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  • Beqanna

    COTY

    Assailant -- Year 226

    QOTY

    "But the dream, the echo, slips from him as quickly as he had found it and as consciousness comes to him (a slap and not the gentle waves of oceanic tides), it dissolves entirely. His muscles relax as the cold claims him again, as the numbness sets in, and when his grey eyes open, there’s nothing but the faint after burn of a dream often trod and never remembered." --Brigade, written by Laura


    Face to the sun || Warrick - Any
    #1
    A galloping gait - one two three. Her heart is weightless in that moment of complete suspension at the end of each stride. One two three -flying. But she has no wings like the filly Bristol she has just parted with. A downhill gallop is the nearest thing to flight Tangerine will ever experience. She takes her fill.

    Her tail is high, a black banner behind her. Tang blazes a trail all her own. Her lugs are filled to compacity with every breath, she doesn't want to miss anything. Scent, sight, or sensatioons. Her time in this new world has not been disappointing. Unlike the plains of her birthplace there are new features to this land at every mile. Before her a stream, a splash. A fallen tree, a leap. She glances back, her smile affecting all her features, to see how the stallion takes the jump. 

    The ground hardens, the land is changing. She shortens her stride, her pace slowing. After the freedom of the gallop the trot feels awkward and she relaxes into a loose easy walk. 

    She had taken the lead and headed north, but now the air is changing. She has a feeling they are nearing this Tephra. His home. It's time for him to take the lead. And she wouldn't mind walking for a bit, she wants to get to know him. It's rare for her to meet a horse she doesn't see something admirable in... but he has something extra that draws her. And of course it's a bonus that he probably has the answers to most the questions buzzing around her head. 

    The sun is entering it's last phase before dusk, the golden hour. It's one of her favorite times of the day. The slanted afternoon sunbeams filter threw the foliage forming rays filled with flecks of illuminated dust. Golden threads of the spider's webs crossed the trail before her. She is almost sad to break them with her passing.

    But these little beauties around them don't hold her attention they way the would if she was alone. And she lets her eyes and ears drift to Warrick.
    #2

    The young girl was spirited and lively, which was comforting for Warrick to witness; a soul so hopeful and open to the world around her, without fear and without grief. He clings to her joyfulness, soaking up her youthful exuberance in an unconscious attempt to relive his own. Perhaps that is why he is drawn to others – to immerse himself in their excitement and delight so he might remind himself of those emotions that he could feel no other way.

    He follows her easily, allowing her to take the lead for the time being. He felt young again (though he wasn’t that much older than Tang to begin with) as he leaps and crashes through Beqanna. Memories of galloping full speed through fields and streams with Beyah flood his mind – racing until just short of breathlessness, falling over each other in laughter as their mother’s gentle voice chides them for venturing so far from her eyesight. The memories were wholesome and lovely, electric and vibrant in his mind, but unfortunately they were merely memories – lost somewhere in the labyrinth of time, never to be truly relived. Even good memories can become bad ones.

    However, his face does not falter at the familiar prick of sadness that twinges in his chest and throat. He is too encumbered with keeping up with Tang, as well as making sure they were headed in the right direction. Without hesitation he splashes into the shallow river after her, kicking out his heels as he leaps from the water and back onto the grass, laughing as the water darkens his skin. His blue eyes look up to find Tang, but she is already gone, galloping towards a fallen tree. He grins, haunches tightening for a moment as he prepares to push forward. He leaps back into his gallop, cobalt legs eagerly eating up the ground beneath him. Too long had it been for a good, solid run – and with the present company, the stallion was feeling fantastic. He follows her, gracefully soaring over the fallen tree and alighting squarely on its other side. He continues to trail her, tossing his head as she glances behind to see if he had taken the jump as she had, a smile crossing his whiskered lips.

    She continues to lead for the time being, and when she begins to slow, the bay stallion draws up next to her, smiling breathlessly. “You’re a wonderful travel companion,” he says kindly. He has truly enjoyed her company so far and he is not in the least bit uncertain that she would do well here in Tephra, however short her time here may be. The quiet, tropical world needed her brightness.

