[illɘgal]

Again, I'm not proofreading any of these xx

CW - themes of violence and eating meat

As fall began to bring a chill to his home, a spindly roan colt made his way towards the Freelands. This time, he chose to leave his twin and new siblings behind. The tunnels beneath the desolate land were beginning to feel crowded and he wanted to take the opportunity to go hunt for himself. Pain, his little wolf companion, tagged along as the pair slowly made their way towards a land that the Helkaer foal had been meaning to visit - Pahaendeline. There was something about the spooky atmosphere that appealed to the youth, and he hoped to find some small game to feed on.

When Thrace and the pup reached the misted land, he noticed how unsettling the silence was. It wasn't the expected quiet hum - it was the screaming silence that was indicative of nature's warning call. The painted roan came to a stop, the soft roaring in his ears seeming to be louder than normal. Pain whined and hid between the colt's front hooves in discomfort. Amber and gold eyes of equine and canine searched the landscape for anything amiss, the former growing irritated that there wasn't any sign of wildlife for him to hunt. Instead, he could have sworn he could hear faint voices on the wind.

It was common for Thrace to hear voices, but these ones actually seemed real. To the pup's dismay, he began to follow the sounds with curiosity. They moved around the strange, rounded stones with symbols carved on them, not bothering to try and decipher what they could have meant. That would be for another day. With the sun setting, a faint orange glow became more evident further into the graveyard. As they crept closer, a tall, burning fire came into view. It was contained, which was strange. Who would have purposefully started a fire and prevented it from consuming the land? Obviously not any Helkaer.

The pair stayed in the shadows of the trees instead of entering the small clearing, carefully observing a small group of equines with alarm. They had skulls strapped onto their faces, but unlike the canine skull they had tried to obtain from the stallion not that long ago, these were... different. Some had broken, jagged antlers that looked to be attached with thick tree sap, and others were wickedly curved. All of them had more symbols carved on them, but they weren't like the ones on the stones they had passed. Those same markings were streaked across the bodies of the participants in what appeared to be blood, making the colt's ears flick forward in interested.

Thrace stepped out of the trees, ignoring the flutter of unease in his chest as the group slowly turned to stare at him. They said nothing, and neither did the colt. His golden eyes shifted to the bodies of rabbits and a large wolf at their feet. Their blood painted the ground, pieces of their bodies almost creating a path to the burning fire. The colt's mouth went dry at the sight, his eyes slowly turning to silver in hunger. He warily watched the boned creatures as he stepped forward, dipping his head to slowly lick up the thickening liquid at his hooves. None of them moved as he did so. Taking that as encouragement, he readied himself to bite into the closest rabbit when a strange sound filled the air.

"And what do you think you're doing, little one?" His head snapped up and turned to look behind him to see a tall, willowy creature with a strange piece of fabric on its head. He didn't understand what it had said, but its seemingly curious tone made Thrace tilt his head. He had never seen a being like that - standing on its abnormally jointed back legs without hooves with its other two coming together at the middle of its body with... twigs at the end of them. They were entwined together, but seemed to move at its command. Was this some sort of magic? Thrace looked back to the equines, watching them bow at the creature. Did they understand the noise it made? They didn't run, so neither did he.

It made its way towards him, legs moving strangely as it reached up to grab onto a live rabbit that was hanging from a tree. How did the colt miss that? He moved his body so he could face it, eyes locked onto the game in its clutches. It gestured towards him, holding the squirming body out to him. "Here. For you." Thrace heard that noise again, but his focus was zeroed in, his ears flicking forward again. He took a tentative step forward, eyes returning to the creature's face. Its eyes were a brilliant blue, and he thought that the expression it had was a friendly one. His body remained ready to bolt as he reached out and closed his teeth on the rabbit. The creature simply let go. The colt forced his jaws closed, feeling the blood touch his tongue with a grumble. He crunched harder, a thrill going through him as bones broke under the force. He was barely aware of the equines coming closer, forming a tight circle around him. He was too busy drinking deep, dropping his head to place the rabbit on the ground as he fed. Those around him began that strange chanting again and he didn't bother to try and figure out what they were saying.

