𝐕𝐀𝐋𝐇𝐀𝐋𝐋𝐀 𝐇𝐄𝐑𝐃𝐒 － open！！

[na'vi.]

ＣＩＴＡＤＥＬ ──x❝when the world says, "give up." hope whispers, "try it one more time."❞
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◀ ❰ Alfheim Valkyrie ❱ ❰ mustang x morigan ❱ ❰ mare ❱ ❰ 7½ ❱ ❰ foals: 3 stillborn, none. ❱ ❰ status: pregnant ❱ ❰ location: Franang's Falls ❱ ❰ tags: Thera, Titan. ❱ ❰ mentions: Heidi & Amaera ❱▶
The grass bent and folded with each step that Citadel took, her movements were fluid and had a certain air of elegance with them. As she walked she couldn't help the sigh that escaped her lungs, she had always carried foals heavily. While being average in height she was a petite mare, not big boned or robust. Such a build had meant that she always carried her foals in such a way that made her look farther along in gestation than she actually was. Even if she was annoyed with the fact they were going to the falls nothing could damper the inner fire that slowly burned in Citadel's core- her foal still had a good month before showing up in the world. It was usually around this time of year that maidens from each herd left to find a stallion of their own and such an event often lured in Earls who think far too highly of themselves. A month of time would give such antics to dissipate and simmer down.

The warm nuzzle of Thera had pulled the white mare from her thoughts and she listened once more, picking up her pace to close the small distance that had formed due to her lagging behind. She gave out a surprised snort at the words, a mare and twins? The news invoked a slight bit of anger in Citadel's heart, the gods gifted someone else with twins while she sat scorned with none. Though just as soon as the anger came it left, she held no true anger in her heart for mares who were blessed with offspring. Her loving nature would always prevail. "I wonder if she's just as obsessed with the gods as he is. I can't imagine mares would go with him if they weren't, I'm surprised that he left her foals alive- or so I assume he did." She commented, pausing her talking to take in a breath of air. "He seemed so agitated the whole storm, must have taken intense self control or a blessing by the gods themselves to stop him." She finished, she meant no harm about the statement. She knew that many stallions tried to kill offspring that wasn't theirs, it was instinct, tradition, the call of nature if you will. While it was one of the more disheartening things to happen it was something that had been going on for generations, only the gods would stop that.

Water crashing against the rocks caused her head to snap upwards and she felt relief tingle along her veins, Franang's Falls was possibly her favorite place in all of Valhalla. It was serene and beautiful. A true marvel of Idavoll. Titan's call caused Citadel to turn around, ears pricked forward and pinkish muzzle pointed towards the obsidian stallion. Her nostrils quivered slightly before she whickered towards him, swinging her head around she bumped her muzzle to Thera's croup before she trotted towards her King. It was no secret that Citadel held Titan close to her heart. The mare nuzzled his cheek, letting out soft whuffs that oozed with affection, she looked towards Heidi and let out gentle whuffs towards the maiden as well- her greeting came to a screeching halt as she heard Thera's own call to Titan. Citadel turned around, ears perking forward as she stared ahead of the herd, her gaze had locked onto the bay mare whom's tart heat scent only now made its presence known to her nostrils.

Surely if a lone mare so late into her heat was here Earls wouldn't be too far behind. The thought almost instantly let stress grasp at Citadel's mind and she stamped a hoof, nostrils flared in annoyance. It was then that she felt it, the tell tale tingle of pain that sparked along her abdomen and spine. Perhaps it was all the sudden activity and emotional rollercoaster that she had endured recently, harboring in an opposing herd's territory for shelter during the ravaging storm, moving across the lands of Valhalla once more to reach the falls and now a lone mare whom seemed late in her heat cycle. She remained silent, letting a stoic and passive expression take hold of her features, perhaps the pains were a fluke. Her foal mustn't come early- Citadel let a silent prayer to the gods flood her mind and she eyed the expanse around the falls carefully, once Titan responded to Thera she'd wander away. In case her foal did come she'd rather be tucked away and alone, her mind was sparked with fear and apprehension. Cita wasn't sure if she could take another loss, perhaps the Gods would sway in her favor. There. Her eyes landed on a thick patch of vegetation just a bit away from the pool of water that formed at the base of the Falls. She'd amble over there and merely lay in wait, maybe rest was what her body demanded and with a stroke of luck perhaps taking a break would make the pain subside until it were truly time.

In the mean time the mare stood next to Titan, the sides of her stomach just barely brushed against the stallion and she let out a snort. Her chocolate and amber gaze that would normally only ever be sparked with untainted optimism and warmth were instead pools of annoyance. Why would a mare be out here so late into her heat in the first place? The question brought about a feeling of skepticism into Citadel's mind, and the mare narrowed her gaze, letting her thick white tail lash against her hocks. Once again a tingle of pain grasped her and a nearly inaudible groan escaped her muzzle. Instead she paced around slowly, her gaze flicked between Titan, Thera, and the lone mare. She knew Thera would wait patiently but would Titan go after this new mare or merely disregard her? Then again would this newcomer have the gull to approach the herd? So many possibilities.

[cheshire.]

ＢＪＯＲＮ ── ❝ fear the reckoning of those you have wronged !! ❞
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( hnitbjorg king ) ( 14 ) ( stallion ) ( tags: his herd, phantom) ( location: hnitbjorg )

"No she is not my mare, she belongs to the occupier of Alfheim; Titan," Bjorn informed Vanir just as the two mares connected to say their goodbyes. He could see a friendship starting between them and Bjorn let a hoof crack against the ground. Thera and her cheeky attitude could fool anyone into thinking she was far younger than her legitimate age. When she added that it was unfortunate, Bjorn was aware she spoke of her desire to know Vanir further but he couldn't help but think of if she resided in Hnitbjorg. A handful indeed though he would be lying to himself if he said he didn't like her. She would not come to live in his family but he hoped Vanir wasn't the only friendship Thera had the potential of making. Her brash words were a counter to his own yet they provided an insight he appreciated. Bjorn was just thinking such things when Thera repeated his insult of 'plebeian king' to strike back at him once more and he again felt the need to nip her. What a complex way she made him feel.

Back with his mares he let them fuss over his return. He greeted Gull and Lark with gentle whuffs and nickers. Lark seemed far more observant than he had initially thought and he perked his ears - ever interested in the deaf mare. He was beginning to detect her lack of hearing and while this would prove a challenge, Bjorn was confident in his abilities as a protector, even in lands like Hnitbjorg where every trail was dangerous. He knew he had not actually asked her whether she wanted to stay and so he crept forward, running his muzzled along the centre of her rump to the base of her dock. It was gentle romance, an attempt to show her that he wanted her. Bjorn was not shy in his affections, he would not dance around the subject. Should she accept him then he would be sure to show his attraction.

He could hear a nicker from the side and turned his head to see Rhae calling him over. He was delighted to see that Vanir seemed to have shuffled closer to the older mare though he spotted exhaustion on the new horse's face. Giving Lark one more touch of comfort he walked towards his eldest. Atreus again caught his attention and a quiet whinny in the back of his throat erupted to greet both mother and son. Rhaenys spoke with an enchanting softness to her voice, much like Winter. She was not loud but her tone could have anyone listening with total devotion. Her words, while reasonable, went against his anti-social nature, something she surely knew. "I understand. I should like to adhere to the comforts of my family," he reluctantly agreed. They could stay near the far side of the falls away from Alfheim and the dangers of the rushing waters. The deafening roars stopped Bjorn from hearing any oncoming danger and he didn't like the idea of his foals playing near where the waters crashed down. He could see Atreus listening quietly and Bjorn flitted his eyes to the twin fillies who were very near.

