I make my way down south through Delumine. First over the canyons, which were just as difficult to cross this second time as they were the first. Then over the Arma Mountains, cold in their frosty altitude despite the spring weather elsewhere. So now I descend the slopes toward the giant lake in the middle of Delumine, where I once enjoyed the dawn with Camdis. I wonder when I'll see the bloke again, because I enjoyed his company so much. It only takes me another half hour or so before I reach the northern edge of the lake. I stop to stare out at the setting sun, already nearing the horizon. It'll be very different here than in Solterra. Not a difference I'm sure I'll mind at all.. the sun was too hot, the soon-to-be leader (from what I guessed based off initial conversation) too bossy and devoid of people skills for my taste. I don't have the greatest people skills either, but at least they usually seem to enjoy my presence.

And so I've come to the land of the Night Court, seeking a strange and different life. Mostly I'm searching for Reichenbach, the friend I'd made when searching for the relic in Delumine. He seemed to have a similar spirit as I, and I can't help but be drawn to him. Just like Camdis, I found myself wanting to spend more time with the other stallion. I could only hope he felt the same way as I invaded his home. I began to travel west along the shore, silver eyes searching for any sign of familiar faces.

I let out a gruff, but happy nicker.. searching. No words, only a call. I hope I don't stink like the desert TOO much. That wouldn't do, to reek of a foreign land and cast suspicion upon myself. And perhaps even get myself kicked out before I can say hello!

WC: 319
Tag: @Reichenbach

Rostislav

more than a drunken fool

I hear him before I see him. The stallion's call of my name causes me to lift my skull higher, eyes brightening. I hesitate for a moment in my step, nostrils flared and ears perked in attention. Not just my name, but called by one I've grown rather fond of, despite the few times we've met. It's one of those friendships that just happen with no particular words to explain the phenomenon. And that's ok.

I move again, my head swaying slightly, exaggerated by my increased forward movement. Then I break into a trot, striped hooves carrying me faster toward the bay stallion, the one that wears coins for decoration. As we get closer to each other, both of us pull up to a halt. Pure pleasure at being here, seeing him, is written all over my face and body. His greeting is exuberant, promising he would have met me sooner if he'd known. I chuckle, enjoying the moment. "Aye, but then it wouldn't have been a surprise, would it?" Not that I'd originally intended it that way. "When I saw you last you asked if I'd come live here. Well... I sure as hell hope you meant it because I'm here to stay!" I chuckle, a look of mischief crossing onto my scarred face.

When I'd seen him he'd proposed that I come to live in Denocte. I'd been unsure at the time. But some events had transpired, and I realized that I would be happier living in the south than the sandy, parched land of the north. It simply hadn't been the right fit, though I'd initially been sure that it was. Well, things change. I can only hope now that there will be a place for me here, and that I will not be shunned for having come from Solterra. (Though of course I don't worry about this reaction from Reichenbach.) Although fitting in isn't something that generally bothers me, not belonging can make daily life just a bit harder, and that can add up....

WC: 338
Tag: @Reichenbach

Rostislav

more than a drunken fool

He beams at me, the warmth on his face and joy in his eye as plain as Solis's day. I feel the tension that had been building in my muscles and nerves lessen, then fade. Of course I'd be welcome. And clearly I'd been a fool to think otherwise. But conditions for my residency? Some of the residual anxiety sweeps through me again. Hopefully not something like.. serve as a slave forever, or offer up my firstborn son? (Not that I've had any sons, they've both been daughters.)

To my relief (and once again my nerves settle and I relax), he only asks that I serve in a position. "Warden." I've never heard of this before, the word yes but the position no. But from his description it sounds much like when I was a Legatus in the Hidden Falls under Midas. An honorable position where I might defend my family, my home, my herd. There's glory in battle, victory... especially in fighting for a just cause. Usurper of glory. That's what my name means after all. Being the warden for Reichenbach, and for Denocte as a whole, sounds desirable for all of us.

I nod my assent as he reassures me that he will be there by my side. I don't need anyone to hold my hand of course; I'm a self-made man. But it's better if I'm not left in charge of the biggest decisions. Ironically, despite coming from a land of politicking I have little ability in it. "Aye, Comrade. I will serve." I move with my muzzle to shove at his next in jest. "They'll never stop us!" And now my jovial expression matches his, and my leonine tail twitches with all the excitement and a draft horse can passively express.

WC: 295
Tag: @Reichenbach
Rosti thoughts | Rosti speech | Damaris mindspeak

Rostislav

more than a drunken fool

The bay is clearly as pleased and cheerful as I, and I can only imagine the trouble we will get into. Only trouble mandated by the government, of course! HA - he IS the government. I snort with laughter at my own little joke, not bothering to share it. The companionable easiness of the moment could last forever. I wish it would, or at least that the feeling would continue forever. Solterra's loss? Indeed. I had barely stayed there before deciding it was not for me after all. I could have managed, sure. But it wasn't meant to be, and I found I had too many friends that lived here in the southern parts. It was probably better for all that I'd chosen to leave. Except Victorina... but I will return to visit her, and I'm sure she will visit me. Though young, she is already blossoming into a young lady, certainly capable of taking care of herself. (Though I will be there whenever she needs me.)

He beckons me forth, wanting to introduce me to the rest of the Court on a more intimate level than my previous visit had given me. I begin to follow him, agreeing with assessment of the next step. But the name that he drops stops me in my tracks. "Camdis?! I love Camdis!!" My words are more like hysterical fangirling, in as MANLY AND RUSSIAN A WAY AS POSSIBLE. But my voice MIGHT have broken there for half a second. I follow him, a new bounce in my step as I remember the peaceful snoozing by the lake -- THIS lake -- that I had shared with Camdis from what seems like ages ago. Oh yes, this is going to be GREAT!

WC: 286
El fin!
Rosti thoughts | "Rosti speech" | Damaris mindspeak

Rostislav

more than a drunken fool