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Wandering around the edge of the Herds lands she let out a soft sigh and a smile. How long had they been back now? A couple months at least, maybe less. Time just seemed to go by so quickly. Her thoughts drifted to that day. They had made it back home, somehow. Perhaps it had been a mixture of instinct and just being in the right place at the right time. She recalled how relieved she had felt and how happy Chimera had been as well. She knew that above anything Chimera was glad to be able to see her family again.

Chimera was with her as the two of them walked along. She knew better than to just go gallivanting into the fog and get lost again. She had definitely learned the hard way last time. She had honestly thought her and Eir were going to die out there and never make it back. Twisting her ears she flicked her tail and froze. She had thought she had heard something. "Did you hear that?" She asked the white mare and looked up towards her with a curious look on her face. She wasn't too worried about it being anything bad, they had always been safe within the herd so she never thought of the fact that they could still end up in danger.

Eir paused and listened as Chimera mentioned a noise. Blinking as she listened she thought she heard something too but it didn't sound like anything out of the ordinary. "I do hear it." She said looking around for the creator of the noise.

Chimera flicked her tail nervously and continued walking, if Eir wasn't worried, she wasn't going to be worried. At least that was what she told herself.

Chimera kept a little ahead of her companion and nipped at a couple blades of grass here and there, her tail flicking happily behind her, the nervous worry gone already. Twisting her ears again she thought she heard it again. What was that noise? Was it something in the trees? She wasn't exactly sure since the fog was so heavy it was hard to see anything within any great distance, especially upwards. Maybe it was just nothing.

Eir shifted her wings against her side as the two of them walked and she smiled as Chimera ate and she nipped at a few blades of grass herself. While she wasn't entirely that hungry it was something to pass the time a bit. She had gathered a great deal of herbs already in the season to include some extra so anything she was to collect now would really just be that. Though she knew there would always be some more plants to gather if she came across any that she needed or if they interested her. Looking around for a second she wondered why she got an uneasy feeling all of a sudden.

I DO apologize in advance but Khaalida is quite vicious and being she is a purewalker I play her as such. I tried to tone down how I wrote her just a bit since I'm not sure everyone's comfort level but I couldn't make it any more subtle without taking away from her character. Her post is at the end and I'll highlight it in red so you can skip past it if you don't want to read it.

All she knew is that one second she had this lumbering bird on top of her and the next Eir was kicking it off of her small body. Still shook and frozen with fear she willed herself to move, to get up, to do anything. Finally she felt her breathing slow down enough she could think straight and she got up quickly and turned to see what was going on. A massive creature, something she could only imagine was a nightmare, loomed over herself and Eir, it's talons and beak seeming to glint in the light of the day. There wasn't anything Chimera could do here except to get help. She was no match for a creature that size and quite frankly neither was Eir. Not alone.

"I'll go get help." She called at Eir as she turned and frantically ran to find her parents or Ramiel, or someone. Ramiel would at least be able to round up some of the champions right? Her little mind raced as she dashed away from the scene, she didn't want to leave her but she had no other choice. She knew Eir wasn't going to be able to do this on her own and she feared that even with her getting help it might not come in time and that worried her more than anything else. She doubted the Oneiroi would call her home too soon, but you never could tell.

Shaking her head to clear her mind of such thoughts she sought out the only member she knew that could help and one she was familiar with, Ramiel. She was now cursing herself for being such a shy thing and not getting to know the other herd members more. She just figured, she had Eir, why would she need anyone else?

What a fool.



As she watched the creature transform she felt every fiber of her being vibrate with raw terror, she had met questionable creatures before but this, this was something else. This was pure and utter evil, this was a Nightmare in it's purest form and she was essentially doomed. That's what it felt like. The large hawk as it had been would have been hard to deal with but manageable but not this, not a creature of this magnitude.

Still, she watched as Chimera went for help and that gave her hope, while small it was still hope. She didn't know what to do in this moment, the creature was no longer attacking Chimera and was focused on her, which had been what she wanted but now she didn't know WHAT the next move should be. It's not like she could just charge the creature. Shifting her wings on her side she contemplated flying but it would take momentum to get her off the ground and she was fairly certain the creature would catch her mid-stride so that was out of the question.

At least she had her hooves and horn. While her horn was mainly used for healing she knew it could serve as a weapon if she wanted. And now was one of those times. She didn't like the way it stared at her and she didn't like the fact it had attacked Chimera. For the first time in her life she felt anger, it was a red hot feeling and she didn't like it but at the same time she fueled herself with it because Oneiroi knew she needed it.

