Character #2: @Rostislav Bonded: Yes, Hellhound Magic: N/A Armor: Yes, as described Weapons: N/A
Necessity had brought them from the storied structures of the Dawn Court to the Steppe. Martin nodded appraisingly at the landscape, weighing it as carefully as he would his opponent. As Cassia had so painfully demonstrated for him, no battle was ever fought merely one horse against another: one's environment is every bit as dangerous as one's adversary, and the Bellum Steppe would surely be no exception. While largely flat and open, the earth was pocked with treacherous gopher holes waiting to catch careless hooves.
It was not a particularly suitable stage for war games, but it would have to suffice.
For his part, Martin had scouted out the least offensive arena he could find: mostly clear of holes and other obstacles and predominantly flat, in the interest of fairness. The earth itself was pleasantly yielding without being overly soft, and the mid-morning sun had risen high enough to provide good visibility for all contenders. He was thankful for the journey here, too, as a spring chill yet lingered in the air.
The gilded unicorn stood like a coiled spring at the ready, facing down Rostislav across a ten-meter gap between them. He had chosen the field and so the privilege of the first strike belonged to the darker stallion, but he'd be damned if he made things easy for him. Agility would be his greatest asset in this contest.
Rain danced from the heavens, the sky illuminating with each flash of lightning, a silver sheen falling on the earth. The storm was gentle now, but building in intensity, rolling in from the North with a vengeance. In the early dusk, creatures of the day were scurrying away, finding their burrows and shelter from the storm. There was a hush that fell over the Dusk Court, save the slow rolling throb of thunder in the distance, prophesizing what would come next. And before the onslaught of the storm was upon her, Morpho moved with purpose southward, away from the weather.
Her mane was damp, dripping down the side of her cobalt black body as it plastered to the sides of her neck. Heavily lidded eyes shielded themselves from the sting of the water drops, and from time to time, the girl would stop her wandering to wipe them on her muscled chest, pushing away the water that clung to her lashes. She shivered once or twice, not so much from the cold, as the Spring was warm even in the night, but from the sheer majesty of nature’s wrath. As she moved, the glowing necklace at her breast bobbed like a lantern in the darkness, mirroring the motion of glowing birdcatcher spots along her haunches, withers, and face.
She was a beautiful creature, and painted quite the picture in the rain. And they would find her here… whoever ‘they’ were. The butterfly mare hoped to be welcomed here, but had enough where-with-all about her to know that trust took time and effort on both parts. So, she is wary as she walks through these strange lands, her head twisting on a swivel to take in the world around her with a cautious sort of curiosity. After all, you never could be too careful – a mantra she had adopted at a young age in life.
Only once she stumbles upon the crumbling ruins of the Dawn Court, does the mare stop. Shaking herself dry in the place where wind whispered through rocky halls, she whinnied quietly to see who would hear, bracing herself for the inevitable first meeting of another in this strange and fantastic place.
Rhoswen reached Denocte at the break of dawn, having travelled stubbornly through the night. It had been an arduous journey south, one in all honesty she could have done without, what with the appointment of Maxence as her Court's new Sovereign. But, the winged warrior was not the only man to be promoted so: she'd heard of her brother's rise to power, and the swell of pride could not have bound her to Solterra a moment longer. As a boy, Reichenbach had abided within their eldest brother's shadow; the dragon's general, the blue-knuckled guard, and though Rhoswen knew Reich had not ever forsaken Rhaegar, she understood better than any how Reich would thrive in his brother's place now that he was gone. Pride, however, was not the only emotion broiling within her sparrow-boned chest: there was something covetous and indulgent swimming among the plasma of her blood. Knowing that her familial line held a position of high power pleased Rhoswen; oh it pleased her greatly - for she had tucked this knowledge quickly into her arsenal of future ammunition with a smile that oozed arrogance.
The first shards of roseate sunlight doused prairie and girl in a flush of virgin gold. She stood tall; cigarette smoke lingering about her auburn curls, fingers absentmindedly caressing the flowers tucked into the bun set behind her ears. Rhoswen did not often return to the place she had called home as a child. Too many memories haunting these hills as though they were imprinted into the very fabric of the land. It would be a brazen lie to say she did not miss her family - mother, father, brothers - but this visit would be brief; she had neither the time nor the patience to be chasing her past.
