the Rift


[OPEN] My Sweet Summer Is Gone

Ampere The Mother of Companions Posts: 719
Dragon's Throat Sultana atk: 9 | def: 11 | dam: 4.5
Mare :: Pegasus :: 14 hh :: 6 years HP: 73 | Buff: DANCE
Kygo :: Green Cheek Conure :: None Blu
#1
HEART SICK_AND EYES FILLED UP WITH BLUE


Days had worn into nights, and nights into a season, then two seasons, three... Time had slipped through her feathers like the wind during flight. It almost didn't seem like it though, at least not when she stood before the border of the Dragon's Throat. The desert had a rare quality in that it seemed unaffected by the simple, unavoidable plight of all mortal things - time.

She had been told to seek out the god which governed that unfortunate thing. It was not the answer she had been hoping for, none of them were, but that would not stop her. She intended to seek out the Spark God, but she supposed there was another god that deserved her attention first, another land, another horse, or a great many of them really.

A gentle sigh tumbled from Ampere as she stood before the Sun's lands. The sand shifted easily under hoof and a dry breeze stirred up the red dust, and her memories. Each granule that peppered her side was like another lifetime slipping into her thoughts. She'd had everything, and she'd just left.

They wouldn't understand her reasons, hell, she didn't either.
She wasn't here to see if they would understand though, although it would certainly improve the situation. She was here... well she supposed because it felt like she ought to be. Whether or not she deserved or even wanted to return to the ranks and the dunes remained to be seen, and her tongue certainly held no direct promises of apology. She just hoped her sense of mind to appear here was worth something to someone, because it was definitely more forethought than she typically boasted. Of course they could all come and piss on her and that'd be fine too, but at least something would be rectified, one way or another.

"I have to know," her thoughts murmured. That was always the problem with her, this underlying to desire to know. Bliss was born of ignorance for a reason, so she assumed though everyone had the right to the pursuit of happiness, just as equally they, and especially she, had the right to pursue unhappiness. Her jaunt to the Veins a couple days ago only furthered her point.

She breathed in the heat to try and settle her unsteady heart, but she was reminded poignantly of an impassioned meeting that had ultimately ruined her. Quickly and heavily she shook it off, flicking her wings and refolding them several times, as if the physical motion might disperse the unsettling memory. It subsided into a dull ache in the back of her thoughts, hidden, but only so it could fester.

She grit her teeth, defiant. There had to be more to this place than that, there had to be something that she loved here, that they loved in her. Didn't there?

"I'm only human."

[HO HUM one of those posts I wrote 15 times in my head and this is nothing like what I wanted ;-; oh well.]


A M P E R E

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Tag me only if starting a new thread.
Magic or force permitted any time, aside from death.

Sohalia the Transcended Posts: 477
Outcast atk: 4 | def: 9.5 | dam: 6.5
Mare :: Pegasus :: 14.3 hh :: 10 (ages in Orangemoon) HP: 67 | Buff: NOVICE
Astraeus :: Common Zephyr :: Wakiya ChaoticMelodies
#2
[Image: sohtable.png]

SOHALIA


It was hot, of course, but it was always hot in the desert. The dove had grown used to it by now, so much so that she barely broke a sweat as she soared overhead, tracing the line along the border with keen, bi-colored orbs. She had given birth several weeks ago now, and had become comfortable enough to leave the twins with their Physician as she carried out the necessary duties of a Sultana. No doubt Andromeda resented the time as babysitter, but the little princes' health problems left her uneasy with anyone else watching over them. How would anyone else know what to do if little Rhoa had a coughing fit? What if Ivezho walked into something on his blind side?

If their birth had not been easy, it had at least been joyful. She had been assured that their health would improve with age, and as members of the warmest herd in Helovia, she worried less than she might have otherwise about the coming winter. She would shield them with her own body heat at night, but under the Sun's warming rays, the boys would grow and blossom. She was proud of them, more so by the day, and ecstatic with the seemingly perfect path her life had taken of late.

Of course, life is anything but static, so she should have expected change on the horizon; but despite knowing this deep down, the splash of darkness lined with blue on her sands dragged her heart from her chest into her stomach and her mood from the clouds into the mud. Ampere.

Astraeus shrieked from his position above her, and she called him silently, instructing him to be polite, despite her personal dislike of the blue-tinged mare. She swallowed hard as she banked, lowering herself to the sands below in wide circles. The impending meeting was nerve-wracking, and though she was sure that the Mother of Companions had seen her by now, she could not help but put off actually landing and talking to that mare.

She took a deep breath.

Finally, she landed in a spray of golden sand and trotted the last few steps to the once-Sultana. The golden circlet atop her poll glinted in the sunlight, and she offered a wary smile as she came to a halt a fair distance from the mare. "Ampere," she said by way of greeting, and was proud of herself for the cordiality of her tone.

