Open Your Eyes (Casica only)

[Afriel]

One, two.. one, two.. one, two.. Luc counted the beats to his trot, pale, blue eyes fixed on the trail ahead. It was a pleasant day. His mate and son were left back in their usual spot, safe from harm. Now it was just a matter of Luc scouting out the edges of his territory, and that was dangerous. Almost every time he found rogue stallions and sometimes bands of bachelors. The fools.

Luc didn't think of his dead daughter much. The memory was too painful and the stallion who had done it had paid. He was dead and gone. Never to harm another foal again. Not that Luc particularly cared what happened to strangers. That was their problem.

The shape of another equine formed between the trees and Luc sped up to a canter, only slowing when he was before the stranger. The beauty of the mare struck him all at once, leaving him unable to speak. Her head was delicate, refined.. lithe body covered with a sleek, onyx pelt and feathered legs. Her eyes were a bright green, slightly covered by her long forelock. "Name," Luc managed.

"Elena," she said, smiling. "I have come to find a home. These are your lands?"

"Yes." The stallion nodded, unaware of the guilt slowing building within him. "You may join the herd."

"Excellent. Lead the way" His eyes lingered on her before he turned and cantered towards the area where he had left Casica and Ag.

"Cascia!" Luc slid to a stop near his mare, smiling brightly. "We have a new member." Finally, his herd was growing.. but Luc would have to hide his feelings for this, Elena, as long as he could. Which might not be long if she continued being beautiful. "Our herd is finally growing stronger." The happiness in his voice was evident, eyes lit up. It was a rare thing that Luc would get this excited anymore. Not since his daughter abandoned him.


Word Count: 321
Muse: Ehh.. not good. Why Luc, why!?

[Casica]

Long legs laid folded neatly beneath the lady. She had returned from her "vacation" as she had told Luc. She forgot to mention about being healed by Athens daughter. Her lost daughter no longer hanuted her. but luc didnt need to know that. Ag trotted away off for some 'Fun" as he called it. She didnt care Knowing that luc was patroling made her mind at ease. Casica turned as the rustling of leaves da startled her and caught her attention. In the clearing appeared Luc. casica stood but grew disgusted at the sight of a mare following him. What a cheesy grin Luc had. Cas knew she was going to be trouble. abd she knew how to handle her. Cas scofed at his words. Our herd. yeah...right it was still his and under that scared happy body laid the lunatic she first met for some reason cas knew that this thing was going to bring him back to his ways. Hello. she grinned at the new mare. poor witch. cas thought she has no idea whats about to come.

[Afriel]

Nearly a week had passed and Luc couldn't have been happier. Well, in truth he probably could have, but things were pretty decent. The new mare, Elena, had caught his attention many times over Casica. But how could he betray Casica that way? It would kill him to loose her and Ag.. They were all he had and how could he bear to go on without them. He couldn't trust this new mare quite yet anyway.

Luc was grazing peacefully beside Casica, but his mind was not on his mate but on his dead daughter. She was dead because he had failed her. Self-hatred burned deep within him, a fire growing slowly but strongly.

Elena trotted over, tail trailing along Luc's body and he twitched, not realising it wasn't Casica until he looked up. "Oh, Elena. Hello." He lowered his head back to the grass, chewing and swallowing quietly.

"I was thinking.." her voice was quiet, but she made sure it was loud enough for Casica to hear. "Why aren't I lead mare?" Luc froze, muscles tensing.

"A stallion's mate is the one he shares leadership with." He was furious, horrified that this gorgeous mare was a traitor to her own gender.

"Well... I could arrange that," she whispered.

"I think not." Elena stomped a hoof, putting herself between Lucifer and Casica.

"You would rather have that common piece of filth over me? I'm the mare every stallion wishes he had over their ugly, whorish mares." Luc felt the rage rising up, overcoming the kindness and calm he had worked so hard to achieve for Casica and Agrona's sakes.

"I am a stallion of honor now and I will not break the vows I made to my love. But do not mistake me. You, Elena, are the whore. Are there any stallions you haven't let touch you? You are impure.. but I dare not strike a mare. Even if she is the herd harlot."

