AuroraElis
01-27-2018, 06:21 PM
<link href="https://fonts.googleapis.com/css?family=Josefin+Salb|Sacramento" rel="stylesheet"><style type="text/css">.AEQuest_container {position: relative;z-index: 1;width: 450px;padding: 15px;background: #8ea9ac ;box-shadow: 0 0 2em; border: 5px solid RGB(129,146,124); border-radius: 100px 0px 0px;}.AEQuest_container p {margin: 0;}.AEQuest_image {height: 550px; border: 5px solid RGB(129,146,124); border-radius: 100px 0px 0px}.AEQuest_message {text-align: justify;font: 18px 'Sans Serif', serif;padding: 5px 2px;color: #492d20;background-color: #8ea9ac;border-top: 2px solid #3c4838;border-bottom: 2px solid #3c4838;}.AEQuest_name {text-align: left;font: 40px 'Sacramento', cursive;color: #3c4838;padding: 0px 15px;text-shadow: 0px 0px 3px gray;}.AEQuest_quote {text-align: center;font: 14px 'Josefin Slab', cursive;color: #3c4848;padding: 1;}</style><center><div class="AEQuest_container"><img class="AEQuest_image" src="https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/564x/f3/99/fb/f399fbc4c1f75705afffaf2c7f7534ae.jpg"><p class="AEQuest_name">AuroraElis</p><p class="AEQuest_message">One minute she is running, the next a unicorn and now she is herself. Back on the blank slate of white with nothing but a name, her name etched beside her in an elegant script. Great, just great.
Her golden flecked eyes move, scrutinizing the empty space surrounding her. With a flick of her ear, she hears crinkling in the distance. More scratching and then a cyclone of wind is tugging her into its hold. With a quick turn and panicked eyes she attempts to run, but it is too late.
...
“Oooffffttt,” with a heavy thud she lands on her left hip. Throwing the contents of her arms to fall at the will of gravity as she catches herself with her palm. There is a throbbing pain at her ankle. Her free hand unconsciously reaching for the source of pain. Gently, she caresses the tender joint. “Oh my that stings,” she sternly voices in much too sweet of tone. Rotating slightly off her hip as her eyes look to the debris scattered about. Nice one Aurora.
“Are you ok?! Here let me help you,” a kind deep voice calls down to her eagerly. She turns her head to look at the stranger. Finding a charming young man with dark auburn hair and steel grey eyes offering his hand.
“Oh… Umm. W...well thank you,” she replies bashfully as she reaches the hand at her ankle to meet his. With gentle strength he pulls her to her feet. Slightly teetering to favor her injured hip and ankle, she steadies herself. “I'm such a klutz,” she half giggles as she limps to a nearby picnic tables. Observing her scraped palm as she sweeps her blonde hair from her eyes. Now noticing her papers and books flung across the sidewalk that the man is now gathering. He hastily retrieves the last item before turning to her, “Your fi…” A brief pause in his step and voice as he looks to her face, “...ine.” A gentle smile forming on his lips before he steps towards her. Holding out the messy pile of materials to her. “I believe these are yours,” he offers before she takes them and sets them on the table.
“Thank you very much. I don't know what happened. I just got a bit dizzy and fell, I think,” in confusion and embarrassment her eyes fall to search her hand. As she twists it, palm up, he sees the scrape and becomes clearly concerned, “Are you ok? Should we call someone? The zoo has a medical unit.They can check you out.” Immediately she gathers herself with a reassuring deep breath, “No, no, no. I'm ok. Really. Maybe I just need a drink of water. I walked here. Yes, I'm sure that's it.” She begins straightening her pile of materials and grips them back into her arms. Looking to him with a smile, before she slightly fumbles in panic, “Oh I'm sorry. Where are my manners?!” Shuffling the books into one arm before extending her uninjured hand, “My names Aurora.” The man releases a slight chuckle before extending his own hand to shake hers, “No apology needed. I'm Ronan but people call me Rou.” His smile is charming and infectious, but there is a moment where memories surface as she hears the name that causes her smile to weaken. “Something wrong?” He asks at the sudden change in her facial expression. Quickly she shakes her head, “Oh no. I thought maybe I forgot to remember something.” She pauses a moment more before taking back her hand and turning to the facility she had came to. She often visited the zoo in her downtime from work and school. Finding the peaceful environment on a weekday the best time to go for a stroll. She was in her second year of veterinary medicine and enjoyed studying here. Hoping one day to work at a zoo such as this.
