Closed Playing in Starlight

[Taurina]

Evening of the 35th of Summer 517

Together they were a pair. Like two best friends they went near everywhere together and in a way, they completed each other. Life before he came into her life was a blurry mess of sorrow and desire filled with unknowing and doubt. Now though, the Ethaefal at least knew her place. She knew where she belonged even if life here was not always easy. Even when the doubt came back and emotions were chaotic. He was her anchor in a sea that was constantly trying to drown her. She held onto him and used him to keep her head above the water. Without him she knew that she would be lost. Losing him was not something she would allow herself to even think about.

Sometimes it felt like no one else existed in their world, but that was so far from the truth. The Ethaefal had her family. She had Azmere, Jasmine, Lodai, and the rest of the Stormbloods. She had the few friends she had made outside of the pavilion and her coworkers from the Lilacwind pavilion. Then there was the new bond that had come into their life as well. Alekxandra. The Kelvic whose soul had entwined with the Ethaefal’s own. There was always a piece of the Eth in another now. A piece of that other pulsing within her. That bond was like the one she shared with her strider, but it was different as well. Neither was more special than the other, but the Eth was still getting to know the Kelvic and figure out their bond. Starfire was her home. Nothing and no one could replace him.

Though they were a bonded pair, not everything came easy to them. Starfire was full of passion and fire. He wanted to soar with his rider. Always eager to go, to move, to show her what he could do. Taurina, however, was not at his level. Her riding was poor compared to what others would have been able to do with him. Her heart was cowardly because she let fear rule it. The fear of falling. Fear of hurting him or herself. Fear of the unknown and the untested. All of the what ifs filled her thoughts and dictated her life. It was no way to properly live a life, but the Ethaefal was unable to break out of it on her own. She did not know how to find her strength from within.

That was why she had started working with her stallion. She had decided that enough was enough and she was not going to be so unknowing anymore. At least, she was going to try to not be so unknowing anymore. How it all was going to end remained to be seen.

It was after work, but before the light of Syna had fully sunk below the horizon. Taurina was sitting in the Sea of Grass where it existed between the Amethyst and Topaz clans. Starfire was with her, standing just a few yards away grazing on the grasses dried from the unrelenting heat. She had taken his yvas off and just let him be. His white coat shined with dirt and sweat. He had been rolling, tangling his mane and tail in the process. Taurina did not mind. She could work out all the knots later and would be able to get all that dirt off him with some effort. She was just sitting, patiently, watching him. She did nothing else, just sat there with her legs crossed and back rounded. Her fingers picked aimlessly at the dried grass in front of her.

A slight breeze played with the wisps of hair that had fallen loose from the braids she had wound in her hair earlier in the morning. The tail of the wrap that had also been twisted in her hair had come loose at the base of her neck and stuck to her sweaty skin. She wore what she had been wearing for the majority of the season. A cotton sash colored ivory bound around her chest, covering her bust while allowing the skin of the rest of her torso to get as much air as possible while also showing off the windmarks inked across her back, and her worn pants for riding. Her boots were with her as well, but she had taken them off her feet. Wearing them had caused her to grow even hotter than she already was. At least night would be arriving soon. Not only would her form change then, but in Leth’s light the air always seemed to grow cooler.

Starfire was coming towards his rider. The Ethaefal’s caramel gaze brightened as she sat up straight and waited for him. She remained still and let him come to her. She was allowing this to be on his own terms. The one she asked had said that to strengthen their bond they needed trust. They needed to get to know each other more fully than they already had and figure out where their places were with each other. This was a first step. When he was ready, he would come. Taurina knew he would because she had done this with him before. She had been for several days now, letting things grow as naturally as she could let them.

Taurina felt the stallion’s breath tickling her shoulder as he inspected her. He did not act frightened or angry. More curious than anything. He knew her though and she knew him. The Ethaefal laughed softly as he inspected her hair and she leaned back so that she could see him. Her hand raised and she stroked his muzzle softly. The murmurings on her lips were compliments to him. Telling him what a brilliant and beautiful strider he was. She raised to her feet shortly after that and stepped away from him. The stallion looked at her a moment and then stepped towards her. A laugh escaped the Ethaefal’s lips.

“What a brilliant boy you are,” she praised, her fingers scratching along his jaw.

After that, Taurina moved to his side. She pressed her fingers against the base of his neck with one hand and on his withers with the other. The pressure she applied was just firm enough to demand respect. She asked him to move where her hands were pushing him. He was resistant at first, but gentle encouragement with her voice and more pressure applied got him to listen. Praise followed and Taurina moved to his other side, the direction repeated for the opposite direction.