"talk talk talk"

Live... I want to live on fire
Die... I want to burn out brighter
Brighter than the northern lights
Want to live to feel the daylight

Please tag Sohalia in all replies.
Use of force and/or magic (with the exception of death) is allowed at all times.

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Want to plot with Sohalia?  Visit her plot page here!

Ampere The Mother of Companions Posts: 719
Dragon's Throat Sultana atk: 9 | def: 11 | dam: 4.5
Mare :: Pegasus :: 14 hh :: 6 years HP: 73 | Buff: DANCE
Kygo :: Green Cheek Conure :: None Blu
#3
HEART SICK_AND EYES FILLED UP WITH BLUE


It did not take long for her to be spotted, for which she was thankful on two parts. The first being that it meant they still had strong patrols, which she was unusually proud of. The second was because Ampere was not an overly patient mare and would probably have grown weary of simply standing at the borders in the heat. Of course she probably could have whinnied or something, but by the Sun she had some ounce of dignity to not go screaming her presence. If she was meant to be seen then she would be seen - and so it was.

Her gaze traced the shape on the horizon. By its altitude she knew it to be a pegasus, but the identity remained elusive until it drew closer, steadily growing in clarity and size. Ampere steeled herself for the inevitable meeting, unusually nervous for a reason she could not entirely place. She didn't come her to be accepted back, but she kind of wanted it. She had nowhere else to go, although it hadn't really stopped her before, something about being alone was no longer as desirable. Maybe she was finally growing up.

The pale body of Sohalia took her time to descend. "What is she doing? Are the thermals tricky? Ampere wondered, shielding her gaze with a wing to block out the glare of the sun as she watched. The longer it took the more her gut twisted, and she seriously considered excusing herself due to colic and leaving to come back another day, or never. Of all those who would greet her on this fateful moment, of course it would be Sohalia. Maybe it was a sign that this was not meant to be, that she didn't belong here...

Then again Ampere didn't have nearly as many issues with Sohalia as the pale mare had with her, though unlike Africa's grudge it was all for good reasons. Ampere probably should say sorry, or care more, but to do so would be to admit she had someone wronged the mare. Ampere hadn't seen it that way, or at least didn't want to. She had simply gone after what she wanted, not that it had done any good.

Sand sprayed around the pale fetlocks that landed. Sohalia. A voice called from a less than casual distance, kind, yet lacking the kind of warmth one associated with welcome. Sohalia. Sunlight glinted off a golden circlet which crowned the dove's ears. Sohalia.

What was it Sohalia could still find threatening about her? "Just look at where I am now," she mused, a faint, sad smile drifting onto her lips as her head nodded. Sohalia, the sultana, why she had nothing to be afraid of any longer. She had nothing more Ampere could want, but more importantly, nothing Ampere could take any more. Of course if the principle of it all is what mattered, that was understandable, but she didn't think that was it. At the very least Sohalia was trying, she always had. Maybe it was time Ampere did too.

"Sohalia," Ampere replied, barely above a whisper. Her mouth had suddenly run dry, not that that was an entirely unusual symptom in the desert. Her blue gaze lifted to the crown, wondering if it was the one she once, briefly, bore, or if Africa's head was barren too. "You look well," she murmured, managing to get it across louder this time. She meant it too, and it wasn't just the crown. Sohalia seemed genuinely happy, and despite her somewhat defensive approach, she seemed, stronger than Ampere remembered.

The Mother of Companions let quiet settle for a moment, content to listen to the wind rasp over the sand. She struggled to come up with what to say, afraid of saying anything wrong, but not knowing what was right. At last she settled with, "I'm sorry." It was back to whisper, so much so Sohalia may not have heard it, but it didn't change the fact she had said it. Her chest tightened with worry, her usually fierce gaze losing its color and its intensity, glancing anywhere but at the mare for whom she owed so many of those utterances. Yet it wasn't one meant just for her, it was for everything. Ampere had fucked up, (what else was new?) and she finally had the courage to admit it.


A M P E R E

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Tag me only if starting a new thread.
Magic or force permitted any time, aside from death.

Sohalia the Transcended Posts: 477
Outcast atk: 4 | def: 9.5 | dam: 6.5
Mare :: Pegasus :: 14.3 hh :: 10 (ages in Orangemoon) HP: 67 | Buff: NOVICE
Astraeus :: Common Zephyr :: Wakiya ChaoticMelodies
#4
[Image: sohtable.png]

SOHALIA


The blue was threatening because she was everything the Transcended was not. Ampere lived her life with a wild passion that the dove had never quite been able to master - she seemed to care not what others thought of her, nor what bridges she had to burn to get her way. She merely visualized her goals and took them, by whatever means necessary. Her bravery was a trait that the angel admired, though it scared her as much as it impressed her. How did it feel to live so freely, to be so unaffected by the dislike and misunderstanding of others?

