SA | Chapter I | In escence divided

5 shaded FB, 1 shaded headshot, complex BG and roleplay inspired | +27 AP for Cecillia
(I hope it's okay to claim this as complex. It took me forever to make it even slightly resemble a rocky tunnel. And then those stupid crystals :'D I didn't know about Ciel so I counted him as headshot just to be sure!)

The quiet, but constant sound of the river seemed to have a calming effect on Ozzer. He contentedly listened to the murmurs of his companions, watching them, but not speaking. They had turned to each other in their resting state, and he was fine with that. He fully accepted his outsider status. Looking around at each he remembered, as he did every now and then, that though he was an outsider they were all a part of the same herd. Somewhere in Hajim's castle lay census records that included his name, and the name of all of these horses.

Aremis, this caring, polite preist.

Ciel... well, he was enthusiastic and loyal to his god, that was for sure.

Semora, quiet, but apparently there was more to her than they could have guessed.

Cecilia, who was asking all the right questions, even if Ozzer felt she was too young to be on this journey.

And Blaine. He hadn't spoken much since the others had reprimanded him. Ozzer found it hard to think of a kind thought towards the healer given their recent transgression, and yet... they were both part of the same herd. Herd camaraderie was not a feeling he was used to, but the smallest sliver of it sunk in now.

Still without speaking the guide dug around in his saddlebags. When he found what he was looking for he began to pass out small portions of food, evenly divided amongst them. It should be enough to hold them over until they reached the temple. Once everyone else was fed, he settled down a short distance from the others to eat his meal. - Ozzer (Mariahwhy)

--


"Oh yes I used to do a lot of traveling with my teacher before I hurt my wing" He replied to her with a warm smile tugging at his lips. "But whats it like out that f-" He was suddenly cut short by Ciel and the priest couldn't help but laugh, a small vibration in his stomach as he shook his head. He didn't often laugh genuinely and it felt good. Aremis stood back up and nudged the smaller ones neck with his head, it was a playful gesture and also to calm him down. "We are lucky to have someone so strong with us. To protect us"

Later he thanked Ozzer and ate till he was satisfied, he fell asleep next to the river again, letting the sound of the water and the others breathing soothe him into a peaceful and much needed slumber. - Aremis (tea-why)

--


Semora nodded at the priests response to her question then nearly snorted when Ciel attempted to one up her. When Ozzer passes out small portions of food she thanked him quietly and ate her fill. She got comfortable for the night in her spot and silently fell asleep. - Semora (Purrsain)
--

A wave of tiredness soon hit her as she lay down after drinking, listening happily as the others talked. It had been a long day full of walking, talking and full of impressions. It was just so interesting, all of these different horses and they were all headed for a god together. She wondered what it would be like meeting Argus. Ciel apparently knew him and really liked him. If they were good friends, the god would surely show, right? Not to mention Aremis was a priest, those were close to the gods too, weren't they?

Somewhere along the line of eating the food that had been passed out, the others' voices a pleasant background noise to her thoughts, the young filly's eyes slipped close. Her last conscious though being happy that she got to come. "Th'nks, C'l," a sleepy mumble as she drifted off. - Cecillia (Moonlightwalk)

--


The kind priest's words, actions and mere presence filled up the pony's heart and ego to the brim. He now felt a sense of duty; After all, it seemed- to Ciel at least- that all the horses here weren't able to protect themselves. It seems tha' I, the brave and strong Ciel Spyre, must arise to the challenge. He snorted to himself, almost giggling, finding the situation ironic considering he couldn't fight. But he wouldn't tell them that.

As Ozzer began handing out the portions of food, Ciel's mouth instantly salivated. The food smelt so delicious- especially after being concealed from his sight for so long. He awaited eagerly for his, craning his neck to catch a glimpse of everyone else's just to make sure he knew the size of the serving he was getting. When the food was given to him, he wolfed it down, and of course, asked for more. When he found out that everyone had to get equal rations, he felt really sad and went to bed. He lay himself next to Cecilia in an attempt to keep the filly warm, yet her little mumble warmed him up. The night's summary was him trying to stay awake and 'guard' the group, but he fell asleep early and dreamed of home. - Ciel (Fossature)

--


The small Araloosa continued his journey without saying much else. Not to Ozzer - not to anyone. Slowly as the day went on, he felt himself growing weaker and weaker. Something deep inside him felt horribly, physically wrong... and it wasn't from their treacherous hike that day. Ozzer handed out food, but Blaine refused to eat. It wasn't his style to speak up and complain about his problems. After all, there were more serious matters to tend to. So, Blaine decided that it would be best to keep his mouth shut in order to avoid any future confrontations, whether they were intentional or not. He went to sleep that night distant from the rest of his group, sprawled out beside a stone wall, the soft glow of pink crystals illuminating his purply hide. - Blaine (themoonphase)

--
The full RP you can find here.

---

So I started this during the chapter just after the timeskip, but stopped since I couldn't get the background to look cave-y. I really love this scene however and spent the whole day finishing this up today. I hope you guys like it!

I'm especially proud of Ozzer. He really got to me in this particular scene so maybe that's why, haha.

I realize Blaine isn't exactly lying away from them, but Ozzer was already and otherwise they wouldn't have fit on my paper so I made him annoyed instead. Also poor Blaine is no more Dx

---

Art and Cecillia belong to me
Ciel belongs to fossature
Blaine belongs to themoonphase
Semora belongs to purrsain
Aremis belongs to Tea-why
Ozzer belongs to MariahWhy