Atlas finds the Denocte beach celebration quaint. The colors are mostly muted save for the sharp cut of black and gold; the beige sand sets a benign backdrop for the steel-colored water and the opalescent sky, where the sun is a pale, almost melonlike color, the rays cutting down through a soft covering of platinum clouds. Powdery waves bubble up on the shore pushing pieces of greyed-out driftwood and, if lucky, unearthing a gorgeous shell, supposedly a relic from where holy Caligo strode across these very beaches in time immemorial. Atlas likes the feeling of the delicate, tepid early afternoon water against his golden hocks, his footsteps sinking slightly in the wet sand before being wiped away again as though he was never there.
Mellow though it was, the differences between the Beach Bash on Novus and the festivals he was used to experiencing in his homeland were stark and harsh. Zukai celebrations were full of spice and color, blood-red and coin-gold, the heavy scents of spiced food, coal-smoke, and more illicit activities all stuck beneath a blazing sun and a layer of intense, inescapable heat which made eyes sting with sweat, and every step feel more like swimming than Atlas was now, though he was knee-deep in the surf. Also missing from this particular event was the omnipresent reek of blood from the gladiatorial games being held from dawn 'til dusk at the city center. All the Sand Czars, important princes, and even some chosen wives would be in attendance. Everyone else would pack the city streets, for good or ill, slave and socialite alike.
Atlas far preferred the Denoctian festivities. They seemed to happen at a much slower pace-- very much his style-- but were still bright and cheerful. Parts of the beach were crowded as partiers prepared bonfire circles or bellied up to the bar; the Night Market was equally as populated by sellers and shoppers, hawkers and hagglers, and even the occasional pickpocket or thief.
But Caligo's land was large and for all her faithful there was no way they could swarm all the realm. Some stretches of sand, away from bonfires, sandcastles, and volleyball courts, were trodden by hunters of the rare: in age ranges from the spindly-legged young to bowed-back elders, eyes of all colors were on the lookout for the gilded appearance of the shells of Caligo's footsteps. This was what Atlas had decided to look for, though his pace was not quick. More often than not he spied a treasure that was snapped up by an excited child before he could make his way to it. The losses did not bother him, for he far more enjoyed the stroll on the beach to any sort of competition or race.
Atlas was lonely by nature, but he was no loner, for sure. The chance to be in proximity to others, trading greetings, and experiencing the flow of celebratory life uplifted his spirit, even if he was a singular visitor to a party populated by groups and families. Aside from brief salutations, he was too shy and awkward to truly introduce himself to anyone-- but the day was beautiful and the smiles were many, and so it was not too painful to simply trek on by himself.
SPEECH ! anyone ! 543 ! come bother him
12-06-2020, 03:29 PM
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Zombie [PM] Posts: 25 — Threads: 3 Signos: 275
Two years old was an awkward time for a cold. While his body was tall and lean, looking much more like an adult than a foal, his mind was still young. Hormones ruled the way he thought and acted and sometimes, it was awkward at best. He was still learning what was appropriate and what wasn’t, learning to curb his desires and his fantasies. Now would have been a great time to ask his father all sorts of questions about coming into his manhood, and yet, Kibou didn’t have that. He was learning all of this as he went and it was such a confusing time for the young colt.
The summer beach bash, although a great distraction for most, was torture for him. It was a large gathering of attractive females and handsome males and Kibou found it awkward at best. But he was trying to fit in, to be a better person and to figure out how he felt about the world around him.
The day had been exhausting, but it had come and gone so quickly it seemed. He had spent the morning hunting for seashells, determined to fashion his mother the most beautiful necklace. He entered the sand-castle building competition but had not won. He was not as artsy as he thought, or so it seemed.
But as the day began to end, the sun beginning it’s descent for the night, Kibou figured he would spend a few moments in the water. The cold water would do him good, at least he thought it might. As he settled into the water, waist deep, Kibou began to walk parallel to the shore, unwilling to leave the coolness of mountain-fed lake. But up ahead, there was a face that he hadn’t seen before. The individual definitely didn’t look like he was from around here. And being the curious little critter he was, Kibou began to walk towards the stranger, not caring if he wanted to talk or not.
Saki, the poor thing, clung to Kibou’s mane hoping that she would not enter the water. She hated the water and why her charge was so dead set on wading in the water was beyond her. But she said nothing and spent the walk trying to keep his satchel from dragging in the surf.
