Valdien winged quietly through the dark skies; a dark shadow passing beneath the light of the stars. This was the time when the stallion had to be most alert, for the Six's Agents always moved under cover of darkness. Sadly, even with the daily new arrives of Azrein to the Isle, the King's ranks were still too few to warrant Valdien a day of rest. As such, he was constantly vigilant, stealing a few hours of sleep here or there every other day or so, and the stallion was starting to suffer because of it. The feathers of his wings were becoming brittle, his mane, tail, and coat losing their luster from lack of proper nutrition.
But the safety of the Greater Herd came before his own, and Valdien would be damned if he let any agents near the King's lands tonight. He breathed in the chill of the night's high air, nostrils flaring. A frown marred his features as he caught an unfamiliar scent. Enemy? He couldn't be sure. With the soundless beat of wings, like an owl, he shifted his body weight to make a slow, spiraling descent to the lush grass below, just one more shadow amongst hundreds.
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Desmond walked fearless amoung the herd lands, not caring that it was late at night. His mind was unable to rest from excitement for what the next day would hold. Just earlier today he had discovered the King's herd and joined the ranks. How magical it had been, everyone here was so wonderful and nice! As he walked he smiled at everyone even though they were fast asleep and couldn't tell he was smiling at them. Although, if they had been awake they probably would have thought he was some kind of crazed stallion, which most thought he was. He couldn't help that he loved to be happy and wanted to spread the joy with everyone around him. His wings rustled gently in the breeze as he looked up at the sky, eyes glistening from their light.
"My, what a beautiful night it is!" He said a little to loudly. He heard someone close by make a shhh sound, and like the stallion he was he apologized which gained him two more shhh's. Desmond sighed and shook his mane. Wait.... Was that another flying through the sky? It was! He thought excitedly. They are getting awfully close... His eyes widened as he realized that the stallion flying through the sky landed no more then a few feet away from him. "Hello there stranger!" He yelled. "SHUT UP!" "Sorry!" He yelled again. "Sorry..." Desmond said, softer this time. He lightly tip toed over to the stallion with the colorful body that had just landed. "Hi!"
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Oh, dear. No way that this one was an Agent of the Six, with his...exhuberance. Valdien blinked icy blue eyes as the stallion sidled up to him and just about hollared in his face; Val could smell the grass on his breath. To his embrassasment, Valdien's stomach rumbled painfully. He tried not to grimace, instead offering the young stallion a grin. With a nod of his head, Val indicated a sheltered copse of trees a bit to the left where they could talk without fear of getting hushed.
"Hello yourself," Valdien's voice was a soothing baritone, his tone soft, like the whisper of wind through one's ears. "You must be new to the Isle, hmm? Valdien's hooves sunk into the fertile soil beneath his feet, and he let out a sigh, relaxing after figuring out this Azrein posed no threat to the Herd. Unless the threat was a terrible night's sleep, of course. He chuckled to himself. "I'm Valdien, stallion. Bonded to the King and protector of the Greater Herd." He inclined his head in a half-bow respectfully. "Might I inquire as to your own name and title?" He cocked an ear towards the winged stallion, attentively awaiting the male's response.
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Desmond watched as the stallion directed him towards the trees and smiled once again. He trotted happily behind Valdien, grinning the whole way there. "Yes, my name is Desmond." He replied attentively. "Title?" He asked, completely confused as to what this stallion was refering to. "Flyer?" Desmond replied, not sure what in the world he was saying or talking about. "You're hungry." He said, listening to the stallions tummy rumble right before him, poor thing! "There is lot's of yummy grass around. Or if you prefer flowers there are some lovely one's by the castle." Desmond said with a smile, not realizing he wasn't supposed to eat the King's flowers as they were for decoration.
"They were the most delicious flowers I have ever tasted." He swooned. Desmond sighed wistfully as she tilted his head while looking in Valdien's eyes. "You're bonded to the King!!!!" He yelled a little to loudly. Desmond sheepishly scrunched his body up, fearing more hushes to insue from his loud talking. "Sorry everyone! Sorry!" He said, once again to loudly.
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"F-Flowers?" Valdien visibly paled; quite a feat for a horse. "Oh my." He chuckled throatily. "It seems as if you got into the King's garden. And yes, I am Bonded to the King. Though I'm not entirely certain it's a thing to be so excited about..." Valdien visibly winced as the young stallion shouted. He cleared his throat, lowering his head to graze, gazing up at Desmond with his blue eyes from beneath lowered lashes.
