[aliyaah]

ouray.

When he had first awoken, he had been confused. Unsure of where he was, unsure of what had happened. It had taken quite some time for his memory to return to him, to offer him an explanation as what had come to pass. When the memories first began to filter in, all that he could recall was excruciating pain. Burning, searing, immeasurable torture… and then darkness. The memory of the tender sensations ebbed within his frame as he considered them, but there was no evidence of the trial worn upon him. He had spent some time after this wandering the domain he had ended up in, wondering where he was. As he drifted aimlessly across the unfamiliar terra, the emotional impact of his passing began to rear its ugly head. Disappointment washed over him when he realized what had happened. Fear took a hold when he also then actualized that he did not know whether or not his efforts, the reason why he had been brought his death, had saved his friends. Perhaps if the cougar had brought him down, it would have given his companion's the change to make their escape... but this was something that he did not know for sure, and he could not help but fear the worse. How could he have allowed himself to fall so easily? How could he have left them so soon, now giving them less protection? He was better than that, so why had this happened? Perhaps it was because of the worthlessness that others had seen within him. Perhaps it was the way that he had constantly been brought done. Shamed, berated. Perhaps their constant torment had turned him into the very creature who they had wished him to believe he was, someone who was less than who he really was. It would be his greatest fault allowing the opinion's of others to obscure his understanding of who he was, The only thing he could change was who he would be from now on. 

Whilst his homeland had not focused so much on the tales of the Afterlife, nor were they completely foreign to the herds, either. That being the case, he had not expected to end up here, though he could only assume that this was where he was. Why he felt little pain, and why he still seemed to exist. From what he understood, there were two domains in the Afterlife that reigned over all, one representing good, and one representing evil, in plain terms. He recalled hearing the elderly mares of his tribe speak stories of Utopia, a place that was home to those of pure hearts, those who wished to make the world a better place. He had not had this capability when he had been alive, but his goals had still been the same - he had wished to make the lives of those around him better, and had worked tirelessly to ensure that his herd had the things that they needed to get by. While he was discouraged he had failed them, perhaps he could be given a second chance, and make a difference in this life. It is for this reason that Ouray set out to gain entrance into Utopia, to become one of the great angels who found residence there. He was just slightly unsure of how to do so. After some time of wandering in this unfamiliar realm and finding little in terms of answers to the question he sought, the eighteen hand high, painted bay steed drew himself to a steady halt. Hazel voids cast out on the dimension around him, he called out to the heavens, "Rulers of Utopia, I humbly ask for your presence. I seek your guidance to help me reach that which I wish to achieve."

---

This is Ouray's judgement thread for Rasa, for he would like to become a part of Utopia.
TAGGED -- fleabittengray MUSE -- okay, first post with him.
TIMELINE -- shortly after he's died, and come to realize where he is. NOTES -- None.

[aliyaah]

OOC. bump fleabittengray, just a lonely Ouray waiting to be judged. <3

[fleabittengray]

Another Lord fallen... When would it end? The Utopian Lady felt that weariness growing within her again, but it was mixed with something else - anger. She was so angry at Spike for allowing himself to fall. Rasa was now on her own again, for what felt like the hundreth time. When would the men of Utopia finally step up to the plate and help her fully carry the weight of the world that was currently riding on her shoulders? The winged mare huffed, stomping a hoof into the green grasses of Utopia. The sound was muted by the grass, but loud enough to make Hayyel, her young daughter, look up at her curiously. Hayyel had been looking at her reflection in the lake just beside Rasa, though she turned her head to peer over her shoulder at her mother, head cocked slightly. The bay angel simply smiled at her daughter, nickering sweetly, affectionately, wordlessly assuring her that there was nothing to worry about. Hayyel was still too young to start fretting about the woes of her home. Even Leviathan, she felt, was too young... but that had not stopped him from trying to understand. She knew now that he had gone to Dark Woods to speak to Reth on her behalf. How could Rasa be angry with him about that? The Daeva was just trying to help. He looked every part a grown man, despite his actual age being somewhere between a year or two. It was so hard to keep track of time and ages here in Utopia. She wasn't even sure exactly how old Hayyel. She was growing so fast... Rasa sighed as she watched her daughter begin to walk into the water, her wings lazily trailing down beside her through the liquid. Despite her anger and weariness, Rasa found herself smiling as she watched the young angel playing in the water. She was so pure, so innocent... Rasa wished Hayyel could stay this way forever, but she knew that, sooner or later, the darkness would come for her. It was only a matter of when, not if.