Entirety was satisfied with the life this land's oasis bear; a lot more livelier than the handful he had come across. Well, this sector did belong to the court in which they had declare theirs. That drew the reasoning for enveloping himself in the calmness it served. Neck stretched out and beyond as he began walking toward where haven of the desert ended- only to be met with the familiar view of waving sands. Ear flickered as thoughts geared together, gaze surveying all that could be seen from where he stood. Kick forward or veer backwards... hooves slowly picked up into a trot, moving westward from his initial spot.
Earth was colored by the warm hue of the sun as dapples of night could still be perceived within the sky. Pace had grown into a canter while going over soft ground. Often did he have to remind himself he was not on lonesome land anymore. There were others around, though that was what slightly frightened the young stallion. He found himself fading in and out from the present to past- this constant switch to his senses and mind. Likely, blame may be put onto this harsh environment as it will seemingly give that burst of recollection to him. Slowing his speed, grass began to litter the ground and gave Kauri the clear to stop. The relieved sigh in which blew out from nostrils, the area before him was certainly a pleasure for his sight. How he missed an earlier time.
Day had fully taken the sky. Although it did feel that its reign was due to simmer soon. Sauntering to the midst of this area, hearing was hit by a sound a few lengths away. Hums filled his throat as he watched the herd that was grazing by. Legs dropped his entire form, lying down right after a minute full with wonder. This moment... was too serene. Mind appreciated it to its maximum, but it did not help his cause. Such atmosphere was becoming a flame at this point. Too much silence, peace, room to think. Flipping himself onto his back, he started to roll around, letting out a few noises every so often.
It was time to bring them together, to count the number and see just how his court stood. He could hardly blame the ones that had left -- as it seemed that the world was crumbling around them, and even the wilds of Novus seemed a far more welcoming place than the regime. Kasil hoped to change that. He wished to be a shepherd to his people, his rod used not to beat his flock into submission but to guide to Oriens himself. He hoped that by showing gentle devotion to those under his care, that they may come to see true light and understanding -- although if they chose not to, he supposed that there was no harm in that.
Each and every creature was entitled to their own beliefs. The winged Sovereign felt the chill of the night beginning to leave the walls of his court, the citadel in the heart of Delumine beginning to warm under the warm light the Oriens had begun to lift to the sky -- for his brother, Solis, to take unto their sister, Vespera, until she could deliver it back into the arms of Caligo. Thus the days turned, and this spring would turn to summer, and so on and so forth.
Kasil’s steps were light upon the courtyard grass, a large space that he thought was suitable to hold this first sort of informal meeting. It was small enough to be intimate, but large enough to hold a small crowd -- which, in truth was that he was expecting. Roses and various other flowers grew wildly along the perimeter, sweetening the air with buds that indicated the season. Giving his body one final shake, he cleared his throat and attempted to will his appearance into something resembling regality. He needed to put his best foot forward here, and did not wish to appear as weak as he felt. Birds that nestled in the trees were his audience as he spoke, his voice a little less confident than he would have liked.
”Come forward, friends and allies of the Dawn Court. It is high time that your Sovereign meets all of you -- to welcome you and allay any concerns you may have.”
It was his mother who was the first to join him, unsurprising to say the least. The mare was always fairly close at hand, her youthful days of wandering at an end with the death of her father. Perhaps, he thought, she might go on her own again once she found that he could handle the Court on his own. She was beautiful in his eyes, of similar build but shorter than he was; her dark hair tied up in an assortment of gold and flashy emeralds. A mark of sin adorned her shoulder, her adulterous nature on display for all to see. She had earned that mark after his birth, when the product of her indiscretions would serve as evidence.
Kasil’s grandfather had been instrumental in that. He had always told him that no one was above the law, but that an innocent was an innocent. Kasil bore no mark, but it was understood that his conception had been less than ideal. It had not affected his upbringing, had not altered his course in life. She came to stand nearby, ostentatious in her jingling adornments.
