06-08-2015, 11:39 AM
 The sun falls across the sharp planes of the mare, refracting its light and setting her aglow. In the bright light of a clear day, she knows she is dazzling - blinding even. She knows the others have to crinkle their eyes when they near her, unable to withstand the glare as they are. Normally, she’d retreat just as the sun appeared from behind a cloud; she’d position herself away from the others to spare their eyes. It was unfortunate, because it was the only time she felt remotely beautiful, afire - burning steel guided by the sun’s light. Talulah would do anything for her kingdom-mates, however, and she would never put her vanity above any of them. But today is different. Today, as the sun arcs over the Dalean sky, (a sea-blue with no hint of clouds to come) she walks freely in its light. Tiphon’s call still rings in her ears, a trumpet that she will always be able to pick out in a symphony of other voices. Her eyes are drawn to him atop his usual hill, and she smiles when she draws close enough for him to see it. Elysteria is the only other horse present when the metal girl arrives, and she smiles at the bay warmly, despite the cold worrying her gut. Where is everyone else? It’s been so long since she’s smelled Tiberios on the wind, so long since she’s seen the newcomers that once swelled the herd. This trio is a loyal unit, surely, but is it enough to sustain them forever? Talulah shakes her head inwardly, not knowing the answer to the question they have long asked. Just before their angel king commences, she feels a soft tap on her shoulder. It startles her enough to jump, but when she looks, she sees that it is only Ramiel. It is as if he had appeared out of nowhere (little does she know that he has, in fact, done exactly that). She’s immensely glad to see him, though, glad that he fills out this thin meeting in some small way. The pair listens with equal interest when Tiphon speaks, four ears swiveled forward to catch every word. He talks of the Jungle and reveals a bitter truth that Talulah has long suspected. His trip to the Amazons had obviously been fruitful in more ways than one, and the silver lady finds she cannot meet his gaze after he says it. It is one thing to have a split heart – she’d experienced it herself, this phenomenon that duplicitously grows ones heart while sectioning it off at the same time - but halving it again is inconceivable. Of course, she won’t let it affect how she treats this brother to her son. It’s in her nature to protect her territory, to defend, to even be jealous (as she’s learning she’s capable of it) but never cruel. Ramiel senses unease in his mother but says nothing of it. His youth leaves him unable to fully grasp the situation; he only knows that something Tiphon said has upset her. He’s glad to have more young adults his age around (besides Josc, foals were a rarity in the Dale). Talk of alliance games is intriguing, and when he can, he asks “will us younger horses be able to participate?” Ramiel thinks of the brother he doesn’t even know, then. Though they are both likely untrained, he wonders which kingdom has raised the more capable horse. He decides he wants to find out. Talulah listens passively until he mentions her and Tiberios’ promotions, nodding when the gold and white stallion offers her recognition for it. She, too, will need some time to think on her choice. What will help the Dale the most? Elysteria wonders about their other alliances, and the grey finds herself agreeing. The last few years have been a blur in both speed and clarity – solidifying ties now will set them up for clear-cut relationships with the other kingdoms. “I am still more than happy to go to the Tundra, if that is an alliance you want to pursue.” She has experience there, certainly. Her amber eyes find Elysteria’s as the new head of the peace caste, “send me where you will.” lady of the Dale |
