a new lady arrives (claiming)

[diru]

Amaltheia

It was strange, the rapture watching the endless churning of the waves hitting the sands. The sighs, sounds and smells were all so familiar and strange at the same time. I never really understood how something so, so, so....I was at a loss for words which was mildly strange and yet it pleased me. Here was something so magnificent, even that word didn't do the sea justice in my mind, that no one word or even a plethora of words could aptly describe it.

The sea was playful today, at least in my eyes. The waves were short and choppy, white cresting them that almost reminded me of the billowing manes of other horses as we danced among the meadows. It was absolutely beautiful and I wanted to run and prance among the waves but I knew better. The darkening sky was hinting at a storm and I didn't feel like being swept away just now and have the great unknown beasts lurking just beyond my sight devour my flesh, especially if my soul still housed within.

The wind gusted against my pelt and I blinked, not wishing for any wayward salt to find its way into my eyes. I could feel the zephyr tangling and untangling my tassels and a soft smile flashed over my maw for a moment. The touch almost reminded me of the foals' games and a lover's caress at the same time and I sighed deeply, thoroughly content for the first time in such a long time.

It felt good to relax and stay still, even if it was only for a moment. I'd been traveling up and down the strands for weeks, searching for the aea that would be my home until I perished. It'd been a dangerous trek too. Once I almost lost a limb to a creature of the depths. I liked this area though. It was open and so green. It reminded me a bit of my inland homes and yet it was better, solely because of the view it commanded.

I drew a deep breath, scenting the wind. I suppose this was the one time I would dislike the scent of the sea. There was the faintest scent of other equines, but it was nigh upon impossible to tell if it was old or fresh since the brine was so over-powering. My harks flicked as I debated calling out or simply exploring. My limbs wound up deciding for me, they were too weary to go gallavanting around all over the place.

Since it was decided I lifted my dial and opened my mare, releasing a single pure and ringing note. My harks flicked forward, listening for a response. Bright gaze roamed the beaches, looking for any sign of movement. Nothing greeted me right away but I'd be content for some time. It'd give me more time to rest my limbs, so I shifted, making myself comfortable. Now to play the waiting game. And if nobody came to dispute me, then I'd have my own home where I'd be ruler. That thought was certainly interesting but I knew better than to get ahead of myself. It was a good thing that I was patient in the end it seemed. At least I could enjoy the beauty of the view that I held.

((wow....546 words for a first post ever with her, though still really rusty....))

[Elise]

Poseidon
So play the game until you run out
And play the game into my hand

--------------------------------------------------------

The waters bubbled and churned as a mighty force pushed upon them. Sea foam formed and drifted towards the shore in uneven jerks. The earth shook with the power that I held over it. Neck arched with pride and arrogance, I rose from the bottom of the ocean to the waves above, running on them as only a wave runner could. A piercing cry rang out and I danced acrossed the crest of the ways. Seaweed hung from my body, falling off to drift acrossed the ocean’s surface. My teal hued gaze lingered on it for a moment as it made its way toward the shoreline. As my gaze moved, it lifted coming to rest on the creature that had summoned me. Calling upon my power to grant them what they wished. Within moments, my hooves crunched against the sand and rocks that stood within my path, but no hoof prints marred the earth as I walked towards this pale hued vixen. A quizzical brow arched and I looked at her with the calm distance that I felt every God should have with its followers. Nostrils flared drawing in this strangers scent. She smelled not of my oceans, so what was she doing here?

Where most equines would have shaken themselves from the water running down their bodies, all I did was let it drop from my frame and settle in the sands. Soon, I stood completely dry before her and aura of sea blue seemed to envelope the both of us as I stood there, gazing at her. Trying to frame my words in a way that would not sound too harsh yet would hold enough authority to make her tremble before me as any mortal should when they are in the presence of a God. Finally, my kissers parted and a deep baritone voice emanated into the air around us, “I am Poseidon, dear mortal. What is it that you want with me?” My eyes were without emotion as I took in her feminine form. Really, she couldn’t wish to own this place. She was tall yes, but the rest of her was so petite. I wanted to laugh at the idea that she wanted this place, but something gave me pause to hold in my laughter and keep it to myself. Something told me there was more to this mare than met the eye. I tried to brush those thoughts away, but they kept stalking me.

