Early Morning [[Closed]]

[Snickerspods]

Dew collected on Thaldyn's legs as he passed through knee high grass, the sun not yet old enough to burn the morning mists away. His skin prickled at the chill, naked chest not particularly suited to the cooling weather. He made a mental note to collect his winter gear from where he'd stashed it. If memory served Thaldyn would only have to make a day trip. Moving clear of the tall grass, he broke into a smooth canter and climbed the hill he had been aiming for. Coming to a collected halt as he reached the summit, gazing from this vantage point as he revelled in the first warm fingers of the morning sun; pooling like liquid gold into the basin of these lands. Highlights glinted in his hair and new sunlight shafted off the bright sheen of his pitch black coat. The diamonds in his amulet caught and flashed brilliantly, magic shimmering through his veins as the amulet sung its pleasure.

As the air began to warm up Thaldyn began a slow descent, in no particular rush this early in the morning. Early morning birdsong rang distantly, the melodic sound of birds squabbling for the insects not fast enough to get undercover in time. Moving silent and tracklessly, as had become habit, Thaldyn strode in an easy ground-consuming gait. Though he was in no hurry he covered the ground quickly and paused at a narrow brook, sparkling as it too caught the sun. Lowering his bulk to the ground in a fluid motion, after a cursory glance to assure himself he was free of threat, he reached his hands into the clear water. Cupping his two hands, he brought the draught to his face and drank quickly as the water dribbled out between his tightly pressed fingers. The water was sweet and good, leaving an odd though not unpleasant taste of faint mint.

[Alluvia]

A young, lithe centauress came into view, strolling through the knee-high grass as noiselessly as was possible. The morning dew collected on her limbs in tiny droplets of shimmering gems, making her form appear more majestic than it was already. When the rising sun caught on the beads of dew, her entire countenance glowed with its warmth. Her distant, regal bearing merged into one of intimacy as she spotted her dearest love. It had been many long months since she had seen him last, and she was eager to be at his side once again. So much had changed as the seasons had pressed on towards winter. If only she knew what had happened to her people…

The scent of crushed rose petals diffused throughout the glen as she silently drew closer to Thalldyn. She wanted to surprise him, but she doubted she could with her fair aroma wafting towards him. He probably already noticed her presence. A shiver of excitement raced down her spine as she closed the last few steps, causing the ring on her finger to tremor unexpectedly. His amulet would have picked up on that. Nonetheless, she stretched out her hand to rest gently on his shoulder.

[glow=blue,2,300]Hello, my love. Oh, how I’ve missed you so...[/glow]

[Snickerspods]

Thaldyn knew his beloved had drawn nearer long before she spotted him. In most cases when an unfamiliar creature drew near the background ambiance of nature would become silent and nervous; however in these lands Alluvia's presence excited the little creatures and if anything the constant hum of life grew stronger as she drew nearer. Her scent reached him first, drifting on a caressing downwind. Unconsciously he inhaled deeply, reminded anew the calming affect her presence brought him. He stayed as he was, even when his amulet thrummed excitedly at the presence of its other piece. He felt it jerk, the taste of the magic as it pulsed through his system alerting him to the fact that she was excited. A smile curved his mouth, experience the same eagerness as her fingers slid across his bare shoulder to settle there. Her words made his heart jerk suddenly in his chest, constricting emotion binding his chest.

He said nothing at first, instead taking the time to rise to his full height once more. He then turned to her, and sucked in a breath as her beauty took him by surprise. Many moons had passed, and he could swear that with each waning her beauty had only grown. Still without speaking he reached out a hand and cupped her face gently, stroking his thumb along her cheekbone. "Every night the last thought I had was of you, and every morning I wished to wake with you in my arms." His voice was low with emotion and his changeable eyes swirled with the intensity of his love. "My heart belongs to you; to be separate for so long..." he trailed off as he gazed at her, still gently caressing her face.

[Alluvia]

Her deep chocolate orbs met his readily as he shared his joy of seeing her once again. A soft blush of pink spread across her cheeks as she rapidly became aware of his magnetism once more. How could she have forgotten his devilishly good looks? Or his easy smile when he gazed lovingly at her? The memories all flooded back as the dams of her emotions burst open. She could not stop herself anymore as she flung herself into his protective arms and wept for all the joy and sorrow she had experienced.

After what seemed to her like an eternity, she finally quieted her sobs down to a muted sniffling. Brushing the lingering tears from her eyes, she pulled away just enough to look tenderly upon his chiseled visage. When she finally found the strength to speak again, her voice was still husky with emotion.

