out of the frying pan

The world is ending sooner than expected.

A sense of dread chased Cassius’ heels as he galloped towards the Spectral Marsh. His thoughts focused only on Glasgow, her state, and the soon to be child that would enter this unstable world. He couldn’t shake the thought that he’d done something terribly wrong, having potentially brought a child into the world at the most inappropriate time.

Upon arrival the remnants of smoke and ash, green light spewed from the caverns of several bodies. Wide eyes searched for the familiar gray mare, but the crowd was thick and obscured his view. Panic set in, he yelled for her name – “Glasgow!” Shoving past bodies, maneuvering beyond those who could not move. He yelled again, but this time – he had finally caught her. Out there on the fringes of the crowd. Facing the demon and his army of corrosive smoke; he cursed underneath his breath, attempting to make it by her side.

A step too late, a heart beat away – the ghosts she cast were no match for the sickening substance that erupted around her. “No!” The stallion bellowed, his soul ripped with her, as her flesh peeled and dissolved before his eyes – and he’d inhaled the last of what was left when he finally stopped in her place. There was only the gold goad, tossed carelessly into the ground from where it was released.

All of it was all too familiar for the stallion. The memories surrounding his childhood reunited with the present turmoil, threatening to snuff out his resolve. It was hard to breathe, to simply ‘be’ – as he gingerly picked up the goad with his horn.

“Mah?”

Her voice was merely a whisper on the wind. But it tugged and wrestled him away from the earth that embraced his only love, sweet love – and turned, ushering his feet and limbs to move in the direction of the voice. It was there, and it was undeniable whose voice it was.

A daughter.

The gods cried out, and their bodies began to give. “Stay by my side, Noëlle.” Was all that he could manage. Pushing her with him, all the while afraid and cautious that he might step on her – he was vigilant as he arrived upon the portal. Determined to see her safe and sound.

Cassius felt nauseas in the strange funnel. Unsure of what to make of the white lights and encroaching darkness; at least he had enough sense to brace for the exit. Tip toeing about the foal, and encouraging her frail body forwards. There were others ahead, gathering, mares with children of their own. He settled quietly, just outside of their circle as his daughter pressed into him.

He regarded her small form, the exhaustion playing on her façade as it pressed against his chest. Even if there were strangers ahead, perhaps they might spare her milk – Noëlle did not look like a day old.

Before he could urge the little one on, the amulet around her neck began to shriek. He rushed to snap it off. The smoke burst before he could completely tear it away, and plumed over the foal’s chest – and under Cassius’ face.  The faint, mocking hints of green lingered for far too long – procuring a growl from the stallion.

“Are you okay Noëlle? Are you hurt?” He could feel the light burn. But he was uncertain how it might have affected her – how would he know for sure? Without realizing, his tone remained tense and agitated by the events prior. His voiced booming more so out of concern and worry, perhaps more loudly than expected for the young one.

ooc: hope you don't mind us tagging along :O

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{link to SWP participation} n/a

Magics: n/a

Enchanted items n/a

Rift-god / Kaos items
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Amulets : 0

Companion/s :
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Species change (if applicable) :n/a

Requests: nope