"Rulers of Utopia, I humbly ask for your presence. I seek your guidance to help me reach that which I wish to achieve." The voice was masculine and unfamiliar. Rasa's head lifted, ears perking. She wondered who was summoning her. She felt another flash of anger go through her, realizing that this stranger had asked for the rulers of Utopia, most likely not knowing that there was currently only one. Wrinkling her nose in annoyance, Rasa huffed out a breath and then called out to her daughter. "I will be back soon, Hayyel. Stay here. Remember, never leave Utopia without me, your father, or your brother." She heard Hayyel give a murmured response, too enthralled with her reflection in the water's surface, and Rasa just shook her head before spreading her wings and taking off in the direction of the voice. It took her to a swirling abyss, to the place of Judgement. Rasa's eyes narrowed as she searched through the terrain before, finally, her gaze settled upon the figure of a lone stallion. She circled above him twice before drifting lower and lower toward the ground, wings gently flapping as she landed before him in all of her glory. Her wings folded neatly against her sides, a smile on her facade, but it was almost wary, in a way. "Hello, I am Rasa, Lady of Utopia," she introduced herself, dipping her head in greeting. "How can I help you? What is it that you wish to achieve?"

[Tagged: aliyaah ]
[Words: 598]
[Notes: So sorry this took so long! >.<]
[Timeline: Before the Lord auditions after Spike loses his position]

[aliyaah]

ouray.

It was difficult to discern how much time had passed since he had called out to the lands. It felt as though he had been waiting forever, and yet, it felt like no time had passed at all. Did time pass differently here? He could not say whether that was the case, or whether it was his uncertainty in his new scenario, his nerves that put him on edge and rendered him incapable of determining the length of time that had gone by. Despite the turbulence which built within him, he remained still as he waited, eyes ever watchful on his surroundings. It was for this reason that his hazel voids honed in on the figure as soon as she made her appearance in the heavens above. Her sight was magnificent, a gracious winged beast who moved fluidly upon the air above him, circling him a couple of times before she made her descent to the terra below. Her landing was smooth, seemingly well practiced, and once she settled herself she tucked her splendid wings at her side, then offering him a wondrous smile. Though she still seemed to remain cautious in spite of her friendly appearance, she still offered the kind words of, "Hello, I am Rasa, Lady of Utopia," She dipped her head in greeting, but Ouray responded with a courteous bow, dropping to a knee before her. He found himself at a loss for words - not as if he was one who spoke much anyways - considering that he was seeing a wonder before him. As he had only ever heard tales of the leaders of the Afterlife, and had not seen proof of their existence before hand, the scene before him was one that was difficult to grasp. But he did his best to become accustomed to it, nonetheless.

After a few moments where he needed to compose himself and gather his thoughts, he uttered the congenial words, "My lady. I have only heard stories about your greatness. I am in awe, standing in your presence now." Indeed, the stories that he had heard of from his homeland were but pale comparisons to the reverence that then stood before him. Still he fought fiercely, internally, to not become lost within the sensation of fascination. It was difficult for him to find the words to speak when he so often remained silent, let alone having to do so when he was in such a state of astonishment. Getting a hold of himself, he then offered the surreal lady, "My name is Ouray." Not a moment later, the bay pegasus was speaking once again, offering the brute in polite tones, "How can I help you? What is it that you wish to achieve?" He supposed that such a question held high importance, and had a great deal to do with the decision as to whether or not to allow him to move forwards in his pursuit. He took several more moments of thoughtful silence in order to deliberate his answer. He felt as though there was much he could do in terms of explaining in specific detail why he felt that Utopia was the place for him, but... he was just not a man of so many words. And so, very simply, he gazed at the other equine with gentle hazel eyes and told her,"I wish to obtain a position at your side, with the Utopians. I want to continue to do good, for I feel as though the good I did in my life of the living was not enough." He felt the familiar sensation of disappointment pool within him as he mentioned his living life, and he remembered the ones who he had left behind but... he could only make his death matter if he continued to pursue the good. 

