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[atrb=background,http://oi56.tinypic.com/2cei4xg.jpg] Rayo. The land was constantly lushes, a gorgeous place to live, and yet it meant nothing to me anymore. The rock walls that seemed to block out all worry, unclimbable by all, meant little to nothing. No longer were they boulders that seemed to melt away all worry, but now they were large granite structures that seemed to hold me captive. Beauty on the outside, when on the inside they only held the need for revenge, their lifeless frames punishing me for the abandonment of their king. I had passed the narrow tunnel many times in the past few weeks, and yet I never managed to walk through it. It had a forlorn appearance now, and I just couldn’t leave. It was almost as if by leaving I would lose all my memories that held the chestnut paint, Wuuthrex. Yet, while I was here everything was just a constant reminder, bringing up the heartbreak that I had only so few days ago felt. Perhaps it was the way the waves rippled upon the surface of the small, spring fed pond, or the way I could vividly remember the last time we had stood here, body pressed against one another. Or how I could remember our time spent walking through the tree crowded forest, hours on end spent talking about our pasts and depending on one another to understand. Days had drug on to weeks, weeks to months, and before I knew it winter had given way to spring, and spring to summer. The heat that seemed unavoidable everywhere else was milder here, temps reaching the low 80’s as a high. And as the season changed, with it came new scents. No longer was the strong aroma of Wuuthrex clinging to every blade of grass, every tree, and every rock, but now there was one of another, a newcomer. Perhaps this stallion had thought this land barren, and had claimed it for his own. Yet I was still here, little old me, a frantic owner searching for her lost puppy. “Loyalty to me is everything, even truer than the future. Loyalty, for me, does not change, it does not shift. While you are mine I shall safeguard your entirety. Do you understand? I would go so far as to kill to keep you safe.” I could still remember the promise he had made to me, and yet I couldn’t quite understand why he was not here to keep it. Perhaps I had done something wrong, been gone for too long and he had thought I had deserted him, or perhaps something else entirely. Death had been a possibility, and yet I wasn’t almost sure that this wasn’t so. I had only known this stallion for a short time, a few months, and yet I was mourning as if I had known him forever. We had been intimate friends, not even lovers, for we shared no mutual feeling of love, and yet I was awaiting his return solemnly. He had always feared that it was me who would hurt him, and yet now it seemed as if it was the other way around, and I hadn’t been scared at all. A mistake upon my part. And so I let my legs move slowly, walking past the grand entrance to Rayo once more. My frozen pools gazed longingly at the sliver of visible light, half expecting his patchwork frame to emerge, blocking out the sunlight. And yet nothing happened, no one came, and I knew this is the way that it would remain forever. And yet I stood there, waiting loyally, as the bright sunlight glinted off my back and the soft breeze rustled my tassels, forelock dancing upon dished crown.

[atrb=width,500,true][atrb=border,0,true][bg=000000] Dionysus had thrown himself into a very unfamiliar situation. He had no proper training for leading but when his aimless wandering brought him by Rayo, the former leads scent was fading considerably. He figured he'd attempt his luck in this leader business and be the title he was born into. If he was allowed to remain in his fathers land, he was sure the queen, Hera, would be unable to produce a son of her own and Dion would be standing at the princes's table. He'd watch the other children with the longing to join them in their playful banter, but he would be forced by his father's side and thrown into gentleman's training. That however, was just a dream in his wishful mind. He would never be able to be the heir of his father, even if he rightfully was. Dionysus dragged himself back across the boarder of Rayo, his daily patrol and the afternoon spent looking for the other leaders had drained him of the vast majority of his energy. He had been stopped on his trip in the jungle to find a lead named Diavolo, to form an alliance and the one who stopped him was begging for an escape. Dionysus played a commoner quite well and didn't give his position or title away at first. The little filly was quite the spit fire and his head was pounding from the encounter but he found her interesting, intriguing and he put every thought of her away. It was a dangerous game that he knew he was playing with and he figured he'd have to gain the wits and notion to do so. Dionysus would give it time and he would be patient. His unusual eyes softened slightly, barely able to keep them open any longer he paused his steps and shook his head, trying to rid himself of the sleep that threatened him. He had been up since sunrise and he figured he'd get a jump start on finding some others to live within the land but he had spoken to no one. Perhaps it was his lack of social ability or maybe it was because everyone he spotted was locked in vivid conversation with another hopeful fool. Dionysus was never one to confront another nor be pushed into giving another a choice but he knew he'd have to step it up if he was going to make Rayo flourish the way it was suppose to. Though the former lead's scent had finally gone with the passing rain, the smell of those who lingered around the land still remained strong. Dionysus had been curious but made no effort to find any of the mares or stallions who living with Rayo while the old leader was still in charge. He eyed the skies for a moment, breathing in the sweet summer sent and the warm, welcoming breeze that followed. Rayo was still cool even though the summer brought ungodly heat waves and Dionysus often found himself sticking around his home to avoid the heat. As he figured the remaining members did as well. He walked quietly, finding his way around Rayo was quite easy and he pushed through the small entrance way into his vast home and glanced around quietly. He had only made the trip once or twice upon taking over but he figured he'd have to do much more traveling to the outside lands in order to bring home those who needed a place to stay, a shelter. And it was then something in the distance caught his attention. The figure moved quietly and slowly through the lands, lost in her own thoughts and he questioned himself whether or not to interrupt her but he figured the mare would want answers as to why the former leader was no more and he stood in his place. He stepped slowly toward her, keeping a safe distance at his approach. Dionysus was never good with introductions but he needed to get over his issues real quick. He cleared his throat as he neared her and looked her over. She was quite similar to him in coloring but that was it, her face read sadness and he caught onto it almost at once. "Good afternoon." He stated blankly, his dull gaze looking away from her as he spoke and past the open spaces, following the rock wall with an unreadable expression. "You are a follower of the former leader, correct? I'm Dionysus, I claimed Rayo not to long ago...and you are?"