"Stormborn, you stick close to your mother and when we arrive you can perhaps play with your new herdmates, Gersemi and Frigg," he spoke of reward if Atreus was obedient to his mother and it also allowed him to open conversation with Vanir. "Rhaenys, I can trust our new member to be safe with you? I think it should be nice to confide in one another. Once I've spoken to Vanir you can start leading the herd that way. I have a feeling Oydis wants my attention." That said, he found himself lowering his head to graze his lips over Vanir's shoulder to rouse her. She looked dead asleep and he could see she was fatigued. "There are Falls near here. Hold onto your strength to make it there and then you can rest. Rhae is trustworthy and will watch your daughters, as will I." Glancing down at the nursing fillies, a rumble of laughter reverberated from his belly as he saw their wagging tails. From just within ear shot he could hear Oydis giving Phantom and earful and he was forced to change his attention into that direction. While he was confident Oydis could probably fight off any stallion, king or not, he was protective of her and made sure that when she spun around to return to him, Phantom was not following. The Jotunheim king spoke of his missing mares. While Bjorn didn't disagree with letting the mares wander, especially if they were maidens, he heard that Eliza was absent.

He let Oydis comment briefly on Vanir's situation and used the moment to take a few steps towards the other king. "Travel your herd to the Falls. I will help you find Elizabeth if she has not returned by then." Leaving it at that, Bjorn was more or less enraptured as soon as Oydis came into his vicinity. He was always immensely proud when his mares spoke of the gods and their loyalty. Even just to thank them was something Bjorn praised them for. As she mentioned Thor, Bjorn was basically putty in her hands(hooves?). He moved to greet her and quite quickly noticed her change in attitude. Her smell was pungent and she was making no effort to hide it as she had her lips running over his body, sending electricity bolting up his spine. He reacted with a playful and heavily flirtatious nip to her flank, his nose pressing to the inner flesh beside her dock. Bjorn lifted himself easily, hooking a leg over her body. He did this for only a moment, knowing that Oydis would pick when she wanted to accept him on top, letting all four of his hooves hit the ground shortly after he'd jumped on her. He was clearly insinuating that he wanted to help her out and circled around the mare again, "perhaps you'd like a little more privacy, Sydney?" he rarely used her pet name, only in the most intimate of moments or when he felt it would add extra importance.

ＨＥＩＤＩ ── ❝ it might make them mad but it will make you free !! ❞
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( alfheim descendant ) ( 3 ) ( mare ) ( tags: herd, amaera) ( location: franang's falls)

Titan's words reassured her in a way that no other horse possibly could. To have him recognise her full name and affirm her bravery no matter her choice had the filly rubbing her forehead against him in adoration. All she ever wanted at times was to have his reassurance and company and now that she had it, Heidi was much more confident in herself. She could feel a slight nervousness at thinking how she'd cope without the words of her parents but Heidi knew that eventually she would have to stop running to them for every little thing. Nodding quietly at his words she settled with the resolve that she would leave with Phantom once they had reached the falls. Her father had already picked up a new mare and was bound to get one or two more. The herd would be busy and a filly such as Heidi no longer fitted in so seamlessly. Not to mention she wanted to honour her mother and father's legacies and produce a child.

Without saying much more, a simple kiss to his neck, Heidi fell back. She could see her mother's return had angered him greatly and she did not want to be near when he lost his patience. She had been bitten by him enough as a foal to understand that an angry Titan was a dangerous one. Still, she couldn't help but giggle at his fury. "She would never leave you," Heidi said to him, trying to lighten his mood. Like her mother, she was optimistic, cheery and mischievous, the kind of horse that didn't want to see others anything less than happy. Not pushing her limits, Heidi left it at that, lifting her hooves into a trot to come up by her mother. She could smell a faint smear of Bjorn on her but didn't question it - the filly would never question her mother's loyalty. Instead she settled slightly behind Citadel and Thera. "I wish you luck with your birthing, Cita. I trust all the vanir(fertility gods) will bless you," she said gently.

Ahead, the Falls approached and flanking her mother, Heidi noticed the looming lone mare who seemed to await them. "Is that a god?" Heidi asked quietly, ever aware of Amaera's particularly large height and the way she seemed to guard the falls. The sight of her made Heidi nervous and she was almost tempted to go skittering back to Titan if he wasn't already moody and occupied with Citadel's oncoming birth. Instead she stood firm next to Thera whom awaited their king's command. Taller than Thera now, Heidi straightened herself, her slender legs shifting and sending mud splattering up. Even with the grime, Heidi was beautiful and she still had time to grow. Looking at Amaera, the stranger, she hoped to reach a height such as that so perhaps someone might mistaken her as a goddess too.

ＥＬＩＺＡ ── ❝ the safety of my family is the highest law !! ❞
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( jotunheim valkyrie ) ( 4 ) ( mare ) ( tags: stjerne, ylva, sammael[phantom]) ( location: hnitbjorg ) ( in gestation )

Eliza was still listening to Sammael's words when the mare Ylva seemed to find her voice. She unleashed a flurry of sharp words onto Stjerne and with each syllabel Eliza wondered how she had the courage to say as such. Quietly, the champagne mare appreciated this stranger coming to her defense. It was terribly hard not to like both Sammael and Ylva when they were nothing but kind and protective of her. Eliza wondered that if the circumstances had been different, she might have found a home among them... Shaking her mane, she banished such thoughts, feeling guilty for even conjuring them up in the first place. She had a loyalty to Phantom that she refused to tarnish. Beside her, Ylva denied Stjerne entry into the herd as well as informed Eliza that she knew her way to the Falls. This came as a relief to her as she could return to her king shortly. However, leaving Stjerne behind would mean she would have to inform the Jotunheim ruler that she had failed to bring her back.

Flicking her ears back in forth in strained contemplation, Sammael compromised in saying they could head to the falls. He was right when he added that most of the others would be heading there. "If you intend to go you should be prepared to battle. Earls are not often allowed to maintain family," she reminded softly, looking between Ylva and the great stallion. She saw them suitable for each other and despite their brief encounter - wanted to connect further. It would be a shame to see them split or worse, hurt. Unsure of why she held such attachment, probably because Ylva had defended her and Sammael had extended protection, the mare found herself agreeing. "I will come." Back to her mare-of-few-words impression, she moved closer to the two. She felt comfortable with them and extended a nuzzle to Ylva's shoulder in both affection and friendship.

Lifting her head in the direction of her father and the herds, Eliza's belly extended as she inhaled air and released a thundering whinny. The shrill noise cut through the forest, hopefully reaching Phantom's ears to tell him of her safety and to alert him that she was heading to the falls. A neigh could only communicate so much that Eliza hoped he wouldn't be mad that she was accompanying a rather formidable stallion and his band. As for Stjerne, Eliza looked to her quietly. She had seen her as family for so long but it was clear to her now that the feeling wasn't mutual and Stjerne had no familiar link with Eliza. Despite this, she found herself saying, "Come along if you wish, I won't interfere. Your life is your own now."