Thrace left the empty husk of soft fur on the ground when he straightened again, golden depths searching for the creature who stood upright. It was standing by the fire with its legs in the air, chanting along with the horses around him. He merely watched, mesmerized. The fire crackled and whipped in a nonexistent breeze, and he barely heard the soft yip of the wolf who had remained hidden during the entire exchange. The Helkaer colt looked at him, taking in the pup's frightened stance and raised fur. He knew they should leave, but a large part of him wanted to stay. Instead, he gently pushed through the equines who had closed in the circle even more, wondering why they hadn't tried to stop him. He walked back to the treeline, looking back to see that they had resumed their staring instead of chasing him.

With that, the colt turned his back on the group, and made his way back home, covered in blood and his thoughts in a whirlwind.

Thrace speaks

Prompt: Ritual
Bonuses:
-The bell tolls
-Season of the witch
-800+ words (1078)

[illɘgal]

It was a surprisingly pleasant day in Sinheim, even if the painted wraith didn't bother to notice. Fall has descended quickly, making the near-constant winds turn icy and harsh. Her annoying children had started to remain in the caves below, much to the mare's delight. She was out on her usual patrol, magenta eyes scanning the desolate landscape for any signs of intruders. As of late, things had been quiet. She almost wanted things to escalate, just to start painting her land in the blood of her enemies. Perhaps today would be finally be different.

She was along the border near Toxin Raj when she caught sight of three unfamiliar equines. Her ears flattened against her skull in irritation and excitement. Would she finally get a taste of violence? One could only hope. Her gait lengthened to a jog, approaching the group with a loud snort and her lip curled. Do you have a death wish? I can certainly help you with that, she snarled towards the group. Upon closer inspection, she noticed their tucked wings and the irritation shifted to rage. Did Rasa send these Utopians to die? It would make sense, given her track record with leaving her kings to die in the Underworld. A large, black stallion shook his head in disappointment, his facade reflecting smug satisfaction. "It gives me great pleasure to inform you that Xerxes has promised you to Utopia. It was part of an agreement to get his children back." For a moment, the Helkaer stared at the strangers with concealed astonishment. Sure, Harlan and the Underworld king had an interesting relationship, given their conversations and now their children, but this? Harlan was under no illusion that Xerxes cared for her in anyway - their breeding was merely transactional - but giving her to Utopia? Was the lord delusional? The terms of the alliance between the Brotherhood and the Underworld did not include this bullshit.

After a moment, Harlan shook her head and chuckled in front of the group. Promised me to Utopia? I am not his to give away. Are you mad? Did Rasa finally go insane? Her slither of laughter grew louder as the Utopians glanced at each other. I will not go with you. Rasa can come here herself if she wants me. The mare turned to leave but her movement was blocked by a gray draft beast with a devilish smile across his lips."You will. You will be marrying Lord Cadence in a few hours. We need to take you to Eden for you to prepare." This time, her surprise was clear across her face. Marrying? Cadence? Was this just a bad dream? There was no way that Xerxes, Rasa, or Cadence himself would be satisfied with his arrangement. What would even be the benefit of this marriage? In that mere moment of confusion, the group circled her tightly and began to shove her from her land. Ears flattened again against her crown almost painfully, Harlan began to struggle. She reached out to snap at their wings and her movement was met with a swift kick from the black stallion.

With the breath knocked out of her, Harlan was forced through the edges of Toxin Raj towards Eden. Dread and fury ran through her veins as she plotted the best way to rip the stallions' throats out. If their claims were true, she didn't care if Xerxes would come for her. Would Sly understand if the lord dissolved their alliance? Would she send her to the gallows? Harlan didn't like the idea of being ostracized from the Brotherhood, and for a few moments, she stopped struggling. The survival of the Helkaer came first. Perhaps Xerxes did want her to marry Cadence, then kill him in his sleep on their wedding night. That... that had to be it. Right? Maybe this was his way of ending the war much sooner than any of them anticipated. Surely Rasa would put an end to her foolish revenge if yet another king was dead?