"How dare you!" Elena reared, striking Luc in the head. He merely jumped back, avoiding her blows. He wouldn't lower himself by attacking a female. Even if she did deserve it.

[Casica]

Casica felt at ease. her life was forming its way to normal. She now had domince and wasent the only female around. Small snips of grass were stuck in her teeth as she worked hard to remove them. Ears pinned back as the mare came near her stallion. She watched with fury as she played her little games with him. The ladies words of lead mare struck her hard. Luc would stick up for her and she knew it. Pride rushed her as Lu turned her down. Head lifted higher as cas was called a piece of no good that a stallion didnt want. Ha.... she laughed to herself. What stallio would want a mare that would always need protection and couldnt hold her own. casica knew that Luc would never attack a mare...but that would stop her. Casica leaped out towards the whore mare knowing she could take her. Teeth aimed at the creatures neck hoping she could cause some pain. Afterall thats what leads do.. the enforce their power. Right?

[Afriel]

Luc stared proudly as Casica struck out at the mare. Elena squealed in pain, leaping forward, flesh and hair tearing from her neck. Elena whipped around, delicate head dripping with blood trailing down from her neck. "You bitch!" She lept forward, legs flailing out infront of her, but instead of going down on the lead she jumped sideways, staring hopefully at Luc. He laughed, knowing Casica would easily win against her.

Elena whimpered, reaching out with her muzzle aiming to sink her teeth into Casica's side. Luc would never do anything to impune Casica's honor. She was a proud mare.. and rightfully so. "I wouldn't call her names Elena. She's much more skilled than you. You might end up dead." Luc laughed darkly, admiration in his pale eyes as he watched his mate.

[Casica]

Casica felt proud in feeling the taste of blood and hair in her mouth. hah bitch. she thought. Casica stood still as the mare kicked to the side. Head turned back sharply avoiding the blow of the ares teeth. If you know whats good for you you will stop now. casica backed away happy at lucs words and pride of herself. She trotted away to the river to rid the tast of bloo from her mouth. casica did worry though. She trotted along the river to a shallow spot. what if Luc begins to ignore her and take a shine to the whore? Hair fliped as she felt blood. Damn the btich got her. Oh well not like she hasent gotten scars before. Head shock as she draged her muzzl along the waters surface. The thought of Luc bringing in another somewhat made her loose her thirst. She went out and water dripped from her barrel wondering if Luc would come for her or if she would have to go back.

[Afriel]

Luc snarled at the mare as she advanced towards him once Casica had walked away. "You should leave before Casica gives you all you deserve."

"You mean leadership?" She was trying to glare, but failed, the softness in her eyes visible. She clearly found him attractive even under all his scars.

"No. I mean death," he retorted, trying to stay strong. Instincts were at work within him, hormones raging. "Leave now harlot!" He roared in fury, more for himself than the mare, and galloped in Casica's direction. Elena was beautiful.. so dersirable, but she was weak.. and Luc had no room for her kind in his herd. He wanted strength and intelligence in his little band.

"Casica. Thank you for what you did." He moved his scarred body closer, studying her with gentle eyes. "She is worthless and I told her to leave.." Luc didn't know if she would obey, but it was worth a try. If not, Casica could always force her out. This brought a smile to Luc's maw, eyes glittering. Casica was so strong and beautiful. Perfect. The perfect mate. He longed to tell her all he felt for her, but she was indeed a proud mare. Love was sometimes considered a weakness to many Ignis and lust replaced it. It was a sick view. Love only made you stronger if you knew how to handle it.

[Casica]

Casica rolled in the sand. She hated feeling clean. Ears perched high on her head and turned as she heard her stallion approaching her. She arose leaving in the sand a faint trickle of blood tat soon would be carried away by the waters. You did not have to tell her to leave. I know how much you want more in your herd. Theirs a mare like that in every herd. casica reached towards him trying to hide the bite mark. is kinda stung. dumb bitch. I know her lines... She will not leave if she is true to her blood. casica stepped back and looked at him. besides.. she uttered I think I can hold my ow against her A small smile ran her face. She hated that mare with every bit of her soul. but Luc didnt need to knwo that He didnt need to know the hatred and lust hidden in the whores family past

[Afriel]

"You did not have to tell her to leave. I know how much you want more in your herd. Theirs a mare like that in every herd." The stag listened quietly, respecting her right to speak freely. "I know her lines... She will not leave if she is true to her blood." He watched her move, still silent. "besides.. I think I can hold my own against her." At this he smiled and nodded.

