the ocean loved her and knew everything that made her.

and every time she’d walk to the shore,

she’d smile at the ocean

because the waves told her story.

“What are our leaders like?”

The ocean mare repeats the question Wessex had spoken, her eyes briefly flashing over her shoulder as she presses forward in the proper direction. The length of her lion tail sways in time with her hips, setting a slow but steady pace as her cloven hooves cut through the cold dirt and frozen underbrush. “Well,” she chews on her answer for a short moment, pausing uncharacteristically in order to sort her thoughts. Usually Tiamat wouldn’t even think about hesitating—usually she would launch eagerly into a description of the home that she holds so dear, including the individuals who make up her family.

However, current events have her suddenly faltering.
When she manages to speak again, the tone of her voice is more somber than before—almost flat compared to her typical bubbly cheer. “We only have one leader right now: Lady Hotaru. The Basin recently suffered a tragic loss with the death of our Lord—Lord Deimos. It was a heartbreaking day for everyone. He was a loyal leader and a noble man, he’ll certainly be missed,” the blue maiden speaks reverently of the stallion she had grown to adore and respect. It is strange to think of an Aurora Basin without him, as he had seemed to be the corner stone of the very mountains themsevles, but time will go on.

They will heal from his absence, but Tiamat knows that they will never forget.

“I wish you could have met him,” she sighs with a single chime of wistful laughter, shaking her head and tucking her chin in towards her chest. It is unfamiliar how her heart aches for him, longs for him, knowing that he brought comfort and steadiness just by being in his presence.

“But—” Tiamat quickly raises her eyes and looks to Wessex, her brow knitting together into something of assurance. “While I don’t know Hotaru as well, I know her well enough to assure you that the herd is still in good hands,” she gives a nod of earnest affirmation. The rosy Valkyrie has shown nothing but confidence, loyalty, and love for their northern family—Tiamat has faith that she will lead them well.

Leaving the larger mare with a heartening smile, the ocean mare presses on, guiding them through the heavy forests and rolling meadows. The journey from the Threshold, for her at least, is not a long one. She knows the paths by heart, and allows the earth to guide her, cloven toes stepping lightly over the cold, verdant terrain. “It’s not far now,” she looks to Wessex when the peaks come into view, followed not long after by the shadowy figures of the rusted Sentinels. Finally, when she crests the final slopes with a deep gust of air, she pauses at the entrance, grinning broadly. “That’s home!” Tiamat breathes affectionately, gazing down at the beautiful valley.


notes; Everyone come and welcome Wessex!! Tagging @Erebos because she's a soldier, if you're not too busy Heather c:
“Speech.”