HELOVIA || The Way to the Sun
Wraith [OPEN] - Printable Version

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Wraith [OPEN] - Couth - 06-22-2012

A hush simmered over the jade grassland which spilled forth from the ankles of the mountain, speared by the tall shadows of coniferous trees. It was daybreak and a silvery veil of mist had risen to hover above the verdant pasture, shifting and rolling lazily on the barest breath of a breeze. Sunlight spilled through the cracks in the woodlands and caressed the mountain's slopes like a lover's touch, warming the earth as it hummed quietly with life. The birds were the first- the lark as the head chorister- to break through the silence and herald the dawn and all others remained silent. The rabbits chewed wet strands of grass in quiet bliss, the dragonflies rested on tall stalks of timothy, warming their wings. It was with such grace that the winged equine landed that even the grasses beneath her feet did not rustle.


She balked; she could smell other horses in the area. Many others had come this way. Her pearly pink nostrils flared as she inhaled the scents and she cast her luminescent gaze about, subtle movements of her ears picking up even the quietest of sounds. She did not feel at ease in an area which seemed to be a place of traffic for others. Her trip through the mountain pass had been quiet and solemn, without being lonely. She did not crave the companionship of others, though there had been a curiosity- driven by that hatural herd instinct- responsible for her coming this way. It had dug its spurs into her tender sides and had urged her forward, to the Threshold where she now stood. But she did not stay in that place for long.


The long-legged mare trotted back toward the forest, high-set tail swishing from side to side and her head lifted and slightly turned, to make sure she was not followed or chased. Into the shade-dappled forest she went, slowing to a quiet walk as she tucked her broad, glossy dragon-like wings against her sides. She was on full alert as she moved, pausing now and again when she heard a sound; the sylph was not frightened, merely aware that she would not likely pass through this area without some sort of confrontation. And she was not interested in putting herself in any sort of danger. Like a spectre she moved through the light and shadows, but a mere whisp of light herself drifting through the trees, iridescent pale, blue eyes searching, ever searching.

RE: Wraith [OPEN] - Mirage - 06-22-2012


Roaming eyes could search all they liked; it was unlikely they would settle upon the shimmering, fuzzy image of the little shadow that stalked the Threshold. A golden ray of sunlight – or was it a dragon? – filtered through the canopy above, darting this way and that. It was indeed a dragon, a queenly one at that, golden as the sun’s surface, glittering brighter than a sparkling crystal. The creature was bonded to the shadow-mare, by a link than ran deeper than even the ties blood could offer, a bond that combined their very souls and minds.

The rushed movements of the Pegasus were noticed, particularly by the dragon, who created a colourful trilling song as she flew above the crème mare’s flowing movements. Similar motions were made, a little ways away, by a dark smudge of a mare, it was difficult to know however – if one did manage to focus upon it for more than a second, they might think it was merely a trick of the sun’s heat, and continue on with their life. But it was a living, breathing creature who orchestrated this magic, this magic that defined her, just as her bond with her dragon did.

A smooth melody was hummed from the maw of the mistress, as she crept closer to the winged femme. The shimmering veil fell away from her, and as she approached it was as if she were pulling herself directly from the shadows of the surrounding forest. The Threshold was a comfortable realm, for this mare enjoyed forests, but it was too close to the outskirts, too near to the part where Helovia became undefined and the wilds of the outside world more dominant over one’s existence. Warm, honey-gold eyes peered out from beneath silken tendrils of the charred mare’s forelock, a kind gaze held within them, though very little else was expressed by this devious little mare.

“You run, when you could fly.” The mare’s accented tones stated, merely observing the obvious, perhaps hinting at the slight curiosity she held within. She was standing still now, having approached the belle by first matching her pace several lengths away from her, and then coming to a smooth halt; hoping the other would comply to the silent wish for their cessation of momentum. Akaith glided upon light wings, landing much like the Pegasus had landed before, with and easy grace, upon the obsidian hide of her bonded.

“What brings you to Helovia?” The question was posed politely enough, a whisper of a smile hinting at the corner of her lips. The mare’s gaze roamed over the winged one, absorbing the draconic wing design, the creamy features, the delicate poise with which the other held herself. The belle was a beauty, even Mirage could observe that, at least on the outside. It would be her response to Mirage’s intrusion that decided just how deep that beauty ran.