"I know you can."

(So.. I'm skipping this so we can get moving xD)

Lucifer was at the other side of the territory, leaving Casica with a whole day to herself. Plus he got time for himself as well, but his time would be filled with work and protecting his lands. There had been several rogue stallions sneaking about the edges of this area and he felt the urge to 'seek and destroy'.

Elena waltzed up behind Luc and bit his rump gently. "Cas- Oh, it's you." His ears went back ever so slightly, eyes narrowed.

"Oh please. You know you want to.. so just get it out of your system and I'll leave you and her at peace." Luc couldn't deny he wanted the harlot, but he knew how deeply it would hurt her.. Cas was all the way at the other end of the territory... and this would rid them of her for good. Doing this would be for the greater good.

"Silence bitch." Luc went around behind and went to work. He threw himself off her, mind and heart writhing in agony. What had he done? Betrayl! Traitor! His mind screamed. "You fool!" He launched himself at the ebony mare tearing and slamming his hooves into her body. All the while she screamed until she lie upon the forest floor, eyes wide, and blood everywhere. There was barely a space free of the crimson liquid. Rage had done this to him. He was a traitor. A murderer. Cas would know.. she and Agrnoa would know! The now red stag lifted his head to see Casica at the other side of the clearing. Shit.

[Casica]

Casica felt herself trot like a giddy filly towards her stallion. Her season had come to and she kenw that this was what Luc had wanted. She knew he wanted to try again.and cas was ready. She slowed to a halt as she hear the harlots voice. What the hell she thought to herself as she watched luc fall to her charm. Eyes widened as she saw him go from a lusty ignis to a cold murderer. Ears pinned back as she stepped through teh clearing when he caught sight of her. Dont talk. she said. rudely. I thought you were a stallion of honnr.. I thought you were trustworthy and truthfull. That was why I loved you that was why I stuck by you even when you went crazy.. her voice trailed off. But your no differnt than the lustful ass I first met. At that she stopped not even wanting to hear a word from his mouth. She trotted away...makeing sure her scent was obvious. She was pissed she didnt know what she was going to do or where she was gong but she couldnt stay with Luc...

[Afriel]

"Dont talk." She said, and Lucifer twitched. "I thought you were a stallion of honor.. I thought you were trustworthy and truthfull. That was why I loved you that was why I stuck by you even when you went crazy.. But your no different than the lustful ass I first met." He watched her walk away, seemingly uneffected.

"Huh.." he mumbled, looking down at the bloody corpse. "Not as pretty as before."

"Lucifer.." it moaned, eyes wide open.

"Per nomen dea!" Luc jumped back. She was still alive. She was still alive! He hadn't killed her.. Oh gods, she was breathing. What would he do? Finish her? No. He had to find Cas. The finality of her words was beginning to sink in. He could feel the floodgates carefully built to hold back his insanity starting to crack and leak.

"Lucifer... was such violence really needed?"

"Hello?" He lept sideways and back again, eyes wide and ears flicking around, searching for the source of the voice.

"You idiot. It's me."

"Great. Naneth."

"Hehe, that's right. Now I'm going to help you get your dear mare back!"

"Lucifer, you crazy freak!" Elena stood, blood still covering every inch of her but wounds healed. "You tried to kill me!"

"Actually, he did kill you dearie."

"She can't hear you Naneth..."

"Oh really?" The female voice huffed, and spoke again. "He did kill you, mare." Elena fell to her knees, gasping as she did so. "You're not really alive. Look, your body is still there."

"So.. I'm some kind of a ghost?"

"Unfortunately. Now goodbye." Luc trotted off towards the usual spot where he and his lo- her rested. Ag would be back soon and maybe he'd help his dear old dad, but Luc didn't have much hope. He was truly sorry for what he had done

"Wait!" Elena moved up next to him. "I'm sorry I screwed things up between you and Casica."

