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  • Beqanna

    COTY

    Assailant -- Year 226

    QOTY

    "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


    as if a glass could contain the sea; any
    #1
    He cannot help himself.

    Her absence was profound. With her departure, he found himself lingering purposelessly in the warm caves of Tephra, listening to only the soft drip drop of water on smooth, wet stone. He would stare up into the stars; feeling lost once again, and overwhelms himself with thoughts of darkness and uncertainty. He needs their conversation, her touch against his flesh – he needs to see her. The emptiness of Tephra reflects the emptiness he feels, a yawning abyss growing larger and darker with each passing day. He feels himself slipping into the depths yet again and is reaching out for someone, anyone, to bring him back to shore. She was the only one that he knew he could find, though he’s not sure if he would search for anyone else.

    Ever the protector and loyalist, he was visiting her to see if she was doing well and because she asked him to visit. It was not, of course, because of any of my needs, he lies to himself.

    The travel to the Lake was easy, as springtime left glorious colors of flora and warm weather in its wake. He’s never been here, as he has never visited any of the lands that have sprung up in the last few months thanks to the faeries. He wonders if Tang yet truly understands the magic that encompasses Beqanna. Was anyone at the Lake able to answer her questions? With the displacement of Pangea residents, was there enough protection here? He sighs heavily. Winter seems so far away.

    He cannot stay long, he tells himself. He may not even stay long enough to see the stars reach the open sky that shines blue above him. Every land is vulnerable right now and he cannot leave for a lengthy amount of time – Lucrezia didn’t even know that he was gone.

    Warrick stops at the border, his long blue legs fading into the thin, bright green grass below him. The tendrils tickle his legs, wavering in the cool breeze. The air was clear and soft, so unlike the tepid warmth of his tropical home. It was nice to be able to stand beneath the sun and not sweat profusely. He closes his eyes momentarily, enjoying the afternoon’s sun. He could see why Tang would appreciate it here in the warmer months.

    The bay stallion does not announce himself. The wind was strong enough to send his scent throughout the Lake, and he curiously waits to see who finds him first. Was there someone to keep watch over the land, to greet strangers and question them before they were able to enter? He hopes so.

    like the sun,
    swallowed up by the earth
    warrick
    #2
    if there's a light at the end, it's just the sun in your eyes

    It's nearly time for he and Iset to play the part of diplomats. They had secured their home, even as Pangea and the Plains had been ousted by the Fairy, and the young ruler knows that it won't be long before they are visited by refugees. Amet is hopeful that the young horses of those fallen territories would find their way to the Lake and would make it the sanctuary that he hopes it will become, but the dragon-king is not naive enough to think that growing their congregation will be done without hard work of his own.

    A part of the scaled stallion is hopeful that Sakir will wish to take part in the politics, but they are still on unstable ground. Amet will ask in time, however, because Sakir had always been the most level-headed of the trio.

    He sighs, exasperated, as he moves from beneath the budding springtime boughs of his favorite wisteria tree and to the southeast, towards Sylva. Nayl had told him about her first subkingdom, the forest ruled by Djinni, but he had been too busy bickering with Iset and cozy-ing up with Tang to even think about making his way over to introduce himself. He supposes that it's finally time. It seems, though, that he won't be able to follow through with today's plan.

    Amet intercepts the intruder's scent with fluttering nostrils, the warm breeze carrying it in from the east. The dragon-king is neither alarmed or perturbed by this change in plans (and, in fact, has come to enjoy meeting the variety of equine that have slipped across their borders in the past months) and casually amends his route so that he is trotting swiftly towards the source of the smell. His metallic gold-and-bronze scales gleam in the afternoon sun as he rounds the crystalline lake with each sure-footed step.

    "Hello!" he calls confidently when he is within ear-shot of the blue-pointed stallion. A pleasant smile finds his maw and the dragon-king pulls to a halt a few yards from the unfamiliar stallion, his head tilted slightly to the side in curiosity. "Welcome to the Lake. My name is Amet, and you are?" he questions warmly, nostrils fluttering again at the faint tinge of sulfur in the air.

