{OOC: I have no artz for poor Aiedial, and can't code to save my life so bear with my boring posts xD}

Careful steps were taken in this foreign land. Aiedial had been cautious ever since her mother's abandonment. At least, that what it had felt like to the young mare. Nostrils flared as she heaved in a large breath. Auggie was circling above her, the smaller barn owl hooted softly in response to her exasperated sigh. She wanted to go home, but she no longer had one. Pallid limbs drew her fiery form through the dense forestry, curiosity beginning to light up within her glacial lenses. This place was different. Ivory muzzle lowered to the ground as she continued on with her swinging walk. Rusted tail brushed the nagging flies from her spotless hide as she continued along the faded game trail she had been following for the past few hours. "Auggie, where are we?" Quiet soprano notes were ushered from her lips as she paused, ears pricked forward as she scanned the forest. Something told her to stay, to find others, but a different side of her wanted her to turn and run. Shaking her head, her long forelock fell to conceal one of her brilliant hues. The bird landed on her withers lightly, but said nothing. He wasn't one to talk much unless it was extremely pertinent. Her question had been rhetorical in a sense and so he had chosen to keep quiet rather than engage in small talk.


She remained still for only a moment longer before long limbs carried her slight build forward once again. It wouldn't hurt to continue on. After all, she had nowhere else to go to, and there was nothing here that was telling her conscious to leave. At least, not yet. She could smell others. Every once in a while the stale scent of another would float along the breeze. She half wanted to follow it, and see where it lead, but instead remained wandering on her own. Eventually she would run into someone, that much she knew. Hopefully the locals weren't against strangers crossing into their land unannounced. In her defense, she would have announced her arrival if there had been someone there to hear it. Auggie remained perched on her shoulder, probably napping, considering he was nocturnal.


The breeze brushed playfully against her skin, and she had the urge to chase it, but again her logical side talked her down. She was in a new land, she didn't know where and the odds of her becoming more lost than she already was... shaking her head the young mare paused again. This time those baby blues wandered the treeline before flicking to the sky. It was evening. But the sun wasn't quite beginning to set. She should find a place safe to sleep for the night. Luckily she had Auggie, who was helpful with staying up and watching over her at night. Drawing in a deep breath, the princess again pushed herself forward, careful to keep her steps light, and her gait smooth as to now disturb her friend who was resting peacefully on her back.


So far her journey had been lacking on the side of adventure. She didn't mind, no conflict was a good thing. But sooner or later there was bound to be something, a complication, or perhaps a literal road block that would keep her from getting to... where? Where was she going? She had no relatives out here, no family. Refusing to shed another tear the young girl gradually slowed until she was no longer advancing on the trail. Deep, even breaths were taken, and as time slowly ticked on, she evened out her nerves and let her eyes slide shut. Allowing the sun to bathe her copper skin in a fiery glow. Soon now, she would be at home. That was all she could tell herself.