ＭＡＺＩＫＥＥＮ ── ❝ the moments we've spent have passed !! ❞
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( valkyrie ) ( 9 ) ( mare ) ( tags: titan, rana, herd) ( location: franang's falls)

Mazikeen was almost shocked at the confidence and audacity Titan had. She could feel her patience being grated at with every word, every glance, every movement that he dared to do around her. How he was so infuriating to her was unbeknownst to the mare though she suspected it was because he refused to take her hints of distaste and continued to keep her. The mare grated her teeth and gave a feign snap, even more incredulous when he went as far as to assume her safety was maximised in his land. "No band earls are daft enough to approach me," she shot back, "Except you. Your skull is particularly thick." She knew he would take no offence to her words, probably twist them in some stallion-esque way to make it sound like a compliment. Mazikeen had a feeling Titan's ego was backed with good evidence but she refused to acknowledge his reputation as a successful king. Whisking a scented tail, her eyes bore daggers into his back as he walked off with his daughter.

Now left with Rana and her filly, Mazikeen felt she could relax a little further. This mare was of no threat to her and she let Rana come close to both her and Gaagi. With Titan out of earshot, she let her tense posture drop and the mare gave a humorous grumble as Rana promised not to tell Titan their names. "My name is Mazikeen. This is Gaagi," she introduced them. "Kind as you may promise, I would rather not take my chances. My daughter is injured and her safety is what has me here. I do not wish to stay," admitting this to the other mare, Mazikeen let herself walk aside Rana as they headed to the Falls - yet another destination she did not want to be at. She walked slowly, lagging at the back of the herd because of Gaagi and her injured limb. The poor filly had Mazikeen worried out of her mind and looking up, she could see they were a fair distance behind. "Rana, you don't need to stay back with us. You can catch up with the others if you so choose," she commented quietly, nudging her daughter along with care.

Up ahead was the calling of Thera, announcing a stranger. She had seen the mare go off with Bjorn and just knowing Thera was the respected mare in the herd had Mazikeen looking bitterly towards her. The seal bay was not a subordinate by any means and in another situation, would have quickly made that clear to Thera. However she intended on leaving as soon as Gaagi could move well enough meaning there was no need to establish herself. It had been only a sprain so the injury would hopefully clear soon. Perhaps cooling it in the waters of the falls would help soothe Gaagi's pain. Mazikeen cared little for the dirt and mud that splattered her body. She disregarded the appearance of herself and others. Capability was what she really valued.

[unnamed]

Ｔ Ｉ Ｔ Ａ Ｎ ！ ！
alfheim king . eleven years . stallion . tags: heidi, thera, herd, amaera (mention) . location: franang's falls

Between Mazikeen's fierce declarations and Heidi's gentle words Titan was feeling much more at ease within his own herd. It seemed that for now things had gone back to normal, the daily occurrences in Valhalla now their usual. Being outside of the forest only added to his comfort and with Alfheim not far he was eager to return to his plains and beaches. Though he had only laid his claim to the land just under four years ago he felt a deep connection with it already. Before his time as king he had sired only four foals, two of which were stillborn, while the other two carried little to no resemblance to him. It wasn't until his conquer that he began receiving foals blessed with health and noticeable lineage. The land had blessed him and in return he had learned every inch of it, every hole dug by vermin, every hill and wave that it produced. He knew the grains of sand and the way the waves crashed against the shore. Alfheim had called to him when he was young and thus he had sought after it.

Though Titan's pride outweighed nearly every other aspect of himself Heidi's reassurance soothed his temper ever so slightly. He trusted that Thera would always return to him. What pulled at his mind was what she'd decide to do while away. Her own curiosity could often be her own downfall if she so much as stepped wrong around another. He feared for her own safety and also his temper. He never believed she would but he knew himself well enough that she another stallion ever sire her foals he'd lose any control of his anger. Titan would be long dead before he saw Thera, one of his favorite companions, bear another's foal. Titan shook his heavy head side to side, tossing away his anger and once again allowing himself to be comforted by his herd and the sights of the approaching falls. It wasn't the ocean and his beach, but it was a welcome sight either way.

As Citadel dropped back from her place beside Thera to him he felt relief wash over him that even as uncomfortable as she looked her kindness remained. He felt happy at her instant affection towards him and returned it dutifully. Despite all she'd gone through the past few years Citadel had never once strayed from him and the two had developed an unbreakable bond. He treasured her love and kindness, things so rare to find in such a harsh and unforgiving world. He was pulled from the moment at Thera's sudden call and instantly the stallion stood rigid. He looked towards the bay mare and studied her closely. He could smell her own heat coming off of her and though it excited him Titan had more than enough to deal with now. The mare was dangerous and she'd only draw earls in. With Heidi's leaving, his own anger, Citadel's pregnancy, and Mazikeen and Gaagi's presence he had no interest in the mare. Beside him he could sense Citadel's annoyance and nuzzled her reassuringly, "Ease your mind my white flower. Stay furthest away in case the mare is hostile. We'll move to the far side so you can rest."

Holding himself tall the stallion now moved from the back of the herd and passed the mares in the middle to reach Thera. As he approached her he kept his eyes carefully trained on the mare, "Move to the far side away from the mare and stick close to each other. She'll draw unwanted attention to the area." He had begun to move to place himself in between his own herd and this mare but paused as an afterthought crossed his mind. Reaching his head back he lipped, albeit a bit rougher than he meant to, the spot where Bjorn's scent was strongest on Thera. He wouldn't address it anymore at the moment but he wouldn't allow that stallion's scent to linger any longer. Now stepping away, almost proud looking at what he'd done, he placed himself in between the herd and the mare. Stamping one of his hooves down roughly he offered her the single warning to keep her distance.

ＡＳＴＲＩＤ ！ ！
jotunheim maiden . two years . mare . tags: haukr, mjolnir . location: hnjtiborg
*reposted former post*

The more this new stallion talked the more uneasy Astrid became. She did not like him, there was something about this stallion that despite his charming words gave him away as not being good. Her agitation began showing as her hooves gently stamped in the ground, mud rose over her hooves and began covering her white legs everytime a drop splashed upwards. As he came closer she snorted softly, the best she could manage of a warning. As the stallion forced her to turn she attempted to move away but his size made it difficult. Instead, the mare's fear rose up inside of her and stunned her both into silence and inaction. How was she supposed to handle this? Phantom couldn't teach such a calm, inexperienced mare how to successfully ward off earls and thus she'd never learned.

At the sound of Haukr's own aggression she looked behind her only to see the other rising up in an attempt to strike Mjolnir. Her once frozen stature now melted away and in a slight panic Astrid rushed to the side, moving away from the two stallions and circling back until Haukr was in between herself and the other. She was surprised to see him coming to her defense and it didn't seem to be because he wanted her for his own (she didn't doubt it was a factor though.) It seemed he was doing it because the other stallion's pushiness. Perhaps Haukr wasn't quite so bad after all?

[Queen Lapis]

Mjölnir
5||Earl||Foaless||Mateless||Mentions: None|| Tags: Hauker and Astrid
“Oh? Is that a threat? Coming from a stallion as yourself?” Mjolnir quickly clambered to his hooves, as if unfazed by the attack. He lowered his head and splayed out his legs. He snorted like an enraged bull. Haukr stood between Mjolnir and his prize; Titan’s son would be leaving empty-hooved today.

Mjolnir sized the stallion up: with Haukr being a notorious earl and Titan’s son, he was at least a hand taller than Mjolnir. But Mjolnir's pride nor wits were dwarfed by his opponent. He would get that maiden, no matter what it cost.

