Kri the Resolute



I absolute abhor walking. Flying is so much easier, so much more comfortable. However, the heat strained my wings more and more through this awful summer weather, and I found myself grounded once more, walking through the Threshold forest practically gnashing my teeth with annoyance. Still, at least the sun was setting, taking away the direct sunlight and blanket of choking heat with it. That was something to be happy about.

I flick my blonde tail lazily along my sides as I walk, swatting away the annoy bugs that were so common amongst the trees. My demeanor was one of indifference and boredom, until, of course, I heard the piercing shriek of an equid, ringing off of all of the trees in the entire forest. My head perks up immediately, stopping dead in my tracks. Ears lift from their tired droop into attention, swerving to try and determine the origin of such an ugly sound, like someone was ripping flesh from bone.

Next come forth words, falling out a little after the shriek. At least whoever was making so much commotion was still alive. They sounded desperate for aid, though, so I immediately swing my body into gear. My grey hooves tear at the ground as I start forward at a canter. I may be hot, sweaty, and aggravated, but I cannot leave another to fall victim to whatever was plaguing her. When my blue eyes catch the frame of white, I sigh in relief. For all intents and purposes, she appears unharmed - just startled.

Slowing to a walk, I quietly step over, in her line of sight, to avoid spooking the poor mare further. She was cowardly in my opinion, but that did not really matter. Some of my kin were known to be weaker than others. Courage can be stirred in the most yellow-bellied of equines - they only needed the appropriate situtuation.

"No need to be frightened, lady," I say, my voice soothing and calm. "There is little to harm you here in these woods." Maybe that was a lie, but you would never know it by the confidence in my voice.

""

Kri the Resolute



A smile appears on my lips, as the girl asks: This place has no predators? At all? Surely, there were a few predators within these woods, but obviously none had the interest to seek out an easy meal out of this mare. The true predators of Helovia, as in Isilme, were not the various creatures of paws and sharp teeth - they were the residents. "Do not worry," I say, my voice a soft coo to goad her out of whatever panic she was currently feeling.

"You shall not meet with any harm while I am by your side."

Dark blue eyes look at her with authority, calm and quiet. I was raised as a warrior, held the proud heart of such a class, but had fallen into the position of a leader twice now. Once uncertain of my abilities to lead my kin, I now believed that certainly I was better suited than most. After handing over rule to my idiot son Cielo and watching the Cliffs literally fall into a pile of rubble, I was not so critical of my own direction as leader. I sought to protect - even spineless mares like the one before me, afraid of bumps in the night.

Still, my face holds a welcoming expression to this stranger. My judgment may be a bit harsh, I think. To be alone in unfamiliar territory can be unnerving, even for myself, but I had grown more resistant to my fears of the years. This poor girl likely was not allowed the same hardening of time that I had been. To live in fear would be a terrible fate. "I am Kri," I say, my voice holding that same quiet authority as my eyes as I look at her own red irises. "Leader of the Dragon's Throat, a land to the south of where we stand. What is your name, traveler?"
""