09-18-2017, 09:39 PM
If he were completely honest with himself, Aten had considered not following Circinae's request and instead journeying to Sylva to find out what was supposedly going on there. It would have been to check on his dam, Anahi, since he heard she'd been living there, but convinced himself that she had Raxa and Eiria there with her, so the three of them could take care of each other. Though he did not yet know about his sister's disappearance or the fact that Gryffen was now taking over Sylva just as he had Taiga, he would soon find out since Aten's curiosity was never sated for long.
After saying goodbye to Circinae in the Forest, following their brief meeting after Taiga's destruction, Aten did linger for a short time to make up his mind about where to go. There were other kingdoms he could go explore, to find a home, but given how his last one was just destroyed, the stallion was searching for peace of mind right now, to find some sanctuary and have some security in his mind. The scars of losing Taiga were still far too fresh, both mentally and physically since the burns from the lava water had yet to heal.
About a day after Circinae left him, Aten made up his mind. The stallion started his journey toward Hyaline, going over the information he'd heard about the River kingdom during his excursions to the Field. Beyond the fact that it was ruled by twins and recruited mostly young horses as a sanctuary of sorts, he didn't know much. Aten was worried that he might be considered too old for whatever standards they had, but why would they reject him if what Circinae said was true? Did he only need to say her name and perhaps be given a safe place to stay until he was ready to go out and perhaps search for a new home, or until Taiga was well enough from its destruction to perhaps host another herd?
Aten spent most of his journey in silence, his eyes partially glazed over as if he were in a daze. Mostly, he was just deep in thought, but on occasion came out of it long enough to see what was going on around him. Spring was starting to make its way back to Beqanna, the white snow melting from the ground and revealing the fresh grass beneath. But Aten did not have an appetite, not right now anyways. His anxiety regarding the situation for living in Hyaline was dominating every other instinct he had. Only when in Hyaline would he relax enough to allow himself to eat and get some real energy back into his body.
His time of travel was finally over when Aten reached Hyaline's border. As he has gotten closer, the stallion took note of how the grassy meadow ground changed to a bit more rocky and rough, showing how different this kingdom was from the others in Beqanna. It still had plenty of vegetation and water sources for those who lived here, but the ground was different than Aten was used to. If he did stay here, or was allowed rather, he'd get used to it in time. The fact that he was also surefooted thanks to his parents would also be of help. His hooves still pained him when he walked so being able to trust his instincts to avoid falling down would make living here one more task to cross off his list.
From his vantage point as well, Aten could see a large, crystal lake situated in the middle of a large gathering of mountain slopes that led down toward it. There was flat ground close to it as well so that those who lived here wouldn't have to stand at an angle to drink, which also relieved him. No task like that should be made difficult.
Remembering his manners, Aten did not cross the border. Instead, he tilted his head up and let out a call, asking for a kingdom resident to please come and meet him so he could explain his business here.
After saying goodbye to Circinae in the Forest, following their brief meeting after Taiga's destruction, Aten did linger for a short time to make up his mind about where to go. There were other kingdoms he could go explore, to find a home, but given how his last one was just destroyed, the stallion was searching for peace of mind right now, to find some sanctuary and have some security in his mind. The scars of losing Taiga were still far too fresh, both mentally and physically since the burns from the lava water had yet to heal.
About a day after Circinae left him, Aten made up his mind. The stallion started his journey toward Hyaline, going over the information he'd heard about the River kingdom during his excursions to the Field. Beyond the fact that it was ruled by twins and recruited mostly young horses as a sanctuary of sorts, he didn't know much. Aten was worried that he might be considered too old for whatever standards they had, but why would they reject him if what Circinae said was true? Did he only need to say her name and perhaps be given a safe place to stay until he was ready to go out and perhaps search for a new home, or until Taiga was well enough from its destruction to perhaps host another herd?
Aten spent most of his journey in silence, his eyes partially glazed over as if he were in a daze. Mostly, he was just deep in thought, but on occasion came out of it long enough to see what was going on around him. Spring was starting to make its way back to Beqanna, the white snow melting from the ground and revealing the fresh grass beneath. But Aten did not have an appetite, not right now anyways. His anxiety regarding the situation for living in Hyaline was dominating every other instinct he had. Only when in Hyaline would he relax enough to allow himself to eat and get some real energy back into his body.
His time of travel was finally over when Aten reached Hyaline's border. As he has gotten closer, the stallion took note of how the grassy meadow ground changed to a bit more rocky and rough, showing how different this kingdom was from the others in Beqanna. It still had plenty of vegetation and water sources for those who lived here, but the ground was different than Aten was used to. If he did stay here, or was allowed rather, he'd get used to it in time. The fact that he was also surefooted thanks to his parents would also be of help. His hooves still pained him when he walked so being able to trust his instincts to avoid falling down would make living here one more task to cross off his list.
From his vantage point as well, Aten could see a large, crystal lake situated in the middle of a large gathering of mountain slopes that led down toward it. There was flat ground close to it as well so that those who lived here wouldn't have to stand at an angle to drink, which also relieved him. No task like that should be made difficult.
Remembering his manners, Aten did not cross the border. Instead, he tilted his head up and let out a call, asking for a kingdom resident to please come and meet him so he could explain his business here.