Mjolnir simply eyed Haukr and continued his threatening display. At last he reared onto his hind legs and struck out his forelegs.

“I am Mjolnir, named after a weapon of the gods. Like a god, I will be powerful, and like a weapon, I will be merciless. I outage you, son of Titan. I outsmart you, and I outexperience you in battles for mares. However, a no brainer: you: still insists upon fighting for this maiden…”

Mjolnir charged forward, twisting 180 degrees before crashing into Haukr and gave him a hard on the withers. He turned to stare tall and proud at his opponent.

“So fight…”

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Vira
2||Maiden||Heat: Stag 2 || Foalless || Mateless ||Mentions: None || Tags: None
“My sister is out there!” Vira cried at Phantom, holding back tears. She would show no weakness or hurt, even to the stallion who raised her. Her legs seemed to shake, despite the kick and nip he’d given her were softer than those he gave to other foals. Vira often wished Phantom would just nip her, hard, like he did with her herdsmates. True, a taste of his brute strength would leave her bleeding on the ground, but Vira wouldn’t be dead. She could handle it.

Slowly, Vira willed her legs to stop their shivering. Eventually, they obliged. She stood tall, staring Phantom in the one eye he kept on her.

“Perhaps it might not have been wise, but it was love. Love is never wise. And I am afraid, father, I am more loving than wise.”

Before Phantom could object, Vira raced straight past him, towards the forest. She would find a foolishly brave way to save Astrid, if it took her breath from her weak chest.


(A little time later, long enough for a horse to run from the Hnitbrog to Idavol and the falls)

Vira slowed to a stop. Phantom had been right about one thing: conserving her energy. Vira had sprinted these last few kilometers, and the act left her exhausted. She leaned to drink cool water from the fall’s base, taking in large gulps of it. At last she raised her head, satisfied with her fill. Vira glanced up towards the forest, which lay quite a distance from her current location. Halfway from the borders of Hnitborge to the forest, Vira had changed direction to Idavol, and would cut through there to the forest. If Phantom had sent someone behind her, they would head of in the wrong direction entirely.

Vira finally sat down at the base bank of the Falls, letting sprays of water and rain soak her mane. The sensation would cool her, and make it would make it easier for her next stretch of running.

A sudden scent caught Vira’s attention. Her ears flattened in both rage and fear. She rose, and begun to slowly back away from the riverbank. Hoofsteps could be heard now, it’s heavy thudding confirming Vira’s thought.

Earl!

No doubt the Earl sensed her too. Vira was in the middle of her heat cycle No doubt her scent was obvious. And no doubt this Earl had come here in the storm for any other reason than a young, foalless, mateless maiden: foolishly away from her herd.

Vira had made quite the mistake...

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[haru ;]

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ＴＡＧＧＥＤ： ＩＮＫＥＲＩ， ＴＨＥＲＡ ＡＮＤ ＴＨＥ ＨＥＲＤ

indentationLa Esmeralda would be lying if she said she was completely at ease with this "alliance" of some kind. Already, there were rising tensions between the herds, and though the filly had barely seen her fair share of the Hnitbjorg land, she was regretting ever even coming close. Badly disguised frowns of suspicion bored into her back as the fetching Alfheim maiden lingered by her foster mother's side, eyeing the proceedings around her with a disgruntled sort of wariness. Her deep brown eyes with shavings of grey never stayed in one spot for too long, for there was simply so much to take in and process. Between the warring tones of many foreign mares' pelts, she caught flashes of a particularly stark one the exact hue of golden champagne - her gaze narrowed slightly and she let out a barely audible whicker. It was none other than Ironborn Son, proud king of Hnitbjorg and who had instigated this uneasy, albeit temporary merger. Was it a good idea? Ingrid thought not, for as the storm Thor had sent down to Valhalla showed its first signs of receding, Titan had made it clear that it would be best to return to Alfheim territory. She couldn't argue against it. Bjorn had been kind enough to extend a hand of momentary partnership yet she still doubted he had a shred of concern for the mares and children of Alfheim and Jotunheim. What did Hnitbjorg have to gain from this, anyway?

She shifted, irked by the mildly hostile environment, pivoting on her lean legs to maintain position by Inkeri's side. The mare wasn't her biological mother, but Ingrid loved her just the same. Her own mother had passed due to the loss of too much blood after her birth, and the only recollection she had of her was wide, honest hazel eyes perhaps the same colour as hers. Thankfully, Titan was still fully alive and kicking, and he protected her as fiercely as any sire would his child. She was grateful for that, as she was her for home, and her herd which she could confidently call family.

'Ma," Ingrid began in a murmur, as the horses who bore the Alfheim scent started to move in the direction of Franang's Falls, "I don't think I like Hnitbjorg much. You should have seen how Ironborn regarded us." The filly was only saying what she thought though she might get nipped by Inkeri for it, and the gears in her mind spun even more as she picked up her hooves in a light trot to catch up with the rest. Her flaxen mane and tail caught the thin slivers of light that slipped out through the scattering clouds. The chill in the air that previously shook her to the bone and turned her blood to ice was fading away, heralding warmer, crisper weather to come. She was sick of the mud and rainwater clotting in her silky creamy pelt, but Ingrid never voiced her complaints and merely scraped the dried gooiness off when she had a chance with solid, dry land and a water source. Perhaps Franang's Falls would be the answer.

Tossing her head, Ingrid glanced over her shoulder at Inkeri. "The ones at the front can see the falls first, and the younger horses have only seen it a couple times," she offered by way of explaination before deftly manuveruing past the other trotting mares and their clip-clopping hooves. She knew Inkeri wouldn't mind. Her Ma knew Ingrid was too cautious to ever land herself in terrible danger, anyway, and the filly was by no means clingy. Ingrid was an explorer and wanted to take in the most of her surroundings while she still could, and would be back by Inkeri's side in no time. As some of the mares around her parted, deep brown eyes caught sight of a sturdy, jet-black stallion leading the way at the head of the herd and she instantly relaxed her shoulders, recognising Titan's distinctive coat. Lingering a few paces behind was Thera and her painted pelt, and since she was walking, it didn't take long for Ingrid to pull up beside her.

"Hello, Thera," she nickered softly, her ears pointed in the older mare's direction to show interest. Her elegantly curved head bumped slightly into Thera's side. Ingrid liked Thera. She was quiet and observant like herself, and often dealt with delicate matters with different, yet nevertheless more effective ways than others did. And she was never vain of her coat or mane. It was a refreshing change.

[na'vi.]

ＣＩＴＡＤＥＬ ──x❝when the world says, "give up." hope whispers, "try it one more time."❞
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◀ ❰ Alfheim Valkyrie ❱ ❰ mustang x morigan ❱ ❰ mare ❱ ❰ 7½ ❱ ❰ foals: 3 stillborn, none. ❱ ❰ status: laboring ❱ ❰ location: Headed towards Falls ❱ ❰ tags: Dream, Heidi, Titan ❱ ❰ mentions: herd, amaera ❱▶
Citadel smiled fondly at Heidi, she thought quite fondly of the obsidian maiden. She was a strong willed mare who knew her truth, those traits would serve her well. Heidi's kind words encouraged a gentle whicker towards her and Cita nuzzled the point of her shoulder. "You're too sweet for your own good Heidi." She said teasingly, her intentions were warm and well placed. Soon enough her attention once more settled on the stranger, her eyes were fixated on her. She didn't smell of Valhalla. Who was she and why was she in these lands? It wasn't often that horses from outside Valhalla ventured in. Valhalla horses were known for their faith in gods that equines from other lands didn't hold as strongly. Her eyes narrowed but her mind instantly retracted as another wave of pain seized her back and abdomen.

