the Rift


[OPEN] It's been a long time wandering... [Welcoming]

Fiachra Posts: 21
Outcast atk: 7.5 | def: 10 | dam: 2.5
Mare :: Unicorn :: 16.3hh :: 5 - Ages at Birdsong HP: 60 | Buff: NOVICE
Gebo
#1
fiachra

The atmosphere turned colder the further north they traveled. Fiachra suppressed a shiver as a chill wind lifted the guide hairs on her back, but it soon died down. The movement helped to warm her and she wasn't entirely unaccustomed to the cold. She would adjust to this type of weather again soon.

Glancing over at Zahra, the young filly who had accompanied her, she smiled. It had been a long while since she had traveled in good company. Or company at all, really. She enjoyed the yearling's presence very much, even forgetting the worry of joining a new herd.

Fiachra was no stranger to how it worked to coming to a new land and needing acceptance. She had come and gone from many herds over the past couple of years, never staying for much longer than it took to make friends that she missed when she moved on. She knew she would be put under scrutiny, judged, and that the leaders here would either see fit to allow her into their lands, or not. That was their right, after all. She was nervous, but she was not swayed. She would present herself to this new herd and she would either be welcomed readily, or turned away.

She only hoped she would be able to stay friends with young Zahra if that were the case. Already, she had grown quite fond of the winged vraga.

At last, Fiachra sensed the herdland border. She had crossed many such boundaries before. Dropping her head, she drew in a long breath and sniffed the snow covered ground. The smell was faint, due to the frozen landscape, but it was there. Someone had patrolled this border recently. This had to be the southern most border of the Aurora Basin.

With another glance at Zahra, Fiachra lifted her face to the sky and whinnied a greeting to those nearby, informing them of her arrival. Of the arrival of a newcomer. Then, with bated breath, she waited for her judgement.

"Speak"

@Zahra
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Please tag Fiachra in first posts only!
Minor force is fine, but please ask before inflicting lasting damage, etc.

Zahra Posts: 64
Outcast
Filly :: Pegasus :: 15hh :: 2 Years
Hanna :: Common Kitsune :: Fire & Ilham :: Bark Spider :: None Riven
#2
Zahra, Ilham, and Hanna
It was pride that turned angels into devils
She waited with unbridled eagerness for either to respond - delicately cupped ears pirouetting beneath the slowly wandering shadow of lazy clouds, a mild breeze stirring both the spindly, towering redwood canopies and the fringe of greying mane about her slim face, to life.
 
Naturally the first to speak was the stallion (he who’s name she had fumbled so clumsily), and her sparkling eyes danced to meet his; laughter, like that which had burst abruptly from his ash-white lips, seemed also to spill from each marvellously unique pool. Zahra could not easily settle on either blue or green, and her captivated gaze began to flick erratically, dizzyingly between them. Moments before Zahra began to sway, Ezzi paused, and the young painted girl found herself nodding thoughtfully – which in turn severed the bond upon her eyes. Back when Asha had first invited the siblings back to his home, the same reservations had filled her heart… or Bird’s, it was hard to remember.
 
At mention of her feathers, wasted wings lifted from their permanent rest beside each flank (hair murky and rough beneath) and the yearling cast back over them a rather cautious look. Indeed, they were not frozen – and neither were any of her new family back in the icy cold valley. She turned, teeth flashing below grinning black lips, to assert the comfort of the Basin, but already his smooth character had shifted attention back to Fiachra. Zahra, obliging and very raw, thought little of the deviation and settled herself down across lanky limbs to listen again; Ezital spoke highly of the falls, and his account of its climate appealed immensely. Little did the filly know, beneath the rugged face of mountain in that realm, a golden tomb concealed the bones of her beloved, much missed sire.
 
“Mmm…” she hummed gently, not at all realising the concept of ‘recruitment’. “The Falls. Your home does sound lovely Ezzi.” With a startled quirk of her velvet nose and a pause of breath the consider (almost as though it had been her he had been speaking to), Zahra accepted his side note on the one called Ciceron – and the fact that spar seemed quite the awful… thing. Ezital smiled then, more in the direction of their company, but the young girl smiled brightly in unison all the same.
 
