the Rift


[PRIVATE] how can I keep from singing?

Tiamat the Ocean's Light Posts: 360
Aurora Basin Lady atk: 8 | def: 10 | dam: 3
Mare :: Unicorn :: 15.2 :: 6 years HP: 60 | Buff: NOVICE
Nimue :: Common Orca Leviathan :: Boil Reli
#1
“Goodnight, Mama.”

The ocean mare smiles softly, the curved point of her horn tipping back as her white eyes are raised towards the heavens, where her mother’s vigilant eye is tucked into bed for but a moment. Dusk is now quickly bleeding into night, the last rays of the sun just barely stretching over the distant horizon, offering its farewell orange glow as night descends quietly upon them. The mare’s gaze sparkles beneath the light of her sister stars as they begin to emerge, twinkling and dancing across the velvet black-blue of their stage, true prima donnas of their glittering spectacle.

Chuckling breezily to herself, Tiamat begins to move forward once more, her gaze slowly descending to sweep across her shadowed surroundings. In all her wanderings across Helovia’s wilds (granted, she does not have as much of a traveler’s heart as some others, but her curiosity is often far too great to swallow, even if her heart is sure to call her home before too long) at any rate, this is a place that the blue mare has never seen before. She is sure that she would have remembered the verdant fields of purple, colored a cool amethyst in the moon’s blushing light, broken only by the bubbling streams and occasional oak tree, which stand like guardians in the night.

She feels her breath caught for a moment, basking in the beauty of nature, its treasured splendors never ceasing to enchant her. It seems so calm and peaceful in this magnificent place, sheltered from the rest of the chaos that has been churning throughout Helovia lately, that Tiamat feels as though she could almost forget it all. The distress and anxieties that have weighed heavily across her shoulders are suddenly lifted, her spirits buoyed by nature itself. Breathing in the fresh, warm air of summer, the ocean mare glides forward happily, nearly dancing in her heartened grace.

Perhaps—it could always be this way.

Couldn’t it?

Sweeping through the thistle grasses, Tiamat soon finds herself at the water’s edge, cloven blue hooves perching delicately at its damp banks. “What a pleasure to meet you, brother,” she murmurs happily, the soprano chime of her voice mingling with the brook’s soft trickling like the pattering of rain to a puddle. Nostrils curling in breathy laughter, she lowers her fine head, silken lips breaking through the glassy surface to drink. The moon’s luminous light casts a halo over her slender body, colored softly by the final golden fingers of day. She would have every moment be as this one, were it possible.

Perhaps—then—it could always be this way.


notes; For Ciceronnnn:D
“Speech.”
image credits | @Ciceron
please tag Tia in all replies!
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Ciceron Posts: 315
Outcast atk: 6.5 | def: 9.5 | dam: 6.5
Stallion :: Unicorn :: 16.2 :: 6 HP: 69.5 | Buff: ENDURE
Kiara :: White Tiger :: Poison nickel
#2


It had been a little bit since the silver warrior had wandered about the lands of Helovia just to get a feel for how things were, so on a nice day such as this one the odd duo set out. Naturally one of the first stops on the way was the meadow due to its proximity to the Falls. Raising his head to the wind he drew in a deep breath noting the freshness and the typical warm air that was slowly setting in over the valley. Tallsun had its challenges but one of the worst had to be the extreme heat waves and the unpredictable grass fires that resulted from the lack of rain. Today was a nice exception with the having been rainfall in the last couple nights leaving everything pristine and luscious. Dipping his crown to the sun his lips closed around a mouthful of greenery ripping it from the soil as he watched as Kiara wandered off in search of something more appetizing for herself. Likely it would be a rabbit or some small animal that would suit her needs until she managed to track down something a little more substantial like a fox or deer. He couldn't say he approved of her diet but it was the way nature made her and he would not change it for the world.