The grip on her studies tighten as she tests her walking abilities. Taking an easy stride forward, finding her ankle to still function and her hip just sore from her fall. “How's the book? I've been meaning to check that one out,” he begins to walk with her towards the main entrance. Looking to the cover page of the book on top she smiles, “Zoo… I highly recommend it! It's very fascinating and the story context is intriguing. I mean, if it's your thing. Robert Patterson is one of my favorite authors.” She is quite happy to indulge his question as they near the building. “I'm a student at the College of Veterinary Sciences and zoology is going to be my major… at least I hope. That is if I pass my second year,” always quick to doubt herself, she looks to him, “What brings you to the zoo on a Tuesday?” Bright golden eyes search his face for clues. “Damsel in distress… obviously,” he looks to her with a smirk as he reaches to pull the door open for her. She giggles softly as she steps into the building.
Looking to find the ladies room, she turns to him, “I better go clean up this mess.” She motions to her hand and entire body with a wave of her arm. “I usually come here alone… but if you wanted to join me… I'd be ok with that,” pausing to add, “I mean, if you don't have plans.” Clutching her books again she peers over them for his answer.
“Well, I would...but I kind of work here,” he pauses when her expression dims, “but, if you'll be here until closing I could give you a private tour after?” He smiles with hopeful eyes. Her face alit again, she nods in agreement, “Oh yes. I’d love that!” He smiles happily, “Ok, six under the clock tower. I'll meet you there.” She gives him a thumbs up, “Sounds good, see you then.” She watches as he half waves and walks towards the employee entrance before turning to the ladies room.
Setting her books down on the counter, she runs her hands under the faucet. Cleaning away blood and dirt from her palm. Looking into the mirror, she pulls a small leaf from her tangled blonde hair, “Oh Gods, look at this mess.” She cleans up as much as possible before gathering her things and exiting the bathroom. Heading to the central doors to access the outside exhibits.
.
The sun is high in the sky as she reaches the pathways. Each fitted with a sign of the desired destination. It doesn't take her long to know right where she is going. The african safari section of the park was always her favorite. So she turns left and makes her way. It is quiet, despite the faint bray of the zebras. A couple families with younger than school-age kids point out the different species of animals. She walks past with a gentle smile. Eyes searching for a secluded path that she knows is nearby. Finding it with ease, she slips through the bushes and continues along. Song birds chirp overhead, causing her to smile. A small bench, tucked around the corner, comes into view. It sits just in front of the lion pride exhibit and offers the tranquil atmosphere for reading. She is quick to claim it, setting her books down on one end and stepping up to observe the large cats. Much to her surprise they are nowhere to be found. Their usual hiding spots appear to be vacant, and as she turns to sit on the bench, a glint of white catches her eye. Squinting to see the figure and rising on her tiptoes, she makes out the skeletal remains of what appears to be a rather large bird. That's strange, she thinks. She watches a minute more, taking in the size and color of the remains and believes it to be a vulture. Perhaps it had been eating on a carcass and got caught by the resident felines. With a shrug of her shoulders she turns to return to the bench. When again she attention is drawn to a sound. Her eyes look to the enclosure to find one of the younger male lions crouched behind some brush. The cats eyes focused, as its shoulders readied for a pounce. What is he looking at? Her question doesn't linger long as her eyes follow the cats gaze. A door on the far side of the pen is left swung open. That's a huge mistake on the zoos part, she thinks. Bracing herself against the railing she peers through the thick brush. Straining to make out a figure coming inside the pen. Oh good. Someone is closing the door, is her dismissed assumption. Someone's in there!! She realizes with panic.
