[Benathorn]

Damaris

Owner: Manx
Gender: Female
Breedable: Yes
Type: Marbled Elkrin

The Elkrin From the East

This Female Elkrin was found to the east near the Oriental Isles. The locals there tell of stories from long ago of how their ancestors once raised many of the vibrant hued beast. They are one of the few Elkrin who never lose their spots from birth and are even said to have the magical abilities to purify water. Your task young Rune Bearer is to go to the isles and find this elusive creature. The female Marbled Elkrin is extremely agile and nary few runes nor beast can catch her. She flees from the sight of man but perhaps you will be able to change her views. Be careful in your travels Bearer, and be sure to tell me of your findings of how you came to claim this Elkrin as your friend. But most importantly, if she accepts you as her rider.

[Benathorn]

Judging for forms ends January 19th midnight CS time.

Rules

~Those with the best form will win this Elkrin.
~You are allowed to add more to the form until the final date when the winner will be chosen.
~Do not argue or whine if you do not get this Elkrin. There will be MORE in the future.
~Do not take any of my ideas without permission. I now have to state this in all my rules because of past issues.
~Do not use pictures from Google in your form.
~Only talk about the other Elkrins on the main page.
~If there are any questions post them on the main thread for a mod to answer. We will no longer answer questions through PM.
~Form requirements may very so be sure to check this Elkrin's page before posting.
~Enjoy, and if you do not win simply congratulate the ones who did and look forward to the next release. Do not make the winner feel bad because you're sore about losing.
~Be respectful and polite to each other and have fun with your form.
~Because of recent problems we will automatically disqualify and give a strike to anyone found trying to guilt or harassing others either on the threads or through PM.
~Remember that besides our own rules all Creativity Forum and Site rules apply.

Code: Select all

[center][b]:Form:[/b][/center]
[center][b]Name:[/b][/center]
[center][size=85](Give this Elkrin a name)[/size][/center]
[center][b]Personality:[/b][/center]
[center][size=85](Describe her personality.)[/size][/center]
[center][b]Art/Story/Poem:[/b][/center]
[center][size=85](Provide either artwork, stories, or a poem to better illustrate this Elkrin's character.)[/size][/center]

[Manx]

Username:

Manx

Name:

Damaris

Gender:

Female

Likes:

-Night-
-Stars-
-Quiet-
-Mountains-
-Forests-
-Peace-

Dislikes:

-Loud noises-
-Crowded areas-
-Being forced to do something-
-Feeling exposed-

Personality:

Gentle | Kind | Shy | Elusive | Empathetic | Proud
When thinking of Damaris, the first word that comes to mind is elusive. Indeed, it took several days of tracking to merely glimpse the tell tale signs of her existence, let alone her herself. As graceful and agile she is, she is not one to make herself known. Treading upon the ground with an airy lightness, she leaves little evidence of her ever once setting foot there. She is also incredibly swift, and has the tendency to disappear within the blink of an eye. It tends to be quite unnerving, really, as her presence seems to be more of a phantom than an actual being. Damaris' incredible shyness does little to help the matter. Loud noises tend to make her shy away, as she prefers to run then to face the makers of such a racket. In general, she is quite wary of any human, as well as numerous other things. Despite this, though, she does have a curiosity about her. She is quite an intelligent being, and curiosity seems to flow naturally through her. In many situations, it seems it boils down to two elements; whether her shy nature takes hold, or her questioning, curious side.

In addition to all this, Damaris has quite a proud side. She carries herself regally, and simply hates being forced to do something. If something must be done, it will be done on her own time, and there is little you can do to change this. At times it is incredibly frustrating, but there is nothing that can really be done to convince her otherwise. Yelling is certainly not an option, as loud noises will send her bolting into the forest, with the possibility of not seeing her for several days. Tempting her also does little to help matters, as in her pride she will turn distastefully away from such offers. The most effective manner of gaining her approval is perhaps by reminding her of the benefits her actions will have for others. For, Damaris is quite a kind creature. With her ability to purify poisoned waters, she has brought as sense of duty upon herself, a duty to help protect and aid others. Her love of peace also fuels this sense, and in many cases, using this as an argument will help sway her.

Although lacking the ability of speech, Damaris is very empathetic. She has the uncanny ability to sense others' emotions. No magic aids her in this, but instead, she is merely very sensitive to the body motions of others. Flicks of eyes, twitches of limbs, and changes in breath are all things she observes in others. It often leads her to guess what is another is thinking or feeling, giving the illusion of 'reading a mind'. Of all humans, Damaris seems to trust those who are younger the easiest. She is still extremely wary of them, but she seems to trust them quickest of all. Perhaps she can sense their innocence, their lack of understanding, and in that way trusts them.

