THE BEGINNING

My life began relatively peacefully, compared to some. I was born to an ebony mare and was part of the herd she was in. My father was a mysterious rogue stallion with the ability to cast spirit fire. He was hated by the lead stallion of the herd and never joined, but he fell for my mother and secretly they arranged meetings. However, he didn't stick around. One day he just didn't bother showing up and left my mother alone to give birth and to raise me, so I never knew him.

Still, it didn't effect my life. I grew up happily with this herd, spending a lot of time play fighting with the other foals. As an adolescent, we'd fight one another to test our strength. Though I started out as a regular foal, I quickly grew in strength and easily overpowered my friends.

One particular day I noticed that when I got angry, I could cast black fire, but I wasn't very good at controlling what it did. I began spending more time alone, practicing wielding my magic. More and more I became isolated from the herd. None of my friends wanted to play anymore, knowing I'd beat them. They began spreading rumours about me and soon much of the herd was against me being a member. The lead stallion heard many of these rumours and kept an eye on me. He made it clear that he disliked my presence, though was unable to do anything as long as I was with my mother.

I soon grew to adulthood and moved further away from the protection of my mother. Noticing this, the lead stallion began to loose patience with my sticking around.

I remember his challenge well. It was raining and a storm was approaching. Rumbles of thunder echoed off of the distant mountains and flashes randomly lit the sky. I was just grazing alone on the borders of the herd when I noticed a figure approach me through the rain. It didn't take long for me to recognise the lead stallion, and he looked angry. Pinning my ears back to my head I waited for his approach, knowing what was to come wasn't going to be pretty. Rearing up ahead of me he made a display of power and shouted out his challenge. I was going just to leave, let him have the herd, but something told me to accept, to show him how powerful I now was. Rearing up in return, I gave the first blow which sent him staggering backwards. I knew now I was stronger than he was but he wasn't about to let me take the herd so easily. The fight lasted only minutes but for me, it took a turn for the worse. Rearing one last time, the stallion brought down his hoof on to my head, catching my just below my left eye. With this strike, I fell to the muddy ground defeated. He taught me a valuable lesson that day, that experience can be greater than mere brute strength. He left me in the mud, wounded and bleeding, leading the herd away. I'd never see them again.

Over time, my wounds healed and I learned how to fend for myself. I was left with a single black scar which still marks my left eye to this day. Just like My father I had become a rogue.

MAKING MY OWN LIFE

For years after being outcast, I wandered aimlessly, making trouble of myself, driven by the power that had been passed on to me by my father. I'd meet other equines and use them as target practice. Most just found me too threatening and would run from me, so much of my time was spent alone. However, some actually stuck around, even after I attacked them. Though I was confused by this, sometimes to the point of annoyance, they'd stick around, no matter what I did to get them to leave me be.

Gradually, I became befriended by a select few. They'd try to get me to join different herds and at first I refused. The more I was told of the herds, the more I wanted to know about them. And so finally, I joined a herd with one of my friends. Though maybe not exactly social, I was beginning to gain control of my anger and the powers which it brought.

Herd after herd I joined yet each time they'd split up and my friends were left with out a home. Still, it was in this time I met the mare who would change my life forever.

Yet again I'd took to travelling alone, and whilst on my travels I came across a small group of equines. Lost and missing my friends I introduced myself. It was then that I met Nalantii. We got talking and I found her company pleasant. The size of the group gradually grew and we both began to feel uncomfortable. So we moved away together, and this was when our adventures started.

I met with Nalantii time and time again, sometimes in other herds and sometimes alone. I got to know her well and soon grew very close to her. We would often travel together and it was rare to see us apart. It was during one of our meetings alone that I realised how much she actually meant to me. It took me some time but I eventually confessed my love to her, and was more than overwhelmed when she told me she felt the same.

For a short while we travelled alone together, not leaving each others side for a single moment. It was then that we came upon the idea of creating a herd. Settling in Shadow Croft, we founded the Shadowed Spirits together� and well, the rest is history.

CAPTURED

As the sun beat down warming my back, a gentle breeze blew through my black mane and over the meadows. The long blades of grass brushed back and forth gently against my legs as I watched and listened to everything around me in the herd lands. Inhaling deeply he could smell the sweet, fresh scent of spring. Every plant in sight now was either budding or already full with new leaves.

