[ AW ] I Believe in You

B

riney winds and the chill of the air, a wintry reminder of the years gone by, settled in memories tinged with both frost and sun, Rafiel stepped across the shores, light on his paws, his heart open to the ways of the world and time. It was his hope that, perhaps, he would find a home here in Rionnach after having been uprooted from his own, first by the merciless, scorching wildfire, and then by the ravagings of a war he had no desire in which to partake.

He did not mind the cold, his thick pelt embracing his body in a fit of perfection, guarding his warmth, cloaking in him heat and light. He kept it in good condition, and even though he was not one for vanity, his sister Mirah taught him to appreciate cleanliness, the ability to manipulate one’s presentation—he would need to appear respectable, after all, as a Zyphear knight.

Today was no exception, to be sure. Rafiel felt something was about to happen.

@Ramses

art by Lunicea, code by Yahtzee-Penguiduck

T

he young Captain drifted away from his duties now that they've all been handled. Ramses wasn't a man who skirted the responsibilities he'd been handed, but he was learning that it was important to take some time away from his tasks. Today he strolled the beaches of the Sussex. Black sand pressed between his toes with each stride he took. The sound of the water crashing against precarious cliffs reached his waiting ears, and the salt laden air filled his lungs. It brought him a sense of serenity that wasn't often felt by the sunshine eyed male. It was strange, but welcome all the same.

Impressions of his paw prints were left in his wake as he strolled, his golden gaze taking in the scenery before him. His life had been a tragic turn of events, but ever since he joined the Imperial Army he'd been able to shine. Ah, but he didn't want to think about the terrors he'd fled. There was a reason he left that life behind. Dwelling wouldn't change anything; he could only move forward.

His gaze snapped to the form of another as they appeared around a subtle bend. It wasn't often he spoke to those outside of his comfort zone, but maybe he should start. The male looked like he was capable and strong. Perhaps this was an opportunity to see if he could recruit him? "Salutations," he called, his voice remaining cordial as he approached with his head raised. "Enjoying the scenery?" Ramses could admit he wasn't the best with small talk.

art and code by Yahtzee-Penguiduck

@Rafiel

F

rom the grand lands of Rionnach, other kingdoms bordered its magnificence, a culmination of cultures and creed, diversity and disparity. There was much he learned from his homeland, his siblings, his mother and father, and even from the fellow knights of the realm. They worked together, seamlessly preserving the light of the lands, driving out the evil that so threatened the livelihoods of the innocent.

Rafiel looked beyond the horizon, eyes like the palest shade of cerulean, a reflection of a calm sky into a pristine pool on summer afternoon. Truly, he missed the customs of his homeland, the celebrations, the ceremonies and gestures from his own people. The siblings had, of course, knighted their dear Lilith after the wild fires, but it was challenging, certainly, finding meaning individually without a cohesive mission for them all to protect their order.

As he rounded a bend, one paw placed in front of the other, he noticed a man, someone dignified, head held high, respectable. “Salutations, indeed!” Rafiel said, pleased to meet someone so amicable—he had ventured out in order to find some peace among the pacing thoughts of his mind, but he welcomed his gregarious nature any time the opportunity surfaced.

“Why, yes, good sir!” he said. “Very much so. This place is a beauty, and so is the capital. I must admit I wish I had clones of myself—it would take a long time to fully explore these lands and cherish every nook of wonder.” He took a step back, pausing for a moment, only to realize what was missing. “But, where are my manners?” He dipped his head toward the stranger politely. “I am Rafiel Zyphear, my good sir. Might I have the pleasure of your name?”

@Ramses

art by Lunicea, code by Yahtzee-Penguiduck