04-04-2021, 03:48 PM
Weeks.
Years.
Eons.
Who knows how long it had been.
A stiff breeze ruffles a flaxen mane long and unkempt. His body strangely heavy now as he seemed to drag himself through the dense pines. As cracked hooves press deep into the cushion of pine needles, he could feel his spirit slowly igniting. The beyond was not what he thought it would be, there were no rolling hills of green, his long lost herd waiting for him. It was vast, but it was far from green and beautiful. Dark and muted, whispering voices of those since past. It was lonely, and it broke him.
He didn't remember how he returned, nor did he know when he was. The land seemed strange, and at first the pale varnished stallion was unsure that he was even still in Beqanna. For the world he once knew was no more. He tried to find his way back to his home in Cobblestone Creek, but the ancient paths were gone, new landscapes in its place. Even his mother's beloved Jungle was gone. He had no idea what had become of his home. Not only was it jarring to find himself in this strange new Beqanna, but for what seemed like weeks he has wandered, not once did he see the light of morning.
Nouri's mind was full of questions, and his heart yearned for some sort of comfort. Be it a place that looked like home or another soul to speak to, he was so utterly alone. He did not know when he died, only that the old lands were still thriving when he left this realm. Mismatched eyes strained to take in his surroundings, as the stars barely shown in the dark sky. He tried his best to move carefully through the forest, careful not to bump into anyone or anything. Only a few times did he manage to get caught up in a low branch or stumble on a root or upturned stone. It wasn't long before his ears caught the sound of a babbling brook. Picking up the pace, he set off toward the soft murmur of water at a slow trot. His thick tail swishing rhythmically from side to side as he bobbed along the shadowy path.
Only when he trod into the cool water did he come to a halt. The icy water soothed his old joints, and he relished in the relief. Taking a deep breath, he drew in the scent of the forest around him. This spot reminded him of his old herdland, his family. He wondered what became of Latara and her children, Mishka and Dimora. They had all settled together in Cobblestone Creek, and Latara was good company. Her children, especially Mishka, were brave and rambunctious. They made him feel young. He watched them play in the creek in his memories as he stood quietly. Only the shark crack of a stick somewhere close by broke his trance. Ambling out of the pebbled creek bed, he raised his noble head, drinking in the scents around him. Snorting softly with each staggering breath. It was so dark, his vision was limited to such a small radius. He hopes it's someone or something benevolent. As he is increasingly unsure if he could fight off any creatures of the night in his current state.
Years.
Eons.
Who knows how long it had been.
A stiff breeze ruffles a flaxen mane long and unkempt. His body strangely heavy now as he seemed to drag himself through the dense pines. As cracked hooves press deep into the cushion of pine needles, he could feel his spirit slowly igniting. The beyond was not what he thought it would be, there were no rolling hills of green, his long lost herd waiting for him. It was vast, but it was far from green and beautiful. Dark and muted, whispering voices of those since past. It was lonely, and it broke him.
He didn't remember how he returned, nor did he know when he was. The land seemed strange, and at first the pale varnished stallion was unsure that he was even still in Beqanna. For the world he once knew was no more. He tried to find his way back to his home in Cobblestone Creek, but the ancient paths were gone, new landscapes in its place. Even his mother's beloved Jungle was gone. He had no idea what had become of his home. Not only was it jarring to find himself in this strange new Beqanna, but for what seemed like weeks he has wandered, not once did he see the light of morning.
Nouri's mind was full of questions, and his heart yearned for some sort of comfort. Be it a place that looked like home or another soul to speak to, he was so utterly alone. He did not know when he died, only that the old lands were still thriving when he left this realm. Mismatched eyes strained to take in his surroundings, as the stars barely shown in the dark sky. He tried his best to move carefully through the forest, careful not to bump into anyone or anything. Only a few times did he manage to get caught up in a low branch or stumble on a root or upturned stone. It wasn't long before his ears caught the sound of a babbling brook. Picking up the pace, he set off toward the soft murmur of water at a slow trot. His thick tail swishing rhythmically from side to side as he bobbed along the shadowy path.
Only when he trod into the cool water did he come to a halt. The icy water soothed his old joints, and he relished in the relief. Taking a deep breath, he drew in the scent of the forest around him. This spot reminded him of his old herdland, his family. He wondered what became of Latara and her children, Mishka and Dimora. They had all settled together in Cobblestone Creek, and Latara was good company. Her children, especially Mishka, were brave and rambunctious. They made him feel young. He watched them play in the creek in his memories as he stood quietly. Only the shark crack of a stick somewhere close by broke his trance. Ambling out of the pebbled creek bed, he raised his noble head, drinking in the scents around him. Snorting softly with each staggering breath. It was so dark, his vision was limited to such a small radius. He hopes it's someone or something benevolent. As he is increasingly unsure if he could fight off any creatures of the night in his current state.