I took this moment to look her over, take in her form and coloring. She was a pretty thing really and she would breed good foals should anyone decide that is what they wished of her. Something pulled at my heartstrings though when I thought of another stallion breeding with her. I told myself it was just because she would breed lovely Demigods and I knew they would be strong. It seemed I liked to brush off my emotions and ignore them more often than listen to them. Maybe that was why Artemis seemed to get so frustrated with males. We were simple minded creatures, often ignoring the basics of our feelings. Just the word feeling was enough to send us flying. Yes, even I, a God, did not accept my own emotions. Tossing those ideas away, I really looked at her and suddenly, I was nearly lost in those sea foam green eyes. They swallowed me up for a moment and I had to look just passed her left ear to keep myself grounded. Now, I was starting to understand why Zeus had such a fascination with mares. They were ungodly beautiful at times.

--------------------------------------------------------
Words -- 604
Notes -- None
Muse -- Good
Lyrics -- False Pretense – Red Jumpsuit Apparatus

[diru]

Amaltheia

Nothing was greeting my attention, at least for the time being. My boa arched, ducking my head to run my muzzle against a foreleg. That's when I noticed a strange sight. It almost looked like the water was boiling. My dial tilted, limbs moving me forward a few steps before pausing as I noticed what looked like another equine was rising from the little tempest. I snorted softly, watching intently, harks flicking a little in confusion. Was this was on the gods that my dam had told me stories about? I blinked slowly. Well, twas either a god or some sort of demon. I stood my ground, pelt twitching and banner flicking and twisting about itself.

He, I knew it was a he, he was entirely too muscular to be a mare like myself, was certainly interesting to gaze upon. I still didn't know what exactly he was, but I was hoping that my little gift would give me warning if he was dangerous, but besides the fact that I knew he wasn't quite like me I felt no threat to my life. Of course, it's not like that gift was a failsafe since it liked to warn me of a random branch that'd do me no harm. My luck it would decide not to warn me now.

I kept my head up, watching him approach until he was nearly upon before bowing my dial in respect. It didn't matter if he was a god or demon but I knew somehow he could be dangerous and that it would likely be safest for me to be polite until I figured out his intent. After he was done speaking I lifted my dial, forcing myself to be able to meet his gaze as I thought for a moment. "I wish to seek your permission to live here." I said calmly. I never would have guessed that the area I wished to live in was already inhabited by someone like him.

I watched him carefully, blinking slowly before tilting my head, my forelock spilling over prettily before I twitched, trying to flick it so it wasn't obscuring my sight. I doubted it would be intelligent of me to be half-blind when I was dealing him. "Though, I suppose if you wish I could leave your lands, t'would be a pity to leave such a grand sight behind though." I murmured, gesturing to the sea with my head. I figured if he was indeed Poseidon, and I had no doubt that he was considering his arrival, he would likely be pleased with any comments directed towards his domain. Perhaps it would be enough for him to consider allowing me to stay even for a moment longer. I knew males were loath to let females lead, my own half-brother was proof of that. At least I could try to get into his good graces if nothing else.

[/size]

[Elise]

Poseidon
So play the game until you run out
And play the game into my hand

--------------------------------------------------------

Standing there it was like we were locked away in a bubble of sorts. Sure, we were on land, but my influence was everywhere she looked. Did she not know where she was? She’d come to Nadi, the land of the Gods; a place where Demigods and mortals battled against others, jockeying for power and favor with the Big Three. A low rumble of laughter quaked through my chest, making the lands below us, quiver ever so slightly. This one was interesting. I’d like to keep her by my side, but I knew this Kelpie blood of mine would kick in and then we’d have problems on our hooves. If I let her stay above the water and rule one of these lands, why. . . She’d possibly become all powerful. I shook my head lightly. No, I couldn’t allow that to happen. My brothers would figure out how to kill me if I allowed something like that to happen. No, I would allow her to rule here. Her aura was strong. She had willpower and strength unlike any other I had met. No stallion had as much as she did. At least, none that I had met as of yet did.

A jester’s smile traced acrossed my kissers, turning up the corners of my lips in a most devilish fashion. I took a daring step closer to her, that grin only growing more as I listened to her sweet song of a voice, my twin towers of blue and white following each melody and note. She was a symphony to my ears and a star in my eyes. Yes, I could see her fitting in nicely here. She would make a fabulous addition to this place. I could see it now, horses following her every whim and coming together to listen to her words of wisdom. I almost purred at the idea, but held it in, for I knew such sounds would only confuse this fair maiden. “My lady Theia, you can do more than live here. You can RULE here.” The ocean waves rolled and curled with each word I spoke, crashing against the shore in a meaningless rhythm before lying flat and soundless once more. Powerful limbs carried me in a circle around her. I studied her for a moment, as if she was brood mare I was appraising for my use. I came up parallel with her and placed my kissers near her ear. “My dear, you will be Queen of this place, so long as you can hold it and should you fall in battle, you will have a place somewhere in my lands as all my followers do.”

