Desanti Plains

The vast plains stretch out before you, like an endless sea of dancing waves. Winds sweep over the lands, sending the golden grasses and colorful blossoms to bow down and ripple. Above, the giant orb of a sun burns bright. The open terrain absorbs the heat and yet releases it, creating an effect much like a sauna. All around, unseen insects drone on with rising and falling buzzes that merge with the environment.

You are relieved when scattered clouds cover the sun, decreasing the temperature slightly from the shadows. Random trees dot the horizon, and the temporarily cover allows you to hurry to the nearest one. Once under the protective branches, you find that the air is much cooler. Such journeying in the heat has filled your limbs with weariness, and finding comfort out of the sun's rays, you willingly oblige to slide down along the smooth tree bark and find rest. The constant hum of insects and the whispering caresses of the breeze swirl around you as your eyelids fall heavy. Your surroundings fade into one rhythmic breathing, and soon, strange dreams enter your mind.

"Is it alive?"

"Of course it's alive. It's breathing, see?"

Whispers interrupt your sleep, and gradually, you gain consciousness.

"What should we do with it?"

"Let's go tell Blueice."

Your eyelids flutter open just in time to see flashes of brilliant color vanish out of the corner of your vision. Slightly puzzled as to where you are, you stretch and look about. Your memory returns, and one look at the sun's position in the sky tells that a few hours have passed. You're about to rise, when a sudden voice calls out clearly.

"Halt!"

The command within your mind instantly raises your eyes, and you find yourself staring at the tip of a horn. Before you stands a wondrous creature, apparently of the equine sort and appearing to be a unicorn. However, dazzling black stripes run along it's body, complimenting the radiant colors splashed upon the creature. You've certainly never seen something like this before. Perhaps a striped unicorn at one point, but not with such colors as this one.

"Do you not speak?" It snorts in annoyance and drags a hoof across the earth, sending hidden insects fleeing from possible danger.

You snap out of your thoughts, blinking in wonder at how a few others have joined the first. Judging by the awaiting expressions on the newcomers, you realize you have been questioned.

Your face must reveal your sheepish ignorance, for one of the other unicorns, smaller than the first and of a kinder nature, steps forth before the larger stallion can respond.

"Mar'Valla, realm traveler. Your must pardon Flamefoot, he has a quick temper when it comes to intruders. You've stumbled upon Desanti Plains, lands of the Savyre Unicorns. My name is Syrien Jaderiver. I sense that you are wise enough to be on your best manners." She pauses to emphasize the warning.

"I also sense that your mind craves knowledge, and so the best will be done to give it to you."