The Refugee

<sub>Linus frowned, his brows furrowing in confusion as he stared down at Kin, the large harlequin Lamarian whose magic was used to hold open interdimensional portals - namely, the one to Alderann. And speaking of...

"...Come again?"

Kin let out a grumbly sigh, flicking an ear in muted irritation as he prodded his tail vaguely in the direction of the portal. 'You know how my portals are designed to only let people from this world enter an exit? Well these two somehow got through...' His voice appeared in Linus' head, a deep rumbling that sounded like thunder in the distance, and was just as fleeting.

Linus's confusion only got more pronounced at that, however he didn't bother to question the Lamarian further, simply nodding and standing. "Alright, I'll check it out. Thank you, Kin." He said absently, barely noticing as Kin rumbled in response as he left the office.

As he walked, Linus soon caught sight of the pair Kin had mentioned earlier, and he immediately understood why the lion had been so disturbed. The pair was clearly Alderannian. By all accounts, they should not have been able to make it through. Infact, they should not even have known that there was a way out of Alderann. Either one of the SPaVES lot had been careless, or there was stronger magic in Alderann than they realised - at any rate, neither option was comforting.

Linus had just reached the pair - a humanoid and a horse - when the former began to speak. "You are Liyanus?" The stranger demanded, his voice haughty and weighted with a lifetime of privellege, his pale golden eyes fierce and cutting in his face. Linus swallowed but stood firmly and crossed his arms over his chest - hoping the action looked tough, rather than defensive. "Indeed. And who are you? How did you get through the portal?" He asked, still frowning.

The stranger's eyes narrowed, and for a moment he was silent, before his expression split into a sharp-fanged smile that did nothing to set Linus at ease. "There are some tricks my people have that still have not spread across Alderann as of yet. However you need not feel fear, Liyanus. I am Prince Tzarik, of Shadowvale. I come..." and here, the man's dark face twisted into an ugly expression, though it was not one of menace so much as disgust. "I come... seeking.. sanctuary..."

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Realising it would be a long, difficult conversation, Linus brought the Shdowvalian prince back to his office, and there he got the full story out of the man. The story of how Tzarik himself was a bit of an outcast due to his alternative ways of thinking. How the Shadowvalian army marched on the surrounding villages and towns, pillaging and stealing, trying to dominate the whole of Alderann by the force of steel and dragonfire. How the alchemists of the Vale had created a strain of horse uncaring of its own welfare - one only interested in protecting the lives of its masters, and decimating all those that stood against their will.

"I... this war, it has been too long. You who live in this alternate reality, this other dimension... you have no feel for wars. You come to Alderann with smiles and adventure in your hearts, believing yourselves so great, so mighty. But you know of nothing. About nothing. Not of Alderann, not truly. You see the sheltered caves, and the fishing villages... the wild lands unowned by any. However Alderann is my home - home of my fathers... I have seen her at her finest... and I must now endure her at her worst. And I now say enough. No more."

"I will deal with Alderann from within. The Shadowvale is a dark and dangerous place to those who try to look in from without, but I am her prince, and I will prevail. However I need to make use of your portal... I wish to have all the horses of my father's cavalry taken away. It will be a small but crucial blow to his forces. Therefore, I will need you and yours to hide these creatures. Keep them secret, keep them safe. My father's eyes can see far within Alderann, however he has no power here. I am counting on that..."</sub>

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*le awkward cough* Okay, got a bit carried away thar. Who can tell I've been watching too many fantasy-adventure movies? xD;

Anyways, first glimpse of my new breed, the Snjorrir! Well, semi-new xD You've been introduced to them through my other breed, the Snjorstur Draught. However where the Snjorsturs are gentle giants, the Snjorrir were bred to be fierce in a battle - fearless and ruthless, but undyingly loyal to their owners and riders.

Imports will be making an appearance soon But for now... meet the first new resident of SPaVES! 8D