the Rift


those twins [birthing, open!]

Tor Posts: 197
World's Edge Nurse
Mare :: Equine :: 17.1 :: 9
Adoptable
#1




It is the fall of evening when the mare lays in the forest that has become home. Her mane and tail, thick and lush and purest white, spills out across the blossoming green life and flowers bright and sweet-scented; her eyes, her soft brown eyes drift close as the first pains hit her, and her breathing shortens. It is a long, long time due, the foal; and so she welcomes to relieve the weight from her plump, heavy alabastar belly, and she finds herself nearly excited. The birds are singing bright and clear, notes high and notes low, flickering and flying, rubies and gems and sapphire jewels in the reddening evening, feathers flying and little beaks opening and closing.

This Tallsun had been startlingly crazy- young animals popping up everywhere, magics blossoming in unlikely candidates, all sorts of strange things; perhaps the gods were pleased, despite the carnage of the Gods' veins, the shrines desecrated. Many weeks she had spent there, praying for a healthy child, head bowed and lips forming soundless words, before her slow travel home, just in time for the baby.

Or rather, babies. Foals. It seemed like forever and it seemed like no time at all, but there they were, one small and white with only a little black; and the other small and black with only a little white; and Tor found herself laughing, despite the pain, and she stood, legs straightening, muscles tightening, eyes sparkling in pleasure, and then she said proudly; "Ah, my little foals; sweet Laila, my filly, and handsome Luken, my colt."

[Long overdue baby thread! D:]





TOR
Without each other, we are all lost- so keep yourself together, and stay with me




WORDS OF COMPASSION ARE STRONGER THAN ANY ACT OF POWER.

Destrier Posts: 180
Outcast atk: 5 | def: 7.5 | dam: 7.5
Stallion :: Equine :: 16.3hh :: 16 HP: 65.5 | Buff: ENDURE
Suli :: Common Green Dragon :: Fire Breath & Merlin :: Plain Black Dragon :: Frost Breath Dingo
#2



HEROES MAY DIE


The worry that Destrier had felt in the past weeks had been awful. It consumed him, his worry for Tor and the child that she carried within her pale, wide barrel. He knew that it would be unlikely anything would be the matter with the foal, especially when he took the season into consideration. It was a peaceful day, with the sligtest breeze to keep the beings of Helovia cool beneath the rays of the sun; the perfect scene for his child's first glimpse at the world.

Standing a fair distance away to give her plenty of privacy, the Friesian gave an impatient flick of his lengthy tail. A plethora of thoughts were running rampant in his head as he waited, wondering, hoping, that his child would be graced with good health, and that Tor would be well after all was said and done.

It wasn't until he heard the scuffle of hooves clambering against the ground and the sound of Tor's voice that Destrier finally put an end to his nervous pacing, and fully placed his attention upon the mare standing within the clearing behind him. His eyes skimmed the maiden quickly, noting that she was, indeed, as good as ever, her distended belly now reshaped to its original form. But then, Destrier's warm, chocolate gaze dropped to not one, but two, small bodies laying upon the ground.

He was the proud, surprised father of twins.

A feeling of utter joy and pride blossomed in his wide chest as he gingerly stepped closer, lowering his muzzle to Laila and Luken to take in their scents. It was a gentle action, a fatherly one that he had never known before, not until this very momemt in time. To each child he stepped, outstretching his black nose and touching it gently to theirs. "Welcome to the world, my little ones." Only then did he lift his head again, turning to look upon Tor with a look that was the epitome of happiness. "They are beautiful, Tor," came his deep tenor, "Just like their mother. May the Gods bless them with strength and good mind."

Within his ten years of life, these would be his first children, his first family since the bloody wars of Gassul and Vallhea. He could only hope that neither of the two small, newborn souls laying before him would ever face such a life, and instead find peace within Helovia like he had.

BUT LEGENDS ENDURE

Image Credits


You may attack and use magic on Des at any time for any reason.

