the Rift


[OPEN] 28 Weeks Later [Join]

Ezital Posts: 48
Aurora Basin Soldier atk: 6.0 | def: 9.5 | dam: 4.0
Stallion :: Unicorn :: 14.1 :: 4 HP: 60 | Buff: NOVICE
Oatmeal :: Two-toed Sloth :: None Veer
#1
EZITAL

 
The north had bloomed in the warm embrace of Tallsun, revealing the dormant greenery that lurked beneath the crust of snow and ice. It looked deceptively hospitable and mild, like a mischievous beast that had tucked away its claws and fangs to lure unsuspecting prey. The colorful flowers tucked into the broken edges of the rocks and cliffs were small, but appealing. They tasted like a mouthful of dirt seasoned with old stallion ball sweat. The grass was tough and bitter. Truly, it was a wonder that anyone could survive out here.
 
Ezital choked down a few bites of questionable vegetation to soothe his growling stomach. It took all his will power to not spit it all out like an overgrown princess. The last year had been none too gentle on him. The curve of his barrel sank too sharply at his flanks, and his hips seemed to protrude a little more each day. His wandering heart had drawn him away from the comfort of herd life and the familiar faces in the Hidden Falls. He'd eventually found his way back, as he always did, but this time there was no one left to greet him. They'd abandoned their caves and pools and left nothing behind but endless, echoing silence.
 
His legs had carried him north, through mountains and foothills, seeking anything, anyone. Weeks had passed and the only thing he'd encountered was a few rabbits and plenty of sticks. The world seemed oddly empty, and sometimes he let himself wonder if he might be the last one. Part of him liked the idea. Horses could be such nosy, prissy bitches sometimes. They waltzed through life like everyone longed to hear their drawn out monologue about things no one really cared about.
 
But they weren't all bad. Some were kind and a few had laughed at his jokes. As fluffy as they were, wild bunnies weren't all that great for conversation. Even Ezital began to crave a more substantial interaction given enough time. After all, who would bring those prissy bitches back to reality if not for him? It couldn't possibly be healthy to be so uptight and full of yourself.
 
He eyed the pathetic tuft of grass topped with a generous helping of yellowed moss. His belly tightened and rumbled a little more deeply, urging where his mind was resisting. His ears drooped and he let out a heavy sigh. There was no one around to witness his pity party for one, even though he could really use a gate crasher right about now. Why did no one bother him when he actually wanted to be bothered?
 
Ezital squared off with the grass and offered his best, most intimidating glare. "Okay grass, time to meet your doom." He snapped his teeth for good measure.
 

@Albrecht Town first please
Your move old man
talk
[Image: veerpixel2_by_abbie1234_d9s5c3u_by_veerd...9s893u.png]

Please tag Ezital in all replies.

Albrecht Posts: 249
Aurora Basin Impersonator atk: 6 | def: 8.5 | dam: 2.5
Stallion :: Unicorn :: 17.1hh :: 19 (Orangemoon) HP: 60 | Buff: NOVICE
Strom :: Suma Ball Python :: None Townsen
#2
He’s not normally inclined to take on the role of welcome party, but when the old black catches sight of the other white faced stallion - the preppy, jokey one – trying to choke down a mouthful of leathery textured, near inedible tundra scrub, he has to pause, an expression of mixed disgust and amusement quirking his lips. "You lost, pretty boy?” He calls teasingly, changing his course from southward, having intended to seek out the Grove and its gentle quiet, to eastward, moving down the hill and away from the twin sentinels collapsing into themselves at the border.

The ground is uneven, pocked with hoof holes created in the mud of last Orangemoon and frozen solid over Frostfall, the slopes difficulty only increasing with the sudden blooming of Birdsong grasses and shrubbery, the season having attracted too little traffic to smooth the path into something respectable and easily traversed before the heat of Tallsun baked it into a minefield of crumbling, toe catching gulfs perfectly designed to trip and send tumbling any careless - or rickety - travelers.

