gaza
His newfound powers (perhaps the better word would be senses) were overwhelming at first. He wanted to curl up in a deep, deep hole and close everything to the world. The voices, however, had another agenda. He knew they weren’t in his mind (if anything were truly wrong, his mother would be at his side in a heartbeat), but oh, they were everywhere else. He couldn’t even sleep for days, until he literally dropped from exhaustion. That seemed to do the trick, though his dreams were too vivid and too full of life.
With time, it became less overpowering. He could focus on objects in the distance and tune into certain voices with more ease. Every day, Gaza challenged himself to look farther, to discern particular smells, to try and feel the change in the weather. With time, he knew he would master them. And Gaza has all the time in the world.
Yael sent him away from the Desert, sent him to a kingdom that she said needed more help than the Desert. She could protect the sands by herself, if need be, but the Gates were vulnerable, she said. And he had a son to be a father to. A deaf son. His daughter would be fine in the Jungle (he can’t imagine Lyris ever being weak, or a filly ever wanting for anything in that kingdom). But a deaf son… well he would need a damn good father to protect him. And Gaza had enough hearing for ten horses. So when the large, black stallion says he couldn’t help but overhear their meeting, he means it. There is honesty in his face and curiosity in his eyes, and a residual Desert smell to his skin.
He might be just what they’re looking for. Might be.
Gaza lingers on the outskirts of the mostly male meeting, waiting for a good time to interject. “Excuse me,” he says politely (always polite, his mother raised him with good manners). “I couldn’t help but overhear. I’m Gaza and the Ambassador of the Desert sent me to you. To join or… just help for awhile, if need be. She says the children are safe and she’s happy to bring them back whenever…” he pauses briefly before adding what seems to be relevant and potentially important information that might help them accept him more. “My new son is amongst them.”
He can smell their testosterone and the way it rises with determination. It isn’t posturing - just men who want to protect and avenge their home. He can respect that. It’s what Vanquish would do.
vanquish x yael