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  • Beqanna

    COTY

    Assailant -- Year 226

    QOTY

    "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


    Lead me into the dark and I shall follow; Any
    #1

    winter wonderland

    The ivory male slowly slips through the seemingly endless barage of trees, their colours reflecting into his crimson eyes, that now pranced along the landscape of this intriguing new land. The white stallion walked with ease along the damp forest floor, his legs confidently creating imprints in the ground as he followed a clearing in search of water, the scent was obscured, somewhat hard to find for whatever reason.


    Ruinam snorted loudly, his nostrils flaring as he shook his head violently, his body free to move through the cold air silently, in an instant his stride expanded as he began to trot, moving his legs forward, extending them with each step he took, the stallion was hovering now as he moved along the coloured floor with repose. The stallion was now at the water source, the clean, crisp water slapping against the earth that surrounded its skeleton, bringing comfort to his ears, everything was so serene, an absolutely perfect balance for him to enjoy. The snowy male perched his frame atop the edge of the water, drooping his neck downward in order to reach the water, his Roman nose aching as he inhaled the deeply cold air that rested above the water source. The male began to drink the cool liquid, the blue water rushing down his throat, calming him at the same time. His thirst was now satisfied for the time being.


    So far Ruinam was enjoying Sylva, it was intriguingly beautiful to him, a land that seemed to be perpetually launched into autumn, the leaves decorating the forest floor in display. The colours pleased Ruinam in a great manner, like the land, Ruinam was lost in time as well, time passing by him as he lay peacefully beside a tree, differently shaped leaves cascading from the sky, falling onto his delicate milky white coat.
    There didn't seem to be as many creatures dwelling through the land, but Ruinam was all right with this, in the end, everything was slightly more peaceful without the constant patter of curious squirrels and the grunts of amourous deer, everything was perpetually peaceful, he could finally rest his thirsty eyes.
     

    Ruinam
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    #2
    And in the darkened underpass I thought,
    "Oh Satan, my chance has come at last!"


    The solidarity and peacefulness, also, settle with Valdis. Hyaline had been so clustered, so turbulent with voices carries on every sigh of air. It’s difficult, typically, to stand out among so many. Although it was a simple feat for a princess, the ease of it dissipated as age matured her and led her away from mother’s teat. Nearly in the snap of a finger, Valdis has regressed from princess to… what? A mere resident? A nobody?

    Instantly, her body bristles. She isn’t built to be so low in a hierarchy, to sit idle and allow the world to pass her by.

    With a purpose in her step, Valdis roams the inner webbings of Sylva’s trees, memorizing the intricate details of the autumnal scenery and the lucid ponds that ripple when a single leaf kisses its surface. The serenity is a lullaby that could easily lull her into a sleep if not for the racing of her heart as she inwardly maps out her goals and expectations. With her frustration building, she almost welcomes a distraction as a means to settle herself down, to compose herself.

    To see him resting – yet another male in their midst – is enough to reel her away from the shadows of her thoughts and relieve her. A breath fills her lungs and settles her down almost immediately. She waits – one heartbeat, then two and three – before stepping meticulously through the underbrush to stand in front of him. ”The boys here seem to always be tired,” a shrug ripples through her slender shoulders as a teasing grin lifts the corners of her mouth, ”or lazy.” Of course, she isn’t so honest as to mean this. The expression painted across her pretty face is enough to confirm that.

    And then, as though an afterthought, she adds, ”I’m Valdis.”



    VALDIS
    But then a strange fear gripped me and I just couldn't ask.



    @[Ruinam]
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    #3

    winter wonderland

    The pink-tipped eyelids of the male slowly swing open as his ears picked up the sound of distant walking, his eyes now scanned the colourful backdrop as he looked for what made the noise. A figure appeared infront of him, vibrant colours decorating her body as she halted in front of the ivory stallion.
    Ruinam slowly lifted his head until his eyes met hers, her lips already are moving in speech as he slowly stood up, "I have only just got here, and you are already calling me lazy?" at first his voice portrayed a serious deep tone, but this was simply because he did not socialise that often.
    The stallion now stood in front of the mare, orange and yellow leaves decorating his side, the stallion offered a smile as he met the mare face to face, his eyes studying her vibrant colours that stood out against the scenery.


