[P] Life in the light - Printable Version +- HELOVIA || The Way to the Sun (http://helovia.com) +-- Forum: Out of Character (http://helovia.com/forumdisplay.php?fid=1) +--- Forum: Archives (http://helovia.com/forumdisplay.php?fid=11) +--- Thread: [P] Life in the light (/showthread.php?tid=10218) |
||||||
Life in the light - Lace - 10-05-2013 It was strange to think that the river had been covered in ice not a full season ago. Cascades of glittering water splashed high into the air as Lace rushed into it, groaning with pleasure as the liquid closed over his hot, sticky back. Ignoring the heartless laughter of his dragon he knelt on the steep, muddy river bank and let himself fall to the side, eyes closing and breath suspended as he rolled over, rubbing grime and water and clay into the silver coat. "Silly dirty fourlegs" Fajira announced as she swooped over him, dropping strands of grass and flower from her talons that immediately got stuck in the sticky muck. The stallion lifted his head and snorted at her, the amused grin spoiling the irritated glare he sent her as thanks. "Better than having flies crawling over me" he announced before going under again, only emerging once the pale grullo color had disappeared completely and turned him into a horse of unknown appearance, soaked as he was. Only then did he allow himself to lie still, head inched up on a pillow of tall grasses while the shallow, slow river that meandered through the Meadow eased the heat of the day from his muscles. The days had been unbearably hot ever since the sun had returned. It reminded him of the intense heat that had lingered into Orangemoon the year he came to Helovia, the aftermath, he had been told, of a summer so long and brutal that many had perished from heat and thirst. This was not quite the same thing though. It was simply that the true warmth had arrived so suddenly after the long winter and spring of constant darkness, that they all had trouble adjusting. Sweltering hot days were followed by breathtakingly warm nights, the coasts were almost unbearably moist, and even the northern snows were melting or gone. Lace was glad he weren't in the Edge now, or in the Throat for that matter; how the desert pegasi even survived there had always been a mystery to him. "I wonder what happened to that armor I ordered from their Forger" he mused aloud; only to suddenly spit and snort, as he found his muzzle covered in the slimiest, greenest muck of mud that Fajira had been able to dig up. "You little..!" With a squeal of delight the white dragon leaped into the sky as Lace heaved himself up on all four and threw himself after her, ears pinned back but with eyes glittering as he ran after the disappearing lizard, intent to try and catch the tip of her tail that - quite deliberately- dangled just out of reach of his teeth. It was summer, he was free, with all the time in the world to spare... Shame the times when he allowed himself to relax and enjoy himself like this were so few and far between. @[Onni] Dim vales- and shadowy floods- And cloudy-looking woods, Whose forms we can't discover For the tears that drip all over! Huge moons there wax and wane- Again- again- again- RE: Life in the light - Onni - 10-05-2013
RE: Life in the light - Lace - 10-05-2013 A voice called out to them, and with a laughing trill of mock fright the little white dragon turned on a dime and swooped up into the air, just as Lace tried to clamp his teeth around the elusive tail. His ivories clapped shut around the air with a faint click, and as he slid to a halt in the tall grass he turned the head in the direction of the speaker. Mud-caked ears turned forward in interest the yellow eyes came to rest upon the painted dove, alert gaze quickly taking in the wings that lay folded along her sides, the colorful coat and the little bird that flitted around her, filling the air with a song that outdid "..does not!" Fajira's by far. A smile broke out across the maw of the stallion as recognition slowly sparked his memories, and with neck arched and high knees he danced forth towards her with an elegance and poise that contrasted humorously against his indecent appearance - like a swamp monster doing the tango. "Hello indeed" he nickered and came to a halt not far from the femme, head bobbing up and down in an energetic greeting more suited for a yearling colt than for a stallion of his age. Lace didn't feel like being dignified or honorable today though, and he quite enjoyed the silly picture he painted - although he had to admit, for a lady of such beauty as she possessed, he wouldn't have minded being presented at his best. "Now this is a face I haven't seen in a long time. I don't know if you remember, but we've met before. You healed my leg after the Qian took up residence at the World's Edge..." He smiled kindly at the young mare, glad that his memory of her hadn't faded. While he had never been told her name, the vision of those blue eyes through the haze of pain he had been in would never disappear from his mind. "I am Lace, of the World's Edge... and this" he said as the White came swooping down to flit around them, much too picky to land on his back when he was caked in mud like this, "is Fajira. It's a pleasure to meet you again, lady..?" He gave her a mildly questioning look, hoping against hope that he finally would receive a name to save along with the face of his saving angel. Dim vales- and shadowy floods- And cloudy-looking woods, Whose forms we can't discover For the tears that drip all over! Huge moons there wax and wane- Again- again- again- RE: Life in the light - Onni - 10-05-2013
