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    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


    For It Was Always You {Bane|Lepis}
    #1
    The girl had spent her childhood with her family, birthed away from the rest of her family. As a young girl she didn't really understand or see an issue, but as an adult she never fully understood why Pteron was left behind while they moved on.

    As Marni grew older she remained close to her family, but always wondered why they had initially left Loess. Mother had other children to tend too and being of age she was left to develop on her own.

    The family had all already moved to Taiga, but she remained in Loess for only a few weeks. But finally, she figured she should check out Taiga and see how her family was doing. There family was a kingdom of its own, large and full of life.

    She traveled by air, she hated how the cold snow stuck to her feet. The air was bitter in the winter, but it still beat walking. She casually glided through the air, but as Taiga came into view she began her descent.

    As her hooves touched the ground she looked at the snow with disgust, spring can not come any faster, she thought to herself. Mother.....Father she called out to them as she moved deeper into the kingdom.

    @[Wolfbane] @[Lepis] here is my attempt to overload myself :p
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    #2
    There are fewer members of Taiga than there are members of Lepis' own family, and she is acutely aware of it. Never before has she ruled such a small land; never before has a realm under her protection been so lacking in strength. They are not without defenders. Pteron is a man grown, Wolfbane roiling with new strength, and Aten pledged (however reluctantly) to their fledging leadership.

    But is it enough?

    With that in mind, Lepis often takes up the role of border guard. Even with her belly swelling with foal, the small dun mare remains limber and swift-hooved, capable of picking her sure-footed way through the shallow snowdrifts of the redwood forest. It is while on one such patrol that she sees a shadow pass overhead. The grounded pegasus freezes immediately, her blue-grey eyes sharp and navy nostrils breathing deep in an attempt to identify the creature that had just passed overhead.

    She's identified Marni before the girl even calls out, and the Comtesse is trotting toward the dunalino filly with a bright smile. She presses her muzzle to Marni's cheek a moment in greeting before pulling the girl into a hug. When had she gotten so tall, Lepis wonders to herself? Where had her gangly, fluff-maned little bluebird gone?

    "I've missed you," she tells her eldest daughter as she draws back to look at her appraisingly - proudly. "We all have. I'm so glad to see you."

    @[Marni]
    Reply
    #3

    It wasn't long until mother arrived, she wasn't sure if it was because the land was so quiet or if mother came rushing because it was Marni. None the less she greets her rather identical mother with a warm smile.

    She presses into Marni with a huge and she returns it. She was so much smaller than Marni that she was able to wrap her neck over her mothers back.

    They find there spots before one another and mother breaks the silence by saying they had missed her. Oh I've missed you as well! her tone didn't waiver, but it was only part true. She enjoyed her time exploring the lands, but she can't promise she won't continue to do that.

    Is Pteron here as well? She inquires about her older brother's whereabouts. She thought she saw him in Loess before she left, was he staying there? He was such a a free spirit, she doesn't put it past him. They weren't the best of friends, but Marni always admired him from afar, it was only in her luck that he didn't move to Taiga with the family. Do others live here? She asks as her eyes scan the horizon.


    Marni
    Wild And Free


    @[Lepis]
    Reply
    #4
    “Yes, Pteron is here. This time of morning though, he’s probably somewhere over northern Loess.” The pegasus stallion makes an aerial sweep of four lands each day; not a task that his mother envies. She is also not certain it is necessary – surely the other lands know to keep clear of the dragon alliance by this time – but she is long past telling him what to do. At least as his mother. She does not have the same hesitation over her action as Comtesse, and Pteron has always been more than willing to follow official orders.

    “Eyas is here too, but Tiercel has decided to strike out on his own.” Lepis had wondered if Marni was planning on doing the same, and asks as much. “And what about you? Will you be staying with your father and I?” There are other options of course, but Lepis is sure that Marni knows these. She has taught her children well, after all. One need not live in a land to swear allegiance to it; there are plenty of opportunities for diplomatic residencies. She’d rather her eldest daughter remain loyal to the family and serve their purposes, but she has no intention of pressuring her to do so.

    Her own freedom is not the only kind Lepis values, after all.

    “You’ve a new sister,” Adds the navy-haired mare, knowing that Marni will likely be excited by this prospect. “Her name is Celina.”

    It occurs to Lepis, as she is tucked into Marni’s hug, that Marni will soon be old enough to have a child of her own. This is a startling revelation (though not so much as when she’d realized it of Pteron), and the dun mare pulls back to look at her tobiano daughter. She still imagines Marni as the little girl she had once been, and it is hard to reconcile the wide-eyed little filly with the nearly grown woman in front of her. The reminder of where Lepis herself had been when she was Marnis’ age is a sobering one, and the dun pegasus’ smile turns  sad for just a moment.