I stepped away from her, moving to the place where sand met water and stood there, breathing in the sea breeze. I glanced over my shoulder after a moment, trying to judge how she would react to the words that had flowed so freely from my lips only seconds ago. Would she accept what I was so willingly offering? Or would she decline and leave this place? Not always did one wish to follow a Sea God, nor did they always wish to follow Death or the Sky God. “Yes, it would be a pity if you left such a grand place.” I spoke the words without even realizing what I was doing. I was affirming things that I should not have been, but I was also saying these things for my own gain. Mares could lead as well as stallions. I’d learned that in my time with Artemis. She’d taught an old God new tricks in a matter of centuries and that wasn’t known to happen often. “I believe, if I leave this place in your care, you will treat it like a child and love it. Nurture it to its full potential. Don’t prove me wrong, Lady Amaltheia.” I bowed my head to her, ever so slightly, waiting to hear what more this vixen of palest gold would say.

--------------------------------------------------------
Words -- 665
Notes -- None
Muse -- Good
Lyrics -- False Pretense – Red Jumpsuit Apparatus

[diru]

Amaltheia

We were both quiet for some time and I took the time to look him over. I suppose, had he been well, normal by my standings, he wouldn't be too bad but well he wasn't exactly normal. Nor was I willing to give my heart to anyone else and I doubted I ever would be. It was something that would never heal and even now it hurt to think about it all. I looked down for a moment, thinking and fighting back my emotions. Now, later I could deal with this, in private. Luckily I was drawn from my thoughts by an event I thoroughly hated. The ground shook and my dial jerked up with a snort and harks flattening until the ground was still again. Never would I be able to stand such an occurrence. It'd ripped something so very precious to me away.

I frowned softly, eyeing him calmly even as he smiled and moved closer. Just what was the beast thinking? I could only surmise and no doubt they would be wrong. I highly doubted that he would think like I did, simply for the most basic thing out there. We were of two different genders. He spoke, and I was confused, one hark twisting backwards in evidence. How did he know my nickname? The one that only my dam and lover had called me? I was still a bit puzzled on how he knew that when I distinctly remembered not having given my name so far. Rather rude of me was it not? Ah well, I rather figured he wouldn't have cared. What caught me by surprise as well was that he granted my wish, and upped the ante in a way. He said I could rule here. My harks flicked forward, eyeing him a bit more intently through those pale orbs of mine. He certainly was a strange being.

He moved away, and I bowed my head to him. "Thank you m'lord." I murmured but I was almost positive he'd have heard me. He spoke again and I tiled my dial, thinking. Was there something hidden in those words? Perhaps, or perhaps I was simply imagining things. That was a better solution even if I wasn't one for fantasies. Of course, this would be the perfect time to start no doubt, but I didn't really have a mind for that, not yet at least. I bit my lip when he spoke of me caring for this land like it was a child. The child I never had? Had that all been meant to happen? To drive me here? Was this what I was meant to be? A leader? The thoughts disturbed me a bit. I glanced up, hearing my full name for quite sometime and I blinked slowly, watching him. "I shall do my best, but a question, with your leave. Just how do you happen to my name?" I asked calmly, perhaps a bit brazen but I felt that I had the right to know, mostly because it did concern me after all.

[Elise]

Poseidon
So play the game until you run out
And play the game into my hand

--------------------------------------------------------

An arrogant smirk danced acrossed my features as I turned to gaze at her once more. My body shook with the force of my withheld powers. I was suppressing them the best I could. I was God of the Seas. The Earthshaker. I breathed in and the tides receded out into the ocean, until I released that breath and it washed back up onto the shore, lapping lightly at my hooves. Without thinking about what I was doing, I rose up, front limbs lashing at the heavens as lightening creaked, probably my brother showing his fury at my boldness to attack the air and linger on the land far longer than I normally would have. I came back down with a heavy thud, causing the trees to shake and drop leaves onto the ground and waves to ripple out towards the center of the ocean, away from the shore, but the Earth itself did not shake. I tossed my head sharply from side to side. I could feel my body warming and see the blue-ish glow that always consumed me when I let my powers loose, when I didn’t try to appear normal. My true form began to appear under the seemingly normal looks. Seaweed hung my mane, tangled in the locks of my tails and my body began to look slick like a seals or otters.

