ORIGIN

slumber had found him. it was not like the slumber that encapsulated him during his time within the chrysalis. he found it to be lighter, less of a comfort. he'd learned something, a brand of fear that seemed to keep him from achieving true sleep. and instead, seemed to only doze, drifting slightly off. a pebble being kicked, a twig snapped, a splash against a puddle: every little sound seemed to revive him to wakefulness, and he'd lumber a step or so into what he assumed to be a hiding place within the mist. there was only so much the colt could do, only so much he'd attempt. forcing himself to consider other pursuits, he'd wander deeper into cetus's folds. the murk had grown thick, the mist and shadows looming across. fear? was this something to be fearful of? he did not want to consider that, and instead spurred himself further. the swamp climbed at his long limbs, the muck's suction seemingly stronger at ever step. the blackened limbs gathered fatigue, and they seemed even heavier to lift. he was thankful, that after a few more strides he'd found his footing on something far more solid, drier. he'd began to clamber out, but it seemed as though the swamp was not through. a stone's throw from the divine, his hind limbs remained caught in the swamp's grip, and cetus was not yet ready to let go. he'd struggle, his front knees rested on the solid ground, while he'd pitch his weight forward despite the tiredness of his body...

post roll edit

it seemed it had worked. it seemed to take forever, and far more effort than he could afford. he could not count the attempts it'd taken, but on the final throw of his weight, something seemed to give. his heft seemed to almost pop free. spent, the best he could manage was to roll himself free of the muck. he'd lay there, resting on his side.