The Court of Miracles

[The Warden]

they're.gypsies.child.they'll.steal.you.blind

You enter a thread, one that you have never seen before. You tread lightly, cautiously. Suddenly the lights go out. An ambush! In the darkness you are surrounded by horses. By the glare of a newly struck torch you are forced to your knees before a now un-masked Warden.

Well, well, well. What have we here?

A trespasser!

A spy!

"I am not a spy!" you desperately shout. "Can't you listen-" A surly-looking mare gags you from behind and the Warden looks disdainfully down at you.

Don't interrupt me! You're very clever to have found our hideaway. Unfortunately, you won't live to tell the tale.

You are led roughly along by the horses and the Warden. As you go, your captors begin to sing.

Maybe you've heard of a terrible place where the scoundrels of Penori collect in a lair. Maybe you've heard of that mythical place called the Court of Miracles.

Hello, you're there!

Where the lame can walk.

And the blind can see.

But the dead don't talk! So you won't be around to reveal what you've found.

We have a method for spies and intruders, rather like hornets protecting their hive. Here in the Court of Miracles where it's a miracle if you get out alive!

Suddenly you emerge into a large chamber that is teeming with many-coloured horses. The Warden drags you up onto a platform and, placing a noose about your neck, calls for the gathered equines' attention.

Gather around, everybody! There's good "noose" tonight!

The horses laugh and you gulp. That's not a good sign.

It's one of Halo's spies!

The horses boo and snarl. You start to definitely lose hope of getting out alive. The Warden again begins to sing.

Justice is swift in the Court of Miracles, I am the lawyers and judge all in one! We like to get the trial overwith quickly because it's the sentence that's really the fun. Any last words?

You try to yell, try to make the Warden understand your muffled words. But it does no good. The Warden only smiles.

That's what they all say. Now that we've seen all the evidence-

Wait, I object!

Overruled!

I object!

Quiet!!

Dang.

We find you totally innocent, which is the worst crime of all. So you're going to hang!

The Warden prepares to pull the lever that will end your life, but her movement is arrested by a shout.

Stop!

"Halo!" you exclaim in relief as your admin appears toward the back of the chamber. The blessed admin parted the crowd and mounted the stage. Releasing you, she faces the gathered horses and the Warden with a stern look on her face.

Why on earth would you think I sent this user to spy on you? I sent hir here to meet and get to know all of you.

The Warden sulks, upset at having her fun spoiled.

Why didn't you say so?

"I did say so!" you say angrily, succeeding in getting the gag off. As you descend from the platform, the horses crowd around, apologizing and looking rather embarrassed. Then they begin to introduce themselves.

[The Warden]

I've been dreaming...

Denver

...of a true love's kiss

name: Denver

nick: Denny

side: Light

home: Symphony Falls

breed: Dutch Warmblood

age: 5

gender: She-Devil

height: 15 hh

color: Mahogany Bay

mark: A padlock on her back and a blaze down her nose

mark color: Smooth Mulberry

appearance: Denver is a tall, strong lady. Her frame is well-formed and pleasing to the eye. She's a great dancer and runner, for her long legs are easily lent to such pursuits, and her rounded slate daggers tred neatly in any pattern she chooses. Her banners are beautifully black, with a smooth texture and hanging at medium length. Covering her infrastructure is a hide of pure mahogany bay. The only taint to this even coloration comes in the form of a smooth mulberry blaze down her prettily tapering face and a massive padlock of the same shade painted over her back.

theme song: Adore by Jaci Velasquez

likes: Denver likes swimming, thinking, being alone, helping others, and a good battle of wits.

dislikes: She dislikes fighting, those who talk too much, rain, cruelty, and the sight of blood.

fears: Denver fears being abandoned, being oppressed, and war.

hopes: She hopes one day to have a child of her own, and a mate who loves her.

dreams: Denver dreams of a white stallion whose noble, romantic ways will sweep her off her feet. But she does not often indulge in such foolishness.

goals: Her goal is to help those in need, no matter who they are.