    Amet
    #3
    He does not wait long for someone to find him, which surprisingly soothes his somewhat agitated stance. The stallion that approaches him is young, his bronze metallic skin shining brilliantly in the springtime sun. Warrick is sure to take a single step back when the stallion stands before him as well as lower his head slightly, a sign of good faith and that he was not here to cause any animosity between the two of them. Upon closer look at the bronze stallion, Warrick easily is able to see the individual scales that adorn the stranger’s body, glistening as each one caught the light of the sun. The scales are continuous and never ending, engulfing the stallion in a type of armor that glints fervently. It was almost beautiful, like jewels embellishing his skin. 

    The younger stallion seems eager to greet him, and Warrick is unable to hide the curve of a smile that comes to his navy lips. Warrick has always been drawn to the types of personalities that were warm and welcoming; it kept him from slipping too far below the surface where he could not pull himself back to safety. “Hello!” he replies with a toss of his head, the black of his forelock falling haphazardly across the auburn of his face. “Amet,” he says with a slight dip of his head. “My name is Warrick.”

    “I’m from Tephra. A close friend of mine spoke wonders about this land and I thought it would be a good idea to stop by.” He pauses as his thoughts flicker to Tang, and his eyes leave Amet’s for a moment to scan their surroundings. He wonders if she’s nearby. “You probably know her.” His voice has been smooth and warm, though when his eyes dart to Amet there is a flicker of uncertainty in his eyes. Did he know her? Something in Warrick’s chest begins to stir unwantedly, though he could not place the exact emotion.

    An easy smile finds his lips, the falter that had been in his gaze now gone. “Her name is Tang.”
    like the sun,
    swallowed up by the earth
    warrick
    #4
    if there's a light at the end, it's just the sun in your eyes

    Amet had learned swiftly that the best strategy is to approach every visitor with a combination of cheerfulness and warmth. The vile personality of Him, back in the Dunes, had taught Amet that being feared was not always the answer. In fact, you could get better results with a little bit of sugar, and that's how he decided who he wanted to become in Beqanna.

    It is especially nice when his cheerfulness is answered with something similar. Any discomfort or hesitation that he may have felt upon seeing the visiting stallion in Hyaline dissolves as the blue-pointed stranger grins in return. He introduces himself as Warrick as the dragon king comes to a halt, and Amet stays silent to allow his new acquaintance a chance to explain his reason for visiting the crystalline lake. It takes the scaled Akhal-Teke a moment to figure out where he has smelled that vague tinge of sulfur before, but then it hits him and Amet happily exclaims "Tang!" just as Warrick does.

    The dragon-boy nods his head enthusiastically before moving his amber gaze from Warrick and to the focal point of the territory. "I'm sure she's around here somewhere, if you'd like to find her? I can give you a tour while we search." The offer escapes his lips before he has time to consider that this stallion may feel a sense of closeness with Tang, perhaps the same kind of closeness that Amet feels, but the gilded stallion pushes that specific inkling away before it has time to take hold.

    He pivots towards the lake and moves between the brightly-colored trees, an ear turned in Warrick's direction as they move. "Tell me about Tephra. I haven't made it to that side of Beqanna yet."

    Amet
    #5
    Warrick’s mind begins to wander as it normally will, lingering loosely on the night that he and Tang had last spoken to one another. He does not want to entertain the possibility that his actions that night are what has caused Tang to solidify her decision to live in Hyaline for the spring and summer, but he knows that it is true. The stallion had received her warmly, but his distraught and agitated mood had quelled her spirit and passion unintentionally. The brilliant cerulean of Warrick’s eyes glance intently to study Amet, a slight hint of a frown curling at the edges of his lips, creasing his brow. He already liked Amet (and he almost wishes he didn’t) only within moments of being greeted by him, and the thoughts of worry and concern of Tang’s well-being seem to dissipate, but are replaced by doubt and uncertainty. He wonders how Tang has liked it here in Hyaline, with a much younger (and all around charming) stallion, who stands proudly as he glistens in the sun and that was most likely unperturbed to bouts of depression.

