i'm on the wrong side of heaven, and the righteous side of hell
He knows too well what it feels like to come home. Too often he had either strayed or been forced from the borders of him home, and each time he returned was more gratifying than the last. The familiar coolness of the dark shadows, the stirring echo of ravens cawing from the tree tops. It all brought back memories, both good and bad, but memories nonetheless. Of all the things he’s forgotten in his long life, he’s never forgotten a moment spent here in these borders. The heart that beats just beneath the ground is the same heart that beats steady in his own chest, and in the chest of his stalwart son. The blood that has flowed over this ground in the same blood that flows within his veins. It is because of this land that a part of his soul is owned by a magician, for no matter how often he strays he can’t imagine ever staying gone.
The shadows stir in the center of the kingdom, and the old black warrior watches with a sort of curiosity tamped with reservation. Perhaps it was Eight, coming to call up some other useless debt. Or perhaps it was simply a trick of his mind. He watches carefully, seeing a small gray figure materialize at the center of the smoke. It isn’t Eight, but its someone Warship knows by sight if not by actually meeting. Anaxarete, queen how many times over? Perhaps he had even served under her at some point; he’s served so long, he can’t always remember. Never the less, he knows this mare, knows she shared a connection with his father. The black stallion waits in his own natural shadow-home as the others file towards her, drawn to her like moths drawn hopelessly to an open flame. He doesn’t notice, but with her arrival, his infinity symbol glowed bright, brighter than it had ever done. Finally he moves towards the group, muscles rippling beneath his tattered coat. The stallion comes to rest beside his son, identical except for their coloring now. “You knew my father.” he says simply, tilting his head a bit as he regards her carefully. He knew the rumors, and knew that beneath that iron grey coat lay great reserves on magic. “I’m Warship. Welcome back. Its always good to see old faces return.” and he meant it. If she were here to serve, then the Chamber would certainly be glad to have her.
warship
