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Post by Nahara46 on Jul 29, 2012 0:17:43 GMT -5
Friend? Birdy had a friend? Eolande knew of friend! She and Mamma were friends. Did Birdy of a Mamma friend too? Mamma made Eolande feel safe, maybe Birdy's Mamma friend would make Eolande feel safe too.
Fly? Eolande twitched at the word. No! No! Eolande didn't want to fly! If Birdy flew, then Birdy would take Eolande away! Eolande needed to build the bridge, she needed to avoid the Fire and get to the Black- but she couldn't fly!
"Walk, Please." Eolande said, remembering that Mamma said to always said please and thank you. Manners were good, and when Eolande was good, Mamma would play with Eolande. She would make Eolande happy and safe. Eolande stood up slowly, fright still in her eyes, but a small smile of happiness on her lips. Eolande was going to meet Birdy's Mamma friend and feel safe again. Maybe she could play with Birdy's Mamma friend too! Eolande had to be good though, she had to say please and thank you.
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Post by kumainpink on Jul 29, 2012 0:21:13 GMT -5
Lucinda trilled at her, pleased by the manners. "You are very polite." she told the the child pleasantly. "My name is Lucinda. May I ask yours?"
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Post by Nahara46 on Jul 29, 2012 0:29:16 GMT -5
Eolande was being polite! She was being good! Birdy's Mamma Friend would play with her now, she'd make Eolande feel safe! Maybe Birdy's Mamma Friend wasn't Fire- maybe Birdy's Mamma Friend was only Black- Safe Black.
Birdy was Lucinda? Birdy wasn't Birdy Who Tried To Take Eolande Away? Lucinda Birdy wasn't going to steal Eolande! Lucinda Birdy was going to find the Help.
"I am Eolande." Answer nicely, and Lucinda Birdy might not burn Eolande. Eolande had to build the bridge, she had to avoid the fire...
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Post by kumainpink on Jul 29, 2012 0:34:16 GMT -5
She really is such a sweet thing! Lucinda cooed inwardly. "Eolande, you say? My, what a pretty name." She slowly got up, and offered her a wing. "Please hold on. I wouldn't want you to get lost. This forest is very big, and I wouldn't want to lose you."
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Post by Nahara46 on Jul 29, 2012 0:39:25 GMT -5
"Thank you." Always say please and thank you... Always say please and thank you... Then you'll be safe! Eolande was being good! Gooder and Gooder! Mamma would come back and make Eolande feel safe, and Lucinda Birdy's Mamma Friend would play with Eolande and make her happy! Maybe Eolande could have two friends!
No! The Fire's trying to burn Eolande! Have to get away from the Fire! There's not any more room! Eolande flinched away, pulling away from Birdy's wings... Away from the fire. She flinched and whimpered,
"Please, No fire! There's no more room for burns." Always say please and thank you... Eolande will feel safe... The burns will go away...
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Post by kumainpink on Jul 29, 2012 0:43:28 GMT -5
Lucinda took her wing back, startled by the sudden outburst. "I'm so sorry, dear! I simply meant for you to hang on to me, so that we didn't get lost! But you don't have to if you don't want to. I'll just keep your pace. Is that alright?"
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Post by Nahara46 on Jul 29, 2012 0:47:24 GMT -5
The Fire went back. The Fire wasn't trying to burn anymore. Eolande was safer now, she wasn't going to be burnt. There was no more room- she couldn't get another burn. Eolande nodded slowly,
"Yes. Keep my pace, Please. There's no more room for burns."
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Post by kumainpink on Jul 29, 2012 0:53:08 GMT -5
"As you wish. The walk isn't too far away, but please be careful." She warbled a few, soothing notes, and started to walk slowly. "If you want to stop at any time, let me know. I'll be more than happy to wait for you."
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Post by Nahara46 on Jul 29, 2012 0:59:44 GMT -5
The song was from before- it was the Safe song. It made Eolande Calm. Eolande was safe and calm now. The Fire wasn't burning her, it was walking and not flying to steal Eolande away. Birdy was taking her to Lucinda Birdy's Mamma Friend. Eolande just had to walk there- she couldn't fly, but she had to build the bridge to avoid the flames.
