the Rift


[OPEN] suddenly I see [Hatching!]

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
Somewhere near the center of the Basin’s valley, Tiamat rests among the summer flowers and highland grasses. She lies at the edge of her brother lake, one foreleg dangling over the damp bank, her cloven hoof playing quietly in the shallow waters. Her eyes are fixed lazily across the shimmering surface, focusing on three small orbs of floating water, which spin around one another in the air. It is a relaxing exercise for the ocean mare; she has found in the seasons that have passed since her discovery of her magic, using it comes easier to her now, it is more of an extension of herself (a muscle she has finally learned to strengthen and control).

Sighing somewhat loudly to herself (a sound which immediately fades into a light hum, echoing a pleasant tune of a song she once heard), the young Mender turns her head. The three pockets of water quickly fall back into the clear lake without her concentration, scattering a spray of droplets that dot her skin. Tiamat pays it little mind. Her attention is already consumed with something else—something (someone) that has been the core of any thought or action for the last several weeks.

Nestled tenderly in the crook of her neck, rests a most precious and marvelous thing—a large speckled egg, glittering and beautiful and perfect. It has been utterly surreal for her to have it. For years, the ocean mare has observed the bond between equine and companion, she has even witnessed that most blessed moment of hatching, when such a beautiful connection is born. Like so many others, she has dreamed of the day when she would have her own opportunity, and now that the dream is becoming a reality, she finds herself more giddy and anxious with each day that passes.

Even her sister stars (which are just starting to blink into the rosy mid-light of dusk) seem excited as they twinkle and dance above. Tiamat smiles softly, reaching to brush velvet lips across the polished surface, marveling for the millionth time at the brilliant color, sprinkled with sapphire spots that are undoubtedly fitting for the blue mare.

And then—

Tiamat recoils suddenly, startled by something that surely was her imagination (or could it really be...?) Dare she hope?

Movement,

So subtle and unassuming, and yet incredibly momentous, like the pulse of a heartbeat. Holding her breath, the ocean mare reaches forward again, pressing the downy skin of her nose against the rounded surface. She cannot mistake it this time—the babe inside moves. Laughing brilliantly, Tiamat springs to her hooves, her head thrown to the clouds as her heart pounds with the pleasant mixture of nervousness, excitement, and bliss. “It’s time!” She gasps breathlessly, “It’s really happening!” The eagerness in her demeanor is unmistakable. Every line of her face and every curve of her posture is laced with a fervor for something remarkable. White eyes watch the egg, and the world grows quiet, her breath hitching when—

—a crack.



notes; Open to anyone! :DD
There is also an OPEN posting order, so the thread doesn't get hung up or drag out.
I'll post the actual hatching in the next day or two (provided someone replies by then), and if you haven't posted before I replied again, feel free to jump in whenever you can!
“Speech.”
Well my heart is bigger than the earth
And though life is what gave it love first, life is not all that it’s worth
(‘Cause life is fleeting)
Yeah, but I love you.

image credits
Tagging those who expressed interest;
@Johnny @Lena @Rexanna @Mortuus Nox @Vesper @Enna
please tag Tia in all replies!
magic & force are permitted.

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
#2
It was dusk when the Thief happened to slip out of her cave. Her companion Marembo was on some kind of rampage, in search of something he knew of but could not convey to the gold dusted mare. Frustration easily lay beneath the surface, wondering if the day would ever come when the polecat didn’t drag her out for random searches that turned up nothing. She half expected this rampage to be similar – the tiny polecat so full and eager to search for something that he could never find, dragging Rexanna around just in case. It was exhausting, mentally and physically, and she wondered often if perhaps the other part of her soul had begun to go mad.

But this time was different, as she traversed the Basin’s tundra. Remy had his eyes set for a sign, something new and invigorating. And thus, like the Thief always had, she followed the tiny mammal. He moved across the ground, slinking like a fuzzy snake searching for prey as they began to head into the direction of the lake and Rexanna began to wonder if perhaps Marembo knew of some sort of beast that lived beneath the Basin’s subtle waves – a forgotten monster seen once in a blue moon that randomly would show itself to anyone who dared look. But it was not a monster, no sea thrashing finned beast that the polecat sought. This time, as they approached, he headed straight for the blue mare that had shown him nothing but kindness, a mare that even Rexanna adored to the fullest extent of her being.

