Can you feel it? (open)

[nessyo]

APHISSA

Aphissa hadn't been here long, but you didn't need to be to know what kind of place this was. She'd certainly herd the stories: magical wars, a selfish sorcerer, a place of power. It made sense; what else could explain the blackened trees.

They called it "the rift" and Aphissa found the name appropriate.

Certainly it felt like a special place. She had no magical talent of her own, and had long looked covetously at those who did, wishing she might cultivate some in herself: but there existed no specific magic she felt drawn to, and she had not an inkling of talent in her blue-marked breast. Pity. Still, she didn't need knowledge of the arcane or whatever else the magic-users called it to feel the nature of this place, just like she didn't need it to feel the nature of any other place.

Aphissa stood several yards back from the cliff's edge, amongst the ruins of the trees, as she thought this, and half-closed her eyes, and hummed.

[∞ L U C I D I T Y]

D E T O X

'CAUSE YOU'RE GONNA NEED ONE TO GET RID OF ME BABY

The huge stallion calmly trotted through the blackened trees, dark grey coat nearly invisible. Luminescent eyes cast an eerie glow on the objects very close to his face and blue markings distorted and twisted as Detox wound his way through the land. The sun was still bright so Tox had to travel through the lands blindly, finding his way through sound, smell and touch only.

A soft humming found it's way to his sensitive hearing and he slowed to a halt, blue tipped ears flicking back and forth as he tried to locate the sound of the musical tune. Closing his eerie eyes, Detox concentrated before wheeling about and heading East towards the soft melody. Not long after, the scent of female reached his quivering nostrils and he slowed from his brisk trot to a gliding walk. Tox purposefully move a couple of metres to the female's right, hoping that she would see him, but only partly. He could feel where the blackened, long-dead trees finished and that was where he stood silently, ears swiveled to the left as his head swung to the delightful tune.

It had been so long since music had alighted upon his turquoise and black ears and the sound made the skin along his spine crawl. Detox moved back a few paces where the trees grew darker and more close together and stood patiently, skin tingling at the remnants of powerful sorcery.

[nessyo]

APHISSA

Enraptured as she was by the place (indeed, the song was more a side effect than anything else), Aphissa didn't immediately notice the presence of the stallion, despite his standing just inside of her vision. It was the scent of him, when the wind shifted, that alerted her to his presence, and she cracked open an eye-- not breaking the song-- and saw him there.

She didn't bother to register his presence, really, outside of a slight quirk to her lips. So she had an observer. Well, that worked as nicely for her as not.

But the song didn't go on forever-- a spur of the moment tune like that, it was more short than not-- and she turned to face him properly, flicking her ears forward. Outwardly, she expressed nothing except, perhaps, distant curiosity and perhaps a slight tinge of haughtiness.

"Are you going to simply stand there in the shadows and watch my tail, or will you introduce yourself properly?"

[∞ L U C I D I T Y]

D E T O X

'CAUSE YOU'RE GONNA NEED ONE TO GET RID OF ME BABY

Are you going to simply stand there in the shadows and watch my tail, or will you introduce yourself properly?

The mare's sweet tune stopped to be replaced by her question. A smirk tilted up the edges of the tall stallion's mouth and his eyes seemed to glow brighter still, if possible. A blurry image of a beautiful mare crept through his mind, not that he could tell what she even looked like. With a quick prayer to whatever Gods above there were for nightfall.

Well, with all due respect, that is a mighty fine tail you have there, sweetheart. the brute smirked, taking a step further out of the shadows and closer to the mare. A puff of air escaped his nostrils as Tox swept himself into a deep bow, surprisingly graceful for one so tall.

The name is Detox. And to whom do I owe the pleasure?

Rising back up slowly, the brute twisted his head, ears flicking back and forth casually as he gauged the distance to the steep cliff drop off and the land and sounds around him. His odd blue markings that lined the top half of his body distorted as he shifted his weight off of a hind leg, luminescent eyes never leaving the frame of the fae in front of him.

[nessyo]

APHISSA

Aphissa's stance didn't change when the stranger introduced himself, except to quirk a smirk when he complimented her tail. Well, now. That told her some things about this interloper immediately.

In general, Aphissa did not trust stallions; it was a product of her upbringing and their reputation, but she also did not react with overt hostility right away. This stranger-- Detox, his name was-- was a sweet-talker to boot, but at least he was the frank sort. She could respect that. At the moment, she found him slightly.. charming? If that was the right word. He even bowed, a gesture to which she bobbed her head politely in answer.

Not that she was about to let that show for a moment.

"You don't look so bad yourself." she answered, and meant it; now that he was out of the darker shadows she could see him properly, and she took her own few steps to be able to see him properly. "Are your eyes glowing" That was a particular feature she had never seen before, but her voice sounded slightly impressed. Not to mention those shifting markings on his back- She was going to focus on those eyes, lest she get dragged in to watching them move.

"My name is Aphissa." she answered, noncommittally, and glanced away.