Of course, the pair of them had a rather unstable history. If the Sultana was one to hold grudges, then she would harbor a great deal of resentment for the blue-tinged mare. As it were, she did not hate Ampere, though it took everything in her power not to do so. After all, the blue had threatened to break apart her family on more than one occasion, and to the ivory fae, that had been the ultimate betrayal of one who presumed to call her 'sister,' as was the way of a herd. But Ampere's return brought no anger or dislike forth in the Transcended, for in the end, she had prevailed, hadn't she? No, as she landed before her former leader (however brief Ampere's reign might have been), she felt only unease. What tidings did the Mother of Companions bring this time? Where had she disappeared to for all this time?

Astraeus landed softly on her withers, sparking wildly as he glared daggers at the other pegasus. Unlike his bonded, he had no qualms about displaying his true feelings, though they differed substantially from Sohalia's. Hush, shekhikhi. She means no harm. The angel could not explain how she knew this to be true, but the thought was there all the same.

The blue's greeting was not the one that the dove had expected, but it confirmed the admonishment to her companion. "Thank you," she replied quietly, suddenly wishing that she could say the same - but it was almost as though the fire that burned brightly at Ampere's core had been dimmed. She spoke softly, and there was something almost child-like about the uncertainty in her gaze. In the silence that followed, the Sultana struggled for words. What could she possibly say to the mare who had tried so hard to take her life away? Was she to welcome their former leader, who had disappeared so abruptly, back with open arms? Would she expect her crown back?

But something about Ampere's dejection tugged at Sohalia's heart, and she stepped forward once, twice, until she stood closer, her neck arching forward as though to offer comfort.

An apology was the last thing that the angel had thought to hear from Ampere's lips, but it was an apology that tumbled forth, so quiet that she could barely hear it. A chasm opened in her chest, for she had never seen the strong mare reduced to such vulnerability. Perhaps it was a mothering instinct brought about by the hormones running rampant in her post-pregnancy body, but something about Ampere reminded her of herself. She took a final step forward so that she could reach to brush her muzzle against the blue's, should Ampere allow it. "It's alright," she murmured in an almost-motherly croon, "You're home now."

And whatever history she may have held against the mare faded away.

"talk talk talk"

Translations ::
shekhikhi | my light, a pet name commonly used for children (or, in this case, a companion)

Live... I want to live on fire
Die... I want to burn out brighter
Brighter than the northern lights
Want to live to feel the daylight

Please tag Sohalia in all replies.
Use of force and/or magic (with the exception of death) is allowed at all times.

Want to place an order?  Visit Crystalline Creations here!
Want to plot with Sohalia?  Visit her plot page here!

Ampere The Mother of Companions Posts: 719
Dragon's Throat Sultana atk: 9 | def: 11 | dam: 4.5
Mare :: Pegasus :: 14 hh :: 6 years HP: 73 | Buff: DANCE
Kygo :: Green Cheek Conure :: None Blu
#5
HEART SICK_AND EYES FILLED UP WITH BLUE


Just as easily as the tension built around them, tight as an electrically charged storm, so too did it disperse, scattering like rain. Words ran like cool water down the parched throat of a dying man, and a muzzle reached out like a hand to hoist the fallen wanderer back to his feet. Her feet.

Ampere let out a breath she hadn't noticed she'd been holding. Her body tensed at first, instinctively flinching away from someone who she'd never regarded as friend. She stopped herself though, her flesh tingling as it hovered between retreat and return. Each blood vessel was strained with the sensation of the great indecision, until at last, she leaned back into the pale sultana, the stark contrast of their bodies and personalities touching for the first time in a gentle way. Static rolled off Ampere in a wave, dust crackling and stirring at her hooves, but quickly dying as the moment ended. All in all it lasted no more than fractions of a second, but for its implications, eternity had finally been reached.

Ampere felt the urging of tears at her eyes, but she resisted them. She wasn't sure how, she was such an emotional wreck, but either way she was thankful that she did not because it would have been utterly embarrassing. Instead she felt deflated, the overall relief not only of breath and tension and electricity, but of rejection - it all left in one great sweep of a pale wing and it left her feeling weak and mildly woozy, as if her soul had in part slithered out too. Truthfully, some of it had. Never before had she stood so exposed, so sincere, and with such simple words that had always been so damn hard to say. Now that she had she couldn't remember what made it so difficult. "I'm a fool is why", she thought shyly, a similar smile daring to form upon her features.