    “We are almost there. I’m sure you can feel the difference in the temperature.” She may begin to notice the slow climb in heat, as well as the muggy and humid air that comes with living in such a tropical climate. Especially with the volcano being so near the heart of all of Tephra, which adds even more heat to the already stifling air. Warrick is thankful for the plentiful sources of water (and the ocean) that is mostly used to cool off from the intense warmth.

    From his long and winded gallop, Warrick can feel his dark tresses clinging tightly to his auburn neck and face (and with the humid air aiding in his feeling of stickiness). He takes a deep breath and sighs, thankful that the coolness of night will soon be upon them. The world around them was basking in a golden glow, dipped in honey. He smiles to himself – the sunsets in Tephra were breathtaking, especially with the orange luminosity of the volcano’s streams of magma.

    He looks up, his blue eyes fixating on the horizon as they walk into Tephra. The volcano now looms before them, a silent and shadowy giant billowing plumes of ash and smoke, spitting with flame and fire. Warrick glances at Tang from the corner of his eyes, stealing a peek at her through the thickness of his black forelock, waiting to see her reaction.

    w a r r i c k

    #3
    At her side he matches her stride and her heart is full. The exercise has left her heart beating a little quicker and stronger. She savors the sensation of her blood moving swiftly, the slight tingle as the red river inside of her brings much need oxygen to quivering muscles. Her head is full of new smell - a spicy tropical fragrance. The air here is almost drinkable. The air it thick. It smells of flowers and fruits but also salty,  and something else she couldn't name but guesses is the volcano. She likes the layers of scent, salty and slightly volcanic underneath but softened with the fresh living smells of the lush earth. 

    "You’re a wonderful travel companion," he says. She absorbs his compliment like young green leaves drink in the morning sun. And she is truly enjoying his company too. The girl had spent the last few weeks traveling in solitude and she relishes his easy company. The memory of him effortlessly clearing the fallen tree followed by the youthful toss of his head bring a short bright laugh to her lips. "I can say the same for you!" She says "we should do it again sometime" a flick of her talk towards his hocks. 

    Their progression north and east had brought other changes than just scent. She was very aware of the difference in temperature. The shortening days and chilly nights of autumn had prompted the growth of her white and gold coat. She was plush and full to the touch but under her coat her body was firm from her ceaseless running.  But here it seemed her winter insulation was unnecessary. She shook her pelt. Maybe she would shed out before spring. If not she was going to be spending a lot of time in the ocean to cool down. Of course she could just nap in the shade during the day and do her living under the moon. That was how many plains horses from her home lived during the summer months. 

    Before them the volcano dominates the landscape. Tang pulles up to a stop, her head high, black forelock flipped behind one honey colored ear. The rocky sides of the volcano contrasted sharply with the bountiful grasses that covered the land stretching out from its foot. It seemed to preside over them. It made her feel like a sparrow in the grass - just a flicker of life in a timeless landscape.

    "Does it have a name?" She asked as an aside. The volcano seemed too grand a thing to not have a name. She spoke the question quietly in an absent minded way while watching the magma roil. Her eyes had the look of a daydreamer who was deep in her own world. She had always been a little superstitious (almost everyone where she came from was) and the volcano struck her as the sort of place that had a soul... and its own type of magic. 

    But these were thoughts she would keep to her self for now and come back to think on when she alone. The daydreamer woke and her mind took a more practical turn. Tang's coat was travel worn and she was pretty sure she could feel a leafy twig twisted in her mane. A quick bath and a good roll would do her good. 

    Her attention turns back to Warrick "You have a lovely home" she doesn't try to stifle the smile that lights up her face "I'm looking forward trekking every inch of it this winter." She shift her weight back into her haunches preparing to jump into a relaxed canter. Passing close by him, she reaches out her muzzle to place a playful nip on his withers on her way to the nearest stream. 


