It appears that the bird has finally found a creature more suited to her liking than the drunk or the addict back home. It is true that she doesn't necessarily trust either of them, but she has sought to stake her claim on the stags regardless. Although Oxy's status as a solitary, ambition driven man appears to be shifting with the wind that his ice queen creates, the Chieftess still considers him an integral part to her plan. His heart may have begun to yearn for much fleshier things, but her heart will always desire power.

Regret ravages her mind like bleach, dulling the passion of her emotions as it erases the stains that the giant has inflicted in her. As much as the brutal woman tries to deny it, her discovery of his relationship with the pegasus has hurt her. Did they not express the same feelings of rebellion when they had met all those many nights ago? Had she been wrong to think that, through their violent bond, they could possibly kindle something more than just an alliance between them?

Her thoughts have become as worrisome as some maiden fretting over the devotion of a lover, and in realizing this the peahen comes to an abrupt halt. She does not care for the stallion in that way, this much is obvious to her. Why she has come to think of him as only hers, however, is what baffles the warrior so. A vibrant gaze darts about the forest as if in search for the cause of her tumuluous emotions, but all she can find is a purple-stained maiden. A brief sigh escapes her lips, releasing the build-up of emotions that are lodged in her heart.

You're stupid. Unworthy. Alone. None of this should come as a surprise to you. You barely speak with the log; why are you getting all worked-up over nothing? Because she is jealous, regardless of her refusal to admit her admiration. Even if she cannot see the answer for herself, perhaps she will realize it one day. For now, though, she has a distraction to address.

An invasive stare scours over the mare's feathered hide, and she deems the stranger worthy of knowing her name. "I am Bellona. And who might you be?" Taking note of her height and the width of her shoulders, the bird decides to proceed without her usual condescending tone. Just by the looks of her battle-weary hide, this creature has earned the respect of many, and if not, she has silenced them. Somewhere deep within the rainbow specimen a similar feeling plants its seed.

"You look hardened, mare. I would be an idiot not to extend an invitation to you." A cruel smile widens her lips. Unbeknownst to the purple lady, she is actually trying to be friendly. Her brusque attitude can claim its victory for that. "But I am certainly no idiot. Of course, you must desire something before an offer can be made. Is a home what you desire? Allies, perhaps?" Orange pools flicker as the last of her words slip through her mouth. Can the gray detect the colored's interest in her?

The malignant vixen allows her words to settle inside her dappled head. Another glance over the hefty woman's body solidifies the Chieftess' opinion of her. Has she found another maiden with her lust for blood? Looks can be deceiving. You are strong. But are you smart? If she picks up on the bird's suggestive words, then the giantess just might be.

"Sed interdum rutrum urna, sed pellentesque sapien tempor in."

{Welcome to Helovia! @[Meriwether]

Jahzara

'Are you positive you can find your way back, Lady Jahzara? You know what happens when you wander!' The annoying squawk of the golden vixen's hallucination pestered in her ear, perched on her neck and bouncing with each step. "I'll be fine, Archie. Stop being a worry-wart!" With a bit of frustration, Jahzara shook out her mane to jostle the tropical bird around in an attempt to make him disappear. If only others could see her hallucinations. Watching him bounce about with his wings outstretched in a desperate attempt to hang on was quite a sight. "Go away, I promise if I get lost you can say 'I told you so.'" Jahzara mocked, giggling as her adviser finally gave up and dissipated.

Jahzara was not alone for long, at least not her mind's eye. As soon as the tropical bird had left, her favorite illusion began to waddle along beside her. 'What are you even doing back here, Jay?' The voice of the purple spotted pony spoke in words that only the golden vixen could hear clear as day. "Well, Kahlua's been really nice to me. And the World's Edge has been a wonderful home so far...Even if I haven't met everyone yet. There isn't much I can do to help out, but maybe I can find new people to join!" Jahzara spoke with cheerful tone, filled with a childlike excitement that most horses her age outgrew. Lily gave an understanding nod, smiling up at her friend as she trotted along beside her. It wasn't too long before the pair heard a voice echoing through the trees, just barely catching the end portion of what was being said. Something about a home and allies? 'Sounds like you're in luck, Jay. Let's go see...'