"Ease your mind my white flower. Stay furthest away in case the mare is hostile. We'll move to the far side so you can rest." Titan's words and nuzzle brought her comfort and make the pains more bearable, and his pet name for her made her heart flutter and legs feel weak. Returning the nuzzle she nodded and her ears returned back to a lazy, relaxed position. "I think I'll go browse," she began she wanted him aware of where she'd be but without giving the accurate context of why, "there, it's behind the herd so in case that mare gets a wild hair she'd have to go through the herd." She finished, turned her head to look at the dense thicket that she would soon be taking cover in. With that Citadel let out a soft rumble and swished her thick white tail as Titan went ahead to Thera. Her gut told her these pains were no false labor pain. These were real, and they were early. Even with the blessings of so many horses in her mind she couldn't help but feel fear and doubt weigh down her hooves as she walked forwards, her white frame slowly being eaten away by the dense greenery.

Upon a leaf slapping her forehead she had decided she was far enough into the foliage to have privacy. She was deeper in the underbrush than she would have liked but if this foal were born like the others she didn't want the herd to see her break and crack, like an old porcelain doll that had taken it's last fall from a shelf. Another contraction grasped her body and she stifled a groan, she had been through three births thus far. Her pain tolerance was far greater than most, her body knew how to deal with pain now and as such she was able to mask her pain very well. As it passed she paced around in a tight circle, forcing the underbrush under her frame to bend to her will and flatten to the ground. She narrowed her gaze, stamping her hooves at a thorn bush that threatened to intrude on her small nest of sorts. She grimaced as the thorns created little cuts just above her hoov and along her legs.

Still, she refused to let some dumb plant provide a threat to her newborn. She trampled it at this point, it laid broken and out of her circle, defeated. Satisfied the mare lead down, her legs buckling under her and a groan finally escaped her at the pressure that was relieved off her legs. She laid quietly, letting her head rest upon the ground she could hear various snorts and hoof-steps from her herd and a sense of security cloaked her. The Gods and her herd would be watching over it. Her thoughts were once more interrupted with pain and she laid her head down, this time a hoarse whinny come from her lungs followed by a breath of hot air. This foal was coming whether she liked it or not.

After several moments of laboring a filly with a coat exact to hers laid at her hooves. Initially Citadel only stole a glance, not being to look long enough to see if her filly's sides rose and fell with signs of life. Now though she mustered up the courage and swung her lead around, eyes trained on the tiny foal. Her chest rose and fell, she was alive. Instantly Citadel, stood, the soreness of her body and pain was all but a past memory and she licked at the tiny filly gently, her heart swelled with love she didn't even know she was capable of. Her dream, her one wish had been granted. "My little love you'll be named Dream. A City's Dream." She cooed gently to her foal, ignoring the customs that some stallions had of them getting to take part in naming their offspring. Customs in this moment meant little to her. Instead she stood over her filly, licking her pelt fervently.

As the mess of birth was slowly cleaned away from her filly Citadel could clearly see now that Dream was a spitting image of Citadel, not an obsidian hair from her sire in sight. Some mares may be upset that their foals didn't inherit the coat of their sire but it made Citadel fall even farther in love with her filly, if that was even possible at this point. For a moment Cita raised her head, ears perked towards the herd. She'd not want to bring her foal out until things were settled with that stranger.

ooc; ill put up Vanir and forseti in another post later tonight ♥ going to
a dog park with my pup!

[lynettetan1]

Midnight's Mirage
Tagged: Bjorn, Primrose, Vira
Mentioned: Eliza, Signe, his herd

It seemed his idea to linger at the border wasn't quite what Bjorn wanted. Predictably, the golden stallion did not contradict his mare's words, going so far as to support it further. Looking at the other King, Phantom nodded quietly, showing his gratitude. Though he would have preferred a more immediate response, there wasn't much he could do better than the natives of that land. He was as suited to ploughing through Hnitbjorg soil as they would be scaling the ravines of Jotunheim.

Still, as Primrose lead the herd out of Hnitbjorg territory, Phantom let out a whinny, telling them to pause. Whilst he was not going to go against Bjorn's words, he did want to linger a little just in case Astrid or Eliza appeared, being greatly ill at ease about the disappearances of these members of his herd. Additionally, though Idavoll was a land of plenty, it also had lots of earls. It was a bountifully dangerous land, and he had to take his precautions.

Moving up by Primrose, he whickered to the arabian, placing his muzzle heavily over her rump in a clear declaration. Then, he let his muzzle trail up slowly along her spine, to end at her withers, where he lipped at the bottom of her mane. "Are you alright?" He had seen the way she'd been when they were with the Alfheim herd, and seeing his spirited mare look so ashamed was something he wasn't keen on seeing again, let alone let fester.

"I have neglected you in this whole fiasco." He declared seriously, letting his lips nudge at her mane gently and meticulously, a ear swivelling toward her rump so she knew what he meant. He had caught her frustration through his flirting with Heidi, and he knew that she would just feel more frustrated with any further attention paid to anyone else. It was better to make sure she knew she was valued, and this way band earls would be less likely to snake his herd, with how they stood out with their variety of colours. "That should and will be rectified." (fade?)

But even as things wound down, more things happened. A while later, there was a sound, like the beating of a drum. Distracted as he was, it took him a moment to hear the pounding hoofbeats, and it took him a few more to understand what exactly they meant. When he saw Vira racing toward the forest, no doubt after her sister, Phantom let out a snort, telling the herd to form up close. Whatever crazy idea Vira had in her mind, it was not going to end well if he did not stop her.

Putting on a burst of speed, Phantom's legs flashed under him as he became a blur of colour, quickly gaining on his daughter. Though he looked more scruffy than lean and looked more built for endurance than speed, he was actually a very fast gaited horse, something which he had used to surprise his opponents many times, always to his rivals' surprise, no matter how many times they saw it. He just didn't look it, after all. As such, he often tried not to run at full speed around those that were not his herd, and even then, he did so only when he had to. However, being his daughter, Vira was a speedy little mare, though weak, and without taking her escape seriously, he would be unable to catch up.

Pulling up in front of her, he swung his rump in her direction, kicking out to her side to surprise her into stopping. With her wild run, after all, no words would be able to stop her. As he did so, he gave her a light nip. Weak as she was, a harsh nip would be too hard on her, and when he stopped her, his ears disappeared into his mane as he snaked her back toward the herd, focusing on her driveline and pushing her so she had nowhere else to go but back to the herd. "You run wildly, without conserving your energy, into lands we barely know, after your sister whom Hnitbjorg is currently aiding us to search for and who Hnitbjorg will stop searching for if they find you trespassing." With those statements, he let out a low, angered rumble.

However, he tried to look her in the eye, calm his anger and speak to her honestly. Venting would get neither of them anywhere."What made you think this was wise, Vira?"

As he asked this, a loud whinny broke through the air, and it was impossible to not recognise the sound. Eliza was safe, and heading toward the falls. At that, Phantom felt something in his heart ease. That was one of his worries settled. Now, if only Astrid could turn out safe as well...

