"But the dream, the echo, slips from him as quickly as he had found it and as consciousness comes to him (a slap and not the gentle waves of oceanic tides), it dissolves entirely. His muscles relax as the cold claims him again, as the numbness sets in, and when his grey eyes open, there’s nothing but the faint after burn of a dream often trod and never remembered." --Brigade, written by Laura
He was forgetting something --something IMPORTANT. In his mind, he ranted and raved. Heavy hooves paced bloody tracks in the snow. He was thin, emaciated-looking, although his weight and strength were still there. Only an outward image, like a mirage, an illusion. Except entirely real; a living nightmare.
Bone plates erupted out from him like gory ridges, seeping blood from the lesions that trailed down his legs to the ground. Each day, they seemed to grow a little more, extend a littl further. It was a painful ordeal, but so far he'd been spared this day. And he'd looked so damn good before his magic had been restored, handsome and bulky even for a young colt, he could remember that but what. was. he missing!
It was as though he'd hidden something priceless, something precious so that the world couldn't find it. And now, he didn't even know what it was much less where it was. The loss of it dug at his soul, plucked at his heart and made it bleed out just like his skin was doing now all over the snow. It's not like he could ask someone about it; who would even know?
His heart thundered painfully, his chest ached. The damn brand at his bony hip burned, the image of an Ash tree. His master. For now. He was growing suspicious. Perhaps He'd found it and hidden it. Whatever it was. If he could at least remember WHAT it was!
Black eyes scanned about, surprisingly attractive despite his appearance, looking into faces. None of them, he knew none of them. Had he known anyone before the magician? Was this failing memory his own doing or the magicians? Was it so important that the man would need him to forget? That was an easy answer, even through the empty fog of his memory. YES. It was of the utmost importance. Required for his survival, perhaps.
He had to find it.
The black and bloody stallion spun around and rammed into something. In instinct, he lashed out, snapping his teeth to grab at skin with a horrifying growl.
Having left the Forest of Beqanna to further explore the magical lands she emerged from the dimmed light of the canopy and into the Meadow. Chocolate and cream hues eye catching in the sunlight against the crystal background that had fallen upon the lands. Not to mention the emerald and gold gown bestowed upon her by the fairies. Soon the Meadow would be lush and green again, very soon. She was content in her quest though and pranced forth. Silk gown of royal hued feathers sashaying about her bodice. Crown raised, lobes thrusted forward she pranced. So pretty, so elegant...
She just had started on her way when out of the shadows, THUD! Not again... This time though it was not her doing. No, not at all. The force sent her back a few paces, sitting upon her hunches once more. Crown shook to bring back to focus reality. A black mess of fury and teeth barreling towards her. Scurrying to find her footing she leaped out of the way, or had she glided... She was unsure. Her beautiful gown tucked tightly to her as she faced her attacker... What the F*** was this guy's problem...
His lashing and howling did not frighten her, no she survived the wolves. So she stood firm her ground as he neared. Light voice huffed Excuse you! Deep blue eyes held a steel glare, as lobes flattened against her pretty little crown. His appearance not fully clear yet to her with so much flailing...
He has felt it building inside him. Rising and growing like some living thing. It started as a small thing, annoying- like an itch that couldn't be scratched- but it'd been tolerable. Now, however, it has grown into a beast. It paces in the walls of his mind, prowling and baring its fangs. Ever more, it makes itself known to him, rattling the cage, hissing and raking its claws against the walls. It makes him restless, makes him wild.
Need.
His muscles are tight as he walks into the meadow, rippling under his golden coat splashed with white and striped with black on his primal points. Black mane and tail catch in the breeze, tapping gently against his neck and hocks. It tickles him, and the beast snarls. It doesn't want gentle. It doesn't like soft touches. Zoryn hums low in eager anticipation. The Need has grown so high, hard to manage. His skin itches, burns beneath the surface.. His muscles twitch in aggravation. He aches with it, his body eager for action. Pain. He needs it. Wants it. Craves it.