No Time for Lies and Empty Fights 100% Like a whisper of wind; an invisible breath of life, he wafted between the old woody trunks of the Threshold, pausing naught but for the encountering of one other, a mare whose simplicity only complimented further her beauty. He whirled around her silently, disguised by the mild Tallsun breeze, undetectable and untraceable. As he examined her; locks as rusty-red as his bonded’s own, and a rich chestnut canvas to match, Veci became jealous, convinced that the stallion would find her equally enthralling. With wickedness tickling his fancy, the Boggart slipped to her front where he began at once to replicate her fears; an unseen monster preying, flickering vision of suffering and heartbreak; a family torn apart. He had not found such a victim as she for a long while, and voicelessly he cackled, watching and waiting for her terror. Not far away, Hector had been roaming, searching for those lost and wandering; the hopeless and homeless. The late afternoon heat was not so unbearable so far to the north, where clouds meandered lazily in wispy white strips, and the breeze winding through the ancient forest was mild and moist. The canopy overhead was sparse and fickle, and he passed between the bright sunlit shafts quickly and carefully, sweat lathered where the points of his burly frame rubbed together. The Threshold was quiet for a change, the metric chant of cicadas drowning out the mellow hum of the voices en masse which normally might be heard well above the song of the natural world- a world which the warrior was slowly discovering. For all of his life, the tawny stallion had lived and breathed battle and every aspect therein. It was his calling, the reason for which he had been purged from his mother’s womb- only the life known had not been all about might and power. Hector had been shunned by his family, cruelly rejected for the unusual combination of his traits; his two horned face and lashing leonine tail, his enormous wingspan, altogether appearing as impure. He had been pushed from his right to the throne of his father, and exiled in a sense- never to return. Only now, goaded by his grief after the most recent Darkness (which had apparently devoured those he felt closest to- Midas, Gaucho and a great many others), did the warrior long for change and excitement well clear of bloodied combat. Recruiting was something he was quite unfamiliar with. He had combed the forest many times before indeed, but rarely to strike up conversation with the unknown; to win their loyalty and bring them home. Taught copper flinched uncertainly as evening broke above and a sudden shadow began to swell around him whenever the trees thickened above. Bravely the sun fought on, and Hector hastened to jog, desperate for this first endeavour; this attempt to be anything more than a soldier, to be a success. That was when his mind filled with foreboding, and apprehension that seemed only to stem from the mischievous mind of his partner. “Veci!...” His mind tugged worriedly at their bond, straining to infiltrate the bonded Boggart’s thoughts and pull him clear of whatever wrongdoing he was in the midst of. The stallion broke into a canter, pushing through a glade filled with the golden glaze of the waning light, and swiftly back down into the tree line opposite. He drew on their bond to guide him, and minutes later her stumbled upon her, a mare whose appearance seemed uncannily like his (save for the hint of his tri-bred lineage). "Veci!" He bellowed angrily, wing swooping forward to slice through his vapour form should it have been like Hector thought, front and centre before the stranger. "I am so sorry... are you alright?" The image scattered at once, and the Boggart wheeled away from the stallion resentfully.

AIEDIAL The forest was alive with the symphony of sounds. The melodies of the songburds, and the thrumming rhythm of the crickets. She took all of this in, her eyes remaining sealed off from the real world. Auggie shifted nervously on her shoulder, and briefly she was curious to his sudden discomfort. Quietly he urged her to move on, to continue along the small trail they had been following for most of that day. Quite content basking in the warm rays of the sun momentarily, the woman's attention drew quite abruptly from whatever string of thought she had been following as the atmosphere before her seemed to warp, and change. Glacial lenses burst open as her head retreated up, and her neck arched as she recoiled from the pain that seemed to surround her. No... she wasn't in pain. But the feeling was there. Brow furrowed as she took a hesitant step back, her tail flicking nervously behind her as she did so. Snorting, the woman watched the imaged play out in front of her, pictures of battle, of young ones dying. Her heart crumbled at the thought of her sister, and she turned her face to look away, her eyes sliding shut as her ears twisted back on her delicate skull. Auggie had ruffled out his feathers, causing his smaller frame to almost double in size as he took to the air, frustration eivident in his little body. Screeching, the bird circled warily around Aiedial, unsure of what exactly he was trying to protect her from. She had been through more than enough, and whatever this game was, he wasn't going to tolerate it. Drawing in a deep breath, the woman prepared herself to push past, and continue on. Ignoring whatever conflict may happen altogether. But the three beated approach of another had her eyes opening to watch the creature slide from the shadows and stretch out a copper wing to disolve the images that were flashing around her. Auggie screeched again, ready to divebomb the equid before her. The stranger scolded the Boggart that had retreated to his partner's side before turning to apologize and ask if she was alright. Auggie was displeased with much of what was going on, and was ready to show this newfound creature a thing or two about proper introductions. A gentle laugh slipped from the woman's lips as she shook her head, "Auggie, that's quite enough," Baby blues settled from the bird that landed reluctantly atop her shoulder, to the copper boy before her. She hadn't answered her question, and she pondered a moment before answering softly, "I am now, thank you," Auggie shifted his weight but said nothing, instead he allowed his piercing yellow gaze to watch the hybrid before him. A resentful noise escaping the beak of the owl. Frowning the woman dropped her gaze from the duo horned face of her savior, to her friend. Brow furrowed before she addressed the male once again, "Forgive him, he isn't usually so cold to strangers, its just...." Shaking her head, she couldn't bring herself to tell him his copmanion started it. "Talking"

