Ember's Backstory

The puppy was frightened as her eyes started to slowly open. It was a strange sensation as the pup felt her mama lick her face and a bright light came rushing through. She blinked slowly and looked around, seeing the world she was born into just a couple of weeks prior. She took in the sights, everything was still quite blurry but she could make out her mama’s face and her siblings crawling around, also exploring the world they were all seeing for the first time. She was still a bit dazed, she had dreamed for the first time just to wake up to her eyes opening. How did she know what things looked like in her dream when she had never seen anything before? As she woke further, the dream began creeping back in to her mind. It had all felt so real. A big black and white dog with huge white wings had come to her. At first she felt frightened, but his presence was so calming she felt she had somehow known the fellow dog. She was still trying to process what he had told her. He said that she had been chosen and had a very important job, one he had spent his whole life doing. He said that a human would come take her away from her mom and siblings and she was supposed to love this person? How could she love a human, let alone one that took her away from her family? The big dog had told her that he had gotten sick and had to leave the human and that she was very sad and would need a lot of love to help her heal. She had so many more questions but that was when she had woken up. She was nervous, but looked forward to meeting this human.

Several weeks later the puppy and her siblings were loaded up into a box and put into a giant machine. Her mama told them they were going to the vet to get a check up and something called a vaccine so that they could go to their new homes. The puppy was sad, over the last few weeks several humans had come to see her siblings and she was the only one who hadn’t been chosen. Had the big dog changed his mind? Was it just a dream that had no meaning? She decided not to give up hope yet. Once in what her mom called the vet office, a lady human came in and started weighing all her siblings. When the human finally got to her and lifted her up the puppy started wiggling her tail furiously. She wasn’t sure how but she just knew this was the human the big dog had sent for her. She noticed the human had tears falling from her eyes, so she leaned forward and licked her face. The human turned and said that she had just lost her beloved dog, Buster, and that he looked just like the puppy. The human was told that that was the only puppy without a home, and in that moment both the puppy and the human could feel the presence of Buster in the room. 

A few weeks later after the human had came and took the puppy home, the puppy noticed several photos on the wall of Buster, it WAS the big black dog that had come to her in her dreams. She was so happy it wasn’t just a dream. She loved her new home. The human was beginning to smile again, she loved playing with her and snuggling on the couch. “Ember!” her human called her over. Ember smiled, she was right where she belonged. She whispered a thank you to Buster for choosing her, and ran to greet her new mom that she had vowed to love for the rest of her life, just as Buster had.

”Sometimes people think if they love a broken person enough, they can be what finally repairs them, but the problem with that is the other person just ends up broken, too.” -Colleen Hoover

The Witch Queen #446281

Deep in the woods, on a cold winter morning, was born a young filly, the first born heir to the King and Queen of Cedarveil Forest. Ophelia was a bright young filly up until the age of three, where she developed a more mature personality, pending her ruling of the forest.

When Ophelia turned six, her parents welcomed another foal into the family, this time a young colt who they named Caelum. This odd foal angered Ophelia, and she become very envious of the time spent on him rather than herself, which then caused her to lash out towards her family. She loved her younger brother, but was completely envious of his attention, not understanding that she was still loves as equally, but the colt needed more attention due to his age.

As time went on, Ophelia's anger stayed, but was pushed aside as he prepared to become Queen, her parents had passed when she was only eight due to a terrible accident, one of the cliffs had unfortunately crumbled during a storm and her parents were caught in the middle of it during a hunt. Since her parents passing, Ophelia was left in charge of raising her younger brother, making her attitude towards him a little more caring.

And now, she no longer knows her age, only that many moons have passed since becoming Queen, she now is the ruler of Cedarveil Forest, alongside her canine companion, Zelenka. Her brother Caelum had matured into a charming stallion, who never once questioned his sisters rule, he respected her and the changes she brought to their kingdom.

Zelenka #191720

Zelenka was abandoned by his family at the ripe age of 2 months, he began developing antlers, which his parents were not pleased of, nor understood.

After months of defending for himself, Zelenka came across a young mare, who took a liking to him, he was similar to her in a sense. The mare was of royal bloodline, a queen to be exact, so from then forth, Zel became her personal guardian, the closest friend she had.