Astonishingly, Fiachra’s face reflected nothing of the delight so expected by the youngest of the (mostly) dark-coated trio and in the seconds to follow each invitation, she stood there confused. It seemed to be only after the itch upon the other’s skin had been well chewed, that any cheer returned to her thrice-horned face. As she began to reply, Zahra focused all thought intently upon each word, unsure whether the mild natured Falls weather would appeal more than the dancing lights in the Basin’s night sky. To her utter relief and between shifting glances that the girl found hard read, their friend suggested a journey which should in turn grant her more time to think. Still sooner than the mare’s last word had vanished to the wind (the breeze, that was more like a soft breath around them), the filly was prancing in a northerly direction – spinning to meet Ezital and Fiachra head on. 
 
“Oooh, this is so exciting!” she gushed immediately, fidgeting on the spot, entirely unable to contain her enthusiasm. “It’s this way… along this track here (fluttering nostrils brushed low across a littered goat-track which curled away roughly through the trees behind her) ... and it won’t take us too long if we go now – a bit faster than this though…” Zahra turned back to the journey then, neck stiff and upright as she wore diligently the responsibility of leading them all safely home. Occasionally her glowing creamy eyes darted back to be certain the grown-ups weren’t falling too far behind – she would smile broadly for them each time, and her knees would lift happily.
 

 
The filly with the feathery black wings drove an unwavering line into the chill of the north, not for one second slowing should age dare betray her strength – she had travelled far without rest many times in her small life. Though her body did begin to ache, and her breath grew heavy in the later hours, Zahra held her upbeat stance and found them at last upon the threshold of her home. It was a pass between sky-bound mountains, narrow, and snow laid the previous night felt wet and wild as she passed through. Bravely, the filly skirted closer by the old rusted sentinels than even she had before; she eyed at them carefully, noting aloud that they had there even longer than she had called these parts home. In fact, it was obvious that the old metal structures had seen possibly more seasons than she had seen altogether.
 
Eventually they came to be standing somewhere within Aurora Basin (but not too far beyond the southern border) – maybe about the same spot Asha had stopped with her only weeks before.  Fiachra lifted her chin and called brightly to the endless blue above and Zahra shuffled backwards a little to position herself comfortably – as much as they allowed – between her fond companions. There wasn’t a flicker of doubt in her mind; her unicorn family would welcome them with open arms.
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@Fiachra @Ezital
Permission given for all except death
Please only tag Zahra in openers and spars


Wishlist | The Spider-Silk Shoppe | Absences

Fiachra Posts: 21
Outcast atk: 7.5 | def: 10 | dam: 2.5
Mare :: Unicorn :: 16.3hh :: 5 - Ages at Birdsong HP: 60 | Buff: NOVICE
Gebo
#3
fiachra
Home, where I wanted to go,
And nothing else compares.
Fiachra's rich purple eyes flitted over the monstrous metal forms guarding the pass as she and her small party entered the frozen herdland. Thought she suspected the giant figures were merely statues, meant to intimidate those who would trespass, she could not shake the feeling that they would suddenly come to life, peer at her with their cold metallic eyes, and smite her where she stood. With a shudder, she pushed that thought as far away from the front of her mind as she could. Never the less, she huddled in closer to Zahra, who seemed, at least, more sure of herself than not. Their barrels were close enough to brush together, and Fiachra could almost feel the touch of the gold-brushed filly's coat on hers. A small, nearly silent sigh escaped the older mare's lips at the closeness of another warm, equine body.

After her greeting call was echoing across the snowy pass, she turned her head to the side where stood little Zahra. She offered the yearling a warm smile. There was an excitement growing inside the dark mare that she knew was only partially due to finding herself in a new land surrounded by new acquaintances. She was a people-person, she had known that since she was probably not much younger than Zahra's age. Fiachra had desperately missed having other horses around her. More than that, though, she had missed having someone to care for.

During her time in her band of raiders back in the Riy, Fiachra had often cared for the well-being of her band-mates, both mental and physical. The life of a raider was rarely easy. Many of them were there because they were not, or could not, be accepted elsewhere. She herself had been stolen at a young age, and the herds then saw her as tainted, unworthy. Pompous, stuck-up, traditionalist old beans! She could only hope that this land was more open, more accepting than those in the Oaken Riy. Anyways, Fiachra shook herself back to her previous train of thought.

