"But the dream, the echo, slips from him as quickly as he had found it and as consciousness comes to him (a slap and not the gentle waves of oceanic tides), it dissolves entirely. His muscles relax as the cold claims him again, as the numbness sets in, and when his grey eyes open, there’s nothing but the faint after burn of a dream often trod and never remembered." --Brigade, written by Laura
It was midnight and the dark figure upon the beach seemed, but a shadow lost amongst the glowing plankton scattered along with shoreline. With the blue light behind him the black stallion appeared to be a specter amongst the living. Not of the land he had come to visit, he had somehow escaped the notice of those that resided there. A fact that he had been grateful of.
He’d been wandering Ischia for the past two nights. The glowing creatures had drawn him to the beach each night, mesmerizing him with their dancing blue light. Shrouded by the dark of night, he’d found peace amongst the rhythmic crashing of waves and the loud conversations of parrots perched in the towering tropical trees. Although the land had grown colder by the arrival of winter, the tropical paradise seemed almost untouched by the changed season.
Parrots still flew overhead, and his coat had remained short. The only sign of winter was a cool breeze blown off the water. He turned towards the ocean and gazed out upon it’s moonlit water. Far in the distance, beyond the reef, large waves birthed smaller waves – their tips kissed by the moon above. Crystalline water mirrored the stars above so clearly that he could almost count them.
Every night he’d crawled out of his hiding place to enjoy the serenity of a place as beautiful as Ischia. He’d found his peace once more and his soul had begun to settle. The flashes of his past had been lost amongst the miles of sand dunes and sea grass. He felt lighter somehow as he slowly forgot the need behind his solitude.
The night had become his mask, and one he donned proudly. There was no longer the worry of terrifying casual onlookers. His scars and deformities were shielded by the kindness of midnight. Here, with only the moon and the stars as his company he was free.
It isn't uncommon for the lavender stallion to be patrolling the nights sky. The darkness was the best opportunity an intruder would have at sneaking through the borders unseen.
On this particular night he found sleep evading him. His children were curled together. Lost in the land of dreams as he walks towards the isles cliffs. With one last glance towards them, he leaps from the rocky plateau. Lavender wings expanding as feathers grip the upward oceans draft. The cool air filters through his wings and tosses his mane gently. He cherishes his ability of flight and wishes he could have shared it with the twins. They were given other abilities though and they were just beginning to discover them.
His ascend into the starry skies is swift but he doesn't climb as high tonight. The purpose of his angst this night perhaps was something of reality, so he remains low to circle the isles borders. Typically the only visitors come announced and across the land bridge during the day but something unsettled him this evening.
The trajectory of his flight path bends up ahead to the left. Coming down the western shoreline and heading south. The shallows of the shores are ignited in the glow of the plankton that rested here at night. It was mesmerizing to say the least. Often luring wanderers across the bridge between their kingdom and the commonlands. He couldn't blame them for their draw here but he had duties to his children, to the Ischians and their Keeper. So as he leans to turn a dark figure is seen loaming about the shores. His immediate reaction is of his duty and he quickly finds himself landing beside the stranger, between him and his home. His wings fold quickly along his barrel as he closes the distance between them. A sharp tone accompanying his words, "Who are you stranger and what is your purpose here?" They are quick and to the point. If he detected any hint of foul play he would be quick to escort the intruder from their lands...
The sound of wings beating against the night air had not been an uncommon occurrence in Ischia. Parrots resided quite happily among the horses and their flights had become a familiar sound to his slightly crooked ears. He did not bother to look away from the sky’s painted hues, but as the sound grew louder unease set upon him. That was no bird.
The sound of four hooves as they touched down behind him alerted him to a strange presence and Hephaestus quickly maneuvered himself so that only the good half of his face was visible. His body tensed as he eyed the lavender hued stallion. Bathed in the light of the glowing plankton the stallion almost seemed to glow himself. A bitter taste filled his mouth.
The stallion’s accusatory tone did little to set him at ease, but Hephaestus understood his hesitation. He was a stranger amongst them and though he’d done his best to keep his presence unknown to them. There was no harm meant by his short visit there, he’d merely wished to gaze upon the phenomenon that was Ischia’s magnificent beach.
”I mean you and yours no harm,” he reassured in a calm tone. ”I am merely passing through. I beg your forgiveness if I have disturbed you.”
His formal tone sounded detached even to his ears. Social interactions had never been an arrow he’d carried within his quiver. He only hoped that the regal horse before him understood and believed him at his word.
He cleared his throat and offered another piece of evidence for the purple horse’s consideration, ”I am new to this land, but have heard much talk about the wonder of your beaches. I simply could not resist laying my eyes upon them.”