"Home," she breathed in agreement, her voice somehow growing even softer, a true feat for the Mother of Companions. She tucked her muzzle then, blinking against the sun and the sand and the white benevolence that swayed in front of her. It was a thankful motion, thoughtful and reserved. "How is it so easy?" she even dared to ask, looking her gift horse in the mouth. How could Sohalia simply let it be. She didn't even ask about where or why or anything. Did she even care, or was there more worth caring about now, in this moment, than what had already been done, wrong or right? For a brief moment Ampere even had the sickening thought it was a cruel joke, but her insecurities, deep as they were, quickly brushed that sour thought away. Even she knew better than to think that, especially of Sohalia.

For the first time she noticed Astraeus. He was beautiful, even in his well contained wrath. Even if she had tried, she could not be phased by the presence of their bond. She had learned there were far too many of them to simply hate them all, not that bits and pieces of her didn't continue to be revolted by it; even now crumbs of disgust collected in the corners of her being. Yet Ampere had recognized anger only ever seemed to breed more anger. It did not mean she would never snap again, because that rage still boiled under her skin, among all the other dozens of feelings she wore on her sleeve, but ti meant she at least recognized when she did, and that sometimes, just sometimes, she put out the effort to stop it.

Even after seeing him, Ampere continued to feel, surprisingly empty. Gone was the tight ball of rage and the slimy jealousy. Forgotten was the heavy grief and the windy joy. It was almost like she was an eagle desperately reaching for a branch within a wide stretch of sky; no matter how far her grasp, she felt only nothingness beneath her, and though she flew, it seemed like falling. She had been ready for yelling, ready for hard truths ushered on hushed breaths, ready even for a mocking laughter to hide the holes in her heart when she was to be turned away. She was not ready for pure and simple forgiveness. She did not deserve it, and she knew she could never return it, not like this.

Ampere blinked.

If it had been hard to talk before, it was even harder now. "Are you sure?" she finally asked, if only to soothe the disbelief gnawing in her gut. "What will I do?" She continued, almost unwilling to let Sohalia answer, in case she did have a change of heart. The question was serious, and nearly childlike as Ampere asked it, her gaze flicking anxiously back to Sohalia. She had never been in a herd, not really, until the Sun had invited her in. What a grave mistake to do it with a crown upon her head. Even if she hadn't of left, she didn't believe she could have been a sultana. Much of the herd, she could tell, didn't believe it either. That was fine, that was normal, really, but when they don't believe in you, and you don't believe in you, then there's nothing left. It was failure from the start.

Besides, in just this moment Sohalia had proven her worth as a ruler, and for that, she forever held Ampere's loyalty.No one had ever accepted her like that before. Not like that, not after everything they had been through.


A M P E R E

plaguedog.deviantart.com

Tag me only if starting a new thread.
Magic or force permitted any time, aside from death.

Sohalia the Transcended Posts: 477
Outcast atk: 4 | def: 9.5 | dam: 6.5
Mare :: Pegasus :: 14.3 hh :: 10 (ages in Orangemoon) HP: 67 | Buff: NOVICE
Astraeus :: Common Zephyr :: Wakiya ChaoticMelodies
#6
[Image: sohtable.png]

SOHALIA


There was something about letting go that felt almost like a cleansing rain, as though her soul had been washed clean. The taint of the grudge that had been so well-hidden in the back of her mind had bothered the dove more than she had known, and when Ampere accepted her touch, she felt utterly liberated, as though there had never been anything wrong in the first place. It was so easy to simply welcome the blue home - and it was Ampere's home, just as much as it was Sohalia's, even if the darker mare had only inhabited the Dragon's Throat briefly. She smiled, relief appearing is orbs that had, only moments before, reflected such uncertainty.

It would be some time before the hurts caused by the blue's actions would be well and truly erased - even now, there was the slightest of whispers in the deepest, darkest recesses of the angel's brain, insisting that Ampere could hardly be trusted after everything she had done. But this persistent mistrust was hastily buried, for the dove had every intention of forgiving and forgetting, of welcoming the mare that she had never thought to call a friend into her herd with open wings.

"Of course I'm sure," she answered Ampere with a genuine gravity that belied her decision to move past their mutual history. "The Dragon's Throat is your home," she added with forceful certainty, despite Astraeus's silent snort from within her mind. He was not particularly pleased with this turn of events, for he was not nearly as forgiving as his bonded. The blue-tinged mare, as far as he was concerned, deserved no gleeful homecoming, no heartfelt welcome. He would be far happier if she just went back to wherever she came from.

