Azzuen
May 18th, 2012 at 6:59am

The matter of securing a home was of great importance to the stallion.
He had devoted his time between maintaining his training, keeping his
warrior skills sharpened, gleaming as much knowledge as he could from
the air about the terrain, and spending time with his beloved mate of
heart and soul, Cass. They had met in a night of passion and as a
result she held their child, and his protection over her had become of
paramount importance. It had taken him a lifetime, but he had finally
learned the preciousness that was love and soulmates, and he was going
to do anything and everything he could to ensure that he was allowed
as much time as possible with them. Securing a homeland would benefit
them all, he felt confident about this, and so he served Kri’s cause
with vigour.

But Cassiopeia wanted to help, and though she had learned some skills
about self defence, Azzuen could not bear to see her harmed, and had
pleaded with her to refrain from entering the battle that would surely
ensue. There were other ways she could help, and infiltrating the herd
they were planning on invading was one such way. Azzuen hoped to
follow her, and use the opportunity to get to know the terrain even
better, but he wanted to consult Kri on the matter, and see whether
she would approve of such action. He would join as a warrior, but he
would only fight for the Tuuli’s cause – and he would be able to
ensure Cass’ safety in a herd were only one other of the Tuuli were a
part of, Onni. He would, of course, protect them both.

“Kri, I seek your counsel.” He stood quietly in the middle of the
meadow, absorbing the world around him through all of his senses. He
spoke the words with power, a gentle summons and a sincere need to see
the one he had claimed as his own leader. With respect the wind
carried his voice, he hoped to her ears, and he hoped she would care
enough to answer the call, and advise him on the best path to take.

---

Cassiopeia
May 19th, 2012 at 2:23pm

The massive silvern wings that adorned her back allowed her to her
glide easily through the cool air of birdsong, as she followed
Azzuen's scent. It had led her to the Thistle Meadow. The last time
she had been here was with Azzuen. It had been their first encounter,
and Cass remembered it distinctly. She smiled as the memories surged
forth. It looked much different now than it had then. Powdery snow no
longer mantled the land in an alabaster blanket. Instead, a sea of
viridian foliage and vegetation sprouted upward from the soil. Violet
thistles were vibrant and abundant throughout its circumference.

As she observed her surroundings, she spotted Azzuen's dark figure.
Calico ears pricked forward as his deep baritone trumpeted through the
atmosphere. He had requested Kri's presence. Leisurely, she sailed
toward him, descending gradually and allowed a nicker to vibrate in
her throat. With marvelous control she alighted upon the earth,
sylphlike fore legs making contact first, followed promptly by her aft
end. A faint thud and the crunch of foliage bending beneath her weight
became audible as she did so. Feathered appendages furled neatly atop
the contours of her sloping back once her body became erect with the
ground. Slender legs conveyed her shapely frame a few steps forward so
that she then stood side by side with her beloved. She nuzzled the the
ebony stallion's thick nape briefly, yet lovingly in greeting. As she
withdrew her head from him, she peered out into the distance, sapphire
eyes searching eagerly for the apparition of the one named Kri.

Patiently, she waited as the wind gently tugged on and twirled through
the silken strands of her charcoal-tinged hair. Lengthy tendrils of
grass swayed at her feet, faintly tickling her legs. Hopefully the
silver dapple mare had heard her partner's utterance and would soon
join them. They needed to consult with her about their best plan of
action. Cassiopeia hoped her leader wouldn't be disappointed that she
had chosen not to be a footman for the Tuuli. Surely she would
understand the circumstances in which the decision was made.

---

Kri the Resolute
May 26th, 2012 at 8:53pm

My wings grow weary as I soar above the Fields, awaiting the time when
the Tuuli would be prepared to go to battle. I had felt this anxiety
before, when the Pegasus had been scouring about trying to gather
enough force to take back the Cliffs. This restlessness had led me to
enter the lands by force, which had allowed me a happy roll of luck
that returned the crimson peaks to their true winged inhabitants.
However, I knew now that I was in no such position.

I had family now. I would protect their interests at all costs, even
if that meant waiting for them to be ready. Patience was just not my
strong suit.

The familiar voice of a stallion reached my ears, calling for me and
breaking my stream of thoughts, which raced toward the future while
still stumbling backward to the past. My wings turned downward, to the
earth distorted by the clouds surrounding my favorite peak, to the
fields below. Diving with purpose, I make the lasting strength of my
wings hold me until the bottom, dropping like a stone toward the
ground. I level myself about a story from the earth, my great
feathered appendages expanding like parachutes as I prepare to stop.

Hovering in the air, I catch sight of the pair and flap my wings to
glide my body gently toward them, landing on the soft ground before
them, blonde mane spinning at a gust of warm spring air. "Azzuen,
Cassiopeia," I say, their names a familiar sort of greeting. "What
troubles you?"

---

Azzuen
May 26th, 2012 at 10:26pm

The partner of his life arrived, and with a warm smile and a returned
touch his whiskers ran down her own nape in greeting. Her flanks were
filling in with the life that grew from their union. He couldn’t help
but feel happy about it, about what the future had in store for them,
even the challenges that awaited them before they would eventually
obtain their happy ending. Of course, it wouldn’t actually be an
ending – more of an exciting beginning. He was restless for action, he
wanted to obtain it now, he wanted to surge forth and protect those
who had earned his loyalty. A scent tickled his nostrils, and familiar
wingbeats pounded in his ears. Eyes swirled a smooth indigo as the
mare Kri arrived, and he smiles, a small, respectful smile, nodding
his cranium, bumping his chin to his chest as she arrives and greets
them.

“Well met.” He said warmly, his deep voice easy and warm. “A
logistical concern.” He said, in response to her query. “Cassiopeia
carries our child, Kri, the time for action is soon upon us – whilst I
don’t doubt her ability on the battlefield, the cargo she carries is
too precious.” He hoped she would understand – surely she would, after
having carried Onni herself? He wondered if she had a long term mate,
and he realised that he knew her mostly as a leader and respected
figure; beyond that, she was unknown to him. And yet he trusted her,
they were bound by the same cause and she knew Voltaic and he her –
even if time had separated them he valued his brother’s opinion.
Before allowing himself to get more sidetracked on thoughts, he
continued addressing the issue. “We wanted to know if you would
sanction placing us within the Dragon’s Throat together, Cass as an
informant and myself posing as a Warrior. I can learn the terrain and
even scout out a potential opponent in order to give us the greatest
advantage when the time comes.”

He finished his speech there, hoping he had articulated what he and
Cass had discussed well enough. He looked to his mate, wondering what
input she would share, if any.