Zelenka often wandered back to where his old pack lived, and lurked in the shadows to watch his siblings, he would never go up to speak to them, but he loved to watch how trhey grew. There were days where he would pluck up the courage to speak, but never ended up going through with it.

He is often filled with jealousy when watching other wolves, being part of a pure pack, but soon found himself remembering why he no longer had that.

Once upon a time, in a kingdom surrounded by vast and shimmering lakes, there was a tale often told of the enchanted Swan Lake. The legend spoke of a beautiful princess named Odette, cursed by a sorceror to live the life of a swan by day and horse by night. It was said that only true love could break the spell. Curious folk often flocked to the lake, hoping for just one glimpse of the swan princess; adorned in glistening white as she glided over the waters surface. 

In a distant and forgotten realm lived another princess. Princess Ophelia. Unlike Odette, Ophelia was born with the innate power to weave enchantments through sound; her voice capable of casting spells that could alter the present. 

On the eve of her 21st birthday, Ophelia chanced upon an ancient tome hidden deep within the walls of her castle library. With each turn of the page, she discovered stories of a cursed princess, of love spoken and hearts intertwined. A sense of longing stoked the fire within her, for she was lonely, surrounded by enchanted creatures; her magic, her only consistent companion.

Determined to break the curse that held Odette captive to the lake, Ophelia used her magic to summon a portal to the Swan Lake. A swirling mist enveloped her as she stepped through, finding herself on the banks of the fabled lake. The moon hung low in the sky, illuminating the night. Sensing the presence of the spell, she closed her eyes and sang - a haunting melody that resonated with the waters; a call to the swan princess.

As the moonlight danced on the surface of the lake, Odette emerged from the water, her delicate wings folding against her back. Yet, she was not alone. A figure stood beside her—Prince Siegfried, whose heart had been ensnared by Odette’s beauty and whose pledge of love had gone unfulfilled.

Ophelia, overwhelmed by their presence, felt an inexplicable connection. “Odette!” she called, her voice imbued with magic. “I am here to help. Your curse can be broken with the truest of love expressed in song.”

Odette, intrigued yet guarded, stepped forward, her wings shimmering under the moonlight. “Can love be merely sung, or must it be felt? Could you offer what I have longed for in my darkest moments?”

Before Ophelia could respond, Prince Siegfried interjected. “We have done our best, Odette. Love has eluded me too. If only I knew how to reach you beyond the confines of this curse…”

Ophelia decided then that she must act. With a deep breath, she began to weave her melody around them—a song of love and liberation, intertwining their fates. As the notes enveloped the trio, the air shimmered, and the very fabric of their realities twisted and turned, conjuring an ethereal connection between them.

Odette, feeling the warmth of Ophelia's intent and Siegfried's longing, closed her eyes and let the magic wash over her. A vision unfolded: a world where they were free—where anger and envy held no sway, and where longing transformed into love.

As the crescendo built, a shadow flickered at the edge of the lake— it was the sorceror who had cast the curse all those years ago. Furious at being forgotten, she sought to reclaim her power. In that moment, she unleashed an evil, dark magic to tear apart the bonds Ophelia had forged.

Ophelia, realizing the danger, reached deep within herself. She summoned a new song—one not just of love, but of unity against evil. As her voice rose, Odette and Siegfried joined in, creating a harmony that resonated across the lake, meeting the sorcerer’s dark magic with a brilliance that even she could not withstand.

In a final flash of light, the curse shattered, vibrant hues overshadowing the lake. Odette stood beside Siegfried, now resplendent in her equine form, free from her avian fate. But Ophelia, with her powerful crescendo, felt the weight of the world shifting. Her voice, the catalyst of their freedom, had bound her to Swan Lake.

As dawn broke, Ophelia found herself no longer a princess but an ethereal guardian of the lake. She became a whisper echoing through the trees and water, inspiring love stories for generations to come. Odette and Siegfried watched as the guardian of the lake danced through the sky with her harmonious voice, forever weaving the tales of love and sacrifice into the very essence of Swan Lake, ensuring its legends would never die.

Odette - https://horsephenomena.com/horses.php?id=446316

Soleil #191718

Soleil and the Shadowed Forest

Soleil, an alpha dragon-wolf born of fire and twilight, rules her mountainous domain with unparalleled majesty. Her golden scales shimmer in the sunlight, and her amber eyes hold a fierce intelligence. The wind bows to her command, and the creatures of her realm regard her as both protector and queen. Yet, despite her dominance, Soleil feels an ache deep within her—a yearning for a connection that no amount of power can fulfill.