From the far side of the meadow, where the forest met open land I watched as Nal walked in to the meadows. With a grin, I lifted his head and called a happy whinny to her. Stopping, Nal looked towards me and smiled back. Lifting my front left limb I tried to approach but found my limbs held by some invisible bonds. With concern I looked down at my legs before again returning my gaze to my love. With horror I watched as a man on horseback rode towards her. Struggling against my bindings I tried to warn her, calling to her to run. All I could do was look on as the man threw a rope over her head. Anger grew inside, now thrashing wildly against my invisible constraints. As he dragged Nal away, more men entered the herd lands, chasing and capturing all the members of the herd.


With a start, I opened my eyes. Trying to lift my head I was brought to a sudden halt as bindings around my neck almost choked me. Looking down I saw the rope from around my neck and muzzle tied to stakes in the ground, preventing me from moving my head much higher than a couple of feet from the ground. As far as I could I looked to either side of me and saw the other ropes, tying my wings to my back and my legs to the ground, restricting my movement to the very minimum. Warm blood slowly seeped from a deep cut, down my lower left front limb before running over my hoof and joining a puddle. I could feel similar stinging sensations on my neck and rump.

My memory soon returned as to what had happened. Having been on my way back to the herd lands, I had heard the distressed cries of another herd member as well as angered barking of dogs. Instantly I headed towards the calls to find one of the herds stallions surrounded by men on horses. Some ropes held the stallion in place and dogs barked and nipped at its heals as one of the humans approached the frightened equine cautiously. Seeing red, I reared angrily. Sounding a fierce whinny, I charged at the stallions captors, slashing at the ropes around his neck with his blade like horn. The other stallion now free, I turned on the rustlers, warning them away with shots of black fire, something I hadn't done in quite some time. Once the other was at a safe distance and sensing victory over the rustlers, I turned and leapt in to the air to make my escape and to flee from the rustlers. The last thing I remembered was seeing the blue sky above me, and then darkness and nothing more. My anger welling up inside, I tried to buck, kick and struggle against my ropes, but all to no avail.

Looking around me, I finally noticed he was inside a large, old, run down, wooden barn. Directly to my left side was a wide open entrance. The only other source of light was a small window a short distance away from the entrance. As much as I could, I looked back in to the darkness behind me and noticed I was not alone, other horses were tethered to wooden poles that ran along the far wall. Some were held with only head ropes whilst others had more bindings, but none as many as me. Some smelt familiar, herd members maybe. Mingled amongst this smell was the very faint scent of the forest beyond the barn. How far away this was from the herd lands I had no clue. For now the rest of the herd was safe as I could hear the humans at their camp fire, a short distance away from the barn.

Allowing my gaze to drop I stared at the ground. Though I could summon my dark flame with a simple thought, I could not control it enough to use it safely, without either setting the barn alight or doing damage to myself or another. With a sigh I closed my eyes, beginning to despair. How would I get out of this one? My thoughts drifted to Nal. How would she know where I was? What if she were in trouble, if the rustlers had reached the herd already? Being captured, I wouldn't be able to help her if she were in trouble. I had failed her and the others. Closing my eyes I stopped all attempts to struggle against my ropes, holding on to the only thing that brought me comfort, the image of Nal and the thought of being reunited with her and the herd, free.

FREEDOM AT LAST

For weeks, our struggle against the rustlers went on, some of us gaining our freedom, others becoming captured, but not getting anywhere fast. One night, a number of herd members managed to free themselves of their restraints and made a run for it. Wanting to help them, I held the humans back with a blast of black fire, only taking it away when the herd members were a safe distance away. Too weak myself, I remained in my ropes and rested.

Waking with the first light I noticed there was an odd amount of activity. Soon after a number of men rushed in to the barn and began untying us. Shouting orders at each other and dragging us all from the barn.

When we were brought outside I noticed the camp had been packed up and their horses had been saddled and were ready to leave. It then dawned on me, we were going to be taken away! They were to take us all to be sold and to be broken.

I just couldn't let that happen. When we were all free, I reared and started making a fuss, before again using a line of black fire to distract half of the rustlers. We all fought for our own freedom, and once we were out of our bindings we each helped one another until we were all able to make a run for it. As most of the herd ran, me and a few others wrecked the camp and the rustlers belongings as much as we dared, so as to warn them to never return. Once the damage was done, the rest of us scattered and ran in to the forest with the aim of meeting back up in the herd land meadows. We were free! All of us!! Finally we were free!! There was only one thing on my mind, getting back to my beloved herd and seeing Nal again.

