like the sun swallowed up by the earth
Beneath the volcano’s looming presence he found himself, comforted by its sweltering heat that radiated from it as well as the constant grumble of life it emits with every gush of lava spewed from its top. Here, where the smoke is the thickest and the sulfur the most pungent, he finds his peace. The billowing tower of smoke drowns out the sky’s open expanse, keeping the blue-bay stallion feeling grounded and focused. Focused on so much that he had gained in his short time in Tephra. With a deep, shuddering sigh he realizes that he no longer looks to the stars and feels alone. Nymphetamine’s unmistakable call rouses him from his thoughts (thoughts of children and of Hyaline, thoughts of ancestors and constellations, thoughts of flight), and Warrick begins to lumber forth from his volcanic shelter. His wings, great and powerful, remain closely tucked into his sides – he had no wish to travel through the skies today, and would rather sav his strength and energy to fly through the starlit expanse that greets him each night.
Navy legs bring him quickly to Nymphetamine’s side, snorting softly as he comes to a short stop, brilliant blue eyes first flickering to the chestnut (a stranger to him) and then to the blood bay.
Much like Ledger, Warrick has never been one for war. He is purely a logical being, eloquent at voicing different matters and quick to subdue any tension that rises with compromise and peace, resorting to battle only when all other options have been exhausted. His loyalty is fierce and true to those whom he serves, and despite being rather diplomatic and peaceful, Warrick will prove to be an excellent solider if the time came.
Warrick lifts his head slightly as his gaze shifts to Ledger, for the unfamiliar stallion has now given him a name.
“Ledger,” he repeats with a gentle nod of his head, “I am Warrick. As an emissary, please know that not only the soldiers are patrolling borders and inquiring visitors – take it upon yourself to familiarize yourself with everyone who comes to our land. The more information we have, the more prepared we can be.” For anything that might happen, he doesn’t add.
With a dip of his head in respect as well as in greeting to Nymphetamine, Warrick listens carefully as the blood bay stallion shares his recent findings. Warrick’s eyes soften at the mention of Ivar, remembering the encounter they had the previous year, and their exploration throughout Tephra. He is glad to hear that Sylva could at least be seen as a kingdom that could be open to the idea of an alliance, seeing as they were transparent in their information with Nymphetamine.
Warrick’s wings involuntarily flutter at his sides as his confidant mentions Nerine, the uneasiness apparent on the hardened planes of his face. He remembers Nayl, the fierce queen that he had met during his visit with Offspring to Hyaline, and with a deep sigh, his ears fall backwards into his tangled mane passively.
“With Hyaline being beneath Nerine’s and Nayl’s watchful gaze, I’m not sure how promising it would be to form any sort of alliance between those three kingdoms at this moment in time. Our visit to Hyaline did not smooth out things as we hoped it would have. Even with the best intentions, Nayl is not happy with Tephra at the moment.” A pause. “Time will tell just how the queen feels about Tephran residents. Until Offspring and the queen have settled their quarrels, we should focus on other kingdoms and tread lightly in Hyaline, Nerine, and Sylva. I advise not to venture there unless accompanied by Nymphetamine or myself, or even Offspring himself.”
He glances at Nymphetamine, sighing deeply. The heir’s destruction in Hyaline has burned the bridges between three of Beqanna’s kingdoms for the time being, and with Levi living within Tephra and protected by the King, he cannot help but worry that there might be something foreboding looming on the horizon. He has nothing left to say, feeling slightly empty and wishing he had brought better news with him. He waits for their responses, their questions, their suggestions, but he waits expectantly for Nymphetamine's mind to consume the information Warrick had given him, and to give Warrick some insight as to what their next step should be. His promotion had been a great honor, but the blue-bay stallion knows when to look to those more experienced and well advised. He will learn a great many things from him.
Warrick