HalfWay to Hell(Wolfgang)

[Sie]

How many days had passed, she did not know. It seemed an eternity, and yet it would seem that it had not been long enough. But she had grown so used to her sister being at her side that, now that Dris was gone, things felt awkward. Granted, she had more time to admire herself and the world she traveled through. A slight smile grew on velveteen lips as the smell of water filled the air, the breeze reaching her and sending silvery banners flying. The sun had beat down on silver-and-snow peltage throughout the day, making the fading light and cooling wind a blessing to her weary form. The young mare had found that, though the dessert did not cool by much during the night, it was enough to make her feel joyous and energized.
At length, she found a path leading to the shore. The sight that filled ambered orbs was one that could almost make a lady cry; The moon was rising in a lilac sky, sending silvery light down to reflect off of the waters and the reddened hills. Emotion bubbled up within the fem as her body moved without orders into the shallows. There would be no chance of her going out any further when she did stop, waves lapping gently against her under belly. Spiraling horn of gleaming silver was tilted towards the skies as a soft whinny left her vocals like a sweet song. She would stand there in the water until the spray from growing waves had misted over all but her elegantly dished face, forcing the small lady back onto the shore. Her sister would have taunted her, ridiculed her for being afraid of the water. But, alas, they had gone in separate directions for a time. and, much to her own surprise, she had found that her spirits were lighter for it. Hells, she knew her downfall, and was instantly reminded of it when she came across a small, quiet puddle beside the caves. The moon was high now, giving plenty of light and morphing the water into a mirror. With a slight laugh, she lowered herself beside the water, looking passed the surface for a moment to see a few tiny fish swimming amongst the rocks. and then, there she was; A strange and beautiful being looking back at herself. "Mother always said you were a diamond amongst stones... Never knew she'd be right."

[kritchen]

He didn’t know why he was back here. Since his dam’s murder, he avoided the place full of memories that made his heart ache. That ridge was where he’d watched Luxe take her first wobby flight even if it was just a few feet. Over in that cave he’d slipped and scraped his shoulder when he was a couple months old. Luxe and he played in those warm waters almost every night, their pale coats glowing in the moon light. His heart ache deepened as he looked down over the area, memories bombarded him. He missed them, missed them all. It had been nearly five years since he last saw his sire or twin. Both were gone as far as he could tell. No one seemed to have heard anything about them. Was the stallion dead? Did Luxe not make it without her dam? One would think two pure white pegasi would get attention, particularly young Luxe who was pearly white from the day she was born. He could remember that day though it was blurred and more about impressions than anything else. The soft wet warm caress from his dam, Valkryie. The bright approval and deep voice of his sire. And Luxe. The joy at finding his sister, his other half, his twin, when he managed to stay on his feet.

The ghostly figure on the rock shook himself, trying to chase the phantoms of his family away. He turned from his vantage point and nimbly picked his way down a rocky uneven path little known to other equines. His family had created it after all. The glow of the full moon glowed bright off his white pelt and lit every step of the way. When he reached the beach, the soft waves glittered under the silver light. Shaking his head, long mane flying, he ambled down to the water’s edge only to stop short. There was someone here. His mismatched eyes followed the trail of hoof prints landing on a silver rump down the beach. He couldn’t see her face but he suspected she was a unicorn, a thought that made his anger surge up as it always did. Unicorns were to blame for his family’s separation, for Valkyrie’s death. Wolf gave a shrill whistle of warning, annoyance in the ringing tones. Gathering his haunches he leaped into a canter, charging down upon the creature only to slide to a stop when he was yards away. It was so tiny. Was it a foal? Confusion clouded his gaze as he stared down at her from a five hand advantage. <b>”Are you lost?”</b> The was annoyance and rage and confusion in his warm deep voice when he spoke. Wolf always did have a hard time hiding his emotions.

