gentleman, I am. [open]

[Sync]

Silence. Atlas did not like it. His emerald orbs swept the rocky terrain he continued to climb, his bulky frame moving with surprising elegance. More silence. He still did not like it. Not one bit. For days, he had been travelling alone. He'd not run into a single soul. It was getting to him. He needed contact. He craved conversation. He was starting to go a little crazy. Clicking his tongue nervously, he dug in his heels a little as he turned his large dome to shelter from the sudden wave of cold air, causing his pelt to prickle defensively against the temperature. He needed some shelter, and a rest. And maybe a drink, if that wasn't pushing it too far. His eager eyes saw an opening, just large enough to fit his size, and he sped up some. Rocks crunched effortlessly under his broad hooves, their protests lost in the howling gusts. His hardy frame buffeted the onslaught as best it could, but Atlas was beginning to get cold. He needed shelter quickly.

Easing his way under the arch, ducking his head low so his crown did not catch on a jagged rock threatening him from above, Atlas felt immediate relief as the stone sheltered him. He peered down further as his hooves caused a quiet splash, his orbs lighting up at the sight of flowing water. A mountain stream. Perfect. Shaking himself thoroughly, he spread his forelegs a little and dropped his cranium again and sank his maw into the cool liquid, a shiver running along his spine, half in delight and half due to the temperature. Gulping down the water greedily, he froze suddenly as his mind started to cloud. Trying desperately to push the threatening images, he ripped his head up and spluttered out the water he'd been mid way through swallowing. "No, please, no." He pleaded softly with himself, fighting against the darkness. His teeth gritted stubbornly, and eventually he could feel them retreat. Sweat dripped down his skull, his oracles half closed with exhaustion. Dropping his head for another drink, he knew it was time for a rest.

Lowering himself to the ground after spending a good ten minutes investigating the area, Atlas tucked his strong pillars beneath him and rested his maw against the ground. The sharp gravel beneath him gave him no bother, he barely felt it. He'd slept on worse. Snorting softly, he let his eyes drift closed momentarily, but his audits did not rest. He knew to keep watch, especially after what had happened those five months ago. He was constantly alert, a light sleeper. He would hopefully be safe, but knew that it was likely that a horse travelling the mountains would end up here. It had been the largest area of cover he'd come across. It also seemed well used, judging by the many different scents and hoof prints. He just hoped he'd hear them coming over the still whistling winds. He didn't need any more surprises. His scarred rump burned in agreement.

[Sky Rider]

VANISHING LIGHT

The mountain rim was a place of stark beauty, a place of jagged stony spines, reaching up into the heavens, cold and forbidding. They hid pockets of lush greenery and life within their hostile, deadly folds, if only you had the courage to look, and the strength to find. Vanish had been born and raised to a small tribe within these very mountains, had lived within them her entire life, and their wonder still never ceased to amaze her. Every day, she saw something that just, took her breath away. Today, it was the sky. Standing on a stony shelf extending from the side of a mountain, Vanish watched the clouds roll across the sky, grey on grey, and felt the storm coming. The sun crept through V opening between two mountains, it's pale evening light painting streaks of brightness across the land. This was what she was named for, this brilliant, beautiful light, untarnished, until it sank down beneath the earth and was lost. She sighed softly, and turned away.

Springing lightly off the shelf she cantered down the side of the mountain, and began making her way south, out of the rim and into the world beyond. She could admire the sun any time, but right now she had been charged with a task: find Reyne, and kill him. It was not a savory task, and one she would have liked to pass off to another, but, if she failed in this task, she would be excommunicated, and exiled. She didn't want that; the order was all she had, and she could not give it up. But it troubled her that her mind would not allow her to forget that Reyne was the only reason she had the order to begin with. Without him, she would be living the life of a herd mare, bearing as many foals as her womb would allow, in the hopes that just one of them, would be worthy of the order. Reyne had saved her from that, and did she not owe him for it? But... he was a traitor, a madman, and a craven.

