[[So Tolio is Non-Plague and I just want to throw him out there for anyone really~]]

Aurora Basin.

Tolio had never been so relieved in his entire life. Freezing temperatures had eroded away the natural happiness the stallion carried with him. Frostbreath Steppe was a cold and lifeless land now, no longer inhabited by the outcast Edge. He would willingly admit that he was completely thankful for leaving the wretched land. Hot springs and warm soil had been given to them by a God. Time God, if Tolio had heard correctly. Even the mere idea of an immortal taking interest in a small herd such as theirs was rather hard to imagine. Nonetheless if the celestial being were to appear in front of the unicorn right that moment, he would bow before him and grovel in thanks.

Tolio had despised the freezing lands. So he was rather giddy with childish delight that he could slip to the hot springs and relax whenever he wanted. However now was not the time for such simple pleasures. Dark thoughts plagued the normally joyous mind of the stallion, and flamboyant personality had retreated into the other side shown only in the Basin. There was no longer an ability to show his goofy personality before these cold eyed foxes. Tolio was a fighter and understood the trials the mind went through that caused many of them to act that way, but he despised the fact that one wrong step would reveal his troubles. The Plague. He wasn't incompetent or blind. It was impossible to miss the whispers or see the blatant racism that occupied the herd. Tolio could only think of Phaedra, the winged sister he adored so much. Could he truly remain in a place like this, when he did not approve of their views?

Another invisible thread held him firmly in place. Could he help those taken prisoners, simply because they had no horn upon their brow? And Faelene. Leaving her would be almost impossible. Cinnamon colored hoof struck the ground with a fierce exasperation. Ears pinned into bloody mane, disappearing in the tangled strands. Why did this have to suddenly spiral out of control? Everything Tolio had stood for was at stake. He had sworn to Mauja to remain with the outcasts for as long as he had breath in his lungs. But where was Mauja now? Where was the one he had sworn loyalty to? Sneer drew along normally pleasant features, creating a vicious and cold creature Tolio tried not to let influence him. There was more to the flamboyant gay stallion than many believed. There always was a deeper layer to those who seemed jovial. Bright tail slapped against white stockings in annoyance as long legs stalked over the land.

Too much turmoil. Stay or leave? Phaedra had spoken of the Grey, an option he could choose if he needed to. Could he really, though? Faelene was the only other one he cared for. He wanted to stay, to help and stand alongside the others who remained away from the Plague's influence. Stay or leave?

Perhaps Tolio was truly blinded by his troubles, for the presence of another in the hot spring completely eluded him. He had not intended to enter the naturally warm pool, and had meant to bypass it in his demeaningly delicate storming. So he lacked the big bulking muscles, big whoop! Agitation had made everything seem bad around him. He was gay, whatever! He was feminine, oh freaking well! Feeling as if he would snap and either explode or burst into tears, Tolio took a deep controlled breath. Startled out if his thoughts and letting out a tiny yelp of surprise as a rough voice called out to him. Tripping at the sudden voice, rather embarrassing for him until he looked over. Quickly noticing the blind state of his eyes, whoever he was. It made Tolio's heart ache. He didn't seem comfortable with his inability to see, and surely couldn't have been born with it. 

Before Tolio could even consider answering the man rose from the waters and Tolio pouted childishly. Wishing he could be a bit bulkier. Ears laying back an inch when his name was demanded, feeling a little strange and perhaps even intimidated. Tolio was rather tall, but this fellow was taller than him in a rather noticeable manner. "My name is Tolio. I'm sorry if I disturbed you! Oh god! Did I? Oh, I'm sorry! I was in such a foul mood and..." trailing off, feeling terrible to have disturbed the man's rest. If it wasn't obvious he was gay, well folks there's your reminder. Stumbling and clucking at himself, apologetic as could be. 