”Mother.” He addressed her kindly, dipping his head in respect for her position as his mother. He quickly turned away, however, wanting to keep his eyes and ears open for the others that he was sure were to come. Slowly, a trickle of gatherers began to form -- nameless faces that he would see to it that he knew more properly by the end of this day. If his recent travels around Delumine had shown him anything, it was that perhaps he were not as in touch with his Court as he would have liked to be.
everyone has until July 25th to reply! this is considered mandatory, with a word minimum of 300 per posting. Please do not feel obligated to write long posts, unless you specifically want to. <3
He had made the trip to Terrastella many times before - but this occasion was different, times were changing. To walk into Terrastella and The Dusk Court with no invitation might be seen as an act of war, a blatant disregard for the security and tenacity of the newly formed regime. So he had left Denocte, stars kissing his heels and woodsmoke swirling in his ebony locks, harbouring the knowledge that his city of starlight would be carefully watched over by his new regent, Camdis Lohir.
The path before him was slim, a path that has once been well-worn but now existed as an overgrown remnant of past times - it was rare these days for anyone to travel between Dusk and Night, so removed had each Court become. Still his steps were steady, if a little jovial, dancing and tiptoeing a line between their two worlds as he crossed the Arma Mountains and saw the first impressive view of the Praistigia Cliffs. Their glory was unparalleled, Reichenbach did often like to view the Terminus from atop the Prairie - and it did not compare to the savage, ruthless edges of the cliffs here. It looked like a completely different ocean, rough and wild, crashing against the uncompromising strength of the razor edged rock - the wildness welcomed him as he arrived, taking care to set his feet upon the very border of their land, his easy grin filled with pleasure as the wind caressed his hair.
The breeze curled her fingers through that wild ebony mane, taking away jasmine and woodsmoke to the citizens of Terrastella - an announcement of sorts, that he had arrived. Reichenbach waited at the border, patient despite his tempestuous nature, the picture of sultry health, practically glowing with all that Denocte offered: wildness, freedom, a life without restraint. He was both within and without, filled with wildfire and distant starshine, alive and bursting with vitality. They would come soon - either Rannveig herself (he knew the name through passing, but nothing of the woman herself) or one of her citizens. So the Sovereign of Night began his lazy vigil, wandering to the cliffs edge to stare out at the furious ocean below, one slender ear flicked back to hear any approaching hooves.
@Rannveig Reich has come to meet the new Dusk Court Sovereign! Open to any patrols, warriors etc. who want to find him first - or Rann herself if she wishes x
It no longer feels like spring, he thinks, trudging through sand and squinting at the impassively watchful sun. Somewhere between the tick forest and the rippling grass of the plains, the cool breath of wind had been lost. When a breeze did stir, it felt like the dry heat of an open stove. Lucky he’d come here toward evening - and even so he was slick and salty with sweat, the tangled curls of his mane a damp press against his dark neck.
Not at his most charming, true — but! he was on an adventure. For the moment, that was excitement enough that he could forget about his normally pristine appearance.
He was still new to Novus, only a few days beyond his first initial glimpse of the sea, and if it weren’t for meeting Camdis he’d likely still be nosing about in the meadow, unaware he’d found the Dawn Court. Meeting the mighty stallion, though, had imbued Charlemagne with a confidence he’d never had before. Ergo, he is only a little nervous to exploring on his own, and with every strange cry of a bird or moving shadow on a far-off dune he starts and stares for just a little less long.
All the same, he’s decided to head back the way he’s come when first he sees the equine shape top a dune next to his. For a moment he only watches, dipping his golden horn and pricking his ears as the golden mare makes her way across the sand. She makes it look far more effortless than he’s sure he does, but he’s too curious to feel jealous. That same curiosity - and perhaps a measure of loneliness - soon have him crossing over to her, hot sand sinking up to his ankles as he plunges down the dune and up again, a strange ship cresting a strange wave.
Charlemagne might have newfound courage, but as soon as draws alongside her, struggling to keep from panting, he finds that he does not have a newfound flair for starting conversation. The young unicorn offers her a shy smile and a dip of his snip-nosed head before his green eyes glance away, seemingly scrutinizing the dunes.
“Hello,” he says. “Do you know how far this goes on?”
home is behind the world ahead
there are many paths to tread
Weir laid in the shade almost on her back with her legs spread out before her in the tall grasses. Her head and horns outstretched onto the ground with her skin touching the moist, cool soil. The trees around her blocked out much of the warm sun of this midday. The shade dappled her milky and rosy body as the long branches swayed in the light to medium wind. It is genuinely an extremely relaxing spot that she had plopped down on. The leaves and grasses brushed against each other when the breeze blew. Grasshoppers and other small bugs crawled in the grass of flew around on the wings of the air.