Looking at the herd, he let out a whinny toward them, telling Prim to start moving once more toward the falls. With Signe having foals, he'd prefer to have her in the middle rather than in the front, so she could rest and be well protected for the moment. Still, if she chose to go back to the head of the herd he'd have no complaints either. Lingering at the back so he could speak to Vira, he kept his eye on her, making it clear that he still awaited her response.

Northern Quiver
Tagged: Citadel, Heidi, Mazi, Titan, Ingrid
Mentions: Amaera

The white mare's response made Thera frown slightly in thought, the memory of Vanir coming up in her mind. "I do not think she was obsessed with the Gods, but circumstances made Bjorn the best choice." Remembering his crazed muttering, she let out a soft snort. "A blessing from the Gods indeed." Perhaps she had been too soft after all, simply assuming that any other stallion would spare a foal just as Titan naturally would.

As Heidi joined Cita and herself, Thera let out a gentle whuff of greeting. "Good talk?" Her tone was not one of sarcasm, merely one of well meaning. After all, she could tell from how Heidi's head was held higher and how her daughter just seemed to move with a happier, more determined air. Whatever she had discussed with Titan, it had come out well.

As Cita bumped her muzzle to Thera's croup, Thera let out a soft whicker of goodbye, watching the other mare waddle away with slight concern. Though the mare wasn't due to have her foal for a while, her belly did not look it and that did make Thera incredibly worried. As she cast her eye toward Titan, however, she couldn't help but feel the malevolent energy that was focused on her by the new mare. It seemed like she'd been singled out as a target.

Looking at the dominant play of the other mare's behaviour the entire time, the reason for this directed force was probably not personal, but more because she was in the position of the lead. All the same, Thera could not resist meeting the other mare's eye and raising her head just a fraction higher with a smile. It wasn't anywhere close enough to be seen as an attack, and Thera did not wish to push the other mare too far, with how she had a young one, but she would not allow the new mare to not join them and still get to revel in the position she instinctually gravitated toward. She knew the other mare wanted to be lead, and she knew that she wouldn't mind handing it over, but not whilst this mare wanted to leave.

At Heidi's question, Thera let out a dismissive snort. "That is no God, only a young mare. Whether she has been blessed by Loki, however, remains to be seen." This mare's demeanour stank of trouble, and she did not share Heidi's adoration, only distrust. Her daughter standing strong by her made pride bloom quietly in Thera's chest, though she stayed silent, simply letting her shoulder brush her daughter's in support. She had grown well.

Shifting aside with Titan's heavy footfalls, Thera allowed him to walk past without hindrance, a ear perked forward as he started to speak. At his words, she nodded. It was a wise choice. Before she started moving, however, he leaned back, and as confusion entered her eyes, he lipped at the spot where Bjorn had given her a nip. Nostrils flaring in protest, Thera had no other reaction, though she couldn't help the amusement that ran through her system, nor the way her heat seemed to grow deeper. It was odd. Though the mare often found possessiveness and obsessiveness unattractive traits in any horse, she couldn't help but be attracted when Titan did it. Perhaps it was the way he looked so proud after, or perhaps it was the straightforward execution. All the same, it made her struggle to keep a smile off her features, simply bobbing her head agreeably.

Taking a step back as Titan moved in front, she flicked her head, gesturing for the rest of the herd to form up behind her. As she did so, however, she cast a look back at the new mare once more. Knowing the mare, she would probably hate to follow Thera's instructions. All the same, the new mare seemed intelligent, and Thera was sure that she wouldn't endanger the foal. All the same, she managed to see Cita waddling away, and frowned, heart stuttering slightly in worry. Was she birthing?

Forcing her head in front, Thera made her eyes focus on the bay mare, her body ready to react. All the same, when a plaintive whinny broke through the air, she was happy for the break in concentration, a small smile finally forming. Not in a situation where she could congratulate Citadel, Thera settled for nudging Heidi with a slight moment and a relieved whicker. "At least we know we have the Vanir on our side. Titan will take care of the trials ahead."

As she said so, however, she couldn't help but remember the mare named after the Vanir themselves, wonder if the grey dapple was doing alright with her two little fillies. For sure, she would like to visit, though with Titan's behaviour, it would take a lot for him to let her out of her sight for a bit. Hopefully Vanir would be allowed to meet her halfway. The grey dapple had been a sweet little thing too and she hoped that the mare didn't have too much trouble, wherever she was.

Ingrid pulling up next to Thera pulled the older mare out her thoughts, nodding at the other mare's greeting. "Hello Ingrid." Thera was not one with a particular affection for foals. Though she protected foals and didn't allow them any harm, she usually only abided her own little troublemakers, choosing to let other mares raise their own young without getting in their way. However, Thera saw Ingrid less as a foal and more of a fellow mare. Though Ingrid didn't have the natural cunning and slyness of Heidi, making it a little harder for Thera to be as connected to the maiden as she was to her daughter, Thera would be lying if she said she held no affection toward the young mare.

Ingrid was a quiet and attentive mare, and she actually had bite to her, standing up to her decisions when things got rough. In some ways, she could be said to be the exact opposite of Heidi. The two maidens complimented each other and were close friends. Returning Ingrid's affection with a gentle whicker, Thera kept her eyes forward, not wishing for the situation to change quickly and catch them unawares. "It definitely seems to be an eventful day."

A City's Dream
Tagged: Citadel
Mentions: The herd

The sensation of a warm tongue was what greeted Dream into the world, clearing away the gunk and afterbirth and opening her eyes and senses. A white mare was what first greeted the filly's eyes, deep hazel eyes that stared gently at her own chocolate brown irises, as if besotted and completely unable to look away.

Letting out a quiet sneeze as a small gust blew across her wet body, Dream shivered, nosing her mother and trying to stagger to her feet. It took more than a few tries, but Dream was soon standing unsteadily, ears perked toward Cita's voice, slowly recognising her mother's voice and committing to memory. It was a nice sound, one full of love and kindness, and Dream opened her mouth, trying to replicate it, but she couldn't quite get the hang of it, so she gave up. She had more important things on her mind for the moment. She was hungry.

Trying to totter around, Dream stumbled, before getting up, only to stumble once more. Through it all, every bumble that brought her closer to Cita's teat only made her mother turn said teat away in favour of licking her coat clean, erasing her progress, and Dream couldn't help but flick her ears in frustration. After stumbling for a third time, Dream simply sat, a little stumped. Looking at her mother, she opened her mouth, letting out a loud, plaintive whinny. She was hungry, and she knew her mother had food, but she wasn't sure how to get it.

Still, she knew she was hungry, and that she wanted food now.

[BlueChai]

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⏤⏤⏤⏤⏤⏤ 𝔸 𝔽𝕒𝕝𝕔𝕠𝕟'𝕤 𝔽𝕖𝕒𝕥𝕙𝕖𝕣 ⏤⏤⏤⏤⏤⏤
▸Form ▸Stallion ▸3.5 years ▸Band Earl ▸Location: Hnitbjorg ▸Tagged: Astrid and Mjolnir
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Haukr stood his ground, he wasn't intimidated by the snarky pied earl. Stamping a feathered hoof into the soil, he huffed threateningly. "And if you had anything remotely similar to a brain, you should leave this valkyrie alone before this turns into something distasteful." The stallion moved into Mojolnir's space and nipped him aggressively on the neck. He then butted his shoulders into the earl, pushing him backwards and away from Astrid. Turning his head towards the dappled maiden, he nickered towards her. "Don't worry, I'll see that this earl doesn't do anything you don't want him to do." Haukr's calm words were quickly cut off as he shot an icey glare back at Mojolnir. "If you are wise, this is your cue to leave and never bother this maiden again. If you choose to be foolish and continue this fight, I'll knock your pitiful skull in." The stallion stomped his hooves into the mud below him as if to punctuate his threatening sentence, and awaited the earl to respond.