The peace of her territory is broken when travelers report strange occurrences from a neighboring forest cloaked in eternal shadow. The air within it is unnaturally cold, and those who wander too far never return. The forest, they say, is the lair of Silvanus, a wolf-dragon hybrid cursed to guard the cursed land. His red eyes are said to pierce through even the bravest hearts, his growls like distant thunder that warns all to keep away.

Soleil is not one to ignore a challenge. Intrigued by the rumors and weary of her own isolation, she ventures to the edge of the forest. The air is heavy and oppressive, as if the shadows themselves are alive. Yet, Soleil steps forward, her flame-bright scales casting a golden glow through the thick gloom.

"Turn back," a voice growls, deep and resonant, echoing from all directions.

Soleil’s head snaps toward the sound, her claws digging into the soil. "I bow to no voice in the dark. Show yourself."

A figure emerges from the shadows—a wolf-dragon larger than any beast Soleil has faced. His fur is the color of storm clouds, and his wings seem woven from the night itself. Scars etch his face and body, and his eyes burn crimson, filled with both fury and pain.

"You’ve made a mistake coming here," Silvanus snarls.

"I’ve made no mistake," Soleil counters. "I am Soleil, and I seek answers to the curse that binds this land. Are you its warden or its prisoner?"

Silvanus lunges without warning, and their battle shakes the earth. Fire and shadow collide, the forest itself groaning under their fury. Silvanus’ strength surprises Soleil; though she is powerful, his sheer tenacity forces her to fight harder than ever. Finally, both collapse, exhausted but unwilling to admit defeat.

Their standoff becomes an uneasy truce. Silvanus grudgingly allows Soleil to remain in the forest, though he warns her not to interfere. As days pass, Soleil observes him closely. He prowls the forest with a restless energy, his every step tinged with bitterness. The shadows seem to respond to his mood, growing darker and heavier when he is angry.

Soleil begins to unravel the truth of his curse. Long ago, Silvanus was betrayed by his closest kin, who coveted his power and sought to destroy him. In the ensuing battle, Silvanus was cursed to protect the forest—a prison disguised as a duty. The curse keeps him alive but binds him to the land, sapping his spirit and filling him with anger.

At first, Silvanus rebuffs Soleil's attempts to understand him, snapping at her and retreating into his shadows. But Soleil’s persistence begins to wear him down. Her warmth and light contrast sharply with the gloom of the forest, and Silvanus finds himself drawn to her despite his bitterness.

In turn, Soleil finds herself captivated by Silvanus' raw honesty and the pain he hides behind his gruff exterior. She sees in him a reflection of her own loneliness, and slowly, the two begin to bond.

Their connection deepens through shared experiences—defending the forest from intruders, hunting together, and quiet moments under the stars. Silvanus tells Soleil of the betrayal that shattered his trust, while Soleil shares the weight of leadership and the isolation that comes with it.

Despite their growing closeness, Silvanus remains wary. He fears that Soleil will abandon him like everyone else in his life. This fear causes him to lash out, and their arguments are as fierce as their bond. Soleil, though hurt by his words, refuses to give up on him.

The climax comes when an ancient threat arises—an eldritch beast that seeks to consume both the forest and Soleil’s mountain. The beast is drawn to the combined power of Soleil and Silvanus, intent on destroying them. Faced with annihilation, Soleil and Silvanus must work together.

Their battle against the beast is legendary. Soleil’s fire blazes brighter than ever, her golden scales glowing like a second sun. Silvanus unleashes the full force of his shadows, creating an impenetrable barrier to shield them. Together, they strike the final blow, destroying the beast—but not without cost.

Silvanus’ curse is broken in the battle, but the effort drains him of his life force. As he begins to fade, he turns to Soleil, his crimson eyes softening.

"You were the light I never deserved," he says, his voice heavy with regret and love.

Tears glisten in Soleil’s eyes as she cradles him. "And you were the shadow that taught me how to truly shine."

Silvanus dissolves into the shadows, his essence becoming part of the forest he once guarded. Soleil remains in the forest for days, mourning his loss. When she finally returns to her mountain, she is forever changed.

