"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
05-02-2016, 01:37 PM (This post was last modified: 05-02-2016, 01:38 PM by Ramiel.)
The change that he’s felt forming like a tornado on a torrid, summer day finally comes to fruition.
It sweeps over him, over the land he’s been charged with and leaves the Dale ripe for transformation. With the war now years behind them, Ramiel can finally look forward. He can see a period of time full of light and hope rather than darkness and fear. He can see the people coming together once again as the family they are meant to be.
He calls to them an entirely changed man. He is no longer the naïve, headstrong boy who had the stars in his eyes when he’d been given the gift of a kingdom. He is no longer the wayward ghost, lost on the shores of the afterlife, left unfulfilled by a broken promise to a dead woman. He is not the new soldier whose rage had been a slow burn that had blazed into an inferno by one too many ignitions.
He is still a king, but he is a father now, too.
As the golden light of a brand new morning spills across the rugged mountain peaks and races down into the valley below, Ramiel calls for the Daleans to gather. There is much to discuss, and what better time to herald change than during the infancy of spring? The grey stallion smiles when they begin to filter in. Some of the faces are as old and familiar to him as his own reflection. Some of the horses are newer, their hoofprints not as abundant on the loamy soil of the once-neutral kingdom. Their presence is as much a comfort to him as that of the older generation – they are the replenishing blood that will keep them strong in the years to come.
And though he tries to hide it, he keeps an especially eager eye out for his parents. Even a decade removed from his birth, it is difficult to conceal his excitement for his sire and dam’s return. Tiphon’s gold and Talulah’s silver have glinted revealingly off the nearby hills in the last several months and he is more than ready for the family reunion to come. He’s even noticed the slight rounding of his mother’s stomach; the prospect of another sibling fuels the quiet joy stirring in his heart. He wishes Joscelin was here. Her absence gives him pause, but he knows she is all right. More than all right – she’s where she’s meant to be, where she wants to be.
But he has another reason for wanting his family all together.
When she appears with his entire happiness in tow, he can’t help the grin that splits his face. They are perfect, his Sela and Ea. And this is their moment as much as it is his. Ramiel makes space on the hillside rise he stands upon for mother and daughter. He presses his lips to Ea’s neck softly and ruffles Sela’s short mane before looking down at the gathering.
“Good morning, everyone.” An almost apologetic smile starts on his face for the early hour, though they should be used to it by now; he’s always been up with the dawn, chased from sleep by ghosts both real and imagined. “Now that the war is far behind us, it is time to usher in a new beginning for the Dale and its allies. We have retained our ties to the Jungle and the Sisterhood.” Fortunately, he thinks. The Amazons will always be the ally they turn to first in times of military strife, a department they’ve always lacked in. “We have also realigned with the Falls. Feel free to participate in friendly steals and challenges with both kingdoms or to visit on social calls.”
Strengthening the bonds they have between their allies is of the utmost importance. If the war proved anything, it is this. Ramiel takes a moment for any questions before diving into the next topic. “There are quite a few of you who have been working hard as of late, and it has not gone unnoticed. Phaedrus,” he looks to the winged blue stallion, smiling. “You have been promoted to colonel in the army and professor in the peace. I know you’ve gone to the challenging ground and have taken many trips to the field. It is very much appreciated.” The ghost-king turns to his red roan mentor and comrade next. “Weir, I’m promoting you to Lord of the Dale for your continued support and generosity. You’ve more than earned it.” A wider smile curves his lips; giving out promotions is certainly one of the better parts of the job, made even easier when the people are as self-starting as the Daleans have been.
He looks at Ea, takes a steadying breath and turns back to the others. “And there is one last promotion to hand out.” His heart beats madly in his chest: pride, loyalty, and love filling it to the bursting point. My family, he thinks, looking between Sela and Ea and the rest of them and feeling nearly identical towards both parties. “Please welcome your new Queen, Ea. And the Princess Sela.” Ramiel steps back and lets the pair move forward to address the people.
R A M I E L
this is a man pulling at his iron chains
ooc: please wait for @[Leah] to respond first. this is an activity check/let me know where you want any new characters/etc. Thanks guys! <3
Ea, too, has been changed.