    The bay stallion snorts, blue nostrils fluttering. The idea did not sit well with him, but it was also not surprising to him. As of recent events have shown him, his loneliness must somehow be deserving of him. Because of his realization, his disposition changes slightly – not in animosity towards Amet in the least bit, but now was rather quiet and somber as his thoughts percolate. Without even seeing the overo mare, he knows that she was happy here and will have so far enjoyed her time in Hyaline.

    “That would be wonderful, Amet,” he says coolly, his voice smooth as it leaves his lips. He’s suddenly not sure if he wants to actually see Tang, for seeing her would only solidify his buzzing reservations. Despite this, though, he is determined to make good on his promise to visit her and follows at Amet’s bronze and glittering shoulder.

    The young king asks about Tephra and Warrick is glad. The bay stallion enjoys telling stories and he’s rather fond of the mystical prowess that Tephra offers those who visit it’s shores. Warrick also realizes this would probably be a good time to find out more about Hyaline and Amet, so that he could discuss with Offspring the area and perhaps see if an alliance was in order. With a flick of his black tail against his indigo legs, Warrick quickly falls back into his original demeanor, a small smile fluttering onto his features. “Tephra is beautiful – sandy beaches that are so white, it is even brighter than the sun some days. The ocean is a deep emerald blue, stark against the depths of green that pepper the shoreline and that grows thicker as you move inland, leading you through jungles filled with so many types of wildlife, your eyes would barely believe it.” He pauses, his bright eyes shining with the amount of adoration he has for his home. “And of course, there’s the volcano – I believe it’s the heart of Tephra, literally keeping everything alive. It has no name yet, but Tang is certain she will tell us in time.”

    His voice trails off, navy-tipped ears flipping back slightly into his thick, black mane with what seems a little like embarrassment. Much like a young colt, he feels that he may have said too much by mentioning Tang once again.

    Trying to ignore the clouded feeling, the stallion begins to take in his surroundings even more, noticing the differences between Hyaline and Tephra. He can see the lake in the distance, a brilliant dark blue against the bright green of the grasses and trees – the smell was heavenly in the summer time heat. “It’s beautiful here. I can see why you’ve decided to commit yourself to protecting this place.”
    like the sun,
    swallowed up by the earth
    warrick
    #6
    tangerine
    face to the sun


    She is exploring, alone. Tang has made a habit of spending her time on the mountain’s summits, she is perched atop one now. Her light muzzle is lifted into the sky, her eyes are closed, black mane streaming behind her; she paints a peaceful picture. Up high, the sun is brighter and the wind is strong - it carries stories to her.  And today is tells a familiar story about a man, a traveler. Travelers have their own scent she has noticed. On his skin he carries the trace of a volcano, tropical plants, salt and… Warrick?

    Her demeanor changes, her slender ears perk, her nostrils flare. She had been resigned that she would probably not see him again until the fall. Could it really be him, or was the eastern breeze playing a cruel trick on her? She tries to look, golden eyes hurriedly scanning the other mountains. She spots activity by the lakeshore, familiar forms of young horses, but not Warrick. She inhales deeply again, but the scent is gone and the wind has shifted, bringing her only the salt of the sea. But even that scent puts a pang of longing in her belly as the memories of their night together on the beach wash over her – the honesty and the closeness they had shared.

    She has not pined for Warrick, her time in Hyaline had been lovely and she found the summer days passing quickly as the world spun on below her mountain tops. She had thought of him often and hoped he was well, she tried to curtail any thoughts other than those of friendship and companionship when she reflected on her winter in Tephra. But now that she was possibly on the brink of a reunion with the auburn stallion her feelings for him are overwhelming her. Feelings she had tried to suppress out of respect for his wishes.