Eolande was tired- but she didn't want to go to Tree form. The Fire would come after her if she became a tree. Then Eolande wouldn't be able to run like Mamma said, and Mamma would be angry with Eolande and Eolande wouldn't feel safe or be happy- she wouldn't be Good. Taking Human naps didn't help much- they made Eolande feel more energy, but less not tired. The Tree needed to rest, but Eolande couldn't let the Tree rest. She had to walk to meet Lucinda Birdy's Mamma Friend so that she could build the bridge and find Mamma.
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Post by kumainpink on Jul 29, 2012 1:06:01 GMT -5
They walked the whole way - a task that irritated Lucinda slightly. She hated walking, when flying was so much faster! But she ignored that part of her for now, and concentrated on keeping by Eolande's side. All the while, she sang sweet melodies to her - of peace, safety and even an attempt at something more whimsical now and then. In time, they did arrive at the cave.
"Rhea, are you awake?" Lucinda called into the cave. "I need you to use a light spell or something. I have someone with me who doesn't appreciate fire very well."
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Post by Nahara46 on Jul 29, 2012 1:15:36 GMT -5
Rhea had taken a nice nap after eating berries with Lucinda. So much had happened in the past few days, she was tired. When she awoke, she felt so much better. Both emotionally and physically. Noticing that Lucinda was gone slightly unsettled here though- after what happened with the Acromantulas, she didn't like the idea of Lucinda going off alone. Which she knew was silly- Lucinda was a powerful phoenix and could take care of herself. Didn't mean Rhea didn't worry though.
When she heard the aforementioned Bird voice, she stood up quickly. Briefly, she wondered who it was. Perhaps a new creature? She mulled it over as she raised her wand and said, "Lumos!" Promptly, her lit to cast a nice light over the cave.
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Eolande was safe. The song kept going and going, the Safety and Calm kept the Fire and Bad Birdy away. Eolande liked this, she wore a happy smile the whole walk. She was going to find Mamma who would help her feel safe and happy, and Eolande liked that. She wasn't scared anymore, what was there to be scared of? All around were friends- Trees and Trees! Eolande liked trees- each one seemed to have it's own story, and own light to give off. They lit the way and helped Eolande along, helped her go on despite being tired, unable to become a tree and join them.
Rhea? Was this Lucinda Birdy's Mamma Friend? Eolande grew excited, smiling. The smile was small though- what if Lucinda Birdy's Mamma Friend didn't like Eolande? What if Eolande wasn't Good enough?
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Post by kumainpink on Jul 29, 2012 1:20:18 GMT -5
"Please follow me, Eolande." Lucinda said in her kindest voice. "I promise that no harm will come your way."
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Post by Nahara46 on Jul 29, 2012 1:28:25 GMT -5
No harm? Was Lucinda Birdy finding the Help? Would Mamma come and keep Eolande safe? Eolande would go in, and meet Lucinda Birdy's Mamma Friend so she could feel safe and happy. Finish the bridge so she could go into the Black.
Eolande slowly shuffled into the cave, becoming shyer as she entered, the smile disappearing into a slightly scared and wary expression, though she was still excited- a feeling you could see in her eyes.
---
Rhea watched as a girl shuffled in. The girl looked like she was rooted to the floor- she reminded Rhea strongly of the woods. Quickly, Rhea was able to lable the little girl as a Tree Nymph. Dryad to be specific. From her many years in a bookstore, Rhea knew that Dryads grew one year physically and mentally every ten years- this girl seemed to be six or seven, so she was probably around sixty or seventy.
Just looking at the little girl told Rhea that she was scared to meet Rhea. Taking the hint, Rhea bent down so that she could be about the same height as the Dryad (Of course, Rhea was so short she didn't have to bend far.)
"Hello," She said quietly with a smile before glancing at Lucinda... Why was Lucinda walking on the ground? "Lucinda, Who is this little one?"