personality: Denver is a kind doe, loyal to her herd and to her friends. She is not the most talkative doe around, but she helps others and wants only the best for them. She dislikes fighting, and tries not to stir up trouble, but if she is threatened, she will strike back. This comes in most handily when she is picked on by stallions. She is a formidable foe and one who should not be taken lightly. She often sneaks out at night, taking time to be alone and ponder. She is quick witted and collected, and she keeps a clear head about her at all times. She rarely lets her emotions show, and does not talk about her personal life freely. Denver is laid-back and sedate, though she is perfectly willing to give advice to anyone seeking it.

dad: Oliver

mom: Denmark

sibs: None

lover: None

kids: None

history: Denver's history is patently unremarkable. She was born into a nicely proportioned herd and raised like any other young lady. At the age of three she was betrothed to and claimed by a stallion much older than she was. Denver was upset by this, but not too badly. She lived with her mate for several years and they were happy together. They were never able to have any children, which the stallion blamed on Denver. This wasn't exactly true, but Denver saw no point in arguing. One spring morning old age finally claimed her mate and Denver was once again free to wander the lands alone.

acquaintences:

Jynxed Halo: Her new herd lord

where I've been:

Waiting: Complete

Only You, Denver: Complete

[The Warden]

I was born in the dark places of the earth...

Ebony

...and in them I was raised

name: Ebony

nick: None

side: Dark

home: Noplace

breed: Friesian

age: 4

gender: She-Devil

height: 16.5 hh

color: Black

mark: A swirl curling under her front legs at her elbow and a star on her brow

mark color: Frost

appearance: Ebony stands tall, large, and proud at 16 and a half hands, which is common for her breed and weighing in at 1500 pounds, though she doesn't look fat. In truth, she doesn't have enough fat on her, as most of it is nutrient-starved muscle, though she looks healthy enough besides that. Her coat is thick and smooth to the touch, a deep ebony black from which she draws her name. The only marring of this even shade is in the ice swirls that curl around her elbows and the tiny white star that spots her forehead. Her legs are long and limber, though she cannot run very fast. Her long, blunt muzzle does not shade and houses a set of powerful jaws that she has kept trained and strong all her years. Her chest is deep and broad, powerful, and she holds herself with a regal bearing, her eyes slanted and almond-shaped, a lovely deep purple colour that has depths to it unimaginable. When she speaks, it's usually in a low yet commanding tone of voice, and she always appears to be calm yet approachable. She makes a fitting authority figure, though she doesn't mind being in the background either. She can usually fit any type of rank or position with ease, though she does make authority seem a lot more puffed up than it should be.

theme song: Drawing Me Close by Point of Grace

likes: Ebony likes power, suprising others, to be left alone, to get her way, and a good fight.

dislikes: She dislikes domineering stallions, idiots, weakling mares, foals, being called on to make a really big decision, and being forced to do things.

fears: She fears very few things, but some of her biggest fears are not being able to do the right thing when it counts, dying, and not reaching her goals before she dies.

hopes: She hopes to one day rule her own herd, to have a score of stallions at her beck and call and to have a strong posse of good mares at her back.

dreams: She dreams of a true adventure and great deeds to be done. But where is that to be found these days?

goals: Her goal at the moment is to find some equines worthy of fraternizing with.

personality: Ebony doesn't really have very many striking features about her that would immediately make you see her as a regal equine, or even a equine worthy of the name. As a first impression, she often gives the idea of a capable, competent femme, but not a remotely inspiring one. She aims to seem as the one who can handle pressure, but not make very strong decisions or anything of the sort, though she's not indecisive by any standards. Really, she's the sort where the first impression is almost cruelly off the mark. Ebony is actually almost comically intelligent, the type of leader you look at in awe and almost fear at how calmly and easily they can handle even the most frightful situations, and she is almost never flustered, no matter how much she's threatened or blackmailed. However, when she is around those who know her, she makes no effort to hide the dark ambitious nature that is unknown to the rest of the world around her. She is ferociously stubborn in most cases when it comes to getting what she wants, and even if it sacrifices the good of whomever is with her, in his mind, it's worth it. Think of her as a very aloof creature who could care less, though I would moreso call her apathetic. She just ... doesn't care, doesn't really feel. However, she is a very good actor, able to put out the illusion of "kindness", or whatever else "happy" mood is required for the moment. She does not know any form of love coming from within her, though he has experienced parental love - she was not abused into this state, it's more genetic. She cannot help it. She's just apathetic, though that just makes her all the more deadly in her intent. She's almost like a machine of sorts...