There are a rare few that Zor knows he can truly enjoy himself with. Those who can handle his particular brand of punishment, and reciprocate. His sister, for one. She was always there for him. Well, except for while they had slept. Slept so long as the world passed them by, continuing on even as they rested. Until they were ready to enter it once again. And oh, they had made their debut upon awakening and reuniting. And reunite they had. Deliciously. But it wasn't just the two of them, no. There had been one other that day. One that Zor had discovered, claimed and shared between he and his sister. Jet black body with a splash of night sky here and there. Black eyes that glittered and danced with shared desires. Shared pain. Shared pleasure. A shudder creeps up Zoryn's spine at the memory. He had been sated that day, the beast put quietly to rest. But many days had passed since then. More than he cares to count. And the beast has woken once again.
And there he is. Different but the same. Same scent, same eyes, same lovely little spot behind one corner of those lips. Lips that had touched him. Lips he wants to feel again. Lips that pull back over teeth that are biting someone else, presently. Jealousy curls it's ugly fingers around him, squeezing until he feels his eyes narrow and gaze burns red. Tail snaps like a whip against his hip and the beast howls its fury. Ah, but he must find some calm. A few deep breaths. At first, it only fuels the fire, but then finally the crimson starts to clear from his vision. He reminds himself that it is fun to share. And upon further inspection, the man with the bones growing outside his hide had seemed not to be responding to the girl with the peacock feathers in kind. More like surprise. And she seems just as surprised by him lashing out at her. Zor smirks, the lifting of his lips crooked and devious.
Brown eyes glint with flecks of amethyst as he approaches. His gait smooth and steady. He looks the girl up and down, gaze lingering but only briefly. She is not the one he is eager to see. A long time since he's seen Dovev. Too long, and the beast purrs low as it paces his mind. Slinking around the other male, Zoryn 'tsks' at the sight of him. "What's been done to you?" His eyes, though burning as they rove him, soften slightly at his appearance. So skinny, as though he never eats. And the bones, having burst from his skin, leaving oozing wounds in their wake. Blood, new and old, mingles in his dark coat, and Z finds his mouth watering for a taste. An urge he cannot resist. Coming up alongside Dov's right, the dun tobiano dips his muzzle in close to the other's shoulder, pink tongue darting out to lick slowly along the edge of one wound. He hums low at the taste, a deep rumble in his chest, and hovers his muzzle over one patch of black fur before pulling back his head. "I have missed you." A low tone, full of truth. And then his gaze slowly glides to the girl with the colorful drooping wings. "And who might you be." His head rises with neck arched, chin tucked inward as he stares down his nose at the pretty little female. His expression is blank as he gazes at her, but inwardly, the beast coils and prepares to pounce. Wonder what she tastes like.
The body rebounded from his strength, and his teeth clacked at only air. A beauty fell to her haunches and shook her dainty head. He lunged for her again, for the simple reason that his first snap at her had failed and he had a point to make. She scuttled back from him and dodged, forcing a frustrated growl from his throat. Dammit, sit still!
Get back here! he roared.
"Excuse you!" Her voice was painful to his ears, and he glared but ignored her. He pounced forward for another try at her, aiming for her left shoulder. Blood splattered her from his wounds, but the approach of another temporarily distracted him and he missed her again. What now! Furious eyes flew to the male, splashed and gold.
Dovev stood still as the man circled him, looking him over like prey, the woman momentarily forgotten. The stranger didn't attack though, confusing him. Instead he tsked at him and asked what had been done to him. Dovev's eyes narrowed in suspicion. Who the hell are you. You know nothing about me. Should he remember this guy? He didn't. The chocolate-purple eyes were.. almost familiar. But not. No, he didn't know him.
The male slinked to his right side, too close. His tongue licked at his blood from one of the lesions just before Dovev dodged away. Then the other was humming low, seemingly pleased with the taste of him. Dovev bared his teeth, but stood between this male and the woman. "I have missed you."
The black stallion's ears pinned back, growing more uncertain the longer the gold man stayed. But his attention was diverted from Dovev to the woman behind him and he shifted just enough for them to see each other, but not touch. Blondie couldn't have her, she might be his soon if she learned to sit still.
Amongst the blackness snapping and snarling about her a golden hued equine slipped into view. Seemingly knowing the dark one and distracting him for the moment. She could now view him properly. His bones protruding as if his hide basically blanketed his skeleton. Even more intriguing was the boney plates growing from his frame... The oozing wounds and matted dried blood coating his ebony hide. What evil had he committed for the fairies to be so harsh?