But the Transcended silenced him with a calming stroke of her mind. He would see, she was sure, that Ampere was different now, just as the dove was different than she had been in the time before the Darkness. At Ampere's final question, though, she laughed, for in truth, there was not all that much that had changed. They had both grown and matured, had come to see that perhaps they would do better as allies (or even friends) that they would have as enemies, but Sohalia was still more scholar than anything, and she was willing to bet that Ampere retained her skill on the battlefield. "Why, whatever you'd like!" she declared. "We are sadly in need of warriors, I'm afraid. Neither Africa nor I are particularly adept fighters, as I'm sure you recall." Her face lit suddenly. "Actually, I would quite like to learn, if you're up for it once you've settled back in! Gaucho would have started to teach me already, but-" She paused suddenly, her gaze flickering away shyly as she remembered Ampere's last meeting with Gaucho (as far as the dove knew, anyway). He's mine now, she told herself firmly. And I'm going to make sure it stays that way!

She swallowed. "Well, we've been busy, is all." The blue had quite a bit of catching up to do, but the question of her place within the herd was surely more important than idle gossip. She turned slightly, inviting Ampere to walk alongside her on the way back to the oasis. It was a natural motion, the way her wings flickered, settling feathers that had gone astray in her flight; the way she nodded her head ever-so-slightly to indicate the direction in which they were headed; the way a cheerful grin overtook her features. Astraeus, satisfied now that his bonded was not in imminent danger, took flight, disgusted with the easy acceptance that his bonded had granted a former enemy (in his mind). "Of course," she continued with only a slight pause as she began to walk, "if you find something else more suited to your tastes, then you should pursue it."

"talk talk talk"

Live... I want to live on fire
Die... I want to burn out brighter
Brighter than the northern lights
Want to live to feel the daylight

Please tag Sohalia in all replies.
Use of force and/or magic (with the exception of death) is allowed at all times.

Want to place an order?  Visit Crystalline Creations here!
Want to plot with Sohalia?  Visit her plot page here!

Ampere The Mother of Companions Posts: 719
Dragon's Throat Sultana atk: 9 | def: 11 | dam: 4.5
Mare :: Pegasus :: 14 hh :: 6 years HP: 73 | Buff: DANCE
Kygo :: Green Cheek Conure :: None Blu
#7
HEART SICK_AND EYES FILLED UP WITH BLUE


Sohalia's kindness continued, coming surprisingly easy. In a way it put Ampere on edge. It was so abnormal for her that it made her uncomfortable. No one to yell at or kick, no one to flirt with or steal from. Just, someone talking with her, maintaining a normal conversation. The only horses she had ever managed to do that with she could count on all her hooves. She fretted behind her steady smile, her feathers puffing out easily, but flattening just the same.

There was one thing Sohalia said that soothed it all though - they needed warriors.

An earlier question (unspoken) received an answer as Sohalia continued, speaking of Africa in equal terms with herself. Ampere was glad that the one-winged grey was still presiding over the lands. Despite their differences Ampere had grown fond of her, even in their short partnership. Likeable or not though, the mare was weak with war, and Sohalia too, if Ampere remembered right. Though, to be honest, didn't know much about Sohalia. Hurting her had been easier that way, pretending she was just a pale, distant figure. Not that Ampere had ever wanted to hurt Sohalia, not directly anyways, that was just the outcome of getting what she wanted.

Gaucho.

That name followed swiftly after the other, effecting Ampere more than she had anticipated. Her body swayed alongside her heart rate, muscles stiffened, and a flush of heat spread underneath her tail. NO! her mind screamed defiantly, rejecting this normal reaction to the Wildfire with a new found rancor. Her lips set into a thin line while the corners of her eyes crinkled and hardened, actively trying to regain the quickly racing reaction of her body. It felt traitorous. Quickly she turned her head away, unknowingly mimicking Sohalia, which was for the best. There was no denying the lust that blossomed in her chest; each petal felt like a cold stab of betrayal through her heart. That he was bonded was only one travesty, but that she had now befriended his mate was another. Ampere could not care for him any more, she just could not damnit!

"Oh, well that explains your glow then," Ampere tried to tease as she turned her head back around, a wide grin slapped upon it. Her eyebrows raised suggestively as she gave Sohalia the ribbing, hoping to the gods it seemed passable. All the while the words felt like ash on her tongue and the smile thorns in her cheeks. "I'm glad he's back. You're the only one who can keep him busy." She wanted to say more, to ask, to know. Their last moment together had been in the cramped caves, full of darkness outside, yet smothered in his warm, welcoming light inside. It had burned between them, warm, inviting, promising... Words and actions full of heat and energy, each of them an untamable force finally come together, fusing ass much as clashing.

Where had he gone? Why had he gone? Had he missed her, or was she just a stupid filly?
Why did he have a fucking companion?

Ampere pushed him angrily from her thoughts. She feigned a fly bite on her rump as an excuse to flick her tail strongly. Anything to relieve the electricity building inside her, so she was thankful when Sohalia strode forward. Her steps were unsteady as they crossed the sands though, belying her belonging in this home. It was like a girl walking in heels for the first time, trying so hard to look like a sexy bitch, but only managing to recreate a bad ice-capade. Even Astraeus' departure caused her wings to flick and her head to shy.