Art:

http://www.chickensmoothie.com/oekaki/image/image.php?id=1361764&size=large&format=auto&rev=1358292559
http://www.chickensmoothie.com/oekaki/image/image.php?id=1364654&size=large&format=auto&rev=1358467383

Report:

Locating and befriending the Elkrin Damaris was the perhaps the most stunning event of my life. At first it was simply meant to be a regular observation trip, and in all honesty I didn't have much hope for it. After all, I was going off only stories that spoke of a Marbled Elkrin that resided near the Oriental Isles; not exactly reliable information. Elkrin's have long ago faded into myth, and most alleged sightings are nothing more than oddly coloured deer, or something to that degree. By nature, though, I have always been quite curious, and I suppose that was the prevailing attribute that got me through the entire ordeal. Without that, I imagine I would have given up on such a journey long ago. All the same, I can honestly say it was worth my trouble. When attempting to locate her, the fact of her being so elusive was another problem all on its own, and I won't lie, it wasn't easy tracking her down. Many times I very nearly gave up, convinced I would never find the elusive creature. All the same, I trudged on. In the end, it was certainly worth it. My troubles earned me a loyal friend. But, I'm getting ahead of myself. I promised a full report, and it's about time I got around to fulfilling that promise.

My story starts quite uneventfully, really. I learned of several rumors that spoke of a female Marbled Elkrin that wandered through an area around the Oriental Isles. Despite my lack of hard facts, I chose to journey there anyway. If the rumors were true, it would provide an incredible research opportunity, as very few had ever glimpsed a Marbled Elkrin; or an Elkrin at all, really. If the rumors were false, or I was unable to track her, there would not be much harm done. With this in mind, I set off to find this elusive being. Once I reached my destination, progress was painstakingly slow. She seemed to float like the wind, leaving just as few traces as a phantom through the forest. It was several weeks before I found my first clue of her existence; a small, faded hoof print, mostly blown away, but just barely visible. This discovery renewed my resolve, and I trudged on in high spirits.

The forest which she chose for a home provided little evidence of her presence, and proved to be quite a nuisance for me. It was obvious humans did not regularly set foot here, as there were no paths to follow. Many times I found myself having to backtrack -much to my frustration- after discovering my current path was blocked by a fallen tree or over sized rock. Not only that, but I felt like the creature was merely taunting me, waiting for me to give up and turn away. Tracks and small strands of hair merely lead to dead ends, and time after time I was forced to turn back. As you can imagine, my patience was beginning to wane, and on more than one occasion I was tempted to give up and return home. Yet, after coming so far, I felt like I couldn't simply give up now, not when I was so close. So, I carried on.

It was about a month and a half into my journey when I finally caught a glimpse of her. It was the middle of the night, and I had just woken up after hearing a rather disturbing sound. It turned out to be no more than a bird calling in the night, but all the same, I found it hard to fall back asleep after that. I had made camp quite close to a river, so I decided to get a drink. It was then I saw her. The moon above gleamed on her white dappled coat, shining as she stepped delicately out from the trees. She did not yet seem aware of my presence, and I kneeled by the river bank, entranced by her beauty. I had heard that the Marbled Elkrin was a sight to behold, but not in my dreams could I have imagined just a creature. She stepped gracefully to the river bank and dipped her muzzle to the river. Before drinking, she simply let the water rush over the tip of her muzzle, and a small glow almost seemed to touch the water. Perhaps it was simply the full moon above illuminating the rushing water, but I had a feeling it was more than that. I had a feeling it was magic...

After drinking her fill, she raised her head, and for a moment our eyes met. I stood frozen, hardly daring to breath for fear if I made so much as a sound she would once again disappear. Instead of running, though, she simply stared. I could have sworn as look of surprise and curiosity flickered through her eyes at that moment. We remained like that for several minutes before she turned heel and faded once more into the forest. I remained kneeling by the river for several moments longer, shock keeping me in place. Eventually, excitement over came me, and I raced back to my make shift camp to write down my findings. If the rumors I had heard were correct, I very well may have been the first to catch a glimpse of a Marbled Elkrin in several centuries. If true, I was planning to write everything I could down about the creature, hopefully for those who sought it after me. I was convinced this would be the only and last time I ever saw her, and at least the information I provided could be useful to others.

I couldn't have been more wrong. When I awoke the next day, I found two gleaming red eyes staring at me through the foliage. They belonged to none other than the female Elkrin I had spotted late last night, and now she had willing sought me out. To say the least, I was shocked. She gazed down curiously at me as I stumbled out of my sleeping gear, bewildered by her appearance. I had hardly expected to see her again; especially like this. She flinched as I fell forward, sending a few supplies skittering forward. She seemed to understand I had not done it purposefully, and for that reason she remained where she was. Finally struggling to right myself, I gazed back at the Elkrin, at a complete loss of what to do. By the looks of things, she had no intention of going anywhere. At last I got over my shock, and proceeded to grab my notebook. The Elkrin's eyes followed my every movement as a moved across the clearing, never once looking away. Her gaze was penetrating, and slightly unnerving. Reaching a tree standing just a little ways a way from her, I sunk down, leaning my back against the tree's trunk. Fishing a pencil from my pocket, I added to my notes details I missed in the previous night.