"Desmond, you say? Might I inquire as to when you arrived on the Isle?" Valdien kept his voice pitched low, hoping to lead by example. Perhaps the stallion would take the hint and realize that night-time was a time to be, well...quiet. Valdien flicked his long tail, the end of it brushing against Desmond's hocks."We're seeing a lot of new arrivals these days, and I must admit, I am curious as to how you heard about this place. Most Azrein are still stuck beneath man's thumb, so to speak."
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Desmond blinked a few times at Valdien's reply. "They were umm..." He said thinking back to when he ate the flowers. "Ohh.... That's why everyone was yelling at me." He said, making a sour face for not realizing sooner that he was doing something bad. Desmond happily smiled at Valdien who looked up at him while he grazed. He wanted to know more about him! How amazing! Desmond thought to himself, looking exstatic. "Well! I arrived just this morning. On my own of course." He said a little quieter this time, however, probably not quietly enough.
"An Azrein could fit under a man's thumb?" He asked, cocking his head to the opposite side. Was it possible for one to be so small? Or maybe the human was just a giant! Yes, that must be it. But if a azerian was under a thumb then wouldn't he be squished? His face turned to confusion as he thought long and hard. "I am very confused." Desmond replied, closing his eyes and letting out a deep sigh.
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Valdien raised his head, noting how oddly the stallion's sigh sounded genuine. Valdien wondered if those whole..hectic, confused part of him was something of a shield he put up when meeting new Azrein. Valdien raised his head, tilting it to the side as he looked at the young stallion. Or, Valdien supposed, this could just be a case of all beauty and no brains. The stallion blinked, then nudged Desmond's jawline with his nose, He noticed the drop in tone when Desmond mentioned he had come on his own; was that do to something emotional, or had he merely taken the older stallion's hint?
Regardless, Valdien wanted to put this newcomer on steadier ground. He seemed a bit frazzled, and Valdien probably knew the reason. He had come here, by himself, and ever since arriving, Desmond had probably be chided and yelled at for things that he truly didn't realize. The Isle was probably an alien world to him, with all its rules and customs, and the poor thing seemed so young. Valdien's baritone was calming as he spoke in almost a sad tone. "You have no friends here, do you, Des?"
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Desmond opened his eyes and blinked a few times at Valdien gently touching his jaw with his nose. He looked into the stallions eyes and thought for several moments as the stallion shared the pause and then broke it by asking his question. It had been some time since he had met anyone that actually cared about what was going on with him.
In fact, the last one who had was his mother who sent him off to find this place and live a happy life away from the danger the Six imposed on their home. Tears came to the stallions eyes as Valdien asked if he had any friends. "No I don't have any friends anywhere." Desmond said truthfully. Most found his personality to be annoying and 'unnatural'. Whatever that meant. He wasn't an idiot, he just didn't catch on to things as fast as others because he always thought of the literal meaning of everything. Was it so wrong to think that way?
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Valdien unconciously fanned his wings as tears kissed the corners of Desmond's eyes, taking a step forward so he could mantle his wings above Desmond, almost protectively, as a nurturing parent would do. That tenous link of empathy he shared with every Azrein on the Isle through his King screamed at him that Desmond was truly hurt because of this, and it took all the willpower Valdien had not to seek out those who had hurt him simply through carelessness and beat them down. Desmond was such a beautiful thing; and the stallion was so emotionally...scarred by what others had done to him simply from not doing anything for him. Valdien pressed his wings tighter around the younger stallion, extending his neck to rest his chin atop Desmond's spine, giving him the opportunity to cry on him if that was what he needed.
Unbidden, Valdien felt his throat grow tight as he thought about the pain this youth had needlessly suffered. No friends anywhere, the male had said; what a terrible thing to have to walk through life so alone..."I'm here, little one," Valdien's voice was tight with genuine sadness for the male, and the stallion closed his eyes. "I'm here, and I care, Desmond."
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Desmond was surprised at Valdien's next actions, which caused more tears to swell in his eyes and down his cheeks. This stallion hardly knew him and yet he was kind enough to offer his wings to him, to embrace him. Desmond cried a muffle cry into Valdien's neck, letting all the pain he had felt flow out through his tears onto Valdien's neck. "Thank you." He said, still crying. Desmond brought his wings close to his body, then let them fall down to his feet as he cried. He would never be able to thank Valdien for allowing him to let everything out, especially like this.
