Welcome to Gaia! ::

At first the cold & bleak scenery were welcome..being left alone with ones thoughts could be therapeutic but, if left alone too long the mind could wander to dark dangerous places. Every crackle of wind through the tall pine trees or shift of snow cause the figure to flinch..the pale moonlight giving no comfort to the chilled traveler. The mare had become hopelessly lost amongst the snow. Everything looked so similar! Trying to remain calm Willow carried on..trudging through each new swathe of snow with less vigor. Her legs felt so heavy and numb. Snuggled within the mares mane her 'daughter' trembled, curling closer into her back. "D-don't worry we'll find shelter soon! Just h-hold on." Even as the words escaped in a puff of warm air the mares heart started to race all over again. In the distance her eyes caught sight of the beast that stalked them..the shadowy oozing figure that hunted her. Panic seizing her heart Willow found a burst of energy surging forth..her body clumsily kicking up snow all around. "No no no!" Stumbling on icy ground her hooves fought for proper traction..feet gliding about before they hit harder packed snow. Pleased to feel more secure footing Willow started to REALLY run, chased by the shadows of her minds own creation. "Help!! Anyone?!"

It had been a long time since the older stallion had returned to these particular mountains, and the familiar shapes of the tall peaks in the distance gave rise to warm memories of home. He had not returned in many years, yet the rumor of his little queen-sister being with foal fortified his urge to return to his old stomping grounds. Chill air caused him to shake from his thoughts and he flapped his old wings a few times to gain a few feet of altitude, the wind whistling softly through old scarring on the thin membranes. A lone figure below caught his attention as he flapped and he raised a brow when he heard a soft keening voice carry on the wind up to him. A mare? Alone in the snow? For some that could prove life threatening! Bjornulfr might have looked like a rough creature, scarred and imposing, but in reality he was a warm heart that craved companionship. Tilting his wings slightly, he aimed his direction to meet the mare and swooped low overhead, his wings beating furiously to slow and stop his flight, and in a flurry of wind and snow his hooves finally met ground, and with a few clearing beats of his wings stood on ground solid beneath his feet. He then turned to meet the mare and hoped his sudden appearance would prove not too terrible.

As a large figure descended from the heaven's Willows heart raced so fast she thought it would burst forth from her shaking body. Barely managing to slow, her hooves kicked up more snow in the strangers direction..the mare close to collapsing. With the moonlight shining brighter she took in the stallion..fearfully glancing over her shoulder at the shadows..body pushing closer to him. "I-it's after u-us.." words shaky Willow tried to catch her breath, the oozing shadowy wolf had seemed to 'flee' with the stallions appearance. "Y-you..you scared it away! It's been hunting us.." Eyes brimmed with tears she felt the rabbit hidden against her back shift closer still..reminding her that they needed shelter. "I'm sorry..I. My name is Willow. Please forgive me for shouting.." Truth be told she was close to collapse, her body only managed to stay upright because of the stallion's body heat..it was coming off of him in waves.

Bjornulfr eyes widened as she mentioned something hunting her, and his stance seemed to grow, the earth seeming to rumble beneath their hooves as if daring something to approach. When his cursory investigation showed nothing approaching, he lowered a large wing around the small frame of the small lady mare, pulling her gently closer. "Oh, lass... lady... Willow." He found himself crooning ever-so-gently. Bjornulfr had always been a comedic, rather lackadaisy type. But when it was needed, a new side of him would appear - a dark protector, a serious soul that needed to be listened to, to be obeyed. "Ye have not a thing to fear here. Someone would have a deathwish to traipse into Snaerblod territory to cause mischief and harm to a fair lady like yeself." His head twisted down to gentle breathe upon the mare, his sharp blue eyes holding assurance.