Common | Pavi | 'Thoughts'

Boxcode credit goes to Azmere

[Ashka Windrunner]

It had been another hot, sticky day of the season, a day that felt like all the chores in the world were not enough to fill it so much it stretched over chimes like bells and bells like days.
But finally this day had come to an end.

As Syna made her way down towards the horizon, Lako and Ashka left the Thunderherd's large pavilion to reach their own. The Strider trotted at an even, steady pace; he had spent the long hours of the afternoon grazing and relaxing under the shadows of shelters put up by the Drykas to protect their horses from the scorching rays, and therefore was much less tired than his rider. Ashka could feel the stallion's energy in the vigorous muscles carrying her over the parched earth. She, on the contrary, had wearied from working outside at the worst time of the day, and held herself lazily onto the Strider's mane, eager to go home. She pressed her calves gently onto his sides to maintain her balance and encourage her mount to keep his steady gait, although the Strider scarcely needed encouragement.

The pair crossed the Amethyst wing of the city to reach the open, mostly empty area between it and the Topaz spoke. The Windrunner camp being located on the outskirts of the Amethyst wing, Ashka had decided to take the opportunity of the space for a canter that would bring them to their destination faster. Upon arriving in the open, she felt her mount stirring, impatient, under the tired grip of her body. He yearned to run, to sprint and let his robust limbs stretch and hammer the ground in the cool air of the evening. It brought a smile to the girl's lips, and she teased him playfully by tightening her hold on his mane.
"Not yet, Lako, wait.... Wait for my signal..."
The stallion stirred even more, stamping the dirt earnestly but obediently playing along. With a few more steps they left the boundaries of the outermost pavilion behind them, and Ashka finally let loose of his mane. In a tick, she shifted her body on his back, leaning forward and squeezing her calves closer to his sides. "Go, Lako, go !" she urged him, voice high with excitement.
Lako bounced forward, his rear legs pushing with fiery energy as they bolted into the Sea of Grass. Ashka now held onto the yvas handles firmly, her body rocking with the stallion's strides. She met the grasslands with her eyes half-closed, feeling and enjoying the caress of the cool evening air on her skin, and the wind playing in her auburn hair loosened some of the braids on her head, sending the freed locks flowing around her face. What a thrill ! Nothing could beat a wild ride with her bonded Strider in the girl's heart. She reveled in every single tick spent on his back, rushing through the gusts of Zulrav's breath and across the surface of Semele's skin.

At the girl's surprise, she felt Lako's pace suddenly slowing to a trot when she expected him to push even faster. Ashka opened her eyes and ears wide, curious to find out the reason behind his change of attitude. Soon, her search was rewarded with a rare sight.

In the grasses, not far from where Lako had now stopped, a Drykas woman and her own Strider shared a playful moment. The situation was nothing peculiar in Endrykas, but Ashka's eyes were stricken by the animal itself; tall, his coat a beautiful and pure white, she knew for certain the horse belonged to the breed of the Drykas' cherished companions but she had never seen one with such a coat. The redhead lost herself in contemplation for a few ticks, at once amazed and perplexed that she hadn't noticed it around Endrykas before.

Her previous tiredness gave way to awe, followed by an eager curiosity and a stream of mental interrogations she craved to have answers for. Ashka decided she had some time to spare before going home, and shifted her legs again to steer her stallion towards the pair. They didn't seemed to have notice their approach, so she ensured to make her presence known from a distance as to not spook them.

"Hello there !" she called out, loud enough to be heard over the hundred feet or so separating them, and signed a friendly greeting as Lako covered the distance. Once near the unknown Drykas woman, Ashka dismounted and introduced herself. "I am Ashka Windrunner, Amethyst Clan," she offered amiably while Lako carefully walked up to the other horse, curious as well. "I couldn't help but notice your companion here... What a splendid animal !" she added with enthusiasm in her voice, her hands signing admiration, beauty. "I am confused, though... I don't recall seeing it before, and I have work with many of the city's Striders – it is a Strider isn't it ? - so if you don't mind me asking... Are you two bonded ? Is it a recent event ?"

As the words tumbled out of her mouth clumsily, Ashka's gaze danced from the white Strider to the slim woman repeatedly, mezmerized by the sight but not wanting to come any closer without permission. Bringing her grey eyes back to the Drykas, she then realized that they might not wanted to be disturbed. She cleared her throat, slightly embarrassed by her outburst of questions.
"Ahem I... I hope I am not interrupting anything ?"

Thanks to Aladari Coolwater for the boxcode !

