..:. Citizen Soldier

[deshy]

Apodis sprang through the tall grass, sringing over the fallen trees, his lithe legs carrying him perfectly, soundlesly. "Rasta you keeping up" he cheered playfully, now learning that she didnt really need all his protection, she was so used to the blindness that she had adapted pretty well. Though he stuck around, nowing that there were whispers of a fight brewing. He had to make sure he did his part, pleadging his alligence to the mare, to be her guard. He woluld surve her untill she needed it no more, though she seemd to already be pretty well secure. She was strong willed. She had all she needed to et by, but just that little extra added help could not harm. Though with her permission he would help as many as he could under he watchful eye.

The war now rested upon the horizen, no one really knowing when it would come. He kept a watching eye on the wildlife that remained here, the snow had sent most away, some into hibernation, and others just like themselves had no other choice. The honking of geese flying overhead pulled up his attention, watching as they drifted by, wings slowly lifting up and down gracefully, pushing them through the air.

..:.208
Totally fails

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[Abba]

She's beautiful
In her simple little way
She understands she don't let go of anything

The golden mare allowed her body to slide through the foliage. She knew where she was going, and now she could see it. It was a good tool, but she still preferred to be relying upon her feeling rather than her sight. After all, sight could lie to you while feelings couldn't. If she could feel something in the distance then she knew that there was something in the distance. Her hawk flew above them, flapping it's wings happily in the free air, still taking its own liberty to bother Apodis to no end, even against Rasta's wishes. Occasionally, he swooped down, right before the stag's nose, flapped his wings and then blew up and behind him in the wind, knowing he couldn't really get hurt. It was a funny situation and one which Rasta was able to laugh at. She wasn't alone for the moment. But, her gut still wrenched for Scathashoun. His thick body beside her in the storm, as she tried to recover from her broken spine. The way he stayed with her until she was healed. But he was gone. He was gone. And she didn't think he would be coming back. A quiet sigh escaped her lips as she heard Apodis call out to her. "Yes. Doing just fine." she called back before kicking up her heels and allowing herself to break into a gallop, easily meeting up at his side, her audits flicked towards his face as she shifted back down so that her stride matched his. "Rabbit hole a few strides ahead of you..." she teased, nudging his shoulder before kicking back into full gear again and then slowly pulling away from him speed wise so that she was a few lengths ahead of him. Her hawk called out, warning of the war again. Yes, she knew it was existing. But she didn't want to worry about it at the moment. And she didn't plan on acting in this war until Oser asked her for help. But, if Rama dared to enter a single hoof in her lands he would have hell to pay for it. He thought of her as weak because she was blind. But she would prove him wrong. She would most definately prove him wrong...

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==Into the Mind
. 385 words
. That wasn't as long as I'd hoped...[/size]

[deshy]

Apodis snorted as the eagle flew down into his face, pestering him then flying back up into the air once more. He pushed harder into the ground, the hawk irritating him. He had no idea why, but from the start he had not liked this creature, he found it too strange for good. To him something of this medium would be that used purely with the dark kind of magic. He pushed down the urge to lash out at the bird, knowing it would just fail anyways. "Yes. Doing just fine." Her words tingled in the air, travling through the winds, carried right to his ears, flicking as the sound hit them. He felt it as she pulled into a faster pace, soon reaching his side. He smiled gently, but never faultering his gaze upfront. The time he had met Rasta had not all been what he had hoped it to be. He hadnt even noticed it were her, he had simply found her falling on a sheet of ice, luckily he had been there at the time. He plodded along, his deep chest heaving easily, muscular legs strethinbg with ease, so easy for him that he could widen his stretch. She hopped along beside him, though he found it wierd as her eyes never moving, like she were so focused her eyes had become stuck in that position. "Rabbit hole a few strides ahead of you..." Her tone came mocking as she then raced of ahead him, She was in pretty good shape for that of a disabled, he found it amusing, not many could pull it of like she did. She had a majestic grace, that shouted boldness, strength and even envy. He had learnt how to read those, his training to become a warrior always came back, remebering it so easily. Though he cared not for that anymore, he hated war. Just the sign of it was pointless, it never got you anywhere but back into the same situation yet again. He sighed, slowing a little, then remember he wasnt alone anymore. He picked up his pace gracefully dodging the rabbit hole, then barreled past her in a golden blurr.

