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    COTY

    Assailant -- Year 226

    QOTY

    "But the dream, the echo, slips from him as quickly as he had found it and as consciousness comes to him (a slap and not the gentle waves of oceanic tides), it dissolves entirely. His muscles relax as the cold claims him again, as the numbness sets in, and when his grey eyes open, there’s nothing but the faint after burn of a dream often trod and never remembered." --Brigade, written by Laura


    anyone;
    #1
    BUT HOW COULD YOU KNOW THE SWEETEST SUFFERING
    OF MOVING ON
    They have already slipped into their former. The curse seems to follow them, their silence ever expanding across the island. What had once been bustling to the brim with voices is now just barely above a whisper, hardly audible above the lapping of ocean waves. With his eyes downcast Tiphon tries to summon their voices to his ears, hoping that the quiet of the Dale hasn’t already ingrained itself in their isolated new home. His wings – still strange and hideous in his eyes – shuffle against his ribs uncomfortably when he is met with an everlasting hush. There is an occasional song from the native birds, but all others are muted.

    When he lifts his head he tries to call for someone – anyone – and his gaze sifts through the trees in hopes of seeing someone familiar. His mind, occupied by his memories, reels uncontrollably all the while his body and expression remains at ease. He thinks of Talulah, Elysteria, Joscelin, and Ea. Briefly, he even remembers that strange mare that muttered his grandmother’s name before slipping away. Who was she? Her scent has already been memorized in the case that one day they cross paths again.

    Inching forward, Tiphon creeps toward the edge of the spring. Its glassy surface ripples when a leaf drifts down and kisses the water. Almost mechanically, Tiphon lowers his head to take a few gulps before lifting and staring across the emptiness once more. His only companion is the viridian green of their home and the trees that quietly tower above.



    TIPHON
    STARLACE AND INFECTION
    Reply
    #2

    Ahh, at last she was able to corner one of the glorious men of this wretched little isle. This one was far superior than the other, and  was nearly permanently surrounded by tittering little beings that begged for his attention. Even now she doubted she was truly alone with him as she walked straight to her target with purpose, determined to get at least a brief moment alone with him before someone else finds him yet again.

    He was a brilliant white, so perfect, and tipped in shimmering gold. With dismay, she knew her own appearance could never compare to such a treasure; just a dull and dirty grullo with dark hair and boring brown eyes. The salted breeze of the ocean had thoroughly ratted and tangled her tail, and she didn't want to even consider the state of her dreary mane. She was not fit to stand in his presence, but that sure as hell wouldn't stop her.

    Good morning, Tiphon. Was it even morning still? Ah, who cares. She knew who he was, of course she did. She couldn't live here in Ischia and not know of him. Nobody with a mind as sharp as hers could. Or even a dull one, really. She almost felt guilty for interrupting what seemed a peaceful moment for him. Almost.

    I'm Wallace, she introduced with a tilted little smile. She was a good bit smaller than him, not yet full grown at about a year and a half old. The stick-leg figure of a foal had grown a bit larger and curvier, yet still so obviously not quite a woman. It irked her, but it would right in a short time yet. She was full-grown in her own mind though, she'd been making her own decisions for some time now, and that's all that really mattered.


    Wallace
    Reply
    #3
    Listening to the sounds of the forest brought a joy to Vida's heart that the mare really couldn't describe. She'd lived in all other types of areas for most of her life, but now, seeing the beauty of this forest, even on her island home, renewed her, made her feel more alive. The mare's ears turned this way and that as she listened to every sound the forest made, the wind brushing against her steel gray muscled neck as she walked among the trees.

    The mare's dark tail swished back and forth a couple of times as she continued her stroll through the forest, enjoying this day of quiet while it lasted. Very soon she would be heading out to try and find a new face for the kingdom, see if there were any horses out there interested in joining the little island home. Of course, she would seek permission from the leader first, as she knew if he didn't want newcomers around, and she brought one here, he would be quite upset.

    Contemplating what she would do, Vida soon found herself at the edge of the trees, near the island's main spring. The surface of it seemed quite still, and as she walked to the banks, Vida was almost afraid to lower her head for a drink. The surface of the water seemed to dangerous, so fragile...

