[PRP] I Don't Need an Apprentice (Zian and Helena Augusta)

[Nori Ishida]

The heavy rustling of his tack and armor always preceded the stallion, making his presence known well before he came into sight. It was a frustration at times, but the protection was well worth the hassle. It had saved his life on more occasions than he could count and while the armor reminded him of his forsaken home, he could not bring himself to part with it. Aside from it's usefulness, it was a reminder of where he had come from, what it had turned him into, and how much of a disgrace he had become. It was both burden and shield.

He had been in the Kawani lands for many years now but still traveled alone. Never staying in once place long, the fallen warrior picked up odd jobs where he could, most often unsavory deeds that came at high prices for both him and his patrons, straddling a line between assassin and mercenary. Zian kept his name and business to himself, making no friends. Friends were dangerous. He was unsure if the emperor's assassins would follow him so far from their territory, but he couldn't be too careful. Plus, friendships always lead to pain. He had learned that in the worst ways.

The sun was floating just below the horizon as he crested a hill, slowly lighting up the sky with soft pink and orange hues. He could see the lights of a nearby town slowly fading as the sun's golden light spilled over the expanse before him. The village wasn't far, perhaps half a day's travel. He was low on provisions and there may be work for him there. Squinting as the sun fully rose, he made his way heavily down the hill and towards the village ahead.  

[~Kiana_Nala~]

Helena Augusta laughed loudly as she raced through the brush, dodging trees the young mare imagined as foes leaping from the darkness for a sneak attack. Ha! As if they could touch her!

The truth was, the mare had been running about the woods for hours, traveling much farther from her mother's herd than she'd intended, all for the sake of letting out some energy and hopefully getting some training. In truth, her intention had been to train from the start but. . . Well it couldn't be her fault she had become distracted by. . . Well it didn't bare mentioning. If a future leader and warrior just so happened to have followed after a rabbit through the woods until a boar had startled not far from where she had been, then who was around to witness such a thing? No one; that's right.

The mare didn't slow as she burst out of the woods as she approached the hill, thinking it would be easier--and more of a challenge--to make it up to the top at full speed. After all, not many soquili visited their herd so it seemed reasonable to assume that there shouldn't be many lurking about the nearby lands. Right? Wrong. A fact Helena Augusta quickly realized as she dug her hooves deeply into the grass and dirt in an attempt to slow down before she fully ran into the male who had appeared before her.

Could she have heard him if she hadn't been distracted by the rush of wind as she raced up the hill and feeling each muscle push itself to meet the challenge?Of course. But this wasn't her fault. He must have been lurking, waiting to burst forth. Yes, that was more reasonable. Helena Augusta loved to have a bit of good fun now and then, too. Helena swerved her body so that she didn't hit the male as she continued to dig her hooves in; finally slowing a good couple feet in front of him.

"What a rush!" She exclaimed with excitement before turning towards the male she had passed just seconds before. "I think I almost grew wings!" Helena's blue eyes glowed in the fading sunlight, her joy clear for all to see.

Nori Ishida

 

[Nori Ishida]

Zian heard the thundering of hooves at the last second and spun around just in time to move out of the mare's way as she skidded to a halt in front of him. She appeared young and her bright pink hues stood out starkly in the morning light. She spat some outlandish words at him as if they knew each other, an overly friendly tone to her voice. He detested the overconfidence of youth, running about with unchecked impulsivity. This mare was full of energy, not thinking of those around her. He wrinkled his nose as she said something about growing wings.

"That's preposterous." His voice was flat and irritated as he observed the mare, taking in her horn and lion-like tail. She was one of the Uni, known healers in these lands. They were generally known to be kind hearted and peaceful, but there were always exceptions, so Zian did not let his guard down. Though this brazen young mare did not appear to be a threat to him, he could not be too careful. He was a wanted stallion, danger could hide in the most innocent-looking places.

He shifted his weight, straightening out the saddle on his back and shook the scattered dirt from his legs. "Perhaps if you weren't in such a rush, you might not have almost run into me." He straightened himself up, puffing out his chest with importance. "Now, if you'll excuse me, I must be on my way" He turned away from the mare, starting his way back down the hill, not sharing his destination with her.

~Kiana_Nala~