Closed Ends and Beginnings

[Cyprus]

Location: Sea of Grass [Outskirts of Endrykas]
Date: 14th Summer 516
Time: 11th Bell


The sun beat down on Cyprus mercilessly from it's throne in the sky, beads of sweat slowly crawled their way down his face though they weren't alone. The last few remnants of tears that had escaped his eye's merged with the drops of sweat, as if to show his despair was but a part of the natural world. His body rocked back and forth as Thuul trotted across the Sea of Grass, and though the reassuring feel of the Strider's presence kept the crushing tide of Cyprus' newfound solitude at bay it could not suppress his emotions. Filled with rage, and anger, and sadness that tormented him he knew that such struggle and hardship was the way of the world. Just as the grass blew in the wind, and the rain's fell to the earth, it was an inevitable part of nature that the predator would hunt. It just so happened that his family had been the prey this time. A scream escaped his lips as his face turned towards the sky, in it a mixture of sorrow and rage could be heard, and when his voice became hoarse and sore he remained silent for a time, taking deep breaths and trying to calm himself. He was being a fool and he knew it, he had been given a chance to live and honor his Pavilion by doing so strongly and he was acting like a child.

Cyprus forced his gaze forward to survey the grasslands splayed out before him. As his eye's scanned the horizon he caught sight of a far-off knoll, it's shape similar to the one he'd broke lunch at only yesterday. Memories started to surface of his brother unpacking the food, the conversations they'd had while eating, his brother eagerly leaving ahead of him to return home to his newly wed wife. Cyprus shook his head as if to throw the thoughts out of his mind but they just wouldn't go, it hadn't even been a full glass of time difference but such a simple thing had made the difference between life and death. He could still see the body of his father strewn across the ground, empty and devoid of life, the tents ripped and shredded, and the terrifying moment of recognizing the glassbeak tracks. In that moment he'd been forced to make a split second decision, run or fight and he had no illusions. Glassbeaks were strong, a horror story told to him as a child to keep him from straying far at night. Creatures taller than a man and much stronger, and almost never alone. Cyprus knew he'd have had no chance, all he would've done was lead himself and Thuul to death. In an instant such morbid thoughts were pushed aside as hope seemed to appear before him. He'd been travelling for a whole day now and he'd already had to spend a night out in the wild, that he'd been lucky enough to survive must've been the will of the gods.

In the distance he spotted what looked like the shapes of a Pavilion, he squinted and thought he could even see smoke. The thought of respite from the heat of the sun, and the potential of a cooked meal energized him. Leaning forward in his yvas Cyprus chuckled though it was more desperate than humorous and let the hope he felt infuse his words. "Almost there Thuul, just a little bit longer. What do you say? You still got some fight left in ya?" He urged the stallion to break into a run and Thuul full heartedly obliged. As he got closer he could only hope that whatever Pavilion he was about to meet could spare some space, or food for him.

[Caesi Starguide]

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It was a beautiful day as the sun set high in the sky. Golden rays of light danced with the large white clouds in the sky. Caesi gave a smile towards Syna, as she strolled to her Strider. Pyxis seemed to be in a great mood as well. The horse greeted her with a nuzzle, as Caesi stroked her neck. Gathering the Yvas she placed it on her horse, tethering it loosely but securely to the Strider. Grabbing onto the handle she hoisted herself up into the Yvas. She fumbled slightly, righting herself and wiggling her rear to get a more comfortable position. Once she was satesified and Pyxis did not seem to be uncomfortable, she gave a clicking of her tongue and sent her Strider into a walk.

However, the two did not get very far as Caesi saw a rider heading towards her Pavilion in the near distance. The horse appeared to be a serious and strong stallion, buckskin in color with a healthy coat. The male had long dark brown hair and appeared to be tired as he leaned forward and broke into a run with his Strider. Caesi could not help the frown that contorted her face. It was a little unusual to have visitors, though not always uncommon. She reached down and patted her Striders neck as she watched the man ride into her Pavilion.

He did not get very close, as her Ankal Cygnus Starguide approached him with a gesture of his hands, HALT to make the rider come to a stop. Caesi was curious, perhaps a little more curious than she should have been. She wanted to know what was going on, plus the man did seemed to be a little down and out, with the rugged appearance of his clothes and the solemn expression on his face. Biting her lower lip she looked out at the Sea of Grass, then back to the strange rider. Giving a sigh she directed Pyxis over to where her Ankal and father now stood. Dismounting from her Strider she walked over to stand behind her father, peeking over at the man atop his horse.

“What brings you here?” Cygnus Starguide questioned the stranger, peering up at him with a serious expression. The Ankal was one to be a little wary of people he has never met before. Though he was a kind and generous man, he would protect his pavilion, his family, with his life. Her father looked at the stranger with observant eyes, taking in his appearance, his expression well hidden as he blankly stared at the rider. Caesi however had wide and curious eyes, her bright teal-green's looked the rider up and down. A small smile appeared on her plush lips, as she gestured a small but hidden greeting to the man. Waiting for him to state why he was at the Starguide Pavilion.