    “You’re growing up so quickly,” she says with a soft press of her nose to her daughter’s cheek.


    @[Marni]
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    #5

    Mother confirms that Pteron has in fact moved to Taiga with the family. It doesn't shock her, he has been with them...well forever, except that brief time mother and father left. Though she does grow curious as to what he does in Loess still.

    She goes on to brief her on all the siblings, all of which who have moved to Taiga besides Tiercel. Was it strange that she and Pteron still stayed by there family? That a younger sibling pulled away from them earlier than they had? But then again they come from a strong family raising, leaving seems to be the odd choice.

    Mother asks if she will be staying and she nods her head, Yes, I think so. for now at least, she hadn't anywhere else to go. Why leave everything she has known? Her eyes quickly glancing through the kingdom, it was different from Loess, but change can be a good thing.

    Her eyes flick to mother as she speaks again, announcing that Marni had a new sister. She had barley noticed that mother had given birth. It seemed like such a common thing, every season they had another child. Congratulations, I will have to meet her soon! She says with a warm smile on her maw.

    She wonders when Pteron or even herself would have a child, both of age but it seemed that both of them had put off the love interest part of life. Pteron so serious with his duties, and Marni was anything but. She clears the thoughts from her head and pulls away from the embrace with mother, finding a spot before her. She notes that she was growing quickly and a gentle laugh part her lips. It seems that way with our ever growing family, she says as she gently nudges her moms nose in response to her touch. Show me around? She asks, who better to show her around than mother herself! Hows father? She asks as the questions pour into her mind.



    Marni
    Wild And Free


    @[Lepis]
    Reply
    #6
    Marni’s nod of confirmation sparks a bright reaction on Lepis’ navy mouth. Her family will be together, she thinks, absent the youngest boys. It is better than most mothers have, Lepis thinks to herself, and she reaches out to touch Marni’s shoulder again affectionately following the congratulations regarding Marni’s birth and the tease that they are ever-growing.

    The dun pegasus had always dreamed of a family and children. She’d never been specific about the number though. This pregnancy has been more taxing on her than the others had been – even the triplets’ – yet she is already missing the soft newborn days she and Celina had shared. The girl is nigh on six months old now, off exploring the woods as children do. Lepis smiles fondly at the image, knowing that her husband keeps watch over the forest and by doing so ensures their safety. The thought of him also brings a warm emotion. Even if Lepis had not been especially fond of children, she is fond enough of her her mate that they are all but assured a foal each spring.

    “Your father is well,” she replies as she steps away from Marni, moving further in to the forest. Her brow is raised with a clear ‘Are you coming’ etched in the blue cobwebbing, and she smiles invitingly.

    This part of the woods where Marni has landed is less thick than the others, with trees spaced widely enough that sunlight filters through the pine limbs overhead. There are other parts that are so dense that there is only shadow, but Lepis does not move toward those first. She wants to show Marni some of the meadows, and the clear streams, and perhaps the northern seashore from where Nerine and Icicle Isle can be seen.

    “Your father and I were wondering,” Lepis begins, well aware that she is the one with more interested in the answer, “If you’ve given much thought to marriage. Pteron has made it clear he’s no interest in anything arranged, but you’re almost old enough yourself now.” Lepis has not yet made inquiries, having not truly realized how fast the time had flown, but she is certain that there are suitable colts (or fillies, she is not bothered) in the other lands, and that at least some must be both tolerable and possessed of the proper sort of pedigree. She’s even heard a few of the territories are ruled by bachelor stallions, and Lepis rather likes the idea of Marni having a land of her own.

    Not yet though, she thinks. She would like to keep her daughter to herself for a little while before she thinks of giving her away.

    Their walking has led them to the nearest meadow. Marni has, by happenstance, chosen a place to land that is not far from the largest meadow in the Taiga. It is the one in which the granite boulder makes a good stage, where meetings of the territory are called. A few acres wide at most, it is ringed by tall redwoods. This time of summer, the green grass has just begun to turn gold, and with the early afternoon sunlight and the dark shadow of the surrounding redwoods it is a rather pretty sight.

    “The fog here in the mornings is so thick you can hardly see your own legs,” she says to her pied daughter, glancing over her shoulder before looking back at the meadow. “But by summer’s noon it’s mostly burned off, as you can see.” A shadow crosses the grass and Lepis looks up, but it is only a red-tailed hawk in search of a meal.

    @[Marni]
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    #7

    It seems like it had been so long since she had a moment with mother, or even father. It was nice to have this time to catch up, especially when mother was always being tugged into different directions by all the younger siblings.

    She confirms that father is well and a gentle smile meets her maw. She had always admired him, and you could probably say that it was a daughter father sort of relationship. They had shared a sweet time together as the only daughter, but the more the family grows the more sisters are added.

