i dream in phosphorescence Posted on February 1, 2025 at 05:39:21 PM by Helios
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Sand and dust stung the stallion's ashy nostrils as he loped along the outskirts of the Dunes. More often than not, Helios found himself immersed in his own thoughts when on patrol. Experience had taught him that he could not be lax at the borders between the Dunes and the rest of the Salem territories. Even when he was as vigilant as he could be, travelers and enemies still deigned to enter his lands unbidden. He had seen them first.
Warily, he had watched the black-and-white pair as they crested dune after dune, forging deeper into his territory. The stallion had already been coming toward them when one loosed a call, to which he responded with a short whinny. When the three of them met, the mare introduced them. A sibling pair then. She was attentive, attention clearly on him, while her brother lingered behind and let his focus wander.
The copper male listened to the tobiano female plead their case, ash-tinged ears twisting toward and away from her as he continued to monitor the land around them. "I'm afraid you'll find much has changed on the islands, even if you've only been gone a short time, Gisella." His son Caesarion had taken to scouting out the other islands, if only so that they were more informed of the goings-on. He had learned that many lands had shifted to new leaders.
He was cautious, unsure of letting two strangers linger within the borders. That was when he noticed the other male's favoring of a leg. Concern flickered in his eyes. Damn his nature. He feared his willingness to give others grace would come to bite him in the future. Yet, Helios knew he couldn't in good conscience turn them away. A curt nod pulled his head up and down. "You have my leave to stay at the closest oasis until sunset. Should either of you decide to stay longer, I would have you speak with me further."