Converge [Edge Leads]

[OPEN] Converge [Edge Leads]

Torleik the Bloodskald Posts: 354

Outcast atk: 4.5 | def: 8.0 | dam: 7.5

Stallion :: Unicorn :: 16.3 :: 11 HP: 66.5 | Buff: SWIFT

Irelyn :: Plain Griffin :: Molten Dagger RedGod

05-03-2015, 01:31 PM

Torleik the Bloodskald

Hail to the King

To be honest, the Basin General hadn't known what to expect. He'd given his best, most detailed plan, aware that he would have to make cuts and sacrifices depending on the actuality of the world around him. But he hadn't expected that no one else would propose a plan that would truly challenge him, make him doubt himself, make him wonder if he could win this.

All of them, every one, had ideas. All of them were good in their own ways and all were suggestions he would have listened to if their herdland had been threatened. But none of them held the knowledge that he would have been looking for in a leader - and by default that left him at the top of the pack. He wasn't sure how he felt about that. Proud, of course; a heady rush coursed through him when Torleik realized he was winning this, but the bitter taste of reality soon set in.

That meant...it meant it was real now, that he would be separated from Ophelia. Not as if you saw her much when you lived in the Basin... he reminded himself, and it was true. The Bloodskald had rarely ever seen her, so busy was she with her duties, always elsewhere, always going and doing, never staying put where he was. Yet she wounded him with her sadness that he would depart? He tried to be reasonable, to understand that she was afraid, and that fear was easily masked with anger or some other more protective emotion. The rabicano told himself that no matter what, he could persevere.

As long as she trusted him.

If he had her faith, he could keep her heart.

Kahlua returned with Mauja and as soon as he laid eyes on them in the distance, he knew that this would be his co-ruler. The dark amusement he felt at this was thick like tar - but surprisingly, the Bloodskald found no anger in his breast. Hate served no purpose here. And there was no reason to hate Polkadot. Hate should be reserved for the foulest of enemies, not ones who were a nuisance at best and worthy of an ass-kicking at worst. As long as Mauja understood his intimate privileges with Phi would never return and behaved himself accordingly, Torleik could work with him just fine.

Ophelia's voice almost sounded underwater to his audits when she claimed he was the best candidate, and he wished only to turn and embrace her, remind her that he was committed to them, to her and that distance meant nothing to his love. But he could not. It would be inappropriate here. He would reassure her, though.

Soon.

Kahlua posited Mauja as her candidate and deigned that she would remain, perhaps as the World's Edge Seer, and the Bloodskald found he pitied her. To be so wholly wrapped up in a man who was...like the ebbing and flowing tide - it would cause her pain. Torleik remembered their first meeting, her hot temper, the screeched words. Where was that mare, now? Stepping forward as Mauja did, he glanced between the four pillars here: himself, his new partner in lead, Kahlua, and his Ophelia.

Mauja's words caught him and he turned an ear to show he intended to listen, a wry, roguish smirk curving his dark, scarred lips at the query. "You, clearly," he rumbled, the answer given in good, though subtle humor. "Come, my queen. Let us discuss," he added, the smirk widening to a lopsided grin, and he nodded to a more secluded spot nearby. Before he went, he turned back to Ophelia, eyes gentle, searching. "Remember how you promised me you would be selfish," he murmured. Torleik leaned forward to gently nuzzle one soft, fuzzy ear of hers. "I love you. Remain close for a time? I...wish to talk to you, as well. Please," he asked of her quietly, drawing back to inspect her face.

Would she show patience and faith in him so soon? He hoped.

"talk talk talk"

Art by araxel @ DA