It came unexpectedly. For so long she had been alone - a self isolation. After her mother died, she felt as though she was weak, that she’d failed. It was embarrassing - Scorch had chosen her, out of all her children, to be great. She had trained her since birth to be a queen and still Ea could not fulfill her mother’s dreams for her.
Until now.
Her return to Beqanna forced her to grow. She is still strong and a bit rigid, uncomfortable and even sometimes cold with those she doesn’t know. But Ramiel has taught her that love is not a weakness, that they are stronger together and she is allowed to be soft without being fragile. The time that they were apart, while Ea had been stolen to the Valley, had only solidified her feelings for him. Before, she had been unsure that she was willing to give herself up - she still desperately wanted to prove that she could be successful on her own, that she didn’t need anyone. And it was still true; she didn't need anyone. But she wanted him.
She hears Ramiel call for a meeting as the sun rises. It is early, but Ea has been awake for hours. Sela is energetic and Ea does not yet trust her to be unsupervised. Sela is a spitting image of her mother - small and silver bay - but she has inherited Ramiel’s eyes and disposition, which was probably for the best. Ea had been smitten with her the moment she was born - all the pain and the sweat disappeared when she saw her, this tiny, wet thing that they created. All at once she had understood her own relationship with Scorch.
When the silver girls find Ramiel and the others, they greet him momentarily before finding their place back in the small crowd. Ea gently nips a bubbly Sela along, who wants to stop and talk to everyone, but it is the king’s turn to address them all. None of his announcements are new; though Ea hasn’t met most of the kingdom’s inhabitants, she and Ramiel are partners that discuss everything, and she recognizes the names of those receiving promotions. When finally he introduces them, Ea steps forward, nudging Sela in front of her.
“Hello,” she says, with a stiff smile. “I know many of you may not know me very well. I expect that will change. You have all done a wonderful job strengthening the Dale and I only hope to be able to continue your hard work. Both Ramiel and I are always here to listen to new ideas.” Looking out at the crowd, she thinks the moment could only be better if her mother was here to see it. She nods, finished with her short speech, and steps backwards, touching Ramiel gently on his neck. “Thank you, Ram,” she says softly. Contently.
Zaravich found herself claimed by Phaderus, but still fulfilling her duties as a diplomat to the kingdom. To be truthful she had been slacking, although most mares she approached were already claimed to a stallion. As she found herself traveling from the Plains back to the kingdoms lands she heard a familiar call, after a few moments she recognized it to be Ramiel. She willingly made her way over to the sound were other Dale members began to gather.
She found a spot by herself curious to the whereabouts of Weir and Phaderus. She had not seen her friend Weir for quite some time, and of course the lust she had for Phaderus made her often think of him. She swatted her tail removing any thoughts as Ramiel began to speak he announced there alliances, the jungle and the Falls, she gave a nod of understanding to the King. Next he spoke about promotions, one to Phaderus and one to Weir. She smiled with joy that both her comrades were promoted, she knew for a fact that Phaderus was always on the move and he deserved his promotion. Althoug she rarely saw Weir she knew his promotion was also well deserved.
As Ramiel continued to speak a silver mare and filly came into view, Zara had not met many Dale members but she was curious to who the beautiful mare was. And as the question came to mind it was also answered, Ramiel announced her as the new Queen of Dale and the filly was theirs. A smile grew on her face and she let a small whinny escape her mouth, pleased for the two. They were a stunning family, and Zara was proud to be apart of there kingdom, willing to serve as they needed.
Ea...Sela Zara spoke to herself, learning the feel of there names. Ea, the queen, had moved next to Ramiel as he finished speaking, it was now her turn. She gave a greeting to the kingdom, introducing herself letting everyone know that they soon will know her. The queen seemed sweet enough, and all Zara desired was kind rulers, of which the Dale had obliged to.
05-05-2016, 05:59 PM (This post was last modified: 05-05-2016, 06:00 PM by Tiphon.)
