Israfel
Another dawn, another day.
It wasn’t often that Israfel visited the coast. The Praistigia Cliffs? All the time. Those were her usual patrol routes… But the actual coastline of the Terminus Sea? Hardly. That meant traveling too close to Denocte, and even though she knew that the Night Court had since changed its ways since the reign of Reichenbach and Isorath, there was something about the mysterious land that didn’t sit well with her. Perhaps it was because she was a creature of daylight and fire, the blood of Gods and Saints forged within her very bloodlines. Perhaps it was just the bitter aftertaste of previous transgressions. Regardless, Israfel found herself there now, traipsing among the sands and letting herself enjoy the morning.
Summer was a promise upon the salty ocean breeze. Soon, soon, summer would be upon them, swallowing Novus in a healthy dose of heat and ample sunshine, and the Sun Daughter was beyond ready.
’You’re in a good mood,’ came the familiar voice of Solaris, who glided through the morning light in ivory and gilded splendor just a few feet above Israfel’s horned head. The Phoenix was relaxed, letting her feathers fan as she glided through the air, and that alone was enough for the Warden of Terrastella to let down her guard. If her keen bonded could not perceive any threats, then Israfel knew there was nothing yet to worry about… And there was no denying the very true fact that she desperately needed a break. Unbidden, a knowing grin quirked up rose-kissed lips, and the Sun Daughter cast her gaze upwards to regard her mythic companion.
“Mm. It’s nice to just get away for a while… Even if we’re here.” The final piece of that statement was said with a notable tinge of disdain, but… Turning her head, the shield-maiden’s fiery vermilion eyes watched the sun on the horizon to the east, admiring the way the sun came up and cast a myriad of colors across the sky and the ocean alike. “I can’t really deny the view, though. Even the Cliffs don’t provide a view like this.”
The wind picked up, tousling strands of ivory and gold amidst a slender neck. Upon it carried the scents of salt, brine, sand, and musk. Musk? Stealing away from the rising sun, Israfel’s gaze followed the coastline and the upturned sands. She saw the prints in the granules first; wide, dinner-plate hoofprints leading away from her, before she caught sight of the hulking frame marring the beach itself. Solaris spotted the stag as well, taking a moment to admire him as she glided lazily through the air, before wheeling around in almost a lazy sort of circle.
’Seems we aren’t the only ones to pay the ocean a visit, hm?’ Israfel decided not to acknowledge that, at least not yet. Instead, she continued on her way, cloven gold hooves sinking into the sand of the coast with every elegant step. Her body moved with the poise and collection of her station; a demi-goddess at the rank of Warden, the head of Terrastella’s military. She was confident, she was determined, and come ‘friend’ or ‘foe’, she would not be daunted by the large frame on the horizon.
Growing closer along the shoreline, the male came more into view, and Israfel spotted his imperfections. Scars. A good number of them, halfway hidden beneath thick tresses of white and brown. The painted man was large and robust, a powerhouse if he so chose to be, but still the Warden found herself confident that he was no threat. He seemed oddly contemplative and thoughtful, watching the sunrise, and within a few meters the gilded warrior cleared her throat to offer him a greeting before getting too close.
“Good morning.” Simple, polite. That’s how conversations started, right? Above her, Solaris’ rolled her lavender eyes. Well, conversation wasn’t exactly Israfel’s strong suit. They never had been.
It wasn’t often that Israfel visited the coast. The Praistigia Cliffs? All the time. Those were her usual patrol routes… But the actual coastline of the Terminus Sea? Hardly. That meant traveling too close to Denocte, and even though she knew that the Night Court had since changed its ways since the reign of Reichenbach and Isorath, there was something about the mysterious land that didn’t sit well with her. Perhaps it was because she was a creature of daylight and fire, the blood of Gods and Saints forged within her very bloodlines. Perhaps it was just the bitter aftertaste of previous transgressions. Regardless, Israfel found herself there now, traipsing among the sands and letting herself enjoy the morning.
Summer was a promise upon the salty ocean breeze. Soon, soon, summer would be upon them, swallowing Novus in a healthy dose of heat and ample sunshine, and the Sun Daughter was beyond ready.
’You’re in a good mood,’ came the familiar voice of Solaris, who glided through the morning light in ivory and gilded splendor just a few feet above Israfel’s horned head. The Phoenix was relaxed, letting her feathers fan as she glided through the air, and that alone was enough for the Warden of Terrastella to let down her guard. If her keen bonded could not perceive any threats, then Israfel knew there was nothing yet to worry about… And there was no denying the very true fact that she desperately needed a break. Unbidden, a knowing grin quirked up rose-kissed lips, and the Sun Daughter cast her gaze upwards to regard her mythic companion.
“Mm. It’s nice to just get away for a while… Even if we’re here.” The final piece of that statement was said with a notable tinge of disdain, but… Turning her head, the shield-maiden’s fiery vermilion eyes watched the sun on the horizon to the east, admiring the way the sun came up and cast a myriad of colors across the sky and the ocean alike. “I can’t really deny the view, though. Even the Cliffs don’t provide a view like this.”
The wind picked up, tousling strands of ivory and gold amidst a slender neck. Upon it carried the scents of salt, brine, sand, and musk. Musk? Stealing away from the rising sun, Israfel’s gaze followed the coastline and the upturned sands. She saw the prints in the granules first; wide, dinner-plate hoofprints leading away from her, before she caught sight of the hulking frame marring the beach itself. Solaris spotted the stag as well, taking a moment to admire him as she glided lazily through the air, before wheeling around in almost a lazy sort of circle.
’Seems we aren’t the only ones to pay the ocean a visit, hm?’ Israfel decided not to acknowledge that, at least not yet. Instead, she continued on her way, cloven gold hooves sinking into the sand of the coast with every elegant step. Her body moved with the poise and collection of her station; a demi-goddess at the rank of Warden, the head of Terrastella’s military. She was confident, she was determined, and come ‘friend’ or ‘foe’, she would not be daunted by the large frame on the horizon.
Growing closer along the shoreline, the male came more into view, and Israfel spotted his imperfections. Scars. A good number of them, halfway hidden beneath thick tresses of white and brown. The painted man was large and robust, a powerhouse if he so chose to be, but still the Warden found herself confident that he was no threat. He seemed oddly contemplative and thoughtful, watching the sunrise, and within a few meters the gilded warrior cleared her throat to offer him a greeting before getting too close.
“Good morning.” Simple, polite. That’s how conversations started, right? Above her, Solaris’ rolled her lavender eyes. Well, conversation wasn’t exactly Israfel’s strong suit. They never had been.
@Avilius
