The corporal stood upon an outcropping of stone looking over the entrance to the Basin. The sentinels stood watch, looming forms etched with rust and frost. They were constructed from metal and steel, infused with magic to protect the herd when the watchful eyes of the soldiers were turned inwards to what they were protecting, versus threats that would jeopardize their security. But perhaps that was a time that had come and gone as eras typically do. And until she had proof they were still protective, Ki'irha would have to assume they were nothing more than relics of a different time. Since the girl had no faith they would spring to life, she stood at her post dutifully, creating her own sense of safety. She was a corporal. It was her responsibility to the people to ensure they were safe.

Two forms became visible in the distance, their scent preceding them. Silver eyes narrowed as she watched their approach, body stiffening. It was difficult to identify the pair, horse and companion, as far from her as they were. Eyes flicked to the sentinels, a soft snort escaping her. If you wanted something done properly, you should do it yourself.

Pried from her precipice, she began her graceful descent. The blue settled into a trot once she hit flat ground, and it seemed as though someone had beat her to the intercept. A unicorn she didn't recognize, a black stag dipped in copper, stood ahead of her. Did he belong here? But he seemed to approach the newcomers from within the walls of the Basin, so she assumed he belonged to the herd. She was almost impressed by his eagerness to defend the threshold.

However, she was not impressed for long. She scowled as he called out an insult. "That is no way to treat a guest," she reprimanded, slowing as she passed. "Anyways, who is the coward? He approaches our threshold while you stand back and shout at him from the safety of the sentinels."

Slipping away, she did not grant the black and copper buck time to rebuke her statement. Instead, she continued forward as a hospitable host, or a defender expecting answers. She stopped past the sentinels, paying enough respect to the approaching stallion to allow him the opportunity to speak face to face. Her expression did not soften when she saw the flat head of the stranger. His companion was occupied with the hooves of the sentinels, and internally she begged for him to avoid lifting his leg. Her mane fluttered down the nape of her neck as a freezing breeze swept past the pair.

"Stranger," she greeted, voice calm but lacking any warmth. "You have arrived at the border of the Aurora Basin. I am Ki'irha, and serve the Basin as a corporal." She paused, allowing the newcomer to share his name before continuing. "What is your business here? I warn you to watch your tongue, as you are in our home, and you will not find kindness if your answer is incorrect." Perhaps the equine was lost. The Aurora Basin was not known for equality, or kindness towards those who did not wear a crown. The star girl was intolerant, but not merciless. She would happily provide directions to send the buck away to warmer weather and happier places, versus allowing him to wander through the vast north and freeze as Frostfall thundered in.

Talk
@Daemyn @Albrecht ~

I’ll taste the night sky —
     AND FEEL ALIVE AGAIN