---

TAGGED -- fleabittengray MUSE -- alright.
TIMELINE -- shortly after he's died, and come to realize where he is. NOTES -- None.

[fleabittengray]

The Danish warmblood was a sight to behold. She looked to be in pristine condition - muscular with a sleek bay pelt and black points, large wings currently neatly folded against her sides. The feathered appendages had taken from time to get used to, but by now she was perfectly at ease with them. Her mane and tail were free of tangles and a deep black hue, the tendrils long and glistening. Everything about her was glorious and beautiful and powerful. Her very aura gave off a mighty feeling. Those who were near her always knew what she was. She was a Goddess, all powerful, immortal... but still broken. Her eyes held a darkness within them, a sadness that she feared would never leave. Rasa had just been through so much, both in life and in death. Sometimes she feared that she was cursed and that was the reason that she could not keep a Lord at her side. She feared that it was her fault. Perhaps she was just... undesirable. But then her thoughts turned to Lateralus and warmth briefly spread through her. He had said that he loved her. Whether he still did, sometimes Rasa felt so unsure about it. After everything that she had failed to do during the war... letting his mortal home burn... She swallowed down the lump in her throat, struggling to keep the smile on her face in the presence of this stranger. Was this just another man that was going to eventually disappoint her? Betray her? She knew she had to give him a chance... but what if he turned out to be someone who would bring grief to Utopia? True, she could just force her way into his mind and read his thoughts, go through his memories, and truly come to understand who he was and what he wanted, but Rasa had never believed in doing that. Not unless she had to. She preferred to get to know others as anyone else would - by talking to them.

Rasa watched as the brute kneeled into a bow as she greeted him, her feathers ruffling slightly as she eyed him. There was a sheepish look upon her facade. She was still not used to such greetings, especially in times such as this. After the war, it seemed that many had lost their faith in Utopia. "My lady. I have only heard stories about your greatness. I am in awe, standing in your presence now." Beneath her bay pelt, the Lady of Utopia blushed, her ears twitching forward as she listened to the spirit. Was it true? Were stories still going around about Utopia? What about her specifically? Were there still equines that held faith in Utopia, that believed they were there to aid them, to comfort them? There was a brief silence between them and Rasa got the impression that perhaps this brute was not much of a talker - or maybe he really was that much in awe of her that he didn't know what to say? "It is an honor to meet you. Always a pleasure meeting others who still hold faith in Utopia," she said, tone soft and kind and welcoming. Maybe this man wasn't so bad after all... Though she was still cautious. She had to be. "My name is Ouray." She had not heard of him before. Not that she knew every name of every equine that walked the realm of Wild Equines. She wondered if he was from around here, or from another land. Rasa herself had not been born in Wild Equines. She had come here as a runaway, leaving an unloving family. She had only found love when she got to Utopia... though she feared that she had ruined that love by her own inaction during the war.

After she had questioned Ouray, the stallion did not respond right away. He seemed to be deep in thought. Rasa was quiet as she waited, giving the brute time to think. She was expecting some sort of drawn-out speech explaining who he was, what he had done, things that spirits usually said when asking for admittance into Utopia, but instead, his kind hazel eyes settled on her and he said, quite simply, "I wish to obtain a position at your side, with the Utopians. I want to continue to do good, for I feel as though the good I did in my life of the living was not enough." The angel cocked her head as she listened to him, and then she asked him another question. "Tell me, Ouray, what good did you do in your life?" There was no hostility in her words, nor disbelief, merely curiosity. It was her duty to see if he was fit for Utopia. She could already feel that he was a kind soul. She did not sense any darkness lingering on the surface of his soul, but still, she was suspicious. Could she really be blamed? After all that had happened, she saw it as her right to be cautious, especially around men.