    Valdis, the stallion nodded as he opened his softly-pink muzzle to speak "It is nice to meet you, Valdis" he bows slightly with a smile in an exchange of humour, his maw already opened in speech "I am Ruinam" he exchanges his own name to the mare, his ears perked forward, his stance still slightly languid.


    The peace of the forest was still undisturbed despite the sudden encounter, the trees still swayed comfortably in unison with the breeze, leaves still falling to decorate the forest floor in display of magnificence and serenity. The stallion shakes his milky pelt violently as he removes himself of the bright leaves, leaving only his pure white colour undisturbed, only now he awaited the conversation to continue.

    Ruinam
    @[Valdis]
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    #4
    And in the darkened underpass I thought,
    "Oh Satan, my chance has come at last!"


    ”I’m quite the welcoming committee, no?” A sly grin wrinkles the edges of her mouth and brightens her eyes as they sweep observingly across him as he rises to his feet to now look at her. Valdis doesn’t step back; she doesn’t even move as he clambers from his rest to meet her at eye-level with a face just now breaking into a smile. ”I think it’s too boring being chipper and welcome everyone in the same manner.” A shrug ripples through her lean shoulders and her head inclines smugly. ”I’m not a cookie cutter.” Perhaps that is the draconic blood coursing through her veins, her rogue genetics surfacing through small phrases and quips. One-half of her is fire and brimstone, the other as placid as Hyaline’s lake.

    After only a few breaths – they cloud in front of her face as hot mingles with the winter cold – he provides his own introduction. ”Ruinam,” she repeats coolly as she plays with it on her tongue, ”well met.” Another pawn in the forest, another chess piece for Sinner as he builds his empire from the ground up. She is playing a role in this, too, but what’s Ruinam’s place? Their contributions will come to fruition soon enough, she knows, but her impatience makes it difficult to wait.

    An idly shuffle of her wings fills the quiet pause in their conversation as they take a moment to drink in the scenery. Spring is soon upon them meaning Mary will deliver her child – their heir. Distaste prickles down Valdis’ spine but he masks it by narrowing her eyes and looking into the distant shadows for a moment before returning her attention on Ruinam, preferring the distraction he provides. ”What do you think of Sinner?” At least it isn’t Mary, or the child, that crosses her mind. The hellhound resides in his own chamber of her thoughts. He frequents her thoughts, but not in an adoring way. Just always there, lurking just as he does here in the shadows. ”Will you fight for Sylva, or take on a pacifist role?” Once, she had laughed at her brother for choosing the latter, but nowadays, she has matured enough to perceive it as a still-respectable position.


    VALDIS
    But then a strange fear gripped me and I just couldn't ask.



    @[Ruinam]
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    #5

    winter wonderland

    The stallion listens to the grinning mare as he shifts his position close to her, eyes not particularly focused on her, mainly just searching for any other signs of life, a slight fear of Sinner suddenly appearing. He shouldn't have this fear if he is to serve though, the stallion quickly clears the image from his head and turns his attention to the mare, she repeats his name a few times, his name rolling off of her tongue in a shapely manner, the stallion's smile appearing as he turned his gaze away toward the lake.

    The stallion is slowly setting into the landscape which was now warming up with each passing day, his body is loose and fluid until the mare mentions Sinner, asking the stallion what he thinks of him, Ruinam tenses again for a moment, his ears stuck in place as she speaks.
    Ruinam turns to the mare with a raised brow, his expression turning into a thoughtful one as his lips parted to speak "Well I haven't been here long, but I admire him" the stallion nodded, Ruinam did not lie, very rarely would he even dare lie to someone he spoke with.
    The mare then speaks of what role Ruinam would fit into, the stallion pauses for a moment as he gives it a moment of thought, his head drifting back to the mare "Well, I'm not particularly gifted in any way to even have the ability to fight, but if I needed to I would" his words were firmly placed, his tone soft but serious "Mary had suggested that I take a diplomatic route when I arrived" he speaks in addition, his eyes tracing their way back to the small lake, observing the small ripples created by the soft wind "I don't mind being either or, I would like to aid Sylva in any way I can" he nods again as he looks back to the mare with a confirming expression.