[glow=blue,2,300]I do not wish to be parted from you again, Thalldyn! I-I, only left because I wished to know the fate of my people, after they unaccountably vacated this land…Alas, I did not find what I sought. It is as much a mystery now as it was then.[/glow]

[Snickerspods]

Thalldyn caught Alluvia easily as she fell into his embrace, enveloping her small graceful form in his arms. Unable to resist he buried his face in her hair, inhaling deeply as she wept into his chest. His amulet shimmered with distress, sparkling with power as it fed off their emotions. Thaldyn reached a hand up and passed it down her hair, a sigh shuddering out of him in an echo of her dwindling sobs. He listened intently as her sobs dissolved into sniffles, easing his hand down her back in a supportive gesture. He kept his arms looped around her as she leaned back, his eyes tracing the details of her face with reverence.

Her voice was still husky when she spoke and Thaldyn bent his head slightly closer to catch the words clearly. Acknowledging her words with an understanding murmur he cupped the back of her head and drew her back fully into his embrace, tucking her head neatly under his chin. "There are few things on this earth that can take me from your side." He assured her, his voice rumbling through his chest. "I too searched, and I'm afraid my results are much the same as yours. I heard rumours, followed some; all for naught." He sighed and pulled her more tightly into him, cradling her form like a precious gift. It seemed now as if they were the only two left, for Thalldyn had not even found trace of the darqs in the many leagues he had travelled. "I believe," he began, hesitating only slightly. "That all that we can do now is send the word out as far as possible that here there is a place for those that are left, if they wish it; for now we can only wait, and hope."

[Alluvia]

She took a shaky breath, and attempted to meet his eyes once more. Just listening to his voice was a great comfort to her. Sighing softly, she once more took control of her emotions and relaxed in his embrace. Though she used some of her early diplomatic training in calming herself, she still maintained the openness she had with her mate.

[glow=blue,2,300]What you have said is true. All we can do is send word of our situation. I would very much like to go with you, though, when you decide to give out our invitation of a safe haven.[/glow]

As she spoke, she tilted up only slightly in order to place a gently loving kiss upon his inviting lips.

[Snickerspods]

"Then we shall travel together, and spread our message as far across these once thriving lands as far as we can. If all goes well we may be able to send the message further through messengers and emissaries." Thalldyn was thinking of the other races aligned with the light, even the humans that had often viewed his kind with distrust. He was still thinking on this when her lips unexpectedly met his, and he stilled for a moment as everything inside him focused on her. A sound of pleasant encouragement eventually escaped him and Thalldyn's arms tightened around her, momentarily slack at the unexpected manoeuvre. He had forgotten the intoxicating taste of her and as she pressed innocently against him he sunk into the kiss as a long liquid pull at his stomach made him shudder.

Though he wished for anything but Thalldyn eventually pulled away, though he kept her firmly within the circle of his arms. "We will need to move quickly, before winter sets in." He advised, his tone serious but his heart hammering against his ribcage. His blood roared against his steely will power, demanding he allow himself to be overcome by his desire for her. Another time, he promised himself as his eyes stared at her enticing mouth, he wouldn't say no to his body. Right now they needed to hammer out the details, but his amulet kept sending waves of sensual magic through him as the energy charged it. Few knew that his amulets power focused solely on emotions, the more he felt the stronger it was. It was one of the reasons it had been gifted to him, and why it was so powerful in his hands. Years of training had taught him to control the outward display, but he felt deeply and without hesitation. Since finding love in Alluvia he had only gained in power, and the ring on her finger fed some energy from her own emotions to him aswell. It also worked the other way, and could become a thin but powerful shield to protect her in times of great need. Which meant that his deep desire for her was clearly transmitting, and Thalldyn was not sure if that was a good thing at the moment.

[Alluvia]

Her breath caught at the intensity of Thalldyn's response to her seemingly chaste kiss. Her ring thrummed wildly as if it had taken on a new life of its own. She too struggled with an unexpected wave of desire for her mate, and was barely able to contain it. There will come a time.... She tried her best to regain control just as Thalldyn reluctantly pulled away. She wondered briefly if he knew how she longed to have foals of her own before finally collecting her wayward thoughts in order to speak.

[glow=blue,2,300]I know that we must make haste, but where shall we go to first?[/glow]

[Snickerspods]

An appreciative smile touched Thalldyn's mouth, pulling it into a seductive curve as he reached up and ran his hand down her hair again. As the silken mass passed smoothly beneath his sensitive but callused palm he reflected on how grateful he was for such a mate.