Though the pain of losing Silvanus remains, Soleil carries his memory in her heart. She rules her domain with a renewed strength, her fire burning brighter than ever. And on quiet nights, when the wind whispers through the trees, she swears she can feel his presence—a shadow among the stars, watching over her.

Kano #446268

The storm was relentless. Waves surged and crashed against the jagged cliffs, roaring as though the sea itself was alive with fury. Cordelia clung to the remnants of her shattered fishing boat, the salty spray stinging her eyes as the wind howled in her ears. She had made a mistake venturing this far from shore, chasing a legend whispered in her village—a tale of a god who watched over the sea, protecting all within its grasp.

But now, as the icy water pulled at her limbs, Cordelia cursed her folly. The waves dragged her under, her vision darkening as her lungs screamed for air.

Beneath the chaos of the surface, Kano stirred. From his throne of coral and pearl at the ocean’s floor, he felt the disturbance—a life caught in the grip of the sea’s rage. His golden eyes opened, glowing faintly in the darkness, and with a single motion, he rose from his seat. The water seemed to part for him, the currents bending to his will as he ascended.

When Kano broke the surface, the storm greeted him with ferocity. Lightning tore across the sky, illuminating his towering form—his skin glimmering like the scales of a great fish, his hair flowing as though still submerged. His gaze locked onto Cordelia, now limp and sinking beneath the waves.

With a surge of power, Kano dove toward her, his movements cutting through the water like a blade. He reached her in moments, his arms wrapping around her fragile frame. For a heartbeat, he hesitated. Mortals were fleeting things, fragile and often reckless. Yet as he looked at her pale face, something in him stirred—a quiet ache, a memory of something long buried.

The storm’s wrath did not abate as Kano carried her to shore. The waves fought him, crashing against his body, but he moved with unyielding determination. Reaching the jagged rocks, he set Cordelia down gently, brushing wet hair from her face. Her chest rose weakly, and a soft cough escaped her lips.

“Breathe, mortal,” he commanded, his voice deep and resonant, carrying the weight of the sea.

Cordelia’s eyes fluttered open, her gaze meeting his. She gasped, scrambling back against the rocks. “W-who—what are you?”

“I am Kano,” he said simply, his golden eyes glowing in the storm's dim light. “God of the waters, and protector of all who dwell within.”

Her lips parted, but no words came. She had heard the stories—of a deity who commanded the seas, who walked the line between savior and wrath. But to see him now, standing before her like a force of nature, left her breathless.

“Why… did you save me?” she whispered.

“You do not belong to the depths,” he replied. “Not yet.”

The storm began to ease, as though the sea itself was calming in Kano’s presence. Cordelia tried to rise, but her limbs betrayed her, and she fell back against the rocks. Kano knelt beside her, his hand hovering over her shoulder. A faint glow emanated from his palm, and warmth spread through her body, banishing the cold that had gripped her.

“You are reckless,” he said, though there was no malice in his tone. “The sea is not kind to those who underestimate it.”

“I wasn’t reckless,” Cordelia countered, her voice trembling. “I was searching for you.”

Kano’s brow furrowed, and for a moment, he was silent. “Why?”

“Because I’ve lost everything,” she said, tears mixing with the saltwater on her cheeks. “The sea took my family, my village. I thought… I thought if the stories were true, if you were real, maybe you could help me.”

Her words struck him like the weight of a tidal wave. He had watched mortals from the depths for ages, their lives brief but filled with struggles he could not comprehend. Yet something about Cordelia—her defiance, her grief—pierced through the solitude he had wrapped himself in.

“I cannot undo what has been done,” he said softly. “But I can ensure you are not claimed by the sea.”

In the days that followed, Cordelia returned to the shore, her gaze fixed on the horizon. And each time, as the sun dipped below the waves, Kano would rise to meet her. Their conversations were brief at first, but as time passed, the bond between them grew stronger.

One night, as the stars reflected on the calm water, Cordelia stood ankle-deep in the surf. “Why do you stay hidden beneath the waves?” she asked. “Why not walk among us?”

Kano turned to her, his golden eyes thoughtful. “The world of men is not mine. My place is here, where I can protect what remains untouched by shadow.”

“And yet,” she said, stepping closer, “you leave the depths to meet me.”

