The Academy: The world will never ever, be the same.

The Academy was a stark, almost frightening contrast to the blood-stench and grim violence of Blitzkrieg. Delilah was not yet overcome by a sense of obvious belonging because she was still a warrior, perhaps until she could name a teacher of her own and a list of lessons that she might endeavour to complete. This part (the pursuing of set tasks and objectives) she had learnt from Formaldehyde, and inwardly she had always favoured their conversations about his academic career- she knew that she would’ve excelled should she have chosen that path initially. For now she was lonely while few glances from busily studious horses passed her way.

She dithered humbly along the perimeter, for she had never truly come to watch or listen; never seen the way groups gathered to talk of beliefs and values. Never the less, Delilah was glad to be relieved of the pressure of technique and the quality of the ever-changing weather. A flicker of movement drew the mare’s attention around, and a great bright smile gathered across her thin black lips. She was utterly thrilled as Oceantree traipsed through the long green grass towards where Delilah was lingering.

“Yes!” She giggled adoringly as she pranced forward, quickly closing all that remained of the space between them. “It is me! Areyou shocked?” Delilah’s flaccid nostrils fluttered affectionately as she welcomed her long-time friend’s gentle touch. “I am a fool for thinking I could fight like the legends of our home.” She sighed, though it was not regretful or sullen and her smile did not fade. “I tried for a great many seasons. Fighting is not second-nature to me- not like socialising.” She reached forward, tracing the line where black met white on Oceantree’s matted neck.

“You have no been taking care of yourself.” She insisted then, because it was obvious and her condition had deteriorated since that time so long ago by the cool still waters in Desreal. “Why?” She began to nibble gently at the dried mud, which had caked into dreads throughout her stringy mane.

Delilah
unranked | lightning III + aurora australis | andarin