"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
By the time the first rays of light fall across Silver Cove the trio of diplomats is well underway. They trace the coast instead of swimming and Will finds herself out ahead of their little group for the majority of the journey. The colts' stallions' raging emotions and dislike of each other were topics she didn't want to deal with on this trip. It was her first diplomatic assignment, and Warlight intended to do everything in her power to make it a success. It was the first time she had been entrusted with anything more important than greeting friendly-looking newcomers.
So the young mare had kept herself businesslike and separate, emulating her mother and queen as best she could, and sending a clear signal that any talk of feelings would have to wait until later.
She stifles a cough as she trots, beginning to feel a little like she is going to explode from all the will-power she has had to call on today, all before noon.
But Raul's last dose of disease suppression should keep her functioning well until the afternoon. And that is half the reason she is anxious to get the meeting started as soon as possible, before the effects wear off. His talent for numbing the burning symptoms of the plague had become addicting. Too often she sought him out for more than just his company, justifying her need to herself by thinking that it was for the good of The East that she stays healthy. Every ounce of strength he can lend her would be needed for this trek.
Finally, the mountains stand behind them and the air begins to grow heavier with autumn spice and forest-damp and she slows to a walk.
"No bullshit," she says, her voice stern yet low, and her gaze never leaving the line of trees that mark their destination. "Were her for information, and to secure peace."
Springing into a trot, Kagerus' daughter covers the final foothill of Hyaline before halting abruptly just inside the golden wood. Mist swirls around her fetlocks as a chill travels visibly across her shoulders. But her gaze is set with determination as she refuses to acknowledge her symptoms - at least until this forest and it's residents are at her back.
"Hello?" The bay-splashed mare calls, her young voice ricocheting endlessly off of the uncountable trunks of ancient trees. "Is there anyone here?"
Hyaline's princess had no idea what to expect, but her antlered crown remains high and proud and her midnight eyes curious. The possibilities are exhilarating, she just hopes her companions will help her present a united front to whoever, or whatever, finds them.
When he initially agreed to visit Taiga with Warlight it was for the opportunity to further discuss and smooth over there last conversation. Although that would not be happening, Raul was accompanying them and he could not be more annoyed. The bay and green stallion's jaw was clenched as anything to be said to Raul would not be kind.
It was a silent and awkward trip as the trio casually moved towards Taiga, though they did not all have similar motives, they all had the same outcome in mind for the visit to Taiga.
Regardless of the current state of his relationship with Warlight, he was and will always remain loyal to the Cove. He admired his queens, and the kingdom was always there for him, when he needed it.
No bullshit Warlight says breaking the silence, a warning to him and Raul. No problem, when your smug friend leaves he thinks to himself, though he responds with a snort, he had nothing to say to the pale stallion. The anterlered mare reminds them that they are here to secure information and peace, surely it was for Raul seeing as he wasn't truly a member of the Cove, just a follower.
They finally come to the border of Taiga, and as Warlight comes to a halt he finds himself beside her as he always has. He glances at her, his eyes flickered with regret, he could only hope for another chance to talk to her, alone.
But that chance wont be today, she calls out a greeting, hoping anyone would come and his gaze scans the horizon. Historically Taiga was not a pleasent kingdom, he could only wonder who has inhabited it this time. For the sake of the Cove and Hyaline he hopes they are decent equines.
12-22-2018, 02:27 PM (This post was last modified: 12-22-2018, 02:27 PM by Raul.)
No bullshit
The fire born stallion felt the corners of his mouth tilt upward in a semi sarcastic grin at her words. Brushing his shoulder against hers reassuringly, Raul adopted an expression he had damn near perfected on the journey here: one of exquisite nonchalance. He did not miss the brash snort his verdant counterpart exhaled, merely whisked his tail contentedly. To look at him an observer might think he hardly noticed that there was another horse beside himself and the blood and milk girl beside him.
Without a voice, he'd come to appreciate her in a way that he might not have otherwise. Even now he found himself more often choosing to hold speech in reserve, not only because the sensation of it still dragged painfully at his throat. Forced into silence, he had instead learned to listen.
In this mission he did not intend to stand out. He was not of Hyaline, nor any of their territories and so he felt no compunction to act the ambassador. Keeping an eye on Warlight, keeping her as healthy as he could and supporting her mission as well as he could. She could take care of herself, no doubt. Still, he felt a compulsion to ease her way.
Life had a way of being hard, tearing them from their identities and making them question everything. The fiery adolescent knew this first hand, and had decided early on that he would not be a one who made life difficult for others. Well. Most others. He was finding himself entertained by Clayton's silent irritation.
Standing together in the shadow of the towering trees, he felt anticipation eating at his chest. The largest of the company, he knew would hold his own if their presence were found unwelcome. You're a peace keeper, he kept telling himself. Why did he feel like a fight might be deeply satisfying right now? A conflict that didn't bear further inspection at the moment.
