Belgaer
He dreams that he is standing bruised upon a trampled battleground. Wearily his gaze stretched out across the browning grass to meet the eyes of his opponent. Both stood with breaths held as they awaited the announcement of who would walk away victorious. Instead of telling voices, however, the figure of his father and Scorch dissolve from where they stood. Panicked Belgaer rushed forward just as the ground beneath his feet crumbled into a blackened abyss.
Jolted awake, he gasps the sound of his heart pounding wildly within his lobes. Head lifted upright off of his sandy pillow he blinked against the harsh rays of sunlight that pounded down upon him. He was upon the beach, the waves crashing tirelessly upon the shore. Crabs and seabirds alike scurried in the shallows, cooling themselves within its spray. Off in the horizon the billowing pillows of smoke filled the skyline, a dark storm brewing just behind it. A sense of foreboding pressed in on him from all sides, a deep worry churning his empty stomach.
Oddly sore he drew his legs up beneath hin he rose sand falling from the places it had previously clung. Unfurling his wings he allowed the humid wind to brush through his feathers, the heavy smell of rain thick in the air. A storm was coming. From behind him a lone parrot squawked at him, his tone curious. Glancing back Belgaer studied the brightly plumed creature as it cocked its head. Satisfied that he was otherwise alone he stepped towards the water, his hocks being met with the welcoming coolness of the salty tide. The water massaged his muscles, allowing him to forget for a moment the ache that followed every movement.
Bel! His softly spoken nickname came as a surprise as the tone was not one he had come to expect. Spinning around, forgetting for a moment the ominous grey behind him, he was greeted by a face he could never have anticipated.
Just breaking through the edge of the tropical forest Amorette appeared as beautiful as ever. A pretty smile upon her face her golden streaks glistened alongside his similar bronze. All at once the air seemed to escape from his lungs as her chocolate eyes came to rest upon him, a familiar spark of humor embedded within them. Exiting the shallow current he approached her, questions begging to be released from the trap of his man. Achingly familiar he studied every curve of her, ignoring the unease that continued to torment him.
Amorette, he greeted, disbelief heavy upon the waves of his tone. What are you doing here? Is everything alright?
Reimagining the nearly black clouds and the overly active volcano he wondered if Tephra was in danger. There was, however, no spark of concern upon her momentary expression of confusion. Drawing beside him, her muzzle gently brushed along the length of him. Leaning into her he closed his eyes enjoying her familiarity.
What do you mean? She asked as she met his gaze once more. His heart lurched, an unexplained pull tempted him to rush to her side and to wrap him in his protective embrace, but he refrained. Her brow furrowed as she studied him. Are you alright?
Unexpectedly her question stirred up a discomfort as he remembered his dream. His memories were garbled and confused as he struggled to remember the events that had led to him waking upon the beach. Nothing made sense. Amorette belonged to Tephra and, yet, there she was smiling up at him - every bit as beautiful and meek as he had remembered. Despite the nagging at the back of his mind, his heart was contented. Gazing around everything appeared to be as it should have been. He was home once again and he was glad to be. Distractedly his eyes flitted to the heart of the island a small voice whispering that there was something waiting for him within the fold of trees. When he met Amore's eyes once again she appeared oddly out of focus.
Bel? She said once more, this time his name a question as it fell from her lips. Although close to him she sounded faraway, her words garbled - disconnected. I thought we'd already talked about this...that I would have the baby on Tephra and you would come with me?
Tephra? Foal? His gaze snapped back upon her figure stunned into disbelief. There was a roundness to her and a glow similar to that of any other expectant mother. There was no need to ask, the foal was his. She was his. Both from two different kingdoms they had managed to find each other in one messy tangle. Plagued by their duty he had heard her request, even if he knew he could not agree. Desperately he longed to escort her across the channel to watch as their child entered the world - but there was something he had to do...
Amore, I - I can't go with you, the words fell from his tongue searing hot and he regretted them almost the moment he had released them.
Instantly her expression shifted and replaced its previously lighthearted glimmer with agony. He stepped toward her, mouth open, an apology readied, she flinched away. Every feature, once delicate and demure, appeared almost darker somehow. Its not too late, his own selfishness assured. You can sti change your mind. By her side he knew that he could forget the storm simmering above them, forget the darkness that lurked in Sylva and the role he played in the grand drama. He could protect her from everything that threatened to harm them, from his sister, from the altering of time - from everything. She would be enough. He would be happy.
Almost as quickly as the thought was presented to him he knew that world could not exist for him. Burdened by the expectation of the oath he intended to take he knew his life would never be simple. Approaching her he tenderly kissed the curve of her cheek memorizing the scent of her. If she could not embrace his duty as he welcomed hers, they clearly could not remain together.