    But eventually, the need for some water won out. Carefully parting her lips as she lowered her head, Vida took a long drink from the spring's water, relishing in its colder temperature as it ran down her parched throat. As she licked her lips to rid them of the water droplets dangling from her whiskers, the mare noticed another set of ripples interfering with the ones she had made when she took a drink.

    Curious, Vida looked up across the spring, seeing Tiphon and another horse. From this distance, Vida couldn't tell if she recognized her, but did sense that something was off with her friend. She wanted to go over there, to support him, but decided against it for now. Tiphon seemed to be doing okay, and so she would wait. The mare lowered her head for another drink, silently wondering what Tiphon and the other horse could be talking about.
    Reply
    #4
    BUT HOW COULD YOU KNOW THE SWEETEST SUFFERING
    OF MOVING ON
    Solitude is a thing of the past, a luxury that he had time to enjoy years ago. It doesn’t exist to him anymore, however, not when he is in a new place – a new home – with curious eyes always seeking him out. He doesn’t mind; he never really has. This is his family, the one that he adopted since his parents and grandfather lacked the sense of the word (in addition to the fact that Tiphon murdered Starlace and Infection). They look to him for answers, for support, and he has always – will always – oblige. There are shackles around his ankles that hold him to this island like they had to the Dale once before. His purpose in this life is to serve and to protect; he isn’t a wild card like his grandfather or a fickle entity like his sister.

    No, there is no change for him. This is his life and so it will always be.

    He has drunken but his head is still fairly low as he scrutinizes his reflection. It ripples as droplets trickle from his chin, but he can still see his lackluster appearance. His aura is gone, his unperceivable perfections gone and replaced with the flaws of a mortal. He is unruly, wilder, but his molten eyes still remain the same despite it all. His wings aren’t what they were or what they should be. Everything about him is wrong, but the Mountain still hoards what is his.

    Raptured in his own thoughts Tiphon almost didn’t hear the looming footfalls. Unconsciously, his ear twitches and jerks his attention to the mare. She knows his name, but they’ve never met. Pivoting slowly, he looks at her with an amiable grin. ”A pleasure to meet you, Wallace,” he notices how young she is, but she carries herself with maturity and pride. Their eyes meet and hold for a few long seconds before Tiphon glances away to see the surrounding trees. ”I hope you are finding Ischia to your liking?” It’s their own paradise; he can only hope they are all enjoying it as much as he is. Vida, the girl he has often crossed paths with, seems to be exploring nearby just as he is looking around and so he calls to her. ”That’s Vida,” he offers to Wallace while waiting for the dun mare to join them.


    TIPHON
    STARLACE AND INFECTION
    Reply
    #5
    Well, that was certainly unexpected. Vida had figured Tiphon would either not pay her any attention, or just glimpse her in passing before heading out on his own or to deal with whatever the other horse was talking with him about.

    And now, he was calling her over to join them? At first, Vida seemed uncertain; the two horses didn't look like they wished to be bothered. And she didn't really want to be around the handsome white stallion, figuring she might say something silly.

    Eventually though, she gave in. The mare made her way around the oasis and over to the stallion and the younger looking mare, a welcome and happy gaze in her eyes. Vida nodded to the mare as she walked up, greeting her, before addressing the stallion.

    "Hello Tiphon," she stated. "Is there something I can help you with?"
    Reply
    #6

    "A pleasure to meet you, Wallace," he said calmly. His eyes met hers and she held the gaze easily. Sure, her insides might be melting a little in a weird, natural sort of way, but she ignored it. Pushed it away like anything else that didn't suit her. He breaks their stare first, glancing away and around, and her grin grew a little. But it was to be far too short-lived. "I hope you are finding Ischia to your liking?" It wasn't his question that sets her teeth grinding, but the idiot that couldn't see they were trying to have a conversation.

    Wasn't she just thinking how it couldn't be possible that this glorious man was alone? And of course he wasn't, practically stalked by this simpering fool cowering on the other edge of the water, pretending like she hadn't just placed herself precisely so. Right where she want him to see her. And then a face of complete innocence. Make him come to her, right? Marvelous, but stupid. She'd stalked him enough by now, hadn't she? She should know he wasn't the type to fall prey to that move.

