"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
03-05-2016, 09:20 PM (This post was last modified: 03-05-2016, 10:24 PM by Vessel.)
learn to read between the lines, yeah?
I couldn't take it anymore, mom had left me with that bear-horse, and the crazy mare that was obsessed with the flaming tree. I know she was protecting the kingdom, but I just don't understand why that means I had to stay in Chamber just to have her be killed. I can't stay there. I just can't. Then there is Vaughan who despite almost being crushed by that stallion mother was all flush with while he attacked that nasty beast who ended up kidnapping and hurting him he still can stay where it is safe. I left. I actually did it, I left the chamber! I hadn't done that before mother kept us so locked away in safety before the war. Vaughan was a fool for not coming with me. But he wanted to sneak off and watch the fighting, I called for him to come back, but he didn't. He kept on going thinking that I would just follow, cause I usually do. But no I left! I did!
Somehow I ended here, tight where the Falls began, I stopped and waited, as mom said once that you can't just enter new places, you are supposed to wait for someone to invite you in or they get mad... or something. I dunno... but I stopped just the same. My reddish-brown coat turned grayer from all the ash settling on my coat. I could still kinda hear the war gong on, but it was faint and distant. I am not sure what else to do, I've never been alone before, and I really don't like the feeling. I miss Vaughan's boldness- even if he is an idiot. "Hello?? I call out meekly, my voice high, mostly because I am young, and ok, ok nervous too. I cough and clear my throat, "Hellloooo!?!??"This time, I call out louder, a little more confident. I hope I don't get into trouble without anyone knowing where I am, and no brother to give me courage.
I look around taking in the difference in landscape, the Chamber doesn't look like this place. It's pretty, spring is a good look for this place. The chamber is gross in the spring... or maybe that's just the war, I dunno. Is anyone going to come? I don't' hear anyone coming, maybe this was a bad idea. I stop and fidget, unsure if I should stay to see who might answer my call. But I hear mother in my mind, about being strong, and not being afraid; so I still and hold myself up a little. Yeah, I can do this. I don't need anyone but myself.
03-06-2016, 06:15 PM (This post was last modified: 03-08-2016, 01:59 PM by Ashara.)
Ashara was grazing quite comfortably on the lush spring vegetation. The winter here was pleasant compared to the cold, food deprived ones she had been used to on her own. Her golden coat gleamed from health and she even carried some extra weight. It was quiet here, but she didn’t mind, her queen was undemanding and her companionship enough. Her social skills were slowly growing and she took pride in her new position, however small.
Honey auricles picked up a faint sound that she disregarded as something in the wind until a clear voice said hello. Startled visage immediately perked in the direction of the sound. She had not witnessed a stranger enter the kingdom before and feared the worst, after all there was a war going on. After a short pause to deliberate, the vixen ventured towards the source of the noise, pace quickening at the site of the young one.
The filly evoked a maternal instinct Ashara didn’t know she had. The poor thing all alone. She wanted to wrap her flaxen nape around her and hold her tight but stopped in front the other. ”My dear, welcome to the Falls. Are you alone?” She spoke with warmth and confidence not exuded before. Visually checking the bay for injuries or ailment but finding none obvious that would cause her to seek the land’s namesake. Patiently and curiously observing the young ones every move, hoping she would stay.
Wherever I am, is exactly where I'm supposed to be.
Vaughan didn't have many responsibilities as a young man but one he had and likely always would have is to keep an eye on his twin. There is a certain bond that regardless of the lack of traits, spoke to each of them; he didn't have to be told she left the Chamber for the black colt could feel it. He allows her to take off though without him being seen trekking behind her, although his ear was still throbbing and maimed from the insanity in their birth home...he had a higher calling. He watches her navigate into a land he'd never been told about - The Falls. Kimber had not discussed them, perhaps they were simply that unimportant but he is naive after all.
It's almost comical how quick everyone is to come to Vessel's rescue he thinks, poor pitiful alone child - even though they were certainly weaned and capable of mostly protecting themselves. He watches the happy-go-lucky golden mare approach his sister and instinctively, his protective nature takes over - he haughtily speeds towards him. Nickering, ears pricked forward at least the one that would stand, "No, she is not alone - her keeper is never too far behind her," he says begrudgingly, "and that person is me, Vaughan." He then relaxes his stance, his maimed ear falling to the side and oozing blood as he was consistently breaking the scabs back open. He was so handsome beyond that pathetic ear but he would always be unbothered. Appearances weren't important, at least mother had taught them that. "Vessel, hide and seek is a little childish don't you think? What ever brought you here?" his tone is equal parts curious and scolding.