Scribbling furiously in my notebook, I didn't notice as the Elkrin moved gracefully into my camp. When I finally did look up, she was gently probing various items with her muzzle. She moved with an incredible grace, never once stumbling, and never once making a sound. Noticing my attention was now on her, she stopped her exploring and retreated back into the forest. It was obvious she did not yet trust me, but then what kept her here? I figured it was simply her curiosity, and if not for it, she would be long gone by now. Throughout the rest of the day, I always kept an eye open for her. She drifted into and out of my little camp periodically, going where she pleased. I could never really tell when she was there or not because of the silent way she slipped through the forest. More than once, she scared me half to death after I glanced behind me, only to be greeted by the Elkrin standing before me.

This cycle continued onward for several days, until I became accustomed to the Elkrin standing around my camp when I awoke every morning. She appeared content simply to have another around, and her trust for me seemed to grow with each passing day. She began to follow her, and I affectionately named her Damaris, a name meaning 'gentle'. As the days passed, though, a nagging feeling began to haunt me. I would have to return to my home sooner or later, and the winter months were well on their way. It was nasty traveling in through the winter months, and I knew I should leave this forest, but I couldn't leave Damaris. She had come to trust me enough to allow me to stroke her, and often came to me at night now to rest beside me. Despite lacking the ability to speak, she had shown me her personality in others ways, and I had truly come to fall in love with it. As shy as she was, she was also gentle, caring, and had quite the proud streak in her.

One particular night has always stood out to me, more than any other. It came in the second month -quickly approaching third- since I had set out from my home. Although by this time I dearly loved Damaris, and enjoyed her company, now my heart also longed for my friends and family I had left behind. Being alone in the wilderness had certainly taken its toll, and I knew the time had come to head back to my home. Damaris seemed to sense the change in me, as she is quite perceptive that way. One night, I had lit a small fire in order to chase away the cold that had begun creeping into the crisp evening air. It was nothing horrible here, but I knew my own home would be blanketed with snow any time now. Traveling through the snow was not only tiring and miserable, but also treacherous, as the snow made everything slick and hid potential hazards. In any case, it was time for me to start preparing to leave. Damaris came to me that night, after having avoided me for most of the day. She settled down beside me, resting her head on my knee. I absentmindedly stroked her ears as I continued thinking of the dilemma I was faced with.

I began by simply saying I must go home, and rambled on for several minutes. I had no idea if Damaris had any understanding of the words I spoke, but she seemed to listen intently to my every word. When I finally fell silent, she raised herself to her feet and began walking back into the forest. Half way there, she stopped and turned to me, her eyes beckoning me to follow. Slowly I raised myself to my feet as well, hesitating for only a moment. I trusted her, and with that trust, I was willing to follow her. An owl cried somewhere in the night as I carefully made my way through the dim forest. Wane light from the full moon above managed to penetrate through some of the leaves, giving the forest a ghostly feeling. A slight shiver running through me, I placed my hand on Damaris' warm shoulder as we strode through the forest, allowing her to guide me.

Before long, we broke through the forest boundaries, and I gasped at the sight before me. We stood at the entrance of a rather large cave. Glowing moss draped around the sides of the rock, maintaining a hold on every available ledge. Moonlight illuminated a pool of water in the center of the circular cave from a hole above. Damaris continued forward to the pool's edge, the moonlight gleaming on her spotted pelt and the water reflections dancing upon her sides. It reminded me of the night I had first spotted her at the edge of the river, the full moon shining upon her pelt. It was hard to believe that was merely a month ago... We had come so far since then... A pang of sadness stabbed my heart as I was once again reminded of the journey I would soon have to undertake, away from this forest, and away from Damaris.

Touching her muzzle to the water, it glowed slightly, much as it had the night I had first seen her. Her eyes beckoned me forward once again, and I sank to my knees to taste the water. It was pure and fresh, unlike anything I had ever tasted before. Damaris' eyes danced with a smirk as she watched my reaction, obviously pleased. Then, she moved her side to me in invitation. At first, I remained where I was, unsure what to do. Damaris was offering me the opportunity to ride her, a privilege I had never dreamed of earning. Slowly, I reached out to touch her side, and then her back. Using it for support, I swung onto her back. For such as delicate creature, she was certainly strong, never once flinching as I settled upon her back. Giving me only a moment to get my bearings, she turned with incredible grace and galloped forward. I clung to her neck as I rode, her stride long and smooth as she effortlessly raced through the forest.

Breaking through the trees, I saw we were beside a lake that opened into a small clearing. Damaris, as always, made little sound as she raced forward, seeming to love this as much I did. We galloped together beside the lake, it's waters reflecting the sky above. A full moon hung high in the sky, and stars gleamed and glimmered within it. I could not have asked for a more perfect night as we dashed forward together, as Elkrin and rider. I'm not sure how long we rode together, but it was quite some time. She finally slowed to a gentle trot, then halted. Upon dismounting, I found my legs like jelly and almost unable to support my weight. Despite this, though, I was giddy with exhilaration, and I doubt anything could have destroyed my mood at that point. Except, perhaps, the thought of having to leave Damaris behind...