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[atrb=background,http://oi56.tinypic.com/2cei4xg.jpg] I had given up hope, been moments away from turning around and leaving, when a black figure could be seen entering Rayo, rays of light illuminating their frame. My heart jumped, beginning to race as I remembered the first time I had met Wuuthrex. I had accused him of being a shallow stallion, like all the rest, and yet he hadn’t pushed me, never pointed the finger or blamed. And when he had asked me to follow him here I had done so willingly, which had led me to this exact scene. I had stood in this spot, waiting, and he had come. I could still remember the way his face had light up, when he had seen me here. And yet, as I stood awaiting, nostrils quivering, I knew this wasn’t him. He smelled slightly like Rayo now, of the lush greenery that covered the land. He was the stallion that had covered Rex’s scent, took over his home in his absence. Perhaps he would be the same soft soul, perhaps we would get along just dandy. And as he broke through, the sun shining down upon his carcass, I allowed my misty pools to take in everything that was him. His coloring was much like my own, merely a few shades darker. And upon his tendons, detailed only on the right legs, was ivory. His frame was much like my own, a medium build, and yet he stood over a hand taller than me. He stopped a few feet away from me, voice strong as vocal chords rubbed together. Good afternoon. You are a follower of the former leader, correct? I’m Dionysus. I claimed Rayo not too long ago. And you are? I watched him for a moment, bullion orbs smoldering. And then I allowed my frame to move forward, closing the distance as I pressed my muzzle into his. Marqui. My voice came out in a whisper, body thrilled by the sense of another. Perhaps he would allow me to remain here, to call this my home for a time longer, and maybe if I got lucky he would allow me to be the lead, since I did known this land better than any other, had been here longer. OOC- Terrible post, I know. But I'm rushed on time and cramped on muse, so hopefully the next one will be better!

[atrb=width,500,true][atrb=border,0,true][bg=000000] Dion watched her quietly while she stood admiring what she use to have and desired back once more. She lived in a fantasy world, he could see it, the world where her lover stood climbing through the cave with dirty upon his back fighting his way to her once again. It was a lie. Her lover had left her here without so much as a second thought and she still stood waiting for him like it never happened. Like he would return with roses and promises of a better life. What if he did, what if Dion never set foot upon Rayo to take as his own? Would it stop the former leader from taking another leave? His eyes shifted slowly as he watched her facial expressions change dramatically since he had arrived. From a distance he could tell she hoped for someone else but alas he stood at his safe distance and waited for her reply. He didn't know her but he knew she had lived here before he had taken over and he would give her the choice whether or not she would decide to leave for another life, a different one. He felt her eyes travel over him, taking him in inch by inch. Examining him. He didn't do the same, he had watched her enough upon arriving and he didn't want to peer any longer. Dionysus was what the title proved, the title that hung heavy over his shoulders ; the false prince. Though he was older he still held the name to heart, he was Zeus's heir, a lords son but here he remained locked in his own battles. To go home or not to go home? Honestly, the boy had told himself countless times that no matter what he'd never return to his old life and if he did he knew his father would throw him on the throne without a second thought. Hera wouldn't be able to produce a son ; never. There was silence and his train of thought broke almost at once when the feeling inched closer and slowly his icy eyes shifted toward the lack of distance between him and the mare. Her words were a whisper, her breath on his skin and he glanced down just slightly at her and the way she touched him. He was frozen for a split second before he jerked back and inhaled slowly trying to fight the uncomfortable feeling that washed over him. Dion hadn't let anyone touch him after his mother died and recently Aiko had been daring enough to get close but he had the same reaction. He eyed her carefully, his lips pulled into a thin line as he released a muted sigh. "You are to familiar." He said calmly ignoring the struggling feeling to turn and run. He was no coward but he had to work himself into these situations, he wasn't one to jump the gun. "I can sense the longing for your lover to return. I fear if he does, he may not come back to this place. I'll give you the option to stay if you desire to do so. If not, you may take your leave for whatever lies beyond the rock walls." Dionysus spoke calmly even if he was fighting himself on the inside, he would be strong ; he had to be strong.

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