They only had to weave past a handful of more trees before spotting a pair of winged horses before them...Winged!? Jahzara came to a sudden halt, almost instantly becoming slack-jawed and wide-eyed as she stared at the pair. Never before had she seen such creatures. (After all, she had not been in World's Edge long enough to learn about pegasi or unicorns, having only met fellow equines.) Even Lily stopped short for a minute, looking back to Jahzara with curiosity. 'Uh, ever seen them before?' The arabian cross shook her crown, these hallucinations must be new. Perhaps the new environment triggered them?

Jahzara tried hard to compose herself, but she took a step forward without even a second thought. "Wow..." She stared fondly at their massive wings, particularly the brightly colored, multi-hued mare. "You're so...pretty. I've never imagined anything like you before." Oh poor, naive Jahzara. She offered a friendly smile as she circled around the pair, first around the peahen and then again around the battle-scarred grey. "You're huge...You must be really strong!" She meant well, not trying to insult the darker colored mare by any means. Just like a yearling though, Jahzara often stated the obvious without too much a filter. And indeed, to Jahzara, the mare towered over her at almost a full three hand difference. The strange hallucination was a beast compared to the fragile frame of the arabian cross. And she was monstrous compared to the tiny Lily.

Lily watched the horses of flight, boldly wandering up to them to introduce herself. After all, fellow hallucinations were always free to communicate with her! 'Hello there, ladies. The name's Lily, welcome to the gang!' Lily stepped up to the colorful mare, reaching out with her purple muzzle to touch her fellow illusion...Or so she thought. Thoroughly expecting to bump the peahen's leg, Lily was certainly caught off gaurd when she went through the vixen! Logically, no one else could see, hear or feel the pony other than Jahzara or other hallucinations. So when Lily's muzzle swept through the mare's leg as though she was nothing more than wind, it's not surprising that her reaction was a little...Dramatic. 'HOLY SHI-SHI-SHE'S REAL!' The sudden outburst caused Jahzara to jerk her head around, eyes somehow even wider now. "Real? You...You're real?"

Jahzara turned her crown to let her healthy brown eye study them more closely. While Lily was having her own little panic attack, frantically trying her damnedest to 'touch' colorful pegasus to no avail, Jahzara absentmindedly stretched her neck out towards the dappled mare's wing. "How can that be?" She asked allowed, more to herself as she attempted to touch the feathers in disbelief, as though to disprove Lily. 'She can't be real! She's a bigger rainbow-butt than I am!' Who ever would have thought that the purple pony would have the bigger over-reaction?


"Speech."
'Hallucinations'

Walking On Air

Whereas before the maiden was appreciative of her company, her hardened face now drips with disgust. A suggestive smile sinks into a frown, and blue lips are pressed together to convey her distaste for the filly. The much larger pegasus appears to be tolerating the rather air-headed young thing, but the Chieftess cares only for the giantess. She is an asset; the golden girl is a problem. Before the little vixen had questioned the Aztec's state of existence she had been doing so well with the flattery. It really is a shame.

The sun's radiant beams reflect off of her rainbow hide, adding to the fierce woman's glamour, but the rays are not nearly as bright as the glare given off by her eye. Anger fuels the flames inside each of them as she stares the filly down. "Of course I am real." Her tone is crisp, and as hardened as her gaze. "What makes you think I am not?" A green shoulder leans into a tree that stands next to the seething beauty. Orange eyes flutter closed as she relieves an itch from the joint of her wings, but are immediately focused on the lass when she has finished. The nonchalant gesture is meant to provide a false sense of comfort for the mares gathered before her, but there is a message nestled inside her actions. The cunning bird is merely preparing for a battle best left to words. Clearly the little fawn has approached them for a reason, and should it to be to claim the militaristic vixen for herself then she had another thing coming.

