Keep your dreams in check; Kagerus, anyone!

[Kagerus]

{ and in my dreams i've kissed your lips a thousand times }

Things are quieting down in this kingdom of mine; almost too much so. But I remind myself that everyone is out on their diplomatic trips, not having had the convenience of a teleporter to escort them to and fro. Eventually they will trickle back in, and although I may only see half of them due to my yet quarantined state, I will find reassurance in the knowledge that all is well in my quadrant of this world.

Briefly, my mind goes to Solace, the thin lids of my eyes falling. We communicate briefly in the dream-state, accustomed by now to the feel of each other's subconscious. I tell her how much I miss her, and she responds likewise; and although I smile for the hearing of it, I know in my gut that I need more. I need her here, next to me. While we abstained from having another child this fall, I still yearn for her closeness, physically, emotionally, and sexually; but I shall have to be patient for her return, as she has been for mine time and time again.

The quiet sound of hoofbeats rouses me from my angst. With one sweeping motion, my eyes turn towards the sound, nostrils fluttering in an attempt to catch the scent of whoever it might be.

A stallion.

The voice in my head causes an immediate grin to split my lips, and I nicker lowly for my familiar; more than likely, however, the stranger she has identified as a stallion will probably take the sound to be meant for him. I don't stress over that though, already intent on going to greet the newcomer; but first I lower my antlered head into the long grasses, watching carefully as the camouflaged leopard stalks towards me. With a loud, rumbling purr, Panthera tilts her head and rubs it affectionately against mine, running the length of her surprisingly tall body against mine.

I've missed you, I think to her. It gets lonely here.
I know that, but I had business elsewhere.
Not making more kittens that will attack my future children, are you?
Certainly not. The big cat gives a haughty huff, though the purring lets up none. Or at least, I've stashed them elsewhere. Maybe where they can eat some Loessians.
Panthera!
I am only joking, horse. Now go meet the stallion.

Reaching out and grabbing her fluffy ear between my teeth affectionately, I quietly thank the gods for the return of my friend before turning to do as she has instructed me to.

Shortly, the sight of a young, handsome pegasus greets me. I issue another friendly nicker, hoping to calm his nerves should he have already scented the predator who stalks alongside me. With great interest, I study the gorgeous white markings atop the grullo's coat, figuring that he must be about the triplet's age, though I've never seen or heard of him before. Without much wait, I halt before the grazing creature, hoping that the vision of me shan't deter him too greatly of friendship.

Nearly his height, my similarly painted figure would be a normal sight were it not for three things. First, the clouded leopard print markings which cover the entirety of my body; second, the great, branched prongs of my antlers, which speak much of prowess and dignity; and lastly, the ugly scar which stretches from my right ear to left nostril, marring what would otherwise be a perfect beauty. Oh, and the loudly purring leopard who has lazily plopped on to her bottom next to me is also a bit of a big deal.

"Hello there," I say without much pause, the faint hint of a smile stretching my innately kind lips. The sound of my voice echoes faintly across the pond, and my obsidian hooves clatter gently against the pebble-strewn earth as I shift my weight. "I am Kagerus, and this is Panthera. Welcome to the Cove - have you come far?"

KAGERUS

Caretaker of The Sanctuary
Lover of Solace
Immortal, antlered Dreamweaver