"Logically I suppose we should travel first to those areas with most recent sighting of other magical folk such as ourselves, dragons and faeries and such." As he spoke Thalldyn tightened his arms around her for a split second longer before he finally released her completely from his embrace. "We would be wise to collect some cool weather garb; I have some hidden not far from here." If memory served there was a tunic and cloak that would suit her perfectly, items he had acquired during their time apart. Thalldyn flicked his banner as he observed her naked human torso, eyes flaring briefly with hunger though his manner and bearing remained calm and collected. His skin prickled with goose bumps as a brisk breeze reminded him of his own naked half, hammering home the need for warmer clothing before it got much colder.

Reaching out he grasped her hand, lacing their fingers as he gently turned her and began them walking side by side. Keeping her tucked close to his side Thalldyn brought them along the now sun drenched valley, watching their silhouettes stretch out before them. "Let us start now dear Alluvia, and re-acquaint ourselves with one another as we journey." He looked down at her by his side, reaching his free hand out to catch her chin lightly and tilt her face up towards his. Quickly, so as not to tempt himself too much, he delivered a quick light brush of lips. Starting them walking again, Thalldyn calculated quickly and altered their course, thinking swiftly of the most economical route to his hidden stash.

[Alluvia]

She was only too happy to follow his lead. With him, she felt like a walking contradiction. His presence both calmed and excited her. Being near Thalldyn, she felt put together and yet also, scatter-brained. I suppose it's because we have been apart for so long....Though I hope this feeling never goes away!

A cool autumn breeze blew through the open valley, chilling her naked torso and causing her to pull her wavy, caramel tresses over her shoulders for protection. His suggestion for winter attire could not have come at a better time. She only hoped that the winter to come would be a mild one, despite the warning signs of this early onset of fall. If all goes well, I will begin to plan for foals of our own.... Just the thought of it made her giddy inside as she attempted to hide a youthful grin from her mate. He probably would think her crazy for coming up with such an idea. Before he could become suspicious of her silence, she broke her solitude with a question.

[glow=blue,2,300]And just where are these clothes you speak of? How did you aquire them, my love?[/glow]

[Snickerspods]

Thalldyn smiled at her question, looking ahead as he began to explain. "My own garments I acquired before we met; when I plan to stay in one place very long I hide the belongings that would only be cumbersome until they were needed. That is why I have never shown them to you before." As he spoke, he gesticulated with his empty hand, the movements oddly graceful as they illustrated his words. "The ones for you I collected during these most recent travels, from a gypsy human whom shared the recent rumours of the magic folk with me. When I explained who you were and what you meant to me, she was more than willing to share the clothing. They once belonged to her daughter, who married some years ago into another travelling family." He smiled once more, warmth infusing his gaze as he remembered the small but sturdy old woman. She, and those of her kind, had always respected those of the magic persuasion; Thalldyn had often spoken to the gypsies throughout his life. "Have you ever encountered the Gypsy families?" he asked Alluvia, turning his tender gaze to her form. Instantly love turned his eyes to shifting patterns of colour as he looked at her, completely unaware of the display of emotion if not for the sudden warming of his amulet. A half smirk caught his mouth, amused by the magic that prevented him from denying his own feelings even had he wanted too.

Perhaps catching an empathic clue Thalldyn suddenly found himself considering if Alluvia still wanted to postpone their consummation in light of recent information. Certainly creating heirs had now become rather important, if indeed they were the last. Thalldyn however was more focused on the almost painfully joyous notion of having a family with his mate. He had not known family growing up, at least not the traditional kind, and found that in the present he deeply desired it. Squeezing their joined hands Thalldyn caught Alluvia's gaze and he grinned, "They're good folk, and I have occasional found myself in dept to them." Continuing his enquiry into her knowledge of the travelling humans Thalldyn swished his blonde tail, just strong enough to flick lightly around her rump as they walked. He knew it was cheeky, and he squeezed her hand again briefly to show that he was just playing.

[Alluvia]

Alluvia playfully returned his flick with a swat of her own thick tail across his muscular haunches. She enjoyed his sudden mischievous mood and turned to grace him with a saucy grin. The ring grew warm on her slender finger, momentarily distracting her, as she searched Thalldyn's expression for the cause. She quickly perceived the melody of shades that played within his loving orbs and tenderly pressed his hand in hers in acknowledgement.

[glow=blue,2,300]I have never met the gypsy families you speak of. Unfortunately, with the protection that I was under after my father's untimely death, I was sheltered from meeting any non-magical beings. How have you been in their debt?[/glow]

She was definitely curious as to her mate's connections with the gypsies. He seemed to hold them with such high regard, despite the fact that they were humans. Who is the gypsy woman and her daughter? Was she perhaps his lover in the past? She felt a unexpected surge of jealousy when the last thought popped into her head. It was quite uncharacteristic of her, and she knew that she should have no reasons to doubt Thalldyn's devotion.