As outraged as she is towards the dimensionally-confused wench, the vibrant peahen does her best to keep her tongue from saying something she will regret. Instead of doing what her instinct is telling to her to do -- which is to chase the imaginative filly off and be done with it -- she resorts to playing off the lavender's reaction to her. "Yes, what is your name? If you are indeed lost, I could always offer my home to you, as well." Although her belly churns at the idea of bringing the golden girl back as well, the hybrid deems it a worthy sacrifice if only to earn the dappled's trust. "I reside in the Hidden Falls, where I serve as a spy. Should you wish to accompany me there, it is only a short journey North of this wood."

"Sed interdum rutrum urna, sed pellentesque sapien tempor in."

{Short and sort of poopy, I'm sorry. @[Jahzara]

Jahzara

Jahzara beamed up at the dark grey's friendliness, a giggle escaping her lips as she was asked whether or not she was lost. Lily, having nearly gotten whiplash from her desperate attempts at touching the colorful pegasus, gave up and retreated to the palomino's side while panting. Offering a smile to the peahen, Jahzara attempted to explain herself. "Forgive me, I've just never seen anyone that looks like you before. Either of you. Where I came from, winged horses were of myths and legends...I can see Lily, and she is purple, but I understand that no one else can see her. Therefore, I thought you two might be a part of my imagination as well." The vixen felt the blood rush to her cheeks with embarrassment, realizing how ridiculous she must sound to the strangers.

"My name is Jahzara, and I am not lost. But thank you." The mare's ears flicked forward with curiosity as Bellona spoke of her home, however she was a little bit thrown off by her words. While Jahzara was still learning about the other lands, and clearly learning about other types of horses, she was surprised to hear the peahen speak of her...position. Without processing how her words might offend the other mare, Jahzara blurted out the first thing that came to mind. "Oh my, you must not be a very good spy then, running around telling people you've just met that you are one." Lily nodded in agreement, a brow raised with disbelief. 'Yeah, she must draw enough attention as it is with that rainbow hide. I feel sorry for the Hidden Falls'

Returning her attention to Meriwether after her unintentional insult, Jahzara further explained why she was in the Threshold. "As I said, I'm not lost. I live in the World's Edge, I was here myself not too long ago. My Queen, Kahlua found me and offered me a wonderful home there! Everyone has been very kind, and the land is beautiful. Everyone seems to have a place where they belong there, a job of sorts. Like her with being a 'spy'." She tossed her head in Bellona's direction without looking away from the dappled. "I...I don't have much skill. But I wanted to help, so I've come to help other equines like Kahlua helped me! If she was willing to help me out, I'm sure she would love to welcome you as well."



"Speech."
'Hallucinations'

Walking On Air

The maiden's pools seem to flash a much bloodier color when the equine's comment has been processed. The shimmering cape draped across her back shifts, transforming a beautiful display of feathers into a more threatening one. A blue crown raises as the tendrils do likewise, and the mare's stare is hardened no more. Two blazing suns bear down on the talkative girl as her lips part in a warning, trying to melt her golden hide with their intensity before piercing her with her words.

"I think that you are very, very lost, little lamb." She is cold in her rage despite the two flames that burn in her eyes. "And if a lamb is lost, is she not also hunted?" The bird's face reveals no emotion as she takes a step forward, driving her heel into the dirt in one powerful (yet constrained) motion. Delicate harks are aimed towards the fool, frozen in place and unyielding to the lavender's questions. The only acknowledgement of the unclaimed's words is a flick of a green tail in her direction. Responding to the militant mare is of the highest priority, yes, but for now the peahen has business to attend to.

"Should the little lamb like to leave with her head still intact, I suggest getting lost else where." At this the cruel maiden makes her move, reaching out with her teeth in a quick jerk of her head. It isn't her intention to actually harm the girl; all that she aims to do is scare her a little. As much as the warrior yearns to do such a thing, it isn't polite to kill someone in the presence of strangers. Yet if the bird can have her way, something will be done about the dreamer's intrusion later.