Scanning over the sea of green and yellow a strange flash of blue seemed to move along through the grasses. Watching it for a matter of moments before setting off he could not for the life of him figure out what it was. The closer he got the stronger the scent became until the mare appeared before him staring out over the water before moving along gracefully down the banks. The mare's odd colouring was quite the sight to behold but he couldn't exactly judge considering he was the one with silver floral markings up his legs and lower body that glowed. Most looked at him with the expression to tell their confusion but also one that stated uncertainty. Often times even he would wonder where the markings had come from but that part of his memory still had not returned to him. Perhaps another day it would reveal itself and not shock him with some horrible memory.

Clearing his throat so as not to startle the aquamarine mare he slowly approached her keeping his body calm and relaxed instead of the normal tension that seemed natural to the stallion. "Hello." He stated with a gentle smile and a nod of his head in her direction. "Who might you be?" Something about this girl was familiar but he could not figure out from where he had met her before.




Ciceron talks
Kiara speaks

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Tiamat the Ocean's Light Posts: 360
Aurora Basin Lady atk: 8 | def: 10 | dam: 3
Mare :: Unicorn :: 15.2 :: 6 years HP: 60 | Buff: NOVICE
Nimue :: Common Orca Leviathan :: Boil Reli
#3
One tulip-shaped ear rotates when the stallion clears his throat, the mare’s head soon following as it rises from the bubbling stream, beads of clear water dripping from her lips. Her eyes meet his just as he greets her, their pale depths glittering beneath the light of the stars, ever eager and ever delighted to meet someone new. “Hello!” Tiamat welcomes him with a pleasant enthusiasm, her own soprano voice much higher than the stallion’s, dancing lightly along the warm summer breeze. “I’m Tiamat, is there something I can help you with?” Her kindly smile lingers on her lips as the ocean mare shifts her position, angling her body so that she faces the dappled stallion directly.

There is something familiar about him, something she can’t quite pinpoint just yet—the memories come slowly to her, tiptoeing at the very fringes of her consciousness, just tantalizingly out of reach. Tiamat presses her lips together, her blue brow knitting together in the short moment it takes for her to piece the puzzle together. “Do I know—” she begins to question him, because perhaps he would be able to give an answer (if he is feeling the same way at all), but recognition suddenly comes to her in a wave of clarity.

“You—” The mare’s voice is a breath of jubilation, doe-eyes widening and her smile broadening in her excitement (she has never been one to “reign it in” very well, and it is evident now as every fiber of her body seems to tingle eagerly beneath her skin). “Yes! You’re one of the stallions that protected Enna!” Of course! How could she not have known right away? She can see it now…she remembers her Lord standing near, and another—a dappled stranger—who had also taken it upon himself to protect the unconscious Time Mender.

With the length of her leonine tail arcing and swaying happily behind her, Tiamat steps closer to the stallion, continuing in a rush of words “The last battle with the Earth God, one of my friends fell unconscious, and you stood to guard her,” she does not know if he needs an explanation, or if he remembers the incident at all (so many things have happened lately, so many battles), or if he already knows who Enna is—in any case, Tiamat just wants him to recognize what he had so graciously done.

Warmth suddenly swells within the ocean mare’s chest, spreading throughout her bones and illuminating her expression. She is so, so very grateful for what he had done, it doesn’t seem right to overbear her appreciation with flowery words of gratitude. “Thank you,” she says simply, fervently, from the very confidence of her heart. Her white eyes seek his silver gaze, hoping to convey the depth of her appreciation, hoping that he will understand. “Thank you so much.” Tiamat reaches out to him, offering a silken muzzle to his cheek. Normally she would embrace him, so strong is her gratitude and intimate is her heart, but she manages to refrain—they’ve only just met officially, after all. She doesn’t want to scare him off.


“Speech.”
image credits | @Ciceron
please tag Tia in all replies!
magic & force are permitted.