"Zahra," the black mare began, looking solemnly, but not amiably at the vraga. "Do your parents live here? Your family?" She hoped the question wasn't impertinent, but something deep inside of her needed to know. She needed to make sure the filly was well looked after. What if Zahra was like her? An orphan? Fiachra remembered what it had been like to be alone before Babrako took her in and raised her. That was back before the raiders, a much simpler and easier time, orphaned as she was, as most carefree foal years are. "Do you have anyone?" she finished simply, extending her muzzle out, intent on nibbling a bit of Zahra's fading gray mane.

"Talk."
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@Zahra @ anyone else who wants to going in
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Please tag Fiachra in first posts only!
Minor force is fine, but please ask before inflicting lasting damage, etc.

Rexanna Posts: 499
World's Edge Mare atk: 4.5 | def: 8.0 | dam: 5.5
Mare :: Unicorn :: 15hh :: 7 years HP: 61.5 | Buff: NOVICE
Marembo :: Marbled Polecat :: None Skylark
#4
rexanna
some call love a thief —
The Thief had managed to spend a consistent amount of time away from her son, a feat of which she was slowing beginning to regret. He was growing up fast and she knew that, but it didn’t make it any easier to see him grow before her eyes. His speech grew better and his mane grew in darker. His sapphire eyes caught hers often with such strength behind them. She figured that was what happened when a child was both a mix between a priest and a thief. Daring and faithful. Though, today was one of those days she had crept away from her son, leaving her in the Crafter’s hands so she could attend to other business. She still wasn’t entirely sure what other business she could do, but as she closed in on the large metal Sentinels, she caught glimpse of two creatures at the border.

She was intrigued, ears perked as her golden spotted cream bodice swayed to the entrance. If the only business she could do was make sure that creatures were accepted into the Basin so her Lords and Lady didn’t have to, that was good enough for her. As she grew closer, she noticed a horned mare she had never seen before that smelled quite similar to the Threshold, and a winged yearling that carried no such horn and yet smelled so strangely of her home. Rexanna grew curious at why the child had smelled so much like her home – knowing fair well the stories of those that came without the graceful crown upon their bodies.

Nevertheless, the golden mare dipped her head to the two of them and smiled gently. “Hello! I’m Rexanna, the Lead Thief here. How can I assist you two?” She questioned, cocking her head to the side ever so slightly, flicking her tail across the snow of the perpetually frozen landscape. She hoped that the black and white yearling would be able to explain why she smelled so much like the Basin. Perhaps her recruiting those adorned with horns was a good sign if she was indeed from here. Maybe she had been here awhile and completely escaped the blue gaze of the Thief. It wouldn’t surprise her between raising a child and dealing with the prisoner that Ashamin was so kind to offer his handling of.

And so she waited for a response, blue gaze flickering between the two of them. Eyes lingering more on the horned mare adorned with amethyst tresses as well as eyes and a spotted rump that Rexanna herself even sported.

"Talk."
— but she’s my home,
she’s a part of this broken heart.
image credits


@Fiachra @Zahra - WELCOME! Sorry it's blah, my muse isn't cooperating but I figured I'd toss her in here to accept. Also, Rex doesn't know that Zahra is part of the Basin yet so it'll be interesting. xD
[Image: lovelyskylark.gif?8]
Permission given for moderate power play.
Feel free to use magic/force on Rexanna, without killing her.
Please tag in every post!

Fiachra Posts: 21
Outcast atk: 7.5 | def: 10 | dam: 2.5
Mare :: Unicorn :: 16.3hh :: 5 - Ages at Birdsong HP: 60 | Buff: NOVICE
Gebo
#5
Fiachra's rapt attention was pulled abruptly away from little Zahra by the approach of another. She turned her head to bring the newcomer completely within her gaze. She flashed a brilliant smile at the mare, Rexanna, as she introduced herself. The other mare was very beautiful. She looked as it she had been sprinkled with precious gold, and she glittered from the chains adorning her frame.

