Erica Winters
Pegasus Knight
Promise me you'll always remember: You're braver than you believe, and stronger than you seem.
Posts: 39
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Post by Erica Winters on Oct 30, 2011 17:49:08 GMT -6
“I’ll come back as often as I can! Good-bye I’ll miss you!”
Erica called back as she shut the door behind her. The door made a large banging sound despite the gentle shut. Her eyes scanned the house. It was very small but had a very heavy design. The walls were made from a thick material in order to insulate the building. Illia was cold, and her family had never been particularly wealthy. It was for that reason the design of the house focused on preserving heat, not size. It wasn’t much to look at but it was the house she grew up in, it held many precious memories. She would always be fond of it. She had left home many times before, for long periods of time, but she will always worry about her family.
“Be safe everyone…”
Erica delicately rotated, her back facing the door, she glancing the snowy hills of Illia that surrounded her home, her long brown hair whipping behind her as she turned. Today her hair was tied tightly into a long thick plat. She had a long journey ahead of her, so she had to make sure she was prepared. She was dressed in her usual thin silk dress, today a velvet red color. It was certainly an odd choice of clothing for the freezing conditions. She wore a thick red cloak with a fluffy neck collar to keep her warm over her thin dress. In her hand was a large hiking bag of supplies, a tent, some wood logs for fire, matches, a sleeping bag two canteens of water a frying pan and some packed dry soup she could camp if necessary. Her journey would take her from the center of Illia, across Sacae and to a small town in Bern near the border to Sacae. She knew she would have to stop and camp in Sacae so wanted to be ready. She had been there a few times before with her husband, it was a beautiful country.
Memories of her husband flooded her mind; a saddened frown implanted itself on Erica’s delicate face. She lowered her head and shook it. She would not think such sorrowful thoughts, after all this is the point of her journey. She must move on, it is what her husband would want. Her head rose, forcing away her frown; she began walking west from her house up a thick snowy hill. The large steps required to move forward took a lot of energy out of the woman. She wrapped her cloak tightly around herself and squeezed herself tightly for warmth. As she hiked the hill a small wooden building grew closer. It was the stable her family kept Juliet and Kiki. These were the names of the Pegasus she and her mother worked with. Erica delicately placed her hand on the large wooden door. It was cold; snow was lodged between the cracks and holes in the wood. She pushed open the door and stepped inside. The two Pegasus clopped their feet upon seeing Erica. She smiled sweetly.
“Morning Juliet, Kiki. Good luck on your route today Juliet.”
She then approached Kiki, the younger of the two. Erica still remembered when Kiki was born; she had grown very attached to her since then. Though she was young, Kiki was still a strong reliable Pegasus. Erica placed her hand gently under Kiki’s chin, using her free hand to stroke Kiki. Kiki released a relaxed noise. Erica chuckled.
“Let’s go see him Kiki… Let’s go see Kyle.”
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Erica Winters
Pegasus Knight
Promise me you'll always remember: You're braver than you believe, and stronger than you seem.
Posts: 39
|
Post by Erica Winters on Oct 31, 2011 6:41:37 GMT -6
Kiki opened the small gate that kept Kiki inside, and entered. Her shoes clapped against hard wooden floor. The building was surprisingly sturdy despite being made from wood. She prepared Kiki, tossing the saddle over her with two large carrying bags. Usually they used this for deliveries; Instead Erica placed her supplies evenly balanced to both carrier bags. She placed the large bag she carried the supplies to the stable with, against the wall. She then pushed open the gate and led Kiki outside the stable onto the snowy hill the sable was built upon.
“Let’s get flying Kiki. To Bern. To Home.”