"Still keeping up.. He joked, a laugh bounding around the trees. echoing around the small open space. He pounded over a fallen tree, taking to the air, calling out with glee as the wind ripped through his mane, blowing around in everydirection, whipping across his cheek, leaving a tiny stinging sensation. He smiled, enjoying the thrill, the feel of the miniscule pain sent his mind into a crazed over drive, just like he had been when training. He paused harder yet again, as his front hooves hit ground, a cloud of snow left in his trail. His hooves soon clatered across rock, slowing him down just a little as the ground was uneven. He then hit water at full speed , dashing up stream. Fridget waters splashed up his darkened legs, the cold stung , tightening his muscles as the blood struggled to circulate. Soon he began to tired, his breathing almsost laboured, the water becoming too deep for his tiny frame as it all rushed towards him in a mad panic. He slowed to a stop mid stream, enjoying the sensation of over work muscles. Shaking out his mane all the way down to his tail, he lent in for a long desired drink, the coolness filling his inards, colling down his sweating pelt.

..:.581
Finally :D

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[Abba]

Work it harder, make it better
do it faster, makes us stronger,
more than ever, never over,

Rasta sped up, feeling the blood pump through her system. Rushing through her veins, coursing through her head. Her whole body twitching as her muscles rippled under her golden pelt. She shook her head at him as he pushed himself to the limit. She could hear his hooves pounding against the ground after his leap in the air and with a tiny bit of laughter tinkling around through the sky she took a running start and leaped into the air. She allowed her tail to cock up, lifting in an elegant motion as she slid through the air, mane flowing backwards behind her face. It was an adorable motion, one she had rarely done - even with Scathashoun around. Unfortunately, it was too late for her warning by the hawk as right where her hooves landed was a pit of ice. Her hooves sliding across it, legs spread she attempted to stop, snow billowing up in front of her as she kicked and spun, trying to just stand. A few seconds later, she jumped off of the ice, landing on her forefeet and pounding forwards once more her hawk letting out a shrill laughter in the sky. Stupid ice. How dare it try and impair her. She shifted through the wind, changing directions ever so slightly to avoid the ice patches her hawk was finding for her. She found it funny that Apodis had been so capable of avoiding it when it was hidden until the last minute, she couldn't even feel it in her body. Quietly, she shook out her mane. Was she keeping up? Really? He was asking her this question. She gave a bounding leap into the air, crashing into the water beside him and giving him a smirk look. "Of course I'm keeping up" she said with a slight laugh, tossing her mane a little bit before dropping her maw down to take a sip of the cool water. Her body trembling slightly as her blood went back down to a slower pulse rate. She shifted a little, lifting her head up in time for her hawk to land upon her back.

Of course, what happened next scared her horribly. A group of wolves had emerged from the forest. She had felt them, but she hadn't been prepared for her hawk's loud screech, right in her ears. She bolted forwards, loosing her footing on the wet rocks and she was sent down the fast churning river. Kicking around for her footing she tried to stand but it was no use. She snorted out water from her nostrils as she continued to move fowards down the stream to what she didn't know. "What are you doing?!" her hawk screeched at her and she pinned her ears, squeezing her eyes shut and attempting to grab some footing on the slippery rocks. But, as she tried to grab her footing she slid to the right more and was slammed into a sharp rock, knocking all of the breath out of her. "I'm going to kill you, you hawk!" she choked out, swallowing water in the process as she attempted to stand and get air back in her lungs. Of course, the slamming into the rock bounced her back on track though and she continued to be streamlined down the water expressway.

"Scath! Please! Help!" she called, her body trembling as she fought for her life. She was back, hearing the roaring of the waterfall after she had hurt her back, unable to walk much. He had been there for her, trying to clean out her wounds. And she had stepped out and lost her balance, torrenting down the stream as she slowly began to fall unconscious. Scath had pulled her out. Scath would pull her out now. The sound of the waterfall was coming closer and closer in her mind. And she was fighting to get out. She didn't know where she was anymore, but she could feel the way her hair was matted against her skin. The way her whole body was beginning to freeze. She couldn't hear anything else, but she knew Scath would save her. Scath would always save her. "Scath!" she called once more before she was brought under by another rock's crashing water falling onto her face where she gasped for air the minute she came back up. Her body bobbing and weaving down the stream as she fought to keep her footing, losing it the second she grabbed it. "Please. Scath. Just help me..." she whispered, feeling herself beginning to lose all sense of reality. She needed Scath. She wanted him back. She wasn't herself without him...

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==Into the Mind
. 783 words
. So. I stretched out the box, a lot, and told myself to type...[/size]

[deshy]

Of course she were. Of course she were keeping up with him, that damned bird flew overhead, always keeping watch. Apodis snorted into the air, watching the hawk vehemently. He eyed her curiously as she took a sip of the cool water, her chest rising and falling rapidly, just like his. It always felt good to take a long gallop, never ceasing to stop untill you collapse, but even then, to keep going would be miraculous. As the bird landed upon the faes shoulder, he scooted back eying him cautiously.