    @[Warrick]
    #4

    He can feel himself becoming happy, beginning to feel a sense of belonging that comforts him at the same time as it terrifies him. He cannot help the quiet feeling of dread that tugs at him, the sense of trepidation that clogs his mind ever so stealthily. It happens every so often, where he would remember a tiny and irrelevant detail such that of his past and the disquieting fact that he is slowly forgetting his long lost (where they in fact lost, though?) family. It cannot be helped and he has not found a way to squash the feeling away; it lingers, ever so quietly at the back of his mind, hovering there like a predator in the shadows, waiting for a weak moment to pounce. Today, though, he was not weak. He felt more alive than ever, he felt hopeful and strong. He focuses on this moment, however brief it may be, and clings to it. It is these moments that he will reflect on when he is by himself to bring a glimmer of hope in his darkest times.

    As the ground grows upwards before them to form into the rocky peak that is the volcano, Warrick’s curious gaze lingers on Tang. He so desperately wishes to see her reaction, hoping that the sight of the sleeping giant will bring her the same feeling it brought him (and still does). He is not disappointed. A smile curls on his indigo lips, his heart pricking with the familiar feeling of affection. Not in a physical sense, of course, (he had only just met Tang and though she was quite lovely, he barely knew her), but in an emotional way - as if they had known each other for many, many moons. He had asked the same question upon his arrival in Tephra, in awe of the slumbering beast spitting fire and ash, and felt that it deserved it’s own name and title. The stallion slowly was beginning to see how alike he and the golden and cream mare truly were. It seems as though they both grew up with stories of magic and legends, finding appreciation in nature’s grand showcase.

    He snorts softly, his eyes finally leaving her and gazing up to the wondrous and timeless creation before them. He fixates on the towering shadow in the distance, alight and pulsing with trickling lava and smoke. Warrick knew well that the stars and their constellations have their own names, as well as the galaxies and spiraling nebulae. It was only fitting that Warrick would assume that such a great monument of nature would be named as well – or at least deserving of one. The volcano almost seemed as if it was alive, and Warrick wonders if he got close enough if he could hear a heartbeat within its walls.

    “Not that I know of,” he replies somewhat sadly, lips falling into a thin line. He remembers his conversation with Magnus, and how the golden stallion had suggested to Warrick that someone should name it. He presses his lips together. “All things are born with a name. She will tell us hers in her own time.”

    Warrick is smiling again, finding comfort that Tang was enjoying the landscape of her temporary home. She nips him softly, playfully, and he chuckles lightly. Before he can return the gesture she is off, cantering away from him. He gives chase, following her at an easy lope. The stars begin to appear as the golden rays of the sun begin to ebb, the two horses dancing in the last moments of the day’s light. Dusk covers them, the land itself enveloped with an unusual glow – silver from the moon mixed with the warm orange of molten lava that runs in rivulets down the volcano and spreads out throughout Tephra with long, glowing fingers. It almost seems as if landscape was caught in between moonrise and sunset – as if time has stopped. It was interesting to Warrick; to feel the familiar silver light of the moon and stars fall onto his auburn skin yet at the same time feel the humid warmth from the constantly moving magma in the not so far distance.

    The two come to a lazily moving stream, hot and sticky with the humid air. Warrick does not hesitate to stride into the cool waters, letting it darken the navy of his muscular legs. He lowers his head to drink, blazing blue eyes shifting to Tang. He lifts his head, droplets of water falling from his blue whiskers. A smile, then a soft nicker inviting her to join him. Even at dusk, Tephra was tepid and warm – the water was cool and welcoming against his skin and travel-worn legs.

    w a r r i c k



    @[Tangerine]
    #5
    FACE TO THE SUN 
    The cool water enclosed around her as she slides into the stream after the auburn stallion, his soft nicked all the invitation she needs. The water softens the grime and sweat built up by traveling and she sighed as it floats away, leaving her clean. For the first time in a long time she is content to simply hold still and relax. The water draws the heat from her joints and muscles in a very relaxing way. She feels lucky to have stumbled upon such a companion as Warrick. He had made her transition to a new and strange land much easier than she even knew. And he carried himself with a quiet pride she found admirable and rare among young stallions. 

