with ears to see and eyes to hear [open]

[Zsadist]

They say the eyes are the pathway to the soul. Look into the eyes of another to see the path they've walked. The troubles they've faced and the triumph that they've earned. Yet in some cases, it's not triumph that reveals the soul. In some cases, it's tragedy that clouds it. In this case, it's tragedy that did.

A pallid figure drifted aimlessly through the trees, making not a sound as she weaved along. Her steps were slow and careful, as if each one were strategically placed. She kept her large plumes tucked tightly against her lean cage, not wanting to cause an unwanted injury, even if only a minor one. As she wandered, so did her mind. A daydream of sorts. Even though she was aware of her surroundings, or at least as aware as she could be, something kept distracting her. Something kept flitting back and forth at the back of her mind. That something kept her moving forward, one footfall at a time. Kept her from giving up a long time ago. The fleeting white figure that eluded her time after time kept her going, hoping that one day it would all make sense again.

It didn't have a name. Most times it didn't have a definite shape either. But there were times, those rare times, when the pure white being would dance across her memory, just out of reach. So close, yet so far. As if she could touch it if she could stretch far enough. Yet when she did, that touch never came. The figure would flit just out of reach, again and again. There were times when the figure would be so close, that she could almost tell who it was. That never happened, however. Though she could nearly tell the what. She gazed forward inside her mind, watching as the silhouette ambled closer. Slowly it began to come into focus, stopping before her. Once again just out of reach. Through clouded eyes she stared, trying to see the details of the being she felt like she knew. It had the delicate pink skin and gleaming ivory coat akin to her own, and that of her sire as well. It looked her in the eyes, for they were nearly the same of stature. In almost all aspects, they were the same, save for the twin spirals that sat upon its brow. And just like every other daydream, as she went to take a step closer, the figure turned and galloped away as her foggy sight faded into darkness.

Like a waking nightmare, the daydream made her cringe. Her body shivered despite the warmth of the air in the forest. She knew she hadn't wandered far from her home in Caelum. Perhaps she was just at the base of the mountain of Ventosus, where the land faded into Jacinto. Or maybe she was near Nalicitus instead, though she did not hear or smell the likes of the falls. No, the air around her was not moist enough, not as humid. However, she knew that she was in the forest, for she could sense the trees around her. She could hear the rustling of the branches, the chirping of the birds, and the scuffling of the animals beneath her hooves. Something pulled her away from her home, from Caelum, but an echo in the back of her mind told her not to go. Odin. Her sire's voice. That's who it was. Time was such a blur, almost meaningless now. Yet his voice helped keep her together, assisting the mysterious white figure in guiding her along. He told her to avoid this blood-soaked place. This place that was as red as the setting sun. This place called Ignis. It held no mercy for them, and she was never to travel there. And trusting her sire's words, she never did. Despite how much temptation called to her. She would do as he wished. After all, there had to be a good reason for it.

She couldn't stay in Caelum for much longer though. It nagged at her, somehow. There was something about it that she couldn't stand, and something about that place her sire called Ignis. It called to her, while Caelum tried to push her away. If she couldn't stay here, nor could she go there, then where? Where could she go... She searched within her mind, her sire's voice echoing like a broken record. What had happened to her memories? Did she push them away, or had so much time passed that she had simply forgotten? It couldn't have been that long. No... It couldn't have been that long ago that her sire had passed on, leaving her alone in this world. "But you're not alone..." The echoing continued to nag at her, begging her to keep moving. To keep searching for... what? She did not know. At time she wondered if she would ever find out, or if she would just simply go insane.

A soft snort brought her from her inner workings. The scenery around her had changed, though she could not see it. She halted, taking in her surroundings. A soft breeze moved her tresses as she stood, still as stone, listening to the soft sound of waves lapping at the cliff nearby. It was then that she realized she had reached the edge of Caelum. She dared not move, not wanting to accidentally send herself toppling over the edge. Even if she could catch herself in mid-fall, that was not the sort of trip that she wanted at the time. The only trip she wanted was away from Caelum. To somewhere where she didn't feel like she was constantly being watched. To somewhere peaceful, since she was seemingly not finding what she was looking for here. "Go. Fly, my daughter. Across the wind-riddled waves of the lake. But be cautious..." Odin's voice faded again, though she knew what she had to do. She had to take to the skies, despite how much it scared her at times. It was the only way away from Caelum. It was the only way away from the place they had called home. She had wandered for too long, not able to stretch out her wings.