Tiamat!” She nickered in greeting, picking up speed to catch up to the dappled rodent as he traversed the earth to her. A gentle smile easily found its place among her pale lips as they grew within a close proximity. The aura surrounding the mare was bright, electric, and quite energizing. Her smile grew, and she followed the mare’s pale gaze to the beautiful oceanic egg that lay on the gentle sands beside her. Marembo moved closer toward the egg, stopping before touching it in case Tiamat grew protective, but extended his tiny furry head out to sniff the egg and inspect something closer. Upon further inspection, the Thief noticed a crack among the gentle exterior of the shell and joy began to erupt within her. Looking up to view the seaside mare, Rexanna reached out in an attempt to let her muzzle gently brush by the elegant indigo of the Mender. “It’s hatching!” She added in, hoping that maybe her words would cement the idea to fact in case the mare happened to think it was an illusion. “What do you think it’ll be?” She questioned briefly, looking back to the egg with wide mirrored eyes. “I’m so happy for you.” This, she added in quieter, watching the show with the Mender as Marembo stood quite close and watched with his own blue gaze.

So this is what he had dragged her around for – Tiamat’s companion’s hatching. The Thief had no grounds to be mad at the little polecat anymore, even if she wanted to try.

"Talk."
I’ve become a simple souvenir of someone’s kill
And like the sea—
I’m constantly changing from calm to ill.
Rexanna
image | coding


@Tiamat :DDDD SO EXCITED
[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!

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
So intense is her focus on the large egg and the little crack streaking across its surface, that the approach of someone else initially startles the ocean mare. Glancing up, the wide alarm of her eyes quickly melts into joy once again, always delighted to see the familiar face of a dear friend. “Rexanna! And little Remy!” She smiles widely to the spotted pair, accepting their company eagerly. The excitement in her voice is surely infectious, its sweet aura seeping from every fiber of her being. If it were possible, Tiamat would undoubtedly be glowing in this moment.

Lowering her head a fraction, the blue mare watches as the little polecat wanders closer to the precious egg, her smile softening warmly when he presses his fuzzy head closer to the speckled, glittering surface. She wonders if companions themselves have some unspoken connection with one another. Perhaps the adorable little rodent remembers the day of his own hatching, how joyous it must have been—and wanting that same blessed luxury for other companions. Perhaps the ocean mare is putting too much thought and emotion into a simple action, but so full is her heart, she can’t help herself.

Her attention diverted when Rexanna reaches out, Tiamat returns the gesture, silken lips bursting again into a smile as she brushes her muzzle against the golden’s. “I know, I know, it’s happening,” she giggles breathlessly, hardly able to realize the reality of the blessing she has been given. It’s like living a dream, the same dream that has been harbored in her heart for years, precious and unassuming—among the most treasured of aspirations. It’s almost too good to be true.

“Oh I don’t know, honestly,” she answers the other mare’s question with a soft smile, and it is obvious in the way she holds the egg with her eyes, that it doesn’t matter what sort of creature has been brought to her. The young Mender hasn’t thought much about what kind of companion she would like (she isn’t sure she knows all of them anyway), only that she has wanted one at all. Turning to Rexanna when she continues, Tiamat reaches to press her head gently against the golden’s shoulder, sighing blissfully while her eyes rest on her glistening treasure. “Thank you,” she murmurs as quietly as the Thief had spoken, wondering how similar her and Remy’s experience had been.

In all of this, Tiamat’s eyes rarely leave the egg. As the single crack multiplies into a shallow web of lines, she lifts her head from Rexanna’s shoulder, stepping to hover over the precious babe. The world gradually fades around her, colors blurring like watercolors and sounds melting into soft, musical hums. It is only them for now, a spotlight illuminating the ocean mare and her egg in a glorious halation of light and intensity. Suddenly—at last—a single fragment of the shell breaks free—enough to see movement within.

Tiamat holds her breath,

An eye. An eye (a blue so bright and clear like crystal) peers out into the world. The mare’s heart flutters, pattering in barely-contained enthusiasm as the beginnings of a new life begin to fit together (but that’s not right, is it? Not a new life, but the life she has had all along, only now it is complete).

The crystal eye retreats, and less than a breath later, the shell’s surface splinters into unorganized, beautiful patterns—and then, like a waterfall ballet, the patterns fall to the ground. Hardly daring to breathe, Tiamat leans forward, peering into the bottom half of the egg. Nestled comfortably in a circle, staring with eyes slightly too large, lies the most beautiful creature that the blue mare has ever seen. “Hello, little one,” she is scarcely able to speak, the swollen joy of her heart welling to burst through every part of her.

