12-27-2017, 07:52 PM
like the sun swallowed up by the earth
Warrick, known for his grandeur wings and the auburn that fades into the cobalt of his muscular legs, is roused forward by her gentle banter, a glimmer in her gentle eyes that are far more than welcome by the stallion, a laugh leaving his lips. He almost reaches forward as she glides past him to playfully bite at her smoky shoulder, to chide her for thinking that she must not outshine him (he holds no light of his own, can’t she see?), but he refrains and merely watches her stride away from him for a moment before collecting his thoughts and joining her, his dark hooves pushing into the ground with rhythmic beats. “I’m not sure,” he admits with a grin, “you may end up dragging me to the very top.”
Amorette takes the lead easily, and he allows it. Their pace is slow and steady, allowing for Warrick’s gaze to trace the landscape around them as they rise to higher elevation, bits of rock and debris kicked loose from her slender hooves clicking down his path. The trail they walk remind him of simpler times (however distant and dark) when his wings were just a dream and he was a stranger among the land, scouring each lava river and each grain of sand on the darkened, soot-stained beaches.
Now, with much reflection and nearly a somber look in his cerulean gaze as the orange and red of sunset begin to find its way throughout all of Tephra, he realizes so much has changed. The state of his whole country hangs in the balance of every decision he makes, precariously perched on the cusp of success or a downward spiral. It weighs heavy on him, even with the distraction that dear Amorette brings him with their adventuring up the rumbling volcano, and ever so often his eyes will dim and his brow will furrow, but he made sure that each time she glances behind her to check on him, a genuine smile would be flashed towards her, to reassure her he indeed is keeping up with her.
They reach a point in their journey where the heat is stronger, more palpable than ever as they bring themselves closer to the frothing mouth of the volcano. His auburn coat is dampened with sweat from not only the heat but from exertion, his nostrils flaring wildly as the air turns thin on his throat - but he is not worried; his legs remember the climb and they carry him sturdily, and if his balance begins to teeter from one side to the other, one swipe of his wings will place him solidly behind her once again.
Cobalt ears prick as the sound of bubbling magma becomes louder - they were fast approaching their target, and with the dimming light, the stallion glances upward to see the spitting flames and embers just above them - powerful, breathing, and very much alive.
With a smile he remembers the story of Pele that he had told a young black and white colt many seasons ago as they traveled the beach, and before he can stop himself, he finds the tale leaving his navy lips: “Pele - the fire goddess within the mountain. Those well versed in the legend, say that Pele will sometimes take a form of an old and sickly pale mare to test others – asking them if they have shelter or for them to care for her. Those who are generous and show her compassion are rewarded with their deepest desires, while anyone who is greedy or unkind, the fire of the mountain will swallow you whole.
I do hope we do not get swallowed into the volcano tonight, Amorette.” He finishes with a breathless grin, his eyes sparkling with the embers that fly around them.
Warrick
@[Amorette] <3