I hadn't been told about the Falls, or really any lands outside of Chamber. Mom, just said that you should just go into other places, and I hadn't. I stopped and waited- proper and correct. I can't say why ended up here... It's just the place I ended up here. I stopped because it was different, so different than the dark corners of Chamber and the ashy air that stuck in my lungs and made me cough. Vaughan seemed to thrive there. I could see him staying in Chamber, and not once worrying about elsewhere. He loves adventure and is so bold, and me? Well.... I don't think I would stay, if it were just me, but it's not. I don't think I'd ever truly leave Vaughan. That whole he's my twin thing, it's a real draw.
I stand waiting, not long, but my thoughts are always whirling in my head. Sounds of approaching hooves pulled me from my reflections and snap to the direction of sound. I'd be lying if I said I wasn't a little tense. Are the people nice here? are they kind or is it full of murderous villains worse than Chamber? What if Chamber is the only good guy in this realm? Breathe Vessel, you got this. I see a yellow-y horse come through, I think mom called that Palomino. I breath through the fear. I know I can do this. I got it. The mare approaches, and she seems nice enough. She is alert but not aggressive- so far so good. I listen to her words, again non-threatening, and I am thinking that I have got this first solo interaction in the bag. "Hi, Yeah I'm-- And then it's all over.
Vaughan, bold, protective and reactive crashed through the tree line, inserting himself as my savior and protector...I am mortified. " VAUGHAN STOP IT!!! YOU STOP RIGHT NOW!! I stomp by foot and move to the side out from his protective guard. I'm so embarrassed. Oh no, now he's talking at the mare like he's some hot shot. Oh, this is embarrassing and I fight the urge to completely lose my cool, or melt away into nothingness. I can't believe Vaughan, he's being so rude and ridiculous. Before the mare has a chance to say a thing, i address him. I may not be the bold adventurous twin, but I will tell him off. "Am I really that weak to you? That you can't let me talk to anyone with out you? Just go home Vaughan, I just needed a break from the ash, and you've embarrassed me. I can't believe you!" I feel tears in my eyes. I have never been this embarrassed, yeah I felt embarrassed as a kid when I said something wrong or made a mistake but not like this. Never like this. I don't want to cry, I shake my head and close my eyes. I try to shake it but it stays with me.
I turn to the mare, trying to hold myself up,but I feel so defeated I am sure I look pathetic. "I'm so sorry, Miss. I didn't want this. I didn't ask for it...." I tries I really did, but my voice gives way to a sob, and the tears came and I couldn't stop them. Maybe I should have just stayed with the bear-horse and the lady who ran around the tree. I didn't deserve this. I didn't want this. I shoot Vaughan a terrible glance as he starts in on hide and seek. Still sobbing, my embarrassment became nothing to my anger. Through my tears and hiccup-y sobs i manage to say something, holding my ground. "What right do you have to scold me, Vaughan just go away! I don't want to see you right now!...Please, just go!
I look at the mare, i don't know what she thinks but I wouldn't blame her if she wanted to run away from me, I would. Who would want to talk to some sobbing filly and her bold mouthed brother? I wonder what she will say. This is a mess.
vessel
nymphetamine x kimber
ooc: this may be a little ADHD.... i wrote it during moments of down time while at work today. I tried to join it all together....but it stil seems a little off to me."
Reacting to instincts, the fear of danger stronger than reason, the golden vixen spooked at the sudden movement, jumping sideways and then backing away slowly. The emerging boy demanded respect. She dipped her skull in submission overwhelmed by the unspoken accusation, the body language, that she may be a threat. She certainly wouldn’t disregard an opinion just because the speaker was younger, all voices were valid.
Her auricles picked up as the filly displayed distress. If their similar appearance and smell wasn’t enough of a giveaway their squabble certainly proved sibling relations. As the emotion brimmed so did Ashara’s concern and desire to fix the situation.
”It’s alright hon.” she spoke, trying to comfort the bay, unsure what to call her and doubtful words would make a difference but attempting anyway. What more could she do? Addressing both of them she speaks again ”My name is Ashara, I am a student of this kingdom. The numbers here are small and our neutrality keeps things quiet but you are both more than welcome to stay as long as you’d like. If I can be of service in any way…?” Her voice as calm and melancholy as possible. Most of her focus had been on the femme, wanting to comfort her, make her feel safe and welcome. The iron sweet scent of blood draws her attention to the colt’s injury. ”Sir, our waters here have healing properties. I’d be happy to escort you if you’d allow it?” She addresses him formally, hoping to gain his trust. Not yet having seen the falls magic work, she hoped they did as was told to her and not be made a fool of.
