"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
Dalten is, after all, the perfection of strong breeding.
At first, he lingers in the distance. After all, she isn’t just his mother, she is Queen Lagertha, and therefore he couldn’t just waltz up casually. She already expected so much more from him, and to arrive unprepared would be a nail in his coffin.
So instead, he stands in the shadows like he knew how to do best. Technically, he hadn’t really been christened a Dale dweller yet, he just sort of hung around, unheard of unseen of, and debated on whether this was truly what he needed.
Sometimes he thought the isolation of the Tundra would suit him better. Everyone in the Tundra hides from socialization.
But yet the legacy of his father, the history of his family, and the prominent fact that he had ruler-blood, kept him stuck and locked cold on the Dale. He couldn’t rule the Amazons, he didn’t have the gender for it, and so the Dale was his nesting ground. His born to be here kingdom.
Now, if only he had the personality of a ruler.
Entertaining himself, he flickers with what he has gotten to practice with most: electricity. He starts with feeling the hum of vibration in his feet, toying with baby blue sparks and stripes fluorescent against his black hooves. He increases his power till it tickles at his knees, growing the power closer and closer to his withers till lightning sparks zoom across his body like angled wires. All the time spent in the shadows gave him opportunity to master a skill he could never quite put a hold on.
A mare approaches mother first, and Dalten rests his blue eyes on her delicate figure. He can hardly hear her tone on account of the wind direction, but her softened hum sounds inviting enough that Lagertha wasn’t being viewed as threatening. And yet, Dalten couldn’t help but be surprised. He knew of his mother’s softness, her way of showing love and affection. He also knew of how others respected her, how they didn’t cross her boundary or test her patience. She had an aura of glory that demanded to be noticed. Perhaps he half expected everyone to be a little on edge in her presence, she truly is a woman of recognition.
A second pungent Amazon smell lifts from the air in a nauseating way. It was slightly overwhelming to be so familiar with the sense of home. He had practically gotten accustomed to the rich smell of pine. Perhaps his mother would have forgotten him altogether by now—his smell, his face, his delicate features, his powerful stance. Without the smell of Amazonians clinging to his skin, would she remember his name?
and her daughter, Sette
His stomach cringes in the most unusual way, a flicker of blue lightning crawling across his back in irritation. If the first fails, the second will succeed.
He didn’t know if he felt sick from being replaced, or sick from scolding her on the fact she reproduced a second time. He couldn’t fault her, he hadn’t been the easiest of children being all dreary and explorative. He hadn’t given her the slightest bit of reward for her spontaneous reproduction. Perhaps Sette would be a better candidate to set fire to her lines.
A man was reluctantly at side, making him smirk at the sight. It wasn’t the first (or last) time Dalten had witnessed an prisoner at the chain of an Amazonian. It also wasn’t the first time that prisoner happened to be a miserable male. Thankfully, being non-cooperative with other kingdoms assured Dalten for the time being he was safe from petty stealing. Though, by the looks of his consistent lingering in the Dale, his clock might be clicking short.
I like the trees
He couldn’t stop staring at her with a gaping mouth. She shared similar characteristics that he had, being the children of Lagertha they were bound to have resemblances. He looked far more like her as a child than a growing adult, however. But still, his blue eyes stayed trained on her petite frame.
A jungle princess.
As he is the jungle prince.
Finally someone from the Dale rose to the occasion. Ea, she introduced herself as. He watches her with a spark of intensity, eyeing her movement. He feels foolish now, wanting to approach. She wouldn’t know him, wouldn’t know him to be a Dale dweller. He isn’t. He will be, should be… Perhaps after this meeting that can be arranged. However until then, a third stranger reeking of their kingdom might be a little more odd than the three females with a male in tow visiting.
And finally, HE arrives. The king, the representative, the leader. Dalten watches him with respect, as he floats to the scene and handles it like a breeze. The introverted colt had far too much to learn.
Perhaps his joining of the Dale can commence at similar times as meeting his mother.
How convenient.
It doesn’t end though, more and more faces keep arriving and Dalten feels his anxiety begin to peak.
Lord, have mercy on me.
And so he approaches.