Daring to take a step forward, she drew in a deep breath, relishing the scent of the liquid body some unknown distance below her. Then she dared to take another step, and another, carefully picking her way toward the edge of the land. When the ground began to cave beneath her hooves, even only in the form of small pebbles, she halted, realizing she was at the edge. This was it. There was no turning back. Not for a while at least. She didn't plan on coming back to Caelum until she discovered this fleeting white figure. Or perhaps rediscovered? Now was not the time for questions. Now was the time for action. She closed her unseeing eyes and spread her wings, simply breathing for a moment as the wind danced around her. Snapping her eyes open, she leaned toward and wind and jumped.

It was a rush, feeling the wind rippling around her body once again. She couldn't remember the last time she had taken to the skies for fear of... what exactly? She mentally shrugged off the thought and gave her wings and strong downward thrust, using the motion to level herself out as she glided through the sky. Thinking of the unknown, she decided to ascend into the blue. Her wings flapped harder and faster, carrying her towards the warmth of the sun and away from Caelum. She stayed far enough away from the water that she was sure she wouldn't run into anything, yet close enough that she could still hear what was beneath her. It seemed like forever that the sun shone down upon her back, and that the wind ripped through her ridiculously long mane and tail. Then suddenly it wasn't long enough as the sounds below her began to change. Ahead, she heard the sound of water crashing onto rock. The thought occurred to her that she was heading back towards Caelum, but her mind told her that this land wasn't the same. It didn't sound the same, nor did it smell the same. She was in a different land now, she just did not know exactly where.

Tipping her wings horizontal, she slowed her flight to a still. She pulsed her wings slowly and steadily, keeping herself aloft. The sound of the crashing waves was somewhat behind her, so she knew she must be over land. Or at least, that's what she hoped. She changed the beat of her wings, allowing herself to slowly descend. Her heartbeat stayed calm despite the situation. If she realized there was going to be no ground, or that there was something dangerous below, she would simply take to the skies as she had always done before. The was Odin had taught her. She listened as hard as she could, but heard nothing other than the waves and the sound of her own wings. As far as she knew, she was alone above this certain space of land. Time seemed to tick by and she lowed herself ever-so-slowly. After what felt like quite some time, her hooves touched something solid. She just managed to succeed in not scrambling to obtain her footing on the foreign ground, making her landing as graceful as it was awkward. Holding her wings out to the side to help keep her balance, she listened again. Nothing. "Hello?" She called out to no one in particular, wondering if anyone would ever answer. Alone. Again. That much she knew.

Word Count Approx. 1690

[Scapeh]

Epiphany

There it was, the only place that I could not reach. Ah, but that's not exactly true. There were many places in this land that I could not reach, for either side of my blood; for the girth I had, or the antlers upon my brow, it did not matter much. An outcast even among the outcasts, though even they were more accepted than I. Yes... one of normal blood I suppose is more accepted than those of mixed ancestors. After all, the ideas of hybrids seems almost shockingly cruel to some minds. How in the world could two very different looking beings come to love each other, some might ponder. It all seems relatively easy to me, to be honest. Love is something that is at the same time all seeing, as well as blind. A true double-edged sword. In one half, you can love someone unconditionally for who they truly are, and that is all seeing and knowing of their person, blind to anything else. But in that blindness hides something almost sinister. If one is too far blind, one can not pull back enough to see what exactly it is they are looking at. Love is... complicated, I think. But that's a conversation for another time I believe.

I take a deep breath, letting the moist air fill my lungs, expanding my blackened bodice. Yes... that's it. The air of the lake. I know it is next to me, and just above, yes. My crystalline orbs turn towards the towering expanse of Adoculus. It is times like these that I wished for wings, to be able to fly as the birds do, high above the land, to see all things, to be as one. But I am no Pegasi. I wonder if wings would even support the weight of my Gypsy frame. I glance behind me, across my back and down my rump. Yes, rather large, isn't it? I don't mind, though. Many others are fair and dainty, or muscular and powerful, and those all suit them just fine. There is muscle within me, too, plenty of it. My build is just thicker. This is alright with me, though. I glance into the water to observe myself for a moment. Inky tendrils slip down my head, between my antlers. Ah yes... those antlers. Those are what set me apart. I had very normal parents. In fact, there was nothing special about them, and there really was nothing special about me. But these antlers... I shake my dial, disturbing my mane as wind blows off the shore. No, I do not hate my spiraling appendages. In fact, I have come to love them, as I love all of my being. But there are days, oh, how there are days, where I wonder what life would have been like had I not obtained them. Or been gifted? I suppose I was gifted, for I never recall doing anything that would have called attention to some higher being to grace me with these antlers. No deed, anyways. So a gift they must be. I carry them well.