dad: Gilbert

mom: Gracie

sibs: Grayback and Duke, brothers

lover: None

kids: None

history: Ebony's history isn't anything particularly interesting, though to some who don't know much about the shady fae, it would seem of vital importance. Ebony was born to a she named Gracie and her mate Gilbert, who were sitting comfortably at the head of a small herd. Her father wasn't an extravagant fighter, but he wasn't terrible either, and he governed their small herd of five well. Her brothers - Grayback and Duke - were strong and healthy just as she was, and they grew up amongst their herd without any conflict. However, it was apparent even at the start that Ebony was very different in nature from that of a normal foal. She didn't really see a point to play, though she took part in it simply to please her tearful mother, afraid that she, her only daughter, was going to grow up strange. She didn't see a real point to a herd - she believed firmly in the strongest survives, so fend for yourself - but she participated, only to strengthen her knowledge of the world. She was also intensely interested in plants - an odd habit for a horse, though not, perhaps, a condemning one.

As time went on, Ebony began to grow restless. She needed away from the monotony of daily life, something exciting to happen to her before she lost his mind. She felt she had so much talent just wasting away in this simple-minded herd, where she could no longer grow strong. And so, like most young ones do, she set out one night alone to search for...something. A mate was not and would likely not be on her list for a while, as she simply couldn't stand foals around her, especially whilst she was beginning to build her empire. Yes, that was entirely what was in mind - an empire. And so she wanderered, for quite some time you see, and she seemed to be getting nowhere. She joined up with other loners now and then, but other than that, she preferred being on her own. This likely didn't help at all with her apathy, though she sees that as a strength, not a weakness.

acquaintences:

Namid: The wish-giver atop the Icy Mountain. Ebony is frightened of her because she does not understand her.

Komi: Wish-giver of the Desert. Ebony fears him as well, for the same reasons as she does Namid.

where I've been:

Pride Goeth Before...: Complete

Feathers! Feathers!: Complete

[The Warden]

Dancing to the beat...

Surcingle Bey

... of a different drummer

name: Surcingle Bey

nick: Whatever you want to call him

side: Integrated

home: Noplace

breed: Australian Stock Horse

age: 10

gender: He-Devil

height: 15.3 hh

color: Brown

mark: None

mark color: None

appearance: Surcingle Bey is known best for his cavalier attitude toward life, not his appearance, which is rather plain. His brown coat is not all that remarkable; lightening at his muzzle and darkening at his hooves as most horses' pelts are wont to do. Bey's coarse black banners are tipped with the same brown of his coat. His banners are shaggy and unkempt as a rule. He wears horseshoes, an odd thing to see in Penori, I grant you. But he does love the patterned bruises his hooves leave on an opponent's skin after a fight. Bey just likes to be different.


theme song: Gotta Go My Own Way from the High School Musical Two Soundtrack

likes: Oddness, fun, teasing, mares, acting tough

dislikes: Sameness, spoilsports, bullies, races, bugs

fears: Surcingle is frightened of bugs. Not frozen-stone petrified, but close to it. He also fears thunder and lightning.

hopes: He hopes to one day find a female he can relate to, find a group of horses that like him, and to learn to swim.

dreams: Bey has the insane dream of one day having the gods owe him a favor.

goals: He doesn't consciously set long term goals: when asked about his goals, he quips 'to find something to eat.'

personality: Surcingle Bey is a compassionate figure, and champion of the defenseless. He became well known for his helpful nature in his hometown. He's a passionless fighter, refusing to let anger guide his actions during combat. Although age has tempered him a little, Surcingle has always been a bit of an oddball. He often deliberately does things in a different way than normal people do it, just to see what'll happen. He prefers his full name, but he knows that 'Surcingle' is a bit of a mouthful. So he answers to whatever nickname people see fit to give him. He's an amiable and fun-loving fellow, though he is perhaps too fun-loving. He has been in many fights over his 'disrespect'. He really has a lot of respect for his others, but he takes a casual attitude toward most everything and this is no exception.

