Topic: Into Rhy'din

Epona · Date: 2006-01-31 22:47 EST

It was a beautiful day in the land of Xanth, Epona's homeland. The sun was out and the grass smelled sweet and was still bedecked in fresh dew. She had just awoken from a restful night's sleep in her Dam and Sire's home in the greensward, a beautiful rich place with rolling meadows and flowers. Stretching she looked out the window. "I think I'll go for a run before breakfast." She said to herself, looking to where her parents were still sleeping. Quietly she strapped on her worn leather belt, securing her coil of rope from it. Next she slung her bow and quiver onto her human back, as it was very foolish to go out into the wild alone and unprepared. Slipping her new knife into it's sheath, she turned to the door and trotted out, blissfully unaware she would not see her parents again.

As she stepped into the morning light she took a deep breath, smelling the sweet scent of the grass. "Ah....this will be the perfect thing to get me going for the day!" Starting off at a trot, she moved into a canter, then into a full gallop, enjoying the crisp morning and the exercise. Not long into her run, she decided to stop at her favorite spring for a nice cool drink. She approached carefully, with her bow drawn and nocked, knowing there were many monsters who also used this particular spring. Seeing the coast was clear, she, reslung her bow and went to drink. No sooner had she lowered herself to the water, than crashing through the bushes came a lumbering wild boar, but it wasn't the boar that worried her, it was themonster chasing it. A Torrasque, basically a dragon with three sets of ursine legs, a feirce loin's head, a tortise shell and long whip-like dragons tail adorned with spikes. Not to mention a love of meat and an endless appitite.

Fighting was out of the question, so she did the sensable thing, and ran like she had never run before. The monster had seen her and as she was much larger than the boar, decided she'd make a better meal. The chase was on, and what a chase it was. Epona galloped over hill and dale, with the monster hot on her heels, and gaining. Up ahead was a chasm, she angled toward it, knowing the Torrasque was a poor jumper, and she would be able to hurdle it with ease. Gathering herself, she lept with all her might, landing heavily just on the brink of the otherside. Her triumphant smile turned to terror as the lip of the chasm crumbled beneath her and she fell with a resounding cry of dismay........

Epona · Date: 2006-01-31 23:08 EST

It was dark....Slowly epona's clear green eyes opened to see a star studded sky above her. She frowned, confused. She knew she had fallen into the chasm, hadn't she? But there was no sign of the pit into which she had plummeted. As for that matter, she was not hurt in any way, mystifying her completely. by all rights she should be dead, or at least seriously maimed, but here she was, and she was whole of life and limb. "This is impossible...I can't be alive....I must be dead or dreaming. That's it. I'm must be dreaming. Obviously that fall had mangled my body rendering me unconcious and this is a dream." Only partially satisfied with her reasoning, she rose to her hooves, brushing stray leaves from her glossy white hide, and picking a few from her long black hair.

Looking around she saw she was in a forest, but not like any she had ever seen before. this place was filled with strange night birds, and glowing eyes just beyound the shrubes, glareing baefully. Looking back up to the sky, she noticed this place did not have three moons, either, only one. Suddenly she realized she was far, far from home and this was no dream. "I must have fallen into a nexus portal....Mother warned me about them, but I had no idea they were real...I though those were stories to keep colts in line..." Shaking her head she realized how lucky she had been. If not for the nexus she would be dead right now, her carcass probably a feast for some indescribably foul scavengers. She shuddered and tried to get her bearing, but to no avail, she was lost in a strange land with no hope of help.

"Well, standing around here won't get me anywhere, I'd best move it if I want to find a settlement." Though there was nobody to hear her words, the sound of her own voice comforted her. She started off at a cautious trot into the woods, carefull of any pitfalls or holes, knowing an injury here could cost her her life. She walked most of the night before coming upon a lonsome hut in the wood, and, too tired to be afraid she approached. Knocking on the door she started to question the wisdom of her act, but she was a young filly yet and not to be expected to be so wise as her elders. An old woman eventually opened the door, rubbing her tired old eyes, then blinking as if she were dreaming. "Well, bless my heart, My dear child, what are you doing out in the woods at this hour? come in, come in!" The old woman smiled kindly and stood aside for her to enter, seeming not to notice that she had invited a creature in who was not human. Instead the old woman just smiled and closed the door behind them.