Heart gradually slowing Willow continued to glance about before gazing up into the large stallion's eyes. The gentle tone soothed her frazzled nerves; being around someone who looked so strong would surely be smart. The wolf would never dare attack if she had such protection! Mind fuzzy & muscles jerking beneath her skin from the over exertion Willow managed to find her voice..body easily leaning into Bjornulfr's warmth. "S-snaerblod? I..i came up here to find solace and be alone however we got hopelessly lost and, the wolf followed us." Upon her back she felt the rabbit slowly shift, peering up at the massive stallion warily..tiny nose wiggling. "I did not know this was a herds territory. Please forgive me for intruding.." Peeking from behind the stallion's wing she gave a snort of despair at the still biting cold, was it rude to snuggle this close to a stranger in the middle of the night? If it was she did not want to be right. "I did not get a chance in all the commotion to ask your name kind sir." Lips tugging into a small shy grin she felt the final bits of fear melting away into the back of her mind.

Bjornulfr let out a small snort as small eyes peeked out from the mare's mane. Now that was something new. A rabbit riding on a mare. As the gentle lady seemed to call out worriedly over being in Tribe territory he let out a tutting noise in assurance. "Aye aye aye, not worth ye fretting over. You knew naught. Calm yeself, I'll not steal ye away for such a thing." A grin lightly pulled playfully at his lips, revealing a mouth full of sharpness. "I am Bjornulfr Snaerblod. Call me Bjorn if that's easier. Ye are very welcome to my family's territory." He flicked his bladed tail from side to side, taking a moment to appreciate the shy mare before he stood up tall and peered around, ears flicking. "Hmmm.... There may be a cave nearby here. Let's get you somewhere a breath warmer, shall we?"

Though he was scarred and his teeth were sharp Willow felt strangely safe around such a jovial stallion. His smile made her's grow markedly before she again found her gaze shyly drifting away. "You are too kind Bjorn..what a strong name, it is fitting." The offer of a cave lifted her spirits higher, she could practically feel everything flying away at the mere mention of a safe place to bed down for the night. "Really? A cave would be wonderful..it seems my luck may finally be changing." Surely the wolf would stay far away now..surely she could find rest tonight from the ever darkening shadows. A distant crackling of snow within a tree made Willow rigid once more, head ducking further beneath Bjorn's large wing. "I-i do hope I can repay you somehow when morning comes..night is never a..enjoyable time for me." Even the moon seemed to mock her with it's bright beams of light..pretending as if it was innocent. At least it was not a blood moon. Shaking away the memories Willow tried to gather her final reserves of strength so they could get to a cave together. "Lead the way..I'll try to not trip you up."

Bjornulfr tucked his wing lightly around Willow. Feeling the small warm body next to his brought on a wave of warm emotions, some playful, some memory-induced from long gone days of his sisters snuggling next to him when they were still small. "Ah, I can think of ways..." His eyes widened slightly and he shook his head, "Don't take that the wrong way... Ah... I wouldn't dare ask ye, lady." He cleared his throat, a small bit of heat coming to his face. Quickly he stepped forward through the snow, embarrassed by the blunder of words. "Come, lady Willow. I'll show ye to the cave." His large wings spread before they closed against his body. A breath of cold wind pulled at his hair and beard and his gaze turned to the sky, where a skirting of greyness was covering the stars and slowly overtaking the light of the moon." Aye... I think it will snow again soon." he murmured, his head tilting around to watch the small mare, make sure she was making it through the snow alright.

Feeling a wave of heat within her cheeks the mare nearly stumbled over her hooves, heart leaping within her chest at such a bold statement. Eyes a bit wide she gave his side a delicately playful nudge, cheeks still rather flushed. "My my..maybe after you learn more about me you won't be so keen. Not that you are not a handsome..lovely stallion. I'm quite flattered." Tone softening she continued along, glad as he moon went to hide itself..though more snow sounded awful. Stomping through the thick snow was made easier thanks to Bjorn going first. Eyes glancing about Willow managed to see a cave ahead after walking sometime longer. "We did it!" Smiling brightly she gave a little cheer, tail swaying in delight at the prospect of getting warm. "Is it safe to go in?" Tentative the mare peeked from behind her rescuer, whilst the rabbit's ears soon poked out from her mane. Sleep, warmth and nice company for the evening..things could not possibly be better.