Suddenly the place burst into action. A huge pack of wolves had them cornored. Half one side of the river snarling, and the rest the other side. Planting his legs firmly in the ground, he lowered his nose, taking on warning crouch. waiting for the first to spring so that he too could lunge out. Though what happened next tottaly baffled him. He turned seeing Rasta being swept down stream, wincing as she hit those jagged rocks, ricoheting back into mid stream. "Rasta..!" he screeched out, galloping down stream after her, slipping and sliding as his hooves found now grip. But he kept going as she too wound faster down stream, the fast river pulling her under. Ignoring the fact the wolfs, fast on his heels, he slipped out of the river, and onto solid ground, a palce he was likely to get better grip. He pushed himself dlat out, soon gaining on the Fae, though he lost her, as the river dragged her down for way too long. No she cant die, not yet, she cant. Pull your self together mate and just run, run as fast as those legs carried you, carried you on that day, the day you ran from the fire, it couldnt catch you, and you cant let the river take her, go one. Just move it He egged himself on, kicking harder, dirt flying up in a matter of clumps. Rocks sliding , calttering against each other as he raced by.

He saw just a little ahead, as the Fae's head bobbed up to the surface, legs kicking, water splashing. She had to relax, if she kept panicing she would just be the death of herself. "Scath! Please! Help!" He shrunk back, though pace not faultering, her words catching him of gaurd. Scath? who was scath, she posibly dilerious from the cold, the amount of water drowing her lungs He pushed harer, finding it difficult to keep up with the rivers vasty pace. But he managed, though he didnt know how, but he did. He managed to get so that he were now in line with her, traveling along the bank as she down river. The rocks were too large he couldn't make his way into the river. As he rounded the bend she got draged down once more, the cornor pulling her ahead of him, water running faster, currents churing. A gap. theres was an opening for him. He lept full flight into the air, landing into the river with a full splash, covering his body with water. He struggled as the currents threatened to drag huim under, he kicked hard with his hind legs, in a syncronised motion, soon gaining speed, barreling through the fast torents, gaining on the receeding mare once more. He kicked into the water harder, just as a wolf leaped into the air, landing upon his back, forcing him under, sinking its teeth into his neck. He squealed lashing out with his head, snapping at its ankle, only to furiated it more, sinking its teeth closer to his jugular. He took one huge deep breath closing of his nostrils, plunging into the dark waters. The wolf cried out as the water took him down stream, slashing him into a rock, causing him to go limp. Apodis surface quickly, snorting out, then taking in a huge breath, looking for the Fae, She was now only a little ahead. He pushed harder reaching out with his neck, His nose soon coming into contact with her rump. She was cold, so very cold. He kicked once more, reaching her head, pulling at her mane. "Its okay, i've got you rasta, just hold on okay dont let go, what ever you do just dont let go, no matter what, not untill i tell you too. He swam under her neck pushing her so that she lay over his back. He struggled to carry her, hooves clipping the rocks on the bed, neck stretched as far as he could. He kciked furiosuly, watching as a cornor rounded up, seeing an escape route. e pushed a little, soon finding ground. He planted his legs into the bed, pulling rasta along. Soon fidning it difficult as the water level lowered. The sound of hoove falls sounded in the distant, he ignired it for the time being, only focusing on the mare, making sure she were safe. Apodis collapsed to the ground when the wieght got to much, laying in a foot deep water, they would be safe from the current. He lay flat out, head right infront, the mare sprawled along his side. His vision beagne to fade, just as he saw two dark shadows appear from the trees. He paniced trying to get up, exhuastion taking over, cauing his to fail greatly. "Its okay rasta, your safe now... his words came weak and at that his eyes closed.

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..:.920
I have no fingers left now.
Karuk has to help them both now, poor Apodis got warn out bless him

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[aPPY]

They walked for quite a few days, making their way from the farthest reaches of the Southern lands where they had been, to the edge of the North. If had taken longer than the had anticipated, a small snow storm blowing in and slowng their progress. Though food was a little easier to find as they neared the other lands, he knew that they would have the same issue if they went too far into the North. He knew that Rasta sided with Oser in times of war, for of course no one would ally themselves with Ramaskith, and so he thought that perhaps the region closest to the West would be best, just not right next to the border of course. And if if circumstances turned for the worst, they could flee further North with the others in the same position. Or, at least Shika could. As he walked alongside her, he knew that if her life was in danger he most certainly would do all that he could to protect her, even if that meant going back on that promise he made to himself so very long ago.

