Perhaps it is something more than fate that brings the oceanic pair to the ocean this day.

They are already on the shores of the Halcyon Flats when the booming, deep call echoes over the crystal waters, so it is impossible for the mare’s attention to overlook this mysterious voice. With large white eyes staring off in the general direction of the Riptide Isles, it is with no small amount of shame for the mare that despair is the first emotion to bloom from her fragile, fledgling heart. Memories suddenly leap and writhe to the forefront of her mind—images of hate, bloodshed, and violence. Memories of war.

That is what the last alien creatures had brought the people of Helovia.
Death.

Tiamat feels guilty to expect the same now (she knows she should not burden the shoulders of this mysterious creature with the sins of others) but with her glass heart aching beneath all of the devastation from before, how could she not?

She is tempted to turn away and not look back, to spare herself from reliving the pain that haunts her, but the gentle and quiet prodding from her companion convinces her otherwise. Nimue floats to her bonded’s side, staring up with crystal blue eyes, questioning these feelings that are foreign to her young mind. Not wanting to tarnish the little whale’s spirit with her own unease, the blue Mender brushes Nimue’s cheek, before leading them both towards the beautiful land that had once hosted such a horrific event.

The makeshift bridge does little to relieve Tiamat’s anxiety (that’s how they had come last time...like lambs to the slaughter).

Still, she pushes on, focusing on the sight of the crowd and the brushing of her companion’s fin against her shoulder. As they draw closer, the Mender recognizes several faces—many of whom share her beloved mountain home—and reminds herself (again and again) of the profound goodness in this world. It is this that she clings to when she reaches the gathering, long lashes blinking before she lifts her eyes to the creature. Her breath hitches in her throat, and her heart dares a thread of hope. “Are you the ocean?” Tiamat gasps, unsure of the magnificent beast could even hear her.


notes; Approaches warily, fearful because of what happened at the Rift Wars, and speaks to the creature.
“Speech.”