the Rift


The rumour said fire [open]

Viserys Posts: N/A
Unregistered
:: :: ::
#1

In the hours of early dusk, the threshold was quiet. The humid air stood so still and thick, you could probably carve it with a knife, and the only commotion was that of bugs and insects, buzzing lazily. The sun sent its last, feeble sunlight down through the foliage, shadows getting longer and painting an intricate pattern on the soft, black dirt below. The undergrowth here was sparse, some withered away from lack of water, and a peculiar sweet smell was spreading through the air. Viserys snorted harshly; the stench of rot wasn’t unfamiliar to him, and he didn’t appreciate it at all. Gracefully, the pearlescent stag moved across the terrain, his silky tresses stuck to the sweat on his arched nape. Such heat wasn’t becoming him; it made him irritable and venomous - even more so than usual.

Coming to a halt, he raised his finely chiseled skull and let his violet globes search the grounds ahead. Not exactly what he had pictured, but it was better than where they came from. Looking over his shoulder, his ears flicked back and forth a couple of times, restlessness causing him to toss his head. I shouldn’t have brought her along, she’s been nothing but a burden, the hessian told himself angrily. She moved too slow, did nothing but complain and whine. If The Others got to him, it would surely be because he had to drag that little wench along with him. The thought sent a cold shiver down his spine, and he couldn’t help but glance around once more. Being on your own made you vulnerable; he would need a place to settle down, to allow him to scheme his vengeance on the cowards who killed his family. He would return with unforeseen power and destroy them – a smile crept upon his handsome face. It wouldn’t be long now.

Not caring to fight off the annoyance in his voice, he sneered at his companion. "Keep up! Maybe I should have left you for the wolves."

They had been traveling for what seemed like forever. In the beginning, she had tried to keep count of how many times the sun would rise and set, but along the road it became pointless. Her limbs were aching, but she didn’t want to show any weaknesses in the presence of Viserys. His tyranny had only gotten worse since they fled the homelands, and Daenerys couldn’t tell why she was putting up with it. Part of it had to do with the fact that she was scared; she couldn’t risk traveling on her own in foreign lands. The stories that had been passed on to her when she was little fueled her vivid imagination; the nights were the worst. She hadn’t been getting much sleep, jumping at every rustle of leaves. It felt embarrassing; she was almost a mare grown now, yet she still felt so insecure, and Viserys was the only part of her old life she had left. A life that had meant love and security, but which was now left in ruins, the memory bringing tears to her eyes.

His voice cracked down over her like a whip, but she didn’t cower. He always spoke to her like that, with contempt and anger, but there were rarely any consequences tied to his threats. Her lilac eyes wandered curiously, taking in the impressions of these new surroundings. Unlike her brother, Daenerys didn’t mind the heat at all; she relished in the warm weather, loving the feeling of the warm sunrays on her skin. Increasing her stride to a relaxed trot, she caught up with her brother, standing next to him. She didn’t flinch as he placed a hard pinch on her rump, but she did lower her head in submission. Peering up at him, she remained quiet, even though the questions were filling her head. Was this it? Were they finally there? Honestly, she wasn’t sure what Viserys was really looking for, but she was tired of running from the ghosts in his mind. No one was coming after them, she realized as she stood there, and Viserys was fleeing from his own shadow.

[Done]


Solstice Posts: 93
Deceased
Mare :: Equine :: 15 hh :: 8 (at time of death)
Emily
#2
The sun was finally starting to sink down below the land, shadows casting everywhere around. Dusk found the gold and cream fem moving over again around in the Threshold. She had let her warrior training take a back seat for a few weeks now. Instead choosing to patrol the Threshold looking for others who needed a safe haven to call home. After all, that was exactly what she was doing after fleeing the nightmarish land known as Isilme. The shades of the dead had taken that place over, the hate for the other races to great in the end to let it go. Her own father had even attacked the living, attacked her, driving them out. But that was neither here nor now. Now she was a warrior, like her parents had been with a son to protect. To protect him, the herd needed to be larger. That is what brought Solstice here.