@[Warlight] @[Clayton] sooo I'm sorry this sucks butt I needed to put something up.
It wasn't strange for their forest to whisper the approach of newcomers, a multitude of scents carried his way. His head turned to the direction, ice-blue eyes sharp and alert, and immediately made his way to greet them at the border. For as long as he had lived here, the Taigans were selective on who was allowed to join them. It wasn't unusual for a a visit to end before it began.
If they were not suitable, they did not enter.
Simple as that, and the Taigans had never asked for much.
As he slipped from the shadows of his home, each one caressing his wolven winter coat in familiarity, he joined the young group with purposeful solid steps. The girl held most of his attention. Her antlers reminded him of his daughter and granddaughter, and his eyes slid down to check for the familiar cloven hooves. He found none. His eyes raised again, surveying the young boys at her side, one clearly older than the other and the girl.
"Welcome to the Taiga," his voice rolled like gentle thunder. His calculated stare settled on the older male, forest green with his own set of horns. Those two could fit well among the wild hearts of the Taiga, and the other perhaps among his daughters of fire with his flaming hair and mismatched eyes, each one simmering with its own hungry inferno embedded within.
"I am Ruan." He glanced over them once more, not finding any illness or injuries, before once again settling on the eldest. "Have you come seeking the Taigans' protection?" Surely it was still known that they were a fierce people, faithful to each other and their loved ones, and anyone that joined them became family with the same protection extended to them. They were not all fighters, but they were all kept safe and loved.
Perhaps his adopted cervine daughter had sent friends to be in his care. Why else would a group of children and an adult show up to the home of the lost boys and girls.
01-02-2019, 08:25 AM (This post was last modified: 01-02-2019, 09:54 AM by Warlight.)
Warlight
Although she fancied herself a warrior princess, Warlight rarely greeted a stranger with anything less than pleasant curiosity. It was a given as a working member of a Sanctuary. While no friendly, girlish smile tips up the corners of her pink lips now, there is nothing in her stance or expression which could be confused for hostility during their brief wait.
As a dusk colored stallion approaches them Will's posture remains motionless except for the gentle movement of her mane and tail in the same breeze which certainly brought him her scent. He is the picture of cool strength, and the blood-and-bone girl dips her crown of young antlers to him as he begins his introductions, before returning her steady, midnight gaze to his own.
"Welcome to Taiga," he offers them as his gaze washes across her, calculating and sterile, yet not unkind. But something in his tone, or the solidity of his stance, tells her this welcome has its limits and she makes no move to push further beyond the scent-lines.
"Thank you, Ruan." Her voice is youthful, yet sincere and level. At just shy of three she was certainly young to be leading a diplomatic mission, but this was the sort of thing she had been groomed for... and their kingdom had an entire continent to reach out to, which probably had more to do with her mothers' decision to let her go than her skill. But she isn't bothered by such thoughts, The Taigan has her full attention.
"I'm Warlight, and this is Raul," she nods, "and Clayton," another nod. "We are from The Sanctuary, formerly Hyaline but now known as The East. We were hoping to find how that The Taiga and her residents have fared after the changes, and see what kind of relationship our homes will have. And of course, answer any questions you may have about our part of the world."
— soul as sweet as blood red jam —
@[Clayton] EDIT: I realized i had a typo at the end of the third paragraph that made it confusing and appear like maybe she was trying to push her way in, but i meant "she makes no move to push further beyond the scent-lines."
It's fixed now! But i thought i would add this in case anyone read it already and wasn't going to re-read before replying.
Raul quickly finds himself on the opposing side beside Warlight, the stag is like a leach who depends on Warlight for life, unable to break from her side. He holds back the desire to roll his eyes and when he glances back another was making there way over.
Thankfully it was not long before another joined the trio, the quicker this was, the quicker he could get out of this less than desired situation. The dark stag came to a halt before themselves, introducing himself as Ruan. Clayton gives a small dip of his head in greeting and respect for being in there kingdom.
Although his next sentence had Clayton clutching, refraining from blurting out a laugh. Have you come seeking Taigain's protection, as if the three could not handle themselves; as if the Cove could not protect them. Despite his better judgement he was able to refrain from an outburst.
Warlight is the first to speak, he remembers when she said she wanted to be a general for Hyaline, a smile forms from the thought of the memories. As he listens to her speak, introducing himself and Raul, laying down the basics of there visit, she would make a fantastic diplomat as well.
As Warlight comes to an end he finds it time to give a few words himself. With a gentle smile to Warlight he turns back to Ruan hopefully you have all been well since the plague. We are hoping that Taiga and the east can come to some agreement. His gaze remains on Ruan, wondering if Raul would open his big mouth this time or not.