Recoiling from her assault the peahen dances backwards in a rush of feathers, swinging her wings forwards to try and hold the palomino off should she dare return the favor. Not that that would happen. A wicked smile erupts across her face at the thought of her pitiful counterstrike. She barely knows this individual, and yet she still feels capable of making such an assumption. It's not as if the Chieftess is the one who is hallucinating; her authority is real, after all.

Once the vixen has made her departure from what she thinks is Jahzara's range, she finally returns the giantess' gaze and forgets the golden entirely. Sunset hues search sunrise ones as the devil's lips consider what to say. It takes only a moment of hesitation before the silver-tongued woman has made up her mind, and she proceeds with a much friendlier tone than when she addressed the equine. "I want you to join me because in you, I see potential. In her I see only waste. You are no such thing, for you are a true warrior at heart. Do you think that you can hide that from me with kind words and pleasantries? Each scar of yours is a triumph, and if not a victory than a lesson. Judging by the number of them, I know that you are fierce. Your stance tells me that you are disciplined. And your words reveal that you are cunning."

Enough of the compliments, just get to the part where you win her over. "You know that I want you for something, and you are not so stupid as to come with me without asking." The colorful creature may give off the impression that she is a poor spy at best, but her observations of the lavender have proven her to be quite the opposite. One learns to pay close attention to detail when one cannot traipse around unnoticed. "And it is because of your strength and intelligence that I have chosen you. If not for my herd, then for me." Come with me, Meriwether, and let us see just what we can do together.

Although the maiden has chosen her, she does not trust the juggernaut just yet. She has captured the peahen's attention, yes, but she has not yet earned her respect. It is not as if she has set foot on the wrong path for that, either. "If you come North with me, I can promise you that you will not regret it." Oh, yes, this one is a clever girl, but she is not the smartest one here. The spy is careful about giving out information, and informing this potential comrade of her plans for future is not in the 'free for use' category.

"Sed interdum rutrum urna, sed pellentesque sapien tempor in."

{Sorry Xyroca D: She kinda took the reins.} @[Meriwether]

Jahzara

As the air grew tense and heavy with the peahen's change in demeanor, Jahzara's nerves started to get the better of her. Feeling the larger beauty's burning gaze, she flicked her auds back in apprehension, instinctively taking a step back when Bellona stepped forward. Her mouth began to dry, the moisture on her tongue fading away as quickly as her courage. "I-I told you, I'm not lost..." Her voice cracked as she tried to retaliate, but her words were barely audible as she looked sheepishly to the ground for a moment. 'Watch out!' Lily warned at the sudden movement in Jahzara's peripheral vision, causing the arabian cross to look up with a start.

Quickly she stumbled backwards to avoid the peahen's teeth, positioning herself in such a way that her good eye could watch her, while her scarred, blind side was facing Meriwether. A startled gasp escaped her lips as she jumped, and if the dappled grey was not mindful, Jahzara would tumble right into her massive wing by accident. Lily vanished from her mind's eye, melting into the air like smoke. The golden darling did not just stop out of Bellona's range, rather, she continued to scoot backwards until she has place Meriwether between them. Sheepishly she poked her head around the much larger mare to eye Bellona, listening as she tried to convince Meriwether to follow her.

"Big bully! I have just as much right here as you do." Jahzara blurted out with a burst of courage, interesting how hiding behind a massive warrior could suddenly boost one's audacity. Quickly she ducked back in case the other mare decided to snap once more, lips tugging downward with distaste at the thought of the grey mare following her. If Meriwether decided to join Bellona, then certainly neither of these mares would be the kind she would want back in World's Edge anyways. But she couldn't just give up? Could she? No, she didn't want her new home to be disappointed in her efforts. And more than ever, Jahzara wanted to prove to herself that she could be of value to a herd. Just like she was before she was attacked in her youth...

Feigning whatever ounce of bravery she could, Jahzara raised her dished muzzle proudly, if not stubbornly. She puffed her chest out to the best of her ability, though her delicate frame was far from intimidating. In fact, it was nearly amusing to see her try to hold her ground, especially when one could still see the lack of courage in her eyes. She may have been foolish, but at the very least, Jahzara was determined. She cleared her throat when the peahen finished speaking before answering Meriwether herself.