She had just been turning to head back to the Foothills, to sleep while it was cool when she heard a sharp voice. It sounded like a stallion talking to a companion. She moved towards the voice, hazel eyes watching carefully as he halted. He was very handsome, his frame reminding her of her mother. Another appereared, similarly bulit. She waited a moment before stepping closer and speaking "Welcome to Helovia, travelers." It was a simple statement. Her nape arched as Solstice moved with grace slightly close before halting. She would speak more once the pair had spoken. After all one could never be to careful. Not in this heat at the very least.

Viserys Posts: N/A
Unregistered
:: :: ::
#3

When Daenerys caught up and lowered her head, Viserys got a sour taste in his mouth. She was weak, but she could potentially become an advantage. There was no denying his sister’s beauty, it was becoming increasingly apparent for every past year; what kind of stallion wouldn’t enjoy such a little treat in his harem? If the circumstances had been more favorable, he might have taken her for his bride himself, as had been long tradition in their lineage. He had no doubt they would have had strong sons, reflecting his grand character instead of their mother’s softness, and they would carry on the family name into centuries. But in this moment, without lands to rule, without followers to protect him, it was crucial to make the right decisions. If Daenerys could buy him in somewhere, he wouldn’t think twice before taking the opportunity. You see, Viserys wasn’t a very conscientious fellow, and he always put himself first. No matter what.

The air was starting to cool, he had a feeling the night would be freezing, and his coat was only meant for summer. He wasn’t sure he enjoyed this place, with that sort of pesky weather. Just as he was about to turn to Daenerys and scold her once more, his nostrils caught scent of someone approaching. He looked ahead, his lobes pointed forward and every feature in his delicate visage was alert. A mare stepped into view and his violet globes sucked her in greedily. He found her to be rather plain of looks, and even though he could recognize a few traits in her, she was oddly lumpy and stocky too. Viserys was very hard to please when it came to looks; but what did you expect from a steed who would sooner mate his own sister, only because of the resemblance they shared? He was Narcissus impersonated, and rotten to the bone. He moved closer to her gracefully, his strides seemingly floating, and his tail held high. "Evening, miss. My name is Viserys, son of Aerys, and this is my sister Daenerys.” The pearlescent stag nodded toward his sister, not moving his piercing eyes from the femme in front of him. It had been a long time since he had felt warm flesh, and though she was simple, this female was his best bid at the moment. A charming smile crept upon his lips. "We are in dire need of shelter, I fear. Perhaps you could point us in the direction of somewhere pleasant?"

Dany had caught scent of the femme even before her brother, but she didn’t say anything. Sometimes she could go days without speaking, when she was with Viserys. He didn’t appreciate anything she had to say, so to avoid his beatings, she kept to herself. It was strange; he had always been hard, but after their parents passed, he had become downright malicious. She knew he was afraid of being alone, and that was the above all reason for him to take her along, but she had started to hope they could part. That was probably the one good thing that had come out of the destruction of their former home; she was no longer obliged to mate with her brother. Instead, she could have her freedom, if only she could figure out a way to escape Viserys’ tyranny. So far, she hadn’t had much success, afraid he might find out what she was plotting and punish her, but with a new land came plenty opportunities. Now she just had to pick the right time and place.

As the golden fae stepped out in front of them, Daenerys instantly liked her. There was a kindness in her, she could feel it; Dany had been famished of friendly interaction since they had fled. Her lilac eyes, much kinder and softer than those of her brother, sought out the femme’s. The silvery filly smiled, but her smile was genuine, unlike Viserys’. She peered up at her brother, hoping he wouldn’t hurt the golden fae in front of them, but his slimy words let her down. Having known him for so long, Dany could tell as soon as he started his little act. She wanted nothing more than to rat him out, to give some sort of warning to the stranger, but she couldn’t face the consequence. And Viserys was still her brother; something inside her detested the thought of betraying her own kin. So she chose to once again hold her tongue, as her brother had already seen to introducing her. When he stepped forward, she stayed back, her pose increasingly relaxed as she cocked one hoof on its tip. Soon she would have her chance, her shot at freedom; knowing that her torments were soon over, she could’ve whinnied for joy – but Viserys wouldn’t exactly approve of that.