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Post by kumainpink on Jul 29, 2012 1:38:37 GMT -5
"Her name is Eolande, and she has been through a lot as of late." she looked to the young dryad, then back to Rhea. Lucinda explained as best as she could, making sure to be careful with her words and tone - the last thing she wanted was to upset the little one worse. "Since you directed me to most of the injured, I figured you would be the best one to ask."
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Post by Nahara46 on Jul 29, 2012 2:00:13 GMT -5
Rhea nodded along as Lucinda told the story of Eolande. Every so often, she glanced at the little girl to see how she reacted- but the girl didn't react at all. She was just staring, no outward changes in her shy, and slightly scared expression. Rhea almost didn't want to answer- she recalled speaking to a threstal who said he had passed a badly burned body of a Dryad- one that looked to be around thirty in Dryad years. That sounded like the kind of women who could have a six or seven year old daughter. How could Rhea break it to this little girl that her mother was dead? She wasn't quite sure. Rhea had to consider it for a few moment before finally replying to Lucinda, thought she still hoped that maybe, just maybe, they had the wrong Dryad.
"I was... speaking to a Threstal yesterday, asking whether he passed anyone who had needed help. He said he hadn't passed anyone we could help- rather a.... A body of a Dryad, approximately 300 years old."
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Eolande listened as Lucinda Birdy spoke to Lucinda Birdy's Mamma Friend. Her story painted the walls of Eolande mind. The scenes played out again and again in her head- Mamma had fought back the flames as Eolande had run... She'd run and run, tried to get away. But the Fire had come anyway, but the Fire wasn't going to hurt her. Why would the Fire hurt Mamma then? Where was Mamma? Mamma was going to come and make Eolande feel safe, Right?
It didn't feel right. Lucinda Birdy was asking Lucinda Birdy's Mamma Friend if she had seen any injured- Did Lucinda Birdy's Mamma Friend know where Mamma was? But why would she know? Fire didn't hurt Eolande, Why would Fire hurt Mamma? Why would Mamma be injured? Mamma Mamma! Where are you? Why haven't you come to make me feel safe and happy? I've been good. Eolande said please and thank you.
Body? Why was there a body of a Dryad? Mamma and Eolande had never met another Dryad in the forest. How could there be a body? There was no one other then Mamma and Eolande? Maybe Mamma knew this Dryad- Mamma had been about 300 two. Maybe they had been friends. Did Mamma lose a friend? Poor Mamma, Eolande would have to be extra Good to make Mamma happy so that Mamma could make Eolande happy.
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Post by kumainpink on Jul 29, 2012 2:15:56 GMT -5
Lucinda's stomach plummeted at Rhea's answer. How bad did things have to get before they hit rock bottom? Why did there have to be so much damned suffering? Just one blow after another! For a moment, a dark hatred flared at the thought of those who had attacked - no, for humanity as a whole. How could they justify this? How could they go home at night and dream pleasantly, knowing that they'd destroyed so many lives? For a brief second, she considered allowing Kampfa to have his way.
But then, she stopped herself. No, now wasn't the time to forget herself. Forcing back her anger, she said in a subdued voice, "Thank you, Rhea." She looked back at the poor, expectant child - she hadn't gotten the hint yet. Oh Merlin, this had to be her hardest task yet. "Little one, would you kindly wait in here for a moment? I need to speak with Rhea privately. You may help yourself to the berries sitting out, if you feel hungry."
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Post by Nahara46 on Jul 29, 2012 2:26:30 GMT -5
Rhea followed Lucinda's gaze to look at the Eolande. How sad... The little girl's mother was gone, but she clearly wasn't getting it. Rhea briefly wondered how she could deal with her mother's death at such a young age, and quickly disregarded the thought. She didn't know, and it hurt to think about. Rhea's mother was one of the few people who had stayed supportive of Rhea through her tough life- Only her and Rhea's brother. She didn't want to lose either of them.