Wherever I am, is exactly where I'm supposed to be.
BETTER BEWARE, I GO BUMP IN THE NIGHT DEVIL-MAY-CARE WITH A LUST FOR LIFE
Time seemed to moving slowly for the bay woman. The spring brought with her an ample bosom of wild flowers and butterflies. The Falls was not sparred by the blanket of warmth strew over the territory. On days with such sunny skies, Ygritte enjoyed a walk amongst the ferns, tracing the lands and checking that there was nothing too far out of the ordinary. The war was still waging in other realms so it was good to walk the perimeter at time or two, especially now.
Now as so happened upon this walk under the warm rays of the sun did the mare catch the sound of voices. A first meek and soft, that of a young girl then suddenly as burst of baritone from that of a boy. Limbs lift and fall as these voices were unknown to her. Ygritte was aware that Ashara was busy recruiting most days so the sound of the new tones were a welcomed one.
Upon clearing a small knoll was the sight of three forms. Indeed a small, leggy filly and that of an equally leggy colt. Lobes flick atop the poll as pools find the familiar face of Ashara. A small nod is given as the mare approaches in time to hear the girl positively squawking at her brother. A small laugh escapes the salmon lips, the edge of her lips curling slightly. The flower laden poll tilts slightly as she greets the youths with warmth and curiosity. "Welcome to the Falls, Vessel and Vaughan." Syllables are spoken like the smoothing of pebbles in a chilly riverbed. Ygritte noticed the girl's hitching voice and wet eyes and she looks to the boy. His ear is bloodies and crumpled and Ashara offers the healing waters to him. "Yes to the waterfall, Vaughan, if you should like. It heals all ailments." The boy was headstrong, a fighter. Ygritte could sense the depths of his hot blood. Attention turns to Vessel and the curl of Ygritte's lips bloom to a smile. "Lovely to meet you both." Ygritte's own twin daughters were not far off from the small group of equines. The bay and blue-gray pointed fillies tended to play by the shore of the water, as Ygritte could see them from the place she stood. Her attention shifts back to the new faces as she hopes the colt will heed her advice and the little filly will calm down. "No more tears, little one." She smiles to Vessel. "And bravo, Vaughan, for always coming to the aid of your sister. I wish more stallions were like you." She gives him a little wink. "And I suppose I should introduce myself. I'm Ygritte."
I tell myself. my lungs still shutter and the tears still fall but they are silent now. No longer do I sob. No longer can I stand here, pretending I am ok, but I know crying will not make the changes I need. I know deep down Vaughan means well, I know he is good, and loving, and strong. I know I will always need him, but I need to be able to stand on my own. I need to find me, the form of myself that isn't in Vaughan's bold, loving, stubborn shadow. I look out beyond, beyond the two older horses and the shrubbery around our group. I look beyond. the outline of trees, hills, and clefts that jaunt across the sky. Maybe I am just too emotional right now, but the feeling that settled over me was calming and anchored. If I was wrong I would correct it later, or something.
Since I now had myself together, I focus back on the others, not 100% sure what had been said. The palomino still looked at her with concern but was talking to Vaughan about his ear. If I were honest I liked his floppy ear, a good reminder that his boldness doesn't make him invincible. Had the mare said her name? I try to recall the conversation in the background while I pondered, and yes she had. A....Artha? No, Ashra...Ashara. Yes. I snap an "I still hate you look to Vaughan" and a nod to the mare, "Thank you Ashara, for understanding, and for the offer. I think Vaughan needs the reminder... He isn't invincible and he won't always have magic to help him." I don't sound cold, I don't' think. I am blunt, but it came from a place of caring, of not wanting him hurt.
Another one approached, I am not sure how much she had heard, but it was obvious she was royalty- if not for her stature, but for the crown upon her head and that she had heard all of their outburst. I can't help but feel embarrassed again and my resolve weakens. The tears threatened to quicken as a sob escaped through a shaky breath. Ygritte focusses on me and tells me to stop crying, and I half smile trying not to. I don't want to be so weak, and I know soon I will have to find my own strength. When she turns to Vaughan I am slightly annoyed, no disappointed she doesn't chastise him, but the trickling tears down my face would hopefully be enough of a punishment. Not that I want him to be in major trouble, or to feel completely awful, I just want him to trust me. I guess I will have to give him reason to. When the mare had finished I dip my head, "It is a pleasure to meet you Ygritte. Your lands are beautiful. I think I'd really like it here."