Shake it off she commanded herself, gradually beginning to sour within the hole his presence (physical or not) left inside her. Thankfully Sohalia always stepped in at the moment she most needed, proving to be a far better companion than Ampere could ever manage to be to anyone.
"A warrior role would suit me best, I think," Ampere said following Sohalia's voice. It was an easy decision, and one that gave her something to work for. Maybe she was more inclined towards fighting than others, but it didn't necessarily make her good at it. If she wanted to one day pummel the oaf that was slowly but surely fucking up her life, she'd have to pour herself into the role, and that's precisely what she intended to do.

She smiled, a genuine one at last. It touched the edges of her eyes, which glinted with a hint of mischief, such as she was oft to do when becoming competitive. In fact, Sohalia might even recognize it... "My leave was for the best, really," she started, her voice calm despite the energy swelling in each step of her hooves and beat of her heart. "The crown hung heavily on me, my inexperience a shadow even the Sun could not chase away." There was another stallion who's name she'd rather not hear. Quickly she carried on, grabbing for that strand of sanity, her goal nestled on the horizon. "A warrior though, that I could really get behind. Who stands as your gladiator? And for that matter, the other ranks?"


A M P E R E

plaguedog.deviantart.com

Tag me only if starting a new thread.
Magic or force permitted any time, aside from death.

Sohalia the Transcended Posts: 477
Outcast atk: 4 | def: 9.5 | dam: 6.5
Mare :: Pegasus :: 14.3 hh :: 10 (ages in Orangemoon) HP: 67 | Buff: NOVICE
Astraeus :: Common Zephyr :: Wakiya ChaoticMelodies
#8
[Image: sohtable.png]

SOHALIA


The dove was momentarily tense as Gaucho's name slipped from her lips, as easily as if she were simply talking to an old friend, exchanging the latest news and gossip. The idea that she and Ampere could possibly be friends was stunning in an of itself, but she had come to the conclusion that Ampere was not cruel or conniving, but simply strong-willed and outspoken. They shared a trait - passion - but they showed it in entirely different ways. The realization made it much easier to relate to the blue in a way that the Sultana had never previously imagined.

She was glad when Ampere spoke again, grinning to successfully conceal her inner turmoil. In the dove's quickness to glance away, she had missed the telltale signs of Ampere's desire, which was probably for the best. It would not do to sow strife and discord in she and the blue's budding relationship, not when things were starting to go so well. And so, relieved, the pale mare giggled and reached to lip playfully at Ampere's shoulder, continuing the camaraderie. In that moment, she very much hoped that they would become friends. It wasn't as difficult to like the Mother of Companions when she acted like a normal creature.

-Lies,- came a voice from above and within her mind all at once; Astraeus, unable to put words to his complex emotions, made it vividly clear through the bond that he did not trust the other pegasus, that he was sure that she would cause trouble, that he would come between his bonded and her mate again, that she was a liar and a traitor and all sorts of things in between. Just give her a chance, the angel insisted, impressing her will upon him until he wheeled away, grumbling, refusing to associate any longer with the blue.

"Gaucho stands as our acting Gladiator, I suppose, but it's hardly official. We lost quite a few in the Darkness, I'm sure you remember - we haven't quite rebuilt." She made a face. "We're going to be holding a tournament to determine the Gladiator soon. We want to test fighting skills and strategic planning, among other things. Midas has pledged his assistance, as neither Africa nor I are particularly... adept at militaristic things.

"As for the rest - Cera is our Diviner, and an excellent one at that. He has always been favored by the Sun, I think. Sacre has become our Sleuth. He has protected us well, thus far. Andromeda and Tandavi are our Sun Physicians, and as far as I know, both are quite capable. I can speak for Andromeda, at least, as I have seen her healing several times. We haven't found a Forger yet, either."
She frowned, troubled all over again by their deficits. "We'll rebuild, but it is certainly taking a while.

"We are building a school,"
she added suddenly. "Any may come to live and learn on our sands. I think it may prove quite advantageous - it will, at least, make our herd an important part of Helovia, protected by affiliations with every herd. Or so we hope, anyway. We want to be strong, but we want to be... more than just that. We want to make a name for ourselves. The past has proven that we can't simply rely on our power - we have won our battles, but at what cost? What if we could prevent war from happening, at least on our soil?" She paused, gazing toward the oasis, imagining what could be, if they were successful. "What do you think?"

"talk talk talk"

Translations ::
xx

Live... I want to live on fire
Die... I want to burn out brighter
Brighter than the northern lights
Want to live to feel the daylight

Please tag Sohalia in all replies.
Use of force and/or magic (with the exception of death) is allowed at all times.