    A flash of bronze catches her eye, Amet. He moves quickly, weaving through the colorful foliage gracefully. Her eyes follow his trajectory and realize he is heading for the border on the eastern side of the mountain. Of course.

    The painted mare begins to flow down the back of the mountain. Her ivory hooves slide as she rides the gravel down the summit. Soon there is grass; the ground is more stable and she picks up speed. The steep grade of the mountain side allows her to travel faster than she can physically run, in a barley controlled mixture of gallop and flight. Then, the ground plateaus and she bounces to a stop, dust and shale flying from the force of her halt.

    She stands on the highland letting her breath settle, and watching for any sign of either stallion. Her heart is beating in her ears, and not just from the sprint. Tang can see the border now, or vaguely where she believes the boundary to be, but unfortunately the wind still does not favor her. It is blowing her scent away, probably spreading it towards the place she needs to find. And with all the new growth of the young maples her eyes are nearly useless in aiding her.

    Frustrated, she lets out a call, a whinny high and bright. But she can’t hide a slight tremble at the end of it. 

    #7
    if there's a light at the end, it's just the sun in your eyes

    Amet is pleased when Warrick agrees to the tour, and excited that he will be able to deliver Tang's friend to her. There is a small bubble of doubt that is slowly forming in his stomach, as if there is something subconscious trying to warn him away doing so, but the scaled stallion represses the feeling and opts to listen to the way their hooves fall easily against the ground of Hyaline.

    The young Akhal-Teke is proud to show of his home to Warrick as they search for Tang, his crescent-shaped nostrils fluttering occasionally to see if her scent has grown stronger. He has seen her in this part of the territory, often moving in the opposite direction of the lake and towards the mountains that protect their valley. He loves Tang's wanderlust, but finds that he is often excited to see her whenever she returns.

    The dragon king allows Warrick's description of Tephra, abounding with interesting details, to distract him from thoughts of the overo mare. He has journeyed through a jungle before, on the outskirts of the Dunes, but the trip was too fast and too frantic for the Akhal-Teke to fully appreciate its beauty. Amet's ears twitch as the blue-pointed visitor mentions Tang again and his lips twist into a small grin, but he refrains from turning his gaze to the other stallion. "The volcano," he lingers with curiosity, "I've never seen one, you know."

    His amber eyes watches through the boughs of wisteria and maple for any indication of their painted friend, to no avail. "Thank you, Warrick," he says kindly, "I'm just thankful to be able to provide a home for my siblings." He expels a small snort, nearly ready to halt their wandering near the crystal lake and call Tang to them, but it's just then that her voice rings loud through the crisp air. The dragon king smiles warmly and he pivots to follow the sound.

    They are quick to find her, and Amet grins lazily at the mare as he and his blue-pointed companion emerge from the trees. "I thought you might see us before we saw you," his amber eyes move to the mountain peaks at her back. The gilded stallion extends his muzzle to press its softness to her neck before taking a few steps back. "I've brought you a surprise," with a friendly glance at Warrick.

    Amet
    #8
     
    With summer drawing close to its end, Warrick can feel the slight twinge of autumn on the breeze, the heat and humidity giving way to a clear, crisp wind that brushes gently against his auburn skin. He walks with Amet, like two old friends that have reunited, charmed by the young stallion’s conversational skills as well as his welcoming and bright spirit. He does not know Amet’s story, but if he were to ever learn it, Warrick would be sure to be impressed by the way the stallion carries himself.

    As they travel closer to the small lake, murmuring quietly to themselves as their conversation grows. Amet admits he has never seen a volcano and the older stallion cannot help the gentle curve of a smile that begins to pull at his indigo lips. “There is really nothing like it,” he replies quietly, his voice breathless and almost dream-like as it leaves him, the sound rumbling in his chest. Another sound interrupts their conversation, and though the crystal blue of his eyes were on the lake before him, he immediately could place the voice that carries on the wind. The bay stallion lifts his head, a soft snort leaving his nostrils as he turns to follow Amet’s gaze.