    She feels his happiness from his tone and body language and warm content spreads threw her despite the cool water. She likes to see him happy. For a moment her mind jumps ahead to spring, when she plans to travel to The Lake and she has a flicker of misgiving. But she pushes that aside. Her winter here in the tropics is what matters now. She has so much to do before spring blossomed. 

    "Maybe, by the end of winter she will tell us her name." Smiling at her own fancy she turns her gaze to the volcano. Here eyes glowed golden, reflecting the starlight and magma in fragments. The violent emissions of smoke and fire she sees are simultaneously thrilling and threatening. 

    But her attention floats back downstream to Warrick. Questions have been piling up in her mind. The question that has been reoccurring most in her thoughts surfaces first. "That filly, with the wings... and you with your navy points... are these things common here?" She gestured with her head meaning to include all of Beqanna (although she did not know that was its name) "I had heard there was magic in this part of the world, but I didn't assume I would find it so easily. Were you born with any? Is it true that there are horses with ways to manipulate the world in strange ways? Back home we have stories of fire breathers and shape shifters, but we have all kinds of stories. You never know which ones to take as truth."  She had been told she believed too easily in folk tales and strange stories. But in such a big world there was inevitably mysteries. Lore couldn't be discredited just because she had never seen or felt the things sung in the songs. 

    Her forelock drips heavily into her face, little rivers run down her flanks. With a shake of her head droplets rain away in a star shower, catching light as they fly away. As the sun dips below the horizon line the two are wrapped in an artificial twilight. The fiery mountain and its fingers of lava casts a warm glow on the surrounding world. Despite the ambient light the stars mange to hold their own, contrasting the red glow with blazing white brilliance
    Tangerine


    @[Warrick]
    #6

    He watches her with bright eyes, illuminated by the orange glow of the volcano and the brilliant starlight above them, as she easily moves into the water with him. The water is cool and refreshing against their hot and tired skin, soothing burning muscles and releasing the dust from the full day’s travel. Tang was lovely; a vivid spirit, set alight within a darkened world. He feels drawn to her, like a moth to a flame. She is bright and illuminates him, bringing out the parts of him that he didn’t know still existed deep within his soul.

    The night air brings a chilled breeze to brush against his damp skin, a sign that winter was heavy in other areas of Beqanna. He realizes that he will miss the day that Tang leaves Tephra for the Lake in the spring – but he understands that holding a wanderer to one place was cruel. He would not expect her to stay with him in the tropical landscape forever; but he would expect her to visit frequently. Their friendship was quickly growing, blossoming into a relationship that Warrick felt himself leaning onto willingly.

    Tang’s words are magical and whimsical, so much like his sister’s from days past. His heart swells in pride, enjoying the fact that she too shared the same ideas when it came to the world around them. He smiles at her, lowering his head to drink from the water slowly. The still waters reflect the moon’s silver light in the soft ripples that came from his lips disturbing the surface, his long black tail melting into the water as it floats lazily behind him. His cobalt-tipped ears prick curiously, then realizes how incredibly daft he had been as her host. He lifts his head quickly, clearing his throat. “I’m so sorry!” he exclaims with a laugh, tossing his head as he did so. “I shouldn’t assume that everyone has seen what I’ve seen.”

    He walks towards her, his indigo legs pulling himself through the water as it parts against his strong chest. He stands beside her now, his tangled and wet mane plastered against the curve of his neck. “Beqanna’s magic comes from its depths. There are fairies who give the earth and its residents that magic, choosing when we could receive less or more of it.” He pauses, letting the information sink in. Crickets fill the silence, an orchestra of chirps in the grasses on the shoreline that sway delicately in the nighttime breeze.