Further disadvantaged by his age and natural lankiness, the old black stumbles and half-hops his way down, his movements made jerky and unnatural by arthritis, the thin and dirty state of his haggard body either making him appear tragic or ridiculous. Despite it all, he somehow keeps his temper, continuing to prod at the other stallion as he shambles to halt nearby. “Or maybe you just enjoy making yourself gag.” He grins, remembering the young stallions obvious distress at his lowbrow sense of humor the last time they’d met and fully expecting a similar reaction now. “There are more interesting ways you know.”



"Talk."
OOC // @Ezital
albrecht
Bah bah black sheep,
have you any soul?

image | coding
           
[Image: 56c616e54affc]Rated M, R, NC-17, AO, 18+, NSFW
Tag dat azz!  @Albrecht
Violence & Magic okay.
Wish - Away - OOC


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
tiamat
Having wandered out of the Basin and into the Frostbreath Steppe earlier in the day, the blue Lady is just now returning to her beloved mountain home. She had roamed across the tundra partly in search of some herbs that needed replacing in the healer’s greenhouse (because old habits die hard, and her healer’s heart will forever harbor a love for the art, no matter her rank), and also partly to allow her thoughts to settle.

Since being promoted, she has found herself incredibly busy and her mind always brimming with concerns and ideas—while she enjoys the responsibility, it is nice for her to take a few hours of the day for herself.

Breathing a slow sigh from her nostrils, the sea maiden brushes her companion’s smooth back, her cloven hooves meandering lazily forward as her hips swing idly and her lion tail swings casually around her ankles, hardly in a hurry to be anywhere right now. However, figures on the path ahead catch the Ocean’s Light attention. Raising her dainty head in interest, her pearly eyes recognize one of the stallions. “Albrecht, hello!” She calls out pleasantly to the elderly man, picking up a slow trot to cover the final distance between them.

Giving the aged Impersonator a familiar grin, she reaches out to briefly brush his nose with her own in a gesture of camaraderie, if he will allow it. Then she turns her bright eyes to the other stallion—much smaller than the elderly one by her shoulder, but still undoubtedly striking in appearance. “And who is this?” The ocean mare questions with a twinkle in her gaze, her lips quirking good-humoredly to the side. “I don’t believe we’ve met before! My name is Tiamat, Lady of the Aurora Basin,” she reaches out to him as well, seeking to exchange breaths.

Drawing back, the blue Lady eyes both of them and their surroundings, playfully wondering what kind of trouble they might be getting themselves into. “What’re you boys up to?” She questions, the query directed at no one in particular. Nimue, hovering closely at her bondmate’s hip, peeks out at the two unfamiliar stallions with curious, shy eyes.


notes; Hope you don't me popping Tia in here! c:
“Speech.”
For her,
the ocean was more than a dream
it was a place she
needed.

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

Ezital Posts: 48
Aurora Basin Soldier atk: 6.0 | def: 9.5 | dam: 4.0
Stallion :: Unicorn :: 14.1 :: 4 HP: 60 | Buff: NOVICE
Oatmeal :: Two-toed Sloth :: None Veer
#4
EZITAL


Heavy mouth breathing startled Ezital from his banquet. He turned to find a filthy, emaciated creature lurching toward him and making unsettling progress. Ropes of red spilled from its underbelly and throat, spilling over its knees and hocks in a river of gore. Its mottled maw curled into a rather menacing smile.

The sound that fell from his lips wasn't quite a scream, but it was hard to maintain one's dignity when bits of grass and saliva were flying through the air. He skittered up the path in an awkward tangle of limbs, as he refused to turn tail to the beast. Clearly, the Gods had heard his rambling thoughts and raised the dead to greet him.

But then the beast was speaking, and the cloud of fear melted into irritation and resignation.

"Albrecht? You look…" He faltered, unable to come up with something other than 'awful'. 'Well' and 'Fine' were way too generous. The stallion was gaunt and bony as ever, and the warmth of Tallsun seemed to have thinned his dark coat. It certainly didn't do him any favors.