[Sie]

Oh, how the soothing sound of the waves lapping against the sand lulled her, making the female so drowsy. Thoughts came now more as blurrred mental images behind closed eyelids and comprehension had become fogged. How long had it been since she had really rested? Since before she had began her traveling, perhaps? Yes, since she had become so restless in her home. And, now, sung to sleep by the lapping water and the moonlight, she had begun to drift into a contented slumber. But the soft wind would carry a new sound with it; Something shrill that shook her from her light sleep for a moment. "Night birds..." Her voice sounded only slightly aggrivated as silvery head turned slightly, facing away from the small puddle.
"Tell me that is not thunder." It couldn't have been. The skies had been beautifully clear, and it was so rare for it to rain in these parts anyways. Amber eyes opened slowly at first, all sleep disappearing as her gaze focused on what she instinctively knew was a stallion's large, white form. for a moment, there was fear. She had never been charged before, and wasn't entirly excited about it now. Then indignation as she was sprayed with wet sand. Honey orbs would blink rappidly as a soft snort escaped her, silvery spiral throwing reflected moonlight.
At length, the young female made her way to her feet, a soft smile gracing velvetine lips. the stud, seemingly not much older than herself, appeared confused for a moment. ^{Not a grand look for him...} Laughter threatened to bubble up within her as she thought; It had been nearly a year since she and Dris had left home. That ment nearly a year since she had been able to be withing a mile ofa stallion. Bless her luck. And, she had to admit to herself, he was a fine creature. Yet slender ears went back as he spoke, amber eyes averting. His voice was not unpleasent, though she could hear his displeasure. "Lost? No, sir... Far from it." Her own voice was hardly more than a whisper as she took a step closer. She was interested, really. He was nothing like anything she had ever seen before, with his magnificent peltage and duel horns. And his accent.... It was not like her's. Her words were lilting, pollished. Obviosly a voice from lands far from here. Curiosity shown from her eyes as she took another step forward, placing her at just under his nose. Ari had never seen a creature so large, her own father being the tallest in their herd at a mere 14.2 hands. "Oh, pardon my manners... This is your home, I'm assuming." It had never crossed her mind that she might have been tresspassing.

[kritchen]

He tossed his head, dancing restlessly on long lean legs, as the creature – now revealed as a female – smiled at him. Wolf was a fine example of his kind, all long legs and lean refined features with the unique double set of horns. Add to that his height and his coloration and his long thick mane and tail, he did not go unnoticed with the mares. Did he ever trouble himself? Mares were not his objective. Land was not his objective. Offspring was not his objective. Since the moment his family was ripped apart, he had one purpose. This tiny lithe dappled female did not stir him from that purpose though he noted her beauty in some back recess of his mind. She was quite lovely to look at but so tiny. Her expression did not help, all bubbly laughter waiting to be released. He frowned, ears flickering back in dislike.

She averted her eyes and her deference to him confused him further. How could she be so… delicate and not a foal? For he could see she was not a filly, not even a half grown one. She was fully developed, as much as he, but a miniature version. Her voice was so soft he could not maintain his irritated pose, ears flickering forward to try and catch the faint sound. She approached and his hindquarters stilled, his head lifting higher in alarm. Wolf did not allow mares near him, despite their efforts. He did not want children in the world, not with a Unicorn. As much as he was a lonely soul, he knew that should a mare… try at the right moment, instincts would override his reason. He was a stallion after all. Tentatively he took in a shallow breath, only dropping his magnificent head stiffly when he did not catch the scent.

The white stallion stilled almost completely when he realized just how close she’d drawn. Her silver spiral could easily pierce his heart if she wanted. All she had to do was drop her head and push forward. Distrust and suspicion grew making him snort and dance sideways. Her tinkling soft voice made him freeze again and his dual colored gaze shifted off to the caves they stood at the foot of. Not it was not his home… He no longer had a home with Valkryie gone. ”No it is not. It was once… years ago. I was born here.” His rich deep voice grew hoarse and faint with the memories of it as he spoke. He dropped his gaze down to her, realizing anew the height he had on her. Wolf was as big as his white father once was, though Odin was much more impressive with his equal snow white wing span. At least in his son’s eyes, he was more impressive.

Dropping his big head, careful not to hit her with one of his horns, the phantom figure closed his eyes and drew upon his patience. This was not something he did often but this creature was just so… dainty and made him feel like a brute. Truth to be told, with his burning anger, he felt like a brute most of the time. ”I – I should not have charged you. I should apologize.” Not that the stallion did. He could not bring himself to apologize completely to this delicate female because of her silver spiraled horn, the anger simmering deep in his core. He imagined if she knew of his parentage, she would not be as interested as she seemed. A Hybrid was not as good as a Unicorn after all, the bitter thought crossing his mind.