They paused once they reached the border, glancing at each other, the river they had crossed not so long ago stretching in front of him. It was strange how you could feel the edges of the territories. You automatically know when you cross the borders into another land, the feeling was eerie. He took a deep breath, looking at Shika. "You ready?" he asked, gently rubbing his nose against her neck. The next few days would define the rest of their lives. Joining forces with Rasta would automatically put them on the enemy list for Ramaskith's army, but they would not be the only ones by far.

Shika nodded her consent and he took a step forward, into the icy river as the water splashed onto his legs. He shivered, turning and waiting for Shika to follow him. She stepped down from the edge of the river, stepping up alongside him and pressing her body close, shivering herself. They walked across together and he paused at the other side, letting Shika climb back up first before following closely behind. The air was a tad warmer, the atmotsphere distinctly different from that of the South. There was some snow on the ground, but not nearly as much as what had fallen in the South, though he knew that the snow storms were on their way. He smiled at Shika, gently touching her shoulder before setting off again. They had made it into the Nothern territory, now they needed to find Rasta. To make sure she knew what was in store for the immediate future. He set off at a slow and steady trot, Shika close behind him and Kilton alternating from flying ahead and lingering behind, occasionally disappearing into the trees and coming back; making sure that the danger had not already spread without thier knowledge.

As they walked Karuk paused, his ears flickering as he heard other equines nearby. Running nearby. He glanced at Shika then swiftly trotted forward, Kilton speeding ahead. He heard someone laugh, followed by a reply and another laugh. He relaxed a bit, finding these sounds not near as bad as he had imagined. Then the sounds were closer, a screech that even Kilton faltered at, coming from some type of bird, that much he could tell. He heard a loud splash, "I'm going to kill you, you hawk!" His ears flickered as he transitioned to a canter, trying not to rush off to see what the commotion was, staying close enough that Shika could easily follow. "Scath! Please! Help!" Karuk tripped forward, almost falling but catching himself before he could. Scath? He was here? THey had met briefly a few months back in him homeland, and the stag had an unnerving air about him. He didn't quite like it. Karuk continued forward though, the calls for Scathashoun still being voiced, as if he wasn't responding. He slowed as they reached one of the rivers that criss-crossed this area close to the border. He glanced over his shoulder, knowing that Shika was following close behind by the sounds of her footsteps in conjunction with his, but checking with his eyes as well.

He stopped at the edge of the water, seeing something thrashing. Kilton screeched, flitting back and forth along a log in the water and the shore on the other side, occasionally flying up into a tree, his large figure flapping awkwardly. Eagles were not meant for short bursts of flight. Karuk quickly scanned the river, trying to find the source of the calls. A thrashing figure in the water caught his eye and he turned back to Shika, "Stay here," he said, gently and quickly touching his nose to her neck, "I'll be right back." He took off trotting along the steep edges of the river. The water was moving fast and he knew the water was cold, after already crossing a smaller one nearby to get here. He snorted, kicking into a canter as he raced against the water, getting ahead of the equine in danger. He slowed and twisted, awkwardly prancing backward as he debated when he should plunge into the water to help. He caught sight of a golden pelt and clouded eyes and soon realized who it was in the water. He cursed, twisting and cantering a few more strides forward, findng a slope in the ground and sliding down onto the slim, sandy shore that ran along the river and the higher ground, occasionally pitted with rocks. He caught a glimpse of a buckskin on the other side and he wondered where this equine had come from and whether or not he was trustworthy.

He waited for a few moments, pausing in his advance and eyeing the stranger as Karuk waded into the water. He returned his attention back to Rasta, hoping that the other horse was a friend and not a foe, for with the water moving so quickly he knew that help would be much appreciated. As Rasta's form came closer, faster than he had anticipated, he waded further, the water up to his chest and his hooves perched on the river bed, carefully placed against the rocks. The stranger jumped into the water after the golden mare, quickly followed by a wolf. Karuk stiffened at the turn in events, withdrawing from the water to prepare to move further down, watching carefully as the canine was thrown into a rock and the buckskin met with Rasta. Karuk picked up a trot, his eyes trained on the two as they went further down the river. He kicked into a canter, trying to stay ahead of them as he had before, their advanced startingg to slow as the stag seemed to find a grip on the bottom of the river.