He curls to himself, finding a gaping spot between some Dale folk, and settles himself nicely within his comfort zone. He cocks his right hind, eyeing the peculiar child from the corner of his eye, inhaling the sweet memorable scent of home, and then finally focuses his attention on her.
Mother.
“Hello, mom” he says with a deep masculine tone that surely wasn’t there when he left the jungle so long ago. He feels sheepish, childish approaching her like this. But yet, he does.
She would be a poor warrior if she did not notice Killdare trailing off behind him. However, as it is just the three of them, Lagertha doesn’t have anyone to escort him back to the Jungle. While he is, apparently, the honorable sort of Chamberling for not scampering back home as soon as he leaves the Kingdom, she still doesn’t trust him to return to the heat and humidity without something going awry. So Lagertha clenches her jaw and hopes the Dale will see him as a manservant and murmurs to Joscelin “If he gets uppity or in the way, zap him. As a warning.” That brings a little bit of a smile to her lips. Oh Chamberlings, Chamberlings. Whatever is she going to do about those Chamberlings?
With Sette pressed against her side, they wait, and it isn’t long before someone answers the doorbell. She is heavy with child, but seems happy. Of her limited experience with the Dale, she seems to fit right in. Lagertha nods a confirmation of Joscelin’s introduction, giving a simple “Thank you,” to her offer of congratulations. However, when Sette says that she likes the trees, and Soliel offers to take her to see them, Lagertha smiles and nudges the almost yearling forward. “Of course. Go, have fun.” They shouldn’t be here too long anyway, because more horses appear to be coming towards them.
It’s a party, she thinks, and then quickly adds that she is not so great at parties. Lagertha is in no way overwhelmed by the amount of Daleans coming to see who is calling, but it does make the ‘quick visit’ rather long. The next to approach is a somewhat familiar face, one that she hasn’t seen in ages. Ea. She is glad to see that at least one of the children was keeping up the Jungle’s end of the agreement, though she keeps holding onto a silent hope that Dalten will show his face. “Ea. Of course, you’re Scorch’s daughter…” She trails off, not wanting to be the bearer of bad news, but also not wanting to intentionally keep mare in the dark. If she is surprised that there is a new Khaleesi, she definitely doesn’t know about her mother’s death. “Oh fuck..” she mutters under her breath, before looking the silvery bay in the eyes. Lagertha takes a deep breath. “No one should find out this way, but you should know that… she is dead. I’m sorry.” It’s all very business-like, the matter of relating a death, but often like the police, she is poor at showing concern. What else could she have said? ‘There’s been an accident’? or ‘You should find one of your siblings’? No. That was cowardly. And would cause the girl to worry unnecessarily. Best to rip the band-aid off all once.
The iron Queen frowns a little, making an effort to try and feel for the daughter who was traded off. Luckily for her, another horse comes, and then another, and another, and Lagertha’s attention is pulled away from Ea. A gray stallion is first, followed shortly by another red roan and a bay mare. Again, she dips her head in thanks to the mare, noting the intimacy between her and Joscelin. The gray stallion never introduces himself, but as he begins to delve into the heart of the matter instead of lingering on pleasantries, she takes him to be Ramiel, the King. She nods, dipping her horned head slightly in thanks. “Yes, I am aware of the agreement that was set up by Scorch. After all, you do have my son, Dalten, supposedly amongst your ranks.” She pauses and looks between Joscelin and Ea, painfully aware of his absence. The Amazons really did get the better end of that deal. And she wasn’t going to re-neg on that, because Joscelin was starting to become an invaluable member of the Kingdom, and though perhaps still small, Ramiel appears to have a loyal following.
The Dale isn’t her first pick but if it means she gets to keep what she already has, then she’ll make do. That is one out of the four slots she’s allotted for alliances and treaties. “It still stands. Joscelin is one of the more hardworking sisters, and I am sure she is going to go far.” At that point, a black stallion interrupts her, and her gray eyes fall upon her first born. Her son. Her piece of political maneuvering. Her deal with Tiphon. And yet, he is more than that. For a moment, she pauses, drinking in the sight of him. How long has it been? Long enough. Too long. “Dalten.” she finally says with a small smile, taking a step or two towards him and extending her nose in greeting.
