The Wildfire descended when his God did. Although he did not place himself as close to Aithniel as the God did, the dun did decide to land on her side, rather than the God's. Both were family to him, in a sense, but perhaps the fire child, a member of his flock, was somehow closer - regardless of how many gifts her father had bestowed upon him.

"Hail Sun God." Gaucho's dark voice rang out, full of pride and exhaustion. But it sounded pure, and whole, for perhaps the first time in a while. Perhaps that was really all that had been nagging Gaucho as of late - a good fight. Perhaps it wasn't even about Ampere at all (but we all know that it was). Cheerily, Zorsa trilled a hello to the flaming demi-god, as she landed brightly on Gaucho's antlers. Mara hissed her displeasure at the bright and happy sounds, but accepted the warmth thrown off by the burning Zephyr none the less.  

The God surveyed the damage and how the God had bled away the carnage. His own fiery wings burned brightly as he tucked them neatly to his side, surveying those of his flock who had been apart of the battle. 

"Dragon's Throat - to me if need healing." Stoicly, he waited to see if any would take him up on his offer. Likely the wouldn't even think to go to Gaucho for assistance with wounds. He gave them, but he didn't fix them. At least, not in the past. But now, with the warmth and light from the sun filling his veins, he could. And he would, should they need it of him.

---

Mentions Ampere and Aithiniel.

OFFERS TO HEAL ANYONE IN THE DT.

The day was so beautiful. Why was it that the sky seemed so much clearer, the light all the brighter when storms brewed on the horizon? How could this place be so peaceful even though screams of pain and rage rent the stillness asunder?

Secure in the firm belief that her daughter now was safe, the Blackbird raised her gaze to the vastness of the sky for one fleeting second. Bright eyes followed a line of birds that came flying from the north, heading south towards the sea. They flew high, with determination as though they knew where they would be going. Was there something out there, beyond the horizon? It had been quite a long time since she had felt any desire to explore, but now, in this moment, Shadow felt the urge come over her. Maybe she would too, once this was over. She would bring Erthë, Vadim and Vlasi too if they wished to come, and together they would travel far beyond Helovia. Maybe they would find Kari along the way too; her long lost, wayward son, whom she had missed so much.

One second. Sometimes it was all it took for fate to change.

Her scream of defiance changed into one of shock and excruciating pain as the crocodile lashed out with its tail. Thrashing about in its death throws the blow was swift and impossible to dodge. It hit her squarely in the chest, the sharp spines penetrating deep inside her. Gasping for breath she was sent flying backwards, crashed into Badger - faithful, loyal Badger whom she could never thank enough - and crumpled to the ground. Disgusting, horrible pain stabbed through the left wing as she landed on it. Bones snapped and punctured the skin, blood began to flow out across the sand. Was it the light that made it look so dark, or was it because of the magical illness?

No. This wasn't possible. It couldn't be... not now. Numbly the mare tried to rise, disbelief painted across her every feature as she saw the deep gashes in her chest where blood sprang forth, as though from a macabre fountain. It stained all the tokens in her hair, the gnarled unicorn horn she had held onto throughout the years, the Earth God's gift and a shining white bow of bone that landed, clattering, in the sand not far from her.

She didn't feel broken, and yet... and yet. Darkness began to set in from somewhere beyond what her eyes could see. And in her ears rang the sounds of her friends heartbeats, and the terrified voice of her daughter as she came running on small, quick feet.

so hold on
be strong

Heart thumbed loudly in fear and knees quivered but her grey form, particles of sand clinging to her hair, remained standing. White flashed in the corners of her welling blue eyes. They snapped shut in freight as the mighty tail came towards her. Instincts told her to run but her hooves remained planted where she stood. A child was behind her. A fragile, damaged, and precious little angel. She couldn't let her get hurt more - she wouldn't let her get hurt further.

In pure defiance, her heart aching to be rid of this villainous creature, she reared up. Adrenaline set her veins on fire as she threw her weight onto her back legs. The tail struck between her shoulders as she pushed upwards. While the tail was shoved away, the mare was not without injuries. Bruises were already starting to rise beneath her shoulders and her upper back. Blood trailed down her sides as scratches from the reptilian tail form.