[Tagged: aliyaah ]
[Words: 841]
[Notes: <3]
[Timeline: Before the Lord auditions after Spike loses his position]

[aliyaah]

ouray.

"It is an honor to meet you. Always a pleasure meeting others who still hold faith in Utopia," It struck Ouray odd that Rasa would say those words the way she had. Mentioning equines who still held faith in Utopia, meaning that there were those who had lost theirs. But many were misguided these days, weren't they? The herd who had proclaimed themselves as the all powerful had lost their way, had lost their decency, their compassion. They had been blinded in their desire for power that they had failed to see how their actions made them even less deserving, not more. The herd who had forced their control over the others, who had weakened those who were already weak, they were just but an example of many who lived out there these days, doing bad instead of good. Maybe, if Ouray made it into Utopia, he had a better fighting chance at making a difference against groups such as these. 

"Tell me, Ouray, what good did you do in your life?" She asked of him curiously. Though the question was a simple one, and one that seemed the utmost fair considered what he was trying to accomplish in that moment, he still hesitated slightly. It wasn't because he didn't believe that he had done good things or that he did not belong in Utopia, but rather, it was simply because he was not one who spoke of himself in high regard. To speak of the good he had done would be to consider those actions an accomplishment, and that's just not how he felt about his life. He had dedicated his whole life to that herd, and making sure that they had what they needed - particularly the mares and foals. He had died trying to protect another. Yet while all these so plainly demonstrated something to be proud of, he felt rather neutral towards it. He had just done what needed to be done, and what was right. There was no glory in it, to fame to be won. He had just done what he had to do to make sure the others had what they needed to survive. It had meant that he had worked tirelessly his entire life. It had meant that he had had little time to himself, for relaxation and enjoyment. It meant that his life had been dedicated to serving others. But even still, it had been the utmost worth it, and he wouldn't have changed a thing about it. He mulled over these thoughts, deliberating on what to say. He wanted to show Rasa why he deserved a place at her side, but he did not wish to gush or boast about himself. Mumbling to her, disgruntled that he would have to speak more than he often liked, he told her, "The lands were harsh where I came from, and it is not easy to survive them." The words served as a beginning, providing a setting to his tale. "I helped those who could not fend for themselves. I worked hard so that they would not have to, that they could live their lives comfortably, despite the trying situation we all found ourselves in. I died so that another could live." He concluded, still feeling uncertainty speaking the words he had. Hopefully that was enough to satisfy but... who knew. 

---

TAGGED -- fleabittengray MUSE -- alright.
TIMELINE -- shortly after he's died, and come to realize where he is. NOTES -- If you wanna read his bio, it gives his history much more in detail!

[fleabittengray]

That others, many others, had lost faith in Utopia was disheartening, very troubling, indeed, but Rasa was refusing to give up hope. She was without a Lord now but had put the word out that she would be auditioning equines for the role, even allowing those in Asphodel to audition. The audition would serve as their ticket into Utopia. Win or lose the audition, if it seemed they were a good fit for Utopia, she would allow their souls to walk through the Gates. They would become angels instead of spirits lost in limbo. Rasa was hoping this would encourage more to audition, would encourage more men to be interested in the wellbeing of Utopia. She was... desperate. Very desperate. Spike had fallen and fallen hard, and now was not a very good time for Rasa to be leading on her own. She had a young daughter to raise and had to spend more time in the mortal world in an attempt to make amends with the Neutral Kingdom. She was hoping to restore their faith in Utopia, in her, but it was slow progress, which she did not fault them for. Had the roles been reversed, she would feel apprehension toward Utopia as well. She could not blame them for their anger... or their hatred. The bay warmblood let out a slow breath, though she had no need to breathe, but the mortal action helped to calm her and bring her back to this present moment with Ouray. She was excited to potentially gain another member for Utopia, another angel - and hopefully one that would put more effort into helping the mortals than the current angels that she had.