We danced with monsters through the night
He runs, but he always returns eventually. It took him unusually longer this time as his own despair ravaged him. It ripped him apart little by little until he was a shadow of himself. The pain of having lost his son was far too great. Seeing his limp body maimed on the beach has burned scars into Tiphon’s memory. It returns frequently like thorns in his side, but he needs to continue living. Destroying his own life won’t bring Tiberios back. Nothing will.
As the sun begins to rise above the horizon Tiphon is already at the border of the Dale. Like a mirror staring back at him he only sees what he once was here, what life he had before everything spiraled. The hills are the same as are the trees and the babbling brook, but he also notices subtle changes that have been brought on by Ramiel. There are voices and there are bird songs emanating around him. It’s everything Tiphon hoped to see after so long and yet he feels foreign, like he no longer belongs. This is his past. He sees the shackles ready to clasp his ankles and to hold him in the “what was.”
The sun is higher. It’s hours past dawn and still Tiphon hasn’t moved. A gentle breeze tousles his molten locks but he hesitates as another breath is drawn into his lungs. The muscles underlying his porcelain coat quiver with uncertainty. He looks over his shoulder towards the rough edge of the trees and he considers fleeing once more and acting as though he was never here, but then he hears Ramiel in the distance. His voice is deeper, stronger, older. Tiphon’s heart leaps in his chest and after another moment’s hesitation he takes that large step into the Dale. His throat tightens as he pushes himself to go deeper and deeper into the kingdom’s embrace until he is on the outskirt of the congregation. He sees Ramiel standing proud, addressing the Dalean family as any suitable king would. The boy has been raised well and has been primped for kingship since he was a boy. It almost comes naturally to him.
Only when Ramiel mentions a Queen and Princess does Tiphon truly realize how much time has elapsed.
And so now he has a Princess for a granddaughter.
A smile begins to stretch across his lips and his gaze greatly softens when he sees the family of three standing atop the knoll. It reminds him of Talulah and Elysteria. Warmth blossoms through Tiphon as he inches forward, standing out from the crowd as he always has. ”Welcome to the family, Ea and Sela.” Their family, his family.
Life seemed to be turning over for all as the War ended and the lands picked up the pieces. He himself was experiencing the most extraordinary happiness, one in the form of a bay woman and a small roan colt. It was all undeniably perfect and Weir had been lax in his Kingdom business but he was not quick to leave them, he might miss something.
Every day his son grew and every day was a new adventure in parenthood and family life. Somehow the gods had seen fit to bless Weir and Eira with a special child, one like themselves and that made it all the merrier. No one was left out that way and he quite liked it.
When the King calls he is slower to respond than ever, waiting patiently as Eira and Newton readied themselves and they could all arrive together- as a family.
Once there Weir recognizes several familiar faces, one of them being Zaravich and the other Tiphon. He can almost not believe that the stallion is real, for so long Weir was certain the man had wasted away to his sorrows but here he was, whole and breathing. He whickers once to the mare, greeting her with a quick acknowledgement before settling himself into the group. To Tiphon he lowers his head, a short huff of air and uncertainty given to the presence of the angel.
He was glad to see him back, glad and wary and uncertain. Weir wondered how the man fared now that he was back from what could only be described as the darkness.
As Weir listens patiently to the announcements he is surprised to hear his own name called to the forefront of the meeting. Lord. By golly the boy had done it now, a Lord, who would have thought? He chuckles in amusement at this, dipping his head in his thanks and watching with another shock as Ea steps forward.
He had not seen the mare often and when he had they had not exchanged words, a rare thing for Weir no doubt. The news could not be better though, especially with the sight of the new princess, the Dale was growing- slowly, of course but it was growing.
He has stood in the shadows, looking out over the horizon, searching for something. Searching for a world far beyond his own. Ever waiting for a challenger to face him. Ever waiting for someone to call his name. Yet it never comes, His pleasantries with Ygritte had been relaxing to say the least, along with those of his herd. The kingdom had lain dead for several seasons, each hiding in their own corner recovering from their losses, and others their wounds.