Epona · Date: 2006-01-31 23:26 EST

As the old woman closed the door, Epona sttod nervously in the center of the room. It was cozy, but not cluttered. A good thing considering her size. The old woman smiled kindly, her eyes twinkling in the firelight. "Allow me to introduce myself. My name is Agnes. Might i have the pleasure of knowing your name, child?" Epona turned to the woman and, looking into her eyes smiled, feeling bathed in kindness and love from this woman she just met moments before. "My name is Epona. I am pleased to meet you, Agnes. " Agnes laughed, the sound surprisingly hearty coming from such a seemingly withered old woman. "My, my, Epona. You do know what your name mean, I presume?" Epona merely shook her head no. "It means, my dear. Horse. The word is spanish. Your mother must have a sense of humor. But it is still a lovely name." Epona flushed with pleasure at the compliment.

"Yes, My mother has a wonderful sense of humor. I'm afraid that I won't be enjoying it anymore however, I am not from this land. I fell through a nexus and awoke here in this strange place. I am not familliar with any of it. In fact I knocked on your door because I am lost and I was wondering if you could help me find my way?" She looked at Agnes hopefully. Agnes sighed and poured them each a cup of tea, and handing Epona hers, shook her head. "My dear Epona, I am sorry to hear you have strayed from home. You are in the land of Rhy'din, A place where many many creatures and people of all sorts gather. You will be welcome here, by some. Others may shun you. For as diffrent as you are, there are others even more so, but there are some who deem themselves better than everyone else. You face a time of trial ahead. You can find the town due east of here, about a day's walk for you, I think, if you don't stop. Thre is an inn where you may find information and possibly work. I reccomend you find work soon so you can find a place to stay. The kindness of strangers will help you greatly your first few days."

"As for tonight, I insist you stay and rest here. Im the morning We shall have breakfast and I will show you which way to go, in exchange for a story. you see I do not often leave my hut or do I receive many visitors and a story would be welcome." Epona smiles at the woman happily. "I would be honored and delighted to stay tonight and tell you a story. Thank you so much for your kindness, Agnes." Agnes nodded and finished her tea setting down the mug. "To bed with you, there is hay in the corner, not the best I daresay, but better than the cold hard ground. And in the morning I will have that story. Good night, Epona" Epona drained the rest of her tea gratefully and set the mug by Agnes' and settled herself on the hay, indeed glad of it, and closed her eyes, dreaming of the adventures that lay ahead of her.

Epona · Date: 2006-02-06 17:40 EST

Epona woke from a restful night's sleep and began picking straw from her tail. It was not what she was used to but it was much better than the cold ground outside. She got to her hooves and stretched, yawning. After a few moments she looked over to Agnes' sleeping form and decided to gather some firewood for her cookstove.
Quietly she went outside, closing the door behind her. Epone spent the better part of an hour gathering sticks from the area around the snug little cottage.

When she had finished, she made a neat pile by the door, carrying a small bumdle inside for immidiate use. She opened the door and, stooping, went in. As her eyes adjusted to the low light she looked over at Agnes. "Hmm. She must be tired, part of old age, I suppose." She said to herself.

After a moment she thought perhaps it would be a good idea if she made breakfast for the woman seeing as she seemed so tired. Soon, with the help of a flint she found, the fire in the cookstove was crackling merrily and she was ready to cook.
heating some water for tea, she also found grits and sausage. as she cooked she hummed softly so as not to wake Agnes from her rest.

When she was finished, most of the morning had passed and Agnes still had not gotten up. "If I do not wake her she will be most dissapointed about missing breakfast." She thought to herself. Walking to the bed where the old woman lay, she put a hand on her shoulder. "Agnes, wake up, breakfast is ready."
Agnes didn't stir. "Agnes?" No response. slowly it dawned on her Agnes was dead. she had passed away in her slumber.
"No! Agnes, please..."

Sadly her cries were to no avail, Agnes, her first friend in this strange land, was gone. The rest ofher morning was devoted to digging a grave in the garden. A beautiful place Agnes had obviously loved. After toiling all afternoon in the hot sun, her task was finished, and she went inside. Carefully she washed and dressed her friend, then, with some cloth she found in the corner, she wrapped Agnes' body for burial.

Using ropes, she carefully lowered the woman into her final resting place, among the lowers she had tended alone for so many years. Epona cut three roses from nearby bushes, and tossed them into the grave with Agnes. One was red, one white, one yellow. She then buried the old woman with a heavy heart.
Not even the birds sang as she patted the final bit of soil into place. She fund a stone to place at the head of the woman's grave, and went into the cottage, as it was now almost night. She watched the sunset through the trees from the window, and then went to sleep.

The next morning she woke, and went to the garden to pay her last respects to the friend she had lost too soon, and was amazed by what she saw. A rose bush, blooming in red, white and yellow was growing from the old woman's grave. Epona knew without a doubt that Agnes was at peace, and was watching over her.
Turning, she waved farewell, and trotted into the woods, searching for the town. She was on her way.