At the sound of her voice, the babe blinks, rising (floating, swimming) to the shell’s edge, where Tiamat stands. The mare’s lips curve softly, smiling tenderly at this newborn soul, white eyes shining. “It’s incredible to finally meet you,” —oh, what an understatement it is! But this moment is far too precious to cheapen with elaborate words, and far too sacred to degrade with a show of anything other than the raw, wonderful emotions that saturate her heart— “Nimue.” The name slips almost unbidden from her tongue, so right as it moves into place as if it has always belonged. The tiny orca (no larger than the mare’s dainty head) whistles in response, a short, shrill sound of pleasure.

Breathing a breathless, wonderstruck sort of laughter, Tiamat presses her nose against the slick, supple skin of the babe.

How to describe this moment?

It is her soul, her very self, that has grown—but not in a way of simply expanding. Rather, Tiamat has realized a part of herself—a part that has always been there, only waiting. Similar to how a light illuminates the shadows (it doesn’t make the space larger, it merely shows you what has been there all along, hidden from your eye), so how her soul has been brightened. She doesn’t want to look away, for fear of losing a moment with this treasure (this gift) that has finally opened her world. Lovingly she nuzzles against the orca babe, her voice so quiet, so tender, and so happy, “My little Nimue.”


Nimue reference <3
“Speech.”
Well my heart is bigger than the earth
And though life is what gave it love first, life is not all that it’s worth
(‘Cause life is fleeting)
Yeah, but I love you.

@Rexanna | image credits
please tag Tia in all replies!
magic & force are permitted.

Mortuus Nox Posts: 187
Aurora Basin Time Mender atk: 3.5 | def: 10 | dam: 7
Stallion :: Unicorn :: 15.2 :: Immortal HP: 66.5 | Buff: NOVICE
Dressy
#4
Mortuus Nox
Like normal the black beast had been wondering through the Basin. His cracked hooves traveled and his gray cold eyes watched the world around him. The hustle and bustle of tall sun started to kick in as they were only a season away from the harsh winter. His scared pelt dripped with small beads of sweat as he moved further and further into the lands. Out if the corner of his eye he saw two figures standing together. They seemed to be looking at something Tiamat had, so he wondered closer to the pair.

Upon closer inspection the demonic crown twisted to the left slightly. It was an egg. He smiled and looked to the Ocean mare.
“Well would you look at that. Someone has been doing some work around Helovia. Congratulations Tia. I can not wait to meet your new companion. .” His heavy skull then turned to the gold mare and he dipped his head in a greeting. “Oh and Hello to you Rexanna.” He listened to the women speak about the egg in front of them. Nox had never really seen an egg hatch before, so he was not too sure what would happen.

No sooner than the pair stopped speaking cracks began to form in the hardened shell. Cold eyes watched as the Blue mare's excitement was rising. He watched, gray cold eyes could not become unglued from the sight of the breaking egg. What would be hiding in it's dept. Then he got his answer a small white and black thing floated in the air. It was young and not like other companions Nox had seen. He turned his large skull and brushed Tia's shoulder as his deep voice spoke. “Well would you look at that. What a beautiful name you have picked for it. I can not wait to watch Nimue grow with you Tia. May I ask what this beautiful creature is called?” He did not want to crowed the small companion. He wanted to let the ocean mare have her time with the new baby.


“Talk.”
Anyone can Die
Only a few live forever

image | coding


@Tiamat @Rexanna

Please tag Mortuus Nox in all posts
magic & permanent injury is permitted excluding death.

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
#5
The joy that radiated from Tiamat was infectious. Rexanna watched on with excitement while Marembo waited with patient breath, acknowledging the mare as he spoke of her name. A small squeak was emitted toward her in a “hello” of his own, but his attention was entirely focused on the egg and the movement from within the beautifully painted shell. Yet, despite all the questions she had asked, and all the ones that Tiamat had answered, Rexanna had nothing to say in return but to stop and watch the egg and it shifted and moved, cracking and breaking away to reveal the prize within, as if the pieces were a jigsaw puzzle that could be replaced. Her smile stayed upon her pale lips, leaning into Tiamat’s head as it graced her shoulder, the scent of salt and ocean spray drifting from the mare in a soothing atmosphere. It was overall such an exciting and beautiful experience thus far, and she watched joyfully as Tiamat peered down into the egg as it crumbled away.