As he came towards the stranger, he offered him a soft smile. “Hi!” His voice was still young, still had a certain tenor quality to it. And yet, it was evident that the young colt was growing into manhood. It seemed to crack and waiver, making Kibou a little more self-conscious than he liked to admit. Awkwardly clearing his throat, Kibou waited, hoping that the stranger didn’t pick up on all his insecurities.
Watching the youngsters flit up and down the beach made Atlas' heart squeeze. His youth had been stolen by a pedagogue of opulence and classism, leaving nothing but the pungent memory of bodies on gold-paved streets and red blood streaming from his mother's nose.
His motion along the beach trailed to a halt as his eyes took in a lavishly crafted sandcastle; his vision glazed over a bit and he was transported back to heaving chests on damask marble and cracks in the gilded pillars holding up the palace his family called home.
He had fled without even knowing if his father was alive, or any of his brothers. His wives, his nephews, all cast aside like grains of sand in this very beach. His eyes narrowed and his chest filled with a bitter self-loathing; he left Zukai for a chance at selfless living, to shed his aureate exterior and be the standard bronze underneath. But nothing in this world was ever forgiven, not truly.
A couple ran chortling into the bracing surf and distracted him from his dark thoughts. As they retreated up the beach, giggling and nipping at each other, Atlas shook the stray drops of spray from his face and sighed. Though the self-apathy was a helpful tool for personal immolation, it did little for true reflection, and Nashira would kick his ass if she could see him wasting a beautiful day wallowing in the mire of his own misery.
He decided to kick the monkey off his back when he looked up and saw a young stranger with a monkey, quite literally, clinging to his back. The poor creature looked rather frightened. They clambered over their companion, struggling to keep a particular satchel from falling in the water.
In a land of purples and greens, the winged and the horned, it was refreshing to see a relatively plain colored individual, much like Atlas himself. The youth was wading further offshore, seeming to enjoy the freshness of the water. A chance glance brought Atlas' gaze level with the stranger's, and with a friendly smile and a curious air, the young lad started walking towards him.
The visitor announced a greeting with a gravelly crack to it indicating his youth. Atlas felt a familiar, squeezing pang in his chest for adolescence lost; but his return smile was genuine, and he dipped his head in greeting, ears shifted forward. "Hello, friend," he said, voice a deeper, even timbre, the harshness of his Zukai accent long since faded. "Come to enjoy this lovely celebration? It's a beautiful day for it."
Plain is something he had always called himself. Ever since he was old enough to understand what made each individual different, he couldn’t help but notice that he was not as flashy as others. Even Aspara had a horn and a pretty color. He was as plain as they came, his mother too. Katniss had tried to tell him that he was not plain, but perfect just the way she was. She always told him how much he looked like his father and it always made Kibou wonder why his father wasn’t here with him. He would always ask, but his mother skirted around the issue and only told him that he lived amongst the stars. Now that he was two, surely he was old enough to know the truth, right?
The little orb of light that followed behind him flickered with his emotions. It shone bright when he was thinking of this beautiful day, the grad sand castles, and all the treats served during the festival. But now that he was thinking about his uncertainty surrounding his father’s absence, the little orb of light seemed to flicker dully. Kibou never understood why the orb followed him, only that it was a gift from his father. Could his father see him through it? Should he be talking into the orb like a telephone straight to his daddy? More questions that the colt didn’t have the answers to.
As he came up on the stranger, he smiled fully at him, happy to see another. It was also refreshing to see someone just as plain as he. Perhaps his mother was right. Perhaps being so plain was not a handicap but something to be thankful for. At least he would never draw unnecessary attention.
At his words, he nodded his head softly. This celebration had been just what the colt needed to feel happy again. Saki tried her hardest, but even she could get easily annoyed at the antics of one so young. “I do love it when Denocte throws parties! The sweets are the best part!” During winter time, he loved when they served hot chocolate with peppermint spoons. And during the fall, he would eat candy apples as if they would leave and never return. Summertime, was for popsicles and ice cream, and Kibou had certainly had his fill of them today. “Have you tried any of the sweets yet? I love the coconut ice cream!” The ice cream was mixed with real coconut flakes and topped with toasted coconut as well. It was heavenly.