    The sight of her causes his nostrils to flutter as a deep nicker leaves him, something he could not have helped if he had tried, his ears pricking in eagerness. He turns and moves in step beside Amet, but he has long forgotten about the glimmering bronze stallion at his side. The bright depths of his blue eyes do not leave the golden and white painted figure of Tang as she moves forward to meet them, searching her body and eyes for anything that would cause concern. Of course, there was nothing. There she was, bright and shining as she had been the day she left Tephra. The smile that finds his lips is one that ignites his eyes, sparkling happily, as she stands before him.

    She was not just a dream that he had made up months ago; she is real, and only breaths away from him.

    He realizes that it is not just him and Tang like it had been when they danced under the volcano. The voice of Amet brings him back to reality, his ears flicking back almost embarrassedly. “Not so much a surprise,” he says with a slight tremble of his deep voice, his eyes watching as Amet brushes his glittering lips against her in greeting. “Only a promise kept.”

    Warrick takes a step forward, pressing his muzzle against the two-tones of her cheek. His heart pounds fervently, his smile inerasable as it finds him once again, inhaling her scent deeply. She smells different now, laced with fresh water and soft grass, but it was still hers. He lingers on her cheek for what have may been a moment too long, before bringing his chin to his chest and clearing his throat. His gaze hesitates and then turns to Amet, now suddenly unsure.

    Quickly regaining his composure, the stallion tosses his head casually, throwing a glance to Amet. “I’m sure she’s given you a world of trouble, right?”
    like the sun,
    swallowed up by the earth
    warrick


    omggggg, awkwaaaaard :3
    #9
    I'm gonna set this world on fire
    There I was just minding my own damn business in this new land the golden boy had led me to... Or his mind led me to... When what do I see? His golden scales shimmering under the light of a midday sun thru wisteria branches. Those were his favorite you know.  He had shown me his favorite spot upon arriving in his homeland.  Nestled near the crystalline lake just over yonder.  He was the dragon king after all and duty had called him away.  She had not minded and his thoughts were true so he had left her to her own vices... Bad fucking idea!

    Onyx eyes watched as he moved along another path, opposite the direction he had left in.  Her head cocked as she cast her powers forward... Digging into his pretty little head to find a stallion on the fore front.  With a twitch of her ears she suppressed any interest as this newcomer concerned her little.  Continuing down an unmarked trail to the lake to satisfy a need of her own... water.

    Reaching the waters edge she had just started to enjoy a sip of the refreshing liquid when a call pierced the air.  Her two toned faced rose sharply as ears swiveled in the direction of such a racket... Who the... Not being a party pooper she decided to head towards the noise.  It hadn't taken long before it became noises... Her talents floated upon the brain waves of others constantly and to her amusement... this was one not to miss.

    She kept concealed rather easily. The trio interacting and oblivious to the world still spinning outside their threesome.  She couldn't help but giggle at the insecurity of not one but both stallions.  Clearly they each knew her but nothing about the other... Oh this WILL be entertaining.

    Kicking up her dainty red hooves in a fancy two beat prance, she decided to join them.  Tossing her muzzle skywards than tucking it sharply to her chest.  Sliding up quickly besides Amet, Hi Boys... A devious smirk twisted upon her ruby lips, Tang is it... Quite the admirers you got here.  Wink flashed Tangs way as she nudged Amets scaled hip with her own.  I hear you've come a long way, Warrick.  Tephra was it? You describe it quite beautifully... But not as beautifully as you do Tang.  She pauses for a moment hoping to catch the faint pink of blush upon his auburn cheeks.  Her eyes thirsting to see Amets reaction as well.  Smitten by the gold and cream girl he was but she could see where this was going.  A connection these two had that they may be able to hide from most...

    Attention averts to Tang now as she dabbles a little deeper, With such a handsome stud in Tephra what keeps you in Hyaline?  One who clearly adores you... Quick glance falls upon Amets face to gauge his reaction as well.  A quiet chuckle releases from her lips...

