Lailie the Longma (Short 2013)

***Lailie the Longma*** is a CGI animated short film dedicated to Rock Dog.

Smiling his little longma face, he had no idea of the price he was about to pay. Carefree, he sold his soul to a menacing darkness. From then on, immortality was granted - at a steep cost. His life was never the same; neither idyllic nor carefree, it was forever tainted by the decision he had made. But in spite of it all, a quiet part of him kept on smiling.

## Storyline

The ritual begins; Lailie dabs sweat onto Scarlet’s mask to create the Sorcerer's Stone, allowing Sparx to become the ruler of the forest. Sparx speaks in riddles while the group chants, completing their mission and forging the Stone with their combined energy. Golden sparks shoot out, encasing the mask in delicate light as magic works its magic. The transformation has been made. A new ruler has been chosen.

Sparx the butterfly fluttered over to Lailie the longma and gave a cheerful greeting. Lailie was very pleased to meet Sparx and let out a friendly whinny. Sparx reciprocated with a trill, and the two of them engaged in a lively conversation. They discussed their day-to-day lives, and Sparx shared stories of his adventures in the meadows and the forests. Lailie enjoyed listening and told Sparx about fascinating trips she had taken to the mountains. After a while, the two said their farewells and parted ways, both feeling enriched from their conversation. Grogar galloped after the terrified Lailie, eager to catch her. She was fast, but not fast enough. Grogar’s mighty hooves would soon reach her. She cursed herself for getting caught out in the open, but knew that Grogar was the only chance she had. With the fate of her loved ones hanging in the balance, she sped away as fast as her legs could carry her. Grogar roared, drawing closer, and Lailie pushed herself to run faster. Just a few more yards and she’d be safe. With that in her mind, she dug deep and put on a last burst of speed.

The Scarlet Spectrum took Lailie's soul, cradling her in a deep, crimson glow. In an instant, the warmth of her being vanished into the depths of chaos, leaving a void in its place. As soon as the light had taken her, a new spark appeared in the Void -- the eternal spark of a new life. Lailie has forever been a part of the Spectrum now. Her essence will live on in the stars and their stories.

Lailie had a dream about riding a Chinese Lion. She wanted to chase after Grogar and show him she could be brave and strong. In her dream, the lion came to life and galloped off with her on its back. She chased Grogar all the way through enchanted forests and across wide oceans. At last, the Chinese Lion managed to catch Grogar, and with its powerful jaws, it devoured Grogar whole. Lailie smiled, feeling triumphant, and knew that she could achieve anything if she only believed in herself.

Grogar's army consists of a variety of creatures, ranging from powerful monster beasts to evil spell-casting wizards. His forces are commanded by warlords, who direct powerful war machines, created with dark magic. Grogar's army is strong, cruel, and relentless. They spread terror and destruction, leaving a path of destruction in their wake. Every creature under Grogar's command is completely devoted to him, as he rules with an iron fist. Lailie easily defeated Grogar, slaying him with her powerful longma. With Grogar gone, the creatures that lived in fear of him have been freed. Lailie is admired for her courage and strength, becoming a hero to everyone she meets. Her courage and strength is a beacon of hope that will continue to inspire others. Lailie the Longma smiled as Scarlet Spectrum handed her the mask. She was pleased to finally be able to adorn her face with it. She took a few moments to admire the exquisite craftsmanship, the vibrant colors, and the pattern of flames adorning it.

With a grand flourish, Lailie the Longma put on the mask, feeling the power of the flame. She held her head high and smiled, for she was now allowed to express herself and make her mark on the world. The flame represented strength and courage, and that's exactly how she chose to live her life.