RE: Life in the light - Lace - 10-06-2013 "Onni" he repeated, the word sweet and gentle upon the tongue. It was a name that suited the beautiful femme, a soft word still possessing both strength and character; something the lady appeared to have plenty of. "Oh, I am well indeed" he assured with a lopsided grin, half sheepish, half mischievous. "It's because of the mud you see, it does wonders for my complexion." A quick wink was offered the younger mare, and with a flick of the tail towards her that sent muddy stains through the air he started towards the river again - quite tired of the snarky comments about his appearance that Fajira bombarded him with. It was almost with regret that the rover dunked himself in the flowing waters again. The skin did feel lighter and less itchy without the mud, but the cooling effect it had disappeared almost as soon as the water evaporated into the heat of the day. Some serious scrubbing was needed to get the muck out of both coat and mane, but as he eventually returned up to the pegasus Lace was a grullo once more. Silvery coat darkened by moisture, the golden scars on the back glittering and shimmering in the light of the sun, and in stark contrast to the silky white tassels golden eyes peered out at her from behind the blackness of the cobwebbed mask. Much time had passed since the first time they met. New scars had appeared across the metallic skin, the black brand in shape of a tree most eye-catching among them. But there was still no mistaking the health of the steed as he danced back to the side of the shaman, muscles rippling and swelling beneath taught skin and lustrous coat. "There, I think that's a bit better" he laughed and stopped next to the blue-eyed dove with glittering beads of water dripping from the pale tresses. "I have to say, you look well yourself" he added, unabashedly running an admiring glance over her frame, from the neatly folded wings to the healthy sheen of the coat. "Dragon's Throat must be a good place to live. I haven't been there much my self - only once, and it wasn't a very long visit. Ordered a piece of craftsmanship from one of your forgers... but with all that has happened since then I suppose the request has been forgotten." The finely chiseled head lowered and rubbed against a sooted foreleg, relaxed enthusiasm oozing from every movement made by the equine. He found himself enjoying the company and his own bright mood - something so rare that he almost felt ecstatic from the sheer rush of dopamine. Dim vales- and shadowy floods- And cloudy-looking woods, Whose forms we can't discover For the tears that drip all over! Huge moons there wax and wane- Again- again- again- RE: Life in the light - Onni - 10-06-2013
RE: Life in the light - Lace - 10-07-2013 She was a peculiar little girl. Lace realized that he was being rather intimate with his scrutiny of her body, but where many mares would have shrunk back in embarrassment or immediately retaliated with some flirtatious remark, Onni simply ignored it completely and kept on talking like he hadn't just caressed her entire self with admiring eyes. Was she so innocent and secure in herself that she didn't recognize the half-flirting he was doing, or was she just very good at hiding her discomfort? Either way it sparked the curiosity of the stallion, who kept mulling over the question even as he upheld the lighthearted conversation. "I have to admit, I was quite relieved the first few weeks of darkness" he admitted, feet shuffling through the tall grasses as he made himself comfortable. "Too many things have awoken in my blood since I came to Helovia, and I don't like it. I was glad to be free of it all, glad to just be my old self again... Even if it meant that I wouldn't get to see the sun." The smile turned slightly apologetic. Her love of the bright light was rather apparent, and he still felt rather guilty of his exuberant delight that followed with the initial disappearance of the gods. Yet another prick of guilt, sharper this time, stabbed his chest as the little mare mentioned the rapid change of crafters in her homeland. The bright expression slowly started to fade from the face of the steed, and as Fajira came down to land on his whithers with a warbling greeting at both pegasi and finch the grullo sighed. "The life of a crafter is not for everyone" he told her quietly, the weight of personal experience in his voice clearly noticeable. "It follows with power, responsibility, and not often isolation from the rest of the herd. The warriors don't think much of a craftsman, seeing them as weak and unfit. The scholars and healers smile and wave them off, believing their knowledge to be of little or no