RE: Wraith [OPEN] - Couth - 06-23-2012

The sensation first began as gentle and subtle as a butterfly's kiss, feathering along the mare's spine from her croup to the point of her withers between her large wings. How gentle that sensation was, a mild chill, like one a sleeping person would feel if the temperature dropped even just a minute amount. But it was not so gentle that she did not feel it, and it made the mare all the more alert to her surroundings. But try as she might, the sylph could not catch sight of anything in the woods around her apart from the shadows which seemed to bend and sway with the branches in the wind. She glanced above- knowing that she was not the only winged creature in the wilderness- and a glint of gold made her squint her eyes. It must have simply been the sun's rays, as even a golden palomino pegasus would have been easily spotted.


But she was not calmed. The sensation which had crept along her spine now whispered urgently in her ears...She knew she was not alone, and that she was being followed. But the mare showed no sign of having heard whoever it was that chose to follow her, instead, she continued to walk, under the perfect guise that she was calm and relaxed, oblivious to her pursuer. To show her level of ease, she shook her mane and blew air softly but audibly through her nostrils; she swished her tail as she might do in order to dismiss a fly. But Couth was not such an ignorant creature, and at the right moment, she turned her head quickly- angling it only just enough so that one of her bright blue eyes could scan the forest behind her with clear, keen vision. She felt absolutely sure she would catch them now; they had to be close.


But there was nothing there. This reality caused the petite mare to stop in her tracks and turn her head just in time to see the shadows whch dappled the forest floor with patches of darkness curl and build and condense into the form of an elegant mare, jet black in colour. Couth remained where she was while she was addressed, cool eyes glancing to the mare's companion- a dragon, and obviously a female one, nimble and elflike and upon her companion's haunch, much like a strand of gleaming gold ribbon to adorn the mare who already possessed an exotic, otherworldly beauty. She called Couth on her walking. True, it would have been quite simple for the sylph to fly, even through a forest such as this one, and she had vision as keen as that of a hawk, but she did not spend all of her time in the sky.


"Aye. But I was given four hooves as perfect for running as my wings are for flying," She responded, her voice clipped by her accent. Her eyes lingered for a moment on the mare before they roamed over the dragon's gleaming golden scales, but only for a moment- out of respect for the regal creature, she did not look at it for long. This was another horse's companion, something to be respected and treated wisely. For someone who had been on alert, Couth spoke quite calmly, now that she could clearly see who it was that had been stalking her. She felt at ease now that she was in the company of another equine. The mare's question provoked the faintest shadow of a smile from Couth's fair lips. "Until I landed, the breeze."



RE: Wraith [OPEN] - Mirage - 06-24-2012


Aureate pools that seemed to be made of liquid consumed the image of the femme, taking in the creature before her as a whole, and combing through the details at the same time. It was not critical, so much as simply thorough; one could learn a lot by the stance in which one held themselves, by the reactions they gave, or the actions they initiated. In the silence, before she spoke, Mirage watched this mare, who was very well aware of her surrounds – a favourable trait, for it meant she was not lacking of brain cells – and she seemed to accept her shadowy presence with relative ease.

If first impressions were anything to go by, the little shadow liked this creamy mare, with her delicate composition of chine and poise, even the dark minx could value the beauty before her. And she spoke, her accented tones pleasant to the obedient soldiers standing atop Mirage’s chiselled crown, and the kindness behind the charred mare’s gaze grew more, a small glitter of amusement even daring to swell up. It was a subtle change of countenance, but she had faith that this mare was capable enough of picking up on the hidden nuances of the silent language their bodies spoke.

“And would the breeze have a name for the crème creature it so gracefully and artfully delivered before me?” The mare nodded her tiara then, the movement causing her silken tresses to shift along her nape, the metallic golden marking glinting amongst the obsidian threads. Akaith appreciated the observations made of her, the queenly creature arching her nape and chirping draconically to the winged femme, stretching her own translucent wings briefly, before settling them tight by her shimmering sides.

“Akaith likes you.” The mare stated quietly, this time allowing a smile to curve her lips, referring to the golden beast that hummed happily upon her rump. It was easy to link the feelings to Mirage herself, for when bonded by heart, mind and soul, it was often difficult to distinguish between each other’s sensations – if either of them had cause to like or dislike something, chances were the other would follow suit. Mirage was curious about the belle before them, and she was pleased to admit that she hoped to get past these poetic introductions swiftly, and see just how capable the pegasus was.