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No Time for Lies and Empty Fights 100% The light breeze swirled around him, its embrace warm and muggy. Above, the heavy boughs of the redwoods groaned their vain protest, though many years worse had they braved. The blood-curdling screech from the avian in the blue-eyed mare’s company sent a vicious chill reeling along the spine of the giant. His hair prickled warily, ears slicing backwards, and the burn of his tangerine eyes climbed to find him. The little owl wheeled around her angrily, quite unable to find the spectre as he played childishly with her mind. Once deterred from his cruel game, Hector felt his bonded’s mind soften, and he too allowed the fraught lines of his frame to loosen a little and relax. Remorseful gaze studied the lovely creature before him as she laughed and called aloud to subdue her friend. The bird landed begrudgingly, and though the burly stallion was hardly intimidated, he offered a glance and tip of his skull awkwardly, to perhaps compensate some for the damage done. He was not one for heartfelt apologies and unravelling emotion, but he tried in earnest to reflect his personal displeasure for the acts of the naughty Boggart. As the softly graceful tune of her voice at last slipped into the space between them, Hector’s ears danced forward curiously. Veci had been quite right, the warrior was naturally attracted to one so well built; so kind to look upon, and testosterone at once began to leak into his bloodstream. Readily his eyes sought her charming gaze, yet it wandered away momentarily to perhaps warn the protective soul upon her shoulder into silence. He nodded quietly, enduringly; a lifetime’s worth of persistence now holding his long, muscular legs in place. The stallion was undeterred by the bird, and likewise, he was more than glad the mare had not fled Veci’s attack. The copper stallion only wished he could offer her the same, easy explanation as her own. "I understand," he soothed, noting the tinge of hurt lacing each word. "The Boggart has no manners. I do not condone his behaviour, but alas I cannot control it. It is hard that he is invisible..." Hector had never witnessed the visions his bonded imparted upon the weak and already suffering, but he knew well of their malice from the reactions they so easily spurred. The stallion shook his large skull, frustration again stiffening the sinew beneath his thin, sleek hide. "Please, may I help you now; offer my protection and perhaps a place to recover?" He smiled gently, uncomfortably, but genuinely interested to pay off the disservice of Veci.