Still, she didn't want it to go further into the herd, to find anyone off guard so she had to keep it here. "Must you attack those much smaller than you instead of trying against someone your own size?" She taunted it, she had to keep it's focus here.

Khaalida wasn't exactly pleased the smaller snack had gotten away. It had been a while since they had eaten such tender flesh, still this white mare would likely do, if she stopped fighting the inevitable. A hiss escaped their hooked beak as the creature spoke and they let out a mechanical like laugh that was as terrible as it was ugly. "You all do and say the same thing, but it's not enough. It will never be enough. You will die by my claws and your entrails will feed my hunger." Expanding their wings they dug their talons into the earth and felt their muscles quivering beneath their skin. Yes, they would make a wonderful meal out of this precious little pony. They would tear open it's throat and feast on it's insides.

Without warning the struck, their body lunged towards the white mare, careful to avoid the horn atop it's delicious head and they lashed out with their claws and beak, talons connecting with delicate flesh and beak tearing at whatever they could grab onto. By the time they were finished with this mare anyone that came across it's body would stop and wonder what the mangled bones had been.

"You will know true terror as you watch your life exit your body." They laughed as they took a swipe at the mares face and felt red hot blood splatter against their talons. They heard the cry of pain and terror come from the female and it fueled their blood lust but they also didn't want it to end too quickly so they stepped back a second to admire their work. Yes,
this was very nice indeed. Bits of flesh clung to her chest where claws had ripped the skin from it's place and there was no way this mare would ever see again. However stood she did, despite the pain she was obviously in.


This just made this all the better for Khaalida, "Yes, continue to try and fight. You will just die like there rest that came before you." The smell was intoxicating and they breathed it in and closed their eyes for a moment while they savored this. Yes, this was very nice, very nice indeed. While they typically killed in a quick manner this time Khaalida had full control and wanted it to last, wanted to extend it for as long as possible before taking away their final breath. Their sister wasn't as withholding about things and always ended things before they could thoroughly enjoy themselves. Today Khaalida had the reigns and they could feel their sister wanting in on it but they refused to let them out, this was their time, their moment. They could wait.

As she searched frantically for someone she neglected to notice that she had gone unscathed by the Nightmares claws.The wounds weren't excessively deep but they were bleeding rather noticeably, the liquid almost blending in with her red markings.

Her heart was still racing and she finally caught a familiar sight and ran towards Ramiel and Bruadair terror written all across her face. However, as she went to speak she burst into tears for the mere fact she had found someone to help. "Ra-ra-Ramiel," She sobbed out, her body shaking from blood loss and exhaustion. "It's... There's a Nightmare in the Valley, Eir is still there with it." She managed the words out, pleas of help within her eyes begging him to save her bonded like she had saved her. "She fought it off me but it's too big for her." She started crying again, unsure of what to do. She was too small to do any more help than this.

But still, she had done what she could and that should be enough right? "Do you think we'll make it back in time?" Their herd was rather big to her so she'd have to lead them back. She could do that, force herself to have the strength to take them to where she was. Since they were pretty much all in a valley. She knew where she was, just not how to describe it at the moment. "I can show you where she is." She sniffed a few tears back and winced as she realized she was hurt. That could wait though, her bonded needed her.

Taking in a deep breath she realized she didn't tell them probably one of the most important parts, what it looked like. "It was a hawk when it attacked me but it turned into something else. It's very big and has big claws and a sharp beak." She did her best to describe the creature and remain calm about it. She was still torn between a mixture of shock, fear and wanting to help the best she could. How much longer was Eir going to last while she was gone? She was all alone with it and her heart sank. She prayed that her bonded lived through this, she just had to.

Ramiels quick actions spurred her forward to lead them back to Eir as quickly as she could. "Follow me!" She said rather rushed as she did the best she could to turn quickly and take off in the lead, while she wasn't nearly as fast as the larger equines she did what she could to push herself as fast as she could go given her current circumstances. Still, the thought of getting help to Eir was the only thing fueling her forward at this point. She had to make it back with help, she just had to. She didn't know what she would do if something where to happen to the white winged mare that she had known since just after coming into this world. She prayed a silent prayer to the deities above that they all made it through this, that they all came out at least alive.

Chimera was aware that she would likely carry scars on her body from this for the rest of her life but what Eir had done to allow her to get away might just cost her the very life within her body. She did her best not to think about it as she spurred herself on, not needing to look back to see if Ramiel was with her, his heavy hooves were all she needed. Her focus was on what was ahead, they were almost there. Through this small grove and then they'd be there.

