Torna, Aster

[Swede]

Name: Torna
Age: Unknown (very old)
Breed: Wild horse?
Height: 14.2 hh
Colour: white
Eye Colour: brown
Gender: female
Markings:
History: She is born of Strath, that is all that is known, for no one is old enough to remember her life, and she has either forgotten it, or will not tell it. It is known that at some point, she bred with an unknown but presumably Strath stallion, and produced a grey colt named Storming, who is now himself aging, though he has a rather impressive herd as he is, or was, one of the highest ranked Strath stallions in the old valleys. A few years later, she found another stallion, and with him she bore a foal who is now King over all the Strath. His name is Rysen, though he is known as the Pied Piper when others think he can't hear. Yet another few years later, she arose great controversy by taking in a lost Dalt colt and raising him as her own, then setting him loose to become the leader of the Dalt, and Straths' greatest enemy. Some wanted Torna to be killed for treachery, but Storming and Rysen intervened on behalf of their mother, claiming she was insane and could not be blamed for her actions. This was easily believable, for Torna truly did behave as one insane. But she had another, more valuable and far more dangerous trait- it is said she can see past, present, and future, and has laid down many prophecies. Some have even come to pass, it seems. However, interpreting her words and differentiating between prophecy and lunatic ravings is difficult, and very few have the patience or the insight for it when she chooses to speak in metaphors and codes. It is nearly impossible to know what she is thinking, or whether she is lying or telling the truth at any given time. In any case, these three colts were known for being Torna's sons (although the Strath often pretended Heilig had no connection to them). But Torna did have another foal after some time, this one a golden daughter. No one knows her sire, only that it must be some Strath stallion. But the golden filly was named Aurelie, and grew up to be coveted by every Strath she crossed. Her beauty must be from her father, as Torna is not much of a looker. But Torna won't tell. The only thing that can be known at the moment is that she travels with her sons and several members of the old Strath herd, as rockslides have blocked the passes to the winter valleys where survival is easier during cold months. Without being able to enter their winter lands, the Strath have been forced to look elsewhere for subsistence. And perhaps power? Only time can tell. Time, and maybe even Torna, if she's in the mood to talk to you.



Deceased January 2011- old age


Name: Aster
Age: 14 years
Breed: Connemara
Height: 13.3 hh
Colour: Brown
Eye Colour: brown
Gender: gelding
Markings: His left side is normal, but his right side is just one big scar pretty much, missing right eye
History: Aster was not of spectacular breeding, but he was a sweet little horse, and excelled at what he was bred for; being a kind children’s pony. For some years he lived with a human family who loved him, but when they were forced to leave the country for the parents’ career, he was sold to a riding school. It was quite busy, but he was always so patient, so that even the smallest children could ride him. Even if the beginners jabbed his ribs or jerked his mouth, he never balked, and was one of the more popular ponies at the school. But then, hard times hit; hay became extremely expensive, and the barn was hit by contagious disease that left half the lesson horses useless for months. The final stroke was when, during the winter, part of the roof caved in. The owners went bankrupt, and were forced to sell their horses.

Aster was bought by someone who had no business buying horses. The man was rough and impatient, and it had been years since Aster was trailered, which meant that the sweet gelding was hesitant. The man had no time for this; after a few minutes of struggling, he gave up, tied the Connemara to the trailer, got into the truck, and started driving. Aster was nearly jerked off his feet by the sudden tug on his halter, but started trotting to keep up. But as the speed increased, his pace turned to a gallop; when even that was not enough, he was pulled off his hooves, landing hard on his side. Aster was dragged for a mile over a gravel road, and his right side was completely destroyed. A police cruiser drove by, and promptly pulled the truck and trailer over. There was local outcry in the newspapers, and the cruel man was sentenced to heavy fines and jail. Aster was taken to a rescue, where thanks to donations from concerned locals, his life was saved. But he lost his right eye, his trust and gentleness, and his sanity. One day, when his scars no longer bled at every slightest motion, he broke out of his corral, galloping off. His desperate escape was cut short when he was captured by the Dalt, taken as a slave. His sanity was questionable, but oddly enough the Dalt learned how to manipulate it, and the death of Shrine was caused by none other than this tortured Outsider. He hardly remembers the incident; he hardly even knows his name anymore.

Deceased late 2010- killed by Toria