dad: Swift

mom: Havoc

sibs: None

lover: None

kids: None

history: Surcingle Bey was born in the mountains. His mother was an scout sent by her reclusive herd to report on the goings-on in Penori. She settled in the mountains during this time, but she inadvertently became romantically entangled with a stallion while there. She eventually gave birth to Surcingle Bey, but she couldn't stay. She returned to her herd to report on the status of Penori, abandoning her son and his father in the process. Surcingle's father resented the fae for abandoning him, and he took out his rage out on his own son. Since he lacked many things in his life, size among them, many people treated Bey as though he was less than a person. However, even as a young buck, Surcingle was much stronger than his contemporaries, and he used his strength to his advantage. Standing at only a little over fifteen hands, Bey was not an imposing figure. But he was perfectly capable of holding his own against others that might think of turning their prejudices into physical violence. After learning firsthand the cruelties that others could inflict upon one another, he often kept a lookout for those that were ganged up on. Bey quickly became feared by the bullies and gangs and was the champion of the downtrodden. When Surcingle was five years old, his mountain herd underwent a terrible tragedy. Bey was badly hurt, though he did not die. When he recovered enough to move about again, Bey discovered that his home was pretty much gone. He left then, and roved the land alone.

acquaintences:

Dixie: A pretty fae he's just met. Could it be that Surcingle's developing a crush?

where I've been:

Here I am... (Warden): WIP

[The Warden]

Move along...

Gus

...move along home

[/u]

name: Gus

nick: None

side: Neutral

home: Noplace

breed: Mixed

age: 1

gender: He-Devil

height: 13.3 hh

color: Brown and white tobiano paint

mark: Star on his brow and a hammer at the point of his shoulder

mark color: Burnt Clay

appearance: Gus is a good size for his age, and he is expected to grow taller before he is through. But Gus believes he will not get any bigger. The coat is white with many chocolate brown splotches, making him a tobiano paint. His mane and tail are marbled with brown and white as well. Glissando always told him he resembled his mother, but he's not too sure of that because of his marks. The odd markings he bears are a burnt clay color. They manifest on his head and at the point of his shoulder, being a star on his brow and a hammer at his shoulder. Being young, his legs still make up most of his body mass and the little white pillars with their small creamy daggers carry him swiftly. He was running about not long after his birth and he is a swift racer. Best foot racer in his herd, he was. Another tale is told that Gus was born eyes open in a straight stare. They say his acorn eyes can see into your soul and it is often rumored that Gus has the gift of foresight.

theme song: Crystal Clear by Jaci Velasquez

likes: Games, running races, grass, watching others, light, tricks

dislikes: Cheaters, cold, liars, too much noise, people touching him

fears: Gus fears being abandoned in a cold, dark place with no food. That is his main nightmare, but he's also afraid of heights and tight places.

hopes: Gus hopes for the ultimate game, a game with life or death stakes. He also hopes to find a worthy opponent with which to play.

dreams: In the night, Gus dreams of finding his mothers (both his birth mother and his adoptive mother) and talking with them, asking them why they abandoned him. But it is a foolish dream.

goals: Finding a gamer with which to play.

personality: Gus has a good head on his shoulders and usually thinks before he does something. Of course, this isn't always the rule, as he is still young and as such can be stupid at times. Gus is usually silent, seeing no need to speak on most occasions. His silence gives him a mysterious, dignified, and somewhat arrogant air and some say that the colt was born with a stare that would bring the truth out of anyone. But contrary to popular belief, Gus is rather friendly and loves games. He is a lot of fun to hang around with. Gus has an off-beat sense of humor and many things make him laugh. Gus is very intelligent and as such usually gets annoyed quickly at those who are... well, not so intelligent. Gus uses his mind well and is able to turn most any situation into one that is advantageous for him. He does not always tell the whole truth, not seeing it as necessary. He sees himself as somewhat superior to most and this is sometimes evident in the way he acts. Gus is a little clairvoyant and sometimes gets fleeting glimpses of what the future will bring.