03-12-2018, 06:55 AM (This post was last modified: 03-12-2018, 07:21 AM by Klaudius.)
It wasn't often he found dark strangers lurking in the night on their island. Even rarer that they managed to escape his knowledge for more than a day. He wonders briefly what powers this stallion may hone for stealth. Noting his equally large stature and contrasted color, that would make him hard to not to detect. That is unless he has magic or simply does not make day appearances. Either way he is left wondering as his silver eyes remain hardened on the intruder. Awaiting an anticipated answer with coiled muscles under his sleek hide.
Lavender ears rise slightly from their hidden position in his matching forelock. Listening intently to the stranger pleaded case. The male's intentions seem innocent enough and his words genuine. Only partially convinced, he continues to listen to all the man has to say. He would be the judge and the jury tonight.
After what could only have been minute, his eyes examine the large brute. Deciding that he may speak truth but mystery still remains. His words are again punctual, "What is your name Sir?" He bore only so much patience and it was wearing thin...
There was distrust within the lavender stallion’s eyes. Hephaestus couldn’t blame him. Strategically he maneuvered himself to better face the stranger, using his full forelock to cover the side of his face that was marred and unpleasant to behold. He’d known he was tempting fate, lingering as long as he had. It had only been a matter of time before he was discovered and, it would seem, the time to move on was upon him.
Holding his head upright he noted the small height difference between the two. If it became necessary, Hephaestus knew the advantage would be his. Violence, however, was not something he wished to resort to. Though, the longer he stood within the protector’s presence he sensed the other males disposition shifted more towards an opposite opinion.
”I beg your pardon,” he replied in an ever lowering tone. ”I fear that your question is not one I can answer at present.”
His identity was unimportant, and he saw no purpose in divulging the information to one who might seek to use it against him. He would sooner wish to be like a shadow, there one moment and gone the next. His reply would displease the lavender stud, he knew. But it was the only answer he could provide him.
hold me in this wild, wild world 'cause in your warmth I forget how cold it can be
He had tucked himself away for the night, but quite near to the beach, because he loved to see the bioluminescent plankton. When he awoke from dreams, it was soothing to watch their patterns change with every incoming wave, lulling the immortal warrior back to sleep. But tonight it is not dreams that wake him, but very real voices at the edge of his consciousness. He is already focusing his ears on the sounds before his eyes even open, and picking out careful steps from the cover of trees to where the other two stallions were standing before his eyes have even adjusted completely.
The purple stallion he knows, by sight and smell if not personally well. Klaudius is a wild card in Brennen’s mind, and a small part of his mind is constantly puzzling over him. But now he steps easily into a space next to his compatriot, because this is their island, and the purple pegasus is radiating tension beside him. “Way to disturb a guy’s sleep.” He murmurs, but with no real bite to the words. Brennen flicks a curious gaze over the stranger just as he refuses to give a name, but finds nothing threatening or untoward about him even though the black man towers over Brennen; Klaudius is a full hand taller than Brennen, and the stranger taller again than him.
But both Ischians have wings, not to mention magics the stranger can’t see, so he can’t imagine anyone except a powerful magician or a madman would choose to take them on in a fight. Not that the bay is spoiling for a fight – in fact, he is standing loose-limbed and to all appearances completely relaxed. “That’s not really how it works,” his voice is polite, but despite his relaxed appearance quite stern. “This is the Kingdom of Ischia, and while we welcome visitors, we don’t accept those who won’t even share a name with those already living here. Secrets might bring danger to our shores.” Brennen tilts his head, amber eyes sharp. “I’m Brennen, a Watcher of Ischia.” The title feels foreign on his tongue, but if ever there was a time to use it, now seems appropriate.
hold me in this wild, wild world and in your heat I feel how cold it can get
It was a simple request, wasn't it... A name. It didn't even have to be this real name. He'd know no difference if the stallion had no intentions of staying, but no... The mans refusal of his title causes him to stand more rigid. Only someone who was trying to hide or cause deception would refuse to answer such a simple question. He knew this from personal experience.
His teeth grind and just as he's about to spew profanities, a murmur comes from behind him. Hearing the soft steps and ruffle of feathers in the nights breeze, his crown swivels as neck cranes to find the bay stallion of Ischia. They had met only briefly before but other than that encounter, they remained strangers but with one purpose, protecting Ischia.
He dismisses the winged bays grumbling and returns his attention to the large intruder. Eyeing him suspiciously, he hardly sees the difference in height. They mere 4 inches between the two larger stallions wasn't a concern to him. If the stag would show evidence of magic he may become slightly but thus far he has not shown real evidence of such powers.
