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 Posted: Tue May 16, 2023 2:16 pm
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 Word of a great miracle had spread all the way to Ikaros, and the elaphotaur found himself marveling at what he had heard. Was the library truly safe? By all accounts, Ikaros himself had been more damaged than the books he'd sought to protect. He was overcome with emotion at the knowledge that his home - for it had once been that - had not gone up in flames, as he had so feared. Given the state of the building itself when he had left, he was astonished to find that the books themselves had seen no damage. Moreover, although it had been harmed, the library was now in good repair. He could have wept with relief to hear of it.
But Ikaros had found himself far from the grand library for some months now. He had chosen to take the spirits' transport of him as not only the rescue it was, but also as an opportunity to grow his own knowledge. He was, it was true, a bit sheltered from the outside world. There was much to be recorded, and he did have all of his supplies. Yet... he'd found himself doing odd jobs to make his bread; painting a portrait for a little family, recording a gathering, or illustrating someone's manuscript. Things that he'd never before done, but now found himself spending quite a bit of time on. In truth, the elaphotaur was exhausted. ... And, it appeared, lost. He glanced up, finding himself in a market square, but not one that he recognized.
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Posted: Sun May 21, 2023 8:29 pm
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The village marketplace was bustling with centaurs and elaphotaurs alike, some of them moving from stall to stall, while others were content to barter or browse as they saw fit. Thankfully for Ikaros, he would not find himself lost in some major city. Instead, the market was made up for townfolks and wildfolk alike -- some lived in the sleepy village, while others came in from the surrounding mountains, woods, and foothills to do a little business.
As the delicate Elaphotaur picked found his way on the unfamiliar streets, he caught he regard of stranger. The stallion's stall was empty, but the sweet scent of burning incense and scented candles perfumed the nearby air. There were decks of cards for sale, as well as various cloths, some cotton, some satin, perfect for altars and sacred space. Runes, moon etchings, crystals, candles, and books of all variety were found in the space.
Standing a bit taller, directly behind a large crystal ball, he flicked his tail in pleasure. Whoever the little elaphotaur was, he was cute-- and he could only hope he was single. "Come get your fortune read! Find out your fate! Don't question your destiny -- know what's to come! Anyone whose name has a vowel in it gets their first fortune for free!"
Most everyone in the village knew to ignore him unless they were looking for physical goods. While Porphirios wasn't the worst diviner out there, he was known to use his gift just to flirt with cute boys -- and right now, Ikaros was in his line of sight. Of course, the stallion couldn't help it. Unbeknowst to the strangers that laughed and scoffed at him, Porphirios had once been told by the gods that his fate would be entwined with one he tricked. Even if he wanted to be honest--and he did--he couldn't turn over a new leaf. Not, at least, until he'd found someone to call his own.
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Posted: Sun May 28, 2023 7:52 pm
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Ah-ha!
Much to his delight, the delicate elaphotaur stopped at his stall, and inquired about his fortune. Wonderful! "But of course! Come , step inside -- I can lower the curtain so your prophecy is private," he assured, taking a few steps back and gesturing for the elaphotaur to follow. His stall was large enough for a few large bucks or drafts to browse without issue, so bringing this stranger inside was an easy task, indeed.
Whoever he was appeared to be quite petite, even for elaphotaur standards--but then, Porphirios was also rather big, even for centaur standards. His colors were striking, as well as his markings, and he was absolutely adorable as far as Porphirios was concerned. He sucked in his breath as he passed, as if that would make his bulk all the smaller, and once the elaphotaur entered he pulled a rope, which drew down a curtain.
"Make yourself comfortable. What's your name, little one? I'm Porphirios, diviner extraordinaire, friend of the spirits, and always happy to help those in need of a little guidance. Let me just get my things -- the spirits like a little offering, you know, and I'll need their help to see your fortune clearly!" He rummaged through a few shelves with bits and bobbles, before finding a small plate and setting a few things upon it -- a candle, a few herbs, a piece of bread, and a small saucer of honey. Setting it beside a large crystal ball, he then proceeded to light a few more candles of various colors around the small stall, and some incense.
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Posted: Wed Jun 07, 2023 9:54 pm
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Something about the centaur's big personality was a trifle overwhelming to Ikaros, who nonetheless followed him inside the stall. A bit nervous and yet still curious, Ikaros watched the stallion with a somewhat apprehensive expression. He did want to know more about what he was about. Why would he offer a free reading, when he was clearly set up to sell his wares? Or was this not a shop after all?
Now concealed from the outside world by a curtain, Ikaros gingerly approached the stallion. "It's Ikaros," he said, moving to settle sort of near the place this ritual seemed to be centered. He was still feeling overcome with emotion by the knowledge that the library he'd thought destroyed was very much intact. It would have been such a terrible tragedy if it had been burned down, but the spirits and gods had preserved it!
"Oh," he murmured. "I should have realized they would need an offering." The spirits did so often require an offering for anything. That he had thought this might be an exception showed how distracted he had become. He felt and undoubtedly seemed scattered. There was so much on his mind and heart. So much that he could not express to anyone. He watched the large stallion curiously, wondering what his next action would be.
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