The buckskin stepped forward, surging out of the water with Rasta but quickly collapsing on the higher ground. The water was still pushing at their bodies, but didn't have the leverage to move them any further down the stream. Karuk jumped into the water, fighting his way across to help the now limp bodies. He heard Shika call his name but forced himself not to look back until he was all the way across. His hooves struck the rock on the other side and he quickly pulled himself onto the shore, trotting back up the small distance the water had carried him. He glanced into the trees on the opposite side as he did, locking his eyes with Shika before turning back to the situation at hand. THe immediate danger was gone, but he was still listening for more of the wolves that had appeared earlier. If there was one, there was sure to be others. Kilton swooped in, cawing and circling, too anxious to settle in one of the trees.

Karuk paused, splashing into the water as he neared Rasta and the stranger, quickly assessing the situation and nipping sharply at the stag's neck, hoping it would jolt him awake so that he could remove himself from the water to prevent himself from drowning. Just because they weren't floating down stream, didn't meant they could drown in a foot of water if their nostrils were submerged. "Hey! Come on, wake up!" He said, uselessly. He nuded at Rasta's neck, carefully lifting her head out of the water as he struggled to figure out what to do. He shifted, nudging a rock with his hoof and placing it under her head to help keep her nose above the surface and breathing. There wasn't much he could do until they weren't both drowning. He turned to the stag once she was stable, finding Kilton hopping across his barrel and shoulder, pecking at the skin. "Kilton! Quit it!" He said, moving to push against the stag's form and bring him closer to the shore. He then nudged harshly at his shoulder and neck, trying to get him to wake. After a few tries he gave up, turning back to Rasta and doing the same; carefully sliding her across the rocks and out of the water and onto the shore. Kilton had started pestering the stag once again, trying to wake him up.

Karuk turned to look across the river, searching the trees for Shika's painted form and sighing with relief when he spotted her. "Don't try to cross," he said, shaking his head, "I'll find a way around once they come to. For now, just stay there, okay?" He hoped she would listen, though he kept one ear trained in her direction as he tried to help the other two, listening closely should anything happen.

// 1642 words

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[deshy]

Shika slowly ploded along side Karuk. Her energy was dimising, the lack off food was prominet. Her barrel wiggled out side to side as she walked, causing a swaying motion as she stepped on. The baby was growing fast, now noticable on the outside that she was carring a child. Or to some it would simply look as if she were just fat. Thought at this time of the year most would catch on to that fact, knowing she couldnt quite be fat, not with the snow taking over the lands, kiling of what little food remain. The smell of running water filled her lungs, the sound of it hitting her ears, pricking forward as curisoity took ober. Had they really made it to the north borders already? It hadnt seemed to tak that long, though perhaps time was another matter right now, Her mind more focused on the safety of the unborn child, and most of her mate, Karuk. She sighed watching him carefully. Know that if the time came and they were found by Rama, he would fight, just to save her life, she couldnt bare that. She eyed him carefully wondering what he too could be thinking. Hoping he didnt already plan that, She would do all she could to hold him back as long as possible. She ran her nose along his rump, basking in the closeness of him, hoping it would last longer, hoping that Rama would not find them, That Oser's tribe would take down the enemy. She sighed as he looked back to her. "You ready?" She looked up in confusion, just as his nose ran down her neck. Closing her eyes as the touch warmed her skin. She opened them, relising that they had reached the boarders now, feeling it rooted into her system. Teling her of the danger it protruded. She didnt like it at all, but knowing it was the only way to the best safety, she nodded once. Then took at step forward, mimicing Karuks actions, She waded into the water, and icey sheen cascading around her ankles, sending a shiver through her exoskeletan. She pushed past the cold, ignoring the pains shooting through her legs. Though it was over sooner than it began, the water was shallow so it made an easy crossing. Heading up the bank Karuk shortly following her, possibly making sure she didnt make a wrong mistake, slipping back down into the river, risking the life of them both, her and the embryo. She could feel it now, the crossing of teritories, pulling energy from her like she had crossed a plamic screen. She dear hoped the amre would tak them in kindly, and not send them back. she didnt really feel like traveling all that way back, just to be met with death, or rather Rama.

