Olive Branch | A N Y

[Krigare]

Krigare did not believe in gods. He did not believe in fate or karma. He simply wished to exist without the complications of silly ideas that couldn't be proven by one's self. This was his key to living the easy way. The way of happiness without question, or love without hesitation. 

He thought of these things as the sea rolled into the sand, pushing it gently upon his coal colored hooves. While the earth had taken the Taiga, it still wished for its children to prosper... To be one. A soft smile arose upon dark lips as he rose his head to the sky, sea glass hues trained on the parting clouds. 

With the sand he stood upon, the ocean that pulled at him gently, and the stars that dotted the ink colored sky he found himself at peace. No noises disturbed the dark stallion, nothing but the quiet roll of the ocean as he stepped away from it. 

As much as he loved being near the sea, he could not stay forever, and with that, he turned from the great azure and headed inland. Towards the sleepy heart of his fiery home. The salty tang of the ocean air slowly gave way to the homely scent of Tephra. While the great bay was sure it smelled different to everyone, to him, it smelled like oak and fire. A rather pleasant scent indeed. 

Unlike the day he had come to the fire laden land, the stallion seemed put together, A beautiful mold of dark mane and equally as dark pelt. The once mat of a mane was now a frock of curling black tendrils. The stag's ink colored tail just barely dragged the thin layer of ash beneath him as he walked. His own bodice too had changed, weak legs had grown strong, where skin had pulled over bone muscle was laid as a blanket. This simply came about from his flurry of activity, runs by the beach, fleeting trips to the field, or missions to find the painted colt he wished to speak with. Or ever just walks like these through the land.

His mind wandered much as he did now. From the alabaster mare that held his emotions so tight, the child that would soon be a yearling, his life and where he wished for it to go, Beqanna and what was to happen to it now.

With the fall of the Taiga its residents (the very creatures that had led to its demise) would be seeking safe haven else where. While Tephra was not near the Taiga (compared to other kingdoms) The prospect of its Wraith coming to them was not unreasonable in thought. These thoughts plagued not only Krigare. Taiga's death brought uneasiness to many it felt. 

However, despite the few fears he housed he knew Tephra had a leader that would not shy away from a predator. One who would stand his ground and protect his home, and just like that.. The twisted fear was gone. Replaced once more by the peaceful wave of nothing he so hoped to feel.

He had reached the hollow now. A small out cropping of trees he had found himself returning to over the past few weeks. He found the small area nice for sleep, or just a place to hide away and think. It was simple, a mere circle laden with grass and surrounded by trees. He had not been to this place in many days, this made clear by the thin film of ash placed over his home like a blanket. 

How tempted was he to lay down for a while? To rest his aching muscles and close his eyes... He shook his head, turning once more towards the heart of the land. The volcano. At its base laid coals thick as ones fist, and a layer of ash unbreathable for most. He sighed, a deep sound from within his chest. 

Once he had wandered too close, the burns still ghosted his back. A reminder that the earths greatest treasures were to be marveled at from afar. 

[Zephyr]

The bittersweet between my teeth, trying to find the in-between…

The gentle pull of winter can be felt throughout Beqanna's borders. Though early in the season, it seems colder than usual, even in Tephra, where the land remains hot and humid all year round. The world feels colder now...the fall of Taiga had brought a wind of unease to all the lands Beqanna held - new equines were already traveling to the volcano to seek refuge, maybe find a new home and life...the alabaster mare could smell it. 

She remained close to the volcano tonight - her sea had been flooded with new guests and they made her claustrophobic and nervous. She did not know many horses to begin with, so the new crop of them passing through Tephra's borders made her feel uneasy. 

The volcano's heat hugged at her sides, and she remained deathly still. The smell of sulfur flooded her nostrils and she huffed at the familiarity. She wasn't fond of the volcano, but she knew she hadn't much else of a choice...her sea was a dropping ground for those made homeless by the earth. 

She sighed, air pushing through her mouth quickly. She knew she had to do it. It had been too long and her mind was growing restless. She had to find him. She had to find Krigare. She turned herself away from the volcanos heat, and moved carefully in the direction of the outcropping of trees he had introduced her to. She had avoided this far too long, and she knew they needed to speak. 

Zephyr could smell him. His scent was familiar and made her heart rush. She swallowed, and let out a simple nicker in his direction. She would wait for him to approach her...she just needed to feel his presence again. 

Zephyr