“For all evils there are two remedies - time and silence.”
― Alexandre Dumas, The Count of Monte Cristo
Sorrow manifesting to a love that kept
On living beyond even death,
Sprung and bloomed and took a breath
And fluttered colors of hope for thee,
A bloom for all the world's tyranny.
SPRING/SUMMER
The rest of spring had passed and Rodrigo had spent it in the woodlands that guarded the meadow. Always conducting his search while likewise watching the happenings in the common lands, and trying to better understand the workings of theses isles. Things were different but so much the same, though his country was far more organized…a place that had long learned how to live in constant warfare and fear of outsiders. The last was what had cost the former lead of the King's army just about everything. He did not wish to dwell on that thought, and so his mind scurried off to the strangers that appeared, and some that were less strange by now…few individuals, repeats, gathered his attention and he set course for a new destination.
The heat and the frenzy of bloodsuckers, breeding in swampy waters made for less than favorable conditions--summer had come at last. He remained on the outskirts after having arrived to the doors of the Lagoon only the night prior. The massive stallion ate his fill of what the land had to offer and again observed those who came and went. Perhaps he might find what he sought here though he doubted it. Even in his dam's tales, the Lagoon and the Peak were known to house a fearsome band of equines…some mercenaries for hire and others simply bloodthirsty. As far as Rodrigo could tell, the stories perhaps had lost their violent allure as most of the souls he had crossed seemed civil. Granted he had come here for more than simply to seek the blooms. The sun preparing to dip to the west, Rodrigo entered the Lagoon.
Days passed uneventful. He sought no rank or title here, only seeking. He spent some of the season looking about for the blooms but one would be surprised the variety was a bit lacking here. There were viney blossoms on the shore and some that hung of the rock walls that guarded the place, and not much else. He only spoke to a few young foals and yearlings thought mostly remained on the outskirts. He thought perhaps to leave before he should draw attention to himself. This band was one of more impulsiveness than their vulcan neighbors, though they had a sense of organization. This Felony kept order among the ranks with solid command, something familiar to Rodrigo, and something the galleon could respect.
AUTUMN
The bay hessian felt the slosh of mud climbing his legs, and the bloodsuckers were having quite a frenzy feasting on the virile. Many stings he ignored though some made his skin twitch. His tail waved serving to likewise splash his frame with mud which was more than a little refreshing. Even as the days grew colder, the Lagoon retained its humidity. His frame however had yet to adjust and his winter pelt was starting to grow, much against his favor. To counter this the brute had found himself an inviting mudhole and took to roll in it. A small boar was not thrilled to find the mud pan occupied, but he dared not to challenge the stallion. Rodrigo was thoroughly coated save for some spots on his back and black mane could still be seen here and there through the muck. He could not help but laugh as he bathed and smiled with a sense of freedom he had long forgotten. In a life made straight with obligation and duty, and the misery that followed, being able to do as he wished without fear for his family and reputation--was absolutely exhilarating. Rod took to a light run about where trees gathered and in the open as well, a rather pleased and muddy form.
He had stopped to graze later that day as the mud dried over his frame. Again he watched as a band of young stallions had come with a mare, older, perhaps the dam of the youngest. The others he could not be sure until the one called Felony appeared and stole the mare away to discuss matters. The semblance of the stallion to one of the youngers…Rodrigo suspected a family. Some things different and yet some things the same. Another stallion was particularly active keeping the ranks in order, one often referred to as Psych. This one was odd but Rodrigo found the fellow interesting though he had only seen the brute a few times.
WINTER/Present Day
He departed the Lagoon to continue his search, attempting to venture to the neighboring island. His time was short before he made the return and with him came the first storm of winter. The storm had caught him a bit and he coughed up seawater as he made it to shore, the winds and the waves had changed his course and he found himself on the Lagoon. His body tired the stallion slept where he had made landfall, waking several hours later shivering from the cold of the night. He willed himself up and sought shelter within the heartland, gathering himself and resting several hours more before moving feast on the Lagoon's offerings once again. Hearing was not so good on his left ear and he still felt weak. The soldier in him judged a mild affliction from his sea-venture, nothing that would not go away with rest. Quietly Rodrigo remained on the fringes of where the residence of the Lagoon mingled.
OOC: meant to post rod before but I poofed wow I missed so much xD
RODRIGO
the spaniard |