Erica pulled herself onto Kiki and fixed herself to a safe, comfortable seating position. Kiki shook her head and extended her wings in a large whooshing motion. She ran along the top of the hill before leaping and soaring into the sky, taking a long steady turn in the opposite direction, soaring past their house. Erica looked down to see her mother, grandmother and brother all standing outside waving her good bye. She grabbed tightly onto Kiki with one hand for security, and used her other to wave down at them. The chill air of the frosty continent grazed Erica as she flew. Her eyes peered down, glancing the snowy hills and frost covered trees. A blanket of white snow brushed pashed from underneath as they flew overhead.
Erica flew for a while, even at a non-stop trip to Bern Kiki was still young, and she could not fly at paces equal to a full grown Pegasus such as Juliet. She would also need a break after a few hours of flying. The journey across Illia was silent. After a few hours of flying Erica could feel Kiki slowing down. She gently rubbed her back.
“You’re doing great Kiki, how are you holding up?”
The Pegasus let out an exhausted snort and Erica smiled gently. She noticed the level of snow lightning up and the air become slightly warmer. She had been to Sacae before with Kyle, she knew she was nearing the border.
“We’re nearing Sacae Kiki. We can rest tonight at the border, I’m sure we’ll find an Inn.”
The sun was beginning to set on the first day of Erica’s journey. She knew it best to take this opportunity to rest. The only place to rest between Illia and her home in Bern would be the plains of Sacae. She saw a collection of small cabins and Erica patted Kiki’s neck before pointing down. Kiki took a swift turn downwards in a long extended curve. She flapped her wings slowly as she came to a steady land, her hooves gently sinking into the thin layer of snow. Erica supported herself on Kiki and pushed herself off in a leap landing with a gentle thud, her dress flowing slightly as she fell. She petted Kiki gently and signaled for her to follow. The pair walked towards the collection of Cabins.
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Erica Winters
Pegasus Knight
Promise me you'll always remember: You're braver than you believe, and stronger than you seem.
Posts: 39
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Post by Erica Winters on Oct 31, 2011 18:56:19 GMT -6
Kiki positioned herself to the side of the cabin, as Erica made her way up the wooden steps and inside. A small ring of a bell jingled through the cozy cabin and a young woman from behind the counter greeted Erica with a gentle, hospitable smile. She waved from behind the counter and Erica smiled returning her greeting. The Cabin was nicely decorated, with a simple frost encrusted window on the door and behind the counter. A red rug was centered in the room with two wooden armchairs, covered in pillows for comfort. The room was smaller than it appeared from outside, however there was a door behind the counter leading to another room in the left. The woman greeting Erica was young in age, most likely daughter of the owner. She appeared to be in her mid to late teens, she had long, shoulder length, wavy brown hair that curled sharply at the end and dressed in a maid resembling outfit.
“Welcome traveler, may I set you up with a room for the night?”
Erica nodded. Her instincts were correct; this was some form of an inn.
“ Please.”
The girl turned to a small rack behind her. There were three five hooks, three of which had keys on them. Erica assumed two other cabins to be occupied. The girl took the key and placed it on the desk.
“You’ll be staying in Cabin three. One night will cost you 100 gold.”
Erica didn’t bring much money with her so the Cabin cut into her funds a bit. She smiled nervously and placed the money on the table in exchange for the key.
“Most Appreciated”
“Please enjoy your stay.”
Erica nodded and left the Cabin. There was no stable around, so Erica turned to Kiki and frowned.
“Sorry Kiki, you’ll have to sleep outside tonight.
The pair made their way to the cabin and Kiki lay down beside it. Erica sighed and pulled out a blanket from the bags attached to Kiki. She threw the blanket over her and gently patted her head. It was late evening a little early for bed, but an early night harmed no one. Her Cabin was small, designed similarly to the reception area. It had a window on the door and the back wall, the same red rug and wooden armchair with beige colored pillows. However it was also equipped with a single bed and wardrobe. There was no bathroom in the Cabin, Erica assumed there to be some public facility. She prepared herself for bed and headed in for the night.
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Erica Winters
Pegasus Knight
Promise me you'll always remember: You're braver than you believe, and stronger than you seem.