dad: Jackie

mom: Never knew her; step was Glissando

sibs: None

lover: None

kids: None

history: Gus' life began on a winter night beside an icy river. His weak mother barely managed to give birth to him and call his name before she passed out. While mother and son lay there together, another mare happened along. This was a friend of his mother's; a mare called Glissando. Gliss found Gus and his mother and surmised that the mother was dead. She took the colt along with her and raised him in her own herd. Glissando's herd was a mares-only herd and so growing up was rather weird for Gus. But the colt was well-loved and he was happy. One winter, however, there was a long blizzard. Gus became seperated from Glissando and her herd. Though he cried out for her, she never came. He was lost. Miserable, cold, and alone, Gus wandered into Penori.

acquaintences:

Blue Moon: A stallion Gus has just met and who seems just as stubborn as Gus himself.

where I've been:

Just Run(open): WIP

[The Warden]

Oh mother, dear mother...

Mushroom

...oh mother, come quick!

name: Mushroom

nick: Aunty, Mother, Mushes

side: Light

home: Noplace

breed: Grey Wolf

age: 10

gender: She-Devil

color: Dark gray

mark: None

mark color: None

appearance: Mushroom is a pretty she-wolf, with an open generous expression, which is enhanced by her heart-shaped face and large, expressive amber-gold eyes. Her short coat is of a dark charcoal gray color, delicately marked with black ticking. The blacking is faint, but it is clear and quite visible at a short distance. Her short legs and long tail lighten slightly from the darker gray into a lighter shade. Her ears are large and straight. The skin of her nose and the pads of her petite paws are night black and her claws are short and thorn-like. She is a medium-sized wolf, but her figure is rounded and soft (a little on the pudgy side).

theme song: When the Wind Blows by Point of Grace

likes: Family, friends, pups, romance, mothering, eating, partying with friends

dislikes: Getting up early, meanies, fighting, evil, domineering males, crying pups, anyone's pain

fears: Her loved ones dying, her loved ones being hurt without her being able to help, and being rejected by those she loves

hopes: To find a male she loves and to have a butt-load of puppies

dreams: See hopes

goals: See hopes (one track mind, huh?)

personality: Mushroom is an extremely warm individual who is gifted with the ability to love passionately. She likes the old-charm stuff and wants to be a mother. Kind of boring? Hey, it's her life, not yours. She's true blue (loyal) and she's really sweet. Only don't get her up in the morning, because if she's picked early she gets sour in a hurry! She thinks for herself and looks after all her siblings. She wants nothing more than a host of pups to look after. She makes a dang good babysitter.

dad: Phoebus

mom: Emerald

sibs: ??

lover: None

kids: None

history: Her mother was Emerald and her father was Phoebus, both of a Light pack. Emerald was not born into the pack she resided in, but she was allowed to stay because she bore the pups of Phoebus. Phoebus was the Beta male of his pack at the time. Her mother was infatuated with her father but Phoebus wanted nothing to do with Emerald. The pregnancy was a mistake, the result of one of Phoebus' frequent one night flings. Mushroom was the eldest born of six pups. Because they were his kits, the Beta loved them, but didn't know how to be a father, so he usually let the puppies and the mother be. Emerald, though, was a fit mother and adored her babies. Part of that is because she had them by Phoebus. The pups led a good life; a full, normal pack life like any other pups. Mushroom was born with a strong mothering instinct and watched out for her siblings just as their mother would. The brothers and sisters stuck tight together all through puphood, and even as they grew up and went their seperate ways, they dearly love each other and try to keep in touch.

acquaintences:

Grand Summit: A crazy southern lady that Mushroom totally doesn't understand.

where I've been:

Crazy Lady: WIP

[The Warden]

I have no fear...

