Dagger

Fate had pulled her here. It had beckoned her like sweets to a small child. No, no godly voice had boomed down at her from the heavens telling her where to go. It had just been a strange feeling, like stepping through a dream. The closer she had got to these lands the more at ease she felt, like coming home. Yet this was her first visit. Her slight form danced through the bush. She felt tiny among the giants of the forest, their vast trunks scattered about her and their canopy of leaves shielding her from the tallsun high above. Her eyes, like rubies, scanned the terrain she passed through. Looking for just a glimpse of another like herself. 

The Threshold it seemed stretched on endlessly, and after travelling for days, she had started to tire. Slowing her gait slightly, she spotted a small stream ahead. Coming to a halt near the edge, her quaint crown lowered and her soft lips were submerged, the water moistening her throat. A large fir tree stood guard over the trickling waters, the foliage at it's base making a cosy little den. She stood for a moment, before letting her dainty legs folding beneath her. Curling into the soft bed of moss, resting her aching muscles. With the shrubbery now concealing her from the prying gaze of onlookers and shadows seemingly creeping around her, she faded into it. Her dreams were uneasy, reminding her of some she had lost. Her dear friend, her dear Cloak.

We're volcanoes in the night
Glowing in the dark like meteorites

✞✞✞

From the dead of night her body rose from the plundering pile of thickets eating away at her pasterns and knees and chewing the length of her tail as she pushed ever forward and further into the dense woody land. Behind her slept a trail of dead ends and lost causes, and ahead everything she could want. Somewhere up there was Dagger, and that was the only place she needed to be.
The only one she wanted.

Helovia’s name had long since crossed the threshold of her lips, years ago in a village where she was still stuck by her mother’s side and learning to walk. There were rumors about varying Gods and their variety of followers and such a tale had sounded blasphemous; how could anyone revere a god that did not rule over the night? The concept had never been dug up in the place she lived, all she knew bowed only to the God of the moon and she could not conceive the notion of doing otherwise. Yet the stories were still told around fireplaces in the dark and she listened and drank up and ground the tales until they were printed in her thoughts and she would never forget them. When she was old enough to travel on her own she sought out the Moon God’s blessing and went on her way to find Helovia. She needed to see if what she had heard was true, if there existed a land where multiple gods lived and how the believers managed to orient themselves.
It was on a night after leaving that fate brought her into Dagger’s arms, and she had refused to be apart for long since.

It was together that they traversed the world to find their final destination, though it seemed as time passed Dagger got further and further ahead. She had stayed behind to let her friend do what she did best, knowing Dagger would be waiting for her at the end. The golden chains on her necklace lightly clinked as she wandered ever forward, the once vexatious sounds then something she found a comfort. When black eyes finally caught up to her counterpart, a slight uplifting of the corners of her mouth put a light in her step. She ceased movements to take a breath to admire, then the sudden appearance of another and the commotion made put her in motion once more, parting through the trees just as he finished speaking. The melted-coated girl drew up behind Dagger as her expression fell flat, ears perked toward the boy though clearly disappointed nonetheless, daring him to take another step closer to her. “We do not need your help,” coarse, dove-feather soft, the words merely floated on a breeze around them. She turned ‘you’ into ‘we,’ of course, as whatever happened to Dagger also happened to her. There was nothing she couldn’t fix for her friend by herself.

Eventide is softly casting o'er the earth a magic spell,

And a love-song, everlasting, on the night wind seems to swell.

Ever since the meeting a warm glow had resided within her, like a private little sun taken residence not far from the heart. It was joy and confidence, it was a new sense of belonging and purpose, because by being accepted by the newly appointed Seer as his assistant, acolyte and legitimate tag along Erthë finally felt that she was accepted within the Edge. Not as a by-product of her father, nor because she happened to know the King fairly well; she was there by her own power, of her own making, and this was accepted and approved of.

She hadn't even asked in what business the midnight-hued stallion set out, as she caught him leaving the borders of their woodland realm. Nor had she asked if she was welcome to join. Instead she simply followed in his footsteps, quiet and a fair bit slower due to the heavy limp on a front leg. Never would she dream of calling out, of asking him to slow down and match her pace; she'd die before disturbing him in whatever duty he performed.

No, the filly just wanted to be there, to see and listen and try to understand - because surely, obviously, a Seer had to always be a Seer and do a Seer's duty.

Right?