Ezital watched in a state of bemused amazement as the stallion struggled over the worn path like he was scaling a mountain with three broken legs. Had he really felt threatened by this creature?

He laughed at Albrecht's leer. "I only need to stand downwind from you for that. You smell like the north end of a south facing cow."

Another equine prances up the path, a study in opposites to the gnarled old stallion. She was painted brightly blue and her attitude was positively charming. She automatically grouped Ezital with Albrecht as if their sheer proximity made them friendly. He opened his mouth to correct her, but hesitated before the words could come. Albrecht had lived in the Basin all this time, so they clearly tolerated the old stallion's presence in the herd, perhaps even welcomed it.

When he'd come to the Falls, he'd been brought by other members, introduced to the leaders and granted rank. This time he'd wandered into unfamiliar territory unaccompanied and possibly unwelcome. Grudgingly, he inched a little closer to Albrecht and hitched himself to Albrecht's metaphorical wagon.

"My name is Ezital, and until fairly recently I was a warrior for the Hidden Falls. I met Albrecht at the Heart Caves over Frostfall. I'm looking for somewhere to stay."

@Albrecht @Tiamat
talk

[Image: veerpixel2_by_abbie1234_d9s5c3u_by_veerd...9s893u.png]

Please tag Ezital in all replies.

Albrecht Posts: 249
Aurora Basin Impersonator atk: 6 | def: 8.5 | dam: 2.5
Stallion :: Unicorn :: 17.1hh :: 19 (Orangemoon) HP: 60 | Buff: NOVICE
Strom :: Suma Ball Python :: None Townsen
#5
albrecht
The old stallion continues to grin, bemused by the younger mans reactions and oddly charmed - charmed? - by his ridicule. That the words are heavy with truth is no concern to him, his sense of smell long dulled by age and perhaps having never been an impressive faculty in the first place, his sense of self that might have prevented such a downward spiral all but lost.

So he takes no offense from the gibe, merely exhaling through his nostrils in a silent chuckle. He might have said something witty then, or more likely something shocking and vulgar, but the sudden appearance of the Lady Tiamat draws his attention away, her bright, ‘hello!’ and tender gesture taking him wholly by surprise, the navy of her muzzle pressing gently against his black one before he even has time to react.

For a moment his haggard face is a picture of astonishment, his emerald eyes blinking slowly, his salt and pepper ears turned at opposite angles as the two carry on conversing without him, no special meaning or emphasis given to such niceties in their more civilized worlds, perhaps unable to grasp how large such little things become when you're old and unpleasant, accustomed to being alone and universally hated. He swallows, struggling to tune back in, his neck instinctively arching and the corners of his mouth tipping up as the antlered stallion edges closer.

From here he can see the branching tines of those antlers in close detail, including the unnatural blue that tips them and makes him wonder what magical effect they might have when wielded in battle. He can also see the slight dish in the white of the stallions face, the bold red of his eye markings flaring out on the white canvas of his skull like perfectly preserved butterfly wings. It's not exactly a picture of ferocity, but who is an old man to judge?

"Fighter of Champions." He chimes, recalling the indignant introduction he'd received more than a year ago, delighted that he still can remember such things, his mind in much better condition than his body. "He's served under Ktulu - supposedly." He tacks on, shrugging, catching himself vouching for the butterfly boy and not particularly wanting to admit to himself why that is.

If only he'd had wings instead of antlers.


"Talk."
OOC // @Ezital @Tiamat

Bah bah black sheep,
Have you any soul?

image | coding
           
[Image: 56c616e54affc]Rated M, R, NC-17, AO, 18+, NSFW
Tag dat azz!  @Albrecht
Violence & Magic okay.
Wish - Away - OOC


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
tiamat
The aged stallion’s surprise to her intimate greeting goes wholly unnoticed by the sea maiden. It is almost second nature for her to be so uninhibited with her gestures, especially with someone who is familiar and a fellow member of the Basin, so it doesn’t occur to her that it might be vastly different for Albrecht. Instead, her attention is focused on the petite stallion at the Impersonator’s side. He reveals himself as Ezital, a former member of the now-disbanded Hidden Falls, which earns a spark of sympathy in the ocean mare’s expression.

