Xeria stood quietly in the midst of the vast field, enjoying the openness. The freedom. She was new to these lands and had been delighted to find such a space. The sky stretched above her, empty of clouds as dusk took hold. Autumn was in the air, but the day had boasted clear skies, the earth soaking up the sun's warmth before winter rolled into town and life scurried for cover. The prairie grass was brown and straw-like and while most of the flowers had wilted, a few red dots were still scattered about.
She lifted her nose to the sky, taking in the dying scents of summer as the temperature cooled and a soft breeze played in her mane and choppy little tail. She stood still as she watched the stars begin to show in the deep turquoise sky that blended from tan to brown as it near the horizon, a perfect match to the colors of her own coat. Her own golden stars twinkled across her coat in the form of small golden dots. She matched the sky and she never felt more at ease as she did standing here when she felt as though she could just melt away into the colors of dusk.
As the light of the day faded, the hole in her head where her right eye should have been became a black pit, like an embodiment of what she felt in her heart, the feelings she ran from by detaching herself. But they liked to try to claw their way out, in moments like this where she was left in wonder of the world she lived in. So she gave herself a small shake and awkwardly turned herself, her hind legs stiff as she began to limp back the way she came as the sun tucked itself away and the moon began to glow in an ever-darkening night sky.
Head peeked out from the forest that hugged this meadow, violet eyes scanning over the many dying flowers. It was strange to see life gradually slip away from the land as the sounds of the festival still echoed through his mind. Only had fall begun and the male was already considering migrating to a warmer place. Freezing nights he could endure, but a coldness that stuck around day in and day out... he’d have to make his escape before winter took its turn. He stepped out from the undergrowth, gazing up at the sky.
The parting sun was his signal to freely explore about, Kauri keeping up his want to avoid others. He held his doubt for this entire world, its traditions—its hierarchies. Uncertain was he if trust was a matter he could give. He had nothing to lose as decades drained what it may have of him. Even so, he didn’t want to become so vulnerable and gullible again as he was those many years ago—to let anyone have control over his scarred heart this time.
While walking the open space, with each surviving flower he passed did his teeth take it by the bud. The male reaped their dying beauty, letting the petals collect within his mouth. Once reaching amidst the meadow, he stood and waited for a gust of wind to come by. Though before he could seize the chance to release the petals, a figure at the corner of his eye reeled in his attention. He watched for a moment, noting how impaired their movement was. An injured loner perhaps? Unsure about the stranger’s state, Kauri would casually make his way over to the equine.
It seems a small breeze was the best he was going to get. He’d free his mouth of the petals that obstructed it. Some stayed within his presence as they mixed into his mane. "In need of any help?" he asked aloud. He studied the stranger’s looks, snorting at her coat. As he drew closer, violets bore into the void that was her missing eye. Kauri was fascinated with it, but withdrew such interest to give it equally to the rest of her.
Xeria's mind had flown away with the sun as she ambled along, and the sound of a voice caught her off guard. She halted and turned toward the noise, surprised to see a stallion there, smaller in stature than her, and... was that a skull on his head? What an interesting character, she thought. Her head raised a bit, her little ears pricked forward, her single golden eye twinkling with amused interest for the first time in ages as he approached her. A bit of the tiredness, the dullness, the
"Some guidance to a good place to be at night, perhaps. Or some company if you feel so inclined." She said thoughtfully. "I'm new here and haven't quite figured my way around yet."
She was only vaguely aware of his boring stare into her eye socket - it had been years since she'd gotten used to others staring. One-eyed horses weren't exactly common-place as it was, but her scar wasn't exactly subtle. There was no playing it off as if she'd been born that way, or had had it carefully removed by a trained healer. No, it had obviously been forcefully stolen from her. Likely by the same creature who left the sprinkling of small black scars over her coat.
It appears they stood within the same boat. There were not many places he could speak easily for nor tell where many of them lie. He knew of this meadow, that forest, and the rivers in which flowed close to this sector. From personal preference, he would give the trees his praise. A perfect place for general shelter—to hide and observe the outside world. His gaze shifted to the forest he slunk from, tongue pressed against teeth in thought.
Although she spoke of company, he was not sure that self could greatly provide such matter. If he took the initiative to approach the stranger, he certainly could’ve taken the opportunity to turn a blind eye. Whether by that chance she was injured or not, he was here having offered help. Company wouldn’t hurt, not at all.
Something deep down began to hiss. Breathing away his colliding thoughts, sight went back upon the mare. He’d hear out her name before responding. “The trees offer great cover, this meadow a restful view. Or, should you like the gentle song of the river?” Words held a bit of a melody, his body to swivel toward a particular direction.
He dreaded it, he gave it the greatest of disdain. An old building lie south of here, the real cornerstone of this sector. Not much could he croon as if he would willingly tell about the capital to begin with. Skull turned to Xeria, a hint of displeasure upon his face, but his tone dipped in honey. “Though should you want the company, I may remain beside you for the night. To what do you wish of this?” he softly asked.
The stallion moved to stand before the mare, eyes slightly charmed by the bits of grass that danced with the chilling wind. “I go by Kauri.”
![[Image: xeria_by_freckledraven-dbvt7xh.png]](https://orig00.deviantart.net/cc95/f/2017/339/c/1/xeria_by_freckledraven-dbvt7xh.png)
Head peeked out from the forest that hugged this meadow, violet eyes scanning over the many dying flowers. It was strange to see life gradually slip away from the land as the sounds of the festival still echoed through his mind. Only had fall begun and the male was already considering migrating to a warmer place. Freezing nights he could endure, but a coldness that stuck around day in and day out... he’d have to make his escape before winter took its turn. He stepped out from the undergrowth, gazing up at the sky.