As soon as she landed, wincing in pain as she did so, she turned to look at Erthe. Thank the Gods - the True Gods - she was okay. Evaneska struggled to keep herself afoot in case another attack came. But it didn't. Instead she watched as the black winged mare - the mother of the child - fell backwards toward a black and white horse that she had not notice arrived.

The series of unfortunate events to happen next would add more ghouls to haunt her mind. As the crocodile was felled so was Evaneska. She collapsed to the ground, wide eyes staring at the wounds of the mare. Erthe rushed towards her mother, her scream chilling. The dappled servant became oblivious to the things happening around her as the gruesome seen refused to release her gaze. She didn't get to see her friend blessed with magic, nor did she hear the words of the Sun God.

Time froze yet also ran too fast. At last she turned away, eyes pleading to the Sun God, "Please, my lord! Save her as you did us! Please! Don't.." Her injuries were forgotten as she stood, whole body trembling. "Someone! Anyone!" She didn't know what else to do besides try to flag down strangers or even the God's attention. "Please."

This was not peace.. this was not what had been promised. A young girl was losing her mother and for what?! Guilt drilled heavy into her heart. Send me back to the Rift, take my life. Reverse events so that this never happened. I do not care! Just please.. don't tear this family apart!"


mentions Sun God, @Shadow, @Erthë, briefly mentions Thantos
ooc Eska rears to deflect the attack but is heavily bruised on her shoulders and upper back. Scales cause shallow cuts. She then notices Shadow and, at first, she can do nothing before begging for the Sun God's help - or anyone's help.

stars in your multitudes, scarce to be counted. filling the darkness with order and light.
You are the sentinels. silent and sure. keeping watch in the night.

The maiden of the moon had successfully struck the crocodile: ivory spiraled horns had made contact with the beast. A small smile dared to flit across her face. Behind the short ribs. That was sure to hurt this tainted beast that did not belong to these lands. He was a being of damnation that did not deserve to breathe - did not deserve to be graced by her presence or that of the God's. Nose crinkled in pure disgust as she stepped away from the monstrosity. Attacks continue to rain against the demon, causing it to writhe in pain. Good. He deserved to suffer.

In that moment a silver mare cloaked in electricity zipped passed her. Pain shocked her sides, already bloody and sun burnt, and caused her to near fall. Teeth gritted as she tried not to scream in pain as the electricity coursed through her veins. Every inch of her body began to feel numb. With narrowed eyes she watched the mare. At least she successfully attacked the crocodile.

As the beast was finally brought down the Sun God cast a light over it. She dipped her head in appreciation as this unwanted cretin was purified from the lands. While the sun was harsh and brash she still held respect for the counterpart of her beloved moon. Though his promise of no attacks was broken his oath of peace reigned true.

Her gaze sought for her herd, resting on the spotted frame of the proclaimed queen of her lands. Each movement made her want to scream but she refused to bow down. Only before the Goddess herself would she kneel. Slowly but surely the near naked woman approached Mauja's side. "May the Moon Goddess guide us home safely." she murmured in a prayer. "I am glad you are well, my brother and queen."


"Talk?"

mentions @Nyx, @Mauja
ooc successfully attacks the crocodile and takes no damage from the beast itself.. but as she moves away she is brushed by nyx's electricity. sparks burn her already sun damaged and boil ridden skin. she grows numb and weak, but refuses to falter as she slowly makes her way to mauja

As Ophelia made her way in his direction, Gaucho's attention diverted from those surrounding him, to the blood-tipped mare. He had seen the Sun God throw the armour created from the bones of the beast her way, and wondered if she was coming to have it tested out by physical magic - or perhaps merely to show them what their God had given to her. However no jealousy welled within the Wildfire. Ophelia had done far too much for him during their prolonged friendship - and he knew of the close relationship Ophelia shared with their fiery deity.

"Ophelia." He returned, his voice a warm and rich tone.