The Aurora Basin is the only home that Tiamat has ever known—she can’t imagine the whirlwind of sorrow and confusion that she would be thrown into if the Time God were to disperse his herd. She works hard to serve her beloved mountains and her people. The threat of their patron god still echoes in the back of her mind, urging her to put all that she can into her efforts, and never forsake hope. What must this colorfully-marked stallion be feeling? Had the Hidden Falls been the home to him that the Aurora Basin is to her?

Exhaling a slow breath in an effort to calm the sudden unease of her heart, the Ocean’s Light glances to the old stallion when he chimes in, and an approving smile highlights her lips before she turns back to Ezital. “Champions, impressive!” She crows with an airy chuckle, pearly eyes sparkling beneath the light of the sun.

“Well it is a pleasure to meet you, Ezital,” the blue Lady continues, laughter lingering in her voice, “You are more than welcome to make the Aurora Basin your home, if you would like.” Her smiles softens, and she takes a step forward, extending her muzzle to him in a similar fashion that she had to Albrecht, welcoming the handsome man into their herd. “Would you like to continue your path of a warrior? Or is there another career that interests you now?” Tiamat tilts her head just slightly to the side, her dainty ears slanting forward in anticipation for his answer.

“Speech.”
For her,
the ocean was more than a dream
it was a place she
needed.

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

Ezital Posts: 48
Aurora Basin Soldier atk: 6.0 | def: 9.5 | dam: 4.0
Stallion :: Unicorn :: 14.1 :: 4 HP: 60 | Buff: NOVICE
Oatmeal :: Two-toed Sloth :: None Veer
#7
EZITAL


Ezital regretted his choice mere seconds after he'd made it. Albrecht knew next to nothing about him, and that became glaringly obvious as more bullshit poured from his mouth. The old stallion seemed completely oblivious to Ezital's panicked glance that he tried to keep the mare from seeing. He didn't dare strike the stallion's cannon bone with his hoof to shut him up, if only because there would be no hiding it.

How could he possibly have thought Albrecht would aid him? His help came in the form of cheerfully digging a grave before he pushed Ezital in.

He would have been better off asking a nearby rock to break dance.

Tiamat was clearly important, the ones with a title like Champion or Lady usually were. He could barely keep up with the hierarchy in the Falls, for the only equine of rank he'd formally met was Ktulu. The big palomino pegasus that had been in charge only showed up once for a meeting, said some vague things and sent them on their way. Leaders were largely absent figures in his life.

Would it be better to agree with Albrecht's words and try to achieve a higher rank? Should he jump in and correct the assumptions Tiamat would make? While he'd managed to leave a mark on Ciceron in their spar, the stallion had very thoroughly kicked his ass. Ktulu hadn't taught him anything worth knowing about fighting, didn't seem to mind him leaving for long periods, or notice him much at all. It suited him, to be kept on that long leash, free to wander until they called for him.

Tiamat seemed calm and level headed, but would she object to his frequent day trips? The first years of his life had been solitary ones, and while he'd grown to appreciate the comforts of living with a herd, he tended to fall back onto old habits. Comfort could be confining and claustrophobic at times, just as wandering could get lonely.

He cleared his throat awkwardly, but leaned forward to answer her gentle acceptance.

"I'd like to stay awhile and join your warriors, though I still have things to learn."

@Albrecht @Tiamat
talk
[Image: veerpixel2_by_abbie1234_d9s5c3u_by_veerd...9s893u.png]

Please tag Ezital in all replies.