[Snickerspods]

"Mostly during my youth, my early plans had a tendency to go south." Grinning with self derision Thalldyn caught a sudden surge of power from his amulet, the echo quality telling him it was a reflection of Alluvia's emotions. The taste was unfamiliar, but after a second or two Thalldyn placed it, a briefly smug smile flickering across his sensual mouth when he did. It was always nice to have some small sign of her possessiveness, to know that she valued his exclusive affections as highly as he'd come to value hers. To sooth his love he pressed his flank against hers, enjoying the sensation of their muscled coats smoothly gliding across one another, and explained his association more in depth. "The woman was originally from the family that I had the most contact with. I never met her daughter though, I believe she was married off rather young; a custom of theirs." Thalldyn paused as he guided them through a marshy area, remembering this as a landmark and avoiding the dangerous sinkholes.

Once sure of their footing he continued his small tale, "The first time I encountered them was actually when I received the scar on my side." Referring to the scar he'd once shown Alluvia before, faded enough that most people failed to notice it unless he pointed it out. "I was in a bad way, and couldn't get to cover quickly enough. In fact I over stressed myself and passed out in an effort to hide from them. When I came too they had me patched up and warm, I was able to get home after that easily." Warming to his tale Thalldyn separated their hands and instead slid his arm around her shoulders and drew her into his side, matching his stride perfectly to hers so that they could walk unencumbered.

Talking lower, as if sharing an open secret he continued, "I grew curious of them, they seemed nothing like I had been led to believe, so I went back. I became friends with the younger people, those that appeared my age or younger seemed more ready to treat me as an equal. Technically the elders had forbidden our association, but we talked anyway. I found out that they had a code regarding healing, in return for the gifts of healing that nature provided them they tended to any and all that were brought to them. When I say' gifts' I refer to no magical means, more a deep centuries old knowledge of how to utilise nature passed down through generations. That is why they took care of me that first time." Thalldyn took a moment to study the landscape, and decided they were making good time. They both seemed eager to commence the journey, and as one mind had unconsciously settled into a brisk ground consuming walk. "With this knowledge I often went back to them for healing, and our association continued." He finished the tale neatly, and looked to Alluvia with an open expression; silently asking her if she had any questions?

[Alluvia]

She was still not quite satisfied with the speed of his tale and how it revealed very little detail, but she was too anxious to begin their journey to prod him for more information. Deciding instead to be content with what he relayed to her, she nodded in acknowledgement to his story and imparted to him what she had been told of the gypsies.

[glow=blue,2,300]I must admit that I have been rather ignorant of those humans during most of the years of my life. I was only informed that gypsies did sometimes practice the evil magic known to the darks.[/glow]

The autumn chill seemed to dissipate from Alluvia’s bodice as they walked side-by-side through the glade. Leaning gently into his shoulder, she discreetly inhaled his protective, earthy aroma and sighed. They were almost to the outskirts of the her kingdom, when she stopped to ask…

[glow=blue,2,300]Thalldyn, how do you feel about us having foals of our own?[/glow]

[Snickerspods]

Thalldyn nodded with understanding as she told him of her small knowledge regarding the Gypsies.
"There are some that do; I know that there is at least one rival clan to theirs that they suspect practice such atrocities. They are in direct conflict, much like our darq and light factions." He went quite as she nestled against him, his insides unexpectedly trembling even as his muscles relaxed instinctively at her nearness. He kept one partition of his brain alert though, keenly keeping on guard even as he allowed himself to succumb to his love for her.

Her sudden stop brought him to a halt, arm still wrapped around her he looked down into her lovely face as she voiced her question. His eyes widened for a moment, due to the fact that he had only recently thought about that himself. He smiled warmly though a second later, reaching up to cup her face with a tender expression. "I cherish the very notion," his tone was sincere, growing husky with the depth of emotions. His enchanted amulet warmed with the honesty of his answer, trilling a sweet note through its magic that only those that bore it could hear. "Growing up, I didn't know the traditional family group. I had my mentor, my friends and blood brothers instead. I've always desired it, needed it to a point, but considered myself until recently an unlikely candidate. You've changed that, given me a home and people that need and want me around. Suddenly I don't feel so unfit for the role anymore." Thalldyn would never tell her anything but the truth, and he needed her to know the depth of her importance beyond just fairy tale true love.