I have armor here to give - perhaps to a warrior without his own

Gaucho's dark ears flickered with curiosity. Such generosity ... especially when the Sun God had just given her the gift - why was she giving it away? Perhaps it was to discharge any obligation that she felt she had towards Gaucho - for his crafters had given her armour prior to the invasion of the Foothills. But surely she should know that he didn't expect repayment? Still, wisdom was a trait he ascribed to Ophelia, and so he merely nodded with deep appreciation at the gesture.

As she indicated to Einarr, Gaucho's lips pressed downwards as he contemplated it. Einarr was surely a warrior worthy of the gift, and as far as Gaucho knew, had no armour of his own. "Such a gift very thoughtful of Ophelia - Einarr -" The dun turned towards the stallion who could easily have been a distant cousin of his. "Ophelia have gift for you."

---

@Einarr 

Ranjiri

{

"Grief never ends, but it changes. Its a passage, not a place to stay. Grief is not a sign of weakness, nor a lack of faith. It is the price of love."

The world was dark and quiet. Sounds came through blurred and muffed like far away, and only the thick rasp of his own breath pierced his senses. That, and pain. It all hurt. Every breath dragging out. Screams pierced the muffed sounds of his mind and the earth eyes flash awake at last. They roll for a moment, lost in the sunlight. The blinding light that was so unlike the shadows he knew. He groans against it all, sending a spiral of coughs from his lips. When the seizure of them stop he looks out. The world was blurred, shifting in wisps, and sideways? No. That’s not right. Head lifted from the salty earth, but its weight was heavy he nearly drops it back. And everything strained just to remember to live.

Blurs gain shapes. Shapes gain identities, and as he lay there upon the salt field the world began to return to him. The battle. He had come on another battle, and charged in. Then from the right, a hit, sacking his side, and then, nothing. But why- A hallow cry whispers through the wind. Haldir. The gold in the earth eyes flashes awake instantly.

Needles pierced into every surface of the black back, hot and spiked, and yet sending chills through his core. How could it be so hot and cold at the same time. Pale moon eyes were hidden, but that had not kept back the tears. God it hurt. Like nothing he had ever known the pain was so great it locked his body down. But as the pale eyes open to the world they tremble and tears threaten again because through all the shapes and creatures, he is not there. The golden was not there. And he might as well have been alone. Terribly, horrendously alone, and terrified. Because he for the first time was feeling his true mortality, and the darkness surrounding him.

Coughing in renewed struggle against the disease which held him still in its vice grip, the gold struggles through the crowds. There was celebration and smiles places but he shoves past them unthinkingly. Today was not a victory for him. His dirty coat wavers, threatened by his own movements as he struggles across the battlefield, searching. Pressing. Heart pounding in his throat to find the little black shadow.

He nearly steps upon him the creature is so small, and unlike his companion. But it is Haldir. Oh Haldir… Curled up tight, but air laced with the smell of his burnt fur. Troubled eyes shake as they look upon the wilted frame, the charred back. A whisper of a cry, questioning the horror of the sight leaves the golden’s lips. Cracking, and breaking into a fit of coughs he struggles to stifle. Black antlered head slowly looks up, his moon eyes ever blank and deep. The golden. He wanted to rise, to rush to him. To bury his head into the golden’s deep chest and never leave his side. But it was too great. Too much, and his head wavers, falling back again.

Panic slashes across the golden’s face, and his trembling body stumbles forward. Heavy head, low, inhales the thick air of burnt fur and it flinches away. The smell too evil to his nature and painful, but this was Haldir. Leafen forehead nudges the dark body then rolls against its soft neck. There was no time to analyze, no time to get angry over being forced to feel this care, this concern. There was only shared agony and pain.

The warm breath, though broken up and loud, rolls over the small stag’s skin, make it flinch and he curl tighter. But then the gentle touch, the soft, caring touch brushes against him. A warmth grows in his chest. Head snatches up to rise to the other, to press against it, and to feel the golden there, though the effort draws tears from his eyes again. For a moment the two stay like this, pressed against each other, blind to the world around them.