[Taurina]

Starfire noticed the approaching pair first. His head lifted and turned to face them. Ears twitched and tail flicked as he tried to assess the strangers. His stance shifted, but he did not heed his rider's request. Taurina applied pressure to the stallion’s side for many moments, using words to try and coax him into compliance. He did not though, he only shifted on his hooves and remained in place. The Ethaefal grew quickly frustrated as she applied more of the firm, demanding pressure. The stallion did not budge. Only gave a low sound in response along with the flick of his tail. A frown wrinkled the woman’s face as she let her hands fall away. Why was he suddenly being so stubborn?

It was the voice of a woman that answered Taurina’s silent question. In fact, the sound even made the Eth jump a little within her skin. She had not been expecting any to be out here. Let alone any who would stop to approach her. Most were home by now or nearly there. It was nearing time for supper, the evening work, and then rest for those who could manage to get any. This Drykas, however, was not home. She was no longer on her journey home, if that was where she had been headed. Instead she was coming closer to Taurina, wanting to make conversation. The Eth quickly managed getting her jumpy nerves under control before she forced a quick smile and signed her greetings.

Ashka Windrunner was the Drykas' name and she hailed from Amethyst clan. Taurina gave a slightly broader smile and nodded as she let the woman continue to talk. The woman seemed very excited about something. Seeing a strider such as Starfire, Taurina found out a tick or so later. The Ethaefal beamed a bright, true, smile at that. Many had fawned over the white stallion for his beauty, his rarity. She had grown used to it, but the attention was never turned away. Once, Taurina had disliked such attention. When it came to herself she still was uncomfortable being the receiver of such attention, but when it came the Starfire she was proud. She could listen to people fawn over him all night long.

The Drykas woman’s own strider was drawing near. Nearer than his rider and Starfire did not turn him away. The white stallion stayed near his bonded, but he went to the other strider so that he might figure him out. Taurina did not deny her stallion this, if she even could. He knew what he was doing. Of that, she was sure. Taurina drew her attention from the two striders back to Ashka. A smile lingered on her lips and the dusty light of Syna set sparkles in the Eth’s caramel eyes.

“It is a pleasure Ashka,” Taurina spoke finally, “I am Taurina Stormblood, Diamond clan. This is Starfire, and yes, he is a strider.” Zulkina. Semekhe.

Taurina’s smile became a little brighter with the signs playing on her hands. She was still in awe of the one who had chosen her. He could have had anyone and he had chosen her. There was something special in that. Something that made Taurina’s soul light and her heart swell with pride.

“I am glad to hear you think so, I think he is pretty splendid myself,” the Eth said with a light laugh before reaching out and weaving her fingers through the white stallion’s tangled mane, “we are bonded. We found each other early spring.”

Taurina turned her gaze from where it had focused on Starfire back to the auburn haired woman. Her smile softened as she looked at Ashka. The girl looked as though she was starting to get nervous. Like she wanted to do something, but was unsure if she was allowed to. Taurina watched as the other woman’s grey eyes moved from Starfire to the Eth to the space in between them. The Eth raised an eyebrow, but did not say anything. If Ashka wanted something than it was up to her to ask. Taurina just waited for a request to come, but the next words out of the woman’s mouth were a question. One of uncertainty. A sudden stroke of doubt that caused the previous excitement to seemingly dissipate.

“No, no, you are alright. We were just doing a bit of training is all. I am attempting to work with him on trust. Strengthen our bond, establish who is the leader,” Taurina explained before a blush rose to color her cheeks, “I am not yet very good at it. My riding skills leave something to be desired and my knowledge on how to work with the horses.. well.. worse than the riding.”

The Ethaefal shuffled on her feet a bit, embarrassed. She was Drykas now, but she was still not fully like them. A common accent still thickly colored her pavi, her knowledge of how to be with the horses was not the same as someone who had been raised here, and she did not bear new windmarks to tell the story of her bond with Starfire. She had to keep reminding herself that she did belong. That Starfire had truly chosen her. He had made her fully Drykas once more and nothing was going to change that. Even her ankal had said as much.

There was a sigh that escaped through Taurina’s nose. She lifted her gaze to meet with Ashka’s grey eyes and gave her a half smile. The woman had not come nearer, despite how excited she had been about seeing the white stallion. Looking to the two striders, the Eth noticed that they had seemed to accept each other. Neither was all over the other like Skylla had been when first meeting Starfire, but there was no strife between them. They looked at peace with each other so Taurina took that to be a good sign. She stretched out a hand towards Ashka and signed for her to come closer, meet him.

