Following The Whispers (Hud/Thoxic)

[rhianna4554]

Arcarian had fallen empty again…but this time Diego was not alone. Although Milah had seemed to vanish she had at least left him with a daughter which meant that this time the emptiness did not throw him into the dark pit he had been in for years. Lux brought out the best of this stud managing to free the gentleman that he had once been but his daughter knew that he was too set in his ways to remain like that constantly. Yet she still loved the rougher side of Diego unconditionally for which he was gratefully beyond words. The silver smokey black splash sabino stud had only left Arcarian at his daughters insistence for they had both heard whispers of the new king of the plains and how he was hording mares. It was worrying news and for Diego the threat of Lux being taken away was all too uncomfortable which meant an alliance was needed. Today he sought to make such an alliance but couldn’t help wish that his daughter had accompanied him. The plains reminded the stallion a lot of home for they were vast and mostly uncovered by vegetation. They were however slightly warmer then Arcarian especially with it being a hot summer. Inhaling he couldn’t help but compare the different altitudes and how they affected the atmosphere…with there not being much oxygen in the air at home his lungs had adapted to become efficient at picking it up. Now however the air felt too heavy…too muggy for them to cope with. To Diego it was a little disorientating.

[Hud]

Waleran was always on the move in his kingdom. There was simply no respectability in lazing around the same parts of his land day in and day out, as some kings were known to do. He didn't have any other stallions to patrol his perimeters, and he didn't mind that. Not yet, anyway. He should like to have a bit more testosterone around... Someday.

For now, he was left to his own devices to hone his kingly skills. The black and white paint trotted briskly today with his sister in tow. "C'mon now, Yaviel! Spit-spot!" he teased. He'd brought her along for company. He felt like he could order her around more efficiently than he could the newer mares in the herd. Waleran trusted her more, for whatever good it did. "We have to make it to the east edge by sundown!" He did not slow as he spoke, insisting that his much thinner, much less-ly built sister follow him. The scent of another stallion hung in the air... Narrowing his eyes, Waleran put up his guard. There was never any telling what strange stallions meant to his land. Sometimes they didn't mean any harm, in which case Waleran was happy to toy with them. Other times, however...

[Thoxic]

The reason why Waleran hade brought Yaviél with him, was for her unknown, except that he seemed to love nagging on her. She had given up about saying no to follow him at this trip, saving her breath for more important things, and he loved to order her around it seemed. It had been that way since they were young, especially since they had been born at the same time.
Her brothers word made her snort, before picking up the pace, and the white of her hair and feathering whipped behind her slightly, the sheer length of it making it look like a spiders silky cobweb.
She didn't say anything to him, just trotted beside him, and she too picked up that scent, even though she didn't feel as threathened by it. It only made her lift her head and smell the air, trying to decide where it came from, or rather, which direction.

When a glimpse of a black and white coat reached her blue eyes, she slowly came to a stop, halting her movements. She stood staring at the nearing stallion, as she did not know him. He, just as Waleran, felt huge against her small frame, and the similar colors of her brother made her wonder for a second if this one would also pester her.
She knew that she'd probably be beaten if she tried to make contact before her brother, so she stepped back, even if it was reluctant, but her curious gaze was still set upon the stranger.

[rhianna4554]

It did not take long for Waleren to notice that there was an intruder in his domain and with the heat it was relief to Diego. For a second it was somewhat unsettling to see that the king of the plains was of the same colouring to the northern stud but the notion was quickly discarded. Even though he had come with friendly intentions Diego still studied every inch of the Waleren instinctively although such an assessment was a quick one, but he did not miss how his height was matched by this king of the plains. As for the mare Diego barely glanced at her for she was of no interest to him especially with his lack of desire to risk offending Waleren. Wanting nothing more than to get this done with and return to Lux he quickly sprung forward strides settling into an unhurried high stepping trot that muscular neck of his automatically arching. Upon reaching them he greeted them with an inclination of his head before the words came. “Greetings I come in search of the king of the plains…I am Diego King and ruler of Arcarian Range in the north.” The northern king hoped that his words and polite tone would not cause any resentment from either of the two in his company.

[Hud]

The other stallion left Waleran in a state of caution. The plains king slowed to a stop, allowing the other horse to approach on his own. Turning to look back at Yaviel, Waleran nickered to his sister with a defensive tone. Turning his attention back to the newcomer, Waleran scanned his opponent. Perhaps he was no threat, but for now Waleran would regard the stranger as a threat.

Diego's words left Waleran feeling powerful. This was a fellow king. It was as if being introduced to another king reinforced Waleran's own feeling of self-worth. He was this other stallion's equal. Waleran knew his own herd was superior, but he need not bring Diego's spirits down by mentioning it. That would be so rude, Waleran laughed internally.

