[private] I can feel the paradise before my world implodes

[bolder]

As Mazikeen drew closer to foaling, Bolder had begun to think about seeking out his cousin, Malik. He wasn’t sure if the Alpha’s oldest son would be feeling restless, or if he perhaps wanted to stay closer to Hyaline. The chestnut pegasus had no worries over his Aunt; she had brought Malik and Viszla into the world just fine. He doesn’t expect anything different for the arrival of his newest cousin, either.

And there was Firion, now.

But where was Malik?

It had been some time since their hunt of the dragon-bird and now that spring was finally thawing out most of Beqanna’s corners, Bolder was in the mood to explore, to gain more knowledge about the Baltians, to fully stretch out his wings; the warmth spreading throughout the land was revitalizing the striped stallion as well. He had spent most of this early spring - as well as most of the winter - keeping warm by visiting Tephra and soaking in its thermal pools along with the occasional trip to Ischia to sunbathe.

There were a few trips to Hyaline, where he would meet with young Visla and speak with his Aunt, but there was no Malik.

That changes on a day when the seabreeze casts a familiar scent. Bolder had been eyeing the landbridge in the distance - all that remained of Loess - and contemplated another journey to Tephra. What he would do there, he wasn’t entirely sure yet, but the winged creature felt the drive to move. He would have to wait, though. The sun was nearly at its peak, and though Bolder was getting more adept at controlling the shadows that churned beneath his skin, he had no desire to put himself in direct sunlight over an ocean that would only reflect more up at him.

What would happen to him?
Would it cast him completely into shadow, or worse, oblivion?

Shaking his moon-marked face, the wanderer moved through the edge of the forest. Bolder had intended to go deeper where the darkness might conceal him better from the sun, but Malik’s scent nearly struck him. Altering his course, the chestnut followed it towards the sea, where he found the dark stallion brooding. His grey eyes glanced up to see the broken horn, and a mark that hadn’t been there the last time they had met. His sienna-hued nostrils flared, and after briefly looking at the towering griffin, Bolder snorted. He eyed the bird, followed by another questioning glance to Malik, and then prompted by his concern, spoke.

”What the hell happened to you?”

@ Malik