Mirage the DragonHeart Posts: 414
Deceased atk: 5.5 | def: 9 | dam: 6
Mare :: Equine :: 15.3 :: Eighteen HP: 68.5 | Buff: ENDURE
Akaith :: Royal Golden Dragon :: Fire Breath Whit
#4


Renewed purpose fuelled the steps of the charcoal mare this day, her elegant frame walking with an ease and grace which simply seemed inherent to her enigmatic character. The Thistle Meadow was a comfortable realm, to be sure, but this mare yearned for a herdland to call her own, a herdland where her nearest and dearest friends and followers could reside in comfort. The Qian were a group where she had emerged as the leader, not simply elected herself, it simply made sense to finally give their gathering a name. The loyal ties that bound them were stronger than most ties that were found between those bonded by blood relationships, though Mirage would admit her bond with her siblings was closer than anything she had ever experienced before – aside from Vikram, and Akaith was a different sort of bond.

A smile tilted the sculptured lips of the maiden as her thoughts crept towards the looming figure of her mate, the steed who was part dragon, the beast who had captured her heart forevermore. Akaith hummed happily up her withers, sharing in the warm thoughts just as they dropped into Mirage’s own mind. Their bond was something different again, an intertwining of souls, they were hardly able to be described as two separate individuals now but more like an extension of each other. The landscape changed as neat, dark hooves traipsed the loam, and the scent of the Threshold filled the tear-drop shaped nostrils that were situated on the edges of her muzzle. Silken strands of mane swayed with her motion, though the humidity was thick, they threatened to stick to her warm nape instead. The overbearing heat pounded down upon them, even in dusk, the Sun’s rage was evident.

“Many pleasant places exist within these lands.”

Accented tones informed the gathered, a trio of greys, though each had a slightly different shading and stature. One smelled strongly of the Foothills, a mare whom she had not met before, but gave a deep nod in recognition anyway. Akaith chirped lightly from her stance upon Mirage’s withers, recognising the mare Solstice’s face from the herd meeting, but neglecting to know her name – these details weren’t often important to a dragon – and Mirage hoped the mare would recognise her as an ally of the herd. The other two were clearly related, siblings, for their appearances were similar, but evidently that was where the similarities ended. The stallion was clearly the dominant one, and seemed eager to move on, while the youthful belle was sitting back, awaiting action to happen before her.

Mirage did not wear her cloak today, though it would have been fun to. Instead, she wore a façade of indifference, appearing as if she was almost bored by the happenings, like it mattered little to her whether these others were present or not. “What is it you fear?” Picking apart the speech the little black mare had heard on her approach, she aimed straight for the issue, curious as to the response she might get. Eyes of liquid gold then moved to the young mare, before flicking to Solstice. The shadow of a smile may have curved her lips for a mere instant, before the blank mask was worn once again. “How discourteous of me, my name is Mirage, and this is Akaith.” The dragon sighed, lounging about on her bonded’s back, a thin trail of smoke exiting her nostrils. She would allow the gathered to assume what they would of her now – the devious little mare was back, playing her games.


Daenerys Posts: 41
Outcast
Mare :: Equine :: 14.2 hh :: 5
Cami
#5

Viserys was impatient, Daenerys could see it on his face. She knew him so well; the smallest change in his handsome face, and she would be able to tell exactly what he was thinking. He had already devoured that poor mare in his mind, so to Dany it was a huge relief when yet another stranger chose to approach. Viserys turned his head, attention drawn from the golden mare immediately. This stranger was as black as any raven Dany had ever laid her eyes upon, and she was followed by a small dragon. A dragon! It seemed like a lifetime since she had last seen one of those; her father had had one, but then the species had died out slowly. It made her sad, just thinking about it, but knowing that they lived on in this realm sparked her enthusiasm for exploring. If she could find one of her own… The thought made her smile, but as Viserys glanced back at her, her smile evaporated and was replaced by the same blank expression she had been sporting for most of their travel. The snowwhite fae saw that the presence of a dragon had also influenced Viserys; his eyes were glowing, his smile growing into some sort of perverse grin. This couldn’t be good.