Then the golden retreats back, his sickness collapsing his breath and dragging it out into a fit of cough, this time blood draining out his nostrils. It had been the prior battle that had gained him the illness, and he had hoped time would mend its strange symptoms, but the blood spelled the doom, that it was only getting worse. The dark deer opens his eyes again, and though pain still trembles them, they also find a peace with the utter agony he finds himself in. The golden was here. It was all alright, and no more harm would come. For the small deer, it was all going to be alright now.

With the golden’s help, a rare gift, the deer stands. Pain pierced every nerve. Wincing the gold looks upon the wavering creature and his own body straining to watch. If there was anything, something-wait. With the slowness of his strained life the gold reaches in his satchel and pulls from it a small bundle of dried leaves, and a blue charm. He pulls a leaf from the bundle and lets the dripping blue charm moisten it. Flashes of the bay sweet thing come as he crushes the leaf mixing it into a terrible excuse for a paste. Haldir watches with empty eyes. Desperation cuts the golden short and upon returning the items to his pouch he dips his nose in. Grimacing he whispers assurances through their bond and brushes the paste upon the damaged skin. A cry screeches then cuts short as Haldir nearly falls to the earth again. But the herb does its job and the heated needles in his flesh cool. The dark stags head falls to the earth and his sides breathe easier. Not for the first time, and probably not for the last the golden blesses that sweet thing.

Anxious features watch the dark deer. Nose nudging him gently as if trying to waken him. Finally, after a moment the small head of Haldir rises in a worn smile. A long sigh falls from the gold and sends him into a fit of coughing again. But he barely noticed. Haldir moved to stand as close as he could to the golden’s salt covered coat. And both creatures found relief.


"Talk?"
OOC:: Blame Neo's music for the dramatics and dark mood. XD

we live like thieves
     kings among men

so open up my eyes, tell me I’m alive.
this is never going to go our way.

The anger that fueled my attack began to slowly fade away as I spotted Tembovu in his attack as well. So he had made it after all and wasn’t going to be fallen on by this huge reptile. Relief spread through me, but I still charged the moving writhing creature. Horn aimed to pierce his thick hide but to no avail. A small sense of success flew into my mind, very pleased with how I actually hit the god. Though, I still didn’t puncture it, and as I tried my best to push further into it, I snagged onto a few scales. Then before I knew it, the creature bounded back right into my face. Cringing to myself, I stumbled backward, shaking my head furiously. Eyes slamming shut as I felt small pricks of blood grow on my face as if it were from getting a rash.

Breathing heavily, I felt like it grew harder to breathe. The black slime that slipped from my nose and eyes were now much more prominent. My trickling blood from my face mixing with the black in a kind of scarlet show of death. Opening up my eyes, I spot Tembovu in front of me ready to protect me from the giant reptile. Piercing light causing me to cringe a bit more, head beginning to throb. Figuring it was from the injury, my face stayed near Tembovu as the god fell. I watched the events before me like a dreamlike state. Seeing the skull of the crocodile fall before my love, ears perked to it. Watching Tembovu interact with it, I watched as it sparked his skin. Curiosity overcoming the pain and blood dripping from my pale creamy face.

Blue eyes watched him momentarily, offering a small smile. I turned from him, then, to head toward a spot more quiet hoping it helps my head ever so slightly. When I stop, I noticed that Tembovu had followed me. His voice wincing with pain as he asked if I were alright. The sound piercing my ears and causing me to squint my eyes slightly. “Y-Yes. I’m fine, Temb. A-Are you?” Stuttering slightly, I moved closer to him then, pressing my face into his chest slightly. Hoping the warmth and softness of his pelt would ease the pain of my head. I inhaled gently, looking up at him momentarily before squinting in the light again. “Do you ha- have a headache too?” I rushed my words hoping it would not be nearly as painful, but I was wrong. Lowering my head slightly into my chest forcing back a cough. Imagining having a racking cough with a pain like this seemed more like death.

"Talk?"