08-16-2016, 12:25 AM
I was in the darkness; so the darkness I became.
Like a resting giant, the Valley slumbered. Quiet again after the thrill of the raid, they had settled into a lull that was as comfortable as it was dangerous. They were paying for their insolence, and to do nothing more than wile away the hours would not appease the angry Gods. The Gods wanted to see the sweat roll from their brow; to see them rebuild their empires, brick by slow brick. Had she known then what she knew now of the coward Tannor, she would have left his useless hide waiting on her border. But, there was no sense in dwelling on the past; the “what ifs” and “could have been’s”. Instead, she would rally her kingdom around her, and together they would regain their former grandeur.
As the sun crept over the horizon, she was already on the move. With the triplets tucked safely in the arms of the Valley, she made her way out of the kingdom. The journey she would undertake was long but necessary. For everything the Valley had and could offer, their numbers were small. While everyone there was a valuable member and she took none of them for granted, it was always nice to have the ranks filled with able-bodied individuals who were as devoted as she to their homeland. As she slipped into the forest, the sunlight became less glaring, barely able in places to filter through the heavy canopy of greenery above. This is where she was most comfortable, and a contended sigh fell heavy from her black lips. Soon though, the forest began to thin, and she knew that her destination was drawing ever nearer. The Field, a central location for those in search of a home to call their own.
As the harsh sunlight met her face she blinked rapidly, taking a moment to gather herself before proceeding forward. Here the grass was sparse, the land over burdened by the constant ebb and flow of moving horses. It was not like the lushness of the Valley. The sun baking over her mousey-colored back, she let her eyes sweep over the land. There were many horses, but most seemed otherwise engaged in one conversation or another. Moving into the masses, Topsail avoided those already being hounded by multiple stallions or kingdom horses. However, a lone mare caught her eye, one nearly identical in color to herself and heading for the watering hole. With a smile on her face Topsail followed, keeping a careful eye for wayward stallions; with breeding season looming, one could never be too careful. Not that she feared for herself; more, she feared for the poor idiot who would try to take her by force. Stepping up beside her doppleganger, she lowered her own head to sip at the water, enjoying the cool liquid sliding down her parched throat. When the grulla queen had her fill, she raised her head, eyes and smile directed at the other. “You seem to be smarter than everyone else; you’ve certainly picked the best place to linger on a day like today.” she said into the other mares mind, her eyes sparkling in a rare moment of humor. “I’m Topsail, queen of the Valley. Care to share a name?” she inquired with a tilt of her head. “As you’ve probably guessed, I’m here to offer you a home. The Valley is a small kingdom now, but we are strong, and with a rich history. I could offer you a place amongst her ranks.” She hated to be so forward, but she knew that others would arrive before long. It was best not to beat around the proverbial bush.
Topsail
Queen of the Valley
ooc - she is a mute and a telepath, so anything she says is actually in maus' head
