Well my heart is bigger than the earth—

The warmth of the tall stallion’s body pressing against her own is a comfort for the ocean mare. She is a woman of affection and warmth, ever eager to draw close to others, and nearly afraid of the vast coldness of solitude. The length of her lion tail curls slowly behind her, arcing in her dark friend’s direction and perhaps even brushing against the length of his own leonine tail. It is not often that Tiamat personally feels the fragility and innocence that is her very aura—she is safe and comfortable in her own little world, free of writhing shadows or lurking beasts.

Nonetheless, at this moment on the beach, the young Mender cannot recall a time where she has felt so skeptical. The unknown (however trivial it might be) rattles her to her core, threatening to crack the glass and shatter the bubble of bliss that has cocooned her eyes. Tiamat chides herself for being so suspicious and close-minded, but the black seed refuses to be expunged from her little mind. Breathing a long and slow breath from her nostrils, the ocean mare leans closer still to Rikyn, absentmindedly brushing the velvet tip of her muzzle against his broad shoulder.

It is the quiet, gentle, and joyful prodding of her young companion that rouses the Mender from her gloomy haze. Slanting one of her ears before turning her head, white eyes fall on one of the most beautiful and kindhearted individuals that Tiamat will ever have the honor of meeting. “Lena, my friend! How wonderful it is to see you again,” her voice nearly sings with delight, a broad smile softening her features as she reaches out to the brown Mender in a warm greeting.

The two at her side soon begin to muse over Kis’ presence in Helovia, to which Tiamat can only nod thoughtfully. She is uncharacteristically quiet, caught between her own personal battle—her heart of hearts wrestling with the damaging images in her memory. Ultimately, Rikyn’s declaration of gallantry manages to wriggle a smile from her sapphire lips. “Such a gentleman,” she teases him with laughter in her voice, undoubtedly grateful for his willingness to bear with her in her unease. Tiamat is confidant that she will need it through this ‘challenge’ that the sea-creature has in store for them.

As some begin to leap into the frothy waters while others stand to accuse, the Mender flicks her tail in a moment of hesitation. Still, she smiles to Lena when the brown mare leaves them, her grin softening when white eyes rest again on Rikyn. “I’ve always loved the sea,” she says with amusement, as though it isn't obvious by the mere sight of her, “it would be a shame to miss this opportunity.” She winks at him in an attempt to relieve her own anxiety with humor, gesturing to Nimue before dancing towards the waters. Tiamat is careful to not leave the dark stallion's side, looking to him again before she catches the seaweed in her mouth, and dives under.


Tia leaps in!
“Speech.”