She was beginning to feel thirsty, because not even well-trained assassins could go all day without sustenance. She looked around herself, noting her surroundings. She had made a point of memorizing as many sources of food and water along her most common routes, so she needn't waste precious time constantly looking for them. She wasn't far from a small stream, and she picked up her pace. Shortly, she spied the dark hole that led into the cave, but as she drew closer, she slowed down, her senses alert. The ground was disturbed, and she caught the faint scent of another horse, a stallion, it seemed. It was not a familiar scent, which meant it was an outsider. Laying her ears back in frustration, she slipped into the cave, seeking out the intruder. This cave wasn't anywhere near the order or the herd, but it still bothered her that an outsider was in her mountains. She approached him silently, assessing him. Too big to fight, but she could outrun him, if he proved dangerous, and lad him into one of the order's many traps.

"Who are you?"

[Sync]

The wind was dying down slightly, giving the Clydesdale brute hearing time. He frowned, hearing the crunch of approaching hooves. Experienced ones. They knew these lands well. Disadvantage one. Pushing himself off the ground, the chestnut shook himself out and stood defensively. However, it was not threatening. The hoof beats grew closer, causing his head to lift and scent the air. Mare. He thought silently. That would have relaxed any other stallion, especially one of Atlas's bulk, but Atlas knew how deadly a mare could be. A deep scar on his neck showed that. He didn't underestimate anyone, not until he truly knew them.

He wondered if she had noted his presence yet. The wind was blowing in his direction, it put him at a slight advantage. He also guessed he had the size advantage, there weren't many who could claim that advantage against him. He sighed softly. He never used to think all this out. Not until his dethroning those months ago. But Atlas was a warrior when he had to be, he could fight with the best of them. He was surprisingly agile, but it was his power and height that gave him the true advantage. His jaws, his most powerful weapon, trained to break bones and tear chunks. His pillars, muscled and coiled, always ready to defend. Stamina of an unbelievable level. He wasn't fast, but he could go for a long time. He had patience. He just didn't like doing this. Not if he didn't have to.

Silence. Again. The mare entered the cave, Atlas assessing her silently. She seemed to be doing the same to him. He blinked slowly, his intelligent orbs dulling as he picked up a familiar scent. That of a warrior. A shudder ran along his spine. "Atlas." He answered her question softly, his calming brogue filling the echo inducing cavern. "New comer. Mountains are comforting to me. I do not mind leaving if you'd like me to though, I did not know these lands were claimed." His tone was still soft, he kept his audits perked and his head lowered. He did not want to fight. It was not his intention. He looked over the mare, questions bubbling in his throat. His knowledge thirsty disposition took over. "What is your title, Ma'am? Your herd, it is not a normal one, is it? You smell of death, but also achievement. You like your lifestyle?" He asked with interest, his audits perked. He wondered if she would answer, or completely dismiss him.

[Sky Rider]

VANISHING LIGHT

She regarded him warily, not trsuting his quiet demeanor. Many of the older members of the order adopted similar behaviours, to lull you into a false sense of security. He was quite large; none of the mountain horses were so big; they were made up mostly of smaller, stockier breeds, with a few like her, built for speed. She couldn't help but be impressed, and oh-so-slightly nervous. With some effort, perhaps she could kill him; she was faster and she had been trained. But he was heavier and bigger, and perhaps he too had been trained, she couldn't know. She flicked her ears toward him, listening to his soft voice. He spoke with a peculiar accent, and that intrigued her. She listened quietly to his explanation, and nodded curtly when he was finished.

"These lands are not claimed, but they are on the border of lands that are. Do not go any deeper into the mountains."

The borders or her people's lands were actually many miles away, but she didn't like the idea of him getting any closer. She was rather surprised by his astute observation, though; not many would notice the things he mentioned. Then again, she did not stalk up to most horses like a predator, as she had with him. She considered his question, and how to answer, if she even did. She could just turn and leave, a mysterious enigma that he would never see again; but curiosity could be dangerous. So, lying seemed the best option, but the best lies had some basis in truth. So what part of the truth should she tell him? She dipped her head and took a sip from the stream as she thought, not particularly caring if she seemed rude. She raised her head and turned back to him.

"Most call me Vanish. And I do like my lifestyle. I am a warrior in a warrior's herd, and I have killed many."