Posts: 39
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Post by Erica Winters on Nov 1, 2011 8:15:47 GMT -6
The dim sunlight of Illia magnified through the cabin window pleasantly lighting the cabin Erica had stayed that night. Erica’s eyes slowly pried open and she sat up against the frame of the bed. Her arms stretched and she let out a yawn. It was early morning, around seven. Erica’s early night would explain her early awakening. She wasted no time in getting up and out of bed, making her bed and dressing herself in a silver silk dress. She pulled her leggings over her in preparation for her riding. However she did not equip her red robe due to the fact she was just leaving the chill air of Illia. She locked the cabin behind her and approached Kiki who was already awake waiting for her. Erica smiled at Kiki and prepared for departure. Fixing the saddle and putting everything else back in the bags.
Erica returned to the reception cabin this time to find an older woman behind the counter. She had a more serious look on her face. Erica placed her key on the desk and the woman thanked her before placing it back on the hook. The women waved goodbye and Erica was on her way. She left the cabin and hopped onto Kiki.
“Let’s get flying Kiki.”
Erica hopped onto Kiki’s back and patted her head. Kiki nodded and took a running start before soaring into the air. A cool breeze blew Erica’s long hair in different directions. It was then Erica remembers she forgot to plat it in preparation. When her hair wasn’t tied it became difficult to control and often made flying a lot more difficult. Erica quickly tied it back in a messy unmanaged bun to keep it out of the way for now. Her attention turned to the ground, the blur of white snow slowly faded into refreshing patches of green. Erica could also feel the chill air lightening, turning into a warm glow. The pair flew through the sky, the ground slowly introducing different flora and fauna. The sky also cleared into a bright blue, the sun shining brightly onto them. Erica smiled gently. She had arrived in Sacae.
“Kiki, land.”
Kiki turned swiftly at an angle, flying towards the ground. Her wings flapped near the bottom brining her to a slow and steady halt. Her feet sunk into the long grass of the plains. Erica took a deep breath and remover herself from Kiki. She looked around. The plains were beautiful. She had been her a few times in her life, with her husband. She remembered the fun they had together. Even if she didn’t enjoy camping, Kyle had always made it enjoyable. Erica untied her hair and fixed it into a properly formed plat, before walking with Kiki. She spent the rest of the day walking, examining the plains of Sacae, and thinking about her old life and the new one she would soon be entering. She knew it would be a change, but it was something she felt was necessary. Nightfall quickly came, the full moon illuminating the ominous darkness of the night sky, complimented by the twinkle of the stars.
“One more day Kiki… Tomorrow we’ll arrive…”
Erica’s stomach rumbled, reminding her she hadn’t eaten since yesterday.
“Goodness me! You must also be hungry Kiki. Come, let us set up camp for the night.”
Kiki released a joyful cry and Erica began setting up her tent and sleeping bag, aswell as a fire. She prepared two bowls of soup for herself and some vegetables for Kiki. After refilling themselves the pair headed to bed.
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Erica Winters
Pegasus Knight
Promise me you'll always remember: You're braver than you believe, and stronger than you seem.
Posts: 39
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Post by Erica Winters on Nov 1, 2011 14:10:28 GMT -6
Erica woke up and let out an uncomfortable moan. Sleeping on the floor, even in a sleeping bag, Erica found camping to be an uncomfortable experience. Her hair was in a mess and she hadn’t washed it in a day or two. She was looking forward to arriving in Bern after such a long trip. She stood up from the floor and got changed. Before leaving she spent about ten minutes brushing her long brown hair. Sleeping on the floor, flying without her hair tied in a plat; all these things had knotted her hair badly. After much preparation, platting her hair, putting on her leggings and blue silk dress and packing away the tent and other camping supplies, Erica was ready to leave. She got on Kiki and patted her head.
“Last trip Kiki.... To Bern.”