Vigilant as always the moment he hears the call of his King he takes flight to meet him. Landing outside of the circle, the close knit group is almost all familiar faces. Though in the manner of meetings he does not acknowledge anyone in particular. No he instead focuses his attentions to the King. And now apparently a queen as well. As much as this is a surprise, the following one is even more so, though not a bad one in the least. He bows his neck towards the royal family acknowledging them with respect.
After this his name is called and his body warms with the compliments. Shifting he dips his head the forelock falling into his face to hide his embarrassment. Embarrassed to be pointed out, but still grateful for the positions allotted to him. Even if he didn’t feel he deserved it, he still felt the urge to do more to earn those titles, and the respect of the kingdom. Thank you, I hope to prove worthy. His guttural voice grates with the first usage of the day.
The alliances are more than a little heartening; they were beginning to build something. And if it was a friendly battle he would more than welcome the opportunity to keep limber. In fact, it was something he was already in the process of doing. Though he had been afraid to step on toes as of yet, wanting to find where they stood with the other kingdoms before initiating a true battle. The mocks were something to pass the time, keeping him sharp and alert. Learning new tricks every moment he could spare. His wings flutter at his sides. Finally taking a moment to nod at the rest of the group. His longtime friend was someone that he would need to catch up with soon. While there was no intention of him brushing the man aside time had a way of ticking by and slipping out of reach before you know it.
A year ago, Eira could never have imagined where she is now. She has a new home, she’s starting to be able to control her abilities, and, most wonderfully, she has a little family of her own. Part of her is still having trouble believing it. Before, she’d been so alone, shunned by the other members of her herd. Now she has trouble finding a moment’s peace (not that she minds)!
She’s just settling down to enjoy one of those rare moments to herself (little Newton is off playing, though she has a clear view of his location from where she is) when a voice rings out across the kingdom. The king is calling a meeting. She’s instantly nervous. She has yet to meet King Ramiel, or even any of the kingdom’s other members, beyond Weir’s immediately family. She hopes they don’t mind her being here …
Keeping one eye on Newton, she slips away to join the meeting, sliding up alongside Weir. She remains quiet for the most part, watching as other horses join the meeting, and listening as the king makes his announcements. She smiles widely when Weir’s promotion to Lord is announced, and she lips gently at the roan’s shoulder (while still keeping one eye fastened on the distant Newton). “Congratulations.” The King then goes on to speak about his new queen, and Eira nods politely to the silvered mare as she steps forward to introduce herself. She has not been here long enough to know anything of the relationship between Ramiel and Ea, but she wishes the mare well.
Finally, when everyone else is finished, she speaks up as well. “I think, if it’s alright, I’d like to try joining the peace caste.” It’s time for her to try and give a little back to the kingdom that has given her so much. “And I think I’d like to drink from the pool …”
05-08-2016, 11:52 PM (This post was last modified: 05-08-2016, 11:53 PM by Neva.)
I can beat the night, I'm not afraid of thunder I am full of light, I am full of wonder
Neva is out exploring when the king’s voice rings out across the Dale. She wastes no time in responding, wheeling about and dashing in the direction of the kingdom’s centre, but is beaten there by several other kingdom members, including her daddy and his ‘friend’ Eira. She quietly slips in on Weir’s other side, glancing once at her father’s paramour before returning her gaze to the king. Eira had shown up so suddenly in their lives, but she’s gradually warming up to the bay mare. It’s hard not to when she sees how happy Eira makes Weir.
She stays quiet as the king makes his announcements, nudging happily at Weir’s shoulder when his promotion is mentioned, and grinning widely at Ea when she’s announced as their new queen. She remains quiet for most of the meeting until, at the end, Eira speaks up. Neva’s ears quirk as Eira mentions the pool, and she glances at the bay mare over her father’s back. She’s been wanting to ask her father about the pool for sometime now, though it’s never seemed the appropriate time. But now that Eira’s spoken up, perhaps it’s her chance …
She puts her muzzle close to her father’s ear and whispers. “Could I drink from the pool too Dad?” She's an adult now. She thinks it's time.
N E V A
Blaaah this is utter garbage but I wanted to get something up. I may or may not edit this later.
Ea