Kano said nothing, but the faintest smile touched his lips. For the first time in ages, he felt something more powerful than his duty—a longing that transcended the boundaries of god and mortal.

But the sea was always watching, and their love would not go unnoticed. Darkness stirred in the depths, and both Kano and Cordelia would soon learn that even gods cannot escape the tides of fate.

MUFASA (#191501)

In the heart of the African Savannah, where golden grass swayed like gentle waves under an azure sky, a solitary figure wandered aimlessly. Mufasa, a striking Siberian Husky with a creamy greyish coat and piercing blue eyes filled with determination, had somehow found himself far from his snowy homeland. His journey began when he’d chased after a butterfly that led him through a magical rift in time and space –a rift that deposited him into this sun-drenched land where the air was thick with adventure yet heavy with uncertainty.

Days passed since his arrival. With each sunrise and sunset, Mufasa felt more lost than before. He missed the crunch of snow beneath his paws and the icy breath of winter; but now, all around him were vibrant colors — plains dotted with acacia trees and distant mountains silhouetted against the horizon. Hunger gnawed at his belly while loneliness clutched at his heart. 

One evening, as dusk spread its violet cloak over the landscape, Mufasa stumbled upon an oasis —a small pool nestled beneath towering baobab trees. While he drank from its cool waters, he caught sight of another creature approaching: a magnificent lion whose tawny mane glimmered like spun gold under the fading sunlight. 

“Hello there,” said Taka, gazing curiously at Mufasa with warm amber eyes. 

“You look miles away from home.”

Mufasa hesitated but then replied cautiously, “I am. My name is Mufasa– lost in these lands.”

Taka nodded knowingly. “I am Taka,” he said gently. “An heir to my kingdom though not yet crowned. Sometimes being ‘home’ feels more like being trapped than truly belonging.”

The two sat by the water’s edge under a canopy of stars gradually emerging overhead, sharing their tales—Mufasa’s bittersweet memories of frosty mornings back in Siberia mingled with Taka’s dreams weighed down by royal expectations. 

As they spoke late into the night, an unspoken bond formed between them — their respective worlds colliding in ways neither had anticipated nor understood until now. 

“Perhaps it is destiny that has brought us together,” suggested Taka thoughtfully after some silence fell between them. 

Mufasa tilted his head inquisitively. “But how can two misfits like us find our destinies?

With newfound determination shining in his gaze, Taka stood tall against the starry backdrop— the silhouette of the future king already apparent despite uncertainties surrounding him. “Let’s find others who feel lost too! Together we can build our own path.”

And so began their extraordinary journey across diverse terrains— from sun-blasted plains to dense jungles where curious monkeys watched them pass by— and soon they encountered other wanderers: Nyala and Zuri— the nimble antelope sisters chasing butterflies; Juma– the wise old tortoise who had seen centuries unfold; and Kani— a flamboyant parrot who painted joy in every word he spoke. 

Each companion added unique pieces to their motley crew while sharing stories punctuated by laughter and flickers of hope—lessons learned through trials endured alone transformed into wisdom shared among friends seeking purpose together. 

Through deserts baked fierce under midday suns or storms that drummed raindrops relentlessly on their backs during chilly nights spent huddling close for warmth — each challenge strengthened bonds forged strong amidst adversity. 

She walked quietly, carefully placing each paw down on the forest floor so as not to disturb any of the grass or flowers that she passed. As she stepped, she watched. There were deer tracks near the stream, where they had recently passed through. Over here was the remains of a rabbit, left from an owl the night before. And every time her paw touched the ground, something bloomed. Here, a new patch of grass sprung from the earth. Here, a flower opened its petals in a patch of sunlight, filtering down through the forest canopy. 

She stopped to lap at the stream, tasting the clear, cold water. A school of minnows swarmed around her front paws in the water, and she reached to gently nudge them with her nose. Her tongue lolled out of her mouth, giving a wolfy grin before she resumed her journey on the shore.

Step by step, she surveyed her land, and the creatures who depended on it for their survival, making sure that everything was in its place, and that harmony was in every breath. 

Finally, Aja curled up on the ground and laid her head on her paws. As the sun set, fireflies gently flickered in the air around her. Her eyes drifted shut, tired after a day’s work overseeing everything. 

This was her domain. She was Aja. She was nature.

For Aja, dog #191774

https://horsephenomena.com/dogs.php?id=191774