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⏤⏤⏤⏤⏤ 𝒫𝓇𝒾𝓂𝓇𝑜𝓈𝑒 𝒮𝓎𝓂𝓅𝒽𝑜𝓃𝓎 ⏤⏤⏤⏤⏤
▸Form ▸Mare ▸Five years ▸Jotunheim ▸Location: Hnitbjorg ▸In gestation ▸Tagged: Phantom, Titan, Mazikeen, Gaagi, Vira, Astrid
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As the white arabian had her head tilted away from the filly in embarrassment, her ears perked in surprise as Mazikeen complimented her. Turning to look at the seal bay mare, Primrose dipped her head in gratitude. "Why thank you, I deeply appreciate the compliment. You are very beautiful as well, your coat color is striking. And so is your filly's coat."Primrose lowered her gaze to level with Gaagi's and smiled warmly. Primrose deeply admired the two horses. She thought Mazikeen was stunning, her stalky and strong build and her unique color was quite a sight to behold. Although the white mare loved her own lanky and lean build, she could also appreciate the strength of other horses' builds. Before she could say anymore, one of Bjorn's mares was heading towards their blockade with quite an agitated expression on her face. But, before she could say anything, Oydis cut her off to speak with the two kings. The large mare announced that the storm was over, and that they were no longer welcome in this territory. 'The storm was already over? It couldn't be.' The ivory pelaged valkyrie thought to herself as she raised her crown skyward to examine the canopy. Oydis was right, rain was no longer forcing its way through the roof of leaves. Primrose was so distracted by their plan that she hadn't even noticed the storm came to a conclusion. Glancing down at her muddy coat, relief washed over her as she remembered her king's words. They were to head to the falls where they could drink and cleanse herself. The mare watched as Titan's herd began to depart, the mare and her filly travelling with them. She silently hoped that the filly would heal up well, an injured leg could lead to fatal consequences. As Phantom let out a whicker, she moved towards him along with the other mares in her herd. The king sent her to the front of the herd to lead them towards the border of Hnitbjorg, and she nodded towards him. "Alright, will do." With that, she cantered towards the front of the group and headed down the path they came from. Oydis had refused to search for Astrid, but promised to escort her to the border if she saw her. Her herd would wait a ways from the border in hopes Astrid would turn up there. But, before they made it far, Phantom called out to them to stop. Primrose came to an abrupt halt, and turned to look at her king in confusion. Before she could ask for an explanation, Phantom headed towards her, his movement full of intent. A shiver ran through her as he ran his head along her back, and she let out a warm smile. "Yes, I'm quite alright. I'm better than ever, in fact." The ivory mare deeply appreciated her king's attention to her feelings, he always made sure that she was feeling her best. As he spoke of neglecting her, she knew exactly what he meant. Turning to look back at him, she invited Phantom to rid of her heat.
(Fade)
A deep relief fell over the arabian, and she felt her heat leave her body. Turning to express affection to Phantom, she realized he was distracted by something else. Primrose realized what it was as he stopped Vira in her tracks. She was running off to search for her lost sister, but Phantom told her that this was territory they weren't familiar with and it wasn't wise to go searching. As Phantom called to her to lead the group again. Primrose nodded to him and headed to the front of the herd once again. She couldn't help but feel excitement for her pregnancy, she couldn't help but wonder about names for the foal.

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⏤⏤⏤⏤⏤ 𝒜 𝒲𝒾𝓃𝓉𝑒𝓇'𝓈 𝒮𝑜𝓃𝑔 ⏤⏤⏤⏤⏤
▸Form ▸Mare ▸Nine years ▸Hnitbjorg ▸Location: Hnitbjorg ▸Not in heat ▸Tagged:Bjorn, Oydis, Titan, Phantom, Vanirm Gersemi, Frigg
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Before Winter could say anything else, Oydis abruptly cut in front of her and took the mare by surprise. The older mare declared that the two kings were no longer welcome in this territory because the storm had come to an end. It was only now that Winter noticed she no longer felt the rhythmic pounding of falling rain against her body. The dark valkyrie's head whipped around at the sound of her king's voice, and her sour mood was eradicated and replaced with relief. Bjorn told both her and Oydis to leave Phantom and Titan be, and they could find their way out of the forest on their own. As the two mares headed towards the champagne stallion, Winter took notice of two little figures standing among the group. Bjorn introduced the mother as Vanir and the two little ones as Gersemi and Frigg. And as if twins weren't surprising enough, one of them was blind. The blind foal had the most brilliant blue eyes, even more mesmerizing and deep than her own. Bjorn called those eyes a sign from Thor, and she couldn't help but nod in agreement. She had never seen such brilliantly colored eyes in all of her life, and Winter didn't think Bjorn had either. "Indeed, a sign from Thor himself. I've never seen such a brilliant hue of eyes in all my time of living, let alone on a blind horse." Her king said the herd was to shelter the mother and foals, and Winter was more than willing to do her part. She felt this little family was special, Vanir was blessed with twins, one having eyes that could have only been the doing of Thor himself. Winter could tell Vanir was quite tense and defensive, but she couldn't blame the mare. She didn't know any of them, everything about this situation was new and frightening and she was worried about her foals' safety. Winter didn't want to worry the mother, so she kept her distance and her posture calm and relaxed. The mare watched at Vanir slowly gave into sleep as her offspring nursed eagerly and a smile spread across her face. Scenes like this always made her chest feel warm and made her mood brighter. Winter turned to share some words with Bjorn, but could see Oydis became quite antsy to get a certain kind of 'attention' from him, and she didn't want to interrupt the two. She couldn't help but chuckle softly at the sight, Oydis was such a forward mare. The valkyrie turned and moved a few feet away to give them extra privacy, and tilted her head down to nibble at some dandelions.

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⏤⏤⏤⏤⏤⏤⏤ 𝘛𝘩𝘦 𝘓𝘪𝘵𝘵𝘭𝘦 𝘙𝘢𝘷𝘦𝘯 ⏤⏤⏤⏤⏤⏤⏤
▸Form ▸Filly ▸Three months ▸Loner ▸Location: Franang's Falls ▸--- ▸Tagged: Mazikeen, Primrose
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Gaagi jumped as Mazikeen nipped her, and explained the white mare's face was different because she had breeding from somewhere far away. A coy smile spread across her face as Primrose complimented both her and her dam, and nuzzled her face into Mazikeen's shoulder. The filly became too relaxed and set pressure down onto her injured leg, and a jolt of pain reminded her to remain balanced on three limbs. Before she even processed what was going on, the herd had moved on from the forest and headed towards the falls. Gaagi hobbled alongside her seal bay dam, leaning against her for support throughout the entire journey. Everytime she began to lag behind, Mazikeen was sure to nudge her along. It was extremely difficult to continue moving, the day had been very emotionally and physically draining and now she was traveling yet again with only 3 usable legs. Her stomach let out a persistent growl, begging for her mother's milk. Glancing up at her mother, the blue roan filly came to a halt and pushed her muzzle against her mother's barrel and whined. "Mama, I'm tired and I'm hungry. I want to eat."