    The forest remains calm, a melodic tune of twisting branches filling the air, the sounds of smaller creatures struggling to survive, a hope burning within all of them as spring slowly arrives, warming the land with its gentle touch, melting away all the winter weather that had caused harm or struggle.

    Ruinam
    @[Valdis]
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    #6

    how come I never got used to the feeling of sleeping in a cage?
    too long driving, too damn hungry; a tied-up hound but nothing stays

    Ruinam is looking away, observing their surroundings, and Valdis begins to follow his eyes to the vibrant trees. They are submerged in an eternal autumn. Reds, golds, and oranges paint the world around them. It was a scene that lured her deeper into Sylva’s embrace. It’s a place she didn’t envision Sinner living or ruling because the array of colors seems so bright for a man so hooded and dark. Nonetheless, he is their king (she has often laughed in solitude, thinking of being commanded) and she respects him enough to mingle with their numbers and to engage when and where she can. Silently, Valdis contemplates whether Ruinam searches the trees for Sinner out of fear, because she would understand that.

    Even she, the king’s newest toy, is wary of him.

    Would Sinner have a taste of jealousy if he smelled other men on her skin? How tempting it is to sidle closer to Ruinam to test her hypothesis, but Valdis has never been flirtatious. She lacks the capabilities of a seductress, Her approach has always been more blunt, flatter in tone and without weaving herself like a display to the opposite sex. And so, easily enough, the idea is dismissed as she more intently considers Ruinam’s role. ”You sound like my brother,” she reflects humorously, ”He felt the same way in Hyaline as kids.” She had teased Velk then because she had been so adamant to be a soldier, as though it made her stronger and better than him. Of course, she has since matured and changed her point of view.

    ”Admirable,” she comments languidly with a casual roll of her slender shoulders. ”I’m more or less in the same boat as you, but I imagine I will face some obstacles considering our dearest queen doesn’t seem too fond of me.” A gentle bout of laughter bubbles from the chasms of her throat, forever remembering how Mary looks at her and the edged words that cut the space between them like a knife. She doesn’t elaborate, nor does she add her opinions of the woman. Instead, Valdis inhales a deep breath and tries wrapping her mind around what lies in her future.


    Valdis



    @[Ruinam]
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    #7

    winter wonderland

    Movement from the shrubs nearby causes the stallion to tense up slightly, an uneasy feeling of being watched, thankfully by something small. An Arctic Fox emerges from the flora, sprinting across the small area over to Ruinam, sitting down beside him quietly, the small critter tells him his hunt was a failure , a small smile appearing on Ruinam's face as he turned back to the speaking mare, Ruinam listens to her explain, his own stature remaining quietly peaceful as she spoke, his ears turning every minute to listen to the variety of sounds emerging from the colourful forest.

    The mare mentions that Mary was not fond of her, he wondered why, upon his arrival both Mary and Sinner had been quite welcoming, a position already on offer the second he arrived "Why's that?" he asks in return to her mention of Mary, his curious mind causing his head to turn back to the mare, his blood-red eyes staring at her with thought.
    As he waited for her to return to his answer, the stallion took a moment to enjoy the warming forest, peace slowly returning to the colourful scene after the melting of the snow, the winter weather no longer holding each animal with a tight grip.

    The peaceful scene is never disturbed, only his Arctic companion causes noise now, running around and causing chaos within his mind. The stallion speaks to the small creature, silencing him, telling him to stay quiet so that he could enjoy the serenity of the forest.

    Ruinam
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    #8

    how come I never got used to the feeling of sleeping in a cage?
    too long driving, too damn hungry; a tied-up hound but nothing stays

    Valdis sidesteps, certainly not above a slight startle upon seeing a stark white fox emerge from the forest. Its thick coat is suitable for the winter, but its stark, porcelain color is a beacon. For a long moment, she watches it and wonders how it came about or even how Ruinam crossed paths with it. An intrigued hum vibrates through her core before switching her attention back to the stallion. ”Quite the pair you make,” both white, almost like best friends, ”It’s cute how you match.” A light, airy chuckle slips sweetly from her and a smile brushes like paint across her pretty face. Somehow, through even their shallow conversation, she cannot help but enjoy his company more than anticipated. For some odd reason, she has an inclination to joke with him as she hasn’t with anyone else.