The pale stag turned his torso to face the charcoal femme instead, squinting in suspiciousness of her question. Was she one of them? She seemed fairly harmless, even though she did have a dragon… Perhaps it was a trap, something to lure him into their net. Raising his crown proudly, he snorted harshly before returning the greeting. "Mirage, how enchanting. And I fear nothing but the coldness of the night; considering our thin coats, we are likely to catch a pest if we stay under open skies. But how kind of you to show concern," he said, words spiked by a bit of venom at the end. He did not care for her nonchalance, her lack of respect towards him; like she was someone special. Viserys had instantly noticed how Daenerys seemed to have taken a liking to her – how pathetic.

Daenerys had gathered the courage while her brother was talking, moving out of his reach in the direction of Mirage with an expression of friendliness on her face. Nodding respectfully, she let her own silken chords sound for the first time since their arrival. "A pleasure to have your acquaintance, Mirage. May I enquire about some of those pleasant places you mentioned earlier? Where do you live?" The youth kept a respectful distance, not looking back at Viserys, knowing he would be at a boiling point right now. Somehow, he didn’t seem as terrifying with Mirage present; it was strange, but the unfamiliar mare struck her as far more powerful than her sorry, rambling fool of a brother. Behind her, Viserys tossed his head, but made no further action. Dany knew she would have to pay for this when they were alone; it had always been like that.


Mirage the DragonHeart Posts: 414
Deceased atk: 5.5 | def: 9 | dam: 6
Mare :: Equine :: 15.3 :: Eighteen HP: 68.5 | Buff: ENDURE
Akaith :: Royal Golden Dragon :: Fire Breath Whit
#6


Amusement bubbled up within her, threatening to burst upon her façade in a tirade of laughter. But the mare remained cool and silent, watching as the stallion grew hotter by the second, unsettled by her presence and the probing queries she put forth. Oh, how she wanted to laugh at him, to mock him –but she did this, in her own way. Afraid of the dark, poor little prince. For he carried himself like one who was given royalty, not one who had earned it, and he spoke down to her –obviously unaware as to whom he was speaking to. The charcoal mare with bright, golden eyes merely looked at him, her stare sharp and penetrating, as if she was throwing a dart directly through his soul, and gave the appearance that she was simply bored, and tired of his antics.

The mare, Daenerys, however, was a different matter. Flicking her aureate pools to the maiden, her stare was just as penetrating, but seeing and reflecting something different; something kinder, and softer. Once again that shadow of a smile tickled the corners of her mouth, but it did not last, only its memory held in the minds of those present would it still exist. “The pleasant lands which I roam are vast and untamed; all of Helovia is my home, dear Daenerys.” Addressing the femme directly, Mirage remained uninterested in anything the stallion thought or did. “My friends are what make my home pleasant. Often they call me their WeyrLeader – we stand together as the Qian.” Her smooth voice intoned the lyrics with ease, her exotic accent making her all the more alluring, but also adding that flair of honesty and devotion that existed within her breast.

“The Qian is welcoming to those who wish to pledge their loyalties and friendships to me.” Her words were simple enough, and she continued to peer curiously at the mare, an ear slanted towards the brother to ensure he did nothing too stupid. Of course, Akaith had barely removed her unblinking, draconic stare from the stallion, keen to alert Mirage if he should stir trouble. “We offer protection and friendship, so that one is never alone, and a helping hoof is never far away.” The mare was intuitive enough to see the filth that laid within the stallion’s being, his spiteful words that were induced so easily from her simple, indifferent tones gave light to that almost immediately. But she was drawn to the mare, and she hoped the mare was similarly drawn to her, and all that she stood for.



Daenerys Posts: 41
Outcast
Mare :: Equine :: 14.2 hh :: 5
Cami
#7

Daenerys was holding her breath, listening to the charcoal mare as she spoke of friendship and safety, of this band called The Qian. Her excitement was difficult to conceal, but she kept her cool, so as to not anger Viserys further. Dany knew he wasn’t pleased with Mirage’s way of ignoring him, or the way she seemed completely unimpressed with anything that came out of his mouth. Dany didn’t interfere; she couldn’t occupy herself with her brother’s sore feelings right now. As Mirage ceased talking, the youth turned to the pearlescent stag that was her brother, eyes shining with thrill. "Viserys, my dear brother, I know this isn’t what you were hoping for, and I understand. But would you at least let me go with Lady Mirage? I would love nothing more than to join The Qian, and they will keep me safe, you heard. Perhaps you can go with Lady Solstice, see if the Foothills become you; maybe you’ll like them enough to make a permanent home out of them. Please?" Her eyes were wide, her plead like that of a child; she knew it made an impact on him.