    MOLOTOV


    Ooc: Her thoughts are heard by all three... *Bows* XD
    #10
    tangerine
    face to the sun
    Seeing the two of them before her, both hail and healthy fills Tangerine with flowing comfort. Her amber eyes aglow, she scans Warrick's frame as the duo approaches, noticing the signs of a long day of traveling. Despite the long journey from his tropical home he doesn't look worn or even tired, he looks like the same Warrick who enchanted her in Tephra not so long ago - only a little sleeker in his summer coat.  Each one of these men have carved a place for himself in her young, soft, heart - something she would never deny to anyone.

    Amet greats her with a touch to her neck and she smiles warmly at him, bumping her soft nose to his in response. Not once has Tang been disappointed to see the young stallion - whether he be climbing the slopes of the mountains to find her, or she seeks him out under the wisteria, she can't smother the girlishness he brings out in her. "Amet! And what a wonderful surprise it is!"

    But many miles have separated her from her first friend in Beqanna for too long, and her movement sings of her happiness as she glides to Warrick, not allowing him the final two steps in his approach.  His lips are warm as he lingers in his touch, Tang tilts her head to gently rest her crown against his for a moment before he pulls away. "And now I know you are good for your promises." She nearly whispers. She has many questions for him, she wants to know, really know, how he had been fairing.

    But the serenity is shattered when another horse appears, with a sultry 'hello boys' that is not spoken but still clear. The girl addresses Tang and she responds with a nod, caught off guard by the interruption. The newcomer is tall and confident and Tang gives a modest smile as the dark mare eludes to Warrick's thoughts.

    His words from their last night together under the winter stars echo for the first time that day, but the one hundred time that summer. Tang is still confused about where their relationship stands, he had refused her bodily, but their conversation had been the most intimate of her life. Somehow, she wills herself not to think on the specifics of the tragedy he had shared with her. The event which had carved an invisible wound - a gasping chasm in his ribs and his left his heart forever bleeding. The wound which had prevented her form touching him in the way she has ached to that winter.

    Maybe she had been a fool to leave him. But leaving was the only thing she had done with any consistency. She had left her family for the sake of someplace new, and she doesn’t want to think any stallion has more power over her than her beloved mother and little brother had.

    But her musing is only half formed in her mind, for of a surge of feeling than actual words and she pulls herself back to reality easily.

    This stranger is fascinating. With a twinge of sadness, she pulls herself from Warrick's gravity, taking a step towards the tall filly. The brazen newcomer has sparked her flammable curiosity. Tang address the fiery girl with her voice, even though it is obvious she is reading their thoughts. Her habit of speaking words before she thinks them is now useful for the first time in her life.  “I had made someone a promise I would come to Hyaline in the spring, Bristol, it was.” By now of course she could have returned to Tephra, but she had been enjoying her time here. Amet had been making sure of that.  

    She should probably say more, but she isn't quite sure who to address.

    Tang can't help but glance at the familiar way the mind reader touches Amet, and she is surprised to find that instead of jealousy she only feels slightly amused. She knew firsthand how magnetic he could be. An image appears in her mind of Amet shimmering in the lake, during a swim they had taken not so long ago. 

    Amet had a charm that Tang knew she could not be the only one to appreciate. The Akhal-Teke was beautiful, his passion for his home was admirable. He carried himself like a king, yet he never acted as of he were above anyone she had seen him interact with. He made her feel wanted and engaging, his touch made her tingle... and who didn't want that?

    Whether it be from her naivety or her open upbringing she doesn't think to feel embarrassed by the situation, she is simply content that fate has spun them together for this moment.

    She smiles wryly at the other filly, flipping her heavy forelock behind one ear with a toss of her skull. Her next words she clearly forms with her thoughts instead of her voice as a kind of experiment.

    I have never stayed in one place fore very long, there is so much to do in this big world.   



    Don't feel bad if you shatter her happy little dream world of everyone getting along :|




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