Ciceron Posts: 315
Outcast atk: 6.5 | def: 9.5 | dam: 6.5
Stallion :: Unicorn :: 16.2 :: 6 HP: 69.5 | Buff: ENDURE
Kiara :: White Tiger :: Poison nickel
#4



Is there something I can help you with? Looking up to the mare in mild surprise he wasn't sure that this was the answer he was expecting. Usually most decide to start out with something simple like how are you excetera excetera and then move into the how can I help you's. Either the mare wasn't feeling all that social or just really didn't like some aspect of him approaching her or talking to her for that matter. Oh well, gotta suck it up. Silver eyes swept over her dainty body taking in the unique colours and the patterns, liking very much what he was seeing. Cutting himself short so he didn't seem like a creeper he returned his eyes casually to meet Tiamat's once more. "It's a pleasure to meet you Tiamat. My name is Ciceron." He replied with a gentleman's dip of his crown.

Flicking an ear as the mare's beautiful voice chimed in questionably he knew for sure that he knew this girl from somewhere. Was it just a strange coincidence that she felt the same way? You... Uh oh what did he do now? Opening his mouth to attempt to get a word in to defend himself against whatever accusation was about to be made he stopped just before Tiamat concluded her statement. Breathing a sigh he hadn't realized he was holding when it turned out that she hadn't been singling him out for doing something he couldn't help the smile from turning his lip up ever so slightly. Enna? Enna, who was Enna? He pondered in silence before more of the story was revealed to show Enna as the ragdoll from the tigress battle. Nodding as the memory slowly came back to him he smiled gratefully for the recognition she had awarded him.

"It was the least I could do. I wish there had been a way to prevent it from happening altogether." He stated with a soft smile. "How is she? Enna, I mean. I do hope she wasn't badly injured." He hated to think that someone so young could have sustained life altering injuries when they really didn't have no business being in the battle. She was so young and the battlefield was hardly the place for one of her age. He would have gladly taken her place and anyone else's if he could. Returning to the present he looks up to find Tiamat offering her muzzle to him. Graciously he accepts the kindness not actually remembering the last time anyone had offered him such a thing.




Ciceron talks
Kiara speaks

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Table by Moonstone Designs
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Tiamat the Ocean's Light Posts: 360
Aurora Basin Lady atk: 8 | def: 10 | dam: 3
Mare :: Unicorn :: 15.2 :: 6 years HP: 60 | Buff: NOVICE
Nimue :: Common Orca Leviathan :: Boil Reli
#5
The dappled gray stallion introduces himself like a true gentleman, complimenting her company and bowing his head in a respectful show of chivalry. “I could say the same, Ciceron,” the ocean mare beams sincerely, the warmth of her smile uninhibited despite their unfamiliarity with one another, and she returns the favor with a dainty curtsy of her curved horn, white eyes alight and shining like the stars when they rise to him once more. She feels fortunate to have come across him this night, and praise him with the admiration he deserves (she knows that many similar, generous acts go unnoticed or unacknowledged—but that is what makes them so selfless, isn’t? Their pursuit to help, rather than gain recognition). Even so, her heart warms with her gratitude.

Everyone likes to hear such nice things, don’t they? She couldn’t possibly have deprived Ciceron of her fervent appreciation.

The blue mare’s gratitude rises and blooms with excitement when she sees remembrance flutter across his face, tulip-shaped ears pressing forward to catch his deep voice. She nods, pressing her lips together as a silent breath is blown from her nostrils. “Prevent it all from happening,” Tiamat agrees, returning his gentle grin with one of her own. The battles have cast a weight that is sometimes difficult to shoulder, her good heart dismayed and wrought with all of the violence and hate, but it is over now. She can’t allow herself to linger in the shadows of grief.