"No, you're not."

"I know.. but I'll help."

"Do as you please. I can't kill you any more." Even though you want to.. over and over and over again. Naneth giggled in his mind and he grimaced. Casica was gone.. she had seen him murder another.. and it had been a mare making it even more horrible.

Agrona came into sight. A small smile fluttered across Luc's mouth before fading. His son was so strong and proud. Like his mother. Maybe he was better off without Luc.. "Agrona," he called, pale coat smeared with slowly drying blood.


Notes: *sighs* Luc is crazy. Poor stally.. Yeah, Naneth is a goddess talking to him through his mind(what's left of it) and Elena is just the ghost of her.. so he's kinda being haunted. I figured he deserved to be tortured. *shrugs*

[Casica]

Ag fought through the final bit of clearing. in order to reach his familys resting place. Body now had formed near maturity. The pupiless eyes searched as muscels ripped with intensity at every step. Head pushed through the last branch and saw the sight of his father covered in blood. Ag had an uneasy feeling in his stomach when he realized it was the blood of another. The smell and the tint of the color had ag believeing it was a mares. Eyes shifted quickly looking for his dear mother. Muscels tensed as he saw his fathers smile. Where is my mother. He demanded n his low voice. Now ag was ot worried faceing his father.he could take him it would certainly be an interesting fight. Ag was ready to leap if the blood that covered his father was from his mother. ail swished as a propeller preparing for flight

[Afriel]

"Don't you dare speak to me like that." Easy big guy.. easy... Elena watched uneasily, shifting from side to side. Luckily the younger male couldn't see her. "Whether you like me or not, I am your elder. Your mother chose to leave merely because I punished another how I saw fit. I am the protector of these lands and the other was a danger." His voice was low and dangerous, hatred building in his eyes.

Lucifer! Please, don't get angry. Naneth was crying now, but Luc ignored her pleas. Oh, it's too late for that. He responded in his head. "It seems you are a danger here too." Teeth barred and body was ready for an attack. All the horses lived many years in Ander and that made sure younger stallions didn't get the chance to remove their elders from the land. Sure Ag was muscular now, but Luc was slightly more and he had the experience. The crazy stag laughed darkly. "You can either help me find your mother or perish." Elena tried to ram into Luc but she went straight through him.

[Casica]

Ags head shifted downwards but not retreating. He cocked his head. I knwo their is more to it then that. Mother would only run if you....... ag grew increasingly angrey knowing what had hapened when he saw the mares body next to Luc. I knwo what happened now. I will find My mother but no guarentess i will be comming back. ever. With that ag trotted off hopwing to at least catch a hint of his mothers scent. That bastard. Ag though to himself How could he betray mom like that Ag could control his lust so why couldnt Luc? He shook his head trying to forget what cruelness that had occured to his mother. Now he had to find her. after all a young man was in charge of his mother and was suppose to take care of her. After all Luc hadent. In the clearing he spotted his mother and another stallion. Ag id knwning his mother would do what was best. but he knew he better eport back to Lu. Ag trotted back He aproached his father. They are 3 miles west of here. I say they becase she is with Hazar. He trooted off away from his father ag wanted no part in his soon horrible temper

[Afriel]

"Mother would only run if you... I know what happened now. I will find My mother but no guarentess i will be coming back. ever." He laughed. "That's good because I've never wanted you." Again, he laughed watching the retreating form of his son. "I hate him. Both of them." That's the rage talking. Luc merely cackled, awaiting Ag's return.

"They are 3 miles west of here. I say they becase she is with Hazar." Lucifer looked amused. "Really? I didn't think the bitch would do it." He laughed at Agrona as he left and Luc headed to Hazar's territory.

There they were. "Fucking I see? Just like the other harlot." You don't need that language. Just be calm.. she'll understand. Lucifer sighed, watching the two horses. Instead of uncontrollable rage he felt the depression creeping up on him. It stabbed and tore at his soul. "Casica," he began weakly, "Please.. can I speak with you?" Rejection would kill him. If she chose Hazar he would die. In more ways than one.