RE: Wraith [OPEN] - Couth - 06-24-2012

Even while the obsidian mare's eyes swept over her, Couth felt comfortable, reading the easy softness of the shadowy mare's features to mean that she was not being scrutinized, and that she found nothing to dislike. While Couth was not a vain mare, she knew she was healthy and fit, and if any found something to dislike about her appearance it would have been because of their own personal taste in appearances. She had been observed with repulsed looks before, by those who did not find the soft pink of her skin or the pearly sheen of her coat appealing. Her neck was long and thin, and her chest narrow and slanted up toward her hips; she looked fragile and delicate on such long legs, but Couth knew otherwise. If Mirage found anything about her appearance that she didn't like, she certainly did not let it show. She impressed Couth who liked to see equines use only subtle facial expressions and did not appreciate it when others put on a poker face; Mirage seemed to be slipping by both tests easily.


The way the woman spoke while asking for Couth's name caused the mare to flick one ear a bit further back; she was made uncomfortable by open admissions of attraction. From a stallion the comment might have been ignored as either way, Couth was not charmed by flattery. But such words came to her as a surprise when they came from a mare, though she quickly reminded herself to be polite and be respectful and appreciative of the mare's compliments. She too found her counterpart appealing- the suave, swarthy mare had a dark but inviting charm about her- but such thoughts often went unspoken by the perlino pegasus.


"I havenae told the breeze my name," She admitted with a light tone. "It is so wayward; I'm sure it would forget." She said and as though on cue, the breeze lifted to tousle the sylph's mane, toying as well with the ebony locks of the equine, to Couth's surprise, revealing a mark of gold on her neck. But the tresses fell still before Couth could see any more than what appeared to be the outline of a dragon's head. Her eyes flicked back to the mare's gaze and she dipped her head once. "I am Couth." She said, satisfying the question which had been asked of her with a direct answer at last.


Her pale gaze was distracted by the purling sound made by the dragon-creature on the mare's haunches. Such a proud, noble creature it was, and rightly so; those of a gold hue were rare and royal; even a mare without a companion knew this to be true. Thus, her respect and admiration for the dark mirage before her doubled, knowing that she must be a creature of truth and devotion to have been gifted with such a remarkable companion. Couth's ears flicked forward at the sound of the creature's name and she immediately bowed her head in response. "I am flattered. And you are fortunate to have a companion of such nobility," Couth replied reverently.




RE: Wraith [OPEN] - Mirage - 06-24-2012


With gratification the svelte flutes heard the elusively playful tones crafted by the femme, though she was concerned for a fraction of a second that her query might not be fulfilled, that they would dance the dance of hidden identities a while longer. But a name was bequeathed, her ears gladly accepting the favour, her tiara inclining an inch to show her appreciation. The miniscule hint of a breeze was a welcome gift too, offering a fleeting reprieve from the tyrannical heat, though soon enough the wrath of the Sun God was experienced in full. The pegasus’ open observation of Akaith caused a puff of smoke to rise from the reptile’s nostrils, not in a threatening manner, but merely playing on the compliments given.

“Indeed, I am.” The exotic curl of her voice crafted the words of agreement; not a day went by that the mare did not feel grateful for the moment of impression that bonded her to the gleaming creature. “Mirage is my name.” As her name was uttered, a cloak fell over her bodice, and while Akaith remained in focus, she appeared to be sitting atop a blurry, flickering memory of a shadowy little mare. It only lasted the breath of her name, however, and soon she was standing in her entirety before the crème maiden once more. “Some also call me their Weyrleader.” She was interested to know how the other would react – silently she even admitted that she longed to speak more of the Qian, to see if the fair creature showed a heart suited to the ways of her group.

“I am pleased you find me more trustworthy than the breeze to be a keeper of your name.” The obsidian creature stepped forward, shrinking the distance that still existed between herself and the other, the curl of her nape and tilt of her cranium inviting the mare to share in the action. She directed her neat hooves to a path that led further away from the edge of the lands, towards the Thistle Meadow, silently hoping that her new winged acquaintance would accompany her upon her pale hooves, and not enlist her glorious wings to take to the skies above. With ease she welcomed whatever might come, merely enjoying the silence of their companionship or subtly enticing more words to be spoken by Couth – either action was agreeable to the charred femme.