Taurina moved towards her stallion and captured his attention easily by rubbing her hand along his neck beneath his mane. Her fingers trailed up towards his head where she went to scratch along his jaw. She looked towards Ashka a moment with that small smile still lingering. The Eth moved towards the front of her stallion so that space was made for the Drykas woman to come up alongside her and meet the stallion. She left room so that he could see the new woman, turn his head and smell her if he so wished. Taurina signed to the stallion that the woman was no threat. Though she did not sign that the woman was friend. That had not yet been determined, though Taurina did suspect such a bond could form between her and the woman. She seemed pleasant and kind enough to be around. First impressions could be wrong, though. The Ethaefal tried not to be one who rushed in her judgements.

“You said you work with striders? What do you do exactly?” Taurina asked softly, curiously as she scratched along Starfire’s jaw once more before she answered Ashka’s confusion from before, “I think he was wild before he bonded with me or at least, not owned. Just a feeling. I do not know for sure.”

Common | Pavi | 'Thoughts'

Boxcode credit goes to Azmere

[Ashka Windrunner]

Ashka listened to the woman's words and watched her signs as she introduced herself – Taurina Stormblood, Diamond Clan – and she smiled at her presentation of Starfire. Her expression and the signs she used showed a deep love and admiration for the white Strider, and it was easy for Ash to understand why. The bond was still new; she remembered her own amazement after Lako and herself had bonded, how she felt so lucky and complete, and there was no doubt Taurina felt the same way, even more so with such an extraordinary looking companion.

She felt her embarrassment vanished with Taurina assuring she didn't interrupt them, and her muscles relaxed a little. "It's an excellent idea – trust, training" she replied to the woman's explanation of what they were doing out there. "With a bond as new as yours, it's important that you spend as much time together as possible, to get to know each other. Sometimes even after several years it can still be difficult to make them understand what you're asking, and the other way around as well," she added with an amused glance at Lako. The grey stallion was nosing cautiously at Starfire, still uncertain whether the white Strider had a friendly scent or not.

When she drew her eyes back onto Taurina, the woman's mood seemed to have shifted from her original pride for her bond to an uneasiness that made her blush a little. Ashka looked at her expectantly but she did not say anything else, so the redhead did not ask. She didn't wish to sound too nosy, especially after intruding on their training session. Instead, Taurina simply invited her to come closer, meet Starfire, and Ashka accepted the offer with sincere appreciation.

She walked up to the white stallion that Lako appeared to have acknowledged as no competition. Taurina encouraged her with a smile and left space so the redhead coul approach him. Absent-mindedly, Ashka signed a greeting to Starfire and offered him the palm of her open hand to sniff if he wished to.
"Hello, beautiful," she complimented with an warm tone. "I am Ashka, pleased to meet you."
The stallion's soft nose was now against her skin, silky smooth and carefully breathing in her scent. Once he had decided to allow the Drykas to come closer, he let out a snort and turn his head aside as to be able to watch her. Ashka smiled and ran her hands on his white neck, fingers scratching slightly at the snowy coat to relax the muscles under and put him at ease.

After the presentation came a question from Taurina, and Ashka turned her attention back onto the Drykas woman.
"I work at the Thunderherd Pavilion," she explained while her fingers casually kept swirling onto the animal's neck. "My family joined their business a few generations ago, and now we raise and train most of the Striders of Endrykas. We also trade with other cities sometimes, but that's not my part of the job. I just do the training, and everything else" she added with a soft chuckle.
"What about you, what do you do ? You said you were not a strong rider... How come ?" Ashka spoke with a certain amount of curiosity in her voice. It surprised her that another Drykas would admit having poor riding skills; after all everyone in this city was taught to stay on a horse almost before they knew how to walk.
Shaking those thoughts off, she came back to the one that had make her postpone her journey home : Starfire. She pondered for a chime on Taurina's hypothesis before agreeing with her.
"You're probably right. I would have notice him if he was owned before – remarkable, unique. Chances are he comes from a wild herd. Where did you meet if I can ask ?"

Thanks to Aladari Coolwater for the boxcode

[Taurina]

It was intimidating being next to one who knew so much more about striders than she did. Who trained them and took care of them. Taurina felt as jealousy began to swell within her and she allowed herself to be open to feeling threatened. Especially as she watched how Ashka rubbed Starfire’s neck and relaxed his muscles as she talked to him. The Ethaefal kept herself quiet, her fingers rubbing aimlessly and continuously along Starfire’s jaw. It was as though she felt the need to remind him that she was there. That she was not going to let this other Drykas take him from her. It was silly as that was not how these things worked, but Taurina felt like just a shadow cast in the grass with this other girl standing next to her. A true, born, Drykas. Not just a reflection of what once was.