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⏤⏤⏤⏤⏤ Ｔｈｅ Ｓｅａ'ｓ Ｒａｄｉａｎｃｅ ⏤⏤⏤⏤⏤
▸Form ▸Mare ▸Three years ▸Alfheim ▸Location: Franang's Falls ▸Not in heat ▸Tagged:Titan, Heidi, Amaera, the herd
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Irmela followed her herd quietly as they made their way to Franang's Falls. During the entire storm, the maiden kept to herself and simply followed orders. She was finally relieved to be out of those trees, everything looked the same and she never quite knew where she was. She always had to go off of other horses, which unsettled her. She didn't want to be too dependent on others in situations. If something happens and the ones she depended so heavily on were no longer around, she would surely struggle in life. This was probably one of the reasons why Irmela was so stand off-ish in the first place. In her three years of life, the maiden hardly made any friendships in her herd. It felt as if she wasn't really there, but she didn't mind that too much. Irmela preferred to be by herself anyways, she enjoyed the tranquility of silent days on her own, a ways off from the rest. The only horses she would regularly talk to was her father, Titan, and her half-sister, Heidi. But even then, conversation was small and awkward. Her mother was a strange one, and left Irmela at an early age to go off with a band earl. She longed for a new life, a new adventure. Unfortunately, Irmela and Titan weren't included in this new adventure. Without a mother, Irmela always felt sort of detached from her herd. She became used to some loneliness and grew to prefer it. Even though she wanted to stand alone, Irmela knew she would have to leave her herd behind and join one of the other two kings. It was the way of horse life, whether she liked it or not. And if she didn't join any of them, she would probably just get scooped up by some lone stallion. Either way, Irmela knew that a stallion would claim her during her life eventually. Her pale gaze moved towards her dark sister, Heidi. She overheard that Heidi was considering joining Phantom's herd. Even though she was a distant mare, a twinge of sadness wracked through her. She would miss her sister, she was the horse Irmella was closest too. It also brought up some anxiety. She was the same age as Heidi, and yet she knew very little about the other kings and was no where near decided where she would go. Her ears perked as she heard her sister say something about a god, and the grullo maiden followed Heidi's gaze. Before them was a large and radiant horse, who seemed to be purposefully placed in front of the Falls, like a guardian. Like a goddess. Her presence was somewhat off putting, and Irmela slowed her pace and awaited Titan's response to the situation.

[Queen Lapis]

Mjölnir
5||Earl||Foaless||Mateless||Mentions: None|| Tags: Hauker and Astrid
“Oh? Is that a threat? Coming from a stallion as yourself?” Mjolnir quickly clambered to his hooves, as if unfazed by the attack. He lowered his head and splayed out his legs. He snorted like an enraged bull. Haukr stood between Mjolnir and his prize; Titan’s son would be leaving empty-hooved today.

Mjolnir sized the stallion up: with Haukr being a notorious earl and Titan’s son, he was at least a hand taller than Mjolnir. But Mjolnir's pride nor wits were dwarfed by his opponent. He would get that maiden, no matter what it cost.

Mjolnir simply eyed Haukr and continued his threatening display. At last he reared onto his hind legs and struck out his forelegs.

“I am Mjolnir, named after a weapon of the gods. Like a god, I will be powerful, and like a weapon, I will be merciless. I outage you, son of Titan. I outsmart you, and I outexperience you in battles for mares. However, a no brainer: you: still insists upon fighting for this maiden…”

Mjolnir charged forward, twisting 180 degrees before crashing into Haukr and gave him a hard on the withers. He turned to stare tall and proud at his opponent.

“So fight…”

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Vira
2||Maiden||Heat: Stag 2 || Foalless || Mateless ||Mentions: None || Tags: None
“My sister is out there!” Vira cried at Phantom, holding back tears. She would show no weakness or hurt, even to the stallion who raised her. Her legs seemed to shake, despite the kick and nip he’d given her were softer than those he gave to other foals. Vira often wished Phantom would just nip her, hard, like he did with her herdsmates. True, a taste of his brute strength would leave her bleeding on the ground, but Vira wouldn’t be dead. She could handle it.

Slowly, Vira willed her legs to stop their shivering. Eventually, they obliged. She stood tall, staring Phantom in the one eye he kept on her.

“Perhaps it might not have been wise, but it was love. Love is never wise. And I am afraid, father, I am more loving than wise.”

Before Phantom could object, Vira raced straight past him, towards the forest. She would find a foolishly brave way to save Astrid, if it took her breath from her weak chest.


(A little time later, long enough for a horse to run from the Hnitbrog to Idavol and the falls)

Vira slowed to a stop. Phantom had been right about one thing: conserving her energy. Vira had sprinted these last few kilometers, and the act left her exhausted. She leaned to drink cool water from the fall’s base, taking in large gulps of it. At last she raised her head, satisfied with her fill. Vira glanced up towards the forest, which lay quite a distance from her current location. Halfway from the borders of Hnitborge to the forest, Vira had changed direction to Idavol, and would cut through there to the forest. If Phantom had sent someone behind her, they would head of in the wrong direction entirely.

Vira finally sat down at the base bank of the Falls, letting sprays of water and rain soak her mane. The sensation would cool her, and make it would make it easier for her next stretch of running.

A sudden scent caught Vira’s attention. Her ears flattened in both rage and fear. She rose, and begun to slowly back away from the riverbank. Hoofsteps could be heard now, it’s heavy thudding confirming Vira’s thought.

Earl!

No doubt the Earl sensed her too. Vira was in the middle of her heat cycle No doubt her scent was obvious. And no doubt this Earl had come here in the storm for any other reason than a young, foalless, mateless maiden: foolishly away from her herd.

Vira had made quite the mistake...

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[BlueChai]

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⏤⏤⏤⏤⏤⏤ 𝔸 𝔽𝕒𝕝𝕔𝕠𝕟'𝕤 𝔽𝕖𝕒𝕥𝕙𝕖𝕣 ⏤⏤⏤⏤⏤⏤
▸Form ▸Stallion ▸3.5 years ▸Band Earl ▸Location: Hnitbjorg ▸Tagged: Mjolnir
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Anger burned inside of Haukr at the earl's ignorant words, and he let out a sharp, enraged roar. "The audacity of you! How dare you compare your pitiful self to a God's power? You are a disgrace." Before the dull stallion could continue, he felt a hard blow land square onto his withers that sent him reeling. As he composed himself, Haukr looked back to see Mjolnir standing proudly. Haukr seethed, and turned to face the earl. He kicked out with both legs, not with intent of hitting Mjolnir, but to show off strength. As his hooves landed with a powerful thud, he let out another bellow. "You? More experienced at battling for mares than me? Are you kidding yourself, Mjolnir? If that is so, why don't you have mares swarming around you? If you are such a mighty, powerful 'weapon', where are your battle prizes? How dare you make such claims when you are in the same spot as I? This just shows how stupid you are." Putting a emphasis on 'stupid' with a voice full of venom, the stalky earl charged at Mjolnir. Once he was within range, he reared back and flew out his hooves, one stricking him in the lower jaw and other in the neck. As his hooves landed, Haukr shoved his weight into the pied earl and bit down onto his crest and began to pull. He tried to use words, but Haukr knew that wouldn't work now. He had to teach this stallion a lesson, to be sure he will never forget how it feels to be defeated by him.