A proud look came upon my features, regal and bright. My height grew and I stood much higher than your average horse. A brow rose as I looked at her. There was no mistaking me for normal any longer, though the fact that I’d risen out of the water should have been hint enough. I pawed the ground lightly, tilting my head to the side and gazing at her, judging how she might react to me before I spoke. That same baritone voice came from my vocals, but not there was a resonating boom in it, that made the ocean tremble and the leaves shake. “I don’t normally answer questions, dear one, but I will answer this one.” I paused stepping away from my ocean once more to stand directly in front of her, towering over her like the massive beast I was, “I am a God. Plain and simple. I am Poseidon, God of the Seas. The Earthshaker and creator of Horses. I know your name, because I have seen you grow, from small filly to proud mare. I have seen your hardships and felt the pain that you have felt.” I reached down and gently touched her withers with my muzzle, “I know what you have lost and what you have gained.”

Stepping away from her, I bowed my head, in submission, ready to bare my soul and crimes to her. “I know your thoughts dear one, and I am sorry for the loss of your foal and lover. It was never meant to happen, but the Fates work in mysterious ways. I led you here, so you could find peace.” I turned and walked into the ocean, letting it come up to caress my belly as I stared out into the world I loved, I felt all the creatures there, all the life they held within them. This was where I belonged and I felt I had lingered too long here, said too much. With my luck, this mare would high tail it out of here like I’d just told her she was going to die in a matter of moments. My chest heaved with a sigh and I closed my eyes, drawing energy from the water that lapped at my sides and belly. Please let me not have done the wrong thing here.

--------------------------------------------------------
Words -- 614
Notes -- None
Muse -- Good
Lyrics -- False Pretense – Red Jumpsuit Apparatus

[diru]

Amaltheia

I eyed the roan stallion coolly, watching him. He was up to something and I was going to find out, one way or another. I would say this. I wasn't exactly liking how things were going. I had every right too! At least, I felt like I had every right. I was a bit puzzled about how his looks were changing right before my eyes, but I refused to blink and look like I was in awe. What if he was a demon or some other monster trying to kill and feast on me? I wasn't going to allow that! Sure a part of me told me that he was likely exactly what he was claiming to be, but I'd learn to take every new bit of information with a grain of salt. I wasn't exactly cynical, nor was I not. I believed things as I saw them, not simply from what people told me. A dangerous practice to be sure, especially when considering predators, but hell, I'd survived earthquakes, terrible storms, a blizzard, and packs of wolves I'd be damned if I wasn't going to go down fighting! If he'd tried something he'd regret tangling with me of all mares! I snorted softly, eyes narrowing a little.

He got a look on his face that I wasn't really sure of before he approached me. I refused to quiver and shake even though my body wanted to whirl and run. He was not natural and I wasn't particularly fond of the supernatural or just unnatural. I guess I was a hypocrite then 'cause of my eyes and that sometimes I could I what would happen in the future. Though, that was usually more of a hassle than it was worth and I couldn't actually do it myself which made it bothersome. Instead though, I lifted my dial a bit, eyeing him calmly, flicking my tail to give me something to do. It helped a little and quieted my nerves just a little. How odd, normally I was so calm. I tilted my dial, eyeing him a bit more intently, snorting, my hide twitching at his touch since I wasn't expecting it. That's when his words registered and I frowned, flattening my ears. "You know about all that?!" My tone dropped, to something between stunned and thoroughly pissed off. Odd combo huh? Well, you see those two deaths were so important to me.

He moved away and I followed, intent on getting more answers, banner lashing in frustration. "You knew? And you did nothing?! Earthshaker? You made that earthquake that made me miscarry didn't you! Didn't you!" I snorted, glaring at him, tears welling a little. "You're the entire reason they're gone....Aren't you?" My gaze narrowed a bit more, tears welling as I blinked them away. "You ripped away the one stallion that treated me as an equal and our child!" I turned my dial away, refusing to look at him, shaking my dial again. How dare he! How fucking dare he! He had no right to show up! My frame shook a bit, holding back the anger and grief that suffused my body. He had no right to show up to me, and act all proud. He'd killed an unborn! He'd torn apart my world, and....and....and now he was up to something else no doubt! I couldn't trust him could I? No, who was to say he wouldn't do it again?! I frowned, turning my dial to face him, glowering and waiting for a response. He was lucky. I should have just left, and I wanted to. What did it matter if he'd said I could live and rule here? I didn't want to be near him! And yet, I felt some compulsion to stay and at least hear him out for a moment. That's all I'd give him, a moment.

