03-30-2018, 01:07 PM
(This post was last modified: 03-30-2018, 01:08 PM by Jesper.)
Since pledging Sylva, the ebony equine made it a priority to learn the deepest turns of the forest beneath the fiery canopy. His strategy was one devised from self-preservation and, curiosity. He hoped to encounter a resident or, two, on his scout; however, he made a point of not tracking anyone down. Until now. He felt the need to seek out the opal lady, herself. He felt the need to learn more about her and, the ways of her domain. So, leanly muscled haunches propel refined pillars into a confident stride as he directs himself to one of Sabra’s frequent posts. Along the way, steed attempts to organize jumbled thoughts. Tufted lobes find themselves distracted by the merry tune of the plumed residents perched above. Before long, obsidian male detects her regal scent merely paces away. Oh well! Let’s hope I don’t make a fool of myself. Vocal chords offer a light whicker so as not to startle the female though, he suspects that an equine of her standing would not be easy to sneak up on.
As her elegant physique comes into view of light blue gaze, Jesper travels a few more paces before coming to a halt at a respectful distance. Now in her presence, vocal chords fuse and throat thickens to inhibit the passage of any words. He forces himself to swallow before poll lowers in a bob of recognition and admiration. When skull lifts and, poll returns to alert height, black bronc finds himself ready to address his Queen. “Good day, Lady Sabra. I hope you and, Prince Kwartz, are well. I have been meaning to spend some time getting better acquainted with you. If you are available now, I request the honor of your time.”
@[Sabra]
She was still, observing. A small handful of deer were grazing nearby, two spotted fawns sleeping in their midst. They looked serene and sweet. The pastel woman watched them meditatively, lost to her own thoughts as the day carried on. Eventually the deer moved on, disappearing as quickly as they'd come. Everything did, sooner or later.
A soft sound from behind brought her back from reverie. Slowly, she turned around to see what or who had found her. The black apparition was known to her, if not as familiar as he should be. A smile illuminated her features as he greeted her amicably. "Jesper darling, hello! We're doing quite well, thank you. I hope you're enjoying the wood? If you don't mind patrolling with me, I have all the time in the world." She nodded towards the path she usually took around the edge of the kingdom.
Extending graceful limbs to begin moving once more, she smiled in invitation to the gentle male. "Tell me Jesper, what would you do to make Sylva a better place to live?" She asked a little suddenly. It was a question that had weighed on her mind for a time now. Who better to ask than one who lived here?
@[Jesper]
Rubbery labrums curve into a soft smile when light blue gaze notes Sabra’s smile of recognition. Her tone bears an enthusiasm that stirs ebony male’s own energy. He nods, silently, in agreement, as she suggests they patrol together. Muscular sinew of haunches contract to glide limbs into a light walk alongside the pearl lady. Jesper prepared himself for questions about his history; where he came from and, who he was. He was pleasantly surprised when she got straight to business. Tufted lobes process her words carefully. Stride gains confidence and, a smile pulls at mouth, as he finds his voice.
“I recently attempted a friendly steal of Tephra’s commander, Longclaw. I thought we could borrow his insight as an experienced warrior to train anyone willing to put in the hours. Unfortunately, I was not clever enough. Tephra thwarted my attempt with one guess. I will just have to be more stealthy the next time.”
Ceil blue orbs watch his Queen’s expression as he takes a moment to collect himself. “We can only do so much within our borders to fortify and train. I feel it is in our best interest to be proactive. We need to maintain current knowledge of what is going on within our neighbors’ borders. I was curious to know where Sylva stands with each of the kingdoms. I would like to know where our resources are and, what might be at our disposal.” Jesper falls silent with the hopes that the Queen finds his answer worthy of a Sylvan knight.
@[Sabra]
A pleased expression lighted her face as her companion launched enthusiastically into his response. They made their way through the old forest at a steady pace. She was alert as they went, sparing a portion of her attention from Jesper to monitor the surroundings. Anything unusual or out of place was her business.
"You are wise. And resourceful. And you seem to care about Sylva. I'm sorry it's taken so long for us to chat. Though I will agree with you on one point, dear. I don't think stealth is your forté. I think you will serve better as a combat specialist. The combat specialist. I wish for you to be my Hellhound, Jesper." It was a big decision. But he was the only option, as far as she was concerned. The dark stallion held no malice in his breast, no vengeance. It was because of this she knew he would not be wooed by the evils of the world. He would not fight for the joy of it, but for necessity.
"Should you choose to accept this title, which I hope you do, you will organize my army. Currently, we are aligned with Nerine and Tephra, though there is no real malice between Sylva and any kingdom at the moment. Nerine has developed a system of regulated friendly steals and battles. They call it their fighting pen. Participation is recommended." It was a fair amount of information, but all necessary. She continued on after a breath, looking at him seriously. "You have a good heart, Jesper. I do not think you will disappoint me. This is why I need you to be an advisor to me in matters of war. I trust that you will let that good heart guide you."
She paused in her walking, turning to face him. Her clear blue eyes sought his, gauging his reaction to her words.
@[Jesper]
Glossy orbs study the pearl femme's facade in order to gauge her unspoken thoughts. At this point, Jesper feels as though he barely knew the opal dame. Thus, he frets that their views might not align but, her pleased features add a new spring of reassurance to his next few steps. Tufted lobes hone in carefully to what Sabra says. Her words cause the ebony equine to muse in silence.
Yes, I do care about Sylva, deeply. The Forest, which I owe, who I am to, for protecting and, harboring me, is an extension of Sylva. Sylva is the greatest of Beqanna's forests. I owe Sylva on behalf of Beqanna. Beqanna chose me.
Her next words interrupt onyx male's inner monologue.
Sylva's combat specialist? The combat specialist. Her Hellhound.
Animated pace ceases abruptly as the implications of this promotion sink in. Stallion does his best to refrain from revealing any subconscious thoughts upon his face. Tufted lobes remain frozen forward atop noble poll. Light blue gaze flits behind veil of sable locks while stallion ponders his response. He cannot help but feel as though his hesitation to reply might be interpreted as disinterest. Hopefully, she would grant him the benefit of thinking the proposal through, thoroughly. In the grand scheme of things, he pauses for less than a dozen regularly-spaced breaths. Of course, his respiratory rate was no longer a normal pace. His breathing had spiked, out of excitement and pride, the moment he came to a stop. Deep inhale expands ribcage before Jesper slowly releases the gaseous by-products of breathing. Next, hindquarters contract to drive limbs back into motion. He takes a few light steps to ensure that his matriarch is beside him before he speaks.
"Lady Sabra, I will accept your generous proposal with much honor. As the central-most located realm, we have the right to negotiate our terms carefully. Beqanna may be at peace for now; however, history has taught us to never take these times for granted. I certainly will do my best to avoid any corruption tainting my heart. I despise what my sire has done. Some might think I am predisposed to behave as he would. I assure you, I will not be easily influenced by evil. My first act will be to introduce myself to our neighbors and, establish Sylva's expectations. I must be clear here. I will not hesitate to put Sylva's needs first but, not at the expense of my family. Brennen, of Ischia, is my grandsire. I also, recently connected with my half-sister in Loess. I hope you can respect my stance when it comes to my blood. Do you have any conditions, reservations or, prejudices regarding terms between Sylva and Hyaline, Loess or, Ischia?"
@[Sabra]
OOC #1) Sorry this is quite long. #2) First post typed from my phone so, forgive me for any hard-to-understand parts. I feel as though it is harder to organize my thoughts when not in-front of my computer.
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Jesper
