With Hearts Cast Down [Open]

With Hearts Cast Down [Open]

Murdock Posts: 198

Outcast atk: 9 | def: 10.5 | dam: 2.5

Stallion :: Pegasus :: 16.2hh :: 8 HP: 61.5 | Buff: ENDURE

Gaz

02-12-2013, 02:30 AM

It is an odd thing to see a horse chasing nothing across the barren plateau of a frozen steppe. The black stallion was tearing across the icy ground, kicking up snow with his heels as he twisted about, leaping into the air and bouncing forwards with a kick in his step, always turning on his haunches to watch the ground behind him. His pale green gaze seemed fixed upon the snow, as if he could see something there that did not exist, but followed his every step like a dance partner who couldn’t keep her distance. Rising onto his hind legs again, he twisted his torso and spun on his heels, chin lowered as he studied the ground; yet nothing was there except his shadow, and it was exactly that which he was chasing.

The setting sun cast a lavender haze across his wings and sleek black coat, damp with sweat from the exertion of such acrobatics. He seemed to dance across the snow, skipping over rocks and spinning with joyful laughter that rang across the empty wasteland. With every step he took, every minute movement, his shadow reciprocated; an image of himself projected against the thin layer of snow, moving as he did, playing with him every step of the way. Bringing his hooves down against the ice, his limbs slid out from under him and he raised his wings for balance, slowly regaining composure.

Eyes still on his faded silhouette, he paused as his feathers caught the light of the sun, spread across the snow in a majestic display. Fascinated, he twisted on his heels and bent his wings, admiring the way they appeared so intricate and beautiful reflected against the icy ground. It was difficult to observe them, as they were positioned on his back in such a way that he couldn’t quite twist around to inspect them, but they occasionally lingered in his peripheral vision. He flapped his wings experimentally, forelimbs rising off the ground. His shadow rose with him, though it sat at an odd angle, always keeping its back to the setting sun. The snow was stained pink and orange from the light that bled through the sky, the stallion’s silhouette cut through it like a dark ink stain.

Murdock’s hooves landed softly against the ground again, wings extending as far as he could allow them. Twisting his head around, he glimpsed the outer vanes of the pale, feathery appendages, and smiled in satisfaction. Twisting further around until his spine ached, he tried to see more, not appeased by the shadow that was cast across the ground. It didn’t prove as easy as he’d expected, and soon began turning in circles, one wing bent against his side while the other remained outstretched for him to see. His feet slipped across the ground as he spun, childish determination in his eyes. Of course he looked ridiculous, but he had never been terribly concerned with his personal image. His concentration remained until a black smudge against the horizon swept across his vision, and he halted shakily, the world tilting around him.

He wobbled a step to the side, wings refolding protectively as his ears snapped to alert and he turned back to the shape in the distance. It was approaching him slowly, as if it had not yet become aware of his presence. He moved unsteadily forwards, every step cautious and trembling as the horizon gradually leveled out and his dizziness left him. Giving his head a shake, he eased into a trot, silhouette prancing after him as he neared the approaching creature. When he was close enough to make out its features, he paused a moment in sudden realization. He knew that face, and though she was not a friend of many years or many meetings, he considered her a friend all the same. A childish smile appeared on his face, and he stepped forwards again with bright eyes. “Nice time for a walk. I can see your shadow is better behaved than mine,” he gestured towards the ground at her feet, unaware of the abnormality of his words.

"talk talk talk"

Wind me up, put me down
Start me off and watch me go

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