    “I never knew my father, but my mother inherited some unique traits from her family. The navy of my legs are from her side of the family,” he pauses, gesturing with his head down at a foreleg that he had risen from the water momentarily. He thinks of Orani, his skin shivering with the familiar prick of grief that overwhelms him each time her memory comes to his mind. Subconsciously, he leans his weight towards Tang, his shoulder brushing against her golden and cream skin; almost in weariness. He snorts softly, composing himself and his thoughts, though does not move himself from her as he continues. “Any kind of magic you can think of, Tang, is somewhere here in Beqanna. It sounds wonderful, and it is. But you must be careful.”

    Warrick’s blue eyes peer out from the mass of black forelock, giving the young mare a small smirk to reassure her. “Not all horses will use their abilities in the way that it was originally intended. Promise me that when you leave here in the Spring, you understand that not all horses here are as welcoming as Bristol and myself.”

    w a r r i c k



    @[Tangerine]

    I started this post and forgot that we were doing a time warp thingy cause I am a mess. So feel free to do whatever you want in the next post and I will follow willingly <3333
    #7
    tangerine
    face to the sun

    "I'm so sorry!" He exclaims as her eyes widen and she sakes her head in disagreement with his words. "Warrick! You have been perfect." She couldn't have invented a better guide, a more fit segway between her old life and the new.

    A chill breeze lifts her forelock placing a kiss her on her brow before spiraling away, onto other adventures. A breeze is always on the move. If a breeze ceases to move it no longer existed- it became nothing, stagnant air. She closes her eyes and savers the cool. She feels completely at ease here in the stream with Warrick as the night settles over them. Tephra is just, if not more, lovely at night she decides.

    He speaks of magic and fairies and she listens like a child. A laugh sits waiting in her throat, ready to chime but never does. She isn't quite sure if he is playing with her or being serious. But she searches his face intently drawing information not only from what his words tell her but also his body, his features. He wasn't making this up. This place is straight from a fairy tale. Hearing strange stories makes them easier believe when they happen to you.  

    The volcano grumbles like a beast in sleep. As is to confirm that this was no ordinary world.

    A chill passes over her racking its thin cool fingers threw her hair, her skin. in the scilence which follows she is glad for his closeness. The sounds of the night go unregistered around her as she processes the implications of a world with boundless, deep magic. 

    His voice pulls her out of contemplation, gently leading her back. He speaks of his family and there is no joy in his voice.

    He leans into her and she welcomes his touch. Whether his mind agrees or not, his body seeks the comfort she has to give. Her thoughts can't help but return to the two hints of sadness he has (probably unintentionally) given her. She was always looking for the deeper story.

    She wants to play the part he needs. The sister, or the lover. Her heart is extensive, she can be many different things without losing any other part of her self. Her soul is vast, she has plenty to give. Like the goddess of love she is strong and bright, blessed with an inner glow, she has energy to give him if he needs it.

     But he hasn't asked for her help. And although she feels connected to him despite the relatively short time they had been together, she knows stallions can be flighty when it comes to unsolicited care. 

    And anyway, he pushes the conversation on. Returning to the topic of magic. She hears his warning, but like any young spirit who hasn't seen much trouble she doesn't let the seriousness sink in. She affectionately presses her neck into his, leaning her head on his check for just a moment. So far her new home is more than she dreamed it would be. The traveling, excitement, and novelty of the day are beginning to take their toll on her young body. And she looks to the soft riverbank. It's time for that roll. 

    "it's been a good day." She sighs happily. "Is this an all right place to rest? Or should we find somewhere more sheltered... away from the gremlins?"  From anyone else this may have sounded sarcastic or blasé. Despite the fact she was half joking, her voice maintained its innocence. She knew that here, anything was possible. 

    "I like to sleep under the stars."




    ………….......................................
    OOC- @[Warrick] You can start that new mid winter thread now if you want! Feel free to assume she is excited to see him/staring happily at a flower/taking to the volcano... whatever lol




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