Without wasting anymore time Kiki started running across the plains. Her wings whooshed outwards in a large swinging motion. She flapped them a few times and leapt into the air, soaring upwards and into the sky. The journey was short; Kiki reached Bern sometime late afternoon. Her expression showed relief, arriving after such a long journey. She could see below them, the town “New Maple”. Memories returned to Erica, memories of her life with Kyle in this village. She remembered all her neighbors and friends. She was away from home longer than she had thought oh how she missed it so. Kiki descended on the other side of town. Erica returned herself to the ground and took her hair out of its plat, aswell as taking off her leggings, leaving her in her simple yet comfortable blue silk dress. She entered the town through the gates of the surrounding fence, while Kiki remained outside.
Upon entry Erica was greeted by the friendly smiles of many familiar faces. She waved and smiled to her friends as she made her way down the beige flagstone path that winded across the town. All the houses were similarly designed, two stories and dethatched, the walls made of red brick, and the roof slates of dark tiles. The windows all had traditional flowers potted on the sills, and the gardens were well trimmed with an attractive display of flowers. Erica entered the center of town. There was a large market taking place. Villagers were wandering from stand to stand with paper bags in their hands. The sound of cheer and laughter echoed across the town center. There was an atmosphere of community; one Erica had grown to love in the time she spent in New Maple. She sighed, a gentle smile perking upwards.
Within minutes Erica saw her home. There was little different to the other houses of New Maple. In the Garden was a large tombstone, shaped like a cross. It stood tall, towering the bare garden that was Erica’s home. Pots of plants were removed from the sill, and the garden lacked flora, covered only in grass. It was clear the house was not actively used. Erica approached the white knee-length fence. Bending slightly, she pushed open the gate releasing a silent creak. Erica sighed as her eyes scanned her old home. She made her way over to the large gravestone in her garden where her husband was buried. She rested her hand on the grave, her eyes watering up.
“It’s been too long… Kyle.”
Erica was silent for an entire thirty minutes, she spent this time reminiscing. She remembered their wedding day, the smiles on everyone’s faces. She remembered when they first moved into this town, how politely they were greeted by their neighbors. Their camping trips to Sacae, and even their future plans of family. Even the smallest of details like, starting a vegetable garden to sell in the weekend market. Her eyes teared up, and she brushed her long hair bag behind her ears. The memory that remained most vivid was the day her husband left, the day he was shipped of with his squad and the day he never came home. Erica knelt in front of the grave, tears rolling down her rosy cheeks. As she spoke her voice often broke, and was often disrupted by having to sniff and fix herself.
“I feel so silly, talking to a big rock… I hope that wherever you are now, you can hear me. I’m sorry I left… I was so stupid, I left this life behind when you passed… I haven’t come back until today… An entire year, it feels like nothing. Why didn’t you stay… Why did you leave me Kyle?”
Erica wiped her tears and stood up.
“No… I know it was not your fault… You must forgive me my beloved. I am here to say my proper farewell. I am leaving to fulfill an old dream of mine… I’ll always miss you Kyle… I love you.”
Erica moved herself closer to the grave and sat up, leaning against it.
“Never forget me…”
Erica waited in silence, just to spend more time with her husband before she left. Hours later Erica felt a nudge against her. Her eyes slowly pried open. It was dark, the village was quiet. The lights of neighboring houses were on and the natural moonlight lit the night sky. Erica discovered Kiki standing before her. She stretched widely and yawned, wiping her eyes. She must have drifted off.
“Oh Kiki… I’m sorry, I dozed off…”
Erica took a key out of the bags attached to Kiki and opened the door to her home. While inside she took a shower and made herself and Kiki something to eat. She then turned off the lights and locked up while it was still dark.
“Let’s go while it’s still late Kiki. I don’t want to cause a ruckus…”
She got up on Kiki and the pair flew from the village. She glanced down at Kyle’s grave. Her frown seemed to perk to a smile near the edges. A sense of relief flowed through Erica, maybe even a sense of accomplishment.
[Topic End]
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