It was cold. A hard wind blew down from the north, thrashing the swiftly passing clouds like rags over the sky and scattering a murder of crows from its perch in the barren trees. Through tears in the gray sky small rivets of blue could be glimpsed every now and then, but though the sky shone bright and dazzling somewhere above, not much of its light managed to pass down to the earth. What little light there was seemed gray and dull, listless and unsatisfying; it cast no shadows, offered no comfort and certainly didn't bring any warmth to the inhabitants of the frozen world.

Hot breath rose high from mouth and nose as a stallion sniffed the air, intrigued by some faint scent carried south by the gale. Black locks whipped and thrashed around the skull-masked face like tattered banners, long and unkempt - a testimony perhaps to his lack of concern for the visual world, or maybe it was more of a fashion statement. Black was so hot this season, black was the color of luck and good fortune. Why else would he brave the odds by roaming the vast expanse on his own, daring drooling beasts and dastardly daredevils to take him on, beat him down, deal despair and judgment upon one who has long since defeated death itself.

A challenging call trumpeted across the wasteland every now and then, a rumble originating somewhere deep within a black heart, rising through noble arches; only to erupt in a declaration of youth and fervor, a brave defiance against anything - or anyone - that might think themselves greater than him.

He would prove them wrong. He would beat them down, declare himself victor of the day - and should he be betrayed by Lady Luck the stag would rise to the challenge and take on the world once more, lick the wounds and move on while savoring the taste of his own crimson blood.

Live and die on this day. Live, and die, on this day

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Judged IC spar, 3 posts + closing defense. Magic + companions allowed. 800 words max. Time limits according to Spar rules.

Setting: Frostbreath steppe, noon. Cloudy and sparse light, with strong winds from the north. Deep snow and very cold.

@[Ghost] Go ahead and attack in your first post if you want to, you have permission to move Morir into a position if necessary. :D