[∞ L U C I D I T Y]

D E T O X

'CAUSE YOU'RE GONNA NEED ONE TO GET RID OF ME BABY

[size=1A rolling chuckle emanated from deep within the throat of Detox, his tail swishing in delight at the mare's comment. Why, thank you very much sweetheart! Tox's ears swivelled forward as the sound of her soft footfalls grew closer. How I wish I could see in the daylight! the stallion thought. He presumes nighttime was only an hour or so off, but it seemed like that time couldn't come any slower.
Are your eyes glowing? the natr's exclamation startled him out of his thoughts and his ever-present smirk grew wider. Shifting the weight from on hindleg to another, Detox blinked very slowly, a memory of his eyes glowing back at him from his reflection in a small puddle.
Yes, yes they are. Odd, aren't they?
The tall brute blinked slowly again, feeling through some unknown sense her gaze upon his Marked frame.
My name is Aphissa the mare answered, seemingly... Embarrassed maybe? With a curious glance to her, Detox shrugged it off, not wishing to pry.
Well, my dear Aphissa, it is a pleasure to meet you.

[/size][/blockquote]

[nessyo]

APHISSA

The stallion's internal senses were not far off: sunset was already painting the sky and adding a visual backdrop to the magical buzz crackling through the air. The ground was dimmer and the shadows were longer, and Aphissa was torn between exhilaration and discomfort.

Night held dangers but also wild thrills, and she was never quite sure which she would chase with more enthusiasm.. and which would turn around and bite her for her trouble.

She had no idea that the stallion could only see in darkness, though-- only that his eyes were, as he suggested, odd. She also had no idea how to take either his presence or his charming demeanor.

"Very odd." she confirmed, twitching her tail-- there were questions she wanted to ask, but elected not to-- so far, this charming male had been polite company, and she didn't want to scare him off with invasive questions. Besides, it was kind of cool. "So's your back, but I like them." She smiled at him, "Fancy."

His polite introduction got a noncommittal noise. "So what brought you to this burned out forest?"

[∞ L U C I D I T Y]

D E T O X

'CAUSE YOU'RE GONNA NEED ONE TO GET RID OF ME BABY

Detox blinked slightly as bright spots appeared in his vision. Nighttime! At last! A darker blur in his black vision provided the outline of the mare and a genuine smile spread across his face. At last, a face to put to the voice.
So's your back, but I like them. Fancy. the mare replied to him. A quick incline of his head acknowledged her words and he flicked his ears back and forth once.
Thank you. If it does not seem too conceited, I rather like them as well. A quick, shy smile flickered across his features at his admission before his customary smug face appeared.
So what brought you to this burned out forest? Aphissa asked politely. Manners, Detox noted. A good trait.
The stallion shook his patterned head to rid himself of a stand of blue and black forelock before stamping a heavy, feathered leg. A quick lift of his shoulders in a shrug answered her question before his words.
There is not much that leads me to one place, Aphissa, but the desire for one to share my land with would possibly contribute to my wanderings. Not that I tend tend to know where I'm wandering half the time, anyway! Tox grinned at his last sentence, pleased by his own wit in admitting his deformity without actually admitting to it.
What about you, my dear?

[nessyo]

APHISSA

Aphissa generally was only polite as long as it suited her, but she had no reason to be otherwise now. This stallion had been completely civil, and anyway, the oncoming dark meant it was nice to have some company.

She did not catch the subtle hint of his deformity-- as far as she knew, the glowing was the end of it, so she swished her tail and smiled. "I understand the nature of wandering- I am a wanderer myself." her voice was proud of that fact, not like some mares: she would see the world and experience it completely. "What land is yours? One of the kingdoms in this area, or simply wherever you stand?" Despite herself, she was curious; she knew only the vaguest of rumors about any of the local alliances.

At what brought her here, she half-closed her eyes and hummed a single note, pleasurable. "I came here because I heard the stories of this place." she nodded around the charred tree husks around them. "They say these are the remnants of a magical war, or something. I like to think I can feel the magic still lingering in the air." She laughed lightly at the thought, and added "But that could be in my head; I have no magical talent at all."

[∞ L U C I D I T Y]

D E T O X

'CAUSE YOU'RE GONNA NEED ONE TO GET RID OF ME BABY

Detox's vision slowly became more and more improved until there was only a slight blur around the frame of the fae. She was gorgeous, as he imagined - her unusual colouring coat marked her as similar to his own and he suddenly felt even more proud of capturing the attention of such a beautiful being. A genuine smile crept itself onto his face and his expression softened slightly, his eyes glowing in the darkness.

I understand the nature of wandering- I am a wanderer myself. Tox nodded wisely at her statement - now that he thought about it, a subtle scent of the wilderness hung about her. The smell of trees and water and air. His blindness during daylight made his senses slightly more keener than those of a normal horse - not much, but enough to pick up on subtle differences. Her tone, however, was curious. Pride? Tox liked that, especially in a mare. The pride of being a wandered was something in common they both shared.

What land is yours? One of the kingdoms in this area, or simply wherever you stand? A chuckle came from the lips of the brute, the blue line across his mouth separating and coming back together as he smiled at her.