Days passed and I was hopelessly lost in the large forest. I slowly began to loose faith of ever finding Nal or my home again. Still, my tired limbs kept carrying me onwards_ however slowly it might have been. Then, a faint sound caught my ear, and though only like a whisper, it was the sweetest sound I could have heard. Nal! She was in the forest calling my name. Stopping where I was I called back to her and waited for a reply. For a moment there was silence and I was beginning to think I was hearing things. Again I heard me name, louder than before. With great joy and relief I ran as fast as I could towards where I heard her call from, all the while shouting her name and drawing closer and closer. Finally, through the trees ahead of me, I saw Nal, running towards me. The mere image brought tears to my eyes. The one moment I had dreamt of for months was finally coming true! Finally reunited, we each held one another tight, all the love and longing passing between us in just that moment and I knew nothing would ever keep us apart for such a long time ever again. I never wanted to let go, though I knew we had work to do back at the herd. As we walked back to the herd lands, I held her as close as I could under one of my wings.

Since then, The herd has been free from trouble from the rustlers and for now, everything is peaceful, and I am back with my soul mate and one true love, Nal.

Nalantii

Nal has grown on me very much. Ever since we met i felt comfortable around her and i have always enjoyed her company. So far she has been the only one i have always gotten on well with, this being rare for me. Truly she is a mare i can trust. She has been there for me even through the hardest of times, and i can only hope to repay this some day. She is one of the only souls i truly feel i can tell anything. Truly, she is very special to me. The bonds we share are stronger now than they ever have been and will outlast an eternity.

Saymis

A close companion. Don't let her delicate look decieve you. She is strong of spirit and i do admire her courage. We once shared a special bond, but i am afraid to say that was a long time ago. I fear it has hurt her greatly. It pains me to think what i have done to this sweet mare... i shall carry this burden for the rest of my life.

Trevoney

Trev ans I go way back, before the Shadowed Spirits was even created. She fast became one of my best friends back then. She's great company and I've always enjoyed having her around. Unlike most, she seems to understand me and I trust her greatly. She was there for me when I neded her most and I don't think I could thank her enough for it. She helped me make some difficult decissions, though I don't think she knows it. I've not seen her in some time, but I hope life is treating her well.

Rain

Rain was a close companion. She came upon me as i was resting, and though i frightened her at first she stayed around. Over time i grew to accept her company. I understand now why My sister trusted her so. Over time we built our trust in each other, so much so that now I consider her as a great friend. I believe our friendship is strong and cannot be broken. Unfortunatly she has left these lands and i have not seen her in a long time. I shall miss you, Rain.

Jade

I met Jade in the herd, seasons Of Nirvana. She's a great uni. Alot has happened since being in that herd. We both revealed things that we were not exactly forthcoming with. She told me her secret... and as a secret i shall not be one to tell it. I havn't seen her in such a long time. I wonder what became of her? I hope one day we can met again.

Once maybe, with the beginning of the Shadowed Spirits herd. A stallion named Vukizo used to terrorise other herd members. He attacked me numerous times but each time he was fought off. It seems he's moved away from this area. He's not been seen for a few years now.

Other than the rustlers, late last year, I've not been bothered. Right now, I have no true enemies, and I hope that it will stay that way.

Ever since I met her, there was something special about Nal. We first met amongst a group of uni's, many miles from the shadowed spirits. She stood out among the crowd, not only with her beauty but her personality as well. She was so friendly and kind. After our initial meeting we met many times more, away from this group. Gradually, I found myself missing her when she was not around. The highlight of every day was seeing her face. It didn't take me long to realise how strongly I felt for her, but I could never find the courage to tell her how I felt.