Shika watched as her love trotted ahead, seeming eager and happy to be back in the north. The place they had first met. She wanted to keep up with him, though her energy dwindled, leaving her to walkin his shadow, though she managed to find a trott in short burst, making sure she stayed pretty close by. She perked up, just as he did, ears twitching as the sounds of others sounded near by, laughter and happiness radiated from them, making Shika feel somewhat better, finding that reserve energy, she trotted up to Karuks side, giving him a look, smiling, letting him know she was doing okay thus far. Just as she caught up to him, he trotte forward, a loud splahing sound verberated aroun the trees, sending her ears into a spazum. She sighed kicking up the pace, just to find Karuk picking up to a canter. The splashing became paniced cries, alerting Shika more so, as she pushed into canter, trailing behind Karuk, watching her step as she went. She slid on the moss covered rocks a few times. Tripping over the larger ones, but managed to keep her balance, purely focusing on her hoove placement, so much so that she colided into Karuk as he had stopped at the waters edge. Slamming on the breaks, as she slid on the mud, sliding right into his side. He caught he blow, keeping her from sliding further, though he barely even seemed to move, too focused on the splashing up ahead, speeding down the river. She turned to glance at him just as he did the same to her. "Stay here," He spoke gently, touching his nose to her neck. "I'll be right back." Before she even realized what was happening he was gone. Prancing of down the rivers edge. She winnied out for him, feeling lost, alone. "Karuk!... She shouted to him, desperation clear in her voice. "Karuk, Please, Please come back." He voice faded out to a whisper as she lowered down, laying on the floor. She knew that if she moved, he would just end up stuck between her and the drowning mare. Knowing he would come back to her, leaving the other to drown. She sighed watching as he paced along the edge debating wether to jump into the icey waters. She suddered glancing away, not wanteing to watch him, too worried about his own safety. At that she too noticed another equine galloping full speed down the river, across the other bank, Her ears pricked watching as he raced to help the mare, notcing that he had wolves upon his tail, stalking him through the trees.

Shika watched as the buckskin leapt into the air, gliding gracefully, then landing full splash into the river. She blinked wondering what crazed fool would do such a thing, especially when the waters were so cold, churing into ice hell. She watched as he raced down stream, assured swimer indeed. She saw a flash of eboney mixed with brown in the coror of her eye, glancing back in time to see the wolf land on the Buckskins back, causing him to pull under. At that the wolf seemed to recoil, falling off the equines back, it feeble size nothing matched to the fast currents, quickly carring it down stream. She msiled as she rasied to her feet, glad that the drowing equine had another saviour, glad that Karuk wouldn't be need after all. She glanced over to Karuk, only to find that he was already chest deep into the river. Her heart raced, paniced that he would serve the same fate that the other one had. She galloped down stream, eager to call him back. when she neared them she called out. "Karuk..! Though he didnt seem to hear her, as he leaped through the water, corssing over to the other side. She paniced fiurther, pushing her hooves harder into the rocks hoping to find some way of crossing over.

Shika let out a sigh of relief, glad that Karuk had made it safetly across, wishing that he ahdnt done so in the first place, Now they were spearated by the river, She dared even to cross it, knowing she woul just cause too much trouble. She watched him with pride as he waltz up to the two equines, trying to get them to wake. She smiled, it felt good to watch her man in action, warming her heart even more so. Though she too wanted to help, so desperatly wanted too, she felt stupid just standing around not doing much, just stood watching them. Karuk lifted his head, seeming to be searching for something, his eyes settled on her form, seeming relived when he did so. She gave him a smile, letting him know she were doing just fine. "Don't try to cross," She bobbed her head in acknowlegdement. "I'll find a way around once they come to. For now, just stay there, okay?" She nodded once more "Its okay, i dont really feel like taking a dip" She joked a little trying to lift the mood. "I will see if i can find you a crossing" With a bob of her head and a swish of her tail she trotted a little ways down streeam, glancing around for anything that would help them get back to her, hoping that they didnt have to venture too far.

Her ears flicked, detecting movements amongst the trees. She ignored it for the time being, but still listened out in case of danger, knowing that there had been wolves around the place a few moments ago. Up ahead she found a shingle ridge, causing the river to change direction, though making a bridge way across to her side. She nicker back, glancing at there small shapes, signaling she had found something. The noise came again from the forest, glancing over her shoulder, checking for danger, but came up clear. She carried on making her way to the shingle ridge, the river flow here was much slower. And it seemed to be much shallower. She stood waiting for them, knowing Karuk would be able to find her easily. She watched for their shapes.