She side stepped to better her view. Watching the golden ones actions in curiosity as well. His gaze soon fell upon her, questioning her name. Unsure of whether to reveal that information. The dark one glared upon him and positioned himself between them so her decision to speak was mute. Her curiosity returned to the boney plates he had been bestowed with. Much the opposite of her soft silk gown she was given. Deep blue pools softened as her heart was saddened by the sight of the beast before her. How could he have deserved such torture? Such anguish...Her velvet maw wanted to sooth the wounds. She did not fear the beast, she feared for him... Tale as Old as Time, Song as Old as Rhyme, Beauty and the Beast
He might as well have slapped him in the face. In fact, he wished he had. A physical slap in the face would be all the more preferable to the pain of rejection he feels now as Dovev yanks away from him, placing his body between his and the pretty bird-girl. Those purple-flecked brown eyes go wide and then slowly narrow to glare fire at the male. "You know me. Don't act like you don't." It was surely impossible. They had been close. Zoryn had opened himself to him. Dovev had claimed him. There had been a silent promise that he'd always be there when Zoryn needed him. And likewise for him. They had been intimate. Zoryn had let him inside of him in more ways than could be expressed. And now, he was staring. Confused, and helpless. As though they are perfect strangers. And maybe they are, if he stares at him so and rejects his touch.
NO.
Zoryn knows him. Even if his appearance has mostly changed, he knows him. He will always know him. Always remember. How could Dovev not remember him?! Did their time together truly mean nothing to him? No. It couldn't be so. Something has happened to him. Something was wrong. He is the same Dovev, but different. He knows it has been a long time. So many months. But not enough for him to forget. They had been each other's firsts. In more ways than one.
Well. Zoryn would make him remember. Whatever had been done to him, would NOT undo him. Their time together had been important. Not to be lost in a sea of nothing. Never. Ears pin flatly to his black and white mane as he lifts his head indignantly. Nostrils flare as his eyes flash with anger, denial and betrayal. It sinks in what he must do, and he takes the steps, gaze never leaving the black abyss of Dov's eyes. He moves off, around the pair, as though he means to leave. He burns. Seethes. Rages inside. But he isn't ready to give up. Not on Dovev. Never. His head turns away from them as he continues walking, chin tucking toward chest. His heart beats heavy, his breaths come shaky. Adrenaline courses through him. The beast urges him to act. ACT!
Away, probably out of sight, he turns. A wide circle to return. It is slow at first. Let them think he has given up. The girl is barely on his mind any more. She doesn't matter. He WILL remember him. His every fiber vibrates with rage, hunger. Need. Amethyst and brown eyes narrow, vision tunneling to his target. And he plunges forward. It is like the first time they'd met, only this time his footing is sure. Strong. Direct and certain. The girl be damned, Zoryn charges in. Muscles bunch and contract with his strides. Eager, fervent. His gaze is locked on his target, unwavering. The subtlest of smirks quirks up the corners of his blackish lips and he approaches swiftly like a lion to its prey.
Once within range, he snakes out his neck to aim a bite anywhere he can reach that isn't covered by bone plates, likely to the same shoulder he'd sank his teeth into the first time they'd done this. If that fails, he slings his body into the other male, seeking to shove him off balance with a clash of muscle to muscle/bone. Hopefully they will both receive a lovely bruise. At best they would both be hurting, if minor, enough to last a short time. Win-win. After his blows are dealt, the dun tobiano moves off and swings his body around to circle off with the other, standing yin-yang style and eyes calculating the stallions's retaliation. Everything about him says "bring it". "What are you looking at? Do something about it." The same deep, rugged tone from that first day. His face changes, shifting quickly from agitation to daring, anticipation. Inside, he is desperate, gauging the other's dark gaze. Come on, Dovev. Remember me. Know me!
Sorry, Neo! He doesn't mean to ignore Aurora. Give him a bit. There's something heavy going on here <3
"You know me. Don't act like you don't."
The young man's voice was hard, quiet. Almost like a warning. His ears pinned back and got lost in his black and white hair, nostrils flared. Something in his eyes told Dovev this wasn't over. Hurt, rage. Betrayal. Dovev's eyes narrowed and though he stood perfectly still he was growing increasingly uneasy. He didn't understand why the man felt so strongly. He was mistaken, that was all. Dovev wasn't who he thought he was. This gold-and-white was fiery, unpredictable. He didn't have to know him to see that. Instead of acting, he moved away, and Dovev's attention warily returned to the beauty.