This is the biggest multi-family reunion she’s ever seen in Beqanna. Which is weird, because Lagertha’s never had a family except for the sisters. And her son. And now Sette. Which reminds her… When the formalities are over, someone needs to be introduced, and Joscelin given leave to stay awhile.
There's a song in your lung and a dream in your eye.
A scowl is planted firmly upon her features when she realizes that Killdare had elected to follow them. Of all the things he could have done. .. He had promised to stick like a burr, and he apparently is making good on his promise. But Joscelin is more than ready to buck this burr. He golden eyes keep flashing towards him as she glowers ferociously. The Khaleesi’s words however, bring a hint of a smile to her lips. She rather hopes he will do something, for she would absolutely love to have the opportunity to remove some hair from his pelt.
As the Amazon’s delegation waits, they slowly trickle out, the members of the Dale. She knows a fair number of them, though there are one or two she does not recognize. She does recognize Ea, though it had been years since they had last seen each other. When they had first met, Ea and Joscelin had been but children who had stumbled upon each other in a chance meeting (the silver roan had been thoroughly unimpressed with Joscelin’s chance felling of a rather large oak). So as the girl asks her question, Joscelin nods slightly in acknowledgement. Lagertha takes up the rather difficult task of informing Ea that her mother is dead, and Joscelin shifts uncomfortably. She isn’t certain how the mare will react to such news, but she is quite certain that she would have no clue how to deal with grief.
When Ramiel approaches, all hint of discomfort disappears from her features, to be replaced by a real smile. The first truly happy smile that had touched her lips in ages. She is happier than she had ever imagined she could be in the jungle, but she misses Ramiel a great deal. They had spent their youth together, not just siblings, but the closest of friends. Had there been less of an audience, she would have greeted him far more affectionately. As it stands, she is fairly certain this is neither the time nor place.
Ramiel is as gracious in his greeting as one would expect from a king. He asks her about her light, if it might offer warmth to Sette. A small frown tugs at her lips as he golden gaze turns to the smoky child. She had never tried to use her light as a source of warmth. She is not entirely certainly it emits any warmth to speak of (she does not feel it in the same way that others might, and as she has yet to use her light on another living creature, she has had no reports on its warmth or lack thereof). She could try, but she is not entirely certain she has the control necessary to hold it over the girl without slipping and accidentally harming her. And the last thing she wishes to do is to cause the girl any pain.
I am not certain if I could. I don’t know if it could warm her without harming her.
In the next moment, it becomes moot anyway, as Soliel offers to take Sette to see the trees. Physical exertion would help to keep her warm just as well (or better) than what she might be able to provide.
Finally her mother arrives. She had expected it of course. Her mother is an eternally gracious and conscientious diplomat. She would not miss such an important meeting. But as the bay mare limps into view, Joscelin has to struggle to hide her shock. The woman before her is not the same woman she had left only a year or so earlier. This one is covered in scars, a roadmap of blemishes telling a terrible story. The flashing in her skin intensifies with her increased alarm. And as her mother slips in next to her, she cannot help the concerned question that falls from her lips on a quiet breath.
Mom?
Elysteria nuzzles against her neck briefly, a soft touch that soothes and comforts, telling her that she is as well as can be expected. But she would get the full story later. She isn’t giving up that easily. She does well recognize though, that now is not the time. She would have to see if Lagertha would allow her to stay for a short time.
The last one to arrive is a young stallion she does not recognize immediately, although it quickly becomes apparent that this is Lagertha’s son. Her metallic gaze turns to him with curiosity, wondering about the Khaleesi’s only biological child. Unfortunately she is not here to have her curiosity satisfied, but rather to play the diplomatic game. Turning her gaze back to Ramiel, she directs the conversation back to their purpose.
How is the Dale faring?
It is a rather ironic question for her, but one she greatly wishes to know the answer to.
Joscelin
Tiphon x Elysteria
html c insane | picture c mikanicole.deviantart.com
10-05-2015, 03:58 PM (This post was last modified: 10-05-2015, 04:04 PM by Killdare.)
I WILL ALWAYS FIND YOU
He smiles, feeling smug, he dug under the nail just enough to get a rise. Task complete.
