The Descension; All Kingdom

[Velk]

do you ever wonder...

...do you ever dream?

Kagerus' call sounds as if it is in a dream. It floats to him from far away, sounding mostly dispersed, as if it has passed through a dense fog. Yet, at the same time, it seems meant just for his ears. Velk had been in a dream (or, two) with Kagerus and, this is nothing like that. The black-and-white stirs from his relaxed position beside Mary. Velk's fondness for the mare grows stronger with each day. What began as a spontaneous and passionate lust had become a loyal love. Velk spent the winter, at her beck and call. He treats her like a Queen (completely unaware of her rank). The dappled lady's barrel had expanded significantly and, by now, Velk believes that adolescent phrase, "It just takes one time" to be true. He could have no clue that her womb grows two foals as, he had no other pregnancies to compare. Except for maybe Solace's. Though, he figures every mare presents differently when pregnant.

Speaking of his mother, his attention refocuses on the summons that woke him from his nap. Kagerus sounds solemn and, perhaps, even pleading. He should go. He left abruptly and, has yet to return. He brushes his love's cheek and, whispers in her tufted lobe, "Mary, there is something I must see to. I promise, I will be back at your side tomorrow. I love you." He places a gentle kiss on her cheek, where his warm breath had touched moments before. He also places a kiss upon the wide-sprung aspect of her barrel before pivoting on his hind limbs. His muscled haunches contract to drive him into a ground-covering canter. His solid hooves find traction in the thawing ground as steed churns the earth beneath his rollicking chassis. Velk feels the power behind each stride and, recognizes how much he has matured since the last time he was home. His sapphire blue eyes and flared nostrils fixate on the sights and scents of the landscape as Velk navigates to the Silver Cover.

The male feels the change in the air as the terrain transitions into coarse, salty grasses and damp sand. The air around him is heavy like a humid summer day but without the dampness. It is as if the Cove just uncovered a burden for all to share. Velk swallows the growing lump in his throat as his sensitive olfactories hone in on the gathering not far off. He settles back from his hastened, three beat stride into a casual jog. The two-toned male's excursion leaves him winded and, skeletal and respiratory tissues alike beg for oxygen. He slides in amongst the gathered and, silently, takes a moment to assess the purpose of this assembly. He notes that neither Solace nor Kagerus are speaking. How could he have missed what they had to say?

The sunkissed maiden - named Dawn, right? - speaks now and, from her words, Velk gathers why everyone is here. Eyelids close in a slow, mechanical and heavy fashion as Velk blinks hard. He gulps, as well, before sapphire gaze shifts to rest upon the noble features of his mothers. And, during this solid moment in which he focuses upon them, he sees them clearly for the first time in a while. Behind Solace's smile, Velk could see the etches of fatigue in the lines on her face and, the weight of her wings. Behind Kagerus' stoic and strong façade, he could see the concern bound in the tension of her jawline and, rigid carriage of her regal poll. Both seem to bear a tremendous burden and, Velk soon finds his poll lowering in shame for being so caught up in his own pride, that he had not even noticed. He wallows for far longer than will help anybody and, when he finally lifts his head to tune back in, Amet is addressing them. Velk nods along proudly, agreeing that Ilma would be the best suited successor and, the legacy of Solace and Kagerus extends far greater than any leader before them.

Clayton speaks next and, the conversation shifts to include where the Eastern headquarters will be. Dawn speaks next, followed by the snow-white mare, Ilma, once more. Having been born in Hyaline, the black-and-white will always consider the wisteria and mountain adorned landscape to be his true home. And, for all intensive purposes, the founding home of the East. However, this was no longer the era of his mothers. There is no need to return to the old ways if that is not for the greater good. He listens, carefully but, content to just listen. As a son of the Caretakers, he supposes he could have interjected and, even put his name in for consideration. However, Velk did not want that life. He is perfectly happy to remain out of the spotlight. So, in true Velk fashion, he observes and absorbs the discourse between trusted equines without saying a single word.

Before long, it seems an agreement is reached and, an interim government will launch. Velk sighs a mixture of relief and shame as he seeks his mothers' gaze. He waits to leave until he is sure they have seen him; until he is certain that they know he came. He does not convey his guilt in this eye contact. Velk is careful to only meet their gaze with the warmth and pride that swells in his chest at having been blessed to call these strong, gracious women his parents. After all, this is not really goodbye. He would return and, confess all of his sins at a later time. With a nod of approval, Velk backs away from the gathering and, silently, picks up a swift pace that will have him back at his love's blossoming side by the first light of tomorrow, just as he had promised.

Velk