Within the week of our ride together, I had packed myself up, gathered new supplies, and was readying myself for the journey home. Damaris had once again been avoiding me for most of the day, and I could only hope she would come to me once more before I set off. I waited for her to appear until the noon sun was high in the sky, before I turned with a heavy heart, back to where I knew my home to be. By late afternoon I had reached the forest edge, and I was delighted to find Damaris waiting for me. A fear seemed to be growing in her eyes as she trotted forward to greet me, dropping her head to my hands. For several minutes I stroked her gently, speaking in reassuring tones of how I would return just as soon as the spring came and melted the snow from my home. A lump developed in my own throat as I spoke, but I kept my voice steady, in hopes Damaris wouldn't be able to sense it. We remained like that for quite sometime, until I finally broke away from the Elkrin, knowing the time had come.

Instead of leaving, though, Damaris strode forward out of the forest, keeping beside me. Surprised, I turned to face her. Though fear still seemed to dance in her eyes, something new was there. She almost seemed to be saying, "Didn't think you could rid of me that easy, did you?" Smiling broadly, I reached over and hugged her, knowing I had just earned the most amazing companion I could ever have asked for...

The journey home was fairly uneventful, and we arrived in good health; just before the snow came, too. The reunion with my friends and family was quite joyous, and to be honest, I was relived to be home. Many were astonished to find my trip had actually been successful. I know many were betting against when I told them I was leaving to find a Marbled Elkrin. Many called me crazy for doing so, and many tried to talk me out of it. Now, though, I am immensely glad I did. The look on their faces were simply perfect when they saw Damaris for the first time. They simply stood there, gawking, and wondering if their eyes were deceiving them. I was honestly worried that Damaris would have a hard time settling into a new climate and a new place, but she seems to taking it quite well. She's become quite well acquainted with some others from my village, and seems to become quite fond of the local children. Not to mention her immense fascination with snow... It's the strangest thing, really. The day I awoke to find snow covering the ground, I was sure Damaris would have bolted in fear of this cold, white, fluffy substance. Instead, I came upon her rolling in it, having the time of her life. She was quite embarrassed when she noticed me standing there, laughing. In any case, we are living quite happily now, and I'm sure we'll share many more adventures together in the near future. I know I'll be looking forward to them...

Poem:

Luminescent as the moon,
Flowing as the river,
Graceful as a swan,
Beauty to make you shiver.

A creature of unequaled beauty,
So the legends told,
One sprung from the heavens,
Unmatched by those below.

Quiet as the breeze,
Proud as a mountain,
Noble as a queen,
Caring as a shaman.

[flyteck]

:Form:

Name:

Saphira

Personality:

(Describe her personality.)

Art/Story/Poem:

(Provide either artwork, stories, or a poem to better illustrate this Elkrin's character.)

WIP~

[Diddlebug]

Name:

Lapis

Name meaning:
I know that it seems like I just looked up a name in a different language but that is not the case. I wanted a name that meant something but sounded like her. I thought of a bunch of names, in a bunch of languages. Then I went to names in our language that I thought would represent her, but then I finally tried Marble. That is when I came across Lapis, which means marble like in latin. I feel like this isn't just a name that means something it sounds like her. So Lapis doesn't just mean marble, it means her.

Personality:

Strong-hearted:
She may be shy but she is not afraid to stand up for herself. She knows when to stand up and be brave and knows when it is not necessary to and when to keep her mouth shut. She only speaks when she feels it is needed. She is not afraid to face her fears and will take on any task no matter the risk as long as it is what is right. She has a noble and brave heart. Her shyness throws people off but she isn't afraid of what ever is thrown her way.

Intelligent:
Lapis always thinks things through and thinks on her feet. She is good at thinking good and equally fast. She is book smart but what makes her so intelligent is her actions. She knows the best thing to do in a difficult situation and can usually get herself out of any situation. She doesn't just know what is best she also knows when it is right or wrong. She always knows when someone is lying or telling the truth. Lapis can fell when the nature is sad and always knows exactly how to brighten them up.

Shy:
It is not that Lapis is insecure, she just prefers to be by herself then with others. She would much rather talk to the trees then talk to other Elkrin and people. This is why she is very uneasy with trusting people. You have to earn her trust and prove you will always be there for her as she for you. She doesn't like showing her true self to people she doesn't know becaus she doesn't feel it is right unless they show their true self in return. Her shyness is also the reason why she is elusive and hard to be-friend. When she learns to trust you and when she breaks out of her shyness is when she accepts you as her rider and becomes a true friend.

Graceful:
She is a very elegant and majestic Elkrin. Lapis is Graceful in everything she does. The way she moves through the forest isn't just a walk or run it is light and breathless. She is light on her feet so she doesn't disturb the peace in the forest. You can never hear her as she moves through the forest and it is quite hard to find her. She connects to the beauty and grace of nature because that is what she is, it is a part of her.