“I haven’t seen her since the battle,” Tiamat replies to his inquiry of Enna’s wellbeing, her doe eyes returning to Ciceron from where they had wandered. It is more of an admission, her features nearly becoming embarrassed (the little mare hasn’t left her mind since then, and she had looked for her, but perhaps not as intently as she should have) before she continues. “But her wounds will stave off infection, at least, and she was sound enough to rise and remove herself from the battle.” Tiamat nods once, her smile growing more assuredly again, “She is also a gifted healer, so I think we needn’t worry anymore.”

The ocean mare’s confidence in the young Time Mender doesn’t waver, giving her the assurance and comfort she needs to hope for the best—Enna is safe and sound, she knows it. Brushing her lion tail across the ground, the mare’s features brighten when Ciceron accepts her kindly offer, their warm breaths mingling in the summer air. “Thank you again,” she murmurs once more, sure that it will never be enough. Pulling slowly back from him, she rests her weight comfortably, one slender hip dipping sharply to the side. “What brings you out tonight, Ciceron? Do you wander often?”


“Speech.”
image credits | @Ciceron
please tag Tia in all replies!
magic & force are permitted.

Ciceron Posts: 315
Outcast atk: 6.5 | def: 9.5 | dam: 6.5
Stallion :: Unicorn :: 16.2 :: 6 HP: 69.5 | Buff: ENDURE
Kiara :: White Tiger :: Poison nickel
#6


Relief swept over the stallion to hear that the young girl that he had protected was well, or at least presumed well. By the time he had left her she had still not regained consciousness so it was great news regardless. He had regretted not being able to do more for the girl but there was a lot more things to worry about at that current time and plus she had others there specifically to tend to her. "It is good to hear that she is or will be well." He commented brightly with a smile. "I wish the same could be said about everyone."

His thoughts turn now to the few casualties of the horrific battle. Yes battles left scars, and injuries but why did they have to go to the extreme to take lives? Injuries could heal and scars could fade but a life, that was a much more permanent condition. Poor Knox had lost her companion in that battle and there had been a point where he had believed Kiara had been lost, there was just so much at stake. Thankfully Kiara had come out of the fight with only a few scratches, burns and bruises considering what she could have lost that night. He wondered how Knox was able to move on from Manhattan's death, if it was him in that situation he wouldn't be sure that he could have left her there. Their connection was much deeper than just friends it was more of a need for survival. He considered her to be as much of a sister than he did any other siblings he might have kicking around (not that he wanted any).

"I would gladly do it again in a heartbeat." He commented gratefully bowing his head to show his thanks. A rustling of the brush drew his ear before an image of his own arse flashed before his eyes. "Well at least there is no ugly boils." He joked playfully through the bond him and Kiara shared. A few seconds of silence passed by before Kiara emerged from the brush to leap up onto his back. Cringing as her claws scraped at his tender flesh he turned his head back to her with a raised brow. "Really?" Watching her give a subtle shrug he turned back to Tiamat hoping to find her in a not too freaked out state. "This here is Kiara, she is with me so there is no need to worry." He quickly said hoping to dissolve any fear that might be there. "We tend to travel around to keep current on what is happening in and around Helovia. What is it that brings you out on such a beautiful night?"




Ciceron talks
Silent Speech
Kiara speaks

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Table by Moonstone Designs
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Tiamat the Ocean's Light Posts: 360
Aurora Basin Lady atk: 8 | def: 10 | dam: 3
Mare :: Unicorn :: 15.2 :: 6 years HP: 60 | Buff: NOVICE
Nimue :: Common Orca Leviathan :: Boil Reli
#7
“I’m sure you would,” the ocean mare smiles softly, tenderly, sure that this stallion’s heart is as unadulterated and generous as the gallant knight she remembers at the Earth God’s battle—readily defending any damsel or poor person in need. It makes her heart burn with a warm glow to meet such a respectable character, overwhelmed by his goodness, and proud to know that the world’s dark shadows have not smothered his light (of course, Tiamat is naïve from many of life’s cruelties, sheltered in her own innocence, and cannot fathom what hardships this gentleman might have been forced to face). She only sees his grace now, in this moment, and assumes the best.