Butler

...because I know

name: Butler

nick: You can call him Butt, if you have a death wish

side: Integrated

home: Glasshaven Desert

breed: Puma

age: 10

gender: He-Devil

eyes: blue

color: Silver tawny, with lighter patches on his underside

mark: Scar across right eye, black swatch of fur on his left side

appearance: Butler is a slender and agile cat. He is big for a puma, standing at three feet at his shoulder. His coat is the typical catamount tawny, but with a silver cast with lighter patches on the under body including the jaws, chin, and throat. His paws are huge and his legs are strong. Butler is a fast runner, smart fighter, strong swimmer, and high jumper. His eyes are beautiful; a clear pale blue that hasn't changed since kithood. He has a quick smile, but laughter is harder to pull from him. When he does laugh, though, it spreads over his entire face. Such a laugh is glorious to see. With his lanky frame and lazy walk, Butler is the target of many flirtatious felas. He bears numerous scars from his past; the most prominent being a slash across his right eye.

theme song: Epilogue from the Horse and His Boy

likes: Fights, fun, hunting, playing with people's minds, ignoring the rules, a little romance now and then

dislikes: Too many rules, arrogance, oppression, when someone threatens those he loves, weaklings

fears: Failure, the death of one close to him, internal bleeding

hopes: To build a solid clan of big cats and to rule them well

dreams: Finding another fela to fill the hole Juliet left

goals: Recruiting good people for his Clan

personality: Butler is an independent, passionate, instinctive, wise and plain-speaking individual. He is a man of action, with a razor sharp mind and excellent reflexes. Those who have worked with him for any length of time, know him to be a maverick who prefers to make his own rules, disregarding regulations at every turn. When solving diplomatic or tactical problems, he often pushes the envelope, coming up with innovative and creative solutions that are not even close to the rules. Butler prefers to operate independently, and he accedes to authority only when it suits him or is absolutely necessary. The term "born leader" is a great understatement when describing his ability to instill loyalty in those serving under him. He, in turn, is extremely loyal to his friends and family and he will go to great lengths to serve and protect them. Even when he was a young cat, Butler was tough and seasoned and wise beyond his years. Butler is fair-minded and is frank almost to a fault. He does not feel compelled to observe rules of decorum, and he never shrinks from stepping on toes when he needs to get something done. He has never been intimidated by alphas or leaders, but he greatly respects those who are tops in their chosen fields. Butler maintains himself somewhat distant personally from everyone, relying on his subordinates and friends to provide the thumb on the pulse of the pack. Butler is an intuitive and instinctive tactician and strategist and he is a keen judge of character.

dad: Apollo

mom: Artemis

sibs: None

lover: Juliet

kids: None

history: Butler was originally an abused slave, a cougar whose people were torn by famine and war that humanitarian justice never touched. For generations, Butler's people, the pumas, had been abused without respite by lions, who used the smaller cats as petty performers and slaves.
Butler was born into a family still embroiled in this brutal conflict, so it was, perhaps, inevitable that he grew up hating lions. Butler was born of two slaves, one of whom died soon after and whose name was soon lost forever. Butler's father sought a useful outlet for his son's anger by teaching him to throw himself into work with a single mind. The young cat proved himself an excellent worker and performer, with a mind as finely honed as any weapon; by two years of age he had already become an expert. By the time he was mature, he had pleased his masters so much that the more superstitious of them considered Butler as almost sentient (for none of his people were considered as more than animals).
Butler's closest comrade was a fellow slave, Juliet. According to the stories, his relationship with this wild and skilled fae had its beginnings in a dream, in which Butler saw himself perfecting the D'jinn Matare, a difficult trick that he had yet to master. So taken was he with this vision that he set out to do it in reality, but instead of perfecting the Matare, he met Juliet, and realized that the player in his dream had not been himself, but the fela standing before him. The two of them were considered to be betrothed.
Their bond, once forged, was absolute and sacred. Juliet taught Butler the D'jinn Matare in addition to many other tricks, and in turn he introduced her to the powerful concentration techniques his father had taught him. Juliet with her agility and Butler with his single-minded devotion, the two became legends, twin demigods blessed by their ancestors.
Unfortunately, while they were famous together, they were less so when apart. One night in a show, the two of them were separated. Juliet failed a trick and died violently by the dogs that were used in the trick. Butler, unable even to retrieve her from the ring, was driven to despair and a horrible psychotic depression. Inconsolable, he ran away into the mountains. Alone in the lofty peaks, he beseeched all the powers he knew to raise her from her grave just so he might see her one final time, but the powers that be remained silent.
Butler did what he could to bury his grief by beginning to build his own clan of cats around him.

acquaintences:

None as yet

where I've been:

None as yet