The plains king nodded in recognition, not bowing. "A pleasure, King Diego. It just so happens that who you seek is me. I am Waleran, ruler of the plains." Waleran did not mention Yaviel. "What brings you to my lands?"

[rhianna4554]

Diego was not surprised to get a sense of caution from the other stud after all if positions were reversed he would be feeling the same way. His introductions were met well the plain king dipping his head in acknowledgment before speaking in return. It was a relief for the northern king to know that he had found Waleren straight away for it meant that soon...soon he would be back with his beloved daughter. The bluntness of Walerens question did not disturb him at all but even so Diego allowed himself to wait a moment before answering shifting his weight a little in the process…after all they were both kings and thus equals so he felt no need to jump to answering straight away. “I come in order to secure and alliance Waleren king of the Plains…with us sharing borders it would be beneficial to the both of us to be united. Not only would we not have to fear one another but it would send a clear warning to outsiders seeking to claim our lands and mares.”

OOC: I'm so sorry for the short reply I'm just struggling with the third person D:

[Hud]

Waleran could not help but smile as Diego started off right away with alliance talk. He supposed he had asked what he was doing there, but he hadn't expected such a response so quickly. Waleran laughed a little, his smirk evident as he glanced back his sister's way. Looking back, the king calmed himself, taking a few steps closer to Diego. "Have you now?" The stallion didn't really know how to respond.

"I don't even know you. Why would I trust you to honor any sort of alliance? My herd needs to be protected; I can't just go around making alliances willy-nilly."

OOC: S'cool! This reply is short too ;] Just means we'll get it done faster

[rhianna4554]

For some reason Waleren seemed to find his reasons humorous but Diego was not fazed by it like another might have been. He remained impassive as always only acknowledging the initial question with a dip of his cranium. He was not surprised by Walerens caution even if it did stir some irritation. Diego was after all risking just as much by seeking out this alliance. “Nor do I know you and yet I seek this alliance even so. My daughter means everything to me for she is the last of my bloodline and Arcarian was once in my family for generations…both must be protected even if it means securing alliances with kings that I barely know. There is much at stake for me Waleren which means that on my honour I can assure you that I will not break my word.” The assurance is blunt for Diego is not one for pleasantries especially when it comes down to politics. He lnows that a union would help secure an alliance but he is not sure if he could give away his only daughter…would he be willing to give a daughter up if his family was bigger though? Possibly. “If you are that concerned then maybe a union would ease your worries Waleren.”

[Hud]

Waleran had to hand it to this stallion - he was determined, determined enough to align himself with a complete stranger in a last ditch effort to provide security to his lands and family. The plains king didn't have such a strong desire to form such an alliance, but he could at least give him the courtesy of considering his offer. "'Worries'," Waleran repeated with an amused tone, his neck arched forward, looking to Diego from beneath a brow heavy with judgement. His daughter meant everything to him. Everything? She was just a mare. He really must have been desperate if that was the case. This stallion controlled the mountains. Apparently his family had ruled them for generations and this was a rather thin time for them. Perhaps securing an alliance with such a large and powerful territory would have its benefits. Maybe it wasn't such a bad idea. The other black and white stallion seemed genuine enough. In truth it was Diego that should be worried. Waleran was not one to always adhere to rules or agreements.

"King Diego, the prospect of having the incredibly vast territory of the Arcarian Range on my side is an attractive one. If you are a member of the family that has ruled it for so long, I suppose I can see some reason to trust you. I respect your desire to keep your herd safe, as well." Waleran waited for a moment before continuing. "I will stand by you if you stand by me, good sir."

[rhianna4554]

Diego cannot supress the feeling that this stud before him is a smug creature too wrapped up in his belief of his own supremacy. Diego knows because he has been there. He has performed vile deeds in order to secure his home and start up his bloodline again. His own daughter is proof of that. The northern king does not like the calculating look Waleren surveys him with but he does not allow his displeasure to show. He simply waits to see if his blunt speech can sway the plains king. Apparently it does although his ‘I suppose’ isn’t very reassuring. “I will stand beside you as long as you stand by me King Waleren” There is a pause purposely done to the let the underlying warning in the words sink in…betray me and I will give you no mercy. “Then from this day on the Kingdom of Arcarian and the Plains stand united. On my honour as king I pledge that Arcarian shall make no move against while I and my descendants remain as long as our alliance stands. Your enemies are our enemies this I pledge too and should disaster force you from the plains Arcarian will willingly offer you shelter until you may return. Do you accept this and swear it in return to cement our alliance?”

OOC: I can change any of the terms if you want