Passionate:
Lapis is not only graceful but she is also very passionate. When she commits to something she will never let you down. She never gives up on anything she does. If she believes in it she will stick to it. She doesn't normally trust other people's opinions and would much rather tick to her own but if it is what is best she will keep her word and commit to it. Lapis has a passion for the beauty of nature and will do what ever it takes to protect it.

Thoughtful:
Lapis is thoughtful in many ways. She is thoughtful in the sense that she thinks about everyone's feelings and always but others before herself. Another way she is thoughtful is that she likes to sit and think about random things or thinks about her dreams and goals. She thinks of ways she can accomplish these goals she sets. But most importantly, she is thoughtful in the sense that she cares for everyone's feelings an puts others before herself.

Likes:
-Peaceful and Quiet areas
-having time to think
-Having time to be alone
-The Night
-running free

Dislikes
-Crowds
-Noisey and Busy Places
-Not being able to speak her mind
-being forced to do something

Other Information
Where He lives: Near the Oriental Isles

Favorite Color: Water blue

Favorite Place: Near Water

Favorite Time of Day: Sundown because that is when she gets to see the water in a whole new way and that also mean that the moon will come out soon. The moon is her favorite thing to see at night.

Birthday: March 14th

Birthstone: Aquamarine because of her love of water

Zodiac: ♒ Aquarius, which translates to The Water-bearer

Her Biggest Quirk:
She loves thinking things through and almost too much. She loves to sort all the food she has into piles and then decides what order she will eat each pile, always eating all of on pile before moving onto the next. She even sometimes will dissect food and save her favorite part of the food for last and eat the food piece by piece in order from best piece to worst piece. She doesn't just sort the food by type but she also sorts it by color sometimes as well.

Art/Story/Poem:

The One Who Listens
Listen to the water
water seems so
Pure
and Helpful
but Listen
to why

Water
look into it
you think you see
your reflection
but it is just
the water dreaming
of what it dreams
to become
Water is needed for life
because that is the only way
Water can come close
to it's one and only dream
Life

Time is the machine
that powers life
creates it and destroys it
but doesn't touch Water
Time feels no need to
Yet That is all that is
craved
by water

Life unknown to
Water
It needs
to be heard
that is why
She is here
The rare
majestic
Elkrin

She Listened to the water
water seems so
Pure
and Helpful
but She Listened
to why

and knows the truth

Guardian
Listening to the forest
Talking to the wind
Dreaming with the sky
She walks instep with nature

Art:
By Me:
Sketch of Lapis Drinking.
Oekaki Art of Lapis
Art of Me meeting Lapis
By Watson.:
More art of Lapis
By Su-mii:
Adorable art of Lapis

She walks as if she
is carried by the wind
Listening is Key
if She is what you want to find
she is not restricted
or in a bind
because she is
one with the wind

The rain instantly transformed from a trickle to a pour, and I quickly found the shelter of a large oak, slumping against it's thick trunk. I pulled my legs in close, hugging them for warmth. I had to continue my search, but only when the rain returned to a drizzle. I had been in the village, and heard rumors that a magical creature besides the rune dragons existed in the forest, one of great size, that similarly to the runes, bonded to their perfect human upon first meeting them. They called them Elkrin, saying they were built like large deer, with the males gracing beautiful antlers, and both genders bearing gorgeous shining markings that glowed in the moonlight. They have thin legs and small hooves, and are said to be able to run incredibly fast, and match their top speed even with a rider. I hoped today would be the day that a stumbled across a herd, and there in the midst I would find my true bond. I felt something wet land on my head from above, and I shield my eyes, scrunching down into my legs to avoid whatever had fallen. I felt the familiar claws of my rune Volare gently wrap around my neck, and I pulled him off with a quick tug. I plopped him down in front of me, and I turned away as he shook the water from his feathers. "What were you doing up in the tree silly?" I scooped Volare up and pulled him close, wrapping my arms around his small body. He wiggled away and began scaling the tree with his thick talons, beconing me to follow him. I shrugged and began anxiously climbing the tree along with Volare.

We reached the near top of the tree, and I found a sturdy branch for me to stand on. The moon was now shining brightly, the sun just slipping past the horizon. I heard him screech from behind me, and I turned to see a most joyous sight. A colorful cluster lay just a few yards away from the tree in which we resided, a herd of Elkrin were spread in expanse over a small field, just returning to the open, as the rain had now stopped. They were all a variety of beautiful blues, purples, and white, blended perfectly and uniquely in each Elkrin. They were exactly as the villagers had described, with small grey hooves on the end of small, elegant legs. They had white under bellies and there backs were covered in glowing white spots that danced happily across their pelts as they pranced merrily in the crisp winter air. They grazed quietly, except for two little fawns dashing around the others, letting out small, joyful noises and nipping at each others' heels. I took advantage of the moment of noise and scaled back down the tree, keeping as quiet as possible. I jumped to the ground, landing silently with my knees bent and arms out at waist height. I motioned for Volare, and he fluttered over to my shoulder. I crept to the underbrush surrounding the field, and crouched just out of sight of the herd. I got down on my hands and knees, and crawled under the bushes. I kept my head close to the ground, and when I emerged, cautiously looked up. I gasped, as I was looking strait into the red eyes of a huge male Elkrin.