He stood over her, observed her in quiet contemplation. No longer was he snapping and snarling. Now he was.. mildly curious. She was so still, and her eyes held his so easily despite his viciousness and frightening appearance.
Without askance, he stepped forward and boldly put his nose to her colorful wings. The wild array of blue, greens, and golds were distracting, mesmerizing. They were different and new, and he carefully put them to memory. Blood from his nose plate fell and soiled her, and he grimaced as he pulled away. He didn't apologize. He wasn't sorry for touching her.
He wished it would stop bleeding, stop aching. He wished he could remember anything from before the magician, anything at all. Instead, he was here, fervently and blindly searching for something, bleeding all over anyone who came near him, everywhere he walked. A revolting, sickly skeleton with erupting bone.
The thunder of hooves didn't register at first as he peered into those eyes, though with his training they should have. He knew immediately without turning to it; the gold one was coming again as a threat now. His black eyes hardened and then he was herding her roughly to the side. Standing apart from her, keeping it from her. The danger. The threat. Sharpened obsidian gaze turned to pierce the other, standing solid and still. Watching him come.
Something in his mind altered, and he saw the young man barreling to him as a raging teenager instead. He blinked, shook his head. It was gone, adult now. But for a moment he felt like he was protecting something from him. Oh, of course he was. The colorful girl. All this searching for memories, and he was beginning to fear their return. Maybe there had been a reason he'd chosen to forget while in training.
The blonde came. In one fluid movement, Dovev stepped to the side, ducked his head, spun his hind around, and kicked out at the other's neck, chest, shoulder. Though he looked like skin and bones, there was more power to him than he'd ever had before, and he intended it to knock the man away from them -Dovev and the girl. He straightened, placing himself between them again, rounding her and keeping her at his back as the other circled.
He had gauged his opponent, and was readying an attack when he spoke again. "What are you looking at? Do something about it." A voice he knew, and yet didn't recognize. Words he knew. As you wish.. he whispered under his breath. But it hadn't come from him; plucked from the darkness in his mind. Reach, find the connection. There is a memory somewhere.
NO!
He jerked back, bumping hard into the girl. His mind reeled in a panic, suddenly afraid of the secrets locked safely in his mind. Out of everyone's reaching grasp, even his own. There had to have been a reason for it. Maybe he shouldn't seek to undo it. He stepped backwards more, lining his shoulder to hers, pressing against her and burying his face at her neck. He breathed her in as though he were hyperventilating, his breathing strained and eyes slammed shut.
She was solid, she was real. She wasn't a memory, she wasn't a threat. She was the only thing holding him to the present.
His head whipped around to the man again, eyes blazing with a rage fueled on fear and uncertainty. LEAVE! he roared.
Because he didn't want to fight him.
The meadow was coming alive with new life... New beginnings. From the thriving greenery to the newly born foals frolicking about. Even the breeze had a new smell to it as it whirled about her... Them. Standing solid now as the black one neared. His curiosity of her fairy given gift that she herself was quite curious of as well. Plumage laid tight across her delicate frame like a fair ladies gown. Leaving much to the gentleman's imagination. A fleeting stroke of them sent a rush of color to her features. A blush seen even under her dark hued coat. She had never been touched by another. Looking to the feathers he had ruffled she noticed a red dye upon them. Extending her muzzle to them she licked at the feathers like a bird pruning. She noticed the crimson liquid dripping down his profile. Extending her muzzle to his she gently cleaned away the crimson trail...
His attention reverted as the gold and white stallion came barreling towards them. She side stepped as she was snaked away a safer distance. Lobes flattened upon her crown as she watched the dueling. What was this guy's issue? Thinking there had to be reason behind his actions but unkowning to what they were. Words were exchanged as a challenge and answered by more blows. Silently watching in hurt as she noticed his wounds seep more and more. As they neared she backed away but not quick enough. Getting bumped further to the side. Collecting herself once more she shook it off...
Actions halted then as the black one stood beside her. His large profile seemingly tucked into her neck. His orbs shut tight blocking everything out. Her deep blue orbs searched for some meaning to all this but all she saw was hurt and defeat... Not to another but to life itself. Her heart hurt for him. Wanting to take away his pain and anguish. She glanced over to the other as his attention turned and harshly commanded him to leave. Her orbs pleaded for the other to reconsider his actions. Half wanting to speak up but remained still... Watching... Waiting...