Lavender ears quickly rise at Brennen's comment of the strangers lack of compliance to his simple inquiry. A displeased snort flutters from his nares as his neck arched, bringing his muzzle to his chest. He was trying very hard to not instigate an attack. Trying.
Giving the black stallion another chance to speak up, he settles beside his Ischian comrade. Lavender wings loosening from his sides slightly. Hearing him announce his own name to the stranger he decides to speak his own, "And I'm Klaudius. The fighter of Ischia, protector of her Keeper and people... Now that we are not strangers I will ask you again, what is your name Sir?" Again his hardened gaze looks upon the dark stallion, "Unless you don't remember your name, but you don't seem to be that dimwitted..." A smirk begins to form of his lips. Illuminated by the luminescent plankton floating within the waves.
Klaudius
I was lightning, before the thunder
@[Hephaestus] @[Brennen] sry I can't control him XD
It is in these moments she finds the most peace. The silence of night was comforting to her as she watched the glowing plankton roll in and out with the tide. A cool breeze blows through her mane, and she spreads her feathered appendages, imagining herself flying in the night sky. Her eyes close.
The moment of bliss is fleeting as the sound of voices grab her attention. Two she knows, the other unfamiliar. They are down the beach a ways, and she contemplates whether she should investigate or let the men handle it.
She sighs, moving her feet in the direction of her champion, her watcher, and the stranger. Klaudius looks to have the ever growing anger in his eye. Brennen looks annoyed at best. And the stranger seems calm but stubborn nonetheless. The Keeper grows closer, the glow of the plankton illuminating the jewel upon her skull.
”Stop it you two,” She says, voice stern. ”It seems as though our guest only wanted to see the beauty of our krill. Allow him an opportunity to speak his name when he’s more comfortable.” She gives him a gentle nudge as she inches closer to Klaudius’ side. What Klaudius lacked in diplomacy skills, he made up for in protectiveness, which she was glad for. But since the stranger hasn’t done them harm, she figured hostility is better saved for one of those times. ”I’m Krone, the Keeper of Ischia. This is my champion, and this is my Watcher.” She gestures to each as she states their titles. A stone cold glare on her face as she looks to each.
”But I’m sure they already told you that. Now that we’re all acquainted, can I please ask of your name, stranger?” Her tone is gentle, with the slightest urging undertone. It isn’t like her to turn one away, but if he couldn’t find the words to tell her, she would have to send him on his way.
Knowing ones name was the best way to find the ill-hearted after-all.
The night seemed to grow suddenly colder as Hephaestus’ words faded into a thick silence between them. He sensed, almost immediately, that his response did not bode well with the lavender stallion, as he had predicted. He watched as the stud set his jaw and his eyes grew suddenly malicious. It was not hard to imagine the words that were tumbling on the edge of his tongue, begging to be set loose and Hephaestus readied himself for the threats that were inevitable. As the guardian’s frustration glowed brighter, another figure emerged out of the shadows.
Perfect.
The bay was smaller than his companion as he drew up beside them, creating an impassable wall between the two of them. Both winged brutes gazed at Hephaestus with challenging eyes, searching him as though searching for some sign of an advantage. The Friesian knew, however, the advantage was theirs.
The bay stallion explained his position and introduced himself with the Lavender following suit. The two prided themselves on their social standing within the kingdom of Ischia. It was almost admirable, the length the two were willing to go to insure the safety of their people.
Hephaestus had never known such protection as theirs and he wondered what it must be like to have such a blanket of security.
Klaudius’ manner never changed, even with the arrival of his companion. He did not approve of the black’s visit among them and, no doubt, would be happy to see him on his way. Hephaestus would have been glad to appease him, though they were making it difficult. Rather than fixate on minute details, they could just have easily let him pass peacefully on.
Hephaestus was preparing to give the two stallions their desire, his mouth parted ever so slightly, when yet another figure joined them.
Her manner was instantly different. Regal. And Hephaestus found his eyes glued to her as she gently chided the two stallions. Her effortlessness in addressing the two made it clear that she ranked above them, though he would never had guessed that such a beautiful creature would be the keeper of such an equally beautiful land.
Her small stature was almost doubled by the addition of her emerald colored plume, adding another set of wings to the wall, officially blocking his pathway. However understanding she sounded, he still ensured that his wavy forelock covered the monstrosity that was his face. Their opinion would no doubt change if they saw beneath the carefully placed black mane.
”My name is Hephaestus,” he finally divulged squaring his gaze slowly upon the one called Krone. ”As I was explaining to Klaudius, I was merely passing through. I’d heard of the beauty of this beach and I simply had to know it for myself. I mean you, nor you people, harm.”
He hoped that the three Ischians would find his answer satisfactory. The novelty had grown dry and he would gladly move on from it – if only he could.