Then, before Rexanna even knew what was happening, Marembo began to squeak in delight as the companion was born. He backed away to give Tiamat and the newborn some space, but he was still entirely intrigued. A grin slipped past both Remy and Rexanna’s lips as they watched the bond begins, the polecat squeaking excitedly as the whale began to swim in the air, up to the shells edge for a mere moment. And then, just like that, the whale trilled a response to the oceanic mare, and Rexanna couldn’t help but to grin to Tiamat. “Oh Tia, he’s perfect for you.” She began. But curiosity still got the better of the Thief, and she had never seen anything like it before, so she looked to the mare gently and happily with a smile. ‘What exactly is it?’ She thought to herself with a tilt of her head. Marembo tilted his head as well, uncertain of exactly what it was either, but partially wanting to play as he had done with Rikyn’s companion just after he was born.

It hadn’t taken long before Rexanna noticed Mortuus Nox’s attendance. Her attention was so fully stuck on the egg and the beautiful moment that had happened. She smiled to Nox with a nod of hello. “Hello Nox.” Her voice reached out for him softly before she turned her attention back to the oceanic mare as Nox asked her a question. Nodding, Rexanna tilted her head again in anticipation. “I’ve never seen anything like him either. Pardon my ignorance, Tia.” She added in, hoping that perhaps the Mender would gift her and Nox with a little lesson of beautiful ocean creatures.

"Talk."
I’ve become a simple souvenir of someone’s kill
And like the sea—
I’m constantly changing from calm to ill.
Rexanna
image | coding


@Tiamat @Mortuus Nox
[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!

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
#6
She can hardly keep from smiling. Pressing her nose against the soft, supple skin of the newborn companion (her companion, she thinks with another chill down her spine), Tiamat closes her eyes in a moment of sweet, overwhelming joy. Is this really happening? Has she really been gifted such a blessing? Part of her feels like she could wake up at any moment, a simple pinch or nudge ripping away the most beautiful moment of her young life—it seems so fragile, she fears she might smother it. (But can you blame her?). Sapphire nostrils flare and her throat tightens beneath the weight of her emotions (such sweet, sweet emotions) and a single tear manages to squeeze from between her eyelids, trailing slowly down her cheek.

When the deep, gruff voice of the black stallion suddenly pushes through the silence, Tiamat nearly starts in surprise. Her attention must have been so consumed by her little soul mate—whose wouldn’t be?—that she had entirely missed the arrival of her dear friend. Sniffing any more tears away and inhaling a gasping breath in an attempt to regain her voice, the ocean mare turns her eyes to the scarred healer, keeping her cheek gently resting on Nimue’s nose. “Thank you, Nox,” she smiles with glittering eyes, “It means ‘lady of the lake’; I thought it would be fitting.” Her gaze lingers for a moment on the Basin’s unfreezing lake, before shifting to the babe who has been born at its banks.

Could there ever be a moment more perfect than this?
More meaningful?

She chuckles lightly when both Nox and Rexanna question exactly what Nimue is. “She,” Tiamat corrects the golden mare with a warm smile, a hint of amusement sparking through her eyes, “She is a Leviathan—a creature of the ocean, and a cousin to the larger whales there. I’ve only ever seen one before.” She doesn’t fault them for their ignorance; there are many things she has yet to learn about Helovia herself. Memories rise of the pegasus’ Ardere, a floating dolphin who had captured her heart instantly. Now, on this humble early evening, her whole soul has been captured in those large, ice-blue eyes.

“She is beautiful,” the ocean mare breathes, almost reverently. Exhaling a warm breath across the little Leviathan’s face, Tiamat attempts to encourage Nimue in leaving the egg’s shell. Uncertain of this large, new world, the blue orca retreats with a squeak. The Mender smiles, and laughs gently. “It’s alright, my darling—come say hello. They want to meet you,” reaching again, the mare manages to coax the babe to her side, who presses desperately against her legs. Staring up at the strangers with her crystal eyes, Nimue hovers in place, lips parted in a little ‘o’ of—mostly—fear. Tiamat lowers her head to stroke her companion, smiling against her smooth skin.


Nimue reference <3
“Speech.”
Well my heart is bigger than the earth
And though life is what gave it love first, life is not all that it’s worth
(‘Cause life is fleeting)
Yeah, but I love you.

@Rexanna @Mortuus Nox | image credits
please tag Tia in all replies!
magic & force are permitted.


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