It wasn't a threat, she didn't work that way. Threats were the empty promises of the weak. She was simply giving him what he wanted: an unorthodox herd, a life of death, and a name. Not her true name, just the name she used in every day life. She looked around; it felt cramped in here, and she flicked her ears back in annoyance; she wanted to leave. So, she did. She muttered something about fresh air and turned around, moving quickly out the mouth of the cave. She settled herself just outside, not quite ready to leave this stallion alone. She didn't mind if he stayed inside the cave, but she felt compelled to keep an eye on him, until she could properly decide whether or not he was a threat.

[Sync]

She was an intriguing creature. That was for sure. He made a soft noise of acknowledgement to her words, nodding slowly. "Right. And if I were to go deeper?" He asked curiously, though had no intention to do so. After this meeting with the fae, he would descend the mountain to find cover for the night. His eyes did not leave her as she seemed to mull over his questions, his oracles watching as she took a drink, his own throat starting to burn with thirst again. He did not quench it though. He could wait. A smile pulled at his lips as she readied to speak. He liked her voice. It was calm, he enjoyed a calming presence. It delighted Atlas that a ruthless warrior had such an effect. He wondered if she used it on her marks. That would be valuable. He had been know to do so. Kill them with kindness. His father's vocals rang in his mind.

He listened. Enthralled. Vanish. A lovely title. Suits her. He thought. He could imagine her blending into the shadows, before and after a kill. The picture in his mind as beautiful as it was fear striking. At one time, he'd never be able to imagine something so striking. Now? It was easy. "It's a pleasure, Ms Vanish." He dropped his cranium, sliding out a fore leg to give the impression that he was bowing. His forelock fell into his face, causing him to shake it away as he straightened up again. "These horses, they deserved their death? Do you warrior's keep order? Or cause destruction?" His tone, yet again, was curious. There was no accusation in his voice. He was level headed and clear in his views. But that did not mean he wasn't open to others. He nodded at her almost incoherent mumbling, and followed her a few steps so he could keep her in sight. He stood at the mouth of the cave, keeping some distance between them, and pulled in some of the fresh air. "Your numbers, are they large? My guess is that there are only specific equines who can join the warrior ranks. Hand picked." He knew that this was happening in his old herd. He blinked slowly, imagining helplessly the numbers that had been killed because they were not good enough, mares forced to breed with the best fighters, the fastest runners, the most intelligent minds. Selective breeding. Atlas hated it. Traitorous blood ran though him. He should have gone back. But he was scared. He regretted it now.

[Sky Rider]

VANISHING LIGHT

"You would likely find yourself at the bottom of a pit."

Her tone was matter-of-fact, and in this instance, it didn't even occur to her that what she said might be construed as a threat. There were hidden pits everywhere in the mountains; they hadn't dug them, of course, how could they, but they had managed to hide them from anyone not looking for them. There were other traps as well, but not many. And if he managed to avoid them all, somehow, he would be found by a member of the herd or the order. Their territory wasn't big, but they guarded it with their lives. When he smiled, it threw her off a bit. She hid it well, but she felt prickly. Why was he doing that? Didn't people smile when they were happy? What was he happy about? She flicked her ears.

"Yes, a pleasure."

She had to admit he was charming. She still didn't trust him, but she was grateful that, if he was deceiving her, he had chosen to do so with an agreeable persona. Nothing irked her as much as someone with a difficult personality. Her long hours of training in her youth had taken away her opportunity to learn social interaction as a child, and so, her abilities in that field were often lacking. Dealing with unpleasant horses didn't make it any easier. He reminded her ever so slightly of Reyne, in his last year with the order, and that both appealed and frustrated her. Atlas's next question startled and amused her; she leveled a look at him. Her voice was gentle when she answered.

"No one deserves death, not even the wickedest devil. Death is natural, and it is needed. When fire burns down the forest, new growth thrives, better and stronger than before."

This was the truth of death; it was a beautiful, peaceful thing, even when the process to meet it was violent. She never let her marks suffer, she killed them as quickly as she could, because it was not about punishing them, it was about releasing them. He didn't seem disgusted by the idea of her killing, but that seemed normal to her; few herd members were disturbed by the actions of the order. She regarded him as he settled himself in the mouth of the cave, and shifted uncomfortably as he continued to ask about her herd.

