"But the dream, the echo, slips from him as quickly as he had found it and as consciousness comes to him (a slap and not the gentle waves of oceanic tides), it dissolves entirely. His muscles relax as the cold claims him again, as the numbness sets in, and when his grey eyes open, there’s nothing but the faint after burn of a dream often trod and never remembered." --Brigade, written by Laura
01-18-2017, 03:30 PM (This post was last modified: 01-18-2017, 03:32 PM by Kataclysm.)
It had been many moons since the slick black mare had been within the boundaries of Beqanna. It had been to much being the mother-like sister to poor Kalamity, and the pressure of being a good mother for Godric when she herself had no idea what that was (only what it wasn't). She was there for her sister as she setting in the jungle, she was there for Godric, but she left after that. She needed away she needed space, quiet, to be devastatingly alone. So she fled to the out-lands, to beyond where the silence was deafening but glorious, and devastatingly alone was just perfection. She had missed the raids of the desserts that angered the fae, she had missed the reckoning that had torn Beqanna apart before putting it together anew, forever changed. Somewhere she had missed her mother's return from, well who cares where. Her wicked Mother, who had scorned her from things she had no control over. Tossed her aside as she was too plain, too simple for the gift loving mare. The way she cooed over everything Khaos did still boiled the blood within her veins. None of it really mattered now. Oswyn had thrown herself on the sand at the Beach. She had foregone life as to attempt entrance into whatever realm she thought her precious Khaos existed in.
The outlands have a away of spitting you out when you need it, even if you didn't think you were ready, they knew when you needed to go back. Kataclysm was no exception to the rule, and she had found herself back within Beqanna before she realized where she had wandered. At first she wish only to return, but she knew better, at walked further in. It was then the black mare realized her star no longer glowed, and that something was terribly wrong as a large mountain had grown from the flattest of lands. A rushed conversation gave her the information she needed before she made her way onward. Funny how she could feel in her bones that her mother had passed but hadn't a clue what had happened to the land itself. The black mare had been to the beach, and looked out onto the water and cursed her mother for her obvious disdain. She had screamed all the things she never told her, all the dreams and wishes that never were because of her until her voice gave out. There was no reply, how could there be? Simply impossible, she was not a ghost-shifter and she was alone along the sandy coast. Silence surrounded her save for the waves and the occasional call from a seagull. She waited for far to long in a silent internal battle, in until she cried out one final time before tears fell down her face. So many years ago she had bottled up her feelings and emotions. So long ago she had put on a brave face because she had to. It had been so long she had all but forgotten the hurt and anger... well not the anger but the hurt for sure. She had convinced herself long ago that it was just sad and disappointing, but the screams-turned -sobs proved otherwise. She stood on that beach until there was nothing left the tears had turned from vocal cries to silent steams, until even those dried away from her cheeks as the wind whipped her forelock from her eyes. It wasn't until then that she simply closed her eyes, turned and left.
Kataclysm had ventured toward the place where the jungle had been, for no reason other than it was where her sister had been, no other reason than it was familiar. She had never really felt that she was home there, even if she had been tattooed by the spirit (which had vanished long ago). But even the jungle had been changed with the passage of time as it was gone. replaced with the unknown. So she moved out ad away. Learning the new land that was also her childhood home-- it was an odd sensation. She didn't rush, just took in that she could before she grew bored with her self guided tour. The spring was a good time visit the rolling fields, so she ventured there and luckily found it bustling like usual. A smile fell upon her lips at the sight, sounds, and smells of something so familiar. She felt lighter having left the beach... but only an actual interaction would tell if it would be enough to change her personality. She still felt bold, undeterred by the whims of others, but who knew if the snarky prickly sarcasm would still be there. She waltzed in the open and simply waited, she always thought she was worth a pursuit.
Nayl didn’t have great or sorrowful memories that hardened her with time. She didn’t have a poor childhood or an awful role model that twisted her. She merely learned from the mistakes of others. Having watched her mother crumble desperately for love was enough to deter the then-young Nayl from ever seeking such sexual companionship. It brought about tides of misfortune that eventually led to Myrina’s death. Mother had been weak, and she was distracted from the Jungle. It killed her in the end, weakened her into a figment of what she had always wanted to be. She bore children, but nothing more came from her. No true happiness, no success or achievements. She was simply alive; she did not truly live.