use. They weave trinkets and weapons in equal measure, but when it comes down to it their function for the herd as a whole is... well. Let's just say that they could be put to better use." A shrug of the scarred shoulders caused a warbling protest from the dragon, and with a snort of dislike over how quickly he managed to spoil the mood she took off again, inviting the little bird to fly with her by circling around the painted wing-horse and then shoot up into the sky. Lace had to give her right; he was a downer, rarely able to stay positive for very long. Amber eyes glittering in the light of the day turned towards the clear blue orbs of his comrade, smile disappeared since a while ago and replaced with a thoughtful look. "Say, could I ask you for advice?" he suddenly asked. "Say that you have a friend that you care for very much. You have promised to stay with them and would do almost anything for them. But then you find out that the friend has done something bad, something that hurt a lot of people. Would... " He broke off, swallowing hard as the implication of his own words were beginning to settle within his own mind. "Would you still.. follow that friend? Even though you know it might not be the last time it happens?" Dim vales- and shadowy floods- And cloudy-looking woods, Whose forms we can't discover For the tears that drip all over! Huge moons there wax and wane- Again- again- again- RE: Life in the light - Onni - 10-07-2013
RE: Life in the light - Lace - 11-02-2013 It appeared that his acquaintance was as wise as she was beautiful. Words fell like glittering droplets of light from the pale lips, drifting across the distance between them only to fall like a soothing rain within his dark, thirsting mindscape. They reminded him of what Mirage had said in what seemed like a lifetime ago, truths that despite their logic didn't sit well with the stallion, who didn't view magic as anything but unnecessary boosts that left you weakened when they failed. What was so wrong with relying simply on your own body, the abilities he'd earned with hard work and over a long period of time? A shrug sent muscles dancing beneath the silver skin, a slightly wry smile took the edge of his words as he returned her words with the views he himself had; "I guess I haven't. I tried for a while, but the more I used the magic the more I ended up seeking reasons to use it; it because addicting, I felt myself begin to lean on it, rely on it... I don't like it Onni, it feels... like cheating. I'm probably a hypocrite for saying it, because when I'm in a bind I still end up using it, but I really don't see the need for magic at all. Wounds heal in their own time, plants grow and bloom when their time is right; why should we be able to change any of that? It's unnatural." He didn't expect her to understand, or agree. For those born with the abilities it must be as easy as breathing, like a fifth leg or a second set of eyes. He didn't deny them the strength or the benefits of the blessings, Lace just wished that the air and water and grass could choose to leave the residue in someone else but him. Or if it were the gods who saw fit to dump unwanted magic over his head, for their own amusement... Sighing and shaking the neck to try and rid himself of the negativity the thought of magic always caused, the stallion allowed the legs to fold beneath him and sank down onto the ground, unabashed as he rolled over to the back and rubbed the skin against sun-warm, green grass. A scent of lush greens wafted to the nose as ethereal oils were released from the stems, and with a content sigh he came to rest on the side, body littered with torn grass and the head resting in a patch of pale blue flowers. Not thistles, thankfully; that would have been less comfortable. "It's Mirage..." he said quietly, after listening to the painted angels suggestion. "She... after Torasin and Solstice were killed by unicorns she kidnapped the foals of the northerners and used them as pawns in her schemes, to make the Basin come to her. It was all a huge plot to mark that the Edge is not to take lightly... I think I might have put her up to it. Not the foal part, the thing about setting down the hoof and not tolerate being trifled with... Which is good. It's great, even. But I don't know... I can't accept that she involved innocent children in the conflict." "She should have tried to speak to them instead, let them realize that there's no difference between horses just because we look different. With time, with patience, maybe the next generation won't be as foolish as this one. As for their parents, a messenger with a statement was more what I had in mind. An ultimatum, that if they tried anything again... But I guess it's too late now. Another generation has been ruined and I might have lost my closest friend to this accursed, endless war." While he spoke the eyes of the equine followed the dance of the dragon and the songbird through the sky, enjoying the sound of their song despite the gloomy thoughts that haunted him. As the words died out however his eyes closed, and with another little sigh the silver-maned soldier relaxed, waiting quietly for the verdict of the Shaman. Had she known about this? Lace wasn't sure whether the Throat had been involved as well, his lack of knowledge about the desert realm and their politics was quite embarrassing. @[Onni] Dim vales- and shadowy floods- And cloudy-looking woods, Whose forms we can't discover For the tears that drip all over! Huge moons there wax and wane- Again- again- again- RE: Life in the light - Onni - 11-10-2013