A snort. Perhaps it could be characterized as a laugh, or just an affirmation of her statement. Regardless, a slight smile meant for her graced his lips as he walked. When they reached the dark maw of the cave entrance, he raised a brow, noting signs of use by some type of animal, scuffed earth and old bones laid strewn along one corner of the small cave. "It seems this cave was used... but ye don't have to worry about them returning. I'll be here." He fanned his wings out, causing dust, loose earth and bones to scatter away into a corner, leaving clean, barren earth. "Come, lady. Rest. Let ye weary mind and soreness be put to calm." He mused, stepping to the side to allow the small mare to enter. "Once we are here a moment, it should warm up. Ah... not a moment to spare I see." He murmured, his eyes peering out at exterior of the cave as soft flakes began to fall from a now dark sky. No wind blew thankfully, and the world seemed to fall eerily silent outside.

Mildly uneasy her gaze swept carefully around before she deemed his statement to indeed be true. Relieved Willow was quick to settle upon the cleared earth, shivering as the snow began falling. "Oh my..you arrived just in time to rescue me Bjorn." The idea of being caught out in the heavily falling snow made her heart twist with fear. Trying to be more at ease the mare delicately shook her mane to help loosen the rabbit within. Finally seeing solid non snow covered ground had the creature wriggling free, happily hopping around the cave. "Since we might be here for a while, would it be too much to ask you about yourself? Do you have any children? What is your tribe like?" Anything to distract her mind and put off sleeping..anything to avoid the nightmares that always came. When the wind outside the gradually warming cave howled Willow's ears flicked about..head bowing to nuzzle against the now snuggling rabbit. "I'm so glad you found me."

Bjornulfr looked down at the small mare when she finally lowered herself to the ground. She was such a tiny thing - how... why would she travel around by herself? Yet, this one coming from a rather large stallion - everything was small to him. When she was finally settled, he padded forward carefully to rest near Willow, his larger body turned to act as a blockage from the wind and snow as well as whatever great nasties might have been assaulting Willow. The cavern was dark, but a mild greyness seemed to filter in from the moonlight reflecting dimly upon the snow-filled clouds. As he settled down, the small rabbit he had seen found it's way free of the mare's mane to bound around the cave before moving back to mare. What an odd thing. Though perhaps the rabbit was her familiar. He had seen many others with such a bond. At her question, his attention turned from the rabbit back to the mare herself.
"Ye asking questions about me? Ah, I'm not that interesting, really. I am a son of the late queen of the Snaerblod Tribe, one of my many sisters has taken that helm. She's not a terrible ruler." He laughed at this, musing over it, though love and pride warmed his eyes. "My family is large, spans to the very beginning of the Tribe, actually we are the beginning of the Tribe. It stretches back to the myth at the start of the sun and moon, or what we call Olfattir and Olmattir, the Old Father and Old Mother in common speak. They created the Snaerblod in their image, created the bear creatures that created others, that created us over and over. It..." He looked at Willow and shook his head with a guffaw, "But oh I could keep going till the crows cawwed for morning. There are many many myths in the Tribe. Perhaps I am just a myth. Maybe I don't exist. But alas, I do. All of this big, handsome-ish flesh." He grinned. He laughed again, a long, loud laugh that rumbled like a bear's growl. "But please, Lady Willow, share with me of ye." He said, his blue gaze smoldering as he peered at her.

Uncertain how to respond at first the mare took a moment to soak in all the information, tail flickering across the ground. "Actually that's really interesting Bjorn. Don't sell yourself short..especially when you're so tall." Eyes sweeping up over his handsome figure she again felt a heat dusting her cheeks. A quick clearing of her throat vanquished the less than pure thoughts away; though nothing could get rid of the blush. "What a rich history, your family sounds strong just like you." For a moment she was smiling however his smoldering gaze & returned question left Willow gazing away..melancholy. "Mm. I once belonged to my families herd however they disowned me..banished me..because I refused to give up my children. Not that it mattered in the end." Voice quivering with pent up emotion the mare shifted, ears pinned. "The blood moon coupled with the stallion I foolishly loved cursed me. Worse still he dared to curse our unborn children. Two of them never broke free from their baskets...while the other...was born pawed, hungering for the flesh of innocent creatures. Back then I'd never known soquili could eat meat. I didn't know much of anything. If only I'd known then what I know now.." Chuckling lightly her gaze swept to look out at the snow, mind reliving the memories of old. "Honovi hates me for what transpired, my bitterness and pain ruined everything. I'm still chased by the curse. A vicious wolf always nipping at my heels, nightmarish shadowy creatures that are unceasing in their assault." Still Willow tried to smile, everyone else had always been scared off; even if they did not believe in the curse. "I do apologize Bjorn, that was rather long winded and jumbled. You're one of the first good things to happen in my life." Withholding her emotions with a small inhale of the gradually warming air her eyes carefully shifted back to meet his, heart caught in her throat. 'Keep calm. Don't cry in front of him..you've only just met. You'll scare him away!'
Those thoughts left her worried, her gaze seeking a reaction of some sort. Through the years the mare had heard all sorts of reactions; from laughter, mocking to anger..how could a mother abandon her son. How could she think he was a monster?