[Elise]

Poseidon
But if I’m never your hero I can never let you down
And the sirens go oh ah oh ah

--------------------------------------------------------

Sometimes, I wondered what went through mortals’ minds. They were strange creatures and often didn’t take any equine for their word. I rolled my eyes internally at the thought. Fools that they were; I still loved them. They were pure creatures for the most part. They had flaws that made them who they were. My chest heaved in a breath and not for the first time, I wished I could be like them. I wanted to be one of them. I wanted to have nothing in the world to care about, but a mare and my foals. I didn’t have that pleasure. I was alone in the world with only Artemis as company and that was when I was on land. It wasn’t like Artemis came into my domain often. It just wasn’t right for her to do something like that. This mare before me watched me as if I was some rabid animal that would eat her at a moment’s notice. I only did that every once in a while! It wasn’t an everyday pastime. I did have standards to uphold after all. I was a God and if I didn’t uphold them how could I expect my foolish brothers to do so as well?

Fire coiled like a dark poison in my belly at her words. My rage rose and so did the ocean waves. It was as if I had called a typhoon to me in a matter of moments. It was highly possible, but I had to hold back such rage. I would destroy everything if I let it lose. Had this silly mare not figured it out?! Was she that oblivious to my words that she hadn’t read between the lines? I snorted out a breath and the waves roared as the crashed against the shore, parting around me and Amaltheia. I looked up toward the sky, as if imploring my brother to share his patients with me, before turned my features to the ground, asking for my other brother’s strength. Sure, Hades wasn’t as powerful as Zeus and I with our elemental powers, but Hades had his own strength and sometimes, I wished I had it. He could stay calm in almost any situation. I, on the other hand, could be quick tempered and sharp tongued. It was not something I needed right now. So, I closed my eyes until the waves settled and I just listened.

I blew. I could no longer hold back all of the things I felt. Whirlpools formed in the water. The sea and land shook as everything I had long ago learned to hold back, rushed forward. My teeth ground together and I whirled on her. “Oh sure, I did nothing. Of course I knew! I’m a GOD! Does that mean nothing to you?!” Each word came out sharp as daggers and I advanced on her. Fury, passion, sorrow, pain, longing, love all filled my eyes as I looked at her. When had this happened to me? When had she stolen away my heart? I probably knew the answer to that question. My heart throbbed in my chest and the pain that came with it raked my body like an eagle’s talons. A tremor shook my frame as I looked away from her, squeezing my eyes shut for a moment before I swung back to face her. My lips parted, but no sound came out. I snarled as I tried to form the words once more. How did one go about saying what they needed to say? I’d never had to explain myself to anyone. Not even my brothers.

“I didn’t mean for you to lose the foal! That was never my intention!” I snarled the words at her, I was not one to take an innocent life, it had happened before I had had any knowledge of the little one. “Amaltheia, you blind fool. I have wanted you since the moment I saw you in the pool of the Gods. I watched you grow. Loving you like a brother when you were a filly, but that loved changed when you grew into a mare.” A lump formed in my throat, but I knew I had to go on; I had to say this no matter how much it killed me to admit my own weakness to someone. She was my weakness and that was a horror in and of itself. “Theia, I wanted you for myself and I couldn’t stand the sight of that stallion with you. He was not worthy and he only proved that when he died at the paws of those wolves. The earthquake, the wolves; they were my challenge for him. If I had gone to fight him myself, he wouldn’t have lasted a single moment.” The words came out cold, colder than I liked.

“Yes, I sent the earthquake, but Artemis sent the wolves upon my request and it wasn’t like she sent the whole back. There were three. Only three and he failed to beat them for you.” A steely look came into my eyes as I looked her over. “When I realized the pain I had caused you, I called you here. This is my penance for killing an innocent, unborn foal. It was never my intention. I would never wish to take a young one from you. NEVER.” I felt the sharp dagger that stabbed my throat and bowed my head as the pain radiated through my body. I’d never said these things before, so what had me saying it now? I hadn’t told my brothers or any of the others, save Artemis. So, why did I feel sure guilt at the actions I had taken to get her here? I wasn’t sure if it was just love anymore. I felt like it may have been greed, a lust to claim her. Well, here she was and I wasn’t all over her. Yet, but I didn’t feel the need to. There was a slow burning happiness just to be near her for the first time.

--------------------------------------------------------
Words -- 1006
Notes -- None
Muse -- Good
Lyrics -- Explode - Patrick Stump