept and a familiar horse sat near the fire smiling at her.
”I couldn’t wait for you to return.” Tahbloka tried to smile confidently.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Mon Mar 02, 2026 8:45 am
February Quite a number seem to celebrate the end of the Year, but now we've reached the Spring Festival. It begins on a new moon and is typically 15 days long with the festival honoring deities and ancestors. During this time, you see families big and small coming together for reunion dinners, cleaning of their home to remove bad luck, lots of red decorations and other festivities.
How do you choose to celebrate? Are you with family and friends? Are you solo? Perhaps you're not much of a Spring Festival kind of sort and don't celebrate at all. What do you think about the ongoing festivities whether or not you partake in them? Word Count - 1,370Hyacinthia - 443Glimmer Glitch - 553Heliotrope - 321Her cave had been empty and lonely last spring, most travelers never daring to stay for more than a day or two, but Glimmer and his family had happily accepted her help. She thought of them as her, albeit weird, family. Hyacinthia sat musing as she watched today's weird antics go on. The cave had a warm happy glow to it.”Dad, do you really think this is a good idea?” Heliotrope chased after her father, who had a watering can in his mouth and was attempting to bring water to the various mushrooms around the cave. “I think they are all moist enough, the cave already does a great job without you moving water around.”Glimmer’s eyes were clear but he set the can down for a moment. “A few of them told me they were thirsty, so I’m bringing the ones that asked for water. Daughter, is that really so wrong?” He tiled his ears listening. “Mr Froo Froo, of course you can have a cup of tea.” He picked up his watering can again and trotted over to a particularly frilly mushroom. He rested the watering can on his knees for a moment. “Oh, and Miss Muffit, you’d like a cup too. Of course, of course.” He made a low bow towards a pink and purple spotted one.Heliotrope sighed and moved over to where Hyacinthia was resting. “If he was hurting something, you would stop him? Wouldn’t you?” Helio studied Hyacinthia’s face.
Hyacinthia smiled, giving Helio a slight nod. “Honestly, he understands what they need better than I do. Since you guys arrived everything is flourishing, especially your father. Look at him.” Hyacinthia nudged her hoof in his direction. “His eyes have never been clearer. Sure he’s still “hearing voices” but that’s not to say those mushrooms aren't speaking to him. Don’t worry little one, everything is in balance.”
Heliotrope couldn’t argue with that. Since they arrived in the cave her father had improved every day. It had been months since he wandered away, and even then he wandered deeper into the cave because ‘the white rabbit’ had led him to something. For the first time in her life everything felt peaceful and safe. Something she never knew she needed.
Glimmer returned his watering can to the waters edge when he suddenly turned his attention to a large plump mushroom. ”Oh I didn’t realize the Spring Festival had started already.” He listened to the mushroom carefully. “Yes, yes. We must prepare the festivities.”
Hyacinthia sat up, realizing he was right. “Oh Glimmer, how could I forget such an important event. You're right, we must set things up!” She stood and rushed over to him, spreading her wings out and whispering something for only his ears to hear. “How do the fungi guests wish to celebrate it this year?” She had a hard time keeping her excitement low enough for only Glimmer to hear.
Smirking Glimmer leaned in close and gave her a small peak on the cheek. “With lots of red.” He backed up and smiled larger. “Just like your cheeks right now.” He playfully stepped in place. “And good food for us to all enjoy together.” He felt himself flush a little himself.
Slowely lowering her wings Hyacinthia tried her best not to let his flirtatious nature get the better of her. “That sounds lovely. I’ll see what I can find.” She did her best not to let Heliotrope see her face. She was happy the way things were and didn’t want it to change. It was hard falling for someone with a grown daughter. She wandered deeper in the cave to pull out red streamers and (fake) gold coins. She thought back to the days her mother used to share the cave with her. Like Glimmer, her mother Puschkinia, could hear the things that lived in the cave. Hyacinthia shook her head trying to banish memories. She hadn’t celebrated the turn of the year in a long time.
Heliotrope watched Hyacinthia walk out of the mushroom chamber to move deeper into the cave. She gave her father a disapproving look, moving close to him she tried to remember to breathe. “Dad, you know I’m okay with you two, being whatever you two are or want to be in the future.” She stared at him. “You need to stop making her think it’s some sort of secret!” Her fathers eyes were clear and sparkling with joy.