The sound of rustling leaves caught her attention, something flying through the air shortly followed, She turned quickly seeing the form of a wolf flying at her. She shrunk backwards her hooves slipped on the wet rocks, tripping a little but managed to keep her balance once again. water lapped at her ankles, the cold shrilling through her bones. The wolf snarled, pacing in front of her, he were alone, for now. If he called out she knew he wouldnt be for to long. This was not good, she couldt let the wolf call out, not now, what if Karuk came just as he did, then what? would they all be mauled over? No, she wouldnt let that be. An instinct like no other kicked in, something that was rare to her. She pawed at the ground lowering her head, snorting at the wolf. he back off a little seeming confused at her actions. At that she noticed a sign of weakness, the letting down of gaurds, she cahrger him, throwing her head into his rib cage, lifting the wolf up with her head and throwing him down into the rocks. The defiant sound of bones snapping ring through her cranium. She pawed at the ground by the wolf, anorting wamr air into his limp form. A wave of nuesea swept over her, swaying on her feet, then falling to the ground by the wolf. The world went black.

...:.1768

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o.O Holy cow sticks
Sorry but thats Shika for you, Poor Karuk baby xD [/right][/size]

[Abba]

But, I've been looking everyday
for a way past this wall that's in front of my face.
I'm on my hands and knees searching for my faith...

Rasta was slowly being dragged under the water, her whole body beginning to shiver in the freezing cold. Then, she could feel another horse coming. A horse forcing himself through the water He was speeding up, allowing the current to come over and push him forwards at the same time. His maw soon reaching her rump and she fought to stand, to grasp onto something. Something to help her stand so he didn't have to continue chasing her down the stream. Finally, her hoof caught onto something, holding her still for a few seconds before she was pushed down the stream again. But he had reached her head by that point and was basically stopping her. For the time being at least. Wolves had come through and attacked the area, she had known of them, but she hadn't realized that Apodis would have been attacked in the process. Guilt slid through her body as he ducked his head, letting her slid over his back and grasping onto her mane. "It's okay, I've got you Rasta, just hold on - okay - don't let go. Whatever you do just don't let go - no matter what - not until I tell you to," and with that she clenched her teeth upon his mane, holding on as tightly as she could. She could feel his muscles rippling under the water as he fought the current and moved towards the edge of the stream. Then, the sound of hooves against the rocks as he clambered up the stream, pulling her body through the water in the process. Then, in about a foot of water his body gave out, her on top of him. "It's okay, Rasta. You're safe now..." he said, voice trembling and weak as his eyes closed.

Meanwhile her hawk floated around, letting out loud shrieks as it watched her, unable to help. The hawk matching the sound of the screeching eagle, mimicking it's movements. Hopping from tree to tree, flapping around strangely as he circled the area. They had to save Rasta. They had to save her. He let out another loud shriek, dropping down to the buckskin and showing him exactly where he was going in relationship to Rasta. Then, finally, once Rasta had reached land her hawk glided down beside her, screeching at her to move, to get out of the water...

Karuk bounded through the waters as Rasta coughed on the dry land, reaching their sides with relative ease. She snorted, feeling the air coming back to her but also feeling the warmth of Apodis's blood which was slowly coming out of her neck. Karuk then nudged Rasta off of him, allowing her head above the water by placing a rock under her head. She coughed before slowly pulling herself back up onto her feet again and 'watching' as Karuk did the same thing with Apodis. Her hawk let out a shrill cry again as the eagle began to peck at the stag's form in a desperate attempt to wake him up, even against his owner's demand to stop.

Rasta shifted around once on her feet, getting her balance and finding her legs while her whole body trembled nastily in the cold. Stupid hawk. If she could kill it and not hurt herself she would most definitely do it. With one swish of her tail in an attempt to rid the water from it she shook out her coat, stumbling backwards in the process. She gained her balance quickly though. "Apodis, wake up!" she said, nudging him gently with her hoof so as not to harm him but to jar him just a little. Then, she turned to Karuk, "Thank you, Karuk. Nice to see you in these parts again..." she said, bobbing her cranium just a little in acknowledgement before her audits swiveled around to the sound of a charge and craking bones, not long before the sound of a larger animal collapsing. "Though I believe your love might be requiring some assistance. It feels as if she fainted..." she said, nodding her head in the direction she felt it. "I'm very capable of warding off some wolves if they were to arrive. I'll stay, you go help..." she finished before pushing Karuk in the haunches towards the fallen mare. "GO!" she said, knowing he didn't want to leave the two of them either...

