Calder can feel the pebbles, silt, and smooth river stones under his hooves as he shifts his weight from one leg to the other. Its almost as if the earth itself seeks to anchor him in this new place even though all around him is moving and changing. As soon as the question directed towards Elsa seems to leave his lips, motion again catches his attention.

Another strange creature steps from the shelter of the trees – this one a creature dressed in bones. She was more similar to Calder in terms of looks, but the skull certainly set her apart. He wondered if it was a personal choice or if there was an entire herd of skull-adorned unicorns in this place. Perhaps the whole land was just a mish-mash of outsiders. Clearly he had much to learn about this place called Helovia. Assumptions were not going to get him far in this land. It was clear that what he knew and what he was familiar with was not going to translate here. He was on his own. Whatever culture was significant to him would be his responsibility to reinvent in this place, but he simply couldn’t assume that anything from his past would be at all important here. As she drew to a halt, Calder dipped his head in greeting to the unicorn mare.

“It is good to meet you as well, Waprevah.” At her mention of the north, he turns his gaze (instinctually) towards he north, which is unfortunately obscured by the tall trees. He wonders if they, too, have mountains like his homeland here.

His blue eyes then flick back to Elsa as she goes on to describe the circumstances that brought her to this place as well as her home here in this land. He remains quiet as she speaks, but the side of his mouth quirks up into a crooked smile at her wink. He commits the highlights of what she describes to memory. Hidden Falls. Mason. Crafter. God of Earth. A place. A title. A role. A deity. Yes, Calder. You have so much to learn. Calder’s people were one that put great value in the Earth. Perhaps living near to the Deity would be a good change for the dappled stallion.

“I used to live on a mountain with others of my kind, but our home was compromised a rough winter and spring floods. I came seeking a new place. A safer place.” Though his reply is in response to Elsa, he makes sure that his words and his gaze is directed to both the snowy pegasus as well as the unicorn mare cased in bone. He turns back to Elsa before continuing. “I appreciate you telling me of your home and the offer to join you. Regardless of where I decide to reside I will certainly take you up on your offer to talk in the future.” The appreciation is evident in the gravely voice. For someone who has nothing, the opportunity to have a home and a future is quite overwhelming. However, Calder is wary of this place and wants to ensure he has some idea of what this world is like before committing to anything. Perhaps it is self-preservation. Perhaps it is something more akin to fear or uncertainty. The normally impulsive minded stallion finds rationality is screaming in the back of his head for caution.

“What about you, Waprevah? What is your Aurora Basin like?” he asks, turning to the mare with questions in his eyes.

Calder

hold back the river so i can stop a minute and be by your side