"Our numbers are large, yes. What of your own herd?"

[Sync]

"Interesting." Was all he offered to the revelation. It was too. That was certainly a brilliant defence mechanism. He wondered if there were more types of traps. He didn't doubt it actually. This herd was smart. It appealed to him. Especially as they were off the map. Atlas found this delightfully intriguing. He wanted to learn so much more, but Vanish seemed to be growing uncomfortable with his questioning. Just a few more. He warned himself. His cranium tilted curiously at her reaction to his smile, though she hid it well, he caught the flicker. Only because he was kind of looking for one. He smiled again, helplessly. He couldn't help it. He liked hearing her talk. And, ever so slightly, she seemed to be warming to him. Only slightly though. Don't get ahead of yourself, Atlas.

Amusement. That was a new emotion. His eyes lit up when he saw it, though he wasn't quite sure why it was there. He guessed it was to do with his question. The answer solidified that. He listened, nodding slowly again. "That is a beautiful view of death." He murmured thoughtfully. "But, if you were ordered to kill a filly or a colt, would you do it? They are new life, so their death would mean no gain. Basically, just loss." He questioned her still in the same soft tone, wanting to know her stance. He briefly wondered if she'd turn on him. He knew she could injure her, but she could not over power him. It would be basically impossible. Her discomfort grew, so he would allow her to put the focus on him for a while. He nodded. "My herd was, and could still be depending on how power hungry my brother has grown, vast. We had many sub herds within the kingdom. Now though, it's probably a lot like your herd now. Though not as organised, nor as well thought out. I was overthrown." His tone had grown sad, his head dropping lower. He was ashamed. He shouldn't have left. He should have fought with all his might and died trying.

[Mal]

Autumn walked slowly. The stunning, graceful, sweet-smelling essa was surely the most beautiful you'd ever seen. Her long tail that touched the ground was raised letting every stallion know that she was in heat and her extremely long mane almost touching the floor. It was hard to resist this golden beauty considering her kind ways, slight british accent and chocolate brown orbs that a stallion would easily get lost in. When she spotted the two and smelled the strong, handsome scent of the stallion she immediately thought, stallion.

Her auds pricked forward and she nickered to them. She trotted over, her mane and tail flapping in the wind like flags. When she reached them she smiled kindly and bowed. "Hello," she spoke softly, in a kind and hushed tone. Her british accent rang attractively in every syllable. "My name is Autumn, but if you please you may call me Aut. It is easier--well for me anyway." She chuckled softly and looked at Atlas with a kind smile. She then looked at Vanish and nodded her head, the smile still on her maw. "May I ask you two what your names are? Do you mind?" She cocked her head curiously. She looked at them and, the flies annoying her so much, she shook her pelt sending her heavenly scent into both Atlas's and Vanish's nares.


~Aut

[Sky Rider]

VANISHING LIGHT

It wasn't a beautiful view, she thought, it was simply true. But most did not think that way; even within the order, she was unique in her opinions. So to another, perhaps her views were indeed beautiful. She had even once been told that her ideas were comforting; she didn't understand that. Perhaps death was needed, but that didn't mean it wasn't terrifying; it was the most frightening thing she knew of. Vanish stared at him with wide eyes, horrified at the mention killing foals. She could only gape at him and feel lost. She shook her head violently and flicked her ears.

"Why would we kill children? There is no reason. We kill any who seek to hire us for such dishonorable work."

She was glad that he didn't try to keep the conversation on her herd, and she listened idly to his response, not actually caring what he said, but understanding that he would expect a reply. They were in a conversation now, as far as she could tell, and that meant she was now obligated to talk to him. Well, perhaps she could get him to leave quickly. She did have things to do, after all. But what he said turned out to be vaguely interesting, partly because of what he said about his own herd, and partly because of what he said about her herd. She gave him a mocking look, unable to hide her scorn.

"How do you know how organized my herd is? You've only met one member; perhaps I'm the best of the best. Or perhaps everything I've told you is a lie."