As the group reached the far ends of Toxin Raj, a patrol greeted them with aggression. The equines recognized Harlan and when they took in the sight, they assumed a wide circle around them all. She had hoped that Nemesis would be among them, but the private wasn't that lucky. However, she looked to the nearest mare with the anger prevalent in her eyes. You. Get Nemesis. Now. Irritation momentarily flickered across the vixen's face before she set off at a quick pace towards the center of the land. Harlan again tried to snap at the nearest Utopian, her efforts again thwarted by a snap in her face. She tucked her chin in close to avoid the attack to her eyes, the patrol tightening around them. All the equines were unsettled, waiting for the Helkaer of the land to come make her judgement. Would Nemesis help Harlan, or leave her to her fate?

The bay mare didn't take long to appear, her expression savage. What the fuck is going on here? The Utopians said nothing, but Harlan wasted no time. They are claiming that Xerxes has arranged for me to marry Cadence. We should slaughter them - prove that Helkaer owe Utopia nothing. Those hard, violet eyes met magenta ones as Nemesis evaluated the situation. Her body relaxed just a fraction as she shook her head. "Right. As if Xerxes would do that. This sounds like a personal problem between you two. I doubt they're even taking you to Cadence. I want no part in this." With a shrug, the general gestured to her patrol as they left Harlan to her own devices. The private was astounded but could understand. They could all be lying. Perhaps they were actually from the Underworld and were taking her to Eden to meet with someone else.

The group departed and the stallions did take Harlan to Eden. She snapped, cursed, and promised them death on their travels, but the stallions' never gave any indication that they cared what she had to say. As they all came to a stop, she was surprised to actually see Cadence standing in front of her. He had no emotion on his face as amber eyes met hers. "Welcome to your new home, Harlan. It must feel nice to actually be useful." The Helkaer snarled and attempted to lunge at the king. She was stopped by that gray Utopian again as she snapped at the air inches from Cadence. The blue roan let out a deep laugh. "Such a typical savage. We'll fix that in no time."

Harlan continued to struggle as she was dragged in front of Rasa and Cadence, wildly striking despite being held tight between two stallions. You won't live long enough to even try and break me. You both better sleep with your eyes open and keep me in chains. Otherwise, I'll be able to see if Utopian flesh tastes the same as a mortal's. Shall we find out right now? The pair laughed in her face and shook their heads almost in unison. "There is no use struggling. You are no longer in control. You want chains? That could definitely be arranged for you."

The Helkaer slowly settled down, plotting different ways to slay the royals. They thought they could chain and whip her like a dog? They were in for a rude awakening. It was only a matter of time before both their throats were between her teeth. And they would never see it coming.

Speech

_{Image by faeriiefox}

➳ T e c h n o ➳ for some giggles and A z z y for mentions of Xerxes!

Prompt: Unlikely Arrangements
Bonuses:
-Suspend your disbelief
-Keep it PG
-800+ words (1250)

[illɘgal]

CW - themes of violence and eating meat

A long, low growl roused a young Helkaer from his sleep. Blue and gold eyes slowly opened, adjusting to the dim lighting in the cave as his gaze searched the immediate area for the source. Standing against the wall was Panic, hackles raised and lips pulled back to exposed bright white teeth. The colt simply stared back, ears flicking to listen for any signs of danger. His head tilted curiously when he detected nothing but the pup in the confined space. The little canine held his ground but the growl grew louder. Theseus shook his head and made his way out to the surface, blinking at the bright moonlight. He stretched, then snorted as his he caught sight of himself. His creamy and white coat was... filthy, to say the least. He was bruised, bloodied, and had chunks of his flesh showed signs of infection and had begun to peel off in thin strips. The colt was stunned by the sight of himself, bending his neck to observe as much as he could. Black blood oozed from greening skin, and one of his legs had sections of exposed bone. Theseus couldn't understand what was happening, though he remembered bits and pieces of last night. Had something happened?