As she finally caught up with Alune however, her intent of remaining unobtrusive and silent began to falter right away. They'd caught up with a group of strangers, newcomers by the look of it and the usual gaggle of hopeful recruiters. Her superior made the usual introductions and offers, but even as she listened the filly couldn't help but eye the two mares sceptically, her usual exuberant acceptance of people doused rather effectively by the equine mare's harsh refusal.

"I don't know, sir," she mumbled and took a tentative half step towards Alune, "are you sure we want them in the Edge? It's good to be welcoming and all, but personally I don't really have much patience for rude people."

Pale eyes narrowed slightly as she took in the white-splashed woman, gaze as steady as it was direct; rare was the time when Erthë felt instantaneous dislike towards someone, but this seemed to be one of those instances. The bay, on the other hand, had remained silent so far. This was a definite improvement; she hoped the mare would prove more likable than her comrade, and also that either or both wold choose to follow anyone but themselves. Were they really in such dire need to swell the ranks that they had to accept anyone that came knocking? Would it not be better to wait, see what they were truly like and then convince them that the World's Edge was the better option?

But the young girl said none of this out loud. Unlike the ebony one, she had been taught manners as she grew up. And she, unlike the ebony one, knew how to phrase the words so that they sounded pleasant, regardless of which tone of voice one used.

"My name is Erthë, also of the World's Edge. If you are not here to seek aid, then for what purpose have you come to Helovia, miss...?"

Her voice, unusually cool and correct as she addressed the strangers, trailed off as pale dual-colored eyes roamed from one to the other beneath raised brows, asking the question her tongue refused to pose. There, now that was polite, wasn't it. Not very pleasant, perhaps, but definitely polite.

Take that, you paint-dribbly ebony mare you.

Dagger

Her deep sleep raced her to far off places, to lands she seemingly hadn't been for what felt like an age. Though in reality it had only taken her a few days, a week at most, to traverse the terrain to Helovia. It had been a grueling time. The world had seemed so vast during those travels she had felt like this wondrous new place was but an old fairy tale mothers had used to help their young wards sleep. Her maw curved up into the tiniest smirk as she thought back to how her own dear mother would spin tales for her, whether it was to help her sleep or take her mind off that bully in the herd. Commonly of young heroines defeating monsters, or some kind of evil. Now she was older she understood that those stories were told to inspire hope and confidence within her, and they had. Look how far she had come now.

As she drifted the ache in her limbs began to fade, the toll of her journey seeming further away by the minute. It was like being swallowed by the fluffy clouds high above, their soft bodies cushioning her. In the grey, foggy expanse that surrounded her dark shadowy tendrils started to form. They came from all around but at the same time as if they were coming from within her. It was strange, like deja vu, she had seen this happen before. Most beings would probably start to feel alarmed at this point but Dagger didn't, she was engulfed with curiosity. The limbs of shadow lengthened before her, pooling a short distance away. Forming into a shape. Another equine? The shadowy form stepped closer through the haze, although the closer the being came the more blurred and distorted it seemed. It was almost close enough to touch her now ..

Something brushed against her rump, soft, whiskery and warm. At first she was bemused, her dream had touched her. Actually touched her, but realization soon swung round. The musky smell of a new being filled her blackened nostrils, a brute it seemed. It hadn't been part of her dream at all, something in the real world had brushed against her. Ruby pools flew open, startled, her sight landing on a an unfamiliar equine form. Her dainty, decorated crest lifted from her pillow of moss as she assessed the beast in front of her. A possible threat, and being curled up on the ground she was clearly at a disadvantage. She took in his form, his large wings now pinned to his scarlet frame. His cranium dished and build similar to her own. An inquiry to her wellbeing was spilled between them, to all appearances he seemed anxious over the mishap. Reason told her that he didn't pose a threat to her, if anything he appeared more put out that she did. Front pedestals started to unfold beneath her, her rear ready to push up from the ground. A response started to compose on her lips, to bid that all was fine and to introduce herself, but a familiar tune filled the air. 'We do not need your help.' Her crown snapped back to take in the beautiful figure, her Cloak. Her heart palpitated, joy flowing through her. Oh her dear Cloak, how she had missed her after they were separated.