She could heard it's wings, the sound of it's beak snapping shut and the scream that cut through the air that she could only identify as heartbreaking. She knew who it belonged to and she was almost afraid of what they were about to come across as they came through the trees back to where this living nightmare had started. Chimera so wished that his was nothing but a terrible dream and that she might wake up, safe in Eirs folded wings. She knew however that was not the case and she cringed and collapsed from a combination of exhaustion and sheer terror. What was once a white mare, beautiful and serene was a red soaked scrape of living tissue. She could see gashes along her side and chest and she let out a cry of terror and pain for her dear friend. She didn't know what to do but just stay where she had fallen and watch the scene unfold.


She could no longer see but she could hear, she did her best to keep away from the best, to jab at it with her horn or kick at it with her hooves. While she had landed at least one or two hits there wasn't anything else she could do. She cringed from the pain that riddled her body but it wasn't until she felt the claws dig deep into her shoulder that she let out a scream that she barely even recognized as her own. Was that her voice? Is that what she truly sounded like? It sounded unnatural and disheveled. But it was her voice. She almost couldn't believe this was real, but the pain was the one thing keeping her grounded, keeping her from just giving up all together. She couldn't give up, she wouldn't. Plus she had Chimera to think about, and the other herd members that she knew and cared for. She had to stay strong for them, for as long as she could.

Though she was growing weak and tired from blood loss alone, not to include the mental and physical exertion she was going through. The sound of hooves coming closer frightened her but the cry she heard was from Chimera and she almost sobbed a sigh of relief and then instantly grew worried. Chimera was alive but for how long? Why had she come back? The sound of heaver hooves made the scene somewhat clear, she had gotten help. But to what avail? She couldn't see and everything was hurting. Her legs shivered and began to buckle under her suddenly heavy weight. She wasn't going to be able to keep at this much longer. She felt herself fall to the ground, there was no strength left within her to keep her standing. She felt as if the beast was upon her, could smell it's rank and rotting breath on her face as she felt it press it's claws upon her like some sort of trophy stance. She attempted to lift her head but only managed a short distance before it crashed to the ground, she was spent. Her energy was gone but she still have life in her yet. She had to rest just a little bit, she fought against the blinding darkness that was threatening to take her into a deeper space within her.

She knew if she fell asleep she wouldn't wake up, not this time. She did what she could to force herself to stay coherent. "Thank you dear one." She managed out rather raggedly to let Chimera know she knew what she had done for her.

It was almost too easy, this creature didn't stand a chance against them and Khaalida knew they knew that. They could feel the fear radiating off of them like a wave and it was tantalizing. Intoxicating almost, though they knew that this game of cat and mouse was rather at it's end. As much as the white mare tried she was no match for them and they let out a wicked laugh and cut deep into the mares side with their claws. The cry that came forth made them shiver with excitement and they licked the blood from their beak and talons gleefully. While they had taken minimal damage they were only moderately impressed with the fight the mare had given them. She hadn't been much fun but it was still a little exciting.

The sound of hooves made them turn their gaze to the approaching noise and the white mare before them collapsed. Taking the moment to stand above their 'kill' proudly they watched as their little snack returned with some more play things. Did they really think they stood a chance against them? What were they to them? They would be able to wipe them away easily enough. They were fascinated by the claws and horns that Ramiel had and figured they would at least be able to give them a better fight than this mare had. Taking a moment to dig their claws into the mares side they removed themselves from her body and moved towards the stallion. "Who might you be to challenge us? Though you do make for a more interesting conquest than that mare had... Yesssss, you will do quite nicely for us." They hissed slightly as they watched the stallion with dangerous eyes.

"And don't worry, you'll make a perfect little desert later." They hissed towards Chimera. Yes this was going to work out nicely, or so they believed.

Ramiel was following so closely to Chimera that the stallion was forced to leap over her as she collapsed in front of him, no doubt from a combination of exhaustion and shock at the sight before them. Eir's beautiful white coat was marred with gashes and bleeding wounds, the bright red a jarring clash of colors. Ramiel feared the mare was dead, or on her way to it but he could do nothing to help her until the threat was dealt with and so he merely prayed that the Oneiroi would see fit to let her keep breathing.