Then came my meeting with the spirit dragon. Nal was with me at the time. I had to defeat it or it would have killed both me and Nal. It was whilst fighting this beast that I realised how precious time was. If I had lost Nal to the beast then I never would have forgiven myself. Tired and wounded from the battle I lay upon the victorious the battle grounds, and slept. My dreams that night were filled with only one feeling with only one thought, Nalantii.
When I awoke, she was beside me. She had stayed with me the entire night. When she woke, the sun was just rising. The sight was beautiful, its light shining upon all that was around, yet the only thing I saw was Nal. I could wait no longer and so I confessed my love to her as the morning rose. Though my thoughts were hopeful, I shook inside with fear of rejection. To my graetest joy she told me of her return love. I could have cried it out to the world. This day remains one of my fondest of memories.

Always will i love my beautiful Nalantii. No words can express my feelings for her. She has helped heal wounds from the past and as long as she is there, I shall fear nothing. She is my strenght and my light. My heart is hers forever more. She is everything to me, she is what I live for and nothing can change that. To loose her would be to loose my heart and soul. I would sacrifice everything to be with her. Nal, I love you always, forever and beyond eternity.

The shadowed Spirits herd was founded my myself and my wonderful mate in 2004, and has grown and remained strong ever since. We'd been members of numerous herds before but each time they fell apart and we were left without a place to call a home. Finding the beautiful surroundings of Shadow Croft, we decided to settle and start our own herd with the intent of never splitting up.

The herd has been through a lot since its beginning, two attacks from rustlers, attacks from wolves and other rogue stallions. But nothing has ever managed to break us.

The herd is my top priority and along with Nal, we do our best to keep order in the lands and to protect its members and lands.

Free for all Shadowed Spirits guild members ^^

<a href=http://www.neopets.com/guilds/guild.phtml?id=552217><img src=http://www.boomspeed.com/nessa_a/ssadopts/SSBanners/SSHerdStallion1.gif border=0></a>

<a href=http://www.neopets.com/guilds/guild.phtml?id=552217><img src=http://www.boomspeed.com/nessa_a/ssadopts/SSBanners/SSHerdMare.gif border=0></a>

Blinking heads

Requests: Closed until further notice (templates were lost when my computer got a virus =( Still working on restoring/updating them)
Trades: Closed

Rules
- These are only open for members of the shadowed spirits guild.
- Do not use another uni's adoptable unless granted permission from me and the person who the uni belongs to.
- Do not put these in the BC
- Do not alter or claim as your own work.
- And all the other usual rules apply. Thanks ^^

Prancing Spirits

Requests: Closed (sorry, for the moment, I can't take any more requests)
Trades: Open

Rules
- These are only open to everyone.
- Do not use another uni's adoptable unless granted permission from me and the person who the uni belongs to.
- Do not put these in the BC
- Do not alter or claim as your own work.
- And all the other usual rules apply. Thanks ^^

To do:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.


Pickups
(NOTE: Once collected, these will be taken down. This is simply to prevent anyone taking them who doesn't own that uni or is not a herd member. If you need any of the links again, send me a mail and I can put it back up for you ^^)

Belialee

<a href=http://www.neopets.com/guilds/guild.phtml?id=552217><img src=http://www.boomspeed.com/nessa_a/ssadopts2/SpiritBelialee.gif border=0></a>

Ganthe

<a href=http://www.neopets.com/guilds/guild.phtml?id=552217><img src=http://www.boomspeed.com/nessa_a/ssadopts2/SpiritGanthe.gif border=0></a>

Ravenflight

<a href=http://www.neopets.com/guilds/guild.phtml?id=552217><img src=http://www.boomspeed.com/nessa_a/ssadopts2/SpiritRavenflight.gif border=0></a>

<a href=http://home.neopets.com/templates/homepage.phtml?pet_name=Lantaane><img src=http://www.boomspeed.com/nessa_a/dr2/Taanelb1.png border=0></a>

<a href=http://home.neopets.com/templates/homepage.phtml?pet_name=Lantaane><img src=http://www.boomspeed.com/nessa_a/dr2/taanelb2.gif border=0></a>
Saymis
Tormented_Chaos
Alonahke
Ellentjeke

If you wish to have a link to your page shown here just mail Nessa ^^

Credits
Lantaane, his picture's, design, story and webdesign are all © to me.
Please do not take the web design unless granted permission from me.
Please do not copy the story or use any of the breed names unless given permission to do so by myself.
Music: Now we are free by Enya
Please do not take the music on this page. I loaded it on to a private host which I pay for myself.
I ask you not to take any pictures and claim them as your own as the theft of any of my art will result in the freezing of your account.
Thank you.