“We understand each other,” Taurina murmured softly, almost like she was trying to disprove what Ashka had said, as she stroked her fingertips over Starfire’s velvet nose, “he knows what I want and I learn what he wants. We are team, our hearts one. That can only become more strong with time, practice.”

The Ethaefal’s voice was soft and low, almost as though she were speaking for herself and the white strider. Reminding them both that what she said was true. That nothing the redhead knew how to do that Taurina did not mattered. The Eth would learn and Starfire would learn by her side. They were a team. She was not going to leave him for another and he was not going to leave her for another. They were bonded. Soul to soul, heart to heart, until dira parted them.

“I am an artist at the Lilacwind pavilion,” Taurina answered Ashka’s question, moving on as she reminded herself to breath and calm down, not wishing to scare the woman away by letting her feelings show so much, “Soon full artist I think, but still working towards that. Getting better everyday.” Like we do with this.

Taurina gave a weak smile, still trying to wrestle her emotions back under control. She did not need to show her jealousy. It was a foolish emotion. Especially in this case. It was not like Ashka was asking to take Starfire away with her, train him herself. The Drykas was just admiring him. And who would not want to, in truth? He was so beautiful. Taurina sighed softly, feeling the need to get over herself. Ashka knew more than her. All Drykas knew more than her. She was one of them, but also not. She was one set apart. That was not a bad thing, but it could be a hard thing. At times like these, that was a very hard thing.

“I grew up here a very long time ago,” Taurina told the redhead, smiling so faintly at the thought of being a child on these grasses, “so long ago. I had to.. go away.. for a long time. I did not come back the same. Do not remember the things I knew then. Do not remember much. Not as much a Drykas as I had been, but then Starfire found me. Became Drykas again.” Great semekhe.

That was not the whole story, just a glimpse. Taurina did not like keeping who she was a secret, but at this time she also did not feel like giving it all away. Besides, if Ashka lingered here with her much longer, the redhead would see. Syna was getting low, Leth was preparing to take his turn as ruler of the skies. The Drykas form would fade away and standing in its place, the beautiful Ethaefal body that was like a statue carved from moonstone with ebony hair and emerald horns. The gift from the lord who had blessed her, but then allowed her to fall to a life without so much as a whisper of his voice to guide her. How she missed him. How she longed for her time in his realm to be returned to her. Only, that request was the one that had gone unanswered for many seasons now. So it was all she could do to just simply sigh and move on from those thoughts. They were only going to drag her into a darkness that was too heavy to crawl out from.

“It was in the grasses, where we met. Not far from here actually. After work so, near Amethyst clan. I was just getting ready to head home, but I heard him. Had to go and then.. well the rest is history,” Taurina did beam at that, her fingertips brushing against Starfire’s velvet nose once more.

Caramel eyes lifted to the stallion’s forehead before shifting over to the redhead. Taurina’s smile faded, but she gave the woman a smaller version in exchange. She did not dislike Ashka. Not yet anyway. She just did not know her. Saw her and saw a person who knew more than her. Who had grown up here, grown up training the striders. That made her someone who could potentially be a threat, but also someone who could potentially be a friend. Taurina decided that she just had to get to know the girl better before making up her mind. Figure out if there was something there to be jealous of or if it was just all petty emotions that were better left untouched.

“Would you like to help me with him?” the Ethaefal asked, “work with him with me? I want to learn all I can. Who better to teach than a Thunderherd pavilion trainer?”

Taurina’s smile grew a little brighter, a little more welcoming. She wanted Ashka to say yes, to agree. Then they could get to know each other and the feelings could be sorted. The air cleared.

Common | Pavi | 'Thoughts'

Boxcode credit goes to Azmere

[Ashka Windrunner]

As she stood there marvelling at the beautiful white stallion and talking with Taurina, Ashka didn't notice the approach of Lako behind her. The tall Strider reached forward and, with a small push of his nose, poked his Drykas in the back impatiently. The redhead, surprised, turned around to find herself facing the Strider bearing one of its sternest expression, staring at her like he was waiting for explanations. She couldn't hold a laugh when she understood the stallion showed signs of jealousy and nudged her only to get a hold of the entirety of her attention. Smiling still, she moved her hands from one Strider's neck to the other and started massaging and stroking again, although this time with more focus. Lako snorted briefly, a sign of his appreciation, and now that he was reassured of his Drykas' true inclination, proceeded to graze nonchalantly on the dessicated grass the unseasonal heat had turned a yellowish green.