Rasa was getting the impression that Ouray was not much of a talker. A quiet type. That was actually a relief. Too many men spoke too much, spoke too highly of themselves. They were proud, arrogant beasts. Most of them, anyway. Again her thoughts lingered on Lateralus and she felt that warmth spread through her again, the sadness in her eyes fading just slightly, replaced with a bright twinkling as she watched Ouray, waiting for him to speak and answer her question. She was patient, giving him time to mull it over. When the stud did finally speak, it was in a disgruntled mumble, as if he was shy or awkward about talking about himself and the good he had done. A humble man, then? A quiet, humble man... The world needed more of them. "The lands were harsh where I came from, and it is not easy to survive them." Wild Equines was not exactly harsh. They had wars, and winters could be rough, and the summers scorching at times, but for the most part, the lands were lush and green. Perhaps he wasn't from around here, then? "I helped those who could not fend for themselves. I worked hard so that they would not have to, that they could live their lives comfortably, despite the trying situation we all found ourselves in. I died so that another could live." A soft smile spread across the Lady's face and she dipped her head. "Thank you for telling me a bit about yourself. Are you not from around here, Ouray?" she asked, her tone still curious. She paused a moment and then asked cautiously, "Would you mind if I looked into your thoughts and memories, to see your past? I would like to see these good deeds of yours in action. It will not be painful but may feel a bit odd."

It wasn't that she didn't believe Ouray. He seemed like a good man, with a good aura, she was just cautious. Too many men had brought harm to herself, her family and friends, as well as to Utopia. She had to make damned sure that Ouray would be a good match for Utopia, and she figured peering into his memories would give her a better picture of the man that stood before her.

[Tagged: aliyaah ]
[Words: 665]
[Notes: <3]
[Timeline: Before the Lord auditions after Spike loses his position]

[aliyaah]

ouray.

"Thank you for telling me a bit about yourself. Are you not from around here, Ouray?" The question was one that made him frown, even though it did not strike him as odd. With how he was acting, if this was not how everyone acted around here, it was only plain to see that he was not local. That being the case, it made him wonder. It would have been easy for the Lady of Utopia to assume that he was not around here, if he was not like the ones she commonly associated with. That being the case, was this an uncommon occurrence in itself? Did she scarcely come across those who were from places not so near by? It seemed to Ouray that his understanding of the tales of the Afterlife had lead him to believe that there was only one Afterlife, and that was where all, if not most, equines passed on to after they died. No matter where he had lived on the earth itself, he would have ended up here with beings like Rasa if he died. Unless, that was, that he had even more little of a grasp on the Afterlife than he thought, and there were indeed more factions than the living had assumed. Swallowing, unsure of what to think at these strange thoughts, he pushed onwards to respond to the elegant lady before him. "Not so near by, no." He commented, shifting his weight on his limbs. "Where I come from, the Utopians and the like are mostly stories, more so than fact." 

Though Ouray had felt rather inadequate when he had told her about his story, how he had ended up where he was and why he wanted to seek a place in Utopia, Rasa seemed to accept it, at the very least. She smiled at him when he told his tale, a small gesture which gave him confidence. "Would you mind if I looked into your thoughts and memories, to see your past? I would like to see these good deeds of yours in action. It will not be painful but may feel a bit odd." He blinked at her, amazed at the idea that she could perform such a feat. He supposed that the Afterlife leaders were all powerful ones, so he should not be surprised that they could do something as this. Nonetheless, it seemed unfathomable. A moment after being consumed by this awe, he snapped himself back to focus, not wanting her to think that she was not welcome to do this because of his hesitation. He then hurriedly said, "o-of course," despite his uncertainty. Mulling over the idea in his mind, he then asked of her, "Um... do I need to prepare myself somehow?"

---

TAGGED -- fleabittengray MUSE -- bleh.
TIMELINE -- shortly after he's died, and come to realize where he is. NOTES -- None.