[Sie]

Deep, dark golden gaze could seem to almost pierce the soul as she studied him, taking in every little detail. Would he have been a less recognizable creature, she still would always be able to pick him out of a crowd, should they all look similar. The way he would dance and put distance between them, only to still again, or look so terribly irrate, just to turn and seem to soften a bit... It warmed her to him, but made her frown within. He did not seem to be thesort that could hide his emotions very well, as opposed to her, as her father had put it, "mask"of cold perfection. A sigh escaped her. She had always acted sweet, though indifferent. Few knew how she trully felt about them. It was of no matter anymore, though. These were new lands to her, with new beings with new stories. That wasn't to say that she would ever change though. But, at least now, she didn't have to play polotics.
With a look of innocence and gentleness--she was hardly one to look cruel and jaded at the worst of times--the female neared again. Instictively, she felt she knew he was not comfortable near her. For whatever reason she could not fathom... But she felt the strong urge to comfort him. Make him beleave that she had no intentions of doing him harm. "You were done wrong before, weren't you?" She stopped when her soft nose was almost touching his shoulder, tiny whiskers tickeling against hairs of such beautiful white. Her head would turn so subtly, pressing cool silver against the giant's neck. Soft as a spring breeze, Ari ran her horn up till it almost reached his ear, then back down to his shoulder before she took a step back.
Rarely had she shown such kindness as to reach out to another. A stranger of all things. Perhaps she was really that lonely. For a moment, she wondered if she would be showing the same compassion if this were one of their winged cousins, or one of those who dwelt within the waters. It took a moment to shake the thought. He was Unicorn, like her. well, more extravigant than she, but a unicorn all the same, right? No use pondering over what ifs at a time like this, she supposed as she looked up to meet his mis-matched gaze.

[kritchen]

He could feel her watching him and he didn’t like it. It was making his skin itch and every now and then a muscle would twitch in his shoulder or on his hindquarters. The white stallion heard her sigh but he did not bother to look at her. It bothered him not that he was probably irritating her or frustrating her or putting her off. Wolf was not there to be nice or make friends. In fact Wolf tended to avoid contact with other beings completely. Tonight, he didn’t know what came over him when he spotted her on the beach. It wasn’t like he owned the caves. He had not been back since the last time he came with his dam which was several years in the past.

Her soft voice made his ears flicker again, trying to capture the barely there sound. He was so focused on her words, frowning once the meaning sunk in that he failed to realize how close she had gotten. It was the brush of her whiskers that made him jump. His head shot up, whites showing in his eyes as his ears flattened along his neck. The phantom Hybrid danced away from her, snorting in indignation. Who was this tiny creature that she felt she could waltz up to a stallion and touch him, uttering such soft confusing words at the same time. ”Yes,” he bit out, ears still flat over his offense. She’d touched him with that horn of hers, the dangerous silver thing glistening in the light of the moon. His heart pounded at that realization. Unicorns were not to be trusted, even tiny dainty ones like this creature.

The comfort she tried to offer him was lost in his alarm. For the past two fruitless years, he went without contact or comfort, only indulging in the smallest of conversations not related to his search. His mixed gaze dropped to her, his body slowly relaxing though tension still showed in his limbs and whipping tail. The long white tail that dragged on the ground lashed at his hocks as he tried to reign in his reaction to her touch. He did not like being touched… particularly by those things. He had two of his own but they were an extension of his body and far more acceptable than those of an actual Unicorn. ”You should not touch those you do not know. Were you not taught that?” He nearly growled at her, still trying to brush off the skin crawling effects her horn produced.

Wolf stared hard at her, tail still lashing and ears flickering back every now and then. Where did she even come from? Tiny insufferable silver thing. His gaze drifted back to the caves and he sighed. ”Yes a great wrong was done to me. Unicorns,” he paused to give her another hard look, ”separated my family and then killed my dam years later.” The white stallion gave her a bitter knowing smile, looking down at her from his great height. ”I am not like you, much as I may look it.” His bitter smile turned mocking and he advanced a few steps so that she was nearly under his nose. ”Does that bother you, Silver One?” Valkryie would have his hide if she could see him now, taunting a tiny version of her kind, a female at that. He knew it but he could not stop himself. His anger was growing too great the longer his search turned up no results.