As he came to stand at a more personable distance (so he wasn’t yelling at the poor man), he slowed himself to a halt. Saki was thankful that he had at least traveled a little closer to the shore so she could drop the satchel without fear of it falling into the surf. As he chatted away, she played idly with his hair, picking out stray grains of sand and seaweed. Kibou looked like a hot mess and needed a good bath – but don’t tell him or else he’ll deny his need for cleaning.
In Zukai, as a Sand Prince, he had decked himself in black silks and golden filigree, red rubies and diamond accents. His long, gilded hair was tended by a series of designated slaves. Then, Nashira had sliced the locks from his neck and sent him out into the desert, saving and damning him at the same time. Atlas wondered if maybe she’d have granted him a quick death, had he stayed.
The little light following around behind the youngster caught his eye; it seemed to oscillate through a spectrum of colors. How curious, he thought, as he tilted his head to observe the object. Was this a sort of magic? If so, it was one he was not familiar with. Of course, that was not saying much-- Atlas was no great scholar of the mystical arts. In fact, he preferred to avoid them at all costs.
It warmed the wanderer’s old heart to listen to the boy extol the virtues of Denoctian celebrations. “I haven’t been to many parties, myself, so I’m not a very good judge, but I am enjoying this one.” The youngster came up a bit closer, excitedly going on about the merit of the various sweets offered at the summer festival, particularly the coconut ice cream. Judging by his exuberant tone and the veritable buzzing aura he emitted, Atlas suspected Kibou had already had his fair share of sugar today. “I have not had the opportunity to try the refreshments. I don’t suppose you would be willing to introduce me?” He winked, playful. “I do prefer to learn from the experts.”
Everything about the boy was peculiar and intriguing; Atlas couldn’t tell if it was because Kibou was particularly special, or if it had just been so long since he’d encountered anyone with the vibrancy of youth. “Does your friend have a name?” he asked of the simian picking through knots in the youngster’s mane.
Ever since the moment of his birth, Kibou had known that he was born to be a party-goer. He enjoyed each and every party and celebration that Denocte had and he even ventured to other courts (when his mother would allow) and attended their parties too! Parties were filled with life and happiness and it made his heart warm. It always made a little flutter in his stomach, something that some of the elders swore was gas but Kibou knew it to be happiness.
So naturally, learning that this stranger had not been to many parties himself had put a little frown on his face. His eyes softened as he cocked his head, his eyes staring deep into the other’s. He wasn’t sure what to say. Telling him that he should get out and attend more didn’t feel right. In fact, it felt a little rude. In the end, Kibou figured it was probably best not to say anything at all. His mother had taught him manners from such a very early age and he would not let her down now.
Instead, he smiled up at the stranger warmly. “They are all so much fun! You should come back in the fall! There is bobbing for apples and a costume contest. It’s so much fun! And in the winter, you can buy the best hot chocolate. I know all the best sweets then too!” Of course the child knew everything there was to know about sweets and snacks. As a growing colt, it wasn’t often that he was seen doing anything but eating. But despite how much he ate, he was still an appropriate weight.
He told the stranger about the coconut ice cream, one of his favorites. He beamed as the stranger asked him to help educate him on the best sweets at the party. Naturally, Saki rolled her eyes as Kibou’s gaze grew wide with excitement. “Come on! I’ll show you!” He stepped a little closer to the beach, coming up in front of the stranger before turning so they could walk side by side. He motioned his head in the direction of the food vendors before he began to lead the way.
When asked about his friend’s name, Kibou smiled. “Her name is Saki! And my name is Kibou!” Saki shook her head, her eyes looking apologetically at the stallion. The poor dear had no idea what he was in for. Out of all of the party goers, he was choosing to spend the afternoon with a rambunctious colt who was not the least bit shy. But like a good companion, she said nothing and continued to pick out imperfections in his made. “Saki says I do enough talking for the both of us, but she can talk when she wants to.” Kibou, the poor dear, did not want to make the stallion feel as though he was being left out because she was not talking.
@Atlas - poor Atlas D: He has no idea what he’s gotten himself into.
Ordained to attend parties and celebrations as the second son, Atlas possessed no choice but to make appearances. He was to be polite, punctual, well-groomed, and silent, and to allow his older brother to absorb all the attention. As with most things, the preparation was the worst bit; as soon as all the gussying up and anointing with golden oils was done, he could just blend into the background, as he preferred-- as he had been raised to prefer.