AIEDIAL Aiedial watched the male with quiet curiosity. She had little experience encountering those of the winged species, less even a hybrid of the two of them, unaware that he had the breeding of all three running through his veins. Dropping her gaze from his molten lenses, the woman focused on the greenery between them. He wasn't impeding on her personal space, and so the woman stood comfortably for the time being, relaxing now that the horrific images were gone. He spoke, and glacial hues flicked up to his as his deeper tones reverberated within her lobes. The soothing tone was noted, and she watched him carefully. Auggie remained perched on her shoulder, but the shift in her weight had him unfurl his wingspan, and readjust on his makeshift perch on her whithers. It was curious to hear about the Boggart. What kind of creature would befriend such a thing? Again she dropped her gaze and simply nodded in agreement with the male about the difficulties of his companion being hidden from the world. He spoke again, this time offering her refuge, and his protection. Her brows furrowed momentarily, lips pulling down in a slight frown before she took a small step back from the male. She knew better than to simply leave. And perhaps customs here were a bit different than back home. She didn't even know this boy's name, and here he was offering her his services. If all the world was a happy place without darkness, then maybe she would have taken him up on his offer right away. But something was making her pause, and her senses went on high alert. Feeling her sudden discomfort, the avian hooted quietly before shifting, then finally taking to the air. The bird circled her once, before climbing past the treeline on lookout. The woman remained quiet, watching the bird circle above her before turning her attention on the behemoth before her. She couldn't avoid an answer forever, and leaving someone hangig after an offer of any kind was rude, and disrespectful. "You are kind, sir. But I'd hate for this to become hasty. I dare say I don't even know your name." She didn't mention that his choice in company was a little off putting, starting an argument, or a quarrel was never high on her to do list. She'd like to keep it that way. She offered him a slight smile before her gaze again dropped, this time they wandered around the forest once again, curiosity beginning to light up in the pale hues. "What is this place?" She finally asked, her voice quiet, but full of wonder. She had never before been in a place such as this. These creatures that roamed freely, the hint of danger that sent her blood rushing through her veins. Auggie glided back down, sensing that her discomfort had faded. He, like her, hated conflict, and couldn't stand when she was upset. Usually he would take flight to give her some space, which was what she usually needed. He would come back though, he always did. Watching the bird fondly, he landed on one of the nearby boughs, and settled in, content to watch the interaction between his partner, and the large stranger from afar. "Talking"

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No Time for Lies and Empty Fights 100% Hector shifted uneasily, none too pleased with the situation Veci had forced upon them. The wisp crowed mutely, amused indeed, curling his breath-like body around the long, strapping legs of the burning-red chestnut. The stallion could not see his companion, nor feel or hear the hilarity churning within, but he knew well the mischief driving his intricate mind and condemned it wholeheartedly with a brisk, unimpressed stamp of his large round hoof. The copper mare’s eyes had by then dropped, and his warm, sweat-flecked coat flinched in response to the building uncertainty through his socially inept core. He knew not really how to act, so he bristled like he might once, when confronted by Kri the Resolute or the like. As he watched, the lines strained through the mare’s fine canvas had begun gradually to ease; to relax a little, and it made the whole circumstances a little less fraught. She nodded after his piece, and he shifted, unsure how his thoughtful but rather unorthodox gesture might be taken. It seemed not so well. To Hector’s disappointment, his company began to retreat, even if the step taken had been so small. Her expression seemed now tarnished with a hint of uneasiness and immediately, and hesitatingly- not at all wishing to compromise her, he withdrew still farther. Fluttering nostrils betrayed his dismay, but he was a simple mind only beginning a life where forward thinking was more important than brute strength. The long leonine tail to his rear snapped uncomfortably through the gentle breeze. The owl spoke, spreading apart his golden-brown wings to rise upon the updraft sailing by them. Nearby, Veci watched the creature circle the two horses with growing interest, but he stayed put obediently. At last she spoke, and simultaneously, the breath which had unknowingly been held was purged by the tri-bred’s lungs. It was not the graciously accepting response he supposed might follow, but he was hardly surprised by the rejection- she appeared not the type who sought refuge so rashly. Her bright blue eyes held a confidence that was both commanding and sure, and Hector found himself lost to them; wondering what reason caused her to be so homeless, wandering the forest alone. Regardless, the tawny creature nodded slowly, respecting the sensibility of her reaction. For that reason he remained still where he had pulled back to. "The country is Helovia. You are standing in the Threshold." he offered soon after her next question, and offered an amiable smile in return for her own. "I am Hector, a soldier from Dragon’s Throat. We occupy the southernmost peninsula... he gestured towards the direction of his home, rustling in unison the wings folded tight against each flank. ...We are a peaceful herd, and follow the God of the Sun; of light and warmth. He is a merciful lord who has watched over us well." Hector thought not so early to introduce the dynamics of his home, nor the Sultana’s who led them. He knew well that treason was ripe through Helovia and was shrewd enough not to indulge any stranger with information that was unnecessary. Still he smiled, openly and civilly, but the warrior was already feeling the weight of his first social endeavour.