Actually he found it rather odd that they had not demanded he accompany them. If it were the other way around Joscelin would not have been let out of his sight, very strange indeed. He settled, perhaps uncomfortably close to the bay, even being as bold as to nibble stray hairs floating from her mane. He decides he is glad he has come, the Dale was proving an interesting bunch. The first he learns is Soliel, next is an Ea. Now she is apparently a child of the late Khaleesi, ouch. Lagertha takes a blunt approach in her delivery of the news. True to character perhaps, but she could probably practice feigning concern at the very least. Then comes their King, a grey young man, well, young compared to most from his Kingdom. He wondered how that had come about, but he dips his head anyways, acknowledging the position.
Then comes, another stallion, roan and..odd. Yes ,odd is probably nicely put, he is a strange one no doubt. He notes the way he eyes them, first Joscelin, in recognition. Then as if he has never seen her before he traces the cracks along her body with his eyes, then he skips on to Killdare. When the cold is mentioned he had made to extend a wing to cover the young child, Sette. That duty had been taken care of when the swollen white mare, Soliel, brings up thoughts of adventures in the trees. Amber looked far too long on his wings, he pulled his head back in awkwardness, "Do you know that old man?" He breathes in Josc's ear, trying to keep his voice low, he didn't hide the action of tucking his wings tighter to himself.
His concern is broken by another joining the Dale group, another bay mare. Oddly familiar, and of course, dear little Josc's Mother. How nice. He smiles in greeting, "Hello ma'am" He was a perfect little chamberling boy today.
10-12-2015, 12:05 PM (This post was last modified: 10-12-2015, 12:05 PM by Ramiel.)
Even after he’s spoken, Daleans continue to pile into the meeting. He smiles at each and every one as they approach, not as worried about offending the Jungle as perhaps he should be. He doesn’t know anything of their two-horse rule, and even if he did, he wouldn’t protest or stop his people from coming forward. In truth, showing the rest of Beqanna the image of a united front is far more important to him. Let the other kingdoms think that this is a common occurrence in the Dale, that they are ready and willing to defend their home if the need arises; let them assume this is only a fraction of the inhabitants, rather than the vast majority.
Ramiel is happily surprised at the turnout, but he’s even more surprised to see both Ea and Dalten present. It’s as if only the familiar, fragrant scent of the Jungle is what it takes to draw them from their hiding places within the Dale. And while the grey king has more of a rapport with Ea by far, he’s certainly interested in getting to know his brother just as well. Perhaps the mountain kingdom will benefit from here on out as much as the Jungle has in their alliance.
And speaking of the alliance, he’s about to dive further into the conversation when Soliel asks a question of its origins. It’s not shocking that she knows nothing about it. Even if she did at one time, surely it has been erased from her mind along with all of her other memories. Once again, the grey wonders what has so plagued the mysterious mare – what has scooped out all the corners of her mind, leaving cobwebs in place of her past? Also once again, he finds himself happy to step up for the woman, to be a guiding hand in what must be a dark place. “When my father Tiphon was king, he made an agreement with the former Khaleesi, Scorch. The Jungle gained his daughter and my sister, Joscelin,” he indicates his cracked-skin sister with a tilt of his head and a smile. It’s still strange to consider her a part of the Sisterhood rather than a mountain-dweller, but he tries. “And the Dale received Scorch’s daughter Ea and Lagertha’s son Dalten. This trade assured an alliance between the Jungle and the Dale.” His golden eyes find the bay roan mare and grey stallion, trying to read whatever emotions they may or may not give away. They had all been too young to really understand the implications of such a deal at the time. Even he hadn’t truly comprehended how much his life would change due to his father’s decision years ago. Do they resent it – resent him, even, for having them here?
He smiles gently at Soliel once his explanation is finished before looking between those gathered. Weir is here, and Ramiel has no fears that the roan will repeat his recent transgression against the Gates. He thinks it will be a blip on an otherwise long-lasting, largely-positive diplomatic career. It will be if the head of his caste has anything to say about it, anyway. That leader, Elysteria, appears too, moving quickly to greet her daughter once the niceties are out of the way. And finally, it seems the tide of Daleans has slowed. If any more horses trickle in, the ghost king will be completely shocked.