After several minutes Desmond was able to stop crying, however, with a few sniffles lingering. When he was positive he was okay enough, he pulled away from Valdien and looked him in the eyes. "Thank you... Again." He said with a somber voice. It felt good to finally cry! His body and mind felt so relaxed that he thought he could very well just pass out right there. "Sorry." He said with a small smile.
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Valdien slowly lifted his wings from around the stallion; the poor male's muffled sobs had nearly caused the war-hardened Valdien himself to almost break down. When he was sure Desmond had regained control of his emotions, Valdien lifted his head, cool blue eyes blinking. "There is nothing to be sorry for, Desmond." Valdien's voice hardened noticeably. "If anyone should be sorry, it should be the fools who have so carelessly brushed you off these past years." The stallion felt his muscles tense beneath his skin, and his withers twitched, as if to dispel a hoarde of unseen flies.
"However," Valdien let out a held breath, "you are here now, and at the very least, you have one friend on this island, and I believe--no, I am positive that you'll be making many more in no time, Des." Valdien offered the male a rare, geniune smile, hoping his firm belief in Desmond's abilities would raise the stallion's spirits. "You are much too beautiful and far too smart to be crying over people who did not have the blessing to get to know you. So, come, I shall be the first! And how lucky I truly am, dear one. So tell me; what of your family? Will they be joining us in the future?"
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Desmond couldn't help but return to his jovial self, letting a grin come to his face as Valdien spoke to him. His green eyes were entranced in his, quietly thanking him for everything he had just done for him. "I can't blame them." Desmond replied. "Beautiful? Smart?" He stuttered as a darker pink color came across his cheeks. No one but his mother had ever said those words to him, so to hear Valdien speak them so easily, it blew his mind. "Ahhh, yes. My family.... Well my father was actually just a traveling Azerian who I never got to meet." He said with a shrug. "And my mother.." Desmond said with sorrowful eyes, but still retaining his smile.
"She is a wonderful mare who would give away everything she had to help another in need. And no.... She is staying in my old homeland..." Desmond said, now frowning. "The area where we lived was heavily populated with the Six, but I believe she is okay. Maybe in their 'care', but okay." Desmond said somewhat bitterly. If he ever found out something happened to his mother, well that little innocence in him would probably explode into anger and he would more then likely seek revenge for her death. But, he had a feeling that she was okay.
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Once more, Valdien nudged Des' cheek with his muzzle, a small smile playing on his features. Once Desmond got everything out, he seemed so much less...wired. Valdien had a feeling that he was seeing the true Desmond now, and not some happy, bubbly facade the stallion had to maintain as a shield around his heart. The stallion pretended not to notice Desmon'd blush, though it brought him joy to know that Des had taken his words to heart. Valdien's chest swelled with a breath and happiness alike, knowing that he had been able to break through and see this beautiful soul residing inside of the male. However, Desmond's words sent a chill down his spine.
"The Six?" His voice became uncharacteristically cold. "Where is your homeland, Desmond? Here, on the Isle to the South? Or down in the lands thousands of feet below?" If Desmond had grown up on the Isle and his mother remained in the clutches of the Six, Valdien had no doubt whatsoever that he could retrieve the stallion's mother. For some reason, Val wanted to do something, anything, to make Desmond believe that there was some good in this world. He deserved at least that much.
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Desmond continued to blush as Valdien nudged him, then it faded as he moved away. "Down in the lands." He replied, both shocked and maybe even a bit frightened by Valdien's change in mood. "Why?" He asked curiously, wanting to know why his new friend was so interested in where he had come from.
"Were you born here in the herd lands?" Desmond asked curiously. He wanted to know more about his first friend, no matter what the cost could be. "What about your family?" Desmond asked with a smile. He wanted to know what was hiding under Valdien's vast layers of skin.
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Valdien shook his wings, wincing as several of his feathers were torn from the rest of them. He let out s soft sigh; he really hadn't been taking care of himself at all these last few months, and it was getting to the point where his neglect was becoming uncomfortable. He shook off his worry to answer Desmond's interests. "I was just wondering. And to be honest, I do not remember anything from my past except for the hour before I Chose the King." A small smile toyed with Val's mouth, the corners of his lips tugged upwards.