Suddenly, there is movement through the illuminated darkness, a white streak of a predatory animal leaping towards the dappled stallion. “Oh my goodness—Ciceron—!” The ocean mare gasps in horror, trying to warn him, her heart leaping into her throat as her body moves forward. However, just as she takes a step to try and help him, the striped animal—a tiger, she now realizes—perches on the stallion’s back.

The blue mare’s muscles grow tense as she stops her advancement, her brow knitting together in a moment of confusion. “Are you alright?” There is still a sense of urgent concern that lingers in her voice, not understanding the situation yet—but when Ciceron turns to the animal, seeming to give her some sort of glance, the tension in Tiamat’s chest slowly begins to release. Finally, she realizes that there is no danger here. “Oh,” she nearly laughs at herself, nodding when the gray stallion explains and introduces the tiger as Kiara, “Hello, Kiara! I’m Tiamat.” She offers a bright smile to the animal, hoping that no offense was taken at her reaction.

“You’re companions?” White eyes flicker between the two, fluted ears pressing forward in her curiosity. Tiamat does not know an extensive amount about the bond, not having experienced it herself, but she recognizes it as a beautiful and reverent thing. She has never seen a companion like Kiara before—but it would seem that there isn’t a limit on what species can be bonded.

Exhaling quietly when Ciceron continues, she offers a warm, assenting smile. “That’s not a bad idea, I like to see the wonders of Helovia myself. Never know when someone might need some help.” Tiamat winks playfully, white eyes glistening beneath her sister stars, the delicate lines of her face thrown into contrast by the faint light of dusk. “I’m kind of on my way home—I’m from the Basin. Taking the scenic route, I suppose,” the ocean mare laughs airily, the shells in her hair chiming to compliment the sweet sound. Her heart lies in the mountains, but she is in no hurry to rush her way. “Where are you from, Ciceron?” She peers up at him curiously, leonine tail swaying gently behind her.


“Speech.”
@Ciceron | image credits
please tag Tia in all replies!
magic & force are permitted.

Ciceron Posts: 315
Outcast atk: 6.5 | def: 9.5 | dam: 6.5
Stallion :: Unicorn :: 16.2 :: 6 HP: 69.5 | Buff: ENDURE
Kiara :: White Tiger :: Poison nickel
#8
Ciceron
&
Kiara
You don't understand what it's like
to live always at war, to grow up with
battle and sacrifice;;
Lorem ipsum dolor


A hearty chuckle escapes his lips as he turns back to see a rather petrified look to his new friend's face at the presence of Kiara. Rolling his hips in a gentle buck that barely lifts his hind hooves from the ground he jokes with Kiara seemingly scolding her for giving the mare such a fright, as usual this does little to phase the tigress who easily rides out the motion before settling back down her blue eyes turning to regard Tiamat. "I'm alright save a scratch or two. No need to worry about her hurting either of us." He reaffirmed with the offering of his muzzle hoping the mare would once again step forward and join them. The pair was used to the shocked reaction of new acquaintances that somehow a tiger and a unicorn could share a bond such as the one they did. In a lot of ways he to was still shocked by the fact that Kiara had been the glory that had hatched from the egg he had found abandoned in the ice and snow. They sure had come a long way considering she at one time used to be able to sit a top his head and observe everything from the same height as he did, if such a stunt was attempted now it would likely result in one or both of them winding up hurting one another.

"It's always a shock for most to find out that Kiara wound up choosing to bond with me, in fact even sometimes it still surprises me. Not that I would change it for the world." He added flicking a ear back as Kiara gave a satisfied growl in response.