I let a sigh escape my lips, turning back towards the expansive cliffs. Yes, I wish I could be up there now, looking over the landscape. But it is a dangerous ascent, and I'm not sure if my frame would make it the distance. I take a step forwards anyways, my white feathering dragging sand along with it. Perhaps if I tried... My banner splashed against my rump like a soft cloud as a wave came crashing in within my sight. The way the water fell upon the rocks like needles surprises me, and frightens me. I have no shame in admitting fright. It is only nature for a being to experience such a thing. For only in fright can we be strong enough to obtain bravery. But I am no brave soul. In my own way, I suppose I am, but not in the sense to be reckless. I know that one slip would lead to my death, and that is something that I am not willing to risk.

Instead, I look to the sky, and I wonder. I wonder if ever there was a being that has come to this land that could do such a thing, could reach those tops. What would it be like? Perhaps they would tell me. I'm sorely tempted to lay upon the ground as I think, but the only thing preventing me is the soft tickle of the water against my skin. Yes, the tide is coming in. I step inland, trying to keep the coast within my sights, as well as the cliffs. Oh, how magnificent they are. As I turn around to continue my pondering, something catches my eye. I tilt my dial. What is that in the distance? It moves high like a cloud, yet has no shape of one. Wings it holds, but much too large to be a bird. I do not hear the sound of the wings above the roar of the water, but I know that they are there by their movement. As the being gets closer, I am suddenly able to make out the shape. A Pegasus. A light smile twitches at my maw. How lovely to be thinking of a being and suddenly have them appear.

I watch as they approach, and I gain a sudden urge. My pillars begin to move me towards the cliffs. I must meet this Pegasus. It is my duty, though I can not explain why. I travel along the edge of the sands and the beginnings of rock, trying to find a place to begin. There are many sharp rocks, and again I am reminded that if I am to slip I shall meet death with open arms. But I know that this wont happen. Something assures me so. I take the first step, and find the rocks quite slick, but I press onward, pulling up my girth. I take a moment to balance, and slowly I begin to pick my way upwards. My eyes move from rock to rock, trying to assess which ones are the most stable. Most of them aren't, and I know that half way to the top that if I am getting down, it must be some other way. I stop for a moment, contemplating that thought. Is there another way to reach the end? I'm not sure. As I pause, though, I observe the Pegasus. It is almost here, now. I stand and watch as it descends very slowly. I do not stay still for long, however. I must keep moving, despite the majesty of which it moves.

Oh, if it were another life I could live, may I have wings with which to experience the world. But that is not my place for now. My place is to meet this one who can. I continue forward, picking my way up the rocks. Just as I step from one last to the other, the rocks behind me crash to the lake, and it startles me. Not enough to lose my footing, but enough to stay more alert. I shall have to find another way down. I look up to see if the Pegasus has made any progress on their descent, and they have. Almost there, now. I'm almost to the top myself, but I can see from here the ledge from which I must take there is no possible way for me to reach the highest ground, the solid earth of the cliff. I will be lucky if I even make it to the ledge. But I continue onward. I must meet this creature, this angel of the skies.

As I reach the ledge in question, it finally lands, and I can tell, now, from the feminine shape that I am dealing with a mare. Good, my own are much more... I'm not sure if I would call it understanding, but they are almost... I wouldn't quite say less intimidated by my antlers, either. However, they are less likely to be provoked into attack, giving me time to speak. Which, in this world, makes all the difference. Stating your place among them is important, even if your place among them is not even among them. If that perhaps makes any sense at all. I shake my dial slightly, listening to the sound of the crashing waves below and I hold on to a deep and dear hope that I do not fall. She calls out, and I know that she can not see me from here. "Hello?" A lovely voice, unsure and young, but also curious. My maw turns up into a smile. I'm not old myself, though I have a feeling that my soul is, in a way. My physical body has nothing to do with my mind.