HP: 66.5

Luken Posts: 27
Hidden Account atk: 4 | def: 7 | dam: 7
Stallion :: Equine :: 17.0 :: Three Years [Tallsun Born] HP: 62 | Buff: NOVICE
Sparrow
#3

L u k e n
One Day, I Shall Walk the Path of the Righteous



The familiar warmth and darkness that had become Luken’s home had quickly, and rather rudely, changed far too suddenly for his liking. Where he had spent his short life snuggled beside his sister, it had been comfortable, albeit growing a little cramped… Now, though, the harsh light stung at his bleary eyes, making it hard to see clearly, and his little stomach rose and fell rather quickly with each breath that he took. His small, lanky frame shivered in the sudden temperature change, pale body curled close once more to the familiar heat of his twin sister.

Movement beside him made the pale foal’s head twitch slightly, dark chocolate orbs turning curiously to see what had made the sound. The scent of the one beside them was familiar, and it was with a squeal of delight that Luken recognized it as his mother. The foal lifted his tired head, an unsettling rumble forming in his tummy, and a weak squeal of indignation left his lips. His bleary eyes took in her pale form, reminding him curiously of his own. Large and spotted, she would easily be able to protect the twins if any harm ever came their way.

Words and voices floated past his confused ears, the tones soft, warm, and loving. They made him feel safe, these voices, and Luken decided that he liked them very much. Letting out a sigh, the delicate, mostly alabaster colt shifted and scooted closer to where his sister lay, desperate to share in her warmth. Before he could lower his head and get comfortable for a nap, however, another looming form approached. This one was large, broad, and darker than his sister. His chocolate eyes absorbed every feature of the stallion,, tiny nostrils flaring rapidly as he took in the older male’s scent… He smelled warm, and loving, just like their mother.

Reaching his nose up, little Luken briefly touched his muzzle to that of his father’s, staring into equally dark brown eyes. They were filled with love and adoration, and the deep rumbling of Destrier’s voice caused the newborn to jolt. He looked quizzically at the Friesian for a few moments before giving a little snort, and then lowered his head, redirecting his attention to his sister and pressing his muzzle warmly against her darker side.

[ooc: I’ve never posted a newly-born foal before, so I hope this is good enough… XD]

[Image: f2a98b89-1dc8-469e-8d0d-dd17fdf6d8ad_zpscee7a0cf.jpg]




Laila Posts: N/A
Unregistered
:: :: ::
#4



….and suddenly, there was light.

Her world turned upside down and inside out, jolting and jittering in a continuous state of flux until, finally, solid ground rose out of nowhere to greet the newly kindled soul. There was no thought, as there was nothing experienced to contemplate. There was just the here and now, and the icy, blinding pain of the light jarring the tiny filly awake, beguiling her to open her eyes and meet the world. Had she a voice, she would have groaned in protest—for the time being, however, the enormous act of birth took the breath right out of her fragile lungs. It wasn’t pleasant here; the gentle breeze tickled the hair on her chin, and she hid from it. It was much too cold; the filly scooted closer the warm mound she had become familiar with, knowing its presence and its comfort. She buried her face in the white mass of fur, shy of the sun, taking in the scent of her womb-mate.

Her brother. Tiny bits and parts of information was making its way into the filly’s brain-pan, giving her tiny hints to the world, guiding her, showing her the way. This was her brother-- the creature she had been with since her very conception. It was only natural to cling to his warmth, and she noted in her tiny mind that he provided shelter from the chill that was the world. Before she knew it, this lesson latched itself into her heart, making itself indomitable to her person. This was her brother. He provided warmth.

*"Ah, my little foals; sweet Laila, my filly, and handsome Luken, my colt."*

Curious sensations began to overwhelm the filly, and she buried her head further into the mound, still unwilling to meet the challenges that the blinding orange sun provided. These were noises, and they spoke to her, about her, about the world she had found herself in. Lower sounds, higher sounds; they flowed about the filly’s ears, and her mind danced to them as she listened, even though she hid her eyes from view.