Just as she gasps and goes to run towards the front of the exhibit, the lion lunges from its hiding place. In only a few leaps it is swiping it paws and lashing its teeth at the caretaker. She arrives, shouting, “Get out of there!! Oh my God someone… anyone, get help!” The man swings a bucket at the cat and she can clearly see it is Ronan. “Ronan!!” Watching in horror the lion knocks the man to the ground. Clawing at his head and ripping at his body. She screams. Visitors arrive to see the commotion and witness in the same horror as her. They begin shouting at the cat, throwing rocks to distract it. Children cry as mother's rush them away. Another man runs up in full security gear. He leans over the rail and climbs to the edge of the exhibit. She assumes he is a security guard that came to help. “You've got to do something!” She pleads. The man looks at her, “What should I do? Shoot it?!” His hand grabs for his handgun. Raising it and taking aim. His hands, shaking in fright, attempt to steady as he sights in the large beast. Squeezing the trigger, the cat leaps at the loud crack of gunpowder. Bolting for the still open doorway, “Oh my gosh, the door! It's still open! It… it doesn't lead out here does it?!” She grabs the guards arm. He looks at her, wide eyed. Grabbing the rail he jumps back over and begins running. She quickly follows the man. Rushing past families they shout, “Get to the main building. Hurry! Get out of here… it's loose!” People begin fleeing towards the entrance. Knocking into each other and they rush to safety. She stops briefly to watch as children and parents alike, scream in terror.
Turning again to follow the guard, who rushes toward a walkway around the back of the enclosure, she spots the open door. Frantically searching for any sign of the lion, they slow and approach cautiously. Help!! Ahhh!! They both turn to the left. A young woman screams, clutching a stroller with a baby in her arms. They begin running towards her only to find the lion slowly moving in for an attack. The guard raises his weapon again, more steady this time, and fires two shots at the cat. Hitting it once in the shoulder. It jerks forward and jumps into the brush. Mikey! The lady screams and rushes towards a small body laying on the ground. She gasps as her eyes find a young boy laying in a pool of blood. Tears begin to fill the corners of her eyes as she walks towards the woman. Shock struck her mind is slow to respond. Call for help please! The mother screams as she holds her crying infant and lifeless son. She doesn't know where the guard has gone and when she comes to, she fumbles for her phone. Quickly dialing 9-1-1
Dispatcher:
911 what's your emergency
“Hello… I'm at the City Zoo. A lion escaped its cage and has attacked two people. I… I…
Do you know where it is now?
“No. I don't. A security guard shot it at least once. I'm here with a woman whose son is bleeding really bad. We are just near the back of the exhibit. Please hurry”
A couple more shots are heard in the distance as more screams erupt. She looks to the woman before assuring her help was on the way. She feared it was too late for the boy and her gut wrenched on what hell the mother is going through. “Ronan!” She whispers almost as the phone falls from her grasp. Turning her eyes to the doorway just within the brush line. Somberly she begins walking in the direction of the open door. The woman's cries fading behind her. Her heart begins to thud in her chest to the point of breathlessness. Each step seemed drawn out, as if everything was in slow motion. Reaching her hand out, she grips the doors handle. Moving the door aside, as she looked into the cage. Wearily searching for another cat to leap from its hiding place. She assumes that if there was another that it would have escaped already. As the events cloud her mind she pieces them together logically; Ronan must have been going in to clean up the bird remains and one of the lions hid. Not realizing one had remained in the pen, Ronan entered and left the door open. She enters the cage and looks to where Ronan would be. Faintly seeing a figure collapsed on the ground, it remains still as she approaches. Golden eyes fixed on the body of the kind man she had met not so long ago.