Albrecht Posts: 249
Aurora Basin Impersonator atk: 6 | def: 8.5 | dam: 2.5
Stallion :: Unicorn :: 17.1hh :: 19 (Orangemoon) HP: 60 | Buff: NOVICE
Strom :: Suma Ball Python :: None Townsen
#8
albrecht

Having done something – arguably, but allowances have to be made when the mere absence of viciousness accounts for the epitome of a character’s sweetness – nice, for probably the first time since entering Helovia, and met with nothing but a white rimmed, sidelong glance and a lingering impression of less than gratitude from the antlered stallion, the old black’s expression creases with a mix of annoyance and confusion. He hasn’t said anything disparaging, so what the actual fuck is this about? He thinks bitterly, instantly on the defensive. Butterfly boy said he wanted to join, Butterfly boy got to join, what the fuck else was he expecting?

Feeling mistreated, persecuted even by the intensity of that glance, he leans away from the smaller stallion, allowing Tiamat to fully take over the conversation. He drifts nearer to her side, and more importantly, farther from the other stallion's when she steps forward to welcome him as she had the old black just moments ago, taking silent solace in her unwavering tolerance, even kindness, toward him.

‘Nice,’ chimes his companion, placing the cobalt mare among an exalted class, only Tangere and Lena having earned that title already. Yes, the black agrees, seeking comfort in their shared consciousness as well, the python's muted emotions helping to hold his own volatile, sometimes no less than uncontrollable ones steady. ‘Not nice?’ The snake questions, lifting his head from the stallion’s impala horns for the first time all day and flicking his tongue against the air, sifting through countless odors of grass, dirt, water, the old stallion and his various bodily functions, even the bits of seaweed and salt caught in the Lady’s mane, tasting, discarding the familiar until he finds something new, memorizing the scent of the antlered stallion for future reference.

The black doesn't answer this time, unsure himself. "Find Erebos." Is all he contributes, already regretting his decision to trek out here and eyeing the path back into the Basin with open despair. Leaving had been a downhill venture, but returning to it means having to go back up. He sighs, hocks aching from the mere idea, then turns away, deciding to go south instead. The Grove is better grazing anyway.


"Talk."
OOC // @Tiamat @Ezital
Bah bah black sheep
have you any soul?

image | coding
           
[Image: 56c616e54affc]Rated M, R, NC-17, AO, 18+, NSFW
Tag dat azz!  @Albrecht
Violence & Magic okay.
Wish - Away - OOC


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
#9
tiamat
The ocean maiden is delighted when the colorfully-marked stallion accepts her offer of living in the Basin, confirming that he would like to continue his profession as a warrior. The grin on her lips broadens, though she can’t help but laugh a little with his humble statement—not laughing at him, of course (and certainly not mocking him), but more of a general amusement. “Well I think we all have plenty to learn,” she quips with a playful wink tossed in his direction, the length of her leonine tail curling behind her. “One of life’s most magnificent facts is that the world always has something new to teach us. It is wonderful, isn’t it?” She sighs blissfully, looking between both of the stallions.

The elder one of the two remains uncharacteristically quiet (uncharacteristic as far as Tiamat is aware of at least, since she has only known Albrecht to be a stallion to speak his mind openly, and sometimes painfully). Her dainty ears tilt in the Impersonator’s direction, partially out of concern (because how can her healer’s heart not worry about a man of his age?), though her expression brightens again when he speaks simply. Turning her white eyes against to Ezital, she nods in agreement with the older male.

“Yes—Erebos is the Basin’s General. He is in charge of all the warriors,” the blue Lady makes a mental note to enlighten the dark blue General of their newest recruit, if they don’t happen to run into him on their way home. Her train of thought is interrupted when there is movement in the corner of her eyes, and she focuses to see Albrecht leaving their little group, apparently traveling somewhere south. “See you later, Albrecht! Thank you for your time, my friend,” the sea maiden calls out to him happily, genuinely, before she shifts her attention to her other company. “Would you like to follow me into the Basin’s valley?” She questions Ezital with a small grin and a tilt of her delicate head.


notes; Sorry for the wait!
“Speech.”
For her,
the ocean was more than a dream
it was a place she
needed.

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


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