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==Into the Mind
. 738 words
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[deshy]

Apodis felt the commotion going on around him. Just one mintue, give me time, i just want to rest a little while. His muscles scremed in process, the swim taking most of his energy. Though being well teained for these sort of happenings, he hadnt done anything this athletic for some time. His leg began spazuming out of tiredness. The cold water lapping around his limp form. Suddenly the large weight was lifted from his shoulders, he took in a deep breath, not realising she had been crushing his rib cage, making it hard for him to breath. His head span as air rushed too fastly into his lungs. The darkness now covered with small coloured spots. He heard the sound of another close by, a stag too, by the sound of his voice. He felt the nudging in his sides, then the unknown speak. His ears pricked. Who is this, and why are they here, cant they see im just resting, stop bothering me. His tail flicked, landing upon his rump, sticking to his sodden coat. he took in another deep breath of air, taking in the scents around him. He could smell that of another equine in the distance, her scent mignled with the thick humidity, vapourising of the river. He could sence that Rasta was awake, doing fine by the sounds of it too. She nudge him, "Apodis, wake up!" He sighed, moving his head to lok at her. Opening his eyes he could see Rasta standing over him, though she came a little blurred. "Yes, stop with the bugging already, I'm tired, parhaps a thanks is in need, after all, i did just save your life" he smiled cockily at her, then slowly rose to his hoove. A little wobbley at first but soon found it in him to fully stand. His legs crying in process. He turned to the painted equine "And you are..?" he questioned, giving him a wary look, a little unsure on his character. Though he wasnt the one to judge right away from looks, but right now, not many were to be trusted. He glanced at Rasta as she spoking seeming a little confused. "Thank you, Karuk. Nice to see you in these parts again..." So Karuk was this Stags name, and if Rasta seemed okay with his presence then he must be on her side, possibly arriving here to out the war, or to also protect her. Apodis pufft himself out, annoyed with his pressence, I'm supposed to be her protecter, She dont need you! He snorted, couching up some water as he did so, then noticing the pain running along his neck, and the warmth trickling down his pelt. Soon remebering the attack from the wolf he had taken. "Though I believe your love might be requiring some assistance. It feels as if she fainted..." He glanced between the two, feeling a little lost and rather a thrid wheel. "I'm very capable of warding off some wolves if they were to arrive. I'll stay, you go help..." He glanced at Rasta. "Perhaps we should go with him, maybe he needs our assitance.." Though he wanted to bite him right now, he knew at this time they had to band together, help each other. Rasta shouted at the stag, casuing Apodis to shrink back, not having heard her talk like that before. She had an authorative meaning about her, radiating that she was a true leader.

..:.600
I dont like full whol numbers D:
/creepy feeling

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[aPPY]

Karuk nodded as Shika walked away, carefully watching her travel along the river before turning back to the two equines on the ground. Rasta had woken, quickly getting to her feet and addressing the buckskin stag. She nudged at him, telling him to wake up and this time it worked. The stag sighed, seemingly annoyed, shifting on the ground and turning to look up at the golden mare. "Yes, stop with the bugging already. I'm tired. Perhaps a thanks is in need, after all. I did just save your life." Karuk didn't like the way he spoke to Rasta, very cocky and sure of himself. He also got to his feet, shaking a little but gaining his balance quickly and turning to face Karuk. "And you are..?" he asked, giving him an odd look. He opened his mouth to introduce himself, though Rasta started talking before he had the chance. "Thank you, Karuk. Nice to see you in these parts again..." She nodded in awknowledgement to him. "You're quite welcome, Rasta," he replied, having to speak out loud instead of just nodding in return as he usually would. She seemed to hear something though, her ears twisting. "Though I believe your love might be requiring some assistance. It feels as if she fainted..." He quickly turned in the direction Shika had gone, taking a few steps forward. "I'm very capable of warding off some wolves if they were to arrive. I'll stay, you go help..." She pushed against his hindquarters, yelling at him to go and he risked a glance back at the two before quickly crossing the river again and cantering down the shore.

Karuk skittered to a stop, quickly jumping to where Shika had fallen, seeing one wolf already laying to the side, limp. "Shika?!" He asked, gently nudging her shoulder before looking at the trees around them. That made two wolves and there were sure to be others nearby, waiting for their chance to attack. He heard a growl from behind him and he pivoted, his forelegs trailing over Shika's unconscious body and settling on the other side, placing her protectively underneath him. Kilton screeched, diving in and digging his talons into the wolf, attempting to carry him off but only succeeding in a few feet; though that was enough to send the canine into the water and down the river. The eagle circled back around, claiming his perch on Karuk's shoulder and cawing angrily, flapping his large wings in a challenge to any of the other wolves that dare step forward. Karuk carefully scanned the trees over and over, occasionally glancing behind him at the other side, his eyes and ears looking and listening for any sign of the wolves. He shifted, feeling his leg brush against Shika as reassurance that she was still there. He had promised nothing would happen to her, and he wasn't going to let some stupid dog take that promise away from him.

// 500 words

hahaha. whole number. xD

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