Jahzara's voice was quiet, but she spoke with honesty and kindness. "If the World's Edge could find me of use, I am most positive that you could be of use to the herd. The most obvious would be a protector, but you are not limited by your strength. There are all kinds of positions available. Like crafters, and philosophers! Whatever interests you." Quickly she turned her crown to offer another timid smile up at the mare, only for just a moment until she returned her nervous gaze to Bellona. Jahzara was caught off guard when asked whether or not she was making up her position, raising a brow for a moment as she was insulted herself. "Believe it or not, but usually I know the difference between reality and my schizophrenia..." She muttered with a snort. "If I was making it up, don't you think I would imagine a more desirable rank than a common mare?"

With that, Jahzara decided to let the mare come to her own decision. Should Meriwether decide to follow Bellona, she would not hold it against her. After all, Bellona was more...Her kind? She was strong, tough, and was also a pegasus. Jahzara was...Well, Jahzara. But at least no one could say she didn't try.


"Speech."
'Hallucinations'


OOC: No worries, I kinda figured Bel would react that way, lol.

Walking On Air

A look of incredulity wipes away the bird's sneer. She may still be ecstatic from the golden girl's reaction, but she cannot say the same for the gorgon's own response. Why are you shielding her away from me? The malignant vixen had expected Meriwether to join in with her game of wolf and lamb, and she had never thought that the giant would do this. Blue ears flicker back as a dished face peers from behind the lavender's bulky frame. Even after frightening her, the lamb still dares to insult her, though her words do little damage against the peahen's colorful armor. It is the pegasus' words that truly wound her spirit. I thought that we had come to some sort of understanding, you and I. Apparently the Aztec had thought wrong, but the mare’s last words give her hope.

"You say that you see me, Meriwether, but I know that you do not. If you had looked carefully then it would not have been insecurity that you saw, but ferocity instead. I will not have my status lowered by the insults of some child. Certainly a maiden who bears such a hardened frame would have known the distaste that I felt." The Chieftess has no skills in the area of friendly banter, but when it comes to defending herself she claims the highest title. Her words are not meant to bite back at the winged guard, but to provide a reason for her actions with a firm tongue. The bird's reference to the muscular tones of her architecture are not meant to offend her, but to remind her of the unkind words that others may have once delivered. Of course the beauty cannot know this for certain, and perhaps she has just made herself out to be a fool. Regardless of the damage that she may have dealt, the Aztec regards the lavender's hard edges with admiration. If only you had come with me.

As if to affirm this -- and in ignorance of the child's words -- a bold voice states, "We are of the same breed, you and I. Perhaps not in bloodlines, but certainly in spirit. I must agree with you; there is much we can accomplish in the company of each other." You may not be leaving this place with me today, but you will remember this conversation. It is the hybrid’s hope that the lavender will regard her words with as much as certainty as she says them now. "Should you yearn for a much more suitable companion you need only go North."

A quick bow is delivered from one warrior to another, and then the iridescident woman shifts her wings. As the bird prepares herself for flight, her wicked mind remembers that there is another in their presence. A cruel stare seeks out her sun-kissed coat as much less appreciative words fall from her lips. "Just as Meriwether is a creature of her word, so am I. Should the lamb find herself lost again, the wolf has found her hunger." A smile lacking in laughter but full of something darker adorns her blue face as she turns.

The sound of her hooves against the ground is deafening in comparison to the silence of the forest. The lack of noise makes the world seem hollow, and the retreating peahen seeks to fill it with her song. A loud fwip of her wings as she opens them, a dull thud of her legs as she leaves the ground. She is as passionate in her flight as she is in her battle, and soon the bird will be home. Luckily for the two mares that she has encountered, the short-tempered woman will not be returning with their heads.


"Sed interdum rutrum urna, sed pellentesque sapien tempor in."

{Bellona is out. If either of you would like a thread with her later, or perhaps a spar, I am getting Bel healed and then hatching her egg.