There is blood. Lots of blood. He was curled into a fetal position and facing away from her. Clothes tattered and soaked, she assumes his fate is much the same as the child's. Her vision, blurry from tears, notices a slight movement coming from the still body. She gasps, “Rou?!” Rushing to his side, she kneels behind him. Hands hovering just above his side. She doesn't know what to do. He begins to turn towards her. His head turning slightly to reveal the extent of the lions damaging claws. Her hands wisk to her lips to cover the sound of horror escaping her. His near perfect face….gone.
</p><p class="AEQuest_quote">Not all that glitters is gold</p></div></center>
1. Skeleton of bird
2. A mistake at the zoo (door left open)
3. Frightened security gaurd
Word count: 2,369
*TRIGGER WARNING*
Contains death, blood and disfigurement of a child, as well as an adult.
Her golden flecked eyes move, scrutinizing the empty space surrounding her. With a flick of her ear, she hears crinkling in the distance. More scratching and then a cyclone of wind is tugging her into its hold. With a quick turn and panicked eyes she attempts to run, but it is too late.
...
“Oooffffttt,” with a heavy thud she lands on her left hip. Throwing the contents of her arms to fall at the will of gravity as she catches herself with her palm. There is a throbbing pain at her ankle. Her free hand unconsciously reaching for the source of pain. Gently, she caresses the tender joint. “Oh my that stings,” she sternly voices in much too sweet of tone. Rotating slightly off her hip as her eyes look to the debris scattered about. Nice one Aurora.
“Are you ok?! Here let me help you,” a kind deep voice calls down to her eagerly. She turns her head to look at the stranger. Finding a charming young man with dark auburn hair and steel grey eyes offering his hand.
“Oh… Umm. W...well thank you,” she replies bashfully as she reaches the hand at her ankle to meet his. With gentle strength he pulls her to her feet. Slightly teetering to favor her injured hip and ankle, she steadies herself. “I'm such a klutz,” she half giggles as she limps to a nearby picnic tables. Observing her scraped palm as she sweeps her blonde hair from her eyes. Now noticing her papers and books flung across the sidewalk that the man is now gathering. He hastily retrieves the last item before turning to her, “Your fi…” A brief pause in his step and voice as he looks to her face, “...ine.” A gentle smile forming on his lips before he steps towards her. Holding out the messy pile of materials to her. “I believe these are yours,” he offers before she takes them and sets them on the table.
“Thank you very much. I don't know what happened. I just got a bit dizzy and fell, I think,” in confusion and embarrassment her eyes fall to search her hand. As she twists it, palm up, he sees the scrape and becomes clearly concerned, “Are you ok? Should we call someone? The zoo has a medical unit.They can check you out.” Immediately she gathers herself with a reassuring deep breath, “No, no, no. I'm ok. Really. Maybe I just need a drink of water. I walked here. Yes, I'm sure that's it.” She begins straightening her pile of materials and grips them back into her arms. Looking to him with a smile, before she slightly fumbles in panic, “Oh I'm sorry. Where are my manners?!” Shuffling the books into one arm before extending her uninjured hand, “My names Aurora.” The man releases a slight chuckle before extending his own hand to shake hers, “No apology needed. I'm Ronan but people call me Rou.” His smile is charming and infectious, but there is a moment where memories surface as she hears the name that causes her smile to weaken. “Something wrong?” He asks at the sudden change in her facial expression. Quickly she shakes her head, “Oh no. I thought maybe I forgot to remember something.” She pauses a moment more before taking back her hand and turning to the facility she had came to. She often visited the zoo in her downtime from work and school. Finding the peaceful environment on a weekday the best time to go for a stroll. She was in her second year of veterinary medicine and enjoyed studying here. Hoping one day to work at a zoo such as this.
