04-10-2015, 12:44 PM
 The Dale continues to be a surrogate family to the girl who had grown up without a mother or father. Its steep slopes were a welcome cradle. Its river was a cleaning touch. Even its unbreached borders were a sort of security blanket as she lived her youth as an orphan. Most of all, though (and especially as she aged), the people became her definition of home. Daleans are a rather secretive bunch, prone to stretches of solitude and mountainous wanderings. They’re rarely known for being the focus of attention, nor is it something they really strive for. But while some might say they lack charisma and drive, citizens of the Dale more than make up for it in their ties to each other. It’s not what kept Talulah here at first – after the wolves had slaughtered her mother and driven her from the mountain’s peak – but rather a connection that eventually overshadowed her initial loyalty to stay. She felt this overwhelming reliability first with Lion and since then, the links have only become more numerous and deeper. Tiphon and Tiberios (and more recently, Elysteria) are as good as a family as she could have hoped for. So it is not surprising – to her at least – that she defends the other new mother as instinctively as she would her own sister. They already are, in a sense. And with their angel king gone as of late (off procuring treaties and alliances, Talulah thinks) the females are the only two remaining. The kingdom hasn’t been this vulnerable in years, and Tiphon’s absence leaves a distinct lack of color and warmth through the land. Elysteria compliments her overly-curious colt, and Talulah grins agreeably. They had certainly done fine jobs. Joscelin chooses to take an impromptu rest at that moment, and the metal-mare’s smile widens as the girl tries to figure out her legs. It’s hard for her to believe she was ever that small and helpless – and completely adorable. “If you ever need a break, I’m more than happy to keep an eye on her for you.” She looks to her own son then, assessing him with a mock critical-eye. “Unless this guy proves to be more rambunctious than he’s letting on.” It was true so far, however. Ramiel had inherited his father’s occasional stoicism. He was prone to overthinking, and often, Talulah had to remind him to explore with more than just his eyes. She relaxes noticeably when the grey mare thoroughly explains herself. It is all too common for former Daleans to return. As she had said before, there is just something about the place that calls you back. “No worries at all, Clytemnestra. We are glad to have you.” The name feels foreign on her tongue, but she rather likes its choppiness. “When did you live here, if you don’t mind my asking?” Little does she know that Clyte had ruled over the Dale when it was a subkingdom to the Chamber and her mother had despised the arrangement. She doesn’t know that Adolpha had conspired with Skellig, Enigma and Modesto – that they had rolled in the dirt together in solidarity that day under the shade of evergreens. All she knows is that this mare doesn’t mean them any harm, and with their vulnerable children present, that’s all that matters. lady of the Dale |