He watched, and listened - taking in the different emotions that crossed her fair face. She was burdened, that much was very apparent to the old stallion. He picked up on cues with practice, noting that she was lost in a shadowy world of regret. He shook his head, exhaling a long breath after a moment. "I've not children of mine own, but I know the feeling of guilt - it eats at ye till there's not nothing good left but a shade." He tutted quietly, shaking his head again. "Lovely lady, ye let something that was beyond your control wound ye. Experience brings knowledge of things in this wide world, and what you've experienced was not enough at your strange child's birthing. Why would ye be at fault? Ye did not know of any different but what you knew, what ye were told." He took another breath, letting it out in a sigh of exasperation at the mere thought of such a small, gentle thing being disowned from their home. "Your son, he is at a loss, fair, sweet dear. Not ye. Ye did what ye could. Beyond that, Olfattir only knows. The Tribe... they hold onto a deep past, but we are not stuck in the past. Some are stuck, old coots. But we are built to change... mold. Worlds change, hearts change too. Ye..." He paused, and fixed her with a reassuring look. "Live for a future instead of..." He laughed, but then shook his head, hoping it wouldn't come off mockingly, "being literally hounded by your past. It can't be changed. It is beyond us to change. Memories and stories hold it, but the future is like the morning sun rising. It will always rise, despite the darkness that crawls before it."

The first sensation of wetness gliding down her face made Willow feel so weak but, once the floodgates were opened there was no turning back. No longer could she hold the tears at bay, for each thing Bjorn said both cut & soothed her ragged spirit. Chest heaving with the strength of her weeping she found herself moving to lean against his side. For some time Willow simply laid weeping..head bowed and hidden against Bjorn's warm shoulder. When no more tears came the cave was again eerily silent, broken by their breathing and the occasional soft sniffle. Exhausted by the release of so many years of pent up tears she managed to lift her head a bit..a small sigh leaving her. Face still stained by tears Willow spoke up, voice a tad shaky from all the tears. "E-everyone..always laughed..or..they told me that it was my fault. How did I manage to meet someone so wise?" Smile twisting into an almost playful smirk she stretched to give Bjorn a delicate nudge against his cheek. She could barely contain a wider grin "Does that mean you have experienced a lot..or are you just an old timer in disguise? Though never in my years have I met an old timer with such muscles..or with such a handsome smile." Again her cheeks were pink but, this time Willow found bright laughter bubbling forth..the memories and pain lifting slowly away. "Should I call you old man now?" One brow rising in mock suspicion she again barely contained a merry laugh. To go from tears to laughter was a wondrously strange sensation..she quite liked the feeling. As the laughter echoed back to her the mare relaxed..content & extremely warm now that she'd huddled so close to Bjorn. "Your words give me hope. Do you think he would one day forgive me for what happened in the past? Can such a broken thing be mended?"