"I forget my parents, I forget the place I was born. I forget my friends, my lovers, my enemies, my herd...everything. All I can truly remember is the time just before I heard Azreth's heart crying out to me. Why it's that way, I'm not entirely certain. Though if it were between remembering my old life and remaining by the King's side, I would choose Azreth in a heartbeat." There was deep, genuine love radiating from Valdien almost palpably. His voice was strong and sure; as if he never wanted to know anything besides his Chosen and all that went on around the King. Valdien had said it true; he would not give up Azreth for anything on this world or anyother, even if it meant being reunited with his parents or his old herd, if he even had one. Valdien loved the man, and he knew it was obvious.
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Desmond smiled as Valdien talked about his Chosen and how he would sacrifice everything for his king. "It must be a wonderful feeling, having a chosen I mean." He said with a wistful tone. "I hope to one day have a Chosen of my own! My mother told me that having a Chosen was a great responsibility, but also the most rewarding thing." He paused for a moment. "Save for being a parent." Desmond chuckled softly. He quickly allowed himself to look around as his friend stretched his wings, noticing that the night sky was becoming lighter and lighter. He quickly returned his gaze to the stallion before him and noticed a few feathers from his wings float down to the ground. Desmond's demeanor quickly changed to worry, allowing himself to step closer. "Are you okay!?" He asked, completely worried.
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"Ah," Valdien took a step back, worried that the stallion might see the lankness of his mane, the dullness of his coat and the bent and bedragged feathers in his wings if he stood too closely in the morning light. "I'm fine, little one, nothing to worry about." Valdien chuckled at the male's sincerity, and to cover his evasiveness, shook himself all over, hastily changing the subject. "Your mother was absolutely right, Desmond; having a Chosen is like nothing else in this world," from Valdien's tone, it was clear that this was a subject he warmed up to quite easily. "I'm sure that you'll find the human meant for you here on the Isle!" The stallion laughed, the sound mingling pleasantly with the awakening birdsong in the crisp air.
"This whole island is simply teeming with people hoping that there's an Azrein for them, Des! Your perfect match is somewhere on this lump of rock, and if they aren't this minute, then I'm certain they'll be coming soon!" Valdien attempted to force some cheerfulness through the cramping of his muscles and absolute fatigue of getting hardly any rest this past fortnight. Had it already been that long...? Two weeks, of constant patrol? Valdien shook his head to clear it, his blue eyes meeting Desmond's own, hoping the male would carry on the conversation. For the only time in his life he could remember, Valdien's wits and charm were lacking.
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Desmond didn't believe for a second that Valdien was telling him the truth, but he let it slip because he obviously didn't want to talk about it. "Well if you have that amount of confidence in me.... I won't let you down!" He said, standing proudly and puffing up his chest to look just like Valdien in an attempt to make him laugh. "Well, maybe tomorrow I will meet them!" He said, overly excited. He so desperately wanted to find someone to understand him the way Valdien did.
But what if that person never showed up? What then? And what if Valdien ended up being his only friend here? Or what if Valdien grew tired of him and didn't want to speak to him anymore!?! He could feel his heart already breaking in his chest at just the thought of it. "Valdien...Nevermind.." He said almost instantly. He didn't want to say something he would regret later or upset his friend. "You're amazing." Desmond replied instead.
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Valdien blinked, taken aback at Desmond's flattering outburst. The impression and odd words were too much; he broke into laugher suddenly, leaning his shoulder against Desmond's flank. When he caught his breath, he spoke, mirth still in his voice. "Amazing? Boy, I am as disheveled as a nanny goat with twelve kids!" Valdien shook his head, still leaning gently against Des. "Desmond, it's fantastic that you're excited to Bond, and even better if it happens tomorrow! But, I need you to know something."
Here Valdien's tone grew somber, more serious, and he shifted his weight, turning his head to look Desmond in the eyes so that his words would brand themselves in the younger stallion's memories. "Until you find your Chosen, and even after you find the one that will make you whole, I will be here. Right by your side, Des. I do not leave my friends behind, and if you need someone to help you catch up, then I will always be here for you, a simple call away." He paused to let his words sink in, icy eyes holding Desmond's gaze. "Do you understand, Desmond? You will not be alone again."