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Eolande nodded at Lucinda Birdy's request. The Berries looked tasty- they reminded Eolande of when she and Mamma had gone berry picking. Mamma had always kept Eolande safe, kept her from eating the bad berries. Eolande had picked a wrong berry once, but Mamma had kept her safe and told Eolande not to eat it. It had been bad. Mamma would come and tell her if these Berries were bad too.
Eolande slowly approached the pile of berries, and she lowered herself to the floor, sitting with both legs to the side, picking up one.
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Rhea watched as the little girl examined a berry. The werewolf sighed softly before glancing at Lucinda and exiting the cave.
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Post by kumainpink on Jul 29, 2012 2:37:19 GMT -5
Lucinda led Rhea out a little ways, so that the poor girl could not hear them. "Rhea, she needs a home." she whispered, looking down at her feet. "From what I can tell, she has nobody to take care of her, and nowhere to go. I wouldn't want to bother you, but there is no way I can look after her myself." she trilled sadly. "I'll break the news to her about her mother as gently as I can...but she won't trust me after that. I'm sure of it. Not only that, but she fears me. And that isn't a good way for a child to live. I know I ask you for so much, but please help her."
Lucinda screwed her eyes shut, as yet more feelings of guilt assaulted her. "Please?"
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Post by Nahara46 on Jul 29, 2012 2:43:55 GMT -5
Rhea gave a sad smile, Reassuring the bird. "Of course I'll help her. Poor thing, she looked so scared and... she just didn't seem to want to believe about her mother. Don't you start feeling bad about having me take care of her, I'd be glad to do it." She then considered her next words before hesitantly asking, "Why is she afraid of you anyway? Do you know anything about her?"
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The berries looked tasty. Eolande was sure her Mamma would tell her if the berries were poison. She wouldn't let her eat bad berries- but Eolande didn't want to eat the berries. Eolande rolled the berry again and again in her hand, never bringing it closer to her mouth. She stared at it, she couldn't bring herself to eat it. Not until Mamma said it was okay- Only when Mamma said it was okay, would she eat the berry.
Where was Mamma? Why hadn't she come to make Eolande feel safe? To tell her she could eat the berry and that Eolande and Mamma could be safe together? Be happy together? Didn't Mamma know that even if her friend had died, Eolande would always be her friend?
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Post by kumainpink on Jul 29, 2012 2:49:13 GMT -5
Lucinda still stared at the ground. "I do know that she is afraid of fire. And given what happened, I don't blame her in the least. My colors and warmth scare her because of that. She's also very afraid of birds, and only made an exception because I kept a submissive position and swore not to harm her more than once." She finally looked up at Rhea again. "The only way I could keep her going was to sing all the way back. Dear Athena above!"
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Post by Nahara46 on Jul 29, 2012 2:54:59 GMT -5
Rhea nodded sympathetically, to both the bird and for the girl. "Fear of both fire and birds, That just about screams a absolute terror of Phoenix's. It's a wonder you managed to get her here. It's a good thing you thought of singing- Phoenix song has a way of calming someone down. Though, I wonder why she's scared of birds two..."
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Black.... Where was the Black? Eolande looked around- it was darker then when the Lucinda Birdy's Mamma Friend had been here with her light, but the light still came in from the outside. Eolande didn't like the light. She wanted the black. So she closed her eyes. The Black was like Mamma's Hole- it was Safe. The Berries in her hand were like the ones she and Mamma had picked.... She wouldn't eat until Mamma said she could. Eolande would just stay in the Black and hole the berry. Eolande would be Good so that Mamma could come back and make her feel safe again.
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Post by kumainpink on Jul 29, 2012 3:03:29 GMT -5
Lucinda sighed. "Well, I think we're going to have to get this over with. I know it isn't nice, but we can't allow her to hold on to false hope. It'll only make things worse in the long run. In my opinion, it would be best to tell her now and let her mourn a little. I hate to drag you around again, but would you come with us? She'll need someone who can better comfort her."