Ashka heard the woman softly speaking about her special bond to the white Strider with a voice full of passion. "Bonds strengthen with time" she echoed, her free hand shaping union while the other still ran on Lako's shoulders. "And it becomes a big part of who you are... So naturally... Now that I think about it, I don't even understand how I lived before meeting Lako" she sighed, loving gaze settling on the grey stallion.

She turned back to Taurina when the latter introduced herself as one of the artist of the Lilacwind Pavilion, and her affectionate expression widened into an admirative smile at the mention of the tattoo house.
"Oh so you make windmarks ?" the redhead asked enthusiastically, signing honour, identity with her words. "I haven't been in a long time but the artists there are very talented. You must be as well to be able to work with them – skillful, chance" she added.

Ashka kept silent as she listened to Taurina's answer about her riding. The slim woman gave her glimpses of her life story, but they were elusive, sentences without too much details, and they piqued the redhead's curiosity, stirring interrogations in her head. Had to go away ? Became Drykas again ? What could have cause her to leave the Sea of Grass, and where had she been ? The only reason she could think of... Was the loss of a Strider. Nothing else came to the redhead's mind as to why a young girl would leave the Drykas people and the plains, and after all she had mentionned bonding again, so maybe that's what had happened. A shiver of anxiety ran along her spine and her expression darkened at the thought; if she was right, it must had been the most difficult and painful tragedy to overcome. Ash had been told about what it felt like to lose a bond, for it unfortunately happened often enough, but she always chased the thought out of her mind; it was too heartbreaking and scary to think about, so once more she closed her brain to it.

Ashka realised that Taurina must had seen some of the world beyond the Sea of Grass if she had left for a long time, and she felt a swell of desire to hear her stories about the places she had seen and the races she had met, a yearning to ask many questions. But Taurina had stopped telling, and Ashka restrained herself from encouraging her to continue; they didn't know each other, so if the dark-haired woman decided to end the conversation there it was her right to do so.

Their eyes met, silvery gaze and cinnamon-coloured orbs, and Ashka saw in the other's a swirl of emotion. Maybe there was doubt, maybe caution, those she wasn't sure, but there was also something else, something more positive that felt like tolerance or acceptance; to whom or what perhaps time will tell.

A query rose from Taurina's side and Ashka's smiled again.
"I'd be very happy to – honoured, new, acquaintance. I am not the best of the Pavilion..." she admitted with a faint blush colouring her cheeks, "but I promise I'll do my best. Where do you want to start ?"

-Thanks to Aladari Coolwater for the boxcode

[Taurina]

It seemed as though the Ethaefal was not the only one feeling a twinge of jealousy at the redhead’s admiration of the white stallion. Taurina watched as the woman’s own strider came up behind her and preformed actions that could only be interpreted as acts of jealousy, even though it was a horse preforming them. A smile tugged at the corner of Taurina’s lips, resulting in a lopsided smirk. A bit of relief blossomed within her chest, washing over her like a drink of cool water. She did not need to be jealous. There was no reason for it. The Drykas before her had a bond with another, she had no need to steal Starfire from the Ethaefal. If that was even something that was possible.

An aimless hand came up to stroke at the white stallion’s cheek. He reacted by leaning into the touch as if knowing his rider needed reassurance. The smirk turned into a soft smile as Taurina nodded along with Ashka’s words. Her and Starfire were united. They had that bond that was growing stronger with each passing second. Though the Ethaefal remembered her time before him, now that she had him she could not imagine living without him. To loose him… she did not even want to imagine that world. Had never and likely would never, willingly, let herself.

Taurina knew she had lost a strider once. At least once. She had never felt the pain of that loss, however, because she had been the one taken from him. She had wondered it before, but in a fleeting moment she wondered again. What had happened to him when she was swept into Dira’s arms and taken to Leth’s realm? Had he been able to live with the pain of a lost bond? Or had her death taken him from this earth as well? She did not know the answer, she did not know that she ever would.

“I am starting to make windmarks,” Taurina clarified gently, calmer now that some of her jealousy had subsided, “still new, learning.” Grateful for the opportunity.

A small blush colored the Ethaefal’s cheeks in rogue as she cast her gaze to the yellowed grasses. The others at the Lilacwind pavilion were very talented indeed. Her work did not hold its own next to theirs. It was still so rough. So untested. Yet, they taught her. They were patient with her and talked her through her rough testing on animal skin. They told her what she needed to do better and praised her for how far she had already come. They were a needed support that had become a big part of her life when it came to her work. She would have had no others mentor her, even if there had been a choice.