RE: Life in the light - Lace - 11-25-2013 The thought of giving the mysterious riddle-speaking mare something so impish and straight-forward as a kick in the butt made the stallion chuckle, a sound that quickly deepened into a resounding laughter. Imagining the look of indignation on his Queen's face made him writhe where he lay, tail thrashing and spreading like spider silk over the ground, drawing glistening white creeks and rivers through the strands of grass and wild herbs. "Maybe I should" he gasped, short of breath and eyes glittering from mirth. "By the gods, it would be a sight worthy of seeing... Risking life and health would almost be worth it!" How he had been able to switch mood so quickly was beyond even himself, and unusual enough to make the alabaster dragon take a dive to swoop over him, curious eyes studying him as if to check that he was alright. He blew a snort at her as she passed, grinning widely even as the laughter slowly died away, remaining only as a vibration in the tone of voice, a light in the depths of the eyes. "You give good advice" he complimented the paint, smiling up at her where she stood - the vulnerable (and undignified) position he was in didn't seem to bother the stallion, even though his company didn't seem about to relinquish her poise anytime soon. It didn't matter right now - she was friendly and helpful, willing to listen to the troubles of a complete stranger. The only thing that tied them together was the brief meeting and a promise made by their leaders; that was all. Wasn't it peculiar how a verbal agreement could bring horses closer, how the word of a stranger could become a foundation for trust and honesty... It was incredible how the world worked at times. "Is there anything I can help you with? In return for listening to my glum rambles.." he asked, rolling over onto the stomach so he could lift the head and watch her, unabashedly enjoying resting his gaze on her frame. There was something about this girl that made him calm down, that raised his spirits; whether it was the undeniably pretty face or the innocent light in the sky blue eyes was hard to say - and he didn't truly care why. Lace was simply glad that he had come across her today - perhaps he would be able to call her a friend by the time they parted, who knew. @[Onni] Dim vales- and shadowy floods- And cloudy-looking woods, Whose forms we can't discover For the tears that drip all over! Huge moons there wax and wane- Again- again- again- RE: Life in the light - Onni - 11-26-2013
RE: Life in the light - Lace - 12-01-2013 "Of course" he smiled, "it's a standing offer. Whenever and for whatever reason, if you need me I'll be there." To some, it might have been difficult to hand out such a lofty promise. It offered no small claim on his time and efforts, unbound as it was by reservations and conditions. But the stallion seemed to not even think twice as he let the words roll off his lips with an easy smile, appearing almost naively trusting where he lay in the grass, caressed by golden sunshine with thistles swaying in the light breeze. It was too beautiful a day to carry doubts and suspicions though. With birds soaring high in a cloudless sky and the earth exuding a scent of warm soil, sweat grass and cool water even his ever-changing mood couldn't stay dark and gloomy forever. Light was winning over dark today, and as he took in the warm air in a deep, slow breath, Lace could hardly remember what he had been fretting over. It was as though a weight had been lifted off the shoulders, in a much more pleasant manner than the moment he had renounced his position as crafter. "Tell me about Dragon's Throat" he asked the gleaming girl after a while, gaze seeking out her painted frame with no small amount of curiosity glittering in their depths. "What's it like, living there?" With a slight grunt he heaved himself up on all fours again and shook the neck so pale silks danced around him, a cloud that soon came to rest once more against silver skin. Not long after the dragon came circling down, bored and attention seeking now that her flying partner had abandoned her. With soft crooning noises she settled on his back and began pacing back and forth along his spine, balancing deftly with wings spread wide for additional aid. The grullo endured patiently, too used to the weight and moving of the dragon on his back to care much about what she was doing... His attention was still turned to Onni, expectant and hopeful even as he lowered the head and began to graze from the lush grasses. Dim vales- and shadowy floods- And cloudy-looking woods, Whose forms we can't discover For the tears that drip all over! Huge moons there wax and wane- Again- again- again- |