Duskmare

Overview
Duskmare is a female Thimil Ironcloud Horse, gifted to the royal family of Tharsis from the Fiefdom of Thimia. Duskmare was visited often and tended to in the stable by Lyreff Mercatius Crowe in his childhood.

History
Hand picked by the Thimil royal stable-guides, Duskmare was given to Tharsis as a gift in 609, following one of several grand balls held in Skyscour Castle. A token of representation for the alliance between Tharsis and Thimia, Duskmare's jet-black cloak was seen as representative of Tharsis' ebony forests and penchant for dark color schemes.

However, because of Duke Mercatius' busy schedule and lack of need for a personal steed, Duskmare was usually kept within the Skyscour stables like a trophy, tended to by Sir Walter Victus Dervaux and rode only by the occasional horse-handler to keep her in shape. Only the young and inquisitive Lyreff Crowe would visit her, occasionally bringing vegetables and other treats. Since Lyreff was to be kept inside castle grounds at all times, he was unable to ride Duskmare, but was always hopeful that he would get the opportunity later, and Duskmare was always appreciative of the boy's visits.

Following the execution of the Duke in 616, Lyreff's mother Alamenta Fiore attempted to escape the fiefdom with Lyreff, riding Duskmare all the way towards the turbulent Basilisk' Tongue River, near the border of The March. Ambushed by Black Wolf inquisitors, Alamenta threw Lyreff into the river before attempting to fend off the inquisitors. Alamenta was killed in the struggle, and it is believed that Duskmare was captured and returned to Tharsis.

Appearance and Personality
Despite being slightly smaller than most others of her species, Duskmare is known to be unusually fast, impressing many knights with her speed. Her coat is colored ash-black, and her mane a "shade darker than night". Being noblebred, Duskmare is rather stubborn, and can act especially cold to strangers and unfamiliar faces.

Trivia
Duskmare enjoys eating turnips.