I stumbled back, trying to get away, as the male seemed to be the leader of the herd, and he didn't look too happy. I stood but remained facing him, afraid of what would happen if I turned my back on him. I backed away from him, but my foot caught a rock and I fell backwards onto the soft grass. The Elkrin was startled by my sudden move, and I saw his knees bend and straiten as he launched towards me at full speed. I threw up my arms and shut my eyes, afraid of the pain I would endure. I suddenly felt a cold wind rush past me, and heard the clicking of quick hooves as they quickly halted. I slowly lowered my arms, and cautiously opened my eyes. A small female Elkrin was standing in front of me, it's hooves planted firmly in the dirt. The male was stomping and pawing the dirt anxiously, angry at the female for stepping in front of him. His snorted in her face, and she let out a remarkably large whinny in his face. His head jerked back in surprise, and he stepped down. The petite female turned to face me, and I suddenly felt the urge to stand. I came to my full height, but I was still only to her shoulders. I began to reach towards the beautiful creature, but stopped, unsure of what she would do. I saw her hesitate to move, but the next second, her head was against my palm. I felt a rush of emotions and memories wash over my entire body, and suddenly my mind was flooded with images of the forest and the other Elkrins, and I realized I was seeing her memories. My eyes snapped open, and I looked strait into her red eyes. "Lapis."

[Flowerdust]

Dropping out...

[|~Nevermore~|]

Bookmark.

[Sarill]

:Form:

Name:

Nerida

Personality:

Nerida is a gentle creature, swift and peaceful. Her speed is incredible, faster than most other Elkrins. Any other creature besides a fabled dragon-deer would have no chance at keeping up. Even other Elkrins have difficulty matching pace with her.

Her slender and graceful body alludes to speed, but do not make the mistake in thinking that she is weak. She has strength in those sleek muscles of hers, and it is better not to mess with her. If she determines that you are a threat she will run, but if she is cornered, watch out. She is not fond of fighting but will do it for her sake and the sake of those she cares about.

Nerida is curious, never failing to try something new. She might hang back at times, but only because she is cautious, sizing up the situation before entering the fray. She is fond of peeking out from betwixt the trees to get a nice, long look at whatever is new before approaching.

Nerida is a prideful Elkrin, and will not let insults slide. She is often seen walking haughtily, head held high. You can occasionally see beneath her pride however, when she plays games with my runes, or basks in the sunlight on a hot autumn day. I see it when she runs, me on her back. The veneer of pride slips off to give way to pure happiness and release from stress.

Running is her craft. Swift and sleek, nothing can catch her. And when darting through the forests of Eldemore, one can feel truly alive. I sit on her back as she runs, but it is much, much more than simply riding a horse. Moving as she does I can feel as she feels. Packed earth pounding underneath my hooves and wind whipping through my hair are simultaneous feelings for both of us. Her pleasure is mine, and we run together for the sake of that shared joy impossible to find elsewhere. As one we race through the forest, human and Elkrin together.

Next to running, water is her passion. Her magic grants her the ability to purify the substance, but Nerida has an affinity for it that is above the norm. In addition to simply purifying water she can sense its presence. If she is in need of water Nerida can always find her way. She also has an ability that is rarely found in marbled Elkrin, although it has been known to show up from time to time. When she wills it, the Elkrin can make pure water suitable for drinking seep up from the ground. She seems to somehow pull the water from the ground itself, or tap it from underground reservoirs. No one is quite sure how she does it, including herself. Nevertheless, an ability as powerful as that is not to be used idly, and Nerida is always careful with its use.

Altogether, Nerida is a strange creature. Prideful and curious, quick and strong. All of her combined make her a stunning creature that any bearer would be glad to imprint.

Art/Story/Poem:

My journey started on the whisper of a legend. Talk of a beast of old sighted in the east, an Elkrin. Creatures thought extinct by many, rarely sighted by humans. But I am an adventurer at heart, and my curiosity chose to drive me to seek the elusive creature. My name is Alya Stormheart, bearer of the runes Deoradhan and Lila, and this is my story. This is the story of my discovery of Nerida, the ancient Elkrin. This is the story of how I imprinted on her, and how she imprinted on me. This is the tale of our meeting, sprung from the fragment of a hope and the whisper of a dream.



My journey started normally, as most were wont to begin. My runes were left to mind my cottage, to their delight. I didn’t doubt to see the place in chaos when I returned, but it was a small price to pay for the chance to catch a glimpse of a fabled Elkrin. I had a pair of sturdy boots on my feet, a warm clock on my back and a bag packed for every circumstance that I could think of.