RE: Wraith [OPEN] - Couth - 06-27-2012

Mirage. Couth blinked as the lady was swept into a dark haze which she conjured up with the very mention of her name, leaving the small, golden dragon hanging in mid air as though sitting atop an invisible shelf in the shroud of black mist. So it hadn't been a trick of the light she had seen before, behind her....Or, rather, it had. It had been Mirage using her magic as a means to conceal herself. She wondered, then, how long Mirage had been following her and why she'd chosen to do so. She supposed if she had the power to become nearly invisible, she might choose to do so, but the white wraith was not the type who wanted to snoop on others or follow them for no reason.


Immediately, when Mirage called herself a weyrleader, Couth's small ears flicked forward. Weyrleader..."A leader of dragons?" She asked. She was aware that a weyr was another name for a dragon, or its keep at least, and her eyes flicked to Akaith for a moment. Surely the mare had not bonded to more than one dragon, had she? Or perhaps she was some divine exception, who was able to bond to others? The svelte female moved and Couth moved as well, silently, as though pulled by an invisible rope about her eithers. Mirage intrigued her, both her nature and the title she was given. A leader of dragons...And Akaith did not seem to mind the title...Had Mirage given herself such a name and not meant it, she imaged that the dragon might have been offended by the blasphemy.


Perhaps it was not to real dragons that she was referring to, but other equines. perhaps Weyrleader was a different name for a Lead Mare. "Do you have a herd?" Couth asked then, moving alongside the charcoal mare, determined to find out what this business of being a 'weyrleader' was all about.



RE: Wraith [OPEN] - Mirage - 06-27-2012


The reaction of pale one was observed closely by both dragon and equine eyes alike; it was not that Mirage snooped without reason, but rather the exact opposite – everything she did, had a purpose; certainly that purpose might not be immediately clear, but she was a cunning minx, more than capable of gathering useful information and employing her charms to obtain the ending she desired. Now, she wove a spell before the pale Pegasus, pleased to have a welcoming and intelligent audience, even more gratified by the questions she posed; questions that Mirage was glad to provide answers for.

“Though some of my kin are draconic in nature,” that shadow of a smile dared to grow upon her lips once more, “I myself have been marked as a dragon by a Goddess,” here, her nape tilted, her silken threads falling to the side to reveal the metallic tinged fur that curled its way along her neck, the windswept outline of a dragon. “I suppose I am more a dragon that leads.” Her words were voiced with the air that allowed for others to make what interpretations they would, she did not want to press herself upon any newcomer, or make them feel obliged to joining her cause, rather, she wanted others to come to the conclusion that the Qian was the best fit for them.

“A herd of sorts.” She allowed, a small nod emphasising the speech. “The Qian are my loyal friends, we are a band united by devotion and committed only to offering protection and shelter for those who wish to make the pledge.” Pausing her speech, she allowed the silence to develop a moment, time to allow the information to sink in. Couth, she had noticed, enjoyed thinking before speaking, a trait that brought the mare higher in Mirage’s regard for her every minute. “We are a peaceful lot, unless harm is brought upon one of our own, or our allies require aid.” Adding the words quietly, she looked more directly at the mare, again allowing a moment for the knowledge she had divulged to be swallowed sufficiently.

“One such as yourself, would be welcome, Couth.” Emphatically she expressed herself, where before her tones were more that of a scholar repeating facts, she spoke those last words with actual emotion, honesty and sincerity, in attempts to make her point clear. Akaith had wandered along the spine of her beloved during their walk, observing the pearly maiden closely, before giving a small huff of approval, and taking to the skies above, her form lost easily amongst the thick, dry canopy. Flutes tracked the form of the femme, Mirage was quite interested to know what would become of this Couth.



RE: Wraith [OPEN] - Couth - 06-28-2012

As the mare spoke, Couth felt herself discovering that she had come upon, by complete chance- or perhaps by the svelte mare's design- a kindred spirit. She found herself wondering if Mirage had powers of reading minds- if she had known before she'd spoken that Couth would be the kind to follow her, or if perhaps she had simply taken a chance on a passerby. But the calm mare seemed sure of herself and her actions, leading Couth to believe firmly that Mirage had either a very keen sense of judgement or a magic which allowed her to gaze into the mind of another. For one who had yet to discover her own magic or find herself blessed by one of the Gods, Couth was impressed. She was patient, though, and knew that eventually, by the design of their Gods, she would find herself drawn to a companion and blessed with magic.