Well, now she was bringing the conversation back to her herd. Time to find a new topic; the weather? Stupid. His mate? She didn't care. Oh, but thinking of things to talk about was hard. She was saved from thinking of something by the sound of approaching footsteps; turning warily, she regarded the direction the sound came from with narrowed eyes. Shortly, a slender, delicate looking mare appeared, and all Vanish could think was that surely something that... frail looking was going to break a leg on this uneven ground. To her mild surprise, the mare reached them without incident, and Vanish was stuck babysitting yet another unwelcome outsider. When she spoke, her voice was soft, and very quiet; Vanish strained to hear her. Nothing she said was even vaguely interesting, but she gave Vanish an idea.

"Well Atlas, I have to run; why don't you and Autumn keep each other company?"

When Autumn shook herself, Vanish got a clear whiff of her, and inwardly smiled; no way would a stallion pass up alone time with a mare in heat. Now, Vanish could, well, vanish, and keep an eye on them from afar, where they couldn't see, hear, or smell her. She took a few steps back, preparing to take off, but she paused, suddenly unsure. Of what, she didn't know, but she turned back to Atlas.

"Remember, Atlas, death comes to us all."

ooc; she hasn't left yet; it's up to you two if she stays or goes.

[Mal]

Autumn watched as Vanish started to leave and then turn back around to tell this stallion, Atlas, something about death. Aut stood there silently and pretended to not comprehendm but of course she understood everything. If people assumed this essa was stupid or dumb just because she seemed meek and mild--they were farrrr from the right answer. When Vanish vanished into the trees Aut was pleased.

Autumn's nature was to go into heat, breed, concieve, and then repeat the cycle again and again until she no longer could. Aut had never met a stallion or another essa before. She was hoping this stallion would be kind, considering all the damage he could do as a result of his large size. "Atlas," she mused. "I like it. It's a strong name for a big stallion like you." Her british accent was so appealing but her in-heat scent was even more so.

No stallion could resist the seductive powers of Autumn. Everyone had tried, but no one succeeded. And every time they bred her, they left her alone. Making her hate herself. Autumn was determined to not let this happen again. She would find a stallion that would not leave her with their foal and never come back. This foal was going to know its father.


~Aut


((OOC: Autumn is a huge flirt and she's in heat so of course she would want the competition gone. Lol. Sryy just trying to stay in characterrrr.....))

[Sync]

Her horrified look gave him some comfort. It was excellent to hear, as he knew of herds that has their offspring killed just because they were not good enough? It was heartbreaking. He wondered if Iolo was doing the same thing. His eyes closed painfully. He could really see it occurring. Nodding simply at her words. "I have just heard of its occurrence. That is all." he told her, simply. Her mocking look made a smile cross his lips once more. That expression suited her. And he did not mind that she simply didn't care about his herd. It suited him just fine. It wasn't like he wanted to talk about it anyway. "I don't think you lied, I think you meerely left out some of the truth. I doubt I'll ever hear the full story, even if I ask you directly." He grinned to himself. He certainly would try to ask more, whether he got answers was another matter.

The scent of a new arrival placed a still in their conversation, and Atlas subtly pulled a face as it tickled his nares. A mare on heat. The worst kind of mare. Atlas, ever the gentleman, was not one to take advantage. He did hate how mares acted while in heat though. As much as they believe they're so desirable, Atlas found the way they taunted and flirted disgusted him. Not that he'd tell them. Atlas had never fallen in love. He'd had offspring, as a duty as leader, and had raised them until they took their departures, but he felt nothing for their dams. He was a romance kind of guy. The right mare just hadn't come along. The femme came into view, and Atlas was surprised at how dainty she was. This terrain seemed too harsh for her, but she seemed to be moving well. Turning his gaze on Vanish, she saw her boredom with the new arrival. It made him smile inwardly. She certainly had little social skills.

Atlas could not deny that the new arrival was beautiful, she was striking. Her soft voice, causing him to strain to hear, tickled him like a gentle caress. "It's a pleasure, Ms Aut." He greeted in his gentle brogue, but was kept from Vanish's sudden declareance of leave. A quick escape it seemed. "Enjoy the remainder of your day, Vanish." He dropped his cranium as he said his goodbye, about to turn his gaze back to Autumn before Vanish claimed his attention again. "And life will flourish in the darkest of places." He returned, watching her retreat before succumbing to Autumn's attention.