Thrace had mentioned a strange group of horses out in the graveyard, and the curious colt had made his way back to those lands to investigate. What he saw was a scene of horror and wonder - boned equines feeding each other rabbits and then sacrificing one another. Theseus had stood quietly at the edge of the clearing as a massive beast approached him, his markings not unlike the stallion they had met months ago. This beast seemed to peer into the yearling's very soul with bottomless black depths. "You do not belong here, little one. The Harvest comes for all, and it is not yet your time. Go home." Theseus had only stared back before shifting his gaze towards those equines that had been sacrificed. The blood from their wounds had turned to an inky black, their skin taking on a green pallor. Some stood up as if nothing was wrong, though a few of those slaughtered beasts remained... dead he supposed. It was strange to see the dead rise. Was that how the Afterlife was? He had heard stories of creatures who died and were healed, but just as many of those who had permanent injuries. Were these horses joining the Afterlife? Was that what this.. Harvest was?

Theseus blinked back to the present, a calmness settling along his skin. Perhaps he was just like those half eaten creatures he had seen. Maybe this was his initiation into the Underworld. It would be disappointing to know that he had died so young, but at least it would make for an interesting story, right? He turned his multicolored eyes back to the cave entrance and watched Panic slowly creep up from the dark. Now the colt understood why the wolf had been so on edge. He looked like he had died! Or... had he actually died? He didn't remember that strange group attacking him, but it was possible. Perhaps his mind had hidden the horrible memories of his death?

Snorting and shaking his head, he made his way back into the depths of the caves to find his siblings. They might have an idea on how to fix this, or maybe they'll even end his life before they become like this too? It didn't take long to find one of the clear, cool springs that fed into a large pool. The cave walls here had a few gaps, allowing some light to filter into the cool space. He found Thrace and the younger twins taking their morning bath. Upon seeing Theseus, all three greeted him warmly. That was strange. Shouldn't they be concerned? Do you... Do you not notice anything strange about me? Maleficent and Maleficus glanced at each other in confusion and Theseus's own twin peered at him with concern in his bright gold eyes. "Uh, no. You look a little tired. Did you not sleep well?" As the blue roan colt finished speaking, Panic loped into the space and tackled Pain into the pool of water. His previous fear and aggression had disappeared, and now he was back to his normal, energetic self.

Theseus turned to look at himself and was surprised to see that his body had returned to normal. Gone was the infection and hanging flesh. Now, his coat was back to being slightly dusty from the caves. He stared for a moment, then looked back to his brother. I... I was... Dead. Well, the undead. I went back to that clearing, and they... Did something to me. Even Panic was afraid of me. I don't... I don't understand.

The two cambion dissolved into a fit of giggles while Thrace took a step forward with an unusually soft expression on his face. "I told you not to go there," he said softly. "You must have had a bad dream. Maybe you had a nightmare. Theseus shook his head vigorously. No, brother. You don't understand. I was dead. The creamy colt was nearly desperate, growing visibly upset that his siblings didn't believe him. Why would he even lie about that?

Thrace stepped close, shaking his head gently. "You're just hungry. When was the last time you ate? Let's go for a hunt. You'll feel better after that." Theseus wanted to object, but the thought of eating started to distract him. Yes... Let's go eat.

As the older twins turned to leave, Theseus caught the wolf pups' amber gazes. They were staring at him intently, their lips starting to pull back in barely concealed snarls. As if they could still smell the death lingering on him.

Theseus speaks

Prompt: Wake the dead
Bonuses:
-Harvest upon us (sort of a twist on a harvest?)
-Suspend your disbelief
-800+ words (965)