Couth tilted her head to get a better look at the flashy golden marking on the mare's neck. The glimpse she had caught before had revealed just a glint of a golden marking resembling a dragon but she saw it now and admired it, uttering an approving snort and bob of her head. While it was golden in colour, befitting one whose companion was a dragon of the same hue, there was something...Ethereal about it that did not seem as though it had been a gift from the God of the Sun. It seemed cooler, and an image of the pale, icy moon flashed in Couth's mind's eye and before she could stop herself, she spoke. "The Goddess of the Moon," She said reverently, before she jerked her head as though pulled out of a trance. The words had come from her lips without warning and she lowered her head as an apology, hoping that she hadn't said the name of the wrong deity. Something had possessed her, though, and the pallid mare was left wondering exactly what it was.


She was aware that the dragon was observing her, but out of respect she allowed the mare's companion to do so without watching every move the dragon made. She felt safe as she walked in the shade by the ebony mare's side, and she knew she was in good company. Not just any steed would be marked and blessed by a God. Mirage was a leader fit for her to follow, and she would humbly do so. She listened to Mirage's description of the herd and her purpose seemed noble- nothing she said surprised Couth. They seemed a lawful lot, who took an oath to protect the weak and defend their allies. Couth had not been expecting to join a herd, but she had never expected to come upon someone who impressed her so simply and easily; she did not want to leave Mirage's company. She wanted to be a part of it.


When she was invited- by both the mare and the dragon- she paused, lifting her head as the latter took flight. Her own wings arched slightly as though begging to be free and take flight with the dragon, to see how it moved through the air, to chase and be chased and enjoy the freedom of soaring. But instead, as the dragon disappeared into the golden beams of light, she lowered her head and nodded once. "I will take the oath."




RE: Wraith [OPEN] - Mirage - 06-28-2012


Every passing second equalled a growth in respect for this fair maiden. Mirage saw her as an equal in wits and intelligence, and her ears played delightedly atop her tiara at the mention of the Moon Goddess; it was true, she had been touched by the celestial deity whom she follows, and that touch had resulted in the pleasant stirring of colours to etch the marking upon her otherwise starless night hide. Call it intuition, call it luck; but Mirage felt as if she had found another being more than worthy enough to call a friend, a sister, a comrade. Couth reacted welcomingly to the description of her band, and she was graceful under the watch of Akaith’s often sharp stares. Everything about her screamed the Qian, and her vocalised acceptance wrought a hushed, warm nicker to swell within the charred mare’s breast.

Extending her nose to the maiden, the charred velvet lips made to touch against the iridescent hide, as if intending to leave a smudge of darkness upon her. But no colour transfer was made, rather, a scent exchange, so that Mirage might always know the scent of her kin, and that any who came across Couth in the future would also know of her acquaintance with the Weyrleader. The mare would welcome any return action should Couth feel it necessary to drink her scent, it was a simple enough ritual, but one only done with those who had earned enough of the devious little shadow’s trust. Mirage dipped her cranium to the belle, before speaking warmly.

“Your friendship is appreciated, and welcomed, Couth. The Qian are glad to have you.” Eyeing the way the femme watched her dragon, and the subtle shifting of her own draconic wings, Mirage gave a knowing glance, and sent a silent message to her queenly companion. “Akaith would be glad to fly with you; I shall see you next within the Deep Forest, I expect.” The aureate creature arrived, chortling a merry trill, encouraging the winged maiden to join her in the skies above. The dragon would lead her to the realm Mirage spoke of, a realm where a meeting was long overdue to be held; it was time for the Qian to get to know their fellows, and discuss their future as a band who might be looking for a home. There were other issues to be raised too, like the oppressive heat of the Sun’s rage – all things to be aired when the time was right, however.

With a doting glance at her glittering companion, she ensured her newest member was safely airborne, before cloaking her hide in its blurry mask, and weaving herself through the many landscapes of Helovia.


[ I will be posting a Qian meeting shortly, which Couth should attend, but of course feel free to post elsewhere -Mirage will probably show up wherever she goes, she likes to stalk her friends xP ]