The grip on her studies tighten as she tests her walking abilities. Taking an easy stride forward, finding her ankle to still function and her hip just sore from her fall. “How's the book? I've been meaning to check that one out,” he begins to walk with her towards the main entrance. Looking to the cover page of the book on top she smiles, “Zoo… I highly recommend it! It's very fascinating and the story context is intriguing. I mean, if it's your thing. Robert Patterson is one of my favorite authors.” She is quite happy to indulge his question as they near the building. “I'm a student at the College of Veterinary Sciences and zoology is going to be my major… at least I hope. That is if I pass my second year,” always quick to doubt herself, she looks to him, “What brings you to the zoo on a Tuesday?” Bright golden eyes search his face for clues. “Damsel in distress… obviously,” he looks to her with a smirk as he reaches to pull the door open for her. She giggles softly as she steps into the building.
Looking to find the ladies room, she turns to him, “I better go clean up this mess.” She motions to her hand and entire body with a wave of her arm. “I usually come here alone… but if you wanted to join me… I'd be ok with that,” pausing to add, “I mean, if you don't have plans.” Clutching her books again she peers over them for his answer.
“Well, I would...but I kind of work here,” he pauses when her expression dims, “but, if you'll be here until closing I could give you a private tour after?” He smiles with hopeful eyes. Her face alit again, she nods in agreement, “Oh yes. I’d love that!” He smiles happily, “Ok, six under the clock tower. I'll meet you there.” She gives him a thumbs up, “Sounds good, see you then.” She watches as he half waves and walks towards the employee entrance before turning to the ladies room.
Setting her books down on the counter, she runs her hands under the faucet. Cleaning away blood and dirt from her palm. Looking into the mirror, she pulls a small leaf from her tangled blonde hair, “Oh Gods, look at this mess.” She cleans up as much as possible before gathering her things and exiting the bathroom. Heading to the central doors to access the outside exhibits.
.
The sun is high in the sky as she reaches the pathways. Each fitted with a sign of the desired destination. It doesn't take her long to know right where she is going. The african safari section of the park was always her favorite. So she turns left and makes her way. It is quiet, despite the faint bray of the zebras. A couple families with younger than school-age kids point out the different species of animals. She walks past with a gentle smile. Eyes searching for a secluded path that she knows is nearby. Finding it with ease, she slips through the bushes and continues along. Song birds chirp overhead, causing her to smile. A small bench, tucked around the corner, comes into view. It sits just in front of the lion pride exhibit and offers the tranquil atmosphere for reading. She is quick to claim it, setting her books down on one end and stepping up to observe the large cats. Much to her surprise they are nowhere to be found. Their usual hiding spots appear to be vacant, and as she turns to sit on the bench, a glint of white catches her eye. Squinting to see the figure and rising on her tiptoes, she makes out the skeletal remains of what appears to be a rather large bird. That's strange, she thinks. She watches a minute more, taking in the size and color of the remains and believes it to be a vulture. Perhaps it had been eating on a carcass and got caught by the resident felines. With a shrug of her shoulders she turns to return to the bench. When again she attention is drawn to a sound. Her eyes look to the enclosure to find one of the younger male lions crouched behind some brush. The cats eyes focused, as its shoulders readied for a pounce. What is he looking at? Her question doesn't linger long as her eyes follow the cats gaze. A door on the far side of the pen is left swung open. That's a huge mistake on the zoos part, she thinks. Bracing herself against the railing she peers through the thick brush. Straining to make out a figure coming inside the pen. Oh good. Someone is closing the door, is her dismissed assumption. Someone's in there!! She realizes with panic.