Braided ivory tail tossed and lightly smacked her side when a fly would happen to land on her.
She was not asleep but was in deep relaxation. Her ears would swivel on her head when she would hear things, sometimes she would even lift her head and pink eyes would peek out from between eyelids and she would glance around herself. The red leaves on her horn tinkling gently with the sudden movement. With no danger in sight she would flop her head back to the ground with a huff and stretch out her legs once again, her hooves pressing against the dirt as she stretches her neck and her back.
Her mind daydreams now of the safety and the peace she has found here in this land. She thinks of her initial adventure here and all who she had already met. She thinks of the strange stared female with her short stature, of the mane-less male with the nose-ring, and she thinks about the green striped male who had disappeared. The one horse that sticks out in her mind is Rosti. He seemed like he was coming out of his shell but still so hidden to her senses. She thought about his unusual horns and his think foreign accent. She thought about how spotted and mottled almost his coat was. She wanted to dress him in trinkets or garments that would make his look stunning.
She smiles with her eyes closed at the thought of it. White teeth peered out from pale lips.
Blessed are the peacekeepers, the champions of the just.
An unknowing king stood in darkness and shadow as the soft blush of morning tinted the dunes. Maxence's vigil had begun in the early morning, only allowing mother moon and her stars to stand watch over him as he gave his wishes and threnodies to Solis. Today he was to hunt a beast he'd never laid eyes on, never heard it's cry, never smelt nor beheld even a single trace of it's being - it seemed an impossible feat to the commander of only sixteen hands and a few extra inches. Surely this great beast was revered as an 'elder' and called a Teryr for a reason and, while he did not wish to chance his death on one more badge, he also did not wish to lead the Solterrans to slaughter.
Wisdom demanded that they find another way to elect a leader. Seeking out a fight with one of the largest and feared beasts on the continent was foolish to say the least, though what kind of flaccid prick would he appear if he demanded the hunt called off mere minutes before it's first hulloo? It was the people's choice - it would proceed.
and so he watched, he waited, keen eyes of a drenched sea scouring the desert for any sign of the others joining the hunt. With no weapon at the ready and no less than his harness to keep his hide from breaking in to two, doubt continued to challenge his flourishing heart. It would never overcome - his chest of gold was one not so easily usurped, his resolve hard to strip.
It never missed a beat- the memories that rewind within him. Nothing was lost, it was clear and mind grabbing. Like a tack, it stuck with him and there was no force in removing it. Though he began drawing into a better light; how all of this was a tell tale of something that lay greater in his core. Of course, he stood the non-believer out of all that delivered praise and comfort. Family and friends always spoke for what they considered a jewel, how they saw the clarity within that matter in which they held out to have a grab at. Eyes were blind, happily so to such a thing. Call him a fool, a doubter. This all was only under a rug, so perhaps a wonderer?
Light beamed heavily on his skin, baking it as per usual. An everyday occurrence that would have anyone burning if they never turned to bask in it perpetually. It had become a welcoming embrace to the young male, never hesitating to remain in it. Lids fluttered as he gazed down at the liquid before him. A small nicker grew out of his throat, having forgotten his place for a moment before finally getting his thoughts in order. Ah, yes, he had downed himself here once giving up on trying to assess whether this was an illusion or reality. Rest had helped rule out which it was certainly not. Although... what else was he missing? Times like these ate at him greatly- the event of knowing something had gone missing from one's memory. Putting a hoof forward, he pushed himself up into a sit, stretching his neck before shaking out his mane.
Kauri remained in his position, his head going along as he took in the scenery with a hopeful gaze. It felt far too long since a sense of stability waved over him during his leave and journey for the lands beyond his original home. That breath of fresh air he needed, that is this sector. Stretching out both his forelegs, he finally got up, capering forward to exercise his entire body. What to do, where to begin? Ambling over to a tree not far from where he once laid, he peered up at it as if he were looking for something or simply expecting a certain thing from it. Rearing up, folded legs pressed against the tree as he attempted to reach, snapping at whatever he was getting at. How nonsensical.
