The name is deceptive.

​

The sea in question is that of the night sky; or, more accurately, the sea of stars that span across the depths of blue-black.

​

Originally, this was a mate-Circle, which is to say a Circle created specifically for the benefit of a mate-bond and a chance to grow a family together. Each were of the celestial bodies, the mare a Rogue of Celestial Light and the stallion a vibrantly colored spark of Eternal Sun. In time, this was the only tie remaining; both founders as well as their offspring were abandoned. Eventually they found new homes, and with these new homes came new stories to be told.

​

Sunspot, the founding stallion, did not handle abandonment well. Attempting to hide behind playful antics, he refused to be the stallion he was for quite some time. That changed when he met Caustic, an abrasive Warrior who took an interest in tearing apart his self illusions.

​

Through this strange, if beneficial, relationship both stallions learned about and grew to appreciate one another. Caustic was constantly being surprised as the bright red stallion exceeded his expectations again and again; and Sunspot learned that fear and laughter did not have to rule his life. As Sunspot began his struggle to grow and find his true self, Caustic remained beside him on the journey; much to Sunspot's terror half the time, as the mild stallion found the intense Warrior a little intimidating.

​

Once the journey had begun Sunspot met with his mate for the first time since this new life had begun; and there he vowed to the depths of his soul to be all that he possibly could be, for the sake of the mare he loved. So it was that in this manner, he and Caustic began to bind themselves in a relationship of mentor and student.

​

Caustic, for his own part, had not been known for more than toying with others up until he met Sunspot. He would shred illusions, corrode the protective cushioning others kept around them, and leave them to rebuild after facing the naked truth at the core of their self-woven imagery. Sunspot, shockingly enough, caught his active interest when he proved a deviation from the norm. The vibrant red stallion was gentle enough to submit to his antics, but strong enough to quickly learn the intended lessons - each of which was designed to help him grow even stronger. In a manner that is as close to affection as the Warrior may be capable of, Caustic has dubbed Sunspot his "project." He won’t abandon this stallion to make due, at the least.

​

In that same regard, he was also getting a lesson in humility himself. A Rogue had joined as a bondmate and, in rather quick order, he learned to respect her. What began as acknowledging a greater power soon developed into respect for the mare herself, however; Eternal had more than raw Rogue abilities, she had a personality he was happy to follow. Gently spoken, she was charismatic, decisive and firm. Once it became clear that he would gladly let her lead him anywhere, the last of the tension between them dissipated and the pair relaxed into a true friendship.

​

Caustic, who was previously a solitary force of destruction, now had a select few of whose company he preferred. With a new view on Rogues and a deeper-running respect thanks to Eternal, he also came to appreciate Shimmer, Sunspot’s mate both for her status as thus and for being a driving force in his rehabilitation. Eternal, likewise, grew to appreciate Sunspot as being important to Caustic - and, having learned of Shimmer through these mutual relationships, she found that not only did she appreciate the mare for the links which already existed but preferred the company of other Rogues like herself. Sunspot, through his link with Caustic, grew to love and appreciate the Warrior's bondmates - in this manner he came to know of and eventually care for Eternal herself, not only for her similarties to his mate but for her own attributes. Shimmer, willing to give those important to her mate any chance, was known for enjoying the company of another Rogue and came to appreciate Caustic for his unorthodox aid to her mate.

​

In the course of these things, preferred company evolved into being those special few who were closest to each. Knowing that she and Caustic had become such friends as to remain connected should all other ties be lost, and knowing that he had in turn become just as close to Sunspot, the pair decided to join their friends in the Circle of the Shining Sea.

​

Neither Eternal nor Caustic have a mate, so for the moment there remains room in their small Circle for each to find one that might prove to be "enough" for them, as well as one other couple. For the moment, however, each is content in the bonds that have been formed; time will tell what mates may be found, as it has told of these unexpected friendships. The Circle of the Shining Sea, that which was named, it is presumed, for the shining sea of stars overhead remains a Circle of the elite; one must prove they are worthy before entrance will even be considered. For among those to bind are Rogues and Warriors, and little red stallions with the strength of a dozen suns.