My dear Aphissa, my land is wherever I stand, but also the one they call Lauo. The land of eternal night, beauty and glowing life. It is truly beautiful - a land worthy of being a home to a beautiful mare like yourself... Detox looked slightly abashed at his outburst. He had only been in the presence of the mare for a little amount of time and he was already asking for her to live with him? His eyes flashed a little and he ducked his head.

Please forgive me, sweetheart. Sometimes my mouth runs ahead of me. I hope I have not offended you...

Attempting to forge on in order to try and prevent her leave if she so wished, Detox smiled weakly at her, still embarrassed. Her single hummed note made his heart skip a beat. The beauty of her voice was astounding! His eyes half closed in pleasure and he nearly missed her words.

You are not crazy, darling. I can feel the magic too. A strong power was unleashed here - stronger by far than what roams the land today. Never ignore your instincts nor your head - they will serve you far better than any feeling or being. They will help you see in both the night... and the day.

OOC: Sorry it took me a while to reply, away from home for a bit! Sorry if that ask was a bit weird o.o I'm tired and Toxy here is getting all lovey-dovey for Aphissa (;

[nessyo]

APHISSA

This situation was thrilling and wild and Aphissa deeply wished she didn't have a Pressing Sense of Reality dragging down upon her. She found Detox quite charming, and it appeared that the feeling was mutual-- and she wanted nothing more then to give herself to wanton urges and follow him wherever he liked for a time or have a wild night with each other, however long their association lasted.

Oh, and he was sweet talking her. She leaned into his words, smile never fading. Truly, having land did not impress her; a wanderer through and through, she had no doubt that she would wander away from him and his holdings. She had no proof: she had never been offered a position of any kind in a herd, but that was what her nature seemed to suggest.

Land also meant stability, which was Important to her right now-- part of why she'd come here was to clear her head and figure out what she needed for the future of herself and the child she carried. Perhaps she could pass the foal off as his or something.

She laughed, and shook her head. "Offended? No, never." she answered. "I always do. Trust my instincts, I mean." This she almost purred; indulgences were something she reveled in, and frankly, her instincts were telling her to follow Detox all the way home.

But a small slice of reality intervened, and she frowned suddenly, remembering. "Lauo?" she repeated, and the uncertainty registered on her face. "I know OF that land. Is it in the alliance owned by Morguin?" That certainly complicated things, because the chances were somewhat likely that the child would come out without eyes and covered in spikes, just like it's father-- who did not know that anything had come of that particular tryst. It hadn't been too long ago, and indeed, nobody knew or could know about her pregnancy beside herself, but it was still enough to mean her success in a land like Lauo was unlikely.

"Hmm. Your offer is tempting." The slight purr was back now, but she'd put a step of distance between them, and the flickers of uncertainty were still on her face. "But perhaps I'm too much of a wanderer to tie myself to one land." she smiled, and added lightly, "And anyway, I can't see in the dark that well."

[∞ L U C I D I T Y]

D E T O X

'CAUSE YOU'RE GONNA NEED ONE TO GET RID OF ME BABY

Detox watched carefully as Aphissa seemed to contemplate his offer. A small sweat broke out behind his ears and his heart raced as he waited for her answer patiently. She leaned toward him and her smile lit up her face, making her all the more gorgeous. Detox could see that his land-ownership did not impress her - and he agreed with her to an extent. But it was a place to call home and a place that was his. Not to mention, there was plenty of undiscovered land that would sate his adventurous side!

Tox's ears swiveled to the side of his head and his skin twitched in annoyance as a bug of some kind landed on him. His blue eyes lit up a small area in front of him, their glow eerie in the nighttime. His vision was perfect now, just as good in the night as a normal horse's vision in the day would be.

His muscles relaxed when she said she wasn't offended but he stiffened when she dodged his question neatly.

I always do. Trust my instincts, I mean. Tox nodded.
That is good. You should never go astray in life if you follow your instincts. He could only hope that her instincts would allow her to follow the tall stallion.

Yes, Lauo. It is indeed under the alliance of Morguin - unfortunately. I dislike being called upon by others above me, but it is necessary. Detox was watching her carefully now, his nostrils flared to catch any unfamiliar scent coming from the fae.

Hmm. Your offer is tempting. But perhaps I'm too much of a wanderer to tie myself to one land. And anyway, I can't see in the dark that well. Detox's muscles tensed up even more and he let out a soft snort. Dipping his head in understanding - or an imitation of it anyway - he smiled gently at the mare.

I understand your words, dear Aphissa. One as beautiful like you should not have to be tied down to one place. However, if you need a place to seek refuge or call a home, please remember that my offer will always stand... With a small nod again the the beautiful fae, Detox backed away from her a little, noticing the flickers of anxiety on her face. His face furrowed into a frown for a split second before smoothing out into a blank mask. He blinked slowly and debated telling her of his deformity - without really telling her.

The land is perfect for ones who can see in the night but remain blinded throughout the day. I can understand that it would prove a challenge for one whose vision is not altered. A sad, crooked smile alighted upon the brute's face and twisted the blue line across his lips. Taking another step back, Detox turned, ready to leave to head back to his homeland.

OOC: SCANDAL ALERT -gasp-