The next series of events happened in what seemed a blur. Two more beings made an appearance, another rather large brute and a much smaller young filly. This time she was up in an instant, her bodice aligning up with that of her ashen counterpart, neck lightly arched. She felt more defensive this time, now her companion was here. They were not sisters, although they certainly came across that way. Their bond was something special. The charcoal mare listened intently to what the newcomers had to say, their words filling the silence. Dagger took an almost instantaneous liking to the azure titan before them, not only had he come across friendly and inviting but he had also spoken of the Moon Goddess. One of the main reasons the pair were now in Helovia. Hope had filled within her at his lyrics and she was sure Cloak would have felt the same, but the young one now spoke. Her gaze immediately narrowing at the adolescents hypocritical controversy. Thoughts whipped back insults at the wretch, though jaw staying firmly shut. Dagger took the high ground, she would not spew any vile words at the one who called herself Erthë, she was still a babe and to her obviously still learning the ins and outs of things.

Keeping her gaze steady and her tone also, she address the three of them. 'Good evening to you all, I am Dagger.' She nudged her beloved Cloak fondly. 'And this is my dear friend Cloak. We have traveled far to find a home here in Helovia.' She had to almost force her lips to curve into a smile after the little ones outburst but she tried not to let it show. After all she wouldn't want to loose the invite they had received to join a herd that favored the moon in all her glory. Patiently she waited for the verdict.

We're volcanoes in the night
Glowing in the dark like meteorites

✞✞✞

Perhaps it was strange for one to feel so strongly about another whom was not related nor of romantic involvement, but if was not a relationship that she would have been able to accurately describe. The mere thought of her red-stained companion made her heart swell and chest feel constricted in anticipation of seeing her. Dagger was more than a friend than she could put meaning to, the one whose side she would never part from. She supposed that would have been translated without a necessity of words to any who viewed the two together; it as assumed that her actions would explain themselves without need for clarification. She was not known to be a volatile, rude sort of dame who made decisions without thought first; quite contrarily, much time was given to ensuring that whatever she would do was the correct choice to make.
However, it seemed that those gathered around had not been able to pick apart any of that.

Her retort had not been constructed as an insult to the winged that happened to stumble upon Dagger, for she had no reason to fear any sort of harm to be inflicted upon her. Dagger would have made certain of that. Instead, her displeasure had been drawn about by the haphazard way their first interaction had played out--if Dagger had been hurt and needed assistance she simply would have aided the horned herself. The one with feathers wouldn't have needed to pay any mind to it. But as two others approached and said their parts and established their roles she couldn't help but feel urge to shake her head and simply walk away. The tri-horned male began to say things of interest to her though, and her attention was fully pulled back to the matter at hand. Ears turned to settle in his direction as soulless black eyes rested pointedly on Dagger; she would know exactly what began to fill up the walls of her mind. It was the entire reason they sought Helovia.

The burning gaze of the white lady put holes in her skin but she allowed Dagger to speak for them both as per the usual with the two. It had been true, then, what went around in her village. There existed different gods all residing in one land. But it was only the Moon she wished to serve under. Upon Rift's words she faced him and gave a slight shake of her skull-painted head, but left out any reasoning to go along with it. Unless Dagger explained for her, he would not understand that it was not because of who he was that they would not be joining them, but simply due to her beliefs. She wondered perhaps if she would ever get the chance to tell him so herself, but that was not her time.

Eventide is softly casting o'er the earth a magic spell,

And a love-song, everlasting, on the night wind seems to swell.

The filly pursed her cherry blossom lips as her remark and question both went by without a response. It did nothing to ease her impression that the mares - in plural now, because being overlooked rather soured her attitudes towards Dagger as well - and she hummed sceptically as Alune murmured his suggestion.

"What would anyone come looking for here? Don't they have their own lands out there? Go be rude there instead!"

This time she fixed her gaze on both arrivals in turn, a fierce and challenging look in the pale eyes that dared them to ignore her again.

"Is it too much to ask to use polite words and answer questions? Are you refusing to speak to me because I'm younger than you? I don't think that's a very good mindset to have when you come to a new place. Regardless of why, and especially if you want to find a home."

Stubbornly the dove held her head high, a ferocious chicken that looked determined to peck anyone who didn't offer her at least a grain. The slender tail thrashed by the hocks now, her slim reserve of patience nearly running out already; it was a good thing that Alune was there, like a rock standing in the way of her thrashing waves and halting the onslaught of irritation.

Erthë wasn't used to be overlooked. Wherever she had set foot, horses had turned their heads and reacted to her presence. For being young, for being brash, for being precocious and probably for reasons she couldn't even begin to fathom. Sometimes they had seen her in the midst of reckless or stupid actions, and she had been scolded for not thinking... but never had she truly been ignored. It was a shock to see the gazes of the mares pass over her like she wasn't even there, to find no smiles and no returning words - happy or cross, welcoming or declining.