*"Welcome to the world, my little ones."*

The mound—her brother—moved underneath her, and the filly could feel him jump at the low, rumbling notes. He continued to shift this way and that, exploring the world with his senses, braver than herself; she clung to him, unwilling to let him go so easily. Then she felt his muzzle pressing into her, feeling the gentle breathing from his tiny nostrils. It was as though he were breathing a trickle of courage into her; with slow, wary movements, the filly lifted her eyes from his pale hide, and looked into the mirrored chocolaty brown of similar-colored orbs. It was in that span of heartbeats that the first inklings of thoughts entered the filly’s mind. Nothing sophisticated—just the beginnings of an identity.

This…is my brother. Luken.

My brother gives me warmth.

I…I am Laila.







LAILA
One Day, I Shall Live by the Code of Honor





Tor Posts: 197
World's Edge Nurse
Mare :: Equine :: 17.1 :: 9
Adoptable
#5




Tor smiles gently as a stallion dark as she is pale comes, materializes out of the forest shadows; tall and handsome and inky, long-maned and flowing-tailed, with the constant soft expression he used whenever around Tor; yes, she knew he was warriors, but he never fought around her, nor wore whatever he carried into the battles he participated in. Already her belly is shrinking in size, while remaining slightly plump from the many weeks of carrying twins. Twins! She hadn't expected carrying little horses around in her.

One filly and one colt, entwined around each other, close as can be. They must be, should be, and remain close forever; they developed together and will grow together, and they should stay together. Laila had buried her small, soft nose into the pale hairs of Luken, the colt; and her eyes were squeezed slightly shut, afraid of the world. "No." Tor says quietly, letting her muzzle drift over their forms. Her colt is brave- he will be like Destrier, the black knight who will rise to greatness in his stately, valiant way. "You can stand, dears." Legs straighten and unfold, long long long white pillars that rise high above her little ones, and she keeps her head low, and nudges the colt who sniffs the air so cautiously.

"Come on, young ones." She urged. Of course, Tor knew there were no predators here with the Edge; but regardless, she was uneasy, her instincts a dire warning. Do not let them die. Not her foals, the foals who are hers and Destrier's and will always be so; anyone but her. "You must stand." The healer sighed, casting her gaze upwards towards Destrier, filled with a quiet patience. Even though it is many minutes late, she gives him a compliment back- "And they are blessed with you as their parent, Destrier."

The sun is warm and the grass is green, and it is a more perfect day than she could imagine for them to come into this world.





TOR
Without each other, we are all lost- so keep yourself together, and stay with me




WORDS OF COMPASSION ARE STRONGER THAN ANY ACT OF POWER.

Destrier Posts: 180
Outcast atk: 5 | def: 7.5 | dam: 7.5
Stallion :: Equine :: 16.3hh :: 16 HP: 65.5 | Buff: ENDURE
Suli :: Common Green Dragon :: Fire Breath & Merlin :: Plain Black Dragon :: Frost Breath Dingo
#6



HEROES MAY DIE

When his nose brushed gently against the colt, he noticed the jolt that was given, and hardly stifled a low chuckle. It came as no surprise that either of the two newborns were unsure of everything, for they had only known the warmth of each other, as well as their mother, and darkness. But now, they were free to live their own lives, able to roam wherever their spindly legs could take them. Of course, Destrier and Tor would no doubt have to keep a close eye on the two, for the land outside of the Edge could be dangerous.

Lifting his head, then, Destrier cast his earthen gaze to Tor, a soft expression upon his face. What he was feeling was unlike any he'd felt before, and honestly, he would be content for it to never go away. It was the proud realization that he was a father that the Friesian turned, pressing a velveteen muzzle into Tor's thick, pale neck. It was a simple action, one of gentle love and within it, holding the promise of an eternity by her side. There were no words that needed to be spoken at that moment.