[fleabittengray]

It seemed that more and more outsiders were coming to Wild Equines, migrating here from outside of the realm. Rasa herself had come here from somewhere very far away, many years ago, when the lands were still fresh and new. She had been around before many equines that lived here had even been born. How strange that was to think about. She had not been born here, was not a native of Wild Equines, and yet here she was, ruling over a part of the Afterlife, leading equines to their eternities. She wondered if the Underworld leaders were natives... She did not know about Lady Grey, if she had been born here or not, but Artarius... he was something else entirely. She had sensed it when she first met him. He was nothing but pure chaos, a demon in its fullest form. She hoped that she would find a suitable Lord before the two of them could go about wreaking any havoc... She would not put it past them to strike Utopia or the mortals while Rasa was alone on the throne again. That seemed to be how it always went. She wanted to give an exasperated sigh at the thought but did not want to alarm Ouray, so she held it in, keeping her small but friendly smile in place upon her lips. "Not so near by, no." He answered her after a moment, shifting his weight upon his limbs. "Where I come from, the Utopians and the like are mostly stories, more so than fact." The dark bay Danish Warmblood hummed softly, nodding as she thought over his response. "Where I came from, I rarely ever heard of an afterlife. Then again, I was on my own, no herd, no family, no friends, so perhaps that was why I heard nothing about it before I came to Wild Equines," she said, tone thoughtful. She wondered if she still would have ended up here, in Utopia, had she stayed in her homeland and died there. Perhaps she would still be alive had she not come to Wild Equines. Rasa had been dead so long; she wondered if she would even want to be alive anymore if given the chance.

Her question regarding if she could peer into Ouray's mind seemed to have caught the taller brute off guard and, for a moment, she feared he had become offended. Rasa had meant no harm by the question. In fact, had he said no, Rasa would have apologized for asking such a thing and carried on with the conversation. However, after a beat had passed, Ouray was answering her query. "o-of course," He sounded uncertain. Rasa could not blame him. It was not every day that one was asked if someone could read their mind. "Um... do I need to prepare myself somehow?" Rasa smiled a little more and gave her head a small shake. "No, dear, this should only take a moment," she answered in a warm tone, the tendrils of her power expanding out toward the tobiano splash brute. He would feel what could be described as a "tickling" in his mind, like an itch you couldn't quite scratch, but no pain. Rasa was not going to make this painful. She closed her eyes, focusing on the swirl of memories that were encased in Ouray's mind. She saw a land of desolation, of very few resources - so unlike Wild Equines. She saw a man, a terrible man, who thought himself above all others. And then, she saw Ouray. A capable young man with great potential, a man that the other leader of the higher herd saw as a threat. She saw Ouray working day in and day out to keep his herd safe, serving the higher herd, always going above and beyond. He kept the women and children of his herd safe. He was a good man, a humble man, she could clearly see that.

And then she witnessed his death. The mountain lion had gone for the youngest and weakest member of the scavenging group Ouray had been in, and the stallion had put himself in the line of fire, taking the blow. Rasa felt chills go through his body, pulling away from the memory. She knew how it ended. After all, here stood Ouray before her, dead as could be. She pulled her power back to herself, opening her eyes as she left the confines of Ouray's mind. There was a deeper understanding in the mare's eyes now, her smile warmer, more trusting. "Thank you, Ouray," she said, giving a tip of her head. "From what I can see, you are a good and humble man worthy of Utopia." She paused, surveying him for a moment. "However, I still must give you a task to complete before you can enter the Heavens. There is a place in Wild Equines called the Free Lands. There, many equines mingle - good, bad, and everything in between. I want you to venture there and find someone who needs help. Help them, on Utopia's behalf. Be it helping them find a home, a lost friend, or just lending an ear for them to talk to. Whatever they may need help with. Complete this task and then report back to me, and I shall open the Gates of Utopia for you."

[Tagged: aliyaah ]
[Words: 888]
[Notes: <3]
[Timeline: Before the Lord auditions after Spike loses his position]

[fleabittengray]

Would you like to consider this thread complete, or wrap it up with another post or two?

[aliyaah]

OOC. I think I would like to wrap it up in another post!