As they are approached, the blood stained stallion let Warlight and Clayton advance half a pace ahead of himself. His only stake in this venture was the princess's welfare. Whatever the kingdoms decided had little to do with him beyond that. So he kept his own counsel, with the exception of flashing antagonistic expressions with the other male when Warlight wasn't looking.
While the ambassadors said their pieces, he stood at Warlight's shoulder. He felt no small sense of pride in her decorum as the meeting progressed, how well she handled herself in the face of uncertainty. It was another kind of bravery than the type he already knew she possessed, and it only added to his admiration of the pied mare. Gazing coolly across the space to the man who'd greeted them, Raul waited silently, content to watch and learn.
01-19-2019, 05:07 PM (This post was last modified: 01-19-2019, 06:15 PM by Ruan.)
Ruan
it's not by bone but yet by blade can break the magic that the devil made
After gauging the tension between the males in silence, his attention returned to the girl again. He was satisfied with her answer, respectful and open and perhaps not as young as he'd first thought. They all had started to seem so young to the middle-aged man now. He nodded solemnly in acknowledgement and greeting to each of them as she introduced them in turn.
She came with curiosity for his home and their people, and that earned his interest. The comment on a relationship between their lands might've put him on wary edge, but he felt no alarm with her. Not until her companion spoke up and added to it saying that they hoped their lands could come to some agreement and the request took on a different purpose, more direct weight.
So they were here seeking an alliance. Complete strangers.
He stared hard at the young man for a long moment, his displeasure heavy and bald in his glacial blue eyes. It was unacceptable to him for someone to come with the sole purpose of benefitting themselves, barely a breath after introductions no less. He had never been overly social, didn't quite fit in with the silver tongues and false smiles though he was completely comfortable in a crowd, but this kind of play is exactly why he despised the way kingdoms handled their diplomatic visits. Everyone seemed to only have their own interests in mind, chasing after whatever would make them more powerful.
Genuinity was rare and priceless. Thus far, only Magnus, Djinni, Nayl, and Kerberos had been genuine in their visits, coming with curiosity rather than purpose, a set goal in mind.
"I'll take you to Lilitha," he said evenly, his eyes returning to Warlight with a slight dip of his head in respect. Then he turned without a glance to her companions and no answer for her unasked question regarding the Taigans' well beings. Their goal was clear. He wouldn't waste his breath on pretending otherwise and playing the false-smile game. "She is who you seek." Odd though, when normally the buck stopped at him. He was so accustomed to it now, responsible for the Taigans for so many years. It wasn't uncomfortable, though. Just strange.
He led them through the trees on a direct path to Lilitha, already aware of where she was just then. It was not a long journey, and the distant sound of children playing could be heard through the dark forest. Their approach was quiet over the soft bed of pine needles, but he wasn't concerned that he'd catch her off-guard.
"Lilitha," he greeted gently, drawing them near then pulling away from the group to stand aside. "Warlight. Clayton. Raul." He nodded to each in introduction. "Diplomats."
and it's not by fire but what's forged in flame can drown the sorrows of a huntsman's pain
I watch the city burn, these dreams like ashes float away...
The sound of playing children brought a smile to Lilitha’s face, and one ear angled to listen and make sure the little ones were safe and staying nearby as the other swiveled to observe her surroundings. Never quite at rest, never quite trusting even home to remain safe when little lives were involved. So of course she heard his approach, and heard the sound of far more feet than just his. So today would be a bit more eventful than anticipated, would it?
“Ruan,” she replied, matching his quiet solemnity. “Warlight, Clayton, Raul,” she repeated, nodding at each of them in turn. “Three of you, hm?” Seemed a bit excessive for a diplomatic visit, though her experience so far was limited to just a couple of them. Still, they looked like a group somehow, a familiarity to the way they stood perhaps, some subtlety of body language she couldn’t quite pin down that made her suspect they were from the same kingdom, even if they usually only sent one.
“Where are you all from then, and what brings you to Taiga?” The usual, no doubt, a courtesy visit, asking about the state of the territory, making polite overtures, trying to suss out how their respective lands would interact. She did her best to look interested and open, keeping a polite expression on her face as she waited for an answer. Might as well get this over with.
((lol sorry, Ru was gonna handle this visit and then they had to pick who was in charge, kinda threw a wrench in that plan. So. Sorry for the runaround, it wasn’t deliberate.))
![[Image: Warlightpageddoll1.png]](https://i.postimg.cc/NMPHtrtV/Warlightpageddoll1.png)
![[Image: clayton_by_cowgirlconrad-dcmmo18.png]](https://orig00.deviantart.net/8f0d/f/2018/254/c/4/clayton_by_cowgirlconrad-dcmmo18.png)