Fiachra's purple eyes sparkled as she took the golden vision in and she found herself barely able to contain her delight. What wondrous people lived in the land. She had met merely three equines since crossing the lonely threshold, and yet each one seemed more intriguing than the last. First Zahra, who at her age, still had large, fully feathered, and, as far as Fiachra could tell, functional wings. Then Ezital, the boisterous fool that had made her laugh so as soon as she had met him. And now, Rexanna, this Lead Thief, as she called herself, who was adorned in impossible accouterments made of metal. She was curious as ever, and eager to learn more about this land.

She shook her head, realizing suddenly that she was staring in awe, without a word, and that the Thief had asked her a question. She glanced at Zahra, unsure if it was the custom in this land for the one escorting the newcomer to speak first. But, she thought with a small shrug, the other mare had addressed us both.

The took a small step forward and bowed her head low. "Thank you. I'm sorry for the intrusion," she offered immediately, covering any failure on her part to know the laws of the land. "My name is Fiachra." Again, she beamed her most charming smile at Rexanna. "I am new to this land and I have been travelling a very long time. Zahra here," she gestured to the winged girl, "thought that I might be able to make myself a... well...," she stumbled on her next words, unsure of what she truly wanted to call it. "Well, a home, I guess," she finally settled, frowning slightly. "I'm looking for a home."

It had been so long it seemed since she had last wanted to call anywhere home. She had been wandering, searching, for so long. It seemed she was finally coming to terms that she would never find him. So perhaps it was time to move on with her own life.

"Talk."
Home, where I wanted to go,
And nothing else compares.
image credits


@Rexanna @Zahra Sorry for jumping the post order! I'm a bit anxious to get her accepted. ;) <3
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Please tag Fiachra in first posts only!
Minor force is fine, but please ask before inflicting lasting damage, etc.

Rexanna Posts: 499
World's Edge Mare atk: 4.5 | def: 8.0 | dam: 5.5
Mare :: Unicorn :: 15hh :: 7 years HP: 61.5 | Buff: NOVICE
Marembo :: Marbled Polecat :: None Skylark
#6
rexanna
some call love a thief —
There was a flicker of confusion that resounded within the Thief’s skull. Her gaze sharply dancing between the two of them before the spotted mare began to speak. At the mention of the word intrusion, Rexanna flashed her a smile and shook her horned head gently. Tossing the golden chain to dance within the winter wind. “You aren’t intruding.” She spoke gently, briefly, easy to pass by while the mare continued. Though all the while her gaze strayed longer toward Zahra. Listening intently as the newcomer spoke her name and reasons.

Fiachra was a nice enough name, and the fact that Zahra had offered her a home here seemed to spark a light in the Thief’s head. If the Pegasus wore a horn, perhaps she would have overlooked it. And yet, the fact that the yearling was offering other horned creatures a home in the icy fortress Rexanna knew as the Basin, seemed more confusing to her. Either way, she just nodded along. Figuring that perhaps she was a child of a hybrid here or perhaps the Basin had become more laxed in their strict rules that seemed to eliminate those without horns from joining.

She gave the two of them another nod and a smile, her blue eyes landing on Fiachra with a dip of her head. “If it is a home you seek, Fiachra, then it is a home you shall receive. However, we like to give back to the herd in duties here. You can remain as a mare for now, explore the different responsibilities that reside within the Basin, and decide which path you’d like to continue for yourself.” She nodded to the two of them, her eyes refraining from looking to Zahra, hoping that she wasn’t making a mistake by allowing the yearling in as well.

We sleep in the caves that dot the walls of the Basin. Feel free to find a place to rest. If you have any questions, I live near the hot springs. Don’t be afraid to come and find me.” She nodded along with her words, her head lifting higher to turn and look out above the Sentinels in the general direction toward her own cave. Returning her head to the two, she stepped aside, allowing them both to pass through to the chilled embrace that she called her home.

"Talk."
— but she’s my home,
she’s a part of this broken heart.
image credits


@Fiachra @Zahra no worries! I'll have her changed to a Basin mare so you can explore the options, unless there's one that strikes out to you? Also, you should be able to post in the herd meeting that's taking place. That'd be a good start to see where she might like to go :D
[Image: lovelyskylark.gif?8]
Permission given for moderate power play.
Feel free to use magic/force on Rexanna, without killing her.
Please tag in every post!


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