[Sie]

Silver brow creased in a slight frown, slender ears tilting back as her head lowered slightly and turning to the side. The length of her horn was great, measuring almost as long as the distance from her shoulders to her nostrils, should her neck be stretched out. But it was so thin, as though a young snake had been stretched out. Now, the tip almost touched the sands as she waited for him to calm some. It dawned on her then that, in this world, she was nothing but a tiny, frail scrap of a mare. She was hardly the political figure head now; None knew her bloodlines here, or that she had once been but a step down from royalty. Should she breath her last breath on this strip of sand, no being would care here. The thought made her close her eyes for a moment. ^{Should have stayed home... It was safer there.} The unicorn was innocent and ignorant. And, now, she was completely at the mercy of this... This magnificently white brute.
It was only when she heard his harshened voice did she dare to open her eyes, but still her head was lowered and she refused to look up at him. No living creature had ever been harsh towards her, even in her younger days. Stern, yes; Foals had to be taught, after all. but never had she been prey to chastising, and it forced her to take a few steps back. "I was taught many things, Stallion. One was that touch is reserved for family, and for those who need it." It was not an entire lie. Touch was important in her old home, but rarely was it that strangers were even close enough to touch. If they were, situations were usually quite similar to the one she was in now, if not more severe.
When she heard his sigh, she finally let her gaze drift back to him, though her posture remained much the same; Head low, ears set back, and tail almost tucked between long, bent legs. She must have looked so pathetic, cowering before him as though some frightened Normal before a god. But defiance stirred within her at the word Unicorns. As though he had not a drop of their blood in his veins... But his words sank in quickly and she blinked before her eyes grew wide. It was hard for her to comprehend such actions as murder. "I... I've never heard of such a thing as that..." Ari knew that he probably could not hear her words, for she could hardly hear them herself. "None have ever turned on their own kind back home... Save for the Normals... And they turn on all."
The mare felt herself cringing before him as he advanced on her, curling in on herself so that she was all but lieing on the sands, face tucked against her side. But, despite her trembling form, she could still hear his mocking tone, and it made her look up at him in confusion. Not like her... Obviously they were not alike; She was small and frail, a foreigner with bloodlines so old and so pure... And he seemed jaded. Wounded. But, perhaps he had meant it differently. Amber eyes lowered once again, "Do you... Do you mean that you are... Mixed..?" She hated to ask it. After all, he was too stunning of a creature to be anything but Pure. Perhaps it was her vanity talking. Or her raising. After all, those that ranked as high as she had were shunned if found to be "impure" or to have fraternized with those of a different kind. Any other of lesser rank could do as pleased, be of any breed or hybridization, and never be treated differently. But leads and their ranking offspring had to follow set guides. That had been the difference between her and Dris at the start--the other mare could do as she pleased and never think twice, for she would never take their father's place. Where as those rules had been pounded into the silver mare's head from her first step.
It was something akin to shame that made her avert his question. "I am not from these realms, White One. I do not know how things work here, or how beings treat one another. I am sorry for your loss, Sir, but you treat me too harshly for a crime that is incomprehensible to me. I've never been prey to aggression. My horn has yet to be tarnished by the blood of any but myself. If you seek revenge, look not to me as your beginning in a long line of unnecessary bloodshed. Else you rid yourself of one who wished only to relieve you of your troubles for a time."
For a moment, she felt as though she were doing something akin to begging. And the young creature had never before had to beg for anything. Yet, here she was, shrinking and submissive before a male that, irritatingly enough, still struck her as extravagant and strange, though she had quickly learned that fear would likely become an emotion too commonly felt in these new lands.

[kritchen]

She looked so pathetic standing before him, almost cowering. He was the cause of it. He felt a confusing mix of shame and anger at that. Here he pitied this tiny creature of the race that destroyed his world as he knew it. Not once but twice. Her naiveté got to him too. She was not an immediate native. Her family must be from far out in the desert or even past it perhaps. When she offered her voice again, he sighed as if his fears were confirmed. Whoever she was, wherever she was from, this mare had lived a sheltered life. He shook his head slowly, almost amused at her confusion. ”Things are different here. Times can be hard.” Wolf thought about saying more but changed his mind. She wouldn’t learn if he handed her everything and it was clear she needed to learn and fast.