Backing up ever so slightly, putting some distance between himself and the seductress in his company. "Why thank you Ma'am." He murmured, lowering his dome so that he could hear her better. Her vocals were so quiet. "A mare like you should have been claimed by now, dear Autumn. Do you not have a stallion to return to?" He asked her softly. He quite doubted it. A stallion would not let a mare like this out alone. Not in this condition. A waft of her scent reached him again, causing him to take a couple of steps forward so he was in the fresh air, out of it's path. He had no intention of breeding Autumn. He could not give her a permenant home to raise a foal. She was much better off going to a Monarch. But, he doubted she was done trying to get him.

[Mal]

Autumn's sweet smile slowly turned upside down into a frown. No. Of course not. She had never had a stallion to go back to. Always wanted one, but one never wanted her. She shook her head and looked down. She spoke louder than usual. She spoke at a normal volume. "No. No I do not have a stallion to go back to. I share the beliefs of the Zidenjian Domain and there is no stallion there to claim me." She was sad now and it was obvious. She shook her coat though, and accidently sending her scent everywhere, and looked this large stud in the eyes, trying to change the subject. "Doesn't a handsome stud like you have a gorgeous essa to go back to?" she asked as if she knew it was true, because with her luck it probably was.


~Aut

[Sync]

Atlas's heart immediately went out to the mare when she frowned, his cranium dropping so that he could press his maw to her neck comfortingly. He made sure to hold his breath though, not wanting another whiff of her scent. He was a stag after all, he only had so much restraint. He felt guilty for causing her sadness, his expression softening completely as he withdrew his maw. "You will find a stag one day, Ma'am. You are still young, and they will treasure you." He gave her a smile. "You will be loved and treasured by him." As she shook, he made sure to hold his breath again. Only the faintest trace reached him. "You're going to have to kiss a lot of frogs until you find your Prince." He told Autumn wisely, giving her another smile. She was a dear little thing. That was for sure.

At her question, he shook his broad dome. "I do not, dear Autumn. I have never known love." He told her softly, his vocals holding no sadness. He would find a femme eventually, he had offspring already. He just wasn't sure what they were doing now. He doubted it was pleasant. But Atlas felt little attachment, as cruel as it sounded. They were just members of the herd, nothing more. It was his duty. It would be his mate that he would care for, no other mare. Atlas gave a deep sigh but did not explain its meaning. Looking down at the femme, and then across the mountain, he gave her a gently nudge. "Come on, I'll lead you back down. The wind will be picking up again soon. Follow my footprints." He gestured toward the largest set he'd made on the way up the mountain, the dust imprints in the crushed gravel. Nudging her forward again, he walked behind her, at a slight distance. "You're going to want to find cover, there is a possibility of a storm tonight." He warned her, feeling the thickness of the air in his bones. He wouldn't want this delicate beauty out in the harsh weather, even if she was used to it. It would just settle his mind if he knew she was safe. Silently, he wondered where Vanish had gone, and what she was doing. That mare intrigued him. She was quite the mystery.

[Mal]

Autumn sighed and nodded. She was starting to feel close to this stud, like they could be great friends. Only in that way though. Sure, he was handsome and very attractive, but he was just not her type. That might sound shallow, but it was true. He had no herd and could not protect her the way a Monarch could. When this stud told her he had never known love she wondered why and what secrets were hidden behind this pelt of his. She looked at him funny when he told her to follow his footprints. She blinked three times in astonishment. Was he trying to keep her from harms way just because of the way she looked?! She snorted, offended and amused.

Excuse me, but did you just tell me to follow your footprints and that I'll want to find cover? I'll have you know that I am perfectly fine with taking care of myself and that I have spent many a night outside in horrible storms. I may look like a frail china doll, but that is a curse that was given to me. I rather look like a runt than how I look now. I don't like the way people condescend me and think that I am just a pretty, golden, airhead whom is terribly clumsy. She breathed heavily with anger, yet she still looked dainty like a flower. It was strange. And the way she spoke even when she was mad was as if as she was singing.


~Aut