I set out, slowly making my way east on foot. I took main roads and dirt paths, my feet treading on cobblestones and mud, gravel and dirt. But the travel is not the important part of this story, nor is it necessary. I could go on for days about the sights I saw, the people I met. But all of that pales in comparison to what I found at my destination.

I wound my way through the trees. The path had ended a couple miles back and I was forced to keep on traveling, breaking my own trail as I wandered steadily east. I was sure that my journey was near its destination but I couldn’t be sure. I hadn’t seen a single human in days. Runes I saw aplenty of, and various other animals as well. But no humans, nor a sign of the elusive Elkrin.

I saw a clearing up ahead, sunlight streaming through the trees. I happily made for the open space, grateful at the chance to sit for a moment and stretch my legs. I dumped my heavy pack on the ground and followed it, sitting heavily in the dirt and dead leaves that carpeted the forest floor. Stretching out my legs I rested my back against a thick tree. Sun glimmered off of a small pool of water that shared the clearing, and I sighed in contentment.

I sat quietly, still and peaceful, simply enjoying the nature around me. The sunlight glistened softly on the water of the pool, throwing rays of light every which way. A soft wind swept through the trees, leaves rustling. As the wind died, however, the rustling continued to sound. I glanced around, searching for the source of the noise.

A figure appeared from the trees. Sleek and blue, the Elkrin was a picture of speed and beauty, melded seamlessly into one. The trees rustled with her passing as she entered the clearing. The white spots on her back gleamed in the faded light that filtered down through the trees. She slowly walked to the pool of water, dipping her head to drink. When she touched the water, I stifled a gasp. The small pond lit up, ribbons of blue and green and purple wending their way through the liquid. I had heard that this type of Elkrin could purify water, but I had no idea that it would be this spectacular. When she had drank her fill she turned around and melted back into the forest.

After she left, I knew that I could not go home without seeing her at least once more. Finding the Elusive Elkrin would be the tricky part. I knew that going tromping through the woods to look for her would only lead to finding nothing, so I opted for a different tactic. I was going to wait for her, and hope that her curiosity would draw her out into the open.

It required a little bit of planning. First, I had to find somewhere suitable to wait. I eventually found a clearing that was acceptable. It was comfortable enough, with plenty of room for her to approach. It was near the center of the forest so that she would come to investigate. At least, that was my hope. My pack lay off to the side, discarded for now. I didn’t want all of the foreign scents to scare her off before she had a chance to approach.

I implemented my plan at sunrise the next day. I sat calmly in the clearing, jotting things in my notebook as the sun streamed down on my face. My ears were tuned to the forest, waiting for the whisper that would signal the Elkrin. Midday came and went, and I grew nervous that she might not show up after all. But still I waited.

The rustle of the trees indicated that she had arrived. I slowly turned to greet the Elkrin, careful to keep my motions slow. Her beautiful coat gleamed as she approached. Her cautious steps were at odds with the curiosity shinning in her eyes. I held out my hand for her to get my scent. When she pressed her warm, soft nose up against my palm, I felt am odd sense of connection to the majestic creature.

“Hello,” I said, once I was sure that she would not run off at the sound of my voice.
Hello a voice responded, reverberating through my mind. The voice felt strange, and I knew that it was coming from the Elkrin. If I had to describe the words, I would say that they were blue, as little sense as that makes.
Why have you sought me out? the Elkrin asked.
“Because I was curious,” I responded. “And I wished to see a creature as magnificent as you. But I have a question for you. Why did you come?”
I was curious as well, she replied. I wanted to see this strange human who came to my forest. And you waited for me. Not many do that. A whisper of longing curled through her voice. She was alone, I realized, with no one to talk to. And she had gotten lonely.

“Would you like to come with me?” I asked her. I wasn’t sure what her reply would be, and my heart fluttered as I asked the question.
I would love to, the Elkrin replied, stepping forward to rest her body against mine. I wrapped my arms around her neck, embracing the beautiful, lonely creature. I don’t even know your name, she commented.
“I am Alya Stormheart,” I replied, revelling in the feel of her beautiful, sleek, soft fur. “And what is your name?”
I am Nerida, she replied. And you are my rider.



Here's a sketch I did. I'm not quite sure why it is so blue, but both pictures turned out like that when I uploaded them.
http://i1067.photobucket.com/albums/u43 ... 1A8F-1.jpg

[zacherie]

:Form:

Name:

Khaidris

Personality:

Khaidris is very mysterious. That really is the only way to describe her. Her philosophies can often times contradict each other, yet somehow she says it all works out. She is completely content with her world and does not really feel the need to investigate anything further. Whether it be something curious she's never seen or something she doesn't know about too much, she doesn't feel the need to figure out what is going on. However, she says details can unlock the past and help you learn more about it. Two conflicting views that, in her head, are apparantly, completely harmonious.
And then she has a habit of running when someone sees her. As soon as someone lays eyes on her, she's off. No explanation, she just runs. And mind you, she is pretty darn fast. She can run away in almost a blink of an eye. Maybe she just feels insecure. Maybe. Just maybe...
Like said above, Khaidris is very observant, taking in every detail, from a broken twig to the rise and fall of someone's chest as they breathe. She believes that every detail has a history behind it, and they can show insight into the world. Using these details, Khaidris likes to meditate and think about life and other subjects. It helps pass time...as well as it being the only thing she allows herself to do that would be considered "investigating thebworld"
She can also be very caring for others, especially if they seem very upset or hurt. It's like her motherly side. However, it goes against her instincts and what she believes. When she gets all worried about someone's wellbeing, she becomes...curious. The feeling...feels funny. You get a jump in your heart, and it just feels so out-of-place. She's yet to find the courage to overcome that feeling and finally help someone somehow. All those people she fled from who needed her help has put a bit of a toll on her.

Art/Story/Poem:

[ Rowan ]
I don't know anything anymore. I can't think properly. One day, Aeni was perfectly fine with me, and then all of a sudden, she despised me with all her heart. Was it something I said? Did I do something wrong in her eyes that I didn't catch? Either way, both my sister and the Ancient of the Forest don't like me.
I think it was ever since her rune, Dotori, grew into an Ancient. I told her that despite her now bonded to an ancient, she's not strong enough to survive. Nemestrinus gave me a scowl, and Aeni exploded into a fit, telling me that I don't trust her and that I always underestimate her abilities.
Well, now I'm off alone, wandering down an old dirt road that looks like it's been trampled on for an eternity. I am thirsty, hungry, and deprived of sleep. It's a bit cold too, and I find myself coughing a bit. But just a few more steps, and maybe I might see a good place to spend the night. Seeing a bit further out, I think I can make out some water. Maybe it's a pond.

[ Khaidris ]
The night sky is clear, and all the stars were out, gleaming. They seemed to dance in the sky, in almost a slow waltz. The air was a bit heavy, like those warm summer nights, and seemed to be tingling with life. Little gnats buzzed around, while the fireflies seemed to be a bit sluggish today. Actually, the whole pond seemed to be sluggish and depressed. After a bit more listening, the gnats seemed to have stopped buzzing as much.
Suddenly, further out, I heard someone coughing. It was very faint, but whatever that was that made the sound, it wasn't very far from the pond. I think I sense some emotional turmoil in the one who was coughing. Now it makes sense why everything in the pond became so quiet and slow. When one being is upset, everyone becomes upset.
I decided that, despite my rebelling instincts, I would watch him. I padded up toward the distant figure and made sure no living being could hear me or notice my presence. The man, as far as I could see from behind all the foliage that separated him and me, was on the tall side, and of normal stature. He had a bit of a slouch but I was sure it was only the weather that made him do that. He seemed like he'd been wandering for hours before. His feet that slightly kicked the dirt as he walked...the way his face, although it was dim when she saw him, seemed to be locked in a grimace. Not of physical pain though, but emotional pain.
As a tear of his fell down and made a tiny splash in the dirt, I suddenly felt compelled to investigate further. I don't think I have felt it before...
But I think one would call it curiousity.

[ Rowan ]
I think I felt a slight breeze. But whatever, it was refreshing anyway. Dried my tears. Helped me keep going. And look, there it is. A pond.
I cupped some of the water in my hands and raised them up to my mouth to drink. But I spat out the water, for it was too filthy to be drank. How terrible my luck was shaping out to be. My sister cast me out, and now, even mother nature seemed to want to cast me out. Well, unless the trees decide to strangle me in my sleep, I should be safe if I nap under one of those trees. I took a quick glance at my surroundings. There were only fireflies and bugs out. Nothing should be out to eat me alive here.
With that, I searched the surrounding to find some soft grass to keep me comfortable. With an armful of some grass to make a bed of sorts, I lied down on the grass and closed my eyes. I think a little tear fell as I did....

[ Khaidris ]
I trailed silently behind the man, watching his every move. The water, it seemed, was much too filthy for him to drink. Yet there he was, cupping his hands to take a drink of water. Or...wait, never mind. He spit it out.
He was a strange man. He seemed to have a bit of a bit of a limp. Very slight, but enough to tell that he has been in some amount of pain. And an uneven breathing pattern. I think he is crying.
After he finally settled down to sleep, I couldn't help bit approach his sleeping figure. His breathing was more peaceful, and his face did not grimace with fear or anger. Rather, he started to smile a little. Maybe remembering the good times. His hair was a milky brown, and he seemed a bit tan. But it was hard to tell.
And then, out of a random impulse, I touched his hair with my snout. His hair tickles.

... It is now morning, and the man woke up. Seemed to have had a refreshing and blissful sleep.
But all of a sudden, his face went dark, unlike the way he had slept. And he sulked over to the water once again.
I slowly walked up to the pond and dipped my snout into the water. It became all purified water.

And then the man spotted me in the reflection in the water.

[ Rowan ]
An elkrin. That's what I saw in the reflection. Never in my life have I seen an elkrin before.

[Manx]

May we order art for our forms?