Watching mistake after mistake guided Nayl into an opposite direction. She forged her own path through fire and ice, and now stands here in the field as something far greater than Myrina could ever have imagined. A land, a crown, and a singular friend; that’s all she truly needs with the exception of a legacy-bearing heir. Perhaps a political child will be born one day, but for now, Nayl finds solace in what she has now.
With Nerine hushed by the endless tide, Nayl has decided to venture out in hopes of hearing more conversations one day in her home (as well as more that she can learn to admire and trust). Coming here is familiar, but only slightly, as she has avoided this troublesome task most of her life. Alas, she can’t expect others to always do her bidding, right? Content in her brief solitude, her autumn eyes scope out the myriad of faces until she sees a singular mare not yet burdened by others. Quickly and quietly, Nayl closes the distance between them with an expression mirroring the mare’s. ”The name is Nayl. You?” As most know, she isn’t an eloquent speaker. Her brash and blunt personality put an end to idle small talk. It just wastes time. ”I come from Nerine which now houses the former Jungle’s sisterhood.” Some latch onto the fibers of the past hopefully while others brush it away disinterestedly. Curious as to which she is, Nayl allows the statement to simply hang in the silence between them.
You could say destiny brought her to the field today. I mean why today and not any other? She had reason to stay within the borders of Sylva. Her child, not more than a couple weeks old was reason enough to stay put. She had amusement there also in male form so seeking another toy was not her purpose. So destiny is must have been. Pulling her from her homeland to seek... Well she wasn't sure exactly. She crossed many lands, many obstacles. She was accompanied by no one, not even the Raven that followed her from Pangea. Her saving grace from the Krampus creatures. No even he, she left back in Sylva with her winged child. To watch over him. Though she was sure Stillwater would keep his side of the bargain as she would hers. Protecting her and her child as long as she stayed in Sylva for him...With him. He had his reasons to keep her as she did for him. A partnership of sorts... Sticks and Stones, Love
Travel this far by land took days. It was not a trip she took lightly but she felt the need to do so. Finally the forests of Sylva turned to Tagia. Short swim across the river leading to the darkened Forest of Beqanna and eventually the trees gave way to the open Field. A port of sorts for those seeking homes, adventure... companionship. Endless opportunity presented itself here. She herself learned what she needed to know of the new lands of Beqanna then set out to find purpose. As she did today, setting out to find purpose. Maybe to guide another to theirs...
Breaking through the shadows she swiftly scanned the region. Keen senses pointed her in the direction of a scent. A familiar scent that faintly lingered. Lips curled to a demonic grin as she knew the scent all to well. But why was it here? Surely it was stained on the coat of another. Stillwater wasn't hers or anyone's really. He kept company of many others and it didn't jar her the way it did some. The sea salt brine was strong with this one as well. She moved swiftly in the direction of which it sourced. Bringing into view a duo of equines. A black was one and a steele gray blotched the other. Their scents labeled both female. Her approach was bold and forward. Crown held high with lobes thrusted forward in assertiveness but not threatening. As she neared her smirk became more noticeable. A flame sparked within her orbs then as she measured them. The black had a depth about her. Reminding her of herself in a way. A history with as much heartache as she buried deep within. The blotched mare on the other hand held her head with purpose, authority, demand. A name was caught on the breeze, Nayl. It was a familiar name she had heard in passing before. She halted nearer to the black. The breeze now to her back. A polite head nodd to each of the mares but her grin grew evermore. The scent that brought her here was from the blotched mare now before her. She wasn't much for names and titles but this could be fun. Looking to the black mare she announced her name and proposition, Karaugh from the forests of Sylva. Appointed diplomat by Stillwater under the rule of Djinni... Pausing slightly for the words to sink in. Watching for the expression Nayl would release. Surely she would smell the thick scent of Stillwater upon her flesh. She continued but looked to Nayl this time, It's good to meet you finally Nayl. It's been overdue. I've been meaning to make an official Kingdom visit but... Child and all my time has been.... consumed lately. Her words had purpose and meaning but only few knew what exactly. Attention then landed back upon the black mare. She interested her greatly. Feeling as though they may be one in the same. Formalities then business, I may have missed your name but I doubt I would have. What is your name? She waited for an answer as she studied the Queen of Nerine. A slight demonic twinkle in her eye.