    Mother moves deeper into Taiga, and she quickly follows beside her. Her eyes take in the surrounding as they explore. Where mother leads her the tree's start to break up, allowing plenty of sunlight in. She can hear water flowing and it sounds like memories of her childhood.

    Mother breaks the silence with a question, one that drags her attention away from the scenery and onto mother. Inquiring if Marni had any thought to an arranged marriage? She is slightly taken aback, mainly because she hadn't thought of it, but it is no secret she is failing in the romance world.

    Pteron had already declined, but Marni wouldn't have expected otherwise. Her brother was such a free spirit she was honestly surprised that he was still living here with them. Well, she says after a few moments of silence. I guess I am open to the idea....have you already discussed with another kingdom? She trusts that her parents wouldn't throw her into a cruel home, or a cruel relationship. Even if she had declined there were two other sisters for them to choose from, but Marni was of breeding age and that made her more desirable to any suitors.

    As they continue on there travels they come across a rather large meadow. She could see a boulder off in the distance and she imagines it would be where there meetings would be held. Her gaze flicks back to mother as she describes the morning, foggy. She laughs gently, it sounded fun to run through a meadow filled with fog, the wet clouds gently painting there pelts with water. Though mother confirms by midday the fog is gone, Well it is certainly beautiful, more fitting than prior homes. Her last comment meant for Loess, a much less colorful or fun kingdom.



    Marni
    Wild And Free


    @[Lepis]
    Reply
    #8
    Lepis closes her eyes for a moment as they stand in the early afternoon sunlight. Summer here is a far gentler thing than it is farther south, and the sun is no exception. At this time of day in Loess, they’d be seeking shelter in the shade rather than stand in full sun, lest they broil in the heat. They might even have sought out a cold spring, but here there is no need. A creek gurgles not far away, fed by the same year-round snowmelt as its mother river in Hyaline, and Lepis knows the water is crisp and cool. Bird sogn echoes in the woods and field around them, a clear sign that they are unobserved. The forest’s protector might think himself canny with his high-flying eyes, but the songbirds and small creatures of the wood are wary in the presence of a falcon.

    Her closed eyes block Marni’s initial look of surprise, but it still remains in her daughter’s eyes when she speaks and Lepis turns to look at her. That she is open to the idea brings a smile to her mother’s face, and Lepis reaches out to brush one dark curl out of Marni’s face with a pleased smile.

    “Not yet,” she reassures her, lest Marni think nuptials are just around the corner. “I’ve heard that the Icicle Isle and Island Resort are ruled by single men, but I’ve not yet inquired of them. I do know the Primarch of Hyaline has a son about your age though. I’ve heard he’s quite handsome.” There is an amused twinkle in her eye as she says this; arrangements are always sweetened when the partners are fair to look at. Her daughter is certainly lovely, and that – along with her mother’s ambitions and father’s skills – are most of what Taiga has to lay on the table. They cannot truly afford to be picky, yet Lepis would rather Marni choose a man with no family than be forced into something that she doesn’t truly want.

    Lepis knows too well what happens in those situations.

    When Marni comments on the beauty od Taiga, Lepis nods, turning her blue-grey eyes back to the field ahead of them. Her daughter’s comment that it is more fitting that their previous homes brings a frown to Lepis’ face however, though it lasts for only a breath before it smooths away. The youth are entitled to her own opinions, she reminds herself. Lepis herself had even thought Sylva beautiful when she had been a young girl. Age and experience have wisened her though, and she knows that geographical beauty is a small thing. Loess, for all its scrub and yellow hills, still retains its firm hold on her heart.

    “Perhaps we should go find your father,” Lepis suggests with a shuffling of her golden wings. “He’s been watching Celina while she naps, but she should be waking up soon, and they’ll both be so happy to see you.”

    @[Marni]
    ooc: I know you were trying to end some threads so I left this one in a way that could end it and then meet up post-Valek, but also we can continue if you want! Totes up to you Smile
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    #9

    She had agreed to an arraigned marriage, it was odd as she never truly saw herself with someone...but then perhaps this was the best way for her to see that light?

    Her parents were so happy together, and she wonders if she will be able to ever find a love like that..or if this arraigned marriage will bring the opposite. Mother mentions rulers of the isle and the resort and she nearly cringes at the idea, and older stag certain to want an heir to the throne in an instant.

    But when mother mentions the son of Hyaline her lips curl in a smile. At least they were similar in age! One can only hope this is who mother picks, though she would be the loyal daughter she was raised regardless. I can't wait to meet one of them! She says with a smile, though her heart quickly preferred one.

    When mother mentions finding father Marni quickly agrees. She hadn't seen father in a while, and in all honesty she was growing impatient. Yes! Let's go find them both! She leaps forward, excited to meet her new sister as well.



    Marni
    Wild And Free


    Small closing from Marni! Open to a thread with Valek wheneverSmile
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