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Ampere The Mother of Companions Posts: 719
Dragon's Throat Sultana atk: 9 | def: 11 | dam: 4.5
Mare :: Pegasus :: 14 hh :: 6 years HP: 73 | Buff: DANCE
Kygo :: Green Cheek Conure :: None Blu
#9
HEART SICK_AND EYES FILLED UP WITH BLUE


"Of course," Ampere replied, surprised by the steadiness her voice carried as she coasted over his name once again. He was the best fighter, there was no doubt - all the more reason to best him. If she could prove to herself that she could voercome him, at least in some way, then maybe he wouldn't have such control over her heart - the flippant thing that it is she couldn't quite understand why it was so stuck on him. Perhaps it's not your heart at all, some coy part of her prodded unkindly, another flush of heat unwinding under her tail.

"I'm sure he could give you training," Ampere murmured, trying to rid her thoughts of their dirty route by refocusing on his mate, her friend, walking beside her. Changing the topic was difficult though when he remained the topic. Ampere pushed through it, stubborn if nothing else. "On the battlefield that is, I know you've already 'trained' elsewhere." Ampere winked and gave a playful nudge at Sohalia's shoulder as they moved, a return of the gesture she offered earlier, an attempt at being friendly. It felt, nice.

Ampere laughed then, breaking any awkwardness or tension that might have lingered, even if she only felt it creeping up inside herself. "I'd be more than happy to participate in that event though." Ampere paused, "the tournament that is," she added with a laugh. It was so funny she even forgot to mention how much of a piss-stained coward she thought Midas was, and how she didn't think he had any ounce of honor to judge shit. It was probably best she didn't.

The black head marked erratically with blue bobbed slightly at each name Sohalia tossed out. Most she knew, although a face paired with their name would have done her better justice. She'd always been terrible at remembering the emptiness of names, they were only words in comparison to the worth of character a body portrayed. "It sounds like you already are," Ampere said kindly as Sohalia found the need to defend the herd's status. "A family needn't be large, only strong." She could hardly blame her though, Ampere had the same gnawing worry eating at her gut when she'd worn the crown.

She flashed a quick glance at the golden circlet wreathing the pale poll. It was not a jealous or hungry look, just a curious one. Did Sohalia feel all of the same insecurities, all of the fears and self-doubt that Ampere had when her head had rested beneath that thing? Probably not, she thought with slight deflation. Sohalia was too strong to let such a tiny thing as a crown weigh her down. She didn't always look it, but strength was often nestled in packages which were small and quiet. Bravery, ferocity, might... none held the qualities of strength, though they were often mistaken for it. Strength rested in the daily acts of perseverance and fortitude. It was kind and patient and wise. It was how Ampere knew Sohalia was strong, even if it was buried in her smile and her heart. Ampere had to carry her strength on the outside, in her scars and her voice, because inside, she wasn't.

Ampere glanced away from the shining crown, her thoughts drifting with the wind as it scurried over the sands.She was only half listening as Sohalia continued to speak, but the words, empty of names and ranks, recaptured the blue's focus. With startling speed her gaze snapped back onto her sultana, devoid of anything but the bright electricity of passion and vigor - Ampere's childhood eyes. "I think it's amazing," Ampere said nearly breathless with awe as Sohalia finished explaining. Despite her outward appearances and habit of involving herself in altercations, Ampere was a studious mare. It came not from experience, as her other traits did, but was born somewhere inside of her, a buried nature among all of her more boisterous ones, frequently overlooked because of the few avenues in which it could be expressed (in comparison to all the many ways she could fuck and fight). "Could I attend?" she asked excitedly, forgetting for a moment the raw sting of possible rejection, such was the thrill.

@[Sohalia]


A M P E R E

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Sohalia the Transcended Posts: 477
Outcast atk: 4 | def: 9.5 | dam: 6.5
Mare :: Pegasus :: 14.3 hh :: 10 (ages in Orangemoon) HP: 67 | Buff: NOVICE
Astraeus :: Common Zephyr :: Wakiya ChaoticMelodies
#10
[Image: sohtable.png]

SOHALIA


The mention of training would have left the mare blushing, if such a thing were possible to see from beneath her ivory coat; as it were, she ducked her head with a shy chuckle, pleased at the blue's display of camaraderie. "Well..." she admitted without saying anything at all, and laughed freely, for it felt wonderful to be again in the company of one she could call a friend. Oh, how things change - in a matter of minutes, it seemed, she had gone from wary to accepting to affectionate. She genuinely hoped that Ampere would elect to stay in the Dragon's Throat, for the disappearance of her dark, passionate friend would leave the dove with yet another hole in her heart yearning to be filled by those she had cared for and lost.