I try to clear my pipes, letting the voice ring crystal, calm like a dewy morning. "Hello." It is the only response that I can think of. After all, I don't want to scare her off with my burning questions, nor do I want to scare her with my antlers. Though, at the moment, I imagine that's all she can see of me. The tips of my antlers, if that. But I can see her, just enough, anyways. Oh, how gorgeous. Creamy silk, she seems. Solid hue, just like the clouds. I smile again, fascinated by her being. What has she seen? What has she known? I must find out. I have come this far, and I know it is for a reason. I simply hope she will speak with me. At the moment, that is all I ask, of anything.

----

Word Count:: 1616

[Zsadist]

The air here was different, the pallid mare noted once again. She stood still, poised on a small boulder with her wings held horizontal for invisible support. The wind that rushed at her from across the lake ruffled her feathers from behind, tangling her long tail between her hind legs and whipping her mane and forelock around her head. It was a pleasant wind, although a bit cooler than what rushed through her home in Caelum. The air here, wherever here was, was not as moist and humid as Caelum. Nor was it as warm and... Well, it just wasn't the same. It wasn't what she was used to. That was the only way that the white mare could plainly put it. It didn't have that old lingering odor of battle, of blood spilled long ago. That disgusting stench that seemed to stain even her insides with hatred. But no, she wouldn't allow that. She had to stay positive. She had to remain herself, so she could find whatever it was she was looking for. If she gave in to that horrible aftertaste, who knows where she might find herself instead.

Instead, she chose to think of this new place in which she had landed. She didn't think it was a place where she wanted to stay for too long, but it was nice enough to visit. After all, the ground up wherever she was, was far too unstable. One wrong step could send her toppling over the edge. Sure, she could probably catch herself, but there was always the possibility of colliding with something in her fall. She could injure herself and not be able to stop herself from falling, or worse. Then there was the greater chance that she could simply trip and stumble to the ground, giving her unknown injuries. Sometimes she wished she could see her surroundings, other times not. With the way the atmosphere felt, she almost didn't want to know.

She closed her eyes for a moment and just listened. Behind her drifted the wind from before, whispering softly tales of the past. Though not as screaming as the wind back home. Below the wind crashed the waves, slowly eroding at the cliff side that stood nearby. She wasn't too far off from the edge, she figured. Time to best be careful whenever she decided to make her next move. A stray bush here and there swayed in the wind. Luckily none were close enough that she might accidentally collide with one. How embarrassing would that be, if someone were to be watching? She exhaled a soft snort, somewhat amused at the thought. She had her fair share of embarrassing moments in her youth, as she slowly grew used to being blind. It was not often now that she found herself tripping over such objects. But this was a new land, which called for new circumstances and new terrain.

Somewhere below, she heard the shifting of rocks. She listened intently, slowly realizing that the sound was not caused by the waves. Her head raised slightly and she pricked her ears, turning her neck to point her face the direction of the sound. She stood stone still poised upon her perch, with only her ivory locks twirling around her. The sound grew louder, and eventually morphed into a shuffling four-beat movement. Her heart nearly skipped a beat when she realized that she wasn't actually alone like she had originally thought. But were they friend? Or foe? That was the question. She chose to remain still, yet ready to flee if need be. With a strong upward-then-downward thrust of her wings, she would be gone. Yet what she heard was not what she expected. A simple, feminine hello. Seemed harmless enough. "Best to tread carefully now." The white mare stayed still for another moment, before deciding to respond to the newcomer. "Oh, hello there. I thought I was alone, but I have been proven wrong. Is this your land? Please, do excuse me for intruding. I did not mean to do so." She popped her lips shut when she realized that she was beginning to ramble. She had always hated how she did that around strangers. A single hoof lifted from the ground, then placed in front of her. When nothing shifted suddenly, she gave a flick of her wings and somewhat hopped forward, keeping her hooves close and her wings spread for support as if she were attempting to balance upon a ball. She hoped that her ever so slight advance would not upset the unknown creature, but only what came next would tell as she stared blindly, her lengthy mane and forelock twirling about her clouded eyes.

Word Count Approx.: 821