Her reaction to his advance did something funny to his heart. She curled into herself, making her tiny form that much smaller as if to create the smallest target possible. Was he being so frightening? It took him aback as he watched her tremble and shake despite his mocking anger and words. At her question he let out a snort, his suspicions confirmed. No matter that she didn’t answer his question. This mare was pureblooded and did not think kindly on those who weren’t. It was an unfair assumption perhaps but that was the way the world worked. ”Aye, I am. Can’t tell, can you?” His warm voice was dangerously low as his eyes watched for her reaction, doing a prancing little turn so she could take him in completely. His ridiculously long mane and tail rippled softly with the movement, full of soft waves and his ivory horn caught the light, glowing as if from within. His lithe racers body was trim and healthy. Overall, Wolfgang was something to admire, even with his bloodlines.

As he turned back to face her, he was poised for the attack. Not because he planned to attack her. No, Wolf expected himself to be attacked with that lovely thin silver horn. It was an incredibly long one for one so small. Despite the fact that she showed no aggression or even fiery personality, he didn’t trust her not to use her horn. He didn’t trust her period and her gentle submission irritated and saddened him. His dam would be so ashamed of him now… Wolf just started to lower his head in shame when her faint voice caught his ears. He lifted incredulous eyes at her words, unsure whether to believe her or not. ”I will not kill you. I don’t intend to kill…” There was such sadness in his voice that she thought he would, that he had needed to kill in the past, that the thought had crossed his mind a few times in the past.

The white stallion opened his mouth to apologize and couldn’t do it. As gentle and strong as this mare was, she was still a Unicorn. ”My dam was a bay Unicorn by the name of Valkyrie. My sire was a Pegasus stallion as white as I am by the name of Odin. I took after Valkyrie but somewhere in the world, I have a twin. She took after Odin. Unicorns separated my family.” He lifted his gaze to the skies, stars visible above. ”Do you know what it is like to be deemed inferior because of blood? Do I look inferior to you?” He dropped his eyes back to her at that, noting once again the difference in their heights. His bigger horn was almost as long as her. He sighed again and looked at the sand almost sheepishly. ”My name is Wolfgang, not White One.” No one would know that name should she mention it to anyone. He did not share it and he did not tell the truth when forced to share. His name was his own and belonged solely to him. He wondered if Luxe remembered it. Would he find her faster if he did share it? It was a risk he was unwilling to take.

[Sie]

Silken main lifted gently in the breeze as she watched him turn and pose. If she had to be told that he was not wholely Unicorn, what was there to make others think that he was not? Other than his lack of trust for her kind and his obviose disgust towards them, there were no signs. There was naugh to say that he was any less than she herself. The look she gave him, quite unintentionally, showed that she thought him foolish for thinking that any living creature wouls find him less than spectacular. But the look vanished quickly as he turned back to her, poised to strike. Did he think so little of her already? Aggrivation stirred in her gut, making her snort softly. Who did he think he was, to pose as such to a mare who lay curled and tembeling at his feet? Though, the mare thought better of speaking her mind at this point, less his temper rise once more... Good judgement on her part, she noted ashe responded to her almost pleading statement.
The saddness in his words errased any momentary anger, leaving her softened once again. It would seem that his life had been too harsh for being so short, while her own had been so simple. So easy. It seemed so difficult to straiten her lithe form, the moments dragging by and her movements slowed as though she had sunken into the sands. His odd aggression towards her still left her shaking, though not so badly as before as she listened to his tale. "Wolfgang..." A smile spread slowly over her lips as she looked up at him. "Wolfgang, look at me."
For a moment, she dared to reach for him again. But his reaction from before halted her, and she simply took one subtle step forward. "Stallion, we are from two very different worlds. It took me and my sister almost a year of always going in one direction to get to these realms. I was born of high ranking, but was not taught that Hybrids were to be looked down on. There were rules, though, for those of rank. Strict ones to keep our lines pure. Many times, mateships were arranged by elders for that very reason. I will never know the pain you have felt. But would that you had been born with a cripled horn and half-formed wings, I would see you no differently than I do now. In my birth realms, none would think to ask of your parentage. You look like a Unicorn, thus you must be Unicorn. Surely, it is similar here." Or the herds there were too accepting. Eather way, it pained her to see him doubt himself the way he was.
She took in a deep, slow breath and released it in a heavy sigh. It was odd for her to act in such a way towards a male... Most often she had flattered and teased, only to ignore them later on. Now she felt that it was her duty to comfort this stag, asure him that, though it would seem that most were cruel and uncaring, it was not that way with all. "You look no more inferior to me than the water or the moon. Even if you did, I'd act no differently towards you less I had certain right to." It was several minutes before she worked herself up to step closer again, though very careful not to touch him. The silvery creature felt no need for games here, nor did she care to speak lies. In the back of her mind, though, she knew she would one day be in need of a friend. More importantly, though, she felt that this male needed one as well. "My name is Ari'Avin."