Just as she gasps and goes to run towards the front of the exhibit, the lion lunges from its hiding place. In only a few leaps it is swiping it paws and lashing its teeth at the caretaker. She arrives, shouting, “Get out of there!! Oh my God someone… anyone, get help!” The man swings a bucket at the cat and she can clearly see it is Ronan. “Ronan!!” Watching in horror the lion knocks the man to the ground. Clawing at his head and ripping at his body. She screams. Visitors arrive to see the commotion and witness in the same horror as her. They begin shouting at the cat, throwing rocks to distract it. Children cry as mother's rush them away. Another man runs up in full security gear. He leans over the rail and climbs to the edge of the exhibit. She assumes he is a security guard that came to help. “You've got to do something!” She pleads. The man looks at her, “What should I do? Shoot it?!” His hand grabs for his handgun. Raising it and taking aim. His hands, shaking in fright, attempt to steady as he sights in the large beast. Squeezing the trigger, the cat leaps at the loud crack of gunpowder. Bolting for the still open doorway, “Oh my gosh, the door! It's still open! It… it doesn't lead out here does it?!” She grabs the guards arm. He looks at her, wide eyed. Grabbing the rail he jumps back over and begins running. She quickly follows the man. Rushing past families they shout, “Get to the main building. Hurry! Get out of here… it's loose!” People begin fleeing towards the entrance. Knocking into each other and they rush to safety. She stops briefly to watch as children and parents alike, scream in terror.
Turning again to follow the guard, who rushes toward a walkway around the back of the enclosure, she spots the open door. Frantically searching for any sign of the lion, they slow and approach cautiously. Help!! Ahhh!! They both turn to the left. A young woman screams, clutching a stroller with a baby in her arms. They begin running towards her only to find the lion slowly moving in for an attack. The guard raises his weapon again, more steady this time, and fires two shots at the cat. Hitting it once in the shoulder. It jerks forward and jumps into the brush. Mikey! The lady screams and rushes towards a small body laying on the ground. She gasps as her eyes find a young boy laying in a pool of blood. Tears begin to fill the corners of her eyes as she walks towards the woman. Shock struck her mind is slow to respond. Call for help please! The mother screams as she holds her crying infant and lifeless son. She doesn't know where the guard has gone and when she comes to, she fumbles for her phone. Quickly dialing 9-1-1
Dispatcher:
911 what's your emergency
“Hello… I'm at the City Zoo. A lion escaped its cage and has attacked two people. I… I…
Do you know where it is now?
“No. I don't. A security guard shot it at least once. I'm here with a woman whose son is bleeding really bad. We are just near the back of the exhibit. Please hurry”
A couple more shots are heard in the distance as more screams erupt. She looks to the woman before assuring her help was on the way. She feared it was too late for the boy and her gut wrenched on what hell the mother is going through. “Ronan!” She whispers almost as the phone falls from her grasp. Turning her eyes to the doorway just within the brush line. Somberly she begins walking in the direction of the open door. The woman's cries fading behind her. Her heart begins to thud in her chest to the point of breathlessness. Each step seemed drawn out, as if everything was in slow motion. Reaching her hand out, she grips the doors handle. Moving the door aside, as she looked into the cage. Wearily searching for another cat to leap from its hiding place. She assumes that if there was another that it would have escaped already. As the events cloud her mind she pieces them together logically; Ronan must have been going in to clean up the bird remains and one of the lions hid. Not realizing one had remained in the pen, Ronan entered and left the door open. She enters the cage and looks to where Ronan would be. Faintly seeing a figure collapsed on the ground, it remains still as she approaches. Golden eyes fixed on the body of the kind man she had met not so long ago.
There is blood. Lots of blood. He was curled into a fetal position and facing away from her. Clothes tattered and soaked, she assumes his fate is much the same as the child's. Her vision, blurry from tears, notices a slight movement coming from the still body. She gasps, “Rou?!” Rushing to his side, she kneels behind him. Hands hovering just above his side. She doesn't know what to do. He begins to turn towards her. His head turning slightly to reveal the extent of the lions damaging claws. Her hands wisk to her lips to cover the sound of horror escaping her. His near perfect face….gone.
</p><p class="AEQuest_quote">Not all that glitters is gold</p></div></center>
1. Skeleton of bird
2. A mistake at the zoo (door left open)
3. Frightened security gaurd
Word count: 2,369
*TRIGGER WARNING*
Contains death, blood and disfigurement of a child, as well as an adult.