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Post by Nahara46 on Jul 29, 2012 3:06:53 GMT -5
"It's no problem dragging me around," Rhea answered immediately, "And of course I'd come anyway. I agree, it seems like she's in denial judging by her face when we were in there... Nevere a good place to be in- it just makes the realization so much harder." Then she looked past Lucinda toward the forest, "Are you planning to take her to her mother's body then?"
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Post by kumainpink on Jul 29, 2012 3:09:40 GMT -5
"Yes, I am. I just pray to Athena and whomever else above that it's the right thing." And with that, she walked toward the cave, not caring that she looked a lot less dignified.
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Post by G. Novella on Jul 29, 2012 3:16:39 GMT -5
"Well don't you worry," Kei continued, a bit surprised... Argon had mentioned that Kohl could provide foals for the herd- Was that all he thought of Mares? "We don't meddle in that sexist bit. After all, I am pretty much Herd leader. If we did, My father would have made sure he had a foal at some point, but he was fine with just one filly." |
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Post by Nahara46 on Jul 29, 2012 3:18:10 GMT -5
Before, Rhea would have questioned why Lucinda was walking, but now she understood. At least now she wasn't flying, and perhaps Eolande would be a bit less fearful. Rhea followed quickly, for once thanking that she was rather short and wouldn't be perceived as threatening to the little girl.
Rhea entered to find that Eolande was sitting on the floor and had moved to a position where she held her legs up to her chest, on hand holding a berry. Her eyes were closed and one finger was rubbing the berry repeatedly. Not a single berry other then the one she held had been moved.
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Eolande didn't notice the entrance of the others at first. But the light outside her eyelids got brighter, and she knew that the Lucinda Birdy's Mamma Friend had come back in with her light. She slowly opened her eyes and saw them. The Lucinda Birdy's Mamma Friend had a smile on her face, but it didn't seem right. Eolande didn't know what this was about- Why wasn't it right? Wasn't she happy that they had found Eolande Mamma? Weren't they going to give Eolande her Mamma back so that she could be safe again?
"Are you going to take me to my Mamma?"
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Post by kumainpink on Jul 29, 2012 3:21:23 GMT -5
If a heart could break, Lucinda's surely would have shattered by now. "Why yes, child. We are." she looked to Rhea. "Would you carry her? It is an awful long way. I'm going to walk beside the two of you."
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Post by Nahara46 on Jul 29, 2012 3:26:17 GMT -5
Rhea nodded to Lucinda and knelt once again so that she could be at eye level with Eolande. "Would you mind?" She asked, holding out her arms, "We can move faster if you'll let me carry you."
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Eolande eyed Lucinda Birdy's Mamma Friend for a moment. She wasn't the Bad Birdy, or on Fire. That meant that she wouldn't steal Eolande away. She would fly and bring Eolande away from her Mamma. She was bringing her to Mamma, and if Eolande was good then she could be safe and happy. Eolande slowly put down the berry and stood up, nodding and allowing herself to be picked up by Rhea. Eolande glanced at Lucinda Birdy and questioned quietly,
"Is this Lucinda Birdy's Mamma Friend?"
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Post by kumainpink on Jul 29, 2012 3:28:30 GMT -5
Lucinda looked up at her. "She is my friend." she said truthfully. "You can trust her."
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Post by Nahara46 on Jul 29, 2012 3:34:07 GMT -5
Rhea couldn't help but giving Lucinda an amused smile... Lucinda Birdy's Mamma Friend? Where had that come from? After adjusting the little girl so that she could hold her properly, Rhea finally said, "Shall we head out?"
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Eolande felt odd. Not safe or happy or scared or sad. Could she trust Lucinda Birdy's Mamma Friend? Lucinda Birdy said she could... But could she trust Lucinda Birdy? Fire didn't burn, and there was no more room for burns, and Birdy didn't fly. Birdy wasn't Bad Bird Who Tried To Steal Eolande. Eolande liked Lucinda Birdy's Mamma Friend then. Eolanda looked up and gripped her shirt with her little hands, leaning into Lucinda Birdy's Mamma Friend.
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