[kritchen]

Her gentleness was both irritating and confusing. It did things to him he wasn’t sure he liked. It wasn’t that he was interested in her. In fact, Wolf had sworn two years ago to never fall for a Unicorn. They were dangerous and not to be trusted. As much as he loved his dam, she was never the same after Luxe and Odin left. She was… less than. It was heartbreak surely but she had a colt to take care of on her own and she did well, but he always felt like something was missing. Something was missing: a father figure. He watched her straighten so slowly and the pitying tone in her voice nearly had him tearing out there, away from her pity and gentleness and comfort that he didn’t want. It was a mistake to tell her his name. It was a mistake to show any emotion at all. It was unavoidable in the end; Wolfgang never could hide his feelings very well. He was an open book, no matter how hard he tried.

His panic certainly showed in the flickering of his ears and the restless pawing of his left foreleg. He did not like being pitied and he did not like being known. For all his physical magnificence, Wolf preferred anonymity. It seemed this tiny waif did not. She was born royalty in her lands, how quaint. He snorted in derision, just managing to disguise it as a general snort when he realized the rudeness of it. One comment stood out to him that made him bite out a bitter laugh. ”None would think to ask of my parentage? Oh, but I fear someone would. You thought to ask.” His voice was mocking, his eyes hard.

He was rude and a bully at times but this little creature was so silly. He didn’t know what to make of her. Creatures were not kind to him as a general rule. Many did not know his parentage but they knew he was not exactly one of them. His attitude pushed them away and he was content with that. The white stallion did not need anyone – or so he thought. Her heavy sigh caught his attention and his ears flickered to attention, ready to hear her against his will. He didn’t want to be here any longer yet he couldn’t seem to pull himself away. The water? The moon? Was she really comparing him to such great entities? His mismatched gaze drifted out over the softly crashing waves, to the water that connected them all. He used the narrow channel that connected it to Incantus every time there was a festival there in hopes of seeing his twin. His eyes drifted up to the moon, something he’d always cherished. It reminded him of his childhood, of home. It reminded him of the two white horses he’d gone so long without seeing. It was his link to them and the moonlit nights they’d spent together so long ago.

He looked back at her and nearly took a step back. His pale hoof dropped back down to the warm sands slowly, reluctantly, as he resisted the impulse. She was closer, so much closer. He was not comfortable with it but Wolf had offended her enough tonight. ”Ari’Avin.” He thought about saying it was a pleasure to meet her but Wolfgang did not find it a pleasure to meet anyone. He looked at her curiously, the golden pupil catching the light and casting an echo on the sand. ”Why would you travel so far alone to a place like this? It is… not a kind place, even for the natives.” The white stallion was unsure if he was referring to Ignis only or the whole land as a whole. Neither place was too friendly though for different reasons. For example, Ignis was a harsh landscape, even with this quiet place. It was hard to live there if you weren’t built for it. His ancestors hailed from places of heat and sand so it did not trouble him too much.

OOC: You might want to consider resizing your image. It is a little large.

[Sie]