Epona · Date: 2006-02-06 18:09 EST

Epona traveled for three days alone in the forset of rhy'din, hunting for her supper, and camping each night. All the while she was alone. Agnes' words rang in her ears. The kindness of strangers...She certainly hoped the people of Rhy'dinwould be kind to her, she had enough of hardship.
Weary, she made camp, for the third night in a row, banking her fire so it would not go out, and lay down, bow in hand, ready to wake at a moment's notice.

The next morning she woke, and rose to her hooves, hoping that this would be the day she would reach town, that is if she had been going the right way. Luck was with her and near mid afternoon, she could smell woodsmoke, a telltale sign of a town or settlement. Her heart filling with a new hope, she picked up the pace, eager for a warm bed and a good meal.
Soon she reached the edge of town, and slowing to a walk, she slung her bow across her back. Who would attack her now? Town was safe, right?
She walked down the main road, slowly, exploring the fringe of what she discovered was no town, but a vast city.

As she came to the market, she was met by stares and gawkers. People had never seen one of her kind before and they did not seem to appriciate her. It was silent as she passed through the crowded aisles, and then the silence was broken, by a child. A wicked, spoiled, horrible child. The little boy, seeming no older than ten or eleven, came up and kicked her hind leg viciously and started screaming at her. "Freak! freak! go back where you came from, you freak!" Epona reared, startled by the little boy's terrible behavior, and started to gallop through the market, trying to get away from the sudden chorus of "Freak!" being shouted at her from every direction.

As she ran, she was pelted by fruit, and stones, anything that was at hand for th angry shoppers to throw. She didn't understand why she was so hated, after all, she never did anything to these people, she just got here! Her hind leg hurt terribly, but she ran on, to come to hide in a stable at the market's end. As she caught her breath, she felt a hand on her flank, and a man's voice behind her. "Well, now mah beauty, where did you come from?" The man hadn't spied her human portion yet, and merely though her to be a stray horse.

Epona turned to face the man, and expecting the worst, braced herself, but no strike came. She peeked one eye open to find the man was smiling at her. "Well lass, I'll be. A living breathin' Centaur. Where'd you come from?" Epona explained to the man what had happened to her and he nodded gravely as he listened to her story. "Thats quite a story, lass. Why dont you stay here for a spell, untill that leg heals up, hm?"

She couldnt believe her luck, this man was not only being kind, but offering her refuge. "Thank you so much sir!" She would have hugged him if she hadn't been so much taller than he. He led her to the back stable, and wrapped her leg for her. "There, I'll bet that feels better. I'll bring you something to eat in a bit, do you need anything else, lass?" Epona shook her head no. "I'm gratefull for what you have done already for me. I need nothing more, good sir." "Alright then, I'll be back around in about a hour or so. make yourself comfortable. It's not fancy, but it's clean and safe." Epona lay down in a stall intended for a horse, but was glad of it all the same, and closed her eyes for a nap.

Epona · Date: 2006-02-06 21:23 EST

Epona woke long after dark to find that the man from before had left her a plate of food. She ate ravonously, as she had not had a good meal in several days. Not since she left Agnes' cottage. She finished her food and got to her feet, her hind leg was still very tender, and she was forced to favor it.
Moving carefully, she explored the stable. there were two horses, geldings. And an array of horseshoes, saddles, bits reins, and other things.

She was careful not to touch anything, as it wasn't hers, and soon went back to her stall to rest for the remainder of the night.
In the morning she was awakened by the man, his name was Ryan. "Did ya sleep well, lass?" His kind eyes peered at her from a well tanned face. doubtless from long days working in the sun.
Epona nodded. "Yes, thank you, and thank you for supper, I feel much better." "Good, lets have a looksee at that leg of yours, then, shall we?" Epona got up and stood still to allow Ryan to inspect her leg. He carefully unwrapped it and prodded the tissue with the expertise brought by years of experiance. "You'll be sore for a good week, maybe two. You have a bit o' swelling, and a nasty bruise, but no break. That's good. Still, I'll have my wife Eloise make a pultice for you, and we'll get it wrapped back up right good."

Epona nodded her head again. "Thank you so much, is there any way I can repay your kindness?" Ryan smiled kindly at her, his blue eyes twinkling. "You get healed first, lass, then we'll talk repayment, a'right?"
He left her a goodly amount of apples and oatmeal, a fine healthy breakfast and went about his morning chores.
Epona enjoyed her breakfast, and watched thoughtfully as Ryan went about his business.

The next two weeks were almost unbearably boring. Unable to do much more than walk, and not allowed to help with any work, Epona became fast friends with Eloise. She learned about baking, and how to make fine hearty meals, and even about child care, seeing as there were three youn'uns to tend to. Liza, ten, Michael, eight, and little Bethany, who was three. Epona became very fond of the children, and had promised when her leg was well she would let them ride.