Bjornulfr frowned as Willow began to sob and watched sadly as the tears strewn down her soft brown face. He had been in a fair share of skirmishes and brawls, yet he felt helpless at the weighing of tears. When she had settled beside him, he found his body stiffening for a moment before he relaxed and slowly, carefully, draped a large wing around the mare. "Nigh... not your fault..." He murmured, modestly surprised when she gently touched his cheek, following it with a statement that made him scoff. "Oi oi oi... no no no. I'm not old... been around a long time, aye. Old means I'm falling apart. I'm not in any shape." He huffed, a loud snort breathing hot air down upon her. His wing finger gently, without thought, wiped along her cheek, a stray wet tear being flicked away. "You worry over too many things, ye'll get white hair before your time. If your son, Olfattir-willing, has even a shred of light in his heart, he should forgive the mother that bore him. Family is important, even when we may not like them for something they've done or not. Aye."

Wildly amused Willow gave another laugh, her head sleepily resting against him. "Ah I see, so you're just very wise beyond your years hm? My mistake then." The gentle touch made her heart warm once more, eyes half lidded as she mulled over Bjorn's statement. Everything the stallion said felt so honest, so pure in his own unique way. "Thank you..I hope you are right. One day perhaps I'll try to find him and make amends. Maybe he'll even let me meet my grandchildren." Nestled close it took little time for the exhausted mare to drift off to sleep, contentedly cuddled against Bjorn..even the nightmares didn't come that night. It was as if they had been scared away by her dashing rescuer. Only when morning's first glorious rays of sunlight kissed the earth did she even bother stirring. One eye opening lazily Willow felt momentarily confused 'Where am I?'. Blinking away the sleepiness her gaze soon met a wall of muscled, scarred flesh. The memory of last night still made her heart leap. With a smile slowly blossoming to life she tried to peek & see if Bjorn was still asleep. Only when she thought 'the coast was clear' did the mare allow herself to brush her nose along his jaw. Curiosity led to some experimental pokes to the stallions thick mane followed by a sweep down his neck. Pausing at the amulet/ necklace he wore Willow seemed to get lost in her exploring..forgetting that she was touching someone who could already be awake or who could awaken at any minute. "Hm.." Careful to not jostle Bjorn too much she lifted herself upright..with the stallion laying down she could peek at him better! Looking like a mischievous foal Willow found her nose very carefully running along the males horns..amazed at how long they were.

Was the stallion awake? Yes, he had been since well before the sun had awoken. Ever a very aware creature, he had woken briefly late in the night when the snow had ceased its falling and a still, cold blanket of white had renewed the world, covering it in a unmarred sea of glittering ice. When the moon had near set, rays of cold light had filtered into the dark cave and Bjornulfr had found himself watching the mare with equal parts fascination and a calm regard. He was no stranger to mares (and stallions alike), each with their own special personalities. Yet, the innocence of this mare brought a tenderness to the older stallion. He had watched her, her face calm in throes of sleep. He had finally found rest again as he had watched her, relieved in the knowledge she felt safe enough to drift. When he had awoken again, he stayed comfortably still next to the mare, trying hard to allow her to sleep longer. It was when he had felt the curious small touches of the mare that a smile slowly cracked on his face. "Curiosity is known to kill the cat, don't ye know?" he said bemusedly, his closed eyes opening to flash Willow with a warm blue gaze.

A very unladylike squeak left Willow when she heard his words and saw him grinning. Unsure what to say she indignantly puffed a breath of warm air at his unguarded ear..giving a teasing smirk. "Then it's good I'm not a cat right? How long have you been awake?" Peeking down at him she took a few steps, carefully stretching her muscles with each delicate movement. "I hope my somewhat rude prodding didn't disturb you Bjorn. It's so beautiful outside." Now that morning had fully come the mare had no idea where to go from here..after all she'd not had a particular destination in mind. Perhaps it would be wise to leave the mountains but, leaving meant not seeing Bjorn..it meant they would not get to spend more time together. "Do you need to get home? I'm sure your tribe and family are worried about you." Guarding her inner thoughts and emotions Willow steeled herself..would it even be possible to say goodbye; this whole event had felt like some surreal dream. 'If only I could dream forever.' Mind wandering the mare carefully settled back down..nose gently helping the now awake rabbit back onto her back. Only when that was done did she dare take a step to peek out of the cave further, nose inhaling the clean crisp scent of newly fallen snow. Each slow inhale brought with it the same clear clean smell..which allowed Willow to calm her ever racing heart beat. "I don't want to say goodbye, as selfish as that sounds."