The grayed creature stood in silence for several long moments, honeyed orbs almost closed as she waited for him to speak. Or to lose his temper. For a moment, she wondered if she had said all the wrong things to this great stag, ears tilting back and her head lowering as she pondered over this untill he spoke. He was right, partially. She had indeed though to ask, but not for a lack of beleaving he was less than wholey Unicorn. "Wolfgang, I asked because you left one easily overlooked clue. Most would never think to ask, though. They would have assumed that you ment you had been raised diferently, or that you were different from them in that you've been hurt so badly. I'm niavie, stallion. Not stupid." She moved away at that, headed towards the water until the soft waves lapped at her dainty hooves.
Her small face lifted towards the moon, the pale silver horn that spiraled above her shining softly in the light to reflect upon the wet sand and the waters. "I left my home because I was restless. I couldn't see myself taking over my father's herd when he decided to step down, which would have been several years from now. If I'm to lead a herd, I wish to do so while i'm young and swift and beautiful. It is pointless, Wolfgang, for me to sit around and wait for my life to begin when I'm as gray as my father's mother." The old mare was beautiful in her old age, but it was a very different kind of lovelyness now. Ari was a youthful, vibrant creature that glowed with joy and confidence, while her granddam looked weary and worn. Her's had been a wisened beauty, vintage lace comaired to a new pearl. It was aweful to think that way, but the old mare had said it herself.
Ari'Avin looked back at himwith an almost saddened expression. "Dris'Aun, my sister, came with me on my journey. What I had hoped would be a quest to find myself and learn of life outside of my father's lands quickly turned into mere sightseeing. And creature that came within a mile of me was chased off by Dris. Her jealousy over rules her, makes her ugly and strange. But,she is my sister, so I never complained."
As for why she had come to the deserts, she was unsure. Something had told her that she needed to, and that feeling had only grown when her sibling had refused to step foot on the sands. And so she had gone alone, staying close to the edge so that, should there be need, she could flea the sands, and there was plenty to eat. "My blood is that of the Arabians. They thrived is the harsh deserts just as well as the Fennec and the scorpion. I may have been born to a land of plush grass and trees, but I can adapt easily enough. If not, I will leave or I will die."

[/right][/size]

[kritchen]

The mare’s quick retort won her a snort of almost amusement. She was certainly right in thinking herself naïve. The mare didn’t realize just how naïve she was. This was a land that was turned against itself in every corner. Every aspect thought themselves superior to the others and challenged all other claims otherwise. They forgot the land, long ago in the myths, was once a place of unity. In those times, it was remembered that they all felt the same things, had similar goals in life, had a similar purpose. Grow up, love, bear children, raise them well, and pass on the homestead to them. At least, that was what most did. Some traveled and took in the sights, became story tellers and legends in their own rights. And then one day, it all ended. The Elements appeared as if out of nowhere, claiming kingdoms over their own kinds as chaos fell upon the lands. She had no idea what she’d wandered into so innocently and he wasn’t about to enlighten her.

She walked away from him – much to his immense relief – and he watched her. His body relaxed a little, almost looked comfortable as it finally fell into a loose stillness. His long tail dragged at the sand, trailing after him in a soft tangled waterfall, his head held not as proudly as his mismatched eyes watched her. Restless? He could understand that. His lean body, built to run, was restless all the time. Add to that his drive to find what was left of his family and he could barely stand to stay in one place for too long. The white stallion had no home. No place that he returned to night after night. They say home is where the heart is. His home then was as lost as his twin, lost to the fates of time. Try as he might, it was eluding him every step of the way.

When the petite creature turned her attention back to him, he saw the sadness in her eyes. It struck him as familiar. It was something he sometimes caught in his own reflection when ducking his head to drink at the few watering holes to be found. ”Never complained? What kind of life is that, to live sheltered and guarded by another? It is worse even than experiencing life too fast.” He shook his head, unable to help comparing their stories and finding hers to be the sadder of the two. He might have lost his world, had it ripped from him by murder, but he’d lived. He’d experienced things. He’d almost fallen in love once at that first festival but had pushed it away when he returned to find his dam dying.

Wolf could not help the bark of laughter at her defensive words. Arabians were made for the heart of the desert, but she sounded so… childlike. It amused him even as he couldn’t help mocking her in his head. ”You should hope to adapt quickly. It is unforgiving here. The land of my birth and childhood… I know it all too well. If only I could get to Jacinto…” The last part was murmured, his eyes drifting over to the shadowed, forbidding caves. In his mind’s eye, he could still see them, those two snowy white bodies glowing in the light of a half moon as they chased playfully down the beach. He wanted her so badly, this sister he could barely remember. Giving his head a little shake, he turned back to her, restless again as his body shifted on the sands. ”Do you intend to make Ignis your home?”

[Sie]

In her gut, she knew he was mocking her. His words, though seemingly indifferent, stung at he like many bees. No, she had never said a word to her sister. But, then... why would she? Though his words did make sence, it was her sister. "I would never have made it this far had I not been with her. Likely, I would have been claimed in some land along the way." There was a mask of cool indifference on her face as she forced her gaze back out to the waters. Her curiosity would have likely been her downfall long ago, had it not been for Dris'aun.

((OK, W.I.P.))