AIEDIAL The behemoth of the man who stood in front of her seemed to sense her discomfort at the sudden offer, and immediately withdrew further. If she had been anybody else, the woman would have readily accepted his offer without a second thought. No need for formalities. A safe haven was exactly that. Safe. Drawing in a large breath she nodded slowly to the information she was given about the country she now resided in. The beginnings of a smile gracing her lips as he introduced himself. Hector. It seemed fitting, that was true. He told her little about the herd, and where they resided. From everything he had been saying, it sounded beyond wonderful, and a lot like home. Again, the woman nodded slowly before taking a large breath; eyes wandering up to meet his molten hues before delicate words were ushered forth, "A pleasure, Hector, I am Aiedial, from a land far away, however in retrospect, perhaps not as far as I'd like." Knowing that she had already told this near stranger too much, the paused, a small smile coming to her lips as she composed herself. "The lands here are beautiful, and I can only imagine the wonders of your herd," again a soft smile lit up her baby blues as the corners of her lips lifted ever so slightly. The copper woman knew she had choices, she could turn him down and continue to wander. But who knew if the next being she encountered would be this inviting? A moment of silence passed between the duo. The birds continued along with their symphony as the breeze conducted the leaves in a cadence all on their own. Her delicate head nodded slowly, glacial lenses capturing his as her words were pushed forth from pink lips, "I accept your offer, Hector. Take me to Dragon's Throat." She knew Auggie wouldn't be pleased, but the bird could come and go as he wished. She never knew why he had accompanied her so far in her travels, and she wondered ever so slightly if this was their goodbye. As If the owl had been tapping in on her thought process, he hooted softly. Eyes shifted from the molten lenses of her comrade, to the slight owl who remained perched on the bough of the redwood a few meters off. A faint smile came to her lips though she remained quiet. He would be okay on his own. And she figured sooner or later they would meet up again. She had saved him when he had fallen from his home, and the predators had been closing in. They were not bonded, but he had stuck with her for some time. Perhaps to repay what she had done for him. Shaking her head, the woman turned to Hector, taking a step towards him as she did so. From what it sounded like, they had a bit of a journey to get to the peninsula. She would slow him down no doubt. The wings that remained folded against his sides were not just for show, and she figured, had she a pair of her own, they wouldn't have far to go. She assumed he would take the lead, but closed the space between them anyways. Being alone was never something she had looked forward to, and now that she had found someone who knew these lands, she wasn't going to just trail behind him like a dog. Closer to him now, she realized just how large the male was. She was slight, even for her breeding, and she paled against most in comparison to their build, him especially. Drawing in a breath, the woman looked up to meet his gaze once more, only a foot or two of space between them, "Shall we?" "Talking"