He watched Kibou frown with a purity of confusion belonging only to youth. It was the result of a genuine selfless unhappiness, and not disapproval or dislike. It made his heart squeeze, and he offered a gentle smile of his own. “Don’t be sad for me, my friend,” he said, hoping to raise the youth’s spirits. His own happiness was not Kibou’s burden, and if Atlas were to ruin his joyous mood he might just walk into the ocean and not return. “My life has been full, parties or no.”
Much to Atlas’ relief, Kibou instead launched into a spirited tirade of Denocte’s fall and winter festivals, and the laurels of the celebration of each respective season. Sweets and food played a huge part in what made both of these events great, as well. Atlas smiled, fond. Kibou’s companion, however, seemed less so.
Atlas shifted so the little stag could lead the way; together, the pair made their way up the beach. “It’s nice to meet you, Kibou,” Atlas said, genuine. He met Saki’s incredulous gaze and responded with a spirited wink of his own. He did not mind the energy whatsoever. In fact, he could use an injection of brightness into his life. “And Saki, as well. My name is Atlas. I appreciate you taking the time to show me the way, as it were.”
A warm, salt-smelling breeze whipped down the beach. Atlas lifted his head up into it, into the late-afternoon sun, a golden silhouette against the bruised-purple of the distant horizon. “There is a wisdom in holding one’s tongue, as tedious as it may seem. It is a hard-learned skill. I certainly have not mastered it myself, even though I’ve tried.” He has been in his life a poor hermit, swearing off the luxuries of socialization. It has never stuck.
Kibou did not like the fact that he had made the other sad by his lack of party going. The other told him not to be said for him, but Kibou had a big heart and he couldn’t help the way his heart was telling him to be sad. Kibou could not imagine being raised in such a way that he did not get to attend and enjoy every party. Perhaps it was good that he was born here in Denocte and not in some other court, like Solterra. Perhaps it was a good thing that he was still fairly naïve to the vastness of the world and ignorant to other religions and cultures. Perhaps it was a good thing he had run into Atlas at this particular party. There was no time like the present to learn about others who’s backgrounds differed from his own.
As they began to meander down the beach, Kibou gave the introductions and beamed when Atlas, as he called himself, said it was nice to meet him. However, while his mother had taught Kibou many manners, he still struggled with remembering all the rules. He should have said something along the lines of “you’re welcome” when Atlas thanked him for showing him the way to the sweets. Saki let the pause go for a few strides, but then kicked her heel into his shoulder to get his attention. Jolted, the colt looked over his shoulder to see a monkey glaring down at him as if he had forgotten something. “Oh right…” He offered Saki a sheepish smile before turning back to Atlas. “You’re welcome! My momma told me to always be welcoming and helpful.” Saki instantly facepalmed herself, mentally writing herself a note to teach him that it was not attractive to be boastful. But he was learning, he really, truly was.
Thankfully, they changed the topic onto things like wisdom in holding-one’s tongue. Saki was trying to teach the colt these things, but he was far to uninterested in learning that particular lesson. “It’s too hard for me to stay quiet. Saki believes I just like to hear myself talk.” The monkey shook her head, her hands going back to picking out burrs from her charges’ mane. “…you do.” Kibou smiled, his heart filling with innocent joy. The small ball of light that floated behind him glowed brightly, shining even brighter in the dusk. It bounced along behind him, following him at exactly a half-lengths distance, lighting the path before them.
It did not take long for the scenery to change. No longer were the two males kicking up sand, but stepping onto firm grasses and weeds. The area was set up much like the markets, with venders on either side for as far as the eyes could see. Each was selling different things, from clothing to food. Kibou meandered through the crowd before he paused at a tent nestled in the far corner of the lot. “Marcus, can you scoop my friend here some ice cream? I told him your coconut ice cream was the best!” The vender chuckled lightly as he turned to Atlas. “What will it be, sir?” He was ready and prepared to dip whatever flavor the stallion wanted into a freshly baked waffle cone.
Atlas was touched by the fact that Kibou was willing to go to such ends to ensure he had the best party experience. It made him feel just a bit lighter, that all the evil and darkness in this world hadn’t stolen everything from the youth of the next generation. He looked at Kibou and smiled and felt warmed by his brightness and energy, and when he tried to imagine the colt sitting balcony-side above a Zukai bloodsport match he drew a blank. His mind replaced Kibou with an image of his younger self and his stomach squeezed.