03-22-2016, 03:07 PM (This post was last modified: 03-22-2016, 03:13 PM by Ashara.)
ASHARA
Amber pools observe with a hint of jealousy, Ygritte has a way with the young. Perhaps that comes with motherhood or perhaps the bay and coral queen was just that good with everyone, she never lost her cool and spoke with gentle but persuasive diplomacy. It was a real pleasure to be in her presence.
A smile tugged at Ashara’s maw as the filly said her name. The reddish bay exhibiting such courage and maturity for her size. Golden vixen was full of admiration in that moment, for her friend and the young ones that brought a youthful joy to the aura despite the emotional outbursts. She couldn’t help but wonder how it would be to have her own little one. To have it grown inside for months, loving and caring for the sapling till they could finally meet. To nurture and protect the helpless foal, watch it grow until one day it would venture on it’s own like the two that had found their way here. But alas, that mean being with a stallion, and that was just too gut-wrenching disgusting.
Did she hear right? The little one wanted to stay? With delight brimming, her limbs became animated, unable to stand still. “Yes Vessel, you will like it here. I’m so glad you will stay!”
If you're ever gonna find a silver lining It's gotta be a cloudy day
BETTER BEWARE, I GO BUMP IN THE NIGHT DEVIL-MAY-CARE WITH A LUST FOR LIFE
This curious little girl makes the bay woman smile. She is a deep mahogany much like the mare but she was dark where Ygritte is salmon. The dampened cheeks are of a bloodwood red, fierce and hot. With a few paces, the coral lips are bumping the little one's pols, tugging slightly at the strands. It seemed natural for Ygritte to do so, maternal and protective of her kingdom. Amber pools look back to Ashara with a smile to hear her exclamation of Vessel's decision to stay. Ygritte was delighted as well.
"Just as Ashara said and yourself as well, you will like it here. We all look after one another." Ygritte was learning she could rely on the palomino mare. The woman had proven herself over and over to have the kingdom's best interest in her heart and even Ygritte's as well. The young girl would be looked after by all the kingdom members for she was one of them now and there was nothing that could destroy that bond. "Will Vaughn be staying as well?" The inquiry was simple enough as her pools flicker back to the boy the upon the small face of Vessel. Ygritte saw herself in the yearling. Small, fragile but with a spirit of steel. She would grow to be a fine mare over time and Ygritte would see to it.
03-30-2016, 09:55 PM (This post was last modified: 04-02-2016, 09:21 PM by vaughan.)
I can see through you, see to the real you
He listens as the two mares banter about the healing waters, though he has grown quickly to learn that the dull throb can be easily forgotten. He was a lot like his parents in the fact that physical pain was trivial and not to be shown on an emotional level. He has found the waterfall of his own accord and left his sister, Vessel, to talk with the mares - the blood ceases and the throbbing stops but the cartilage has been damaged - irreparable. He would have a floppy ear for the rest of his life but for now that wasn't much of a bother.
It isn't long before the stout colt rejoins the pack of mares and he sighs with boredom, this fanciful life they pretend they all live -- though he hadn't faced many hardships thus far, he was not enchanted by peace of paths of such things. Vaughan was born to be a warrior and a silver tongue; an asshole by birth right. He and his sister were night and day but perhaps she was the only woman, spare their mother, he would love. Kimber had done an okay job at parenting but love wasn't something she had ever talked about, affection wasn't really a main focus of attention or teachings. Defense, how to emotional stonewall people, and occasionally a "I love you, son" - even if it made her look like razors cut her throat as she said it. Vaughan wasn't sure how troubled his mother was but he respected her for trying and for doing it alone. "Vessel, is this where you want to stay? Really? Because you know if you ask me to stay here I'll be forced to, it's my job," he says, apathetically but deep down knowing it was true. Regardless of how much Vessel wanted to stand alone, he would always do his best to make sure she never had to. "I guess I"ll stay for as long as she's here, use me how you wish," he says, with a coy grin towards the two older mares. He was closely approaching adulthood and lately he had been feeling his oats so to speak.
He may be a thorn in Vessel's side but he would always gladly be that if it meant her being safe.
Ygritte
