there was something in the water, now that something's in me
i can't go back, but the reeds are growing out of my fingertips
Though Texas had been born in a herdland beside the Vivid Sea, the existence of kingdoms had always been an accepted – though rarely acknowledged – part of his existence. The land he was raised in was under the jurisdiction of the Chamber of Evil, but even then the monarchs of the kingdom rarely bothered with the small herd lands under their control. As an adult he’d claimed the Wildflower Plateau, and had been perfectly content living the life of a small time herd stallion. But life has a way of turning desire’s on their heads, and Texas had found himself living in, and ruling over, the Dazzling Waterfall. Over a century has passed since the first time he considered himself a kingdom-type of horse, and despite all the kingdoms and lands he’s lived in since that first time, he’s back again at the Dazzling Waterfall.
“It used to be one of the neutral kingdoms, so we’ve never been as passionate about war as the Valley or the Chamber, nor quite as pacifistic as the Gates and the Deserts.” That had seemed like a good explanation when he’d been saying it, but as he lists the other kingdoms to a mare that is likely unfamiliar with them all, he realizes that perhaps it’s not quite as good as he’d thought. “Those are other kingdoms, by the way. There are eight; The Falls is just one of many.” He pauses for a moment, just to be certain he’s not talking too much (an unforgiveable sin, clearly)
“Like I said, it’s small; you’re unlikely to get lost in the crowd. The waterfall itself is magical, capable of healing any injury of ailment.” There, those are the finer points, at least as far as recruitment goes. He’s not quite defined the difference between a kingdom and a herd though, so he adds: “A kingdom has a caste of warriors and diplomats that herds lack, but day-to-day life is much the same if one’s not practicing their caste’s skillset. Does that sound like something that might interest you?”
texas