I love you, Amorette, he assured, his words more a promise than a statement. With one final look he walked past her and dove into the jungle.
Weaving around trees and intricate root systems the world seemed to sharpen around him. Pain gripped his heart as he attempted to forget the look of betrayal he had placed upon her face. It did not take him long to find the path that he needed. He knew Ischia well having had played within its fold as a colt. From the time he had been very young he had always anticipated falling for an island girl - avoiding the complications of an interkingdom relationship. He could never ask or expect Amorette to leave the place she loved. Why? When he felt similarly towards Ischia? He loved her and it was because of that love that he knew he had to let her go if that was what she desired. Her duty and his were the basics of what made them who they were. He could not surrender that.
Nearing the heart of the island Brennen's scent rode upon the floral breeze. In one giant teetering gust Belgaer was welcomed back into reality, clarity enveloping him. Pausing he glanced back towards where he had come. It had all been a test. Amorette had never been upon his beach, she was still in Tephra, safe within its borders. Disappointed and embarrassed his skin grew warm as he remembered the realness of her skin beneath the caress of his lips. Closing his eyes he pressed forward, swallowing past the lump of bitter emotion.
Breaking through a tangle of underbrush he opened his eyes to be greeted by the sight of his king and father. Humbly approaching he lowered his head in respect. Expectantly the bay eyes his son and the required admission formed itself easily.
Father, he greeted nervously. I confess that I have fallen in love with Amorette, Warrick's right hand. I fear that, one day, it will be that same love that will tear me away from the brotherhood. I swear, here and now, that I will not let it. He paused, readying himself to take the oath he had prepared for since childhood. He knew the words well, having had memorized them for the very moment he had arrived in. I, Belgaer, son of Brennen, the king of Ischia, pledge my loyalty to the Krakens. As a Brother, I will be loyal to the Brotherhood above all else. My secondary loyalty will be to mine own family of blood or choice. Third, I will be loyal to the friends and Alliances of Ischia. I will comport myself outside of the kingdom at all times with the knowledge that I represent the Brotherhood and myself; with my eye toward chivalry and politeness. The Brotherhood will no tolerate such evils as rape or murder. Sworn Brothers who betray the Brotherhood will be banned. Brothers who cause offense outside of Ischia, but do not break their oaths, shall be defended from outsiders, but may face punishment within the brotherhood.
It was done. Standing tall he exhaled. Born a Brother forever a Brother.
Jolted awake, he gasps the sound of his heart pounding wildly within his lobes. Head lifted upright off of his sandy pillow he blinked against the harsh rays of sunlight that pounded down upon him. He was upon the beach, the waves crashing tirelessly upon the shore. Crabs and seabirds alike scurried in the shallows, cooling themselves within its spray. Off in the horizon the billowing pillows of smoke filled the skyline, a dark storm brewing just behind it. A sense of foreboding pressed in on him from all sides, a deep worry churning his empty stomach.
Oddly sore he drew his legs up beneath hin he rose sand falling from the places it had previously clung. Unfurling his wings he allowed the humid wind to brush through his feathers, the heavy smell of rain thick in the air. A storm was coming. From behind him a lone parrot squawked at him, his tone curious. Glancing back Belgaer studied the brightly plumed creature as it cocked its head. Satisfied that he was otherwise alone he stepped towards the water, his hocks being met with the welcoming coolness of the salty tide. The water massaged his muscles, allowing him to forget for a moment the ache that followed every movement.
Bel! His softly spoken nickname came as a surprise as the tone was not one he had come to expect. Spinning around, forgetting for a moment the ominous grey behind him, he was greeted by a face he could never have anticipated.
Just breaking through the edge of the tropical forest Amorette appeared as beautiful as ever. A pretty smile upon her face her golden streaks glistened alongside his similar bronze. All at once the air seemed to escape from his lungs as her chocolate eyes came to rest upon him, a familiar spark of humor embedded within them. Exiting the shallow current he approached her, questions begging to be released from the trap of his man. Achingly familiar he studied every curve of her, ignoring the unease that continued to torment him.
Amorette, he greeted, disbelief heavy upon the waves of his tone. What are you doing here? Is everything alright?
Reimagining the nearly black clouds and the overly active volcano he wondered if Tephra was in danger. There was, however, no spark of concern upon her momentary expression of confusion. Drawing beside him, her muzzle gently brushed along the length of him. Leaning into her he closed his eyes enjoying her familiarity.