"I've heard it's better to train with more than one warrior, though," she mused aloud. "Isn't it important to learn different techniques? Isn't it dangerous to rely too much on one teacher's style?" She shook her head, leaving her questions to the wind with a smile. There would be time for that later; assuming Ampere stayed, they would have myriad opportunities to spar, and to teach, and to learn.

Her smile widened as Ampere agreed to participate in their tournament. "Oh, how wonderful!" she trilled. "It's going to be fantastic, you'll see!" She paused, turning the thoughts over in her mind. She had so many plans, so much she wanted to set in motion - it was too much for one mare to handle, much less oversee! The sooner they selected their Gladiator, the better; then she could delegate some of her tasks and, hopefully, place her trust in their ability to protect the herd.

"There are different kinds of strength," she remarked. "And admirable though it may be, a strong diplomatic pair is not well suited to battle. It has been peaceful of late, that is true; but how long will it hold?" She came to with a start, realizing suddenly that her burdens had been placed on Ampere's shoulders. "Oh, I'm so sorry! I shouldn't - well - I don't mean to bother you with my concerns," she finished breezily. "Besides, we'll get it all sorted out soon - the tournament will help, I'm sure."

Their talk turned to the Academy as they neared the oasis, and the angel was delighted to see the excitement in Ampere's eyes. It was amazing, really; they were so blue that they were almost electrifying - pardon the pun. The Sultana grinned gleefully; who would have thought that the Mother of Companions would have a scholarly side? "I'm so glad you like it!" she squealed. "And of course, you must attend! We hope to accept everyone and foster cooperation between herds, but... it would mean so much for you to be a part of it!" And it was true. What better victory than to turn an enemy into a friend, to welcome them with open arms into one's life and hopes and dreams?

The thought never crossed her mind that by doing so, she gave Ampere the power to crush them.

"talk talk talk"

Translations ::
xx

Live... I want to live on fire
Die... I want to burn out brighter
Brighter than the northern lights
Want to live to feel the daylight

Please tag Sohalia in all replies.
Use of force and/or magic (with the exception of death) is allowed at all times.

Want to place an order?  Visit Crystalline Creations here!
Want to plot with Sohalia?  Visit her plot page here!

Ampere The Mother of Companions Posts: 719
Dragon's Throat Sultana atk: 9 | def: 11 | dam: 4.5
Mare :: Pegasus :: 14 hh :: 6 years HP: 73 | Buff: DANCE
Kygo :: Green Cheek Conure :: None Blu
#11
HEART SICK_AND EYES FILLED UP WITH BLUE


Friendship made the world a bearable place. It was something Ampere had always known, but had been lacking in her adult life. As a child she had grown up with warmth and love in the folds of her family. Though they were nomadic, they had never been short on company. Relationships had been easy then and Ampere didn't quite understand why she struggled so much now when she felt she hadn't changed all that much. Of course as a child things are simpler, and the past, it always looks better.

All she knew was she hated loneliness. That's what made it easy to embrace Sohalia, no matter the other trials they had faced and had yet to endure. At least now, in this moment, they were friends, and that was good.

Ampere's head nodded to Sohalia when she steered the playful banter back towards seriousness, in regards to training and who would be doing it. Ampere would have said more, because Sohalia was right, but she was more than happy to let the most Gaucho-likely topic die off. She couldn't pretend it was easy to ignore him much longer, and she needed Sohalia a lot more right now than she needed him.

Instead she focused on the topic she did like. "I would love to be a part of it," Ampere exclaimed, feeding off Sohalia's excitement which only added to her natural state of energy. "Will it be here? When do you teach, what do you teach? Who else is going to be there?" She clamped her mouth shut suddenly, aware she had asked so much at once. She laughed it off though, "sorry, I've just never had a chance like this."

This could be the perfect way to teach, really teach everyone about the companion bonds they misjudged so poorly. It was an invigorating idea, one which also made her fearful. She had never taught anyone anything before. She wasn't sure she knew how. All she had done was try and yell the truth or beat it into someone until they were senseless, neither of which had worked out well for her. Although she was by no means a brute, she was hardly the best with her words, as evidenced with her disappearing act, one which seemed utterly silly now given how easily she'd been invited back in.

Maybe she ought to learn a bit more first, but did she have the patience for that?

"I could help you," she went on, her voice fast with the energy spiraling through her. "I could train you on fighting, because you're right, peace... it doesn't last." It was not that Ampere meant to be pessimistic, but if experience had taught her anything it's that peace was a lie. She had told Africa much the same the first time they convened, so she was glad Sohalia seemed to acknowledge it herself.

@[Sohalia]


A M P E R E

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Magic or force permitted any time, aside from death.


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