“You are correct that they are very talented. Very Knowing,” Taurina agreed, “I am honored to work with them.”

Honored did not quite cover it, but Taurina had no other word for it so that one had to do. The Eth just gave a small smile and let her gaze move to her strider and the horizon beyond him. Streaks of pink and orange were beginning to paint the sky now. It would not be much longer before Leth came. Starfire looked so brilliant in Leth’s light. His white coat shimmered and had almost a glow to it beneath in the moonlight. A piece of galloping moon himself. A piece of Leth given to her from the god himself. At least, that was what Taurina had chosen to believe since bonding with the rare colored strider.

The questions did not come after the vague explanation of why she was not the strongest rider surprised Taurina. Ashka seemed to be the curious sort. She had, after all, stopped to gaze upon and meet the white strider. Though many looked and admired, few outside of the Eth’s family had ever dared to come up and meet the brilliant steed. Taurina guessed that Ashka was brave in that sense. Anxieties did not cripple her. She was not shy like the Eth was shy. It was interesting, to say the least, but not surprising. While most Drykas were respectful of one’s personal space, not many were actually what would be considered shy.

Perhaps it was a good thing that Ashka did not ask any questions. Taurina was unsure how willing she would have been had questions been thrown at her. Not much, not yet. Soon though, she would have no choice but to give at least the basics. She was sure of that much as her gaze looked a tick longer at the color stained sky. When she shifted… well, the questions were sure to come. If they did not, she would be truly surprised and probably not think Ashka as one who was so brave anymore.

Eyes met, emotions exchanged, and the request made on Taurina’s part. All those emotions of hesitancy and wanting to figure this Drykas out were still there, there was just more. So much more. Always a chaotic storm that did not quite become still enough to ever make sense.

A smile, eyes sent sparkling with a brilliant light. Ashka had agreed and while she admitted that she was not the best, she was willing to give what knowledge she had on this matter. A blush colored the redhead’s cheeks and at the familiarity of such coloring, Taurina’s smile grew just a bit wider. Yes, this would likely work out. As long as when the Ethaefal form came Ashka did not run away or become scared. One never knew, Taurina had been met with a wide range of reactions from those who found out without having been told first. Even those who had been told first did not always know what to do when met with the celestial form that was Taurina during the night hours.

“Well, we have been working on trust mainly. Letting him know he has the freedom to go away from me if he wishes. Getting him more comfortable with me than he already is. Getting him to listen to my direction. That so far is the hardest because he is so much more knowing than I. He wants to go fast while I am not ready yet,” Taurina explained to her latest companion, “So, we will start wherever you think is best knowing that. You are the more knowledgable one when it comes to this after all.”

Common | Pavi | 'Thoughts'

Word CountPost Total: 1,078
Total Overall: 1,078

Boxcode credit goes to Azmere

[Ashka Windrunner]

Ashka listened silently at Taurina's explanation of what training she had been doing with her Strider. She still wondered how the woman came to admit her modest experience, but maybe it was just a product of her mind convincing herself that she was less able than she really was. Maybe having grown in a foreign land, far from Endrykas, and not sharing the daily life of the horseclans had her underestimate her capacities; Ashka had seen many foreigners baffled by the ease with which Drykas people always rode their Striders, moving as one thanks to their special bond. But now that Taurina had bonded as well, that she had become Drykas again, she'd probably realise soon the extent of her abilities. The redhead pondered on this concept of trust that seemed important to the Diamond Clan woman and spoke after a few ticks, choosing her words very carefully.

"You spoke of trust, and it is essential for your bond, your connection. But this connection... is a two-ways path. It sounds like you worry about Starfire not trusting you, or your commands... But I think he already does. He chose you, maybe it would help you both to remember that. This Strider chose to bond with you. He had already put his faith in you, otherwise you would have never been able even to approach him."

Ashka paused for a moment, letting her answer fill the air between them. She wondered if she had used the right words to convey her thoughts; the last thing she wanted was to upset or offend her new acquaintance, but it seemed important to her to remind these facts to the Drykas woman in front of her.
The redhead Drykas lifted a hand towards her own bonded Strider who came nudging it gently, and the feeling of the soft nose skin in her palm brought a smile on her lips and warmed her heart. How lucky were her people to have been gifted those beautiful creatures! They truly were a blessing from the gods, and Ashka had a grateful thought for the Father of Storms who had brought Striders to the Horseclans.