What do you mean? She asked as she met his gaze once more. His heart lurched, an unexplained pull tempted him to rush to her side and to wrap him in his protective embrace, but he refrained. Her brow furrowed as she studied him. Are you alright?
Unexpectedly her question stirred up a discomfort as he remembered his dream. His memories were garbled and confused as he struggled to remember the events that had led to him waking upon the beach. Nothing made sense. Amorette belonged to Tephra and, yet, there she was smiling up at him - every bit as beautiful and meek as he had remembered. Despite the nagging at the back of his mind, his heart was contented. Gazing around everything appeared to be as it should have been. He was home once again and he was glad to be. Distractedly his eyes flitted to the heart of the island a small voice whispering that there was something waiting for him within the fold of trees. When he met Amore's eyes once again she appeared oddly out of focus.
Bel? She said once more, this time his name a question as it fell from her lips. Although close to him she sounded faraway, her words garbled - disconnected. I thought we'd already talked about this...that I would have the baby on Tephra and you would come with me?
Tephra? Foal? His gaze snapped back upon her figure stunned into disbelief. There was a roundness to her and a glow similar to that of any other expectant mother. There was no need to ask, the foal was his. She was his. Both from two different kingdoms they had managed to find each other in one messy tangle. Plagued by their duty he had heard her request, even if he knew he could not agree. Desperately he longed to escort her across the channel to watch as their child entered the world - but there was something he had to do...
Amore, I - I can't go with you, the words fell from his tongue searing hot and he regretted them almost the moment he had released them.
Instantly her expression shifted and replaced its previously lighthearted glimmer with agony. He stepped toward her, mouth open, an apology readied, she flinched away. Every feature, once delicate and demure, appeared almost darker somehow. Its not too late, his own selfishness assured. You can sti change your mind. By her side he knew that he could forget the storm simmering above them, forget the darkness that lurked in Sylva and the role he played in the grand drama. He could protect her from everything that threatened to harm them, from his sister, from the altering of time - from everything. She would be enough. He would be happy.
Almost as quickly as the thought was presented to him he knew that world could not exist for him. Burdened by the expectation of the oath he intended to take he knew his life would never be simple. Approaching her he tenderly kissed the curve of her cheek memorizing the scent of her. If she could not embrace his duty as he welcomed hers, they clearly could not remain together.
I love you, Amorette, he assured, his words more a promise than a statement. With one final look he walked past her and dove into the jungle.
Weaving around trees and intricate root systems the world seemed to sharpen around him. Pain gripped his heart as he attempted to forget the look of betrayal he had placed upon her face. It did not take him long to find the path that he needed. He knew Ischia well having had played within its fold as a colt. From the time he had been very young he had always anticipated falling for an island girl - avoiding the complications of an interkingdom relationship. He could never ask or expect Amorette to leave the place she loved. Why? When he felt similarly towards Ischia? He loved her and it was because of that love that he knew he had to let her go if that was what she desired. Her duty and his were the basics of what made them who they were. He could not surrender that.
Nearing the heart of the island Brennen's scent rode upon the floral breeze. In one giant teetering gust Belgaer was welcomed back into reality, clarity enveloping him. Pausing he glanced back towards where he had come. It had all been a test. Amorette had never been upon his beach, she was still in Tephra, safe within its borders. Disappointed and embarrassed his skin grew warm as he remembered the realness of her skin beneath the caress of his lips. Closing his eyes he pressed forward, swallowing past the lump of bitter emotion.
Breaking through a tangle of underbrush he opened his eyes to be greeted by the sight of his king and father. Humbly approaching he lowered his head in respect. Expectantly the bay eyes his son and the required admission formed itself easily.
Father, he greeted nervously. I confess that I have fallen in love with Amorette, Warrick's right hand. I fear that, one day, it will be that same love that will tear me away from the brotherhood. I swear, here and now, that I will not let it. He paused, readying himself to take the oath he had prepared for since childhood. He knew the words well, having had memorized them for the very moment he had arrived in. I, Belgaer, son of Brennen, the king of Ischia, pledge my loyalty to the Krakens. As a Brother, I will be loyal to the Brotherhood above all else. My secondary loyalty will be to mine own family of blood or choice. Third, I will be loyal to the friends and Alliances of Ischia. I will comport myself outside of the kingdom at all times with the knowledge that I represent the Brotherhood and myself; with my eye toward chivalry and politeness. The Brotherhood will no tolerate such evils as rape or murder. Sworn Brothers who betray the Brotherhood will be banned. Brothers who cause offense outside of Ischia, but do not break their oaths, shall be defended from outsiders, but may face punishment within the brotherhood.
It was done. Standing tall he exhaled. Born a Brother forever a Brother.
The Prodigal Son