He's done nothing of any importance for the first two years of his life except live and grow within the deepest parts of the pampas at his mother's side. Under Evarae's watchful eye and Gossip's firm mentoring, Picard had shaped into a somewhat mature young colt. Though both had failed to teach him one thing, and that was how to find and use the magic within. Though that being said, the colt had never really shown definitive signs that he was capable of much if anything at all. 

Over the past two short years the only signs of the magic that was growing within him were the way the shadows pulsed around him according to his heartbeat. With each thump of his heart the shadows would reach for him as though they were drawn to him. Maybe they were. Whether or not he'd discover the truth now or later had yet to be determined. This meant that for now he was just ordinary and it was something he had willingly come to terms with. So once he reached the age of two, the "ordinary" spotted colt found himself venturing away from his mother's nesting grounds and further into the wide open spaces of the Pampas. 

Under his hooves lay the carcasses of the dying flowers that spent most of the year in bloom and giving the territory a unique draw among all of the Beqanna residents that knew about them. Their drug like properties had been described to him by Gossip and his mother, though the colt had never tried inhaling their pollen. He's certain if he had tried that his mother would have murdered him right then and there for participating in "grown up activities". 

Though now that he stands amongst the dying red petals, he wonders how he had allowed himself to grow up so sheltered. How had he never challenged her? How had he allowed her to keep him hidden away under the premise that it was in his best interest? It's questions he honestly can't answer and so he stands there wondering what life would have been like if it had been the opposite. It's only when he hears the crunch of hoofbeats that he turns his delicately shaped head towards the noise, an eye searching for the other. "Hello," he says quietly when he finally catches sight of them.

PICARD

"the road from legitimate suspicion to rampant
paranoia is very much shorter than we think."

It's been a quiet life so far. One full of simply growing and maturing and for lack of a better word, boredom. Finally stepping out of the "nest" and making his way out into the world was his first step towards freedom and independence and maybe that of true growth. As a result he's found his way, maybe intentionally even, into Obscene's line of sight.

It's only when the black stallion makes his appearance that he relaxes and for a moment he studies the way the gold glitters across the other's strong features. His eyes follow the trail of shimmer and sparkle towards the other's chest. "That's me," the gold spotted colt says in response to the dark prince. An eye travels up to meet the gaze of the other before him and he tilts his head in curiosity. He's used to being watched, though truthfully not from a distance and certainly not without knowing. So when the other hints that he's always known that Picard was there his heart pounds momentarily in his chest and a rush of adrenaline spikes within. "I have," he responds, this time with more confidence behind his tone despite his lack of social skills.

"Why?" The question lingers between them and for a moment Picard looks towards the sky, his breath building in his chest. It takes a moment but soon he looks back down towards the other and sighs softly, the air escaping his lungs with relaxed relief. "I want more then a life of solitude," he shifts the weight of his body and his wings widen at the thought of more then staying home in the nest. "I want to discover the world outside of home," the corners of his lips twitch in the hint of a small smile and his eyes glisten with the thought of an adventure. "Have you ever discovered anything new?" It's a question he can't avoid. He wants to hear of any and all stories that are able to be told.

PICARD

"the road from legitimate suspicion to rampant
paranoia is very much shorter than we think."

Safety was something that hadn't even occurred to Picard. He was so eager to discover new things and explore new lands that he hadn't once stopped to consider that there would be dangers that lurked in the shadows. Even more so, he hadn't once stopped to consider the history of his own home and the many discoveries it had to offer. His eyes travel over the landscape that sprawled before them and for a moment he is almost perfectly still. A sort of desire began to grow within him in that moment. A desire to know more.


It only takes seconds for the prince to respond to his inquiries and when he does Picard pulls away from his inner most thoughts. A green eye shifts back to land on Obscene and with pricked ears he listens to the stallion with an almost intense focus. The way the other describes each of his discoveries and experiences draws Picard closer. His eyes widen and his wings flutter anxiously. The spotted colt hangs on to every word as his heart pounds loudly in his chest.

Silent tales of murder and death may naturally disturb most, but Picard wasn't them. Instead he found himself picturing the scenes within his mind and when Obscene pauses he says nothing. Instead he shifts his wait in eager anticipation his urge to hear more outweighing his need to ask questions.

When the stallion begins to describe happier and less dark experiences Picard's interest never wanes. Instead it remains as strong as ever and his focus never falters. His breath begins to catch in his throat and for a moment his mind is blank. He has no idea what to say. He simply knows that one day he wants to see it all for himself.

He can only imagine what it's like to see new life be born or for death to paint the earth red. "Woah," he whispers softly. Blinking he looks up at the other his lips pressed together in thought when a question follows. He takes a moment to respond yet he knew the answer before the question had even been asked. "Yes," he says with a strong confidence. "I am more than ready," it's an assurance he knew he could uphold. "I will never not want to see what the world holds."

His heart is pounding even harder in that moment in response to his confidence and excitement. "Maybe I could even bring any appropriate discoveries back home."

PICARD

"the road from legitimate suspicion to rampant
paranoia is very much shorter than we think."

Even though Obscene says that Picard does not need his blessing it’s as though the spotted colt is receiving it anyway. A smile tugs at the corners of his lips. ”I’ll bring as many things as I can,” he promises. He’s sure, at least for now, that nothing will get in his way. In all honesty though, he has no idea what is waiting for him out in the world.

The warning does not go unnoticed and with a crease of the brow and a flash of his eyes he presses his lips together. ”I’ll be careful,” he says thoughtfully. Though there’s nothing that could prepare him for what was what coming. Soon he’d find out just what the world was truly capable of and maybe even what he was capable of, too.

”I’ll be back soon,” he says when the prince nods in dismissal before turning towards the border of the kingdom. With one last look back at the stallion the colt flutters his wings and lifts into the air. Moments later he is gone, his small body darting through the clouds.

PICARD

"the road from legitimate suspicion to rampant
paranoia is very much shorter than we think."