But when his attention returned to his children, he stepped close once more, taking notice of Laila's shyness to this new world that was all hers. A ginger smile played upon his lips, and ever so tenderly, he gave the filly a nudge, exhaling a warm puff of breath upon her withers, as if trying to give her the courage she so obviously needed. Perhaps if Luken arose first, then she would follow in suit? She and her brother both needed to get to their feet and have the first, most important meal of their lives. "Come now, Laila, Luken; you must eat."

BUT LEGENDS ENDURE

Image Credits


You may attack and use magic on Des at any time for any reason.

HP: 66.5

Luken Posts: 27
Hidden Account atk: 4 | def: 7 | dam: 7
Stallion :: Equine :: 17.0 :: Three Years [Tallsun Born] HP: 62 | Buff: NOVICE
Sparrow
#7


After having buried his muzzle into the downy hide of his sister, Luken had been content. His little belly grumbled in the most uncomfortable of ways, but he paid it no heed; the only thing that he truly wanted was the familiar warmth that only came with his sister, and a place where they had spent their last months growing together. However, never would they return to that warmth, as life was a never-changing cycle of new beginnings… And this was merely one of the obstacles that they would overcome together.

’You can stand, dears.’

The words of his mother floated through his ears, the words unfamiliar and foreign to comprehend, yet the warm and welcoming tones caused the colt to slowly tilt his head, eyes opening to regard his mother for a moment with a curious gaze of chocolate. What did she want from him? What did she want him to do? Those same orbs watch, now in curious fascination as the alabaster form of his mother shifted and moved, the long, thick pillars of her legs unfolding and pushing herself to her feet. Eyes widened slightly and his nose twitched, uncertain. Why, she was even taller than their father.

Tor brushed her muzzle against his, and the colt tilted his head slightly, uncertain. The rumbling, yet already familiar voice of their father broke the silence of the air, and still the young colt was filled with nothing but curiosity. What did they want him to do? Could he do it? Didn’t they understand that the young lad only wanted to sleep? And yet… Luken couldn’t help but gaze up at his parents and wonder… Would he be that tall if he unfurled his little legs and tried to stand? Would Laila be taller?

Giving a glance to his twin sister, Luken nudged her encouragingly with his nose, breathing in her familiar scent and soaking up her warmth for a moment longer before beginning to shift and rock, spindly legs slowly unfurling. They were hard to maneuver, these long and lanky limbs, and the colt gave a rough exhale of irritation as he tried to position his legs beneath the tiny form of his body. It was frustrating, although the young draft mutt was far too inexperienced with life to truly understand just what frustration was… But he could feel it. Oh, could he feel it. However, he had inherited the perseverance from both of his parents and would not be outdone.

Rocking slightly, Luken was able to find purchase, tiny hooves digging into the soil. His legs, thick-boned but lanky, slowly straightened out as he attempted to stand, yet before he could push himself too far off the ground, the trembling pillars of his legs gave out and he crumpled back down upon the ground. For a moment he sat there, in confused surprised, then gave a huff and a tiny snort, ears swiveling around, and proceeded to try again. It was on his third try that the young colt finally pulled himself to his feet, legs splayed slightly and trembling to try and remain upright and balanced. There was no way he was going to attempt to walk yet… At least until he could stand without falling.

That didn’t stop the colt, however, from dipping his head slightly and making a soft nicker, a sound that left his lips easily. It was a call, a beckon to his sister, to tell her that she could do it too. She could prevail and stand with him, and together they could experience their first few steps of their new life.

[ooc: This is harder than I imagined it would be. XD]




LUKEN
One Day, I Shall Walk the Path of the Righteous





Laila Posts: N/A
Unregistered
:: :: ::
#8




"You can stand, dears."

"Come now, Laila, Luken; you must eat."

"You must stand."