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No Time for Lies and Empty Fights 100% The sound of voices nearby roused Veci’s interest suddenly from the dullness of the thoughts circling through his bonded’s mind. He had not the ability to comprehend the language of the horses, not even those words spoken by the stallion, and grew quickly bored watching the scenario below. He was not one to sit idly biding his time, and while not patrolling the boundaries of their home, there seemed little else to occupy his time with than stirring trouble among the wandering strangers, who were none the wiser about his invisible presence. Not far from the pair below, a loner followed with recklessly loud steps a goat-track littered with brittle twigs and peddles to scatter. Right away the Boggart slipped cunningly from his roost, floating with a feather’s grace towards his victim, searching already for some easily available doubt or fear that he might grasp and meld into. It was not to be however. Hector was a heedful character, who let not the mind of his ill-mannered companion stray too far at any time. Occasionally they split to cover extra ground, but always the copper giant could feel the ghost’s motive writhing through his own mind. Quickly he called back the creature, to sit quietly by them. Unfortunately, his concentration had lapsed when Veci had fallen upon Aiedial. She introduced herself at last, spurring only warm waves of relief to spew through his considerable mass of body. At last too, her nervousness seemed to have softened, baby-blue eyes lined by thick lashes rising more securely to meet him. Hector’s clumsy smile returned, and he nodded- not quite able to decide (for his mind was still simple), whether she meant that she was pleased all the more to be so far from home. He knew no other home now. No longer did the Spartan suffer at the cruel exile executed by his own blood. Kri the Resolute had taken him in and built him into something respectable; gave him somewhere to belong. Aiedial paused suddenly, and shared with him a lovely smile- an easy distraction. Only briefly was she quiet though, and Hector’s ears sat forward, curious, as she continued. Indeed the herd he had described to her was a vastly beautiful place. Though the desert stretching beyond the mainland seemed bleak and endless, there was a thriving world of lush grass carpet and emerald foliage; bountiful shade and sweet, cool water, all hidden well from the hungry eyes of their foes. The herd was content in their wonderland, unconcerned that their numbers still lacked somewhat. Dragon’s Throat was growing steadily, filled by pure hearts and ambitious minds. The smaller mare paused again, and Hector’s face tilted a little as burning tangerine searched her expression patiently. She accepted then, and his fire-flecked wings twitched as the breeze swirled around them. He thought again about offering his protection to her, but clamped his teeth firmly across his tongue. He would be a fool to repeat the first of his mistakes... "Alright," he offered instead, quietly and carefully so that she might not shy again away. "Is the owl not coming along?" The Tri-bred noted thoughtfully, that the bird was perched some distance away. To his relief she came forward then towards him pale eyes rising, dwarfed by his size. "We have a fair distance to travel," he remarked casually, letting his own uncomfortableness slide from the sinew beneath his taught chestnut canvas. "... but with company it always feels shorter- or easier." He smiled quietly, starting off slowly towards the south- checking too, that she really would follow. "Perhaps, if you have any more questions, I could answer them for you along the way?" The stallion’s offer was generous considering his complete lack of social grace, but he liked Aiedial enough to make a reasonable effort. [Ooc: If you would prefer for this thread to be finished, I will throw something up in the Throat in the morning (Australia time)- I’ll get one up regardless ;)]

AIEDIAL Excitement coursed through her veins at her sudden decision to follow the male. A home. Hadn't this been what he had been looking for all along? However excited she was, her exterior remained just as subdued and calm as ever. His smile returned her own and the babe knew she was making the right decision. He questioned her about the owl, and her neck twisted to allow her sights to land on the bird. "We are not bonded, Auggie comes and goes as he pleases," came her soft reply. He hooted again, but seemed content where he was. A small toss of her head had her long forelock falling over her eyes, a quiet nicker of farewell came from her as she allowed her neck to relax and her head to swing back to its usual stature. He spoke again and her original assumptions had been correct. She didn't mind travel, and she had taken her time to get here so her body had tired from the trek. She took one last look around the Threshold, baby blues taking in every broken branch, every leaf. Finally her eyes landed on the bird one last time. She would be lying if she didn't feel slight heart brake that the owl decided to stay, but he had to remind herself he would show back up. He usually would. A slight sigh left her lips before Hector's words brought her back to reality, a soft smile graced her lips and she nodded, "I've heard that in good company, time does move much quicker, gentle words pushed from her lips. He liked Hector, he was amiable, however his choice in companions could use a little work. Ears flicked uncertainly at the thought of the Boggart. She only hoped the invisible creature would heed its partner's orders. Long pale limbs pushed her forward to draw up alongside the male. She was careful to leave a reasonable distance between them, but they walked in amiable silence for a while. He commented that if she had any questions she could feel free to ask him, a smile came to her lips and she nodded slowly, "I'll keep that in mind, She had never been one for much conversation, and she was perfectly happy walking along in silence, but this place was so different than what she had ever thought herself to find, she was sure sooner or later she would find something to ask him about. For now though, they headed south in companionable silence. EXIT AIEDIAL "Talking" OOC: Terribly short post, I apologize. I'm never good at exits xD

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