| Aurora Basin Phantom atk: 7.5 | def: 10 | dam: 2.5 |
| Stallion :: Unicorn :: 16 hh :: 8 yrs HP: 60.0 | Buff: NOVICE |
| Glo |
Lena moved lightly, elegantly, like a bird flitting beneath the burgeoning canopy of crooked branches and thick leaves, twirling undaunted through the shadows while Roland followed sagely in her path, swept away by her current and caught in her vortex, her inescapable undertow. While she danced across the time worn paths and through the thickets, he blundered, over lush fern fronds and amidst pale flowers, in possession of no more than half the grace with which she moved. She threw caution to the mildewed wind as he lingered disdainfully behind, wary and watchful. But despite its peculiarity the cave had its allure, its alien charm and otherworldly charisma, and though he was skeptical, Roland was eager to sink himself into its earthen grasp, away from barren walls and dry expanses of stone.
He was not as eager as Lena, however, who strode forwards boldly, immersed in a pale glow that radiated through the entirety of the chamber, dipping beneath the boughs of trees and through the darkness until she reached water’s edge. Her laughter was akin to the harmonious rush of water, its jovial notes echoing through the gloomiest reaches of the cave, untroubled and nonchalant in a way the Impersonator could never be. Without pause she slipped into the stream, seemingly unperturbed by the eccentricities of their subterranean sanctuary. Roland eyed the water dubiously as he neared, hooves lingering on the bank and quite at home nestled amongst a soft bed of moss.
Once he had spoken, the change in the atmosphere was unmistakable. Even if Lena’s face gave nothing away, illuminated as it was by the ghostly flowers, he instantly regretted the question. He had held his tongue on the subject of wraiths and corruption, removed all mention of them from his tales, and in his care had stumbled onto yet another topic that might have been better left alone. His own smile fell as he watched Lena, reluctant to draw her mind away from the wonder they had found in the cave, and the respite from their troubles. The lights cast a strange glow over the stream, broken reflections dancing and deviating over its surface, a testament to its dislocation, hidden in the midst of ancient tombs and catacombs but no less haunting than the latter.
Lena’s response was obvious, and unsurprising. From the moment they met she had spoken enthusiastically of their home, an advocate for its frozen halls and regal mountains. If it hadn’t been for her love of the Basin he may never have been drawn to its threshold. Roland dipped his head in understanding, gaze drifting downwards to watch the water flow past them unhindered, carrying nothing of the burdens they bore. In retrospect, he would never have expected to so sorely miss his home. He had embraced the herd, despite the differences some possessed, and endured blistering winds and tempests of snow for the sake of finding a purpose to carry with his name, and a home to return to. He had fled his previous life in search of asylum, and had found it in the most unsuspecting place. When he dreamed, it was of salty water or sun baked sands, and yet he had found an oasis in a kingdom of ice. There was no need for hesitation when Lena questioned him. He nodded, passionately, and breathed a wistful, “yes. I do,” offering as comforting a smile as he could muster. “But we will return to it soon, I’m sure,” he added, and delved no further into the topic.
They had not met to reminisce, or fracture beneath the weight of their concerns. If anything, they should return to their childish games and forget about the world above their heads, entangle themselves once more in the shifting shadows and dappled lights. Roland eyed the water questioningly once again, his hesitant smile widening as he moved towards the bank. “How’s the water?” He asked, and despite his better judgement, despite his doubts about diving into strange waters, he plunged forwards, leaving his worries to wait upon the bank.
Push your luck if it makes you a promise
that turns con men honest.
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Image Credit
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