    Wallace rolled her eyes. Tiphon, gentleman that he is, introduced the Vida creature since she clearly could not manage such a feat on her own. Oh look, fantastic, she seemed to take that as an invitation and sauntered right on over with her coy little play of shyness. It was almost a shame he had to be so kind to everyone. Were she ruler, she wouldn't bother with the creeps and banish anyone who dared shadow her for attention at her every turn. They wanted her attention, she would give it, just that one last time and be free of the vermin.

    But our dear Tiphon had a softer soul, and tolerated just such a creature. Wallace had a mind to rid him of this sticky burr herself, especially as she rudely injects herself before Wallace can even respond to his question, but he could obviously handle his own affairs. Not a weak man as the witch tried to play him as. She smirked and silently dared the brat to do something else to piss her off. And she didn't have long to wait.

    "Hello Tiphon. Is there something I can help you with?"

    Oh, that's rich, the words come before she even bothers to consider stopping them. Not that she would have. Some things just needed to be said. But really, as if this was all his doing? As if she hadn't just played herself into his view and now she had the gall to act like it was him seeking her attention. Like hell, she would let that fly so easily.

    Do not stand there so grandly like something graceful and act all innocent like you were not already shadowing his every move. Now you want to play it off like HE wishes for YOUR attention? That's rich, lady. Real high and mighty of you to lower yourself enough to bear him in your presence.

    Wallace had enjoyed the brief, bare seconds of conversation she'd had with Tiphon. It was a shame it had to come to an end so quickly. Perhaps one day he'd truly be able to have his peace, for his own sake. So she answered his question honestly, that question that seemed so long ago now from an unwanted intrusion shoved in, as she met his gaze again with bold, brown eyes; did she find Ischia to her liking?

    It was growing on me, becoming just the magical place I knew it would be. She really did love the place. It was the home she had chosen for herself, her alone. She made her own choices and this had been her very first big decision. She was proud of it, usually. Up until 5 seconds ago, she adds as she looks pointedly at the rude interloper, that bold stare now locked on to Vida, the ever-so-innocent.


    Wallace
    Reply
    #7
    Vida was quite surprised to hear the other young mare speak those words with such an angry tone behind them. What had she done that was so harmful? She'd merely come up because Tiphon had invited her over, and inquired on if he needed help with anything. Why was this young mare suddenly so hostile?

    The mare continued to foul-mouth Vida, calling her high and mighty. Vida did truly not understand; why was she suddenly a victim here? She enjoyed Tiphon's company because he was a nice stallion; he'd invited her to make her home here, and she wished to become his friend. She also enjoyed hanging around this oasis quite often, because it was a nice place; it was so peaceful, and it reminded her of the days when she was a young filly before she had to leave her home herd.

    And here was this mare, who was angry at Vida for whatever reason, because, in her words, she was coming over here to Tiphon and acting like she had to the grace to induct him with her presence? If Vida was not still tired from the previous day, and an uneventful night of sleep, she might fight back, but as it was, she was still too exhausted.

    So, instead of fighting, or saying anything really, the grulla dun turned away from the two horses. She headed for the trees, departing the site of the oasis, deciding to go graze in the hidden grove she'd found by one of the small ponds the other day. The grass was nice and lush, a good treat for her to have to regain her strength before resuming her responsibilities.
    Reply
    #8
    BUT HOW COULD YOU KNOW THE SWEETEST SUFFERING
    OF MOVING ON
    Vida arrives promptly and her gaze is steadily fallen on him in which he matches for a long moment. Her kindness has been infectious since the day she met their band of nomads, but she hasn’t been granted the warmth she so very much deserves. The enjoyment in her company rushes across him, but is unfortunately dismissed in a heartbeat when Wallace speaks up with a voice sharp as knives. Tiphon’s head turns and his heart plummets. He listens – but, oh, how he wants to interject – and can feel how tightly his throat is closing in anger. His brows furrow and a fire blazes in his eyes, but he says nothing until silence has finally creeped over her. There is a moment of tension in that quiet until Vida takes her leave. Reaching out, Tiphon brushes his muzzle along her shoulder, but it is only after she has veered away that his voice finally rings with an authority that it has lacked for years.

