maybe redemption has stories to tell; elio

[elio]

elio

Tephra is so unlike the cool environment of Taiga that simply existing in it has dampened Elio's neck with sweat. His chest rises and falls heavily, though that is more due to irritation than an actual exertion. Beneath the dark red of his wings, heat traps and stirs, streaking the stallion's golden hair with an even brigther gleam. When he stretches the feathered appendages in the hopes it will cool him, little rivulets drip rapidly down his stomach.

"How does Pteron do this?" Lio grumbles to himself, casting a clear (if antagonized) gray gaze up at the bright blue sky. It's a marvelous day for a swim, and Elio had promised himself he would see a tropical beach while he was over here. He knows Tephra's beaches to be the calm counterparts to the North's cliffs, but he has yet to experience them for himself.

Now, nearly soured by the noonday sun, Elio thinks he will be terribly unimpressed.

The cool, verdant leaves part reluctantly as the golden stallion presses closer to the sound of crashing waves. He grows eager, both with the idea of getting this over with and seeing something new. The thick jungle foliage begins to loosen, the ground softens, the canopy opens up. Ahead, Elio can see streaks of blue and white between brown trunks and green leaves. Excited, Lio kicks into a lazy canter, neck arched handsomely, scarred face, chest and legs glittering silver and gold beneath bright dapples of sunlight.

When the beach is open and the sand nips at his heels, Elio sees Svedka so comfortable amongst the waves. A knot twists painfully in his stomach.

Another wild and free being for him to envy.


Falling back into a prance, Lio draws his chin close to his neck and dances closer to the lipping water.

"Hello, stranger!" he calls, the beginnings of a grin lifting his lips. "Mind if I join you?" Elio doesn't wait for an answer. Instead, he plunges chest first into the water, allowing the salt and sea to engulf him. He forgets Svedka is there, only for a moment, closing his eyes as his legs kick into deeper water. The flare of his crimson mane and tail surrounds him, floating on the surface.

i don't think i could stand to be
where you don't see me

@[Svedka]