To dismiss these thoughts of anguish, I ponder the sun and how it would feel upon my back in the summer, brightening these dark shadows that hide in the crevices of the cold winter breeze. I am sullen and perhaps a bit rigid, but in this time of complete and utter confusion, I doubt anyone would find the time to blame me. Before me, the land stretches out and over the earth in a rolling wave that soon collapses at the cliff and takes a fearless fall into the waters below. I am amazed at how such beauty had ceased to escape the little raven mare’s lips when she had come to invite me home. Dear Mirage, I wondered how she faired as of late because her company was well remembered.

It seemed that while the frozen climate helped to nurse the land into a dormant state, the inhabitants were still bristling with life. Everyone seemed to be bustling here and there, completing task after task, which I found myself almost wishing I could do myself. Perhaps it would dash away these morbid feelings of hopelessness. However, before I could once again succumb to the bitter self-evaluation that I had formerly been engrossed in, I recognized the beat of hooves against the frozen terrain. They were none like my own, perhaps softer considering my massive size. It wasn’t until the little Tobiano came into sight that I felt pleased with myself for estimating his size value. He wore a small dragon for company and this was not the first time he had witnessed such. This little basilisk was a bit larger than Akaith, the small dragon that had accompanied Mirage to the Threshold. However, the bond that tied these two creatures together was just as evident and I envied such.

“I am simply at war with my own aspirations dear friend. I don’t mind your bothering either because such company should keep me sane.” I couldn’t help the slight chuckle that passed my lips after such a crude remark, but it did seem to help the horrid mood that had taken over my otherwise passive nature. “I am Thor, an Apprentice Protector of the World’s Edge, though I’ve yet to accomplish much in the ways of the trade.” Looking at him now, he was a bright young stallion, shining in his graces as any creature should. Nothing seemed to inhabit him as my present state confirmed, but all stories cannot be told simply by the cover art. His small companion had piqued my interest just as Akaith had nearly stolen my heart. My fascination with the small winged ophidian was hard to suppress and with such interest moving my words I had to ask, “And your small friend, should he bear a name too?”

[W/C: 523]
[Ooc: Sorry it took so long and I hope this was okay, it's late I'm super tired 0.o]

He was a compassionate creature, obviously unstained by worries such as those that hunted a poor beast such as myself. His bonded companion was just as upbeat as his master and this was something that contained infinite possibilities. Each bonded pair seemed to be nearly the same and yet utterly different than the last. It was a magical thing that they held together and one day I hoped to be granted with such a blessing. An eternal mate that followed you through the hardships of battle, the pain of loss, and the emptiness of death. Torasin was certainly someone I could aspire to due to his unending capacity of patience. He was not assuming as most would prove to be in such a situation and this small part of such a beast made me respect him.

“Ah, I see. I suppose I missed that before, silly me. However, no, I do not consider myself mad, just frustrated with useless capabilities. I’m never sure which path I should take. Can you agree with such a complication?” Resting a tired gaze on him now, I welcomed his company more than ever. Perhaps I would find an ally in the paint skin stallion or better yet, a friend.

I had been a little surprised when Kiba had come to join my side, trilling happy nonsense into my ears. It was something I could appreciate from such a chipper little fellow and it did wonders to these stiffened bones and bitter mood. “I wish for a companion of my own one day…” If such blessings were offered to those of such futile skill.

[W/C: 269]

After meeting a few new faces around Helovia, I’d realized that I had a job to do. There were so many tortured souls and I felt that I wanted to mend them. Perhaps becoming a warrior was not my calling and the trade would ultimately land me in another pit of despair due to the constant worry of keeping predators and enemies out of the Edge. I wondered what it took to become a medic should I choose to desire such a path. I knew that Torasin would be able to answer my questions because he had resided in Helovia much longer than I. He was a kind hearted fellow and I was glad to acquire his company.

“I just find that I am concerned with which path to take. At first I had wanted to learn the skills of being a protector but I find that I am not cut out for such violence. Not to say that I will not defend what I hold dear, but I also have a special place in my heart for those who need my help. Whether that be for advice to heal the heart or medicine to help heal a wound.” Looking back at Torasin, I envy his patience and wonder what exactly his position in the Edge allows him to proffer. “I suppose I cannot help but ask your opinion on the idea of becoming a healer… Or would you suggest that my attributes are more suited to protecting?”

A bit of excitement grew in my chest at the mention of a companion, but I wanted to prove myself as a healer or protector before I went in search of such a blessing. I wasn’t sure how once acquired a bonded, but I was sure that one day I would earn one should the right circumstances surface. Looking at Kiba, I was inspired and I wondered what other kinds of companions were offered to the residents of Helovia. I would ask Torasin at a later time considering I had given him so much to think about already. However, I was eager to hear his response and turned a childish ear towards him. I’m sure my eyes were bright now with new possibilities, curious and naive to the customs of Helovia.

[W/C:379]

Torasin’s eyes lit up, filled with an understanding of the words I had chosen to share. He was a friend to me when I felt I had none and his offers of kindness made me feel at ease when all I had felt was sorrow. I was certainly in good company now and I wanted it to remain as such. I couldn’t help the cheerful laugh that followed the paint’s own flutter of chording. Perhaps he would be able to help me on my new quest to become a healer. I would fully invest my attentions to the task and find it completed. I didn’t know what was involved in earning such a title and I knew that Torasin would be able to help me along just as Mirage had in the Threshold. He was a good fellow with a big heart and I thanked the Gods for sending him my way.

“I believe that my only concern now is learning the steps to be taken in order to be named a healer. What kind of tasks do you think will be involved in testing my skills at becoming a medic? I’ve never been faced with this kind of duty and I find that I would rather go in to it prepared.” I laced a weary gaze on the golden hued lad, almost dreading his response. I was worrisome that my to-do list had just doubled and that I would be unable to accomplish the content published there.

“This Moon Doctor you speak of, would she be able to enlighten me of the concepts of becoming a healer? I find that I would have to apprentice under someone just as I would have to become a warrior.” The dull memories of meeting Aaron had lit my tongue with a soiled aftertaste due to his lack of inspiration on me. He hadn’t taught me much in the way of fighting or really anything otherwise and I hadn’t heard from him since. “I feel that I would prosper under the wings of someone who was just as dedicated as I am…”

I planned on serving the Edge well and in a civil display of obedience, I dropped my massive head to the painted stallion, hope swelling in my large eyes. This was his chance to lead me, for I was determined to make his words my path and his wisdom, my undying art.

[W/C: 401]