These noises continued to persist, paradoxical in their warm tenderness and powerful, vibrant tones; somewhere along the line, Laila realized that these noises were directed at her. Though she couldn’t make heads or tails of what was said, or indeed, the purpose of these noises and their functions, Laila was deathly fascinated by them, even more than she was wary of them. As her brother continued to breath tendrils of courage and comfort into her fur, Laila raised her head somewhat, her big, chocolate eyes drinking in the light that had blinded her. It wasn’t so intense this time; she looked upon verdant grasses and the orange light of eveningtime, an image that would stay in her mind for evermore. The scent of the wind was a smoldering thing, laced with saltiness and ferns, and the scent of high Tallsun; this, too, would be lodged forever within the depths of Laila’s mind, though she didn’t know it at the time. They were treasures, nodules of comfort for the tiny filly; they would haunt her for the rest of her days, reminding her of the carelessness of being a newborn. It would save her, eventually.

Laila observed around herself, noting the giants that roamed and walked around her; one as pure as the powdery snow she was ignorant to, the other as dark and proud as the night she was destined to experience. Though she feared the wide world around her and was reluctant to leave the safety of her brother’s side, these monoliths brought no such trepidation to her. Instead, the filly was mesmerized by their size and grace; their impossibly large, pillar-like legs captivated the tiny filly, and as she watched them an unfamiliar feeling grew within her breast. She didn’t know what it meant, but what Laila was feeling was admiration for these giants; she wanted to be as large and full of poise as these mighty things!

The dark behemoth bent and breathed on Laila as Luken had done before, but just as Luken only bestowed a tendril of bravery for his little sister, this impossible giant filled Laila with enough energy to threaten the poor filly to burst. She gave a great squeal as she was nudged, a tiny sound that would deepen into a whinny when she got older; she eagerly turned her head to face the stallion, reaching out as far as her neck could take her without moving from her spot in the grass. She wanted to return the touch, and breath upon him just as he had done her—but he was so high, his withers much too far out of reach, and Laila gave another squeal, this time one of indignation. She wanted to be that high!

As high as her father.

Her wail became a shortened squeak of shock as she felt her brother shifting violently, jostling her somewhat and moving away from her. Her eyes widened even more as she watched her brother unravel himself, splaying his long, spindly legs and working them somehow. She didn’t quite know what he was trying to do, but as gradually Luken rose upon his feet into an unsteady stance, Laila’s heart began to beat very fast indeed, inspired by the sight of her brother so tall. He wasn’t quite as high as the twin giants that accompanied them, but he certainly reached to the heavens, and when he bent and called her, a sound of obvious encouragement, the dam holding back Laila’s exhilaration broke.

Laila wasn’t precisely aware of all of her body; she had never attempted to move herself, and so she didn’t know what it felt like to move her legs and stand with them. But the urge, the desire to do so rose up in her breast, encouraged by both her brother’s and her father’s encouragement. Laila didn’t take a moment to figure out how she might need to move her legs and work them into something useful; she only wanted to be tall like the rest of her family, to be just as grand and proud as they were. As such, Laila used the burst of energy she felt to propel herself upwards, striving to be high and great like her brother.

It was…the most alien feeling in her entire existence. The desire to leave the ground was something Laila understood, but the sensation of using these long, skinny, weak things that were her legs was incredibly awkward and harder than she expected. As soon as she launched herself into the air, she crashed back down to the ground, her legs too tangled and confused to support her weight. As she hit the ground again, the surge of excitement that had pushed her forward suddenly drained out of Laila; she snorted and shook her tiny head, a wave of exhaustion rolling over her. She settled into the grass, but her head was held high and her breath was heavy, eyes open and staring straight at the white giant that beckoned them forward. This giant was important somehow; Laila must make her way toward them, waiting on another surge of energy to help her propel herself forward again.

She squealed again, accepting the challenge; this was her battle-cry.






LAILA
One Day, I Shall Live by the Code of Honor





Tor Posts: 197
World's Edge Nurse
Mare :: Equine :: 17.1 :: 9
Adoptable
#9
[Would you guys like to end it here? We can continue on a different thread acting like they're a bit older :) ]
WORDS OF COMPASSION ARE STRONGER THAN ANY ACT OF POWER.


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