In any case, it would be detrimental to keep his attention on Eir and he tore his gaze away from her ragged form to focus on the nightmare before him. His experienced eyes quickly calculated just how much of a threat she was - wings, beak, talons. A literal trifecta of danger and his glowing eyes narrowed as she spoke. It was a trick he knew, a ploy to draw him into boasting or conversation with this soulless creature, to make him break the rules and give the nightmare power. The Oneiroi were truly testing him today but he would not fail them.

Ignoring her words as the pointless blathering of a soulless unborn Ramiel advanced, circling in an attempt to maneuver her farther from Eir and Chimera, lowering his head slightly to threaten her with his antlers. Eir had not been trained in the art of fighting and if this nightmare thought he would be an equally easy victim then she would be sorely mistaken.

A part of him wanted to rush forth and rip and tear at this feathered nightmare, to garner some revenge for the suffering Eir and Chimera were suffering - but that was the thoughts of rage and rage, despite sometimes being useful in a fight, was rarely responsible for actually winning a fight, No that took tactics and cold calculations. To that end, the stallion would let the nightmare make the first move and take advantage of whatever opening such a rush would leave him.


"Anastasius!" Bruadair wasn't sure if he had ever been so happy to find one of his fellow Champions. Skidding to a halt the stallion lowered his voice - there was no need to panic anyone else in the herd who might be nearby.

"There's been an attack, one of the young pronghorns came up as I was speaking to Ramiel with a bloody coat and news that the white mare Eir was being further assaulted - Ramiel has gone ahead but we must follow his trail quickly if we are to arrive in time to help him."

Wheeling around the stallion galloped off in the same direction he had come from, he was confident that Anastasius would follow, like him, the purple feathered stallion had given his oath to protect the herd. Picking up the trail to follow was no too terribly difficult a combination of Chimera's blood trail and the fact that Ramiel's claws had dug deeply into the earth as the stallion had made no attempt to hide his tracks meant that there was little guessing as to the direction they had to go.

She wanted to rush to Eir but kept herself where she was, she didn't need to further injure herself by getting to close to the monstrosity that towered over them all. It made her sick to her stomach as she watched the blood dripping from it's body, knowing all too well who it belonged to.

She watched as Ramiel started to do a dance with it and draw her away from her companion. As the creature focused it's attentions on the Stallion Chimera took the opportunity to move to her friends side. Digging through her pouches the mare carried she found some of the moss that lined them and started to press them into her cuts in an attempt to slow the bleeding. While she didn't know a lot, she knew enough to at least give her friend more time.

Glancing over towards her friends scared face she knew that the mare would never see again, there was nothing left of her eyes but the gashes that cut across them. She'd carry the scars for the rest of her life. It made her cringe but felt bad even though she couldn't see the look she held upon her features. "It's going to be okay Eir. We're all here." She said softly doing what she could to keep the wounds covered.

Her breathing was weak and beginning to labor but all in all she was fairing well despite everything. The weight was removed from her and she could hear the creature snarl and speak to the new comers. However a presence became known to her and she quickly realized it was Chimera, bless her.

Instantly she relaxed as she felt pressure on her aching wounds and she prayed to the Oneiroi that this wouldn't be her last day upon the lands. She had so much more to accomplish but she wasn't even sure if that was going to be a thing she could do now. She couldn't see, how would she be able to do her job successfully in the herd? Even with Chimera's help it would prove to be difficult and she worried then.

What would become of her?

It was a silly thought to have but she had it none-the-less. She wouldn't be much use to the herd in her current state, maybe in time but even then without her sight what good would she be to anyone? If she could cry in that moment she might have but she was too exhausted and too weak to do anything but lay there and wait to see what the fates had in store for her and her herd mates.

The wretch said nothing in return and this irritated them a great deal. Watching the male they moved away from their current prey, they wanted to feel his flesh under their claws. The distance between then wasn't much and they took the moment to lunge forward, a great and terrible cry tumbling forth from their beak as they attacked the stallion first. They struck at his flank with beak and front claws, hoping to catch hold before it came at them with it's horns.

They knew well enough with the horns and claws the male had they would likely find themselves injured a time or two but that was fine, they didn't mind the scars. He would fall soon enough under their claws.

However it would seem that another had joined them, voicing his opinions loudly and clearly. "Of course we do. Why would we not love this? What isn't to love about this?" The hissed towards the feathered male. Their attention momentarily away from their immediate target. He didn't have claws or horns like the other, he would be much easier to attack and therefore was losing interest to them.

Turning gaze back towards Ramiel they clicked their beak together with an almost eerie chatter. They wanted him.