His flurry of apologies come to an end as a blue mate and her daughter appear, the mother speaking with a kind tone. Tolio's ears perk up from their sad droop, cooing over the little girl. "Hello! I'm Tolio. And your name?" head tilting and shy smile glowing on his face. Unable to look away as the filly stumbled, taken quickly to her mothers side to steady her. He is entranced, always adoring foals since he was an adolescent. Signing sorrowfully. He would never be able to have children. But he cannot be sad when the darling ventures closer to smell them. Giggling soft and dropping his crown, watching the mother carefully and smiling to show be won't harm the fragile little doll. "Hello there pretty princess. I'm Tolio. Aren't you adorable?" Absolutely taken by the little innocent babe. Even so he is worried. They do not smell of the Basin. Perhaps it wasn't safe for them to be here. Though, their horns are automatically an insurance to their lives. Tolio inwardly feels queasy. If the tiny girl had no horn, would she have been harmed as well? Grief seizes his chest. He simply can't be racist.

The mare spoke kindly, even sweetly in reply to their introductions. Though she didn't say her name. She nudged the little one verbally to speak, and Tolio lowered sweet white face down to her to listen. She was a precious little cherub, excited simply to be talked to, hyper in a way many children are. Cheery little voice chirped out to him, tiny legs flailing adorably as she responded in a cute het respectful way. Turning, her teeth pulled on her mother's mane, making Tolio giggle endearingly at the duo even as Leyra reprimanded the babe gently. 

Tolio wanted a little one so very badly, and found the tiny roan child absolutely precious and was eager to simply watch her explore. Completely taken by her innocent air. Stepping back to watch as Leyra questioned what a Haruspex was. Myrrdin, the blind stallion had announced himself as. Tolio was intrigued as well, though he knew what the position meant. Letting Myrrdin explain instead, as he didn't want to make a mockery of such a proud title. Following Myrrdin into the water, but only standing to his knees a few feet away. "May I keep you company in this amazing pool?" Cheery voice both asking and laughing, truly amused that the pool really was amazing. The cold was atrocious outside of the Basin after all. Turning then to Leyra and her daughter. "What brings you here? You don't seem to be of the Basin. Though I'm certainly not averse to your company." Giggling softly even as the worry still lingered. They were safe by blood, but Tolio was still aware that they were outcasts. And that mean the shelter and protection of a herd wasn't offered to the little on or her mother. "Do you have a place to stay?" Worry now taking on a different tone, not wanting to leave them to the cold. Despite Birdsong's influence it was still freezing in the Steppe. 

While Myrddin and Leyra entangled themselves in conversation, Tolio faded into his own little world. He knew about the Haruspex, but Leyra seemed far more interested in the wise old man than the girly chestnut. On the other hand her daughter seemed quite bored with the conversation, and demanded attention from her mother once again. Receiving a sharp look and another nip from the older mare, seeming rather startled and unhappy with the action. Turning instead towards Tolio to smile endearingly at him. Tolio inwardly melted, smiling back and lowering his head to her again. "What do you like to do for fun, Frost?" Not at all feeling silly for striking up a conversation with the adorable babe. He wanted to cuddle and coo over her, spoil her rotten with attention. He absolutely adored children.

Leyra drew his attention again as he was stepping back into the pool, staying close enough to remain in conversation with Frost. Giving a wry grin in return to her words. "Psyche has extended to me a position in her ranks. I already intend to agree, though I haven't had the time. I may not have their scent on me, but I am a Basin member in every other way. She would gladly accept you either way, I apologize if my allegiance confused you miss." Smiling pleasantly and laughing it away. He knew in that moment that he'd made a decision. He would stay with the Basin. Now he just had to tell Psyche. Apologizing softly to Myrddin, listening to his hoarse laugh. Turning to Frost with a sigh as the two engaged once again, Leyra seeming enchanted by the idea the Haruspex could converse with the Time God. "I get rather bored sometimes, you know? You're quite a ray of sunshine for me, Frost. You're mother is very lucky." Grinning at that. He'd come here with a heavy heart, but little Frost was lifting it easily. Oh how dearly he wanted a child of his own, tucked safe to his side. Frost was nothing like him in appearance, but he couldn't help but compare her sweet personality to the child he could possibly never have.