    ”Don’t you ever speak to her or anyone else like that again while in Ischia or in my presence! If you want to stay here then I expect you to show respect to everyone around you. Do you hear me?” He inches forward until their faces are nearly close enough to touch, his hot breath fanning across her skin. ”She, nor anyone else, deserves to be treated like that.” His stomach his churning, his blood boiling, but he can bring himself to only say so much. Despite the maltreatment and his disapproval he is still a leader and is forced to carry and address himself with composure. There is no way to escape it; this is his role, his purpose.

    Through clenched teeth he hisses a deep breath and blinks his eyes to look away from Wallace. His muscles quiver then settle as another lungful of air is drawn in. The silence rejuvenates him and the tropical breeze soothes his firing nerves until he can bring himself to speak again. ”Now why, Wallace, do you want me alone?” Her mannerisms had been altered by having additional company. She wants him – only him – to speak with and he doesn’t bother beating around the bush to know why.


    TIPHON
    STARLACE AND INFECTION
    Reply
    #9

    She watched with a smug little grin as the woman stalked off. Wallace had analyzed the witch's actions, taken her measure, and struck at the heart of the problem. Point goes to the underdog. She turned to share her victory with the man of the hour, only to find him looking at her in an entirely new expression she had as yet to cause on such a pretty face. Or any, for that matter.

    Her breath froze and her smile faltered, confused by his reaction. Hadn't she just freed him of a pesky little burr that would not give him peace? She'd called the terrible woman out on her actions, and had clearly been correct as the wretch scampered off with her truth now known to him.

    Ohh, but that delicious fire in his eyes brought her smile right back. Who knew the so-soft Tiphon had a buried mettle in that beautiful soul? So delightful! She'd very much like to see more of that, indeed!

    She flinched as he snapped at her. It was not something she'd experienced before, and it hurt her heart. She tried to bury this new pain as he continued to scold her, hiding it behind a mask of defiance. He came forward and pressed his face near hers, throwing a flutter into her stomach. It took her breath away with startled unease and awe. But the closeness felt like a challenge, and her eyes narrowed and caught his fire within her own gaze. She battled with thrill, excitement, confusion, rebellion, hurt. No emotion outweighed the others, and it wasn't until he pulled away with clenched teeth that she regained her senses once again.

    Still reeling from the puzzling experience, she remained quiet as she steadied her own breathing, watching him warily. What would he do next, banish her? The thought made her defiance burn brighter. Her chin lifted and her tail flicked boldly. This was her home. She had chosen it on her very own. She would not be thrown out to fend for herself again.

    "Now why, Wallace, do you want me alone?"
    His question immediately eases her, a bright smile returning. Yes! Finally, a conversation. Why the hell was it so hard to get one of those around here? Perhaps she could salvage what was left of their interrupted greeting.

    She tilted her head to the side, brown hair falling limply against her neck. "It does make it quite difficult to have a proper conversation when you're constantly overshadowed and tripped by the masses, does it not? Alone, free, or not swarmed and herded; it matters not which term you use."

    She brushed away the underlying bitterness still in his calm voice, and instead directed their topic to less menial things. His mind, his thoughts; those were not boring things. Despite his odd show of affection for the wicked mare as she left, Wallace was determined he had a fair amount of wit in that lovely noggin of his.

    "How are you enjoying your Ischia? Is it to your liking thus far?" she asked with a genuine smile.


    Wallace
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    #10
     
    Interruptions were bound to happen on board this tiny little island. There were not too many places you could go without running into someone you recognized. Ashley snorted and smelled Tiphon’s heady scent, and moved in his direction before the smell of entitlement also came up and singed his nostrils. Wallace. He had heard the name before, and had followed her progress around Ischia in his loner status and fought to keep out of her way.
     
    He didn’t want to be her next target.
     
    Oh well, he thought. I was already on the way to see Tiphon. Good things are good while they last. He moved through the trees, the cockle shells tinkling against each other from where they were warped into his mane. His muscles rippled through his sleek red skin and pelt as he slid between the trees. He blinked and turned his head away from his peace, and marched onward, as if readying himself for battle, instead of venturing forth to talk to a friend. When all at once he sees Tiphon, he squares up his body, rests his wings upon the ground, flaired outward, trying to block the little bag of entitled flesh from his gaze.
     
    “Some little girls want all the power of a sugar daddy and cannot be made aware of what power comes with that. What say you, Tiphon? Been a long time.”
    ashley
    I walked the path, it led me to the end.
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