    ”I guess I was boring, so you called in reinforcements?” The fox, she implies with a short nod in the direction of the small hunter. A quiet scrutiny notes how focused Ruinam is on his companion, and she assumes they can somehow communicate. In the past few days, she has noted an ability to understand reptiles, but she hasn’t pursued it or delved more into it. Such a sudden change deters her, but perhaps after witnessing Ruinam with his fox, it may be worth investigating further.

    With a contemplative sigh and a glance to find an opening in the canopy, Valdis attempts to formulate a reason for the Queen’s displeasure. Her mind reels, thumbing through ideas and assumptions. Nothing stands out to her notably, but it’s worth making guess, if not as a game of sorts. ”Who knows,” she finally admits with a roll of her lean shoulders. The gentleness of her stare falls back on him, searching for a reaction. ”Sinner brought me here. I do work, but I think she doesn’t trust his intentions,” and then with a sly grin she adds, ”Or, maybe she’s jealous.”


    Valdis



    @[Ruinam]
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    #9

    winter wonderland

    He feels the mare jump ever so slightly at the sight of his companion, the mare instantly making a comment on their colourful similarity. Ruinam smiles softly as he turns to her, she talks of him bringing the fox as better company, he lightly chuckles as he looks over to meet the small critter "No no, he wanders off sometimes in search of food. He usually stays around me, it helps him mask his own scent as well, he's a pretty good companion if you quite like silence. He doesn't particularly say much" he speaks softly as he stares out toward the lake once again.

    The mare stares up into the clouded sheet of trees, their branches decorated with colourful leaves, small parted beams of light making their way down to meet the pair, Who knows, she answers his enquiry or sort of does. His head drifts to face her again as she begins to speak, she communicates that sinner had brought her here, the same as Ruinam, but Mary doubted Sinner's intentions.
    Ruinam's brow raised slightly as he continued to listen curiously, his companion brushing up against his legs, his soft fur sliding against the stallion's ivory-white pillars.

    Or, maybe she's jealous. Ruinam's eyes shoot toward her, the silence between them thickening for a moment before Ruinam spoke, his tone breaking through the cloud of sudden mystery "Jealous, huh" he speaks as he turns away again, she must have had at least some sort of trust to give him such information, it could always be used against someone if in the wrong hands.
    The stallion nods, his inquisition toward the subject deepening as his lips quiver, opening to speak "And why would that be?" he questions why she would be jealous, reasons unknown to the snowy stallion.
    .

    Ruinam
    @[Valdis]
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    #10

    how come I never got used to the feeling of sleeping in a cage?
    too long driving, too damn hungry; a tied-up hound but nothing stays

    The words seamlessly roll off her tongue for a long while until deciding better of it. Nothing changes in her expression, not even her tone of voice. When he questions further – still probing, still wanting answers – Valdis merely shrugs. ”Not sure. How interesting it would be to read her mind,” if only she had the capability of thumbing through dearest memories and treasured secrets. So much would be unlocked and knowledge would rest at her fingertips. It would help solve the mystery that has occasionally burned at the edges of her thoughts. What disdain and mistrust the Queen holds toward Valdis remains unknown, but it’s mutual. For some reason, even the former princess keeps Mary at arm’s length.

    With a quirked brow, Valdis lets slip her gaze again toward the fox. ”He’s cute at least,” she compliments with an admiring grin. It would likely prefer the frigid temperatures of Icicle Island, but perhaps there’s a reason it came here instead, following Ruinam’s company. Valdis vaguely remembers Hyaline’s resident wildcat. It tried grounding her once, tried preventing her from wandering off with Lepis as a foal. Perhaps the… cougar? Lion? (Why is her memory failing?) has crawled into its den since the plague riddled Beqanna. Either way, she hasn’t seen it since her childhood, and she can’t entirely complain.

    Taking pause, Valdis realizes how much she has spoken and how much she has indulged. Too much, maybe. What’s to stop him from reiterating what she has said to Mary? Licking her lips, she simply asks, ”Tell me about yourself. Tell me your dreams, nightmares, aspirations… everything.” It could blossom into a friendship, or something more, but in the crevices of her mind she realizes she may be too ambitious for real friends.


    Valdis



    @[Ruinam]
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