”Oh daughter, love of my life. I’m not playing around with her or trying to be mean. This is something she has to figure out herself.” He cocked his head to the side. “We’ve all been hurt before,” he couldn’t hide the pain in his eyes, “and she is no different. When she’s ready to be open about it, she will be.” Glimmer knocked his hoof against his other hoof. “Plus, we have things to prepare! Tis a feast tonight.” His eyes got wide. “If you could eat anything tonight what would it be!”
Her fathers logic was sometimes mad but she couldn’t argue with him about this either. Perhaps later she would talk openly with Hyacinthia. ‘Favorite food’ she closed her eyes and thought for a moment. “CAKE!” She shouted like a foal again, “And all the best things a tea party can have. Little sandwiches and mini cookies!
Glimmer held his breath waiting for the answer he knew she would say, and of course she didn’t disappoint. ”Yes! A tea party with all the best things we can make. Daughter, this will be the best way to welcome in the new year and Hyacinthia to our family.” He paused and looked up before letting his eyes glaze over slightly. “A very merry unbirthday, to ME!”
Helio joined in, almost instinctively. “To who? To Me?
”To you.” The two of them wandered out of the cave singing their nonsense song together, ready to celebrate with the best tea party yet.
When Hyacinthia returned she could hear the two of them singing as they left the cave. “Oh what wonderful nonsense those two bring.” She said to some of the mushrooms nearby. While they never spoke to her, it certainly didn’t keep her from talking to them. She scattered gold coins around. “And an extra shiny one for you, Mr Froo Froo.” She dropped one from her bag in front of the frilly mushroom. “And of course I wouldn’t forget you Miss Muffet.” Before long the mushroom cavern was full of sparkly gold coins, red streamers and the glow of lanterns. Hyacinthia closed her eyes and listened to the babbling brook. It was so nice she must have fallen asleep.”
Glimmer and Hyacinthia spent a lot of time around the fire working on the best tea party they could manage. They enlisted Ches, Spike and Peripeteia to help. Each of them made their best dish.
Peripeteia hopped out of the cave, she had been tasked with setting up all the tea cups and had returned to bring the tea kettles in next. “Guys, she’s asleep. Hyacinthia’s out cold. It looks gorgeous there.” She hopped up to Helio. “She must have been really tired after getting everything set up.
”Let her rest then. All the sweets are almost ready.” She paused for a moment. “We’ll just keep my Dad out here until we're ready for the party to start. You know he’ll wake her without even trying.”
Glimmer had a smirk appear on his face. “I promise my daughter, I will remain quiet and out here till the party starts. And then I will wake her.” One by one Ches and Spike helped Peripeteia bring the last of the items in. Glimmer watched and waited his turn to walk in with the basket holding the cake. The cave was indeed beautiful. A blanket sat atop the cave moss, holding everything needed for a wonderful tea party. Just as quietly as he promised he set the basket down, moving the handles out of the way so Peripeteia could lift it and add it to the picnic setup. Stepping close to Hyacinthia he knelt down and put his mussel close to ear. “Happy, happy unbirthday, my love.” He whispered into her ear.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Thu Mar 05, 2026 6:41 am
March March comes in like a lion and out like a lamb. Spring is near, and as depicted on the tapestries there is a story to tell. Your story. Or perhaps a favored tale from your youth. Whatever the tale, tell it well and you may be able to snag a couple of delightful prizes. Word Count - 1,959
Aurelia - 388
Cera - 307
Nadya and Naomie - 280
Gwyneira - 290
Tahbloka - 370
Salena - 324Aurelia warmed her hands near the fire. She had seen the first signs of spring but the nights were still bitterly cold. A lot had happened over the last year and it was odd to be back and yet it felt nice to be sitting around the fire with friends. ‘Old friends, and new.’ she mused to herself, curling her toes within her boots.Gwyneira couldn’t help it, she found herself staring at Aurelia. She was so small now and a pasty color as well. She thought about how her midnight blue fur looked normally. “I think I’ve been patient enough.” She growled lightly under her breath, losing patience with the state of things. She had stayed in the mountains with Tahbloka for more than a month before returning to the village and then somehow the horse she had gone looking for beat her back and changed into a weak looking human.When Gwyn growled Tahbloka instantly sat up straight, fear tingled delightfully down his spine. ‘Sometimes she can be so terrifying,’ he thought to himself, knowing better than to interrupt her interrogation. Aurelia on the other hand continued curling her toes in her boots like nothing was wrong. “The mice here do make some of the best clothing I’ve ever gotten to try. Everything is so warm.” She glanced over to Cera and Salena, realizing how that statement could be taken. “But don’t tell Yuuki I said that.”Cera was used to creatures showing their teeth at her, she was small after all. She knew as long as the polar bear was seated she was fine, plus her anger wasn’t directed towards her. ‘Just don’t bring too much attention to yourself and you’ll be fine.’ She took a breath before responding calmly. “Yuuki definitely wouldn’t be happy to hear her scrappy style has been out-shined, by mice of all things.” She laughed.Salena laughed too. “She’s getting better at it, I’m sure she’s even practicing drafting clothing while we're gone.” She shook her head at the thought of scraps of cloth laying all over the cabin. “Pants are partially hard. If she hadn’t procured some from the Kawani village I’m not certain she would have figured it out.” Giggling at the word procured, Aurelia turned her attention to Gwyn. “I’ll tell you my story if you tell me yours.” She looked between Gwyn and Tahbloka with a knowing smile. “You two definitely weren’t a thing when I left?” She giggled again.Gwyn’s body language changed and Tahbloka relaxed as well. He knew she wasn’t happy about being asked such a personal question but he also knew the more she avoided it the more they would pester. “Perhaps it’s only fair if you went first?” He posed it questionably to Aurelia.” Nadya and Naomie joined the circle, both beaming from ear to ear looking back and forth between Gwyn and Tahbloka. “It would be nice to hear the full story, wouldn’t it Sis?” Nadya looked at her sister.Naomie nodded. “Yes it would, Sister.” She crossed her legs, getting comfortable. “It was a cold winter after all.” She smiled, winking at Gwyn.Aurelia cleared her throat. “You know, I think we're getting off topic. They don’t have to share if they don’t want to, plus it’s my turn first.” Aurelia smiled, straightening her back. “The last time I saw Gwyn was last winter. We weathered one of the worst storms I’d ever seen and then I flew off the edge of a mountain looking for a cave to break a curse.” Aurelia told everyone about her adventures. She talked about nights she spent alone watching the night sky. About some of the interesting places she visited. How she met Cera and her mother Euryale on the beach and the summer she spent with Salena working in her garden. And best of all how she discovered her two legs.”And there she was, knees shaking, hair draped all over her nearly hairless body, completely unaware that humans usually don’t walk around naked. The first few weeks she attempted to run around, falling over her own two feet and hair, completely in the nude. Yuuki got so fed up she went and stole a pair of pants.” Salena lost it laughing. “And whatever poor guy she stole them from wasn’t as small, or as short as Aurelia here.” She struggled to get the rest of it out, “We had to add a rope to them so they would stay up, and the bottoms were cinched up too.” Salena now lay on the ground. The whole group busting with laughter.Cera found her breath after a few moments. “It wasn’t as bad as the first top.” She burst out laughing again. “Yuuki got so fed up with Aurelia’s new bouncy bits that she sewed some leaves together.” She took a breath. “It looked great even, a beautiful patchwork tube top and Aurelia got in a fight with a summer squash plant and in the process managed to rip it. There she was on her butt, arms over her head holding a large zucchini and the whole thing fell off in one piece, split right between the front. Bouncy bits giggling away. I thought for sure Yuuki was going to kill her.” Cera giggled some more, briefly checking that Aurelia was enjoying the stories.Reagnacting it Aurelia sat with her arms in the air pretending to grip something and legs splayed awkwardly. “Those first few weeks were something out of a bad bedtime story. The awkward flailing human, unable to walk, amazingly survives one day at a time.” She moved and twisted her body in weird ways.Nadya and Naomie exchanged looks. ‘Giggly bits?’ Nadya thought at her sister.Naomie returned the confused look. ‘What part is giggly on a human?’ She thought at her sister as well, suddenly shaking her head. ‘I don’t think I want to know…’Nadya returned the head shaking after coming to the same conclusion.Gwyn stared in aww at Aurelia. She couldn’t believe that timid, wound too tight horse was the same woman (different body or otherwise) sitting in front of her. “When you flew off the mountain, I could have never guessed this is how you would return to us.” She smiled, more than a hint of pride showing. “What an adventure and so much change in such a short time. And I don’t just mean the number of legs.” She glanced momentarily at Tahbloka before continuing. “I went up into the mountains during false springs, just before the last big storm hit.” She softly blew a cold stream of icyness into the air. Small flurries fell and landed just outside the flame circle.Aurelia watched the snow fall with awww. ‘She’s been touched by winter,’ Aurelia smiled”She was heading to where she last saw you, Aurelia.” Tahbloka added in. “Of course after she left Naomie and Nadya started putting ideas in my head. Ideas that could have very easily gotten me killed.” He glared lightly at the twins.”But you didn’t” Nadya and Naomie chimed in together. Nadya smiled at Naomie and Naomie smiled back before turning to Tahbloka.Tahbloka rolled his eyes and looked at Gwyneira. “But regardless they convinced me to walk into a winter storm to surprise you. You know, be romantic or die trying.” He shrugged looking around at the rest of the group, all the mares were staring at him intently. He hesitated slightly, “It took me a bit, and I got lost several times but eventually I made it to the halfway house and decided it was better to wait there for Gwyn than venture any further. After all, I could barely move through how high the snow had gotten.”Naomie squealed, ”Gwyn Gwyn, what was your reaction when you found him there?” She and Naydia tapped their hooves on the ground.”My first reaction, after the shock and joy of seeing him wear off?” Gwyn spoke with a slight growl at the end.”She beat the s**t out of me, I thought the storm was scary but pissing off a polar bear is worse.” He said watching all the mares jump in surprise. The thought that she wouldn’t be happy he went through a really bad winter storm just to surprise her hadn’t accrued to them. “I didn’t realize just how close I was to not making it till a few days later. We had moved to a cave off the beaten trail.” He paused to see if Gwyn wanted the story to be told differently but she didn’t correct him so he continued. “The fire was warm and yet my breath was visible.” He blew a cold breath into the air just like Gwyn had. ”Naydia, your meddling almost got him killed!” Naomie whisper shouted at her other half.”My meddling?” She questioned her sister, her voice rising louder. “It was your idea! It’s not my fault he went along with it!” She scowled at her sister.
Snorting Naomie responded, ”Oh no, no, no. It was all your idea, I tried to talk him out of it.”
The two halves of the mare bickered back and forth, each blaming the other. They had completely forgotten there were others around them till Salena’s laugh broke through. They got quite quick.
Salena’s laugh was loud and purposely obnoxious. She added snorts and odd animal sounds between the donkey sounding laugh she let out. This was a defense mechanism she had learned with being around her sisters. It's hard to keep having a fight if someone's laugh is so hard not to laugh at them. Before long the whole group was laughing at her and everytime one of the others accidentally laughed so hard they snorted too it went around the circle again. At this point she just sat back and watched. ‘Works everytime,’ she smiled to herself. Once the laughter had slowed down she turned the story back to happier things. “And then you two several weeks alone in a mountain cave off the travelers path? Just keeping each other,” she paused, winking at Naydia and Naomie. She started again, “Just keeping each other warm, right?” The effect worked perfectly.
Gwyneira chose not to answer that directly and instead turned playfully towards Tahbloka. “I think it might be getting a little late.” She winked. “And it is a bit chilly out tonight. Maybe you should keep me warm again tonight.” She shrugged before leaving the circle, the cackle of the mares could probably be heard by the entire town.
Tahbloka smiled sheepishly, “Goodnight ladies. Not sure how much sleep I’ll be getting tonight.” He quickly trotted off after Gwyneira, a rather large smile showing on his face.
Naydia and Naomie turned in soon after, now bickering about what a great idea it was to send him off to meet her, both laying claim to the idea.
Before long it was just Aurelia and Cera left by the now dwindling fire. “Thank you for joining me on this trip,” she said to Cera. “Hopefully you’ve been enjoying the town.”
Cera had been quiet for most of Gwyn and Tahbloka’s story, the whole thing was a bit overwhelming to her. She had spent most of her life wandering the lonely seas with her mother, the thought that a place like this couldn't have accrued to her, even in her wildest dreams. “I am, I’ve never been around so many people at once. Horses, big and small, mice, racoons and every sort of forest creature imaginable working and living together.” She smiled widely. “Thank you for inviting me to join you.” The two watched the fire before laying down to watch the stars. ‘What a wonderful adventure,’ she mused to herself.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Reply
