;; for any of Brit's wonderful characters. This thread is also open to others. <3

--

The day was young and the sun had not yet reached his throne upon the blue horizon to watch the antics of the mortals below. Warm was the gentle sea breeze that brought in scents of salt mixed with that of a horse and his dragon. A leathery wing drifted downwards and speared the ocean to create a spray of water which left trails of white wherever the brown went. He trilled in glee as he felt the wonders of flight and the open space, no trees to swoop round and the scenery was splendid. Kiba truly did like days out to the beach, he remembered clearly the water fight he had with his motherly Queen Akaith. They had played all through sunset and the brown dragon dearly wished they could play like that again. No matter how old he became the dragon would always have a child's heart and Torasin loved him for it.

The palomino paint was only just making his way onto the sandy beach, his bonded having flown ahead in his barely contained excitement. Though Torasin didn't like to leave the herd much, such was the importance of his duties, he did have to take a holiday someday or another. Otherwise he himself would become ill and be of no use to anybody whatsoever. He also needed some time to think, his mind had been plagued with doubts and fears for days and he thought that the sea air might do him some good. The gentle Doctor also had many memories tied with the sunny beach, most of them consisted of Mirage like nearly all of his memories. He smiled at that thought, he would not be the stallion he was today without Mirage, their relationship would seem a complicated one to anybody on the outside, but Torasin knew they both shared a common love for each other and that in itself was enough.

He quickly picked his gait up into a trot and powered on towards the lapping sea, emerald eyes growing distant as if caught in an old story. Within the tale was a mare of painted heritage, her body patched in white and seal brown, her personality like a double edged knife. She was mean, ill tempered and highly impatient, but he was gentle, considerate and caring. A match made in hell but Torasin liked to think they completed each other, him and the fiery Brooke. Yet fate was cruel and took her away too young with no explanation, he would never know how she died and all he had left of her were two sons who had seen their mother's corpse. No child should have to see that. Was it his fault Brooke had died? He hadn't been there to protect her or to heal her. Had she died peacefully or in agony? Each thought was like someone striking him in the heart.

Hooves left the sand and entered the glittering ocean, his pace slowing to a steady walk as he moved through the soft waves. By then his thoughts had raced on to his more recent struggle. Solstice. The beautiful mare who had been in his life for a very long time. First when they were of the same herd in the Oasis and now here in Helovia, the seeds of their friendship had blossomed into love. Yet Torasin couldn't shake the foreboding that he was somehow cursed, that he had been unable to save his two previous lovers and both had perished was the damning fact that he was never meant to be happy. Was this the same fate that now lay before Solstice? Had he put her life in danger? All he wanted to do was love and protect her, he prayed every night that her life not be taken. That this area of haven would always remain. For if Solstice was taken from him then Torasin knew the even more damning truth that it would be the end of him.

A great sigh left his velvet lips and Kiba landed upon his rump, flicking droplets of water from his spike ridden tail. The healer turned to regard his friend and smiled gratefully.

My friend I am glad to have you by my side.

I will never leave your side

Torasin's smile widened at his bonded's reply before he turned to look out across the sparkling sea.