The grey was glad to see a smile light up Tiamat's face shortly afterwards giving him the impression that the pair of them hadn't managed to scare her away just yet, considering he was actually starting to enjoy their conversation. It was a nice change to talk to another that was not biased in their ways or someone who was a closed minded as a couple he had met before. It did come as a bit of a surprise to hear that the mare was from the Basin given the snarky attitudes of the few he had come across before but it just went to show you cannot judge a book by its cover. It was also good to know that not all of the Basiners seemed to hold the high and mighty stuff over everyone's heads. Illynx had seemed to prefer those with crowns but to be fair he had never encountered her interactions with others not bearing their horns either so really it could just be a facade in the end. Intrigued by her questions it was easy to come up with the required answers. " We are from the Hidden Falls." He replied motioning back over his shoulder in the general direction of his homeland. "It is at least warmer there." He joked with a teasing glint.


Ciceron Speaks
Kiara Speaks
Silent Speech

Image Credit


@Tiamat
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Pixel Base- BronzeHalo
**Please Tag Me In All Posts**
Permission to attack, use magic and injure with the exception of maiming or death.

Tiamat the Ocean's Light Posts: 360
Aurora Basin Lady atk: 8 | def: 10 | dam: 3
Mare :: Unicorn :: 15.2 :: 6 years HP: 60 | Buff: NOVICE
Nimue :: Common Orca Leviathan :: Boil Reli
#9
The young blue mare eyes both the stallion and his tiger, a hint of wariness lingering along the lines of her expression, stemmed from the concern that continues to squeeze her heart. She is not necessarily frightened—it is only her instincts, telling her that this picture is abnormal and potentially dangerous. However, there is a much larger voice—the voice of her trust, and the knowledge that bonded companions are a magnificent thing—that quells her wariness. Ciceron’s assurance subdues it completely, and a genuine smile returns to her soft lips. “Good to hear that,” Tiamat looks to Kiara and gives the tigress a dainty, almost reverent nod of her head.

Accepting the dappled stallion’s gesture eagerly, she presses her muzzle to his once more, his manly scent and warm breath tickling her nostrils. This simple motion both calms and excites the ocean mare. It soothes her to have proximity to one as kind as him, his chivalry and generosity electrifying her tender heart, as it does whenever she is fortunate enough to witness the goodness of this world. Many would say such lights are rare in this dark world, but Tiamat is not so despairing (or naïve perhaps, but it is her naivety that keeps her pure and hopeful).

Pulling away when Ciceron continues, Tiamat’s smile softens admirably as he talks of his relationship with his companion. It is heartening to hear. “I’m not too terribly familiar with how ‘bonding’ works—though it seems like a beautiful thing. It must be wonderful to have each other,” the reflection of the stars shine in her eyes as the mare looks to each of them, so at ease with one another, and so connected. Tiamat has hardly ever felt alone (since her mother sky is always watching with a devoted eye) but she cannot deny how wonderful it would be—it is truly a gift.

Fluted ears pricking forward at the mention of the Hidden Falls, the ocean mare laughs blithely at the stallion’s joke, her eyes momentarily following where he had gestured. “I’m sure it is,” she says before looking back to him, her laughter still lingering in the merry curve of her lips, “the Basin’s winter nights can be quite unforgiving, especially for one built like myself, but the herd takes care of us—there are always fires glowing, and hot springs to keep yourself comfortable.” She speaks fondly of the mountainous valley, a hint of wistfulness lacing her tone and lighting her eyes. It is her home, and she loves it dearly, not imagining living anywhere else.

Nevertheless, she knows very little about the other three herd lands. While they might not reach the high level that the Basin has set in her heart, she doesn’t doubt that they are all beautiful and hospitable in their own right. She wonders about his home. Ultimately, her curiosity is much too great to swallow, and she questions the dappled stallion, taking a step forward as she does so. “What is the Hidden Falls like? Have you lived there long?” Tiamat’s head tilts slightly in her interest, white doe-eyes round with silent anticipation of his answers.


“Speech.”
@Ciceron | image credits
please tag Tia in all replies!
magic & force are permitted.


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