He did not care for this stranger wench, the way she looked at him mockingly, he way she ignored him completely as she spoke. Viserys knew her invitation was not directed at him; and she was nothing to him, so why would he want to throw himself at her feet? He was highborn, robbed of his home and kingdom, a prince in rags. But a prince nonetheless; and such should be respected. So when she stared him in the eye, he stared back, unyielding. Obviously she didn’t know who she was facing, either. Vis was determined to remember her name, and he would make sure she bended the knee to him when the day would come. Many a fear resided in his heart, but fear of simple women wasn’t one of them. Deanerys had been bewitched, it was clear, and her plead was heartfelt. Viserys moved his gaze to his sister, pondering her request. Then a smile dawned on his face, his voice sleek as he addressed her wish. “Of course, child. I want you to be happy. I only request that you go to the Foothills with me, so that you can see where I will be residing. Then you may meet up with your friends afterwards, after we make our goodbyes,” he chimed. It sounded very innocent, but Viserys had a plan. He needed insurance, and he would make sure to get it. His violet optics reached back to Mirage, the smile widening.

Daenerys was visibly relieved when Viserys gave his approval, not able to hold back a smile from her face. "I promise! I promise!" She stepped close to him, nudging him lovingly on the neck, hiding the glimpse of concern that crossed her face. This had been too easy; surely, Viserys would have some sort of motive behind his willingness. Trying to catch his gaze, she was anxious to read him, but he only glanced at Mirage with that grin on his face. Whatever; she shook the feeling off, turning back to Mirage with the same smiling face. "Lady Mirage, I shall be honored if you will allow me to be part of The Qian. I will have to see to the comforts of my brother first, but afterward I would love a little tour of the realm, and to meet the other members of course. Will you come by the Foothills on the morrow, to fetch me?" she spoke in her girlish voice, hopeful eyes directed at the black mare. Whatever Viserys had in store for her, it wasn’t about to ruin her joy of having a new family, someone that truly cared and that she could lean on when times got rough.


Mirage the DragonHeart Posts: 414
Deceased atk: 5.5 | def: 9 | dam: 6
Mare :: Equine :: 15.3 :: Eighteen HP: 68.5 | Buff: ENDURE
Akaith :: Royal Golden Dragon :: Fire Breath Whit
#8

The mare listened, patiently, at the femme before her spoke, her enthusiasm and fervour evident, though she did try to reign in to a lower degree. She was slightly perplexed that the belle needed permission from her brother, but she knew the importance of a bond of siblings, though her experience was not an overbearing one like this. Forever indifferent, however, she merely flicked her golden eyes between the two, resting upon Daenerys more often, especially as she spoke of joining the Qian.

Mirage almost felt bad for sending the Foothills a miserable slob like Viserys, but she was not one to interfere with a herd’s law of welcoming most anyone who happened across their borders. She was worried, concerned that the brother had something dark in mind for his sister, but he did seem to love her, but more in a possessive, controlling manner, not in the manner of love and devoted affection Mirage was capable of. Her gaze softened slightly as she looked at the belle, and she silently tried to convey her worry for the youth’s near future in that meaningful stare for a moment, before shaping her lips to a welcoming smile, and inclining her finely sculpted tiara to her.

“Of course, Daenerys.” She conceded, hardly able to intervene between matters she knew little about anyway. When her gaze travelled to Viserys, it was dry, but held a sharpness to it that spoke legions of words. Hurt her, and you will experience the offensive nature the Qian does not often unleash The thought was silent, and the mare did find some comfort in that her brothers were a part of the Foothills – she would be swift upon her feet, and inform them of these new developments.

“Until tomorrow, then.” Approaching the cherubic belle, Mirage brushed her powder-soft nose along her nape, allowing some of her own, slightly draconic aroma to linger amidst Daenerys’ natural scent, and also enabling her to ensure she never forgot the smell of the sweet, enthusiastic femme. Dipping her tiara, Akaith took to the skies just as her cloak dropped over her, and a mere blur, a smudge of shadow, replaced where she stood, to be swallowed up by the surrounding forests once more.



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