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"A what?" He said, breaking out into a laughter that equaled Vald's. "Why, I do believe you may have lost your mind dear friend." He said with a smile. He lightly nuzzled his friends cheek, reassuring him that he really did mean what he said about Valdien being amazing. He stared back as Valdien talkied about bonding and then how he would never leave him behind. "I'm very happy you said that Vald." He said with a soft smile. He was so thankful to have a friend in him, and he hoped that their friendship would continue to grow over time. Which he didn't doubt would happen. Afterall, Valdien was a wonderfully kind stallion and his first real and true friend. How could they ever not be friends? Desmond stepped closer. "I'll be your friend for life Valdien. So you better limber up." He said with a laugh.
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"That makes me very happy to hear, darling Desmond. And no one has ever called me Vald before, you know." He gave the stallion a grin, blue eyes shining. "It was always "Lord Protector this, King's Bonded, that. Or, Guardian, over here and HEEEEEEEEEEEEEELP!" Valdien snorted, shaking his head, causing the mantle he wore about his shoulders to settle into place, the gold glinting in the morning's sun. "Azreth always calls me Val, but the say you say it...well, it has a certain ring." Valdien nodded, and took a few steps towards a nearby stream babbling away as they spoke. "And the fact that no one else has ever called me that save for you makes it even more special."
Hoping Des would follow, Valdien turned on his hindquarters, ambling wearily to the cool water. He lowered his head and closed his eyes, taking a long deep drink of the sweet liquid, the ends of his mane dancing circles on the surface of the stream due to its current. As he let out a sigh, he felt his body protest at the horrible treatment its been receiving these past few weeks, and with only that much warning, Valdien's front legs buckled, sending him pitching forward into the stream's shallow waters.
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Desmond smiled and nodded furiously as Valdien spoke about how nice it was to be called something other then, well a Chosen of the king. "Well Vald, you shall have to get used to it, because there will be many more names for you." He said with a wink as he followed his friend to the brook. Desmond had no need for water at the moment, so he simply waited by Vald's side watching him drink his fill of water. His heart caught in his chest as his friend lost his footing on the weak edge of ground and fell into the water.
However, the water was very shallow so his friend seemed to be in no immediate danger. Desmond had a good and hearty laugh before he stood on the edge of the brook, jumping in and pretending like he was being attacked by a savage sea monster. "Oh no! It's got my leg and won't let gooooo!" He said, making his expression change to fear and sadness. "Oh Valdy, please tell all those you meet my story!" Desmond said as he pulled his neck and face into the water, his hind end sticking up in the water.
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Valdien snorted, slightly offended at Desmond's actions. Did he think that exhaustion due to protecting the Greater Herd was something to joke about? But, well...Valdien let out a low laugh of his own, even as tired and weak as he was. "I shall tell the King's personal Bard your tale, brave warrior, and how you met your untimely end at the hand of the Guardian-Turned-Rogue!"
With no more warning than that, Valdien pushed off of his haunches, employing a military tactic to launch himself several feet into the air, arcing over Des and landing behind him. With an imitation of evil laughter, Valdien slammed his shoulder into Desmond's rear end, sending HIM sprawling face-first into the water. "Eat fish, dead one!" Valdien laughed. He couldn't remember the last time he had had fun. The war had been plaguing his thoughts, and the simple company of a friend could take his worries away so easily.
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Desmond raised his head and was ambushed by Valdien's shoulder hitting his ear. "Nooooooooo!" He yelled like a woman who was calling for her lover not to attack a dreaded monster. "Vald! My dear Vald!" He said, running over to him with fake tears in his eyes. "You were such a noble steed. One that will be remember by all Azerians, and whose name will be praised every time it is uttered." He said, holding Vald in his wings and pressing his face against his, making sure he squished it. He moved his head back and forth so that it would move Vald's cheek.
"Ahhh. To be a dead one." He replied solemly. Just as suddenly as he had rushed to his friend, he dropped him lightly and stood up proudly. "Now I shall torture young maidens like my dear friend would have wanted!" He said, luring Valdien to get up and follow him. Desmond flapped his wings gracefully and flew high up into the sky. With slow movements he pushed himself foreward a few feet before dropping down into the herd. Hide and seek! He thought to himself with a grin.
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Valdien laughed, extending his wings with a sharp snap. He launched himself into the air, droplets of water falling from him and shimmering in the sunlight of early morning. Has they truly been awake all night? Valdien shook his head, hearing the screams of the wind in his ears. It had been so long since he had known enjoyable company. "Fly away, dear Desmond! I'll follow you to the ends of the Isle!" His laughter was whipped away by the strong winds, and he lowered his head, in hot pursuit of the stallion.
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