Lagertha seems to realize this as well. But before they can talk policy, Dalten greets his dam with his rich, bass voice. Ramiel wonders if he’s not been home in the same way Joscelin hasn’t. If not, mother and son likely have a lot to catch up on (Lagertha’s ascension, for starters). It’s not the first tender moment of the meeting and it surely won’t be the last. He’d noticed Elysteria’s new cuts and bruises, but he hadn’t had a chance to comment on them or question the older mare. Now, he can hear her and Josc talking quietly as they stand together, their voices lilting on the questions they ask of each other. And then comes the worst moment of all of them. He hadn’t imagined why there was a new khaleesi. So when Ea asks calmly, her voice iron like so much of her, he doesn’t put it together until he looks at Lagertha. The answer is there on the Amazon woman’s face before she says it. Ramiel wants to go to the once-princess in the quiet space before Lagertha tells the truth of the matter. Ea likely wouldn’t welcome his embrace, but he’d give it either way. Instead, he waits for her reaction. Later, he’d seek her out and be whatever comfort she wanted. He can take her to Scorch, if she ever finds herself wanting to go. But now isn’t the time to tell her this, so he nods solemnly and looks back to the khaleesi. “We are sorry for the Jungle’s loss.” The rift between this woman and her former queen is lost on Ramiel. He assumes they are all grieving deeply for Scorch, and his face reflects it.
When an appropriate amount of time has passed (and he waits, also, for Ea or any of the sisters to ask and answer questions about the loss) he decides to return back to the business at hoof. The Jungle’s support is not something he wants to lose. They, more than any other kingdom perhaps, have always been strong in activity and number. Their prowess on the battlefield is legendary, and as one of the Dale’s admittedly weak points, Ramiel means to utilize their friendship should the need arise. He’s glad in so many ways when Lagertha is willing to maintain their alliance. It means that Joscelin will stay in a place he thinks she’s found happiness. It means the Sisterhood and Dale will support each other in the likely trying days ahead. And it means that the two kingdoms will grow and learn from one another. “I’m glad to hear it. I hope our relationship will provide many more boons for the both of us in the coming years.” His voice is strong and smooth with the formalness of his words. So rarely does he have to play this official part. He is surprised to find that he doesn’t mind it, however. But there are other matters to discuss, now that they’ve cemented their relationship. “We are allied with the Falls recently as well. What do you think of joint exercises between our three kingdoms?”
Alliance ensured, the grey finds himself relaxing some small degree. He’s not shocked to hear how well his sister is doing in her new home. But the last time they’d seen each other, she hadn’t been the confident, self-assured woman he saw now. She’d been torn asunder (both mentally and physically) by the same god that had changed his own life. It makes him absurdly happy to hear the khaleesi praise her now, and he can’t let the comment go without adding some of his own. “I never doubted her.” A small grin pulls at his lips as he looks from Lagertha to Joscelin. She asks him how the Dale is doing, and it’s as strange for him to hear as it is for her to ask. Ram looks at the other inhabitants, waiting for them to add their own opinions before giving his own. “It is well and growing with each passing season. Tiphon has returned as well.” He gives his sister a meaningful look, hoping she’ll stay behind and catch up with their sire if she wishes to. A sudden realization hits him then. He’d been so eager to discuss politics, he hadn’t given his name. Somewhat sheepishly, he turns back to Lagertha and the rest of the Sisters (and Killdare). “My apologies. I’m Ramiel, if you hadn’t already realized it by now.”
The Dale is a flurry of faces, and I retreat slightly, tucked against Lagertha's side. I don't mean to be shy but I have never seen so many horses in one place. Their words wash over me, almost incomprehensible as I watch with wide brown eyes. I might seem overwhelmed, but I am not afraid. I am trying to absorb as much as I can while understanding so little. I offer Soleil a warm smile and move closer to her with mama's blessing. We are close enough to the group that I hear the stallion mama calls Dalten speak. He calls her mom. My eyes widen a little, although I am young enough to accept the fact rather easily that I am not an only child. Still, I am also young enough to wonder if my mother loves me as much as she loves my brother. I want to ask her about the stallion, but I bite back my curiosity and turn back to Soleil and the trees.
Soon enough mama will collect me and I can ask her the thousands of questions that have been building in my head.
ANGUISETTE the jungle princess
ooc: I am so impressed with this thread and I had so little to add. *grins*
