Chive's Story
A long time ago, in a land not so far distant was a young male - a woodland faery, more or less. His hair was green and spiky, as were his wings. They resembled the soft onion-grass from which he took his name - Chive.
Life was pleasant, and the green-clad Chive enjoyed it. Unlike some of his wicked kin, Chive preferred to help people, and often led poets and minstrels to places of interest - places that inspired by their very nature. It was not long before those poets were naming Chive as their muse, along with the Muses. Those brilliant women didn’t mind, as he wasn’t capable of stealing their glory. Days passed, and the ageless Chive continued to show the wonders to the wondering. He had no idea when he agreed to lead a young dark haired woman to her desination that his fate was sealed.
The journey was pleasant, and she was good company, but there was something bizarre about her that Chive couldn’t fathom. Then they arrived.
“This is Hermaphroditus’ pool, into which the son of Hermes and Aphrodite fell trying to escape the unwanted attentions of a nymph.” Chive related, “Since that day, any creature who falls into this water will partially change genders - to be both male and female.”
“I don’t believe you!” the young woman squeeled, and pushed him into the accursed pond. Chive instantly felt Hermaphroditus’ curse upon him. Shattered, he... she? rose, water dripping from curves Chive had never had before.
“Oh! It is! It is!” the naughty girl squealed, and ran off.
Things changed then, and chive had to deal with warring tendencies. Green now clad his much changed form, and the purple blossoms of his namesake herb adorned his head. The Muses took pity on the changeling Chive, and granted toe power of inspiration to him. Chive was a true muse now, not just a tour guide.
As the eons wore on, Chive inspired many, one of which was a distant relative of the wily Puck - a tall pale man called Lorn. Inspiring that gaily clothed young man was hardly work. In the years (s)he was with him, he grew close. Upon their final meeting, when the fates had predestined their departure from one another, Chive boldly kissed Lorn. As time wore on, Chive grew to miss Lorn, and realized that it was love. To the gods Chive made petition, but they denied it.
You are what you are. they said.
Yet Chive persisted. “Never have I lain with male or female, man nor beast, mortal or God. I truly love Lorn, and to him I’ll be true.” Chive pleaded.
And if your love he does not return?
“Then I shall remain celibate for the entirety of my life, should it last a day or an eternity.”
Touched, the goddess of love interceeded on Chive’s behalf. Grant this muse what he asks - This is true love.
And it was done - the full extent. Chive became fully - and functionally - female. She flew from the heavens in search of the one she loved.
Unfortunately, Lorn was deathly hard to find. Seated near a glassy pond, Chive rested. Her strength and stamina had not decreased any - where did that rumor of women being weaker come from? - but as intently as she sought, she could not find him. A smooth head popped out of the water, startling her.
“Hi! How are you?” the seacreature said.
“I’m tired, but otherwise fine, thank you.” Chive said. “And you?”
“I’m wet.” Ceandin said, and with lightning quick reflexes, he pulled Chive into the water. “And now you are too!”
Chive squealed like a girl. “That’s not fair!”
“I’m sorry,” Ceandin said. “I was inspired. I’m Ceandin, Hitasuk’s rider. Who are you?”
“I’m Chive, and I’m a muse. Who is Hitasuk?”
“Hitasuk is my dragon. Are you Lorn’s Muse Chive, Chive?”
Chive blinked. “Yes... You know Lorn?”
“Of course I do. His Ryudotailang is from the same big egg pile as Hitasuk.”
Chive blinked. Lorn was a dragonrider? Oh my! “Do you know where he is? I’m looking for him.”
“Of course! He’s at Baeris’, silly muse girl! Come Come! Hitasuk will take us there.”
* * *
Lorn sat leaned up against the fire-and-water dragon who was his. In the crook of his arm lay a tiny green firelizard who was contentedly asleep with the jesters cap that had formerly belonged to Lorn’s staff tied to her head. “I have no idea what to call her.” Lorn whined.
You could call her Jes... Ryudotailang suggested.
Lorn considered for a time. Then as he heard someone walk in, inspiration hit. “Carnivale!” he exclaimed.
“That’s a nice name.” Chive said with a smile.
“Chive!” Lorn said, leaping up to embrace her - and embrace she returned in full.
Carnivale scolded.
So did Minaeya.
“Lorn - paws off the candidates, okay?”
Chive blinked. Lorn blinked. Carnivale blinked. Ryudo blinked twice.
“Candidate?” Chive asked incredulously.
“Unless you don’t want the chance to ride...” Min answered.
Chive stared. “But I came here to bee with Lorn. I would give up everything I ever was or hoped to be for his love...”
Lorn stared. He knew Chive loved him, but that much? “Chive, darling, I do love you, and I won’t stop just because you might become a Rider - I am one. And you still love me. If you want to do this, go. It’s your choice.” Chive was astounded. He did love her! She flung herself into his arms, tears flooding her emerald eyes.
“So what will it be Chive?” Minaeya asked.
“I will Stand, if I can stay with Lorn until then.”
Min laughed. “Just make sure she’s there before the first egg cracks, Lorn.”
Lorn saluted comically.
I’ll get them there. Fire & Water Ryudotailang promised Auspexeth.
Chive's Camo green Luk!
http://www.grsites.com/textures/