"I mean, Starfire could have picked any walakh. The Strider always decides. There are many in the city dreaming of the day of their ezihiwe, but you were the one for him. I think you can trust him... to trust you," she continued in a soft-spoken voice, her hands still stroking the ash-coloured cheeks. She turned to Taurina, an encouraging smile tugging at her lips.
"And when it comes to riding, I would say to keep practicing and practicing more. Ride anywhere you go, all the time. Go riding for the fun of it. Starfire would love it as well, I'm sure! And it will help develop silent communication. Learn each other's body language... Build your own habits." Her voice silenced and she thought back on those long bells spent with Lako, the time needed to learn to understand each other, and she realised how far the pair had come since their bonding a few years back.
"It will take some effort, but the bond will help you, naturally. In no time you'll be able to let Starfire tap into the Web, ride with the wind."

Under the red and orange painted sky, the red-headed Drykas girl turned to the other and met her caramel gaze with her own grey one, ashen eyes still gleaming with a stubborn spark of curiosity. At last, she let it guide her words and spoke in a tone hungry for knowledge.
"You said something before... About having to go away... You don't have to tell me if you don't want to, no offense, but it makes me wonder. Where were you? Have you travelled much?"
Ashka was staring into the woman's eyes, and although she did only briefly, she quickly looked away, not wanting to make Taurina uncomfortable.
"I'm sorry, apologies, simple curiosity. It's just that... I've never been away from Endrykas myself. Never out of the Sea. And it looks like there is so much out there..."

Thanks to Aladari Coolwater for the boxcode

[Taurina]

Ashka spoke of trust and of already earned trust. She reminded Taurina of the nature of the bond, that it is the strider’s choice who their rider is. Starfire could have chosen anybody. Anybody. And yet, even with have that choice, he picked her. Out of the many he focused on the one with the soul broken across time and decided he was the one he was going to make his rider. She was the one he had chosen to make whole. Whole as in, a full Drykas and as in filling that in that piece of her that had been lacking.

“You are right,” Taurina agreed verbally, giving a smile that was weak, but genuine. So right.

The Eth reached out towards her strider and stroked her fingers across the snow-white coat. Her smile grew and strengthened. Starfire was everything and he was all she needed. Together they could figure out all they needed to. When it came to the riding, they would get there. Together. Together they could conquer fear and ride the wind. Why did she fear when she had him? Taurina did not know.

“He knew me when he picked me,” Taurina spoke soft, speaking mostly to herself and to Starfire, but knew that Ashka was still there and able to hear, “whatever made him decide I was the one, he knew who I was. I may have changed some, but not all. Never completely.”

A breath was released and Taurina turned her gaze from Starfire to fix it on Ashka. The girl was offered that smile as the Eth attempted to fill herself with confidence. Practice. That was what Ashka recommended. Practice as often as possible, the rest would fall into place. Though the red-head did not say it, Taurina knew she would need a dose of bravery too. Some bravery and faith, a hint of her own trust given away. Starfire would not lead her astray. She had to trust him in that and have faith that he did not want harm to befall her. A part of her at least already did believe that. That, at least, was something. A start.

“It is a very long story,” the Ethaefal admitted in answer to Ashka’s curiosities, her smile turning somewhat sad, “there is much to explain. Soon I will have no choice, you will have many questions.”

Taurina looked towards the paling sky at the setting sun. She let out a sigh and allowed her hands to drop from Starfire’s neck. The woman had no qualms about telling this story, but sometimes it was harder to tell it for no real reason. It just felt heavier in her soul than usual.

“There is a realm where gods dwell,” Taurina started, “it is beautiful there. At least, I think it is. I do not really remember, but I can imagine it was. I do not remember having any fear there. Only that I lived with others like me and that now when I see those like me, I become sad for what I have lost.”

Another sigh was released. Taurina picked up a piece of Starfire’s mane and began twisting it into a braid to keep her fingers occupied.

“Death came for me last time I lived in Endrykas. I passed into Dira’s arms and left behind everything. Whatever family I had, my strider, everything and everyone. I wonder after them sometimes, but I know they are all gone now. At least, gone from whoever they used to be,” Taurina continued, aware she was not likely making much sense, “Leth took me to his realm before I entered back into life. I lived there for I do not know how long.”

Taurina paused, her eyelids fluttering as she sucked in a breath of preparation.

“Then I fell. I awoke in a sea angry and raging. Nearly I drown, but I was saved and when I awoke once more I was this. Fully grown, Drykas by day and something else by night. You will see soon if you wish to see. When Syna sets and Leth reigns, the beauty of the night takes over.”

Common | Pavi | 'Thoughts'

Boxcode credit goes to Azmere