His mind reeled as he struggled to keep himself grounded; oddly enough, he found himself thinking back to a game he and Nathely would play during the frigid, desert nights, where they’d look out at the same landscape, shaped and shadowed by moonlight and twisting, blowing sands, and describe the differences each of them saw. Atlas employed that tactic here, following Kibou: the sand on the Denoctian beach was softer, more pillowy under his hooves; the air was balmy and salt-rich instead of dry and harsh; it was humid and warm and not oppressively hot and desiccated.
He was shocked back to his senses as he watched the little simian, Saki, plunge her heel into Kibou’s flesh and Atlas was startled for a moment; but the colt and monkey exchanged a glance and a bashful smile crept across Kibou’s face. He gleefully crowed about what his mother had taught him and the monkey pressed her face into her palm in loving exasperation. Atlas smiled. “And she’s right. Always try and be kind, even when the world is not.” And may you never know it then, he thought, but left that part unspoken. “Your mother seems like a wise woman to raise such a fine boy,” he added, hoping to brighten the conversation back up.
Atlas laughed at Kibou’s admission of his inability to be quiet. “You’re young yet. You have time to learn many things still-- and time to teach, as well.” He winked at Saki; she seemed to be a large part of Kibou’s tutelage, and he hoped he wasn’t stepping on any toes.
The ground beneath them firmed and turned to beach and lyme grass; the sand became darker, uneven, and humped into hillocks where the tide would push and shape it. Around them, willowy boots decked in seaweed, decorative nets, and shells in all shapes and colors housed vendors hawking their goods. Atlas stuck close to Kibou in the crowd, making sure not to lose his guide in the evening bustle.
Eventually, Kibou paused at a stall and addressed the proprietor; Atlas smiled at the colt’s confidence until the attention was turned to him. He balked, uncertain, and he worked his jaw as his mind flew. What did he know of ice-cream flavors? What did he know of anything at all? Is… is coconut… not a flavor? He thought, eyes widening and shifting side to side. What had he eaten, way back when? His mind churned to think of something but any thought of his once endorsed luxuries had turned to dirt in his memory.
“Just… plain?” he finally offered, barely louder than a whisper, pleading eyes looking to Kibou for assistance and not feeling the least bit ashamed of it.
Kibou listens to his words of wisdom, enamored by the way he seems to understand just what his mother has been trying to teach him. How is it that adults seemed to know exactly what to say? He found like he fumbled over his words a lot when he was trying to say the right and proper thing. And yet, Atlas seemed to be able to speak so freely without any wort of trouble at all. It was curious for the colt.
When he tells Kibou that his mother seems like a wise woman, he nods his head proudly. “She’s the smartest person I know!” While he had very little frame of reference, he was proud of his mother. She had managed to raise him this far on her own, even with her duties to her court. “Her name is Katniss…and she helps protect Denocte from bad people.” Kibou might not understand completely what his mother did for the court, but he did know that she was a warrior and she was quite good at her job and she took it very seriously. It made him proud and he saw no shame is announcing such a fact to the world.
By the time they made it to Marcus’ ice cream stall, Kibou was already ready for a second helping. He knew it would ruin his dinner and perhaps he shouldn’t have any more, but Marcus handed him the cone filled with coconut ice cream rolled in coconut flakes. It made his mouth water and Kibou couldn’t be rude and not take the ice cream. So he did just that and began to lick the ice cream off the waffle cone.
Marcus waited patient for Atlas to give his order, his stall filled with thirty of more different flavors, some simple and some complex. It seemed to overwhelm the stallion. Kibou smiled at him. “Marcus, fix him up!” The man smiled and nodded, proceeding to scoop a scoop of coconut ice cream rolled in coconut flakes in the waffle cone. But Atlas was a much taller man, so Marcus proceeded to scoop some triple chocolate on the cone as well. He drizzled it with creamed and handed it over. “It’s on the house, boys.” Kibou beamed. He loved ice cream and it was even better when it was free.
He motioned for Atlas to join him as he moved to some tables not far away. He settled alongside one, licking at his ice cream with almost a furious need to finish it before it even started to melt. “Well, what do you think?” He was a little jealous that Atlas got two scoops and he only got one. But then again, he supposed it was probably for the best. Kibou had partook in far too many sweets tonight as it was.