This was something most centaurs would never allow, but she was indebtted to this family and her pride could certainly be put on hold for those adorable little children. Time passed and soon the two weeks was up. Her leg was much better, and she felt as if she could gallop all the way down the pasture Ryan had for his geldings. Though she had been warned to take it easy at first, just to be safe. So she did, but as time went on, she was soon good as new. She began helping around the farm, feeling as if she needed to repay them, though Eloise assured her her company during the day and help in the kitchen while she was healing was more than enough, not to mention the children adored her.

But Ryan was not one to turn down a willing helping hand, and more than once she had been of invaluable service to him, when he had a load he just could not carry, or his wagon was too full for his gelding to pull, she allowed herself to be hitched to the wagon and helped get it home or to the market, accordingly. After a few months, Epona felt it was time to leave her loving foster family and strike out on her own. Ryan gave her a coil of his best rope, and several good daggers. Eloise packed her a bag full of traveling food, wheat cakes jerky, and dried fruit. After a tearful parting, and hugging each child extra tight, Epona set off again.....

Epona · Date: 2006-02-06 21:59 EST

The day was bright and warm, lovely for traveling. Her back pack was full, and her heart was light. She moved down the road from the farmhouse back into the main part of town. This time the people were used to seeing her, as she had been this way many times with Ryan, helping him to do his marketing. He had sold horeshoes, saddles and other goods, as well as bartering and buying supplies for his work and for his family.

As she troted into the main square, The lady who owened the apple stand waved at her, calling out."Epona, Ryan send you out alone today?" Epona shook her head. "No, I have decided it's time I found my ouwn way. Ryan and his family are great, but I can't live there forever." The apple lady smiled, and tossed her an apple. "Free of charge, dearie. Just you be careful, y'hear? Not everyone is as good and kind as Ryan. And good luck!"

Epona waved goodbye to the kindly woman and bit happily into her apple.
She was going to be just fine. she knew it. After a few scattered greetings from familiar venders, Epona made her way to a new part of the city. There was a construction site not far up ahead, and it looked like the forman was very agitated. She didn't realize the man was the boss at the time, and her kind nature was already asserting itself.

She trotted right up to the man, and smiled at him. "Excuse me, but you seem rather upset, Can I help in some way?" The man didn't look up from the blue prints he was going over as he answered. "Sorry girl, but you can't do a durn thing. I have a mule just broke a leg, and we need to get these loads hauled to the site. I gotta figgre how we're gonna do it!"

Epona smiles wider, and gently, moved the blueprints so the man could see her."I repeat, can I help?" The man's eyes went wide for a moment. "What manner of beast are you?" Epona frowned lightly. "Im a person. I happen to be a centaur filly, and I happen to need a job." The man looked her over carefully. "You healthy? strong?" Epona nodded. "Yes sir I am. I helped a friend of mine haul loads, I'm sure I can do this." The man grinted and stuck out his rather dirty calloused hand.
"Th' name's Paul. You're hired. Go see Bill about a harness so you can help with the wagons. You shod?" Epona shook her head no. "Then see Willy the blacksmith first and get yourself some shoes, you dont want a split hoof in this business. It'll slow us down. Well, what're you waitin' for? Go on!"

Epona Went and got herself shod, then went to see Bill for a harness. this turned out to be an array of straps and buckles so she could hitch up to anything without having to switch harnesses. Bill grinned at her "Never saw a mare like you 'afore. That harness all right? not too tight, is it? Comfortable?" "Yes, it's fine, thank you. I'd better see about hlping with those wagons now." "You be carefull, thos're heavy loads. dont go hurtin' yerself. right purty mare like you, it'd be a shame."

After a long hard day of work, she was sweaty, grimy, tired and smelled like, well, a sweaty horse. Bill came up to her, and patted her flank."You sure can haul! Strong back you got there. Good worker. Paul oughtta keep you till th' jobs over, mebbe longer. You wanna go for a drink?" Caught off gaurd by the man's sudden invite, she smiled, satisfied with her work and nodded. "Yeah, that sounds good about now. Where to?" "Theres this little place called The Red Dragon. A bit of a meetin' spot. lotsa folks. Come on."

Bill led the way down the road into the twilight, and soon she found herself at the Dragon, a large two story building. In she went, and relaxed after a long day of work, chatting with Bill. After a while Bill left, explaining. "I gotta get back to the wife and kids. See you at work tomorrow, bright an' early. Bye!" Out he went, and Epona turned to the restof the patrons..curiously....