Overlooked. It chilled her very soul and left her lonely, hurt, slowly bleeding from a wound that didn't show. Later in life she would look back upon this moment and call herself silly for it, but now that the girl was in the midst of it she felt it all; the anger, the indignation, shame and humiliation and the horrible, raw sensation of not being of any importance. It was a first, so she felt it all but had no word for it, and in response she grew hostile like a hedgehog turning its spikes outwards in a shield.

Thinking, that by striking back she might avoid being struck again.

Dagger

It struck her that she should probably dwell more on her dreaming. It had to be a sign for something. They had happened more frequently since her travels to Helovia. Like the two were linked somehow. Deep shadows coming from within her. Did it stand to tell her that within her there was a darkness she couldn't escape from? An evil she was yet to discover? Or perhaps it meant something else entirely .. Alas there was no time to pick apart her thoughts now, she would have to wait after this meeting had finished. She wondered if they had witch doctors within the family of Edge, surely they would have answers for her. She would ask when given a spare moment, this fellow Alune seemed to know what he was talking about. For now she would do her best not to worry herself, surely if there was darkness within her she would have felt it before now? She couldn't be corrupt without having a say in it .. right?

Friendly jewels studied the chestnut stag, he was kind on the eyes and she felt partially at fault for the misunderstanding between him and her Cloak. She dipped her head at his words. 'There are no need for apologies on your part Rift, you are well met but I think I can speak on behalf of us both when we decline your offer, as generous as it is.' She liked this fellow though, there was something about him that made her want to know more. It didn't help that his plumage was quite mesmerizing. 'Word travels far beyond the borders of these lands, we seek to serve the Lady Moon.' Pedestals eagerly pulled her forwards a couple of steps, though she didn't stray too far from her now silent friend. Now they were together again she didn't want to risk loosing her in the unfamiliar land before them. Before long it was the alabaster dove's turn to spit her verse.

She could not help it, a curve of amusement played upon her lips. The young vixens words were sharp and she clearly seemed rather vexed by the situation. Though she felt slightly bemused by the second outburst. What did the little one have to complain about? Sure, she had not gone into great detail yet about why Cloak and herself had traveled such lengths to be here, but she had told her why and introduced the pair to the three of them. In her head she replayed her actions. She had not risen to snap back at the filly's cool lyrics, she had politely exchanged their names and told them why they had crossed the borders of Helovia. They sought a home. 'Young one, to which question do you feel I left unanswered?' Her tone was a little dry, she had not needed to draw on her patience for a long time but now she tried. The lady bless them all.

We're volcanoes in the night
Glowing in the dark like meteorites

✞✞✞

There became a whirlwind of activity (read: slight breeze that ruffled the edges of conversation) that increased the melted-mares disinterest in the topics floating about, her mind once more wandering to places far away from which they stood, to a time that was neither future nor past.
If only she were able to make the arduous trek back to her home village, share what little yet enthralling news she had gathered in her short time amid the trees in Helovia. Even there there existed a God of the Moon and she had managed to find its very divine; with her beloved Dagger she would be able to follow in his steps and he could lead her toward their patron of the night. How different would she be from the one in Vestiomel? The question was rhetorical in the white-faced's mind, for it mattered not to her the disposition or visage for which the God took--she would trail her shadows all the same.

She snapped back to there just as Alune's regards to Rift trailed off, and the porcelain girl chirpped her discrepancies. Simultaneously the saturated stallion began his departure, and black eyes caught his goodbyes. She in turn bowed her head to his moving figure, pleased that Dagger had at least offered her explanation for their refusal. Even still something tightened in her chest at the fallen expression upon his face, and she very nearly broke her vow of silence to mend the frayed emotions when Dagger's own words filled the spaces themselves. Skull-marks turned in her direction while eyes slipped to the young hybrid's thin frame, head shaking in short, soft succession at her unicorn friend. She would know that it meant the point was futile, trying to appease Erthë, following up her venom-laced accusations with answers. Smoothing her ruffled feathers was not something to be done with words, but letting her bath in her anger until she came out of its embrace herself. The pair could not please everyone who crossed before them; sometimes it wasn't their job to help them out of their irritation either.

Finally the moon boy's words, an invitation to the very place Erthë least wanted them, broke the tension and the Arab took but few small steps in his direction, pointedly accepting. Her features softened for the first time in that meeting, grateful for his service, black-tinged lips curving in the most subtle of smiles. No matter the length of the walk they would have to make, she was pleased--after so long of searching for that land, they finally fell straight into its lap at the foot of the Moon Goddess.