"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
The golden mare escorts the pinto stallion in the same way Ygritte had done for her. They take the same route between the edge of Forest Frontiers and the Cascades. It’s not a far journey from the field compared to the other kingdoms she had yet to discover. She was feeling quite confident in her success and smiled at the brute. He seemed respectful enough. A little younger than the golden vixen but she could sense he had a similar life of solitude and perhaps that made him easier to exchange with. If she had known back then such a luxurious life she was enjoying now, perhaps it wouldn’t have taken so long to want to join. Although her opinion slightly biased by the fact she had not encountered anything negative so far.
”The diplomats, the side I have chosen, are the peace keepers of the kingdom. We are responsible for attending meetings on behalf of The Falls, recruiting, and conducting steals.” She spoke authoritatively, as the student was becoming the teacher.”The other side are the warriors, should you choose that, have similar responsibilities and some differences I’m sure Ygritte, our queen, can explain. We currently have none, so forgive my lack of knowledge there.” She was curious what side he would choose, they could use a warrior to keep things balanced. As they crept closer to the homeland, walking side by side, Ashara continued. ”There is a war going on right now but we remain neutral in it and Ygritte assures me it will be ending soon. However we have offered the healing powers of our namesake to anyone who needs it.” Honey-coloured vixen had yet to see the effects of the healing liquid but had faith in them regardless.
As they enter the rolling grasslands, Ashara leads Jedi towards the namesake as was done to her. ”Welcome home….. I’m sorry I do not know your name?” She inquires, wondering how they had gotten so far without her noticing. As the roar of the Falls loudened, they were met with the refreshing mist. It’s cool dampness a welcome in the hot sun.
Wherever I am, is exactly where I'm supposed to be.
The pinto stag gladly followed the palomino mare into his new home. It was weird for the stag to think of any place as his home for he had been traveling alone for so long. The stag looked at the field with joy, it was beautiful and he could see himself settling here for some time. The stag intently listened to the mare as she spoke about the two sides, diplomatic or warrior. He also noticed the mare state there was no warriors to the land as of yet, which he found odd. Who would protect the lands? obviously the lead stag would, but if another kingdom ambushed would the stag be enough to protect the kingdom? "I think I will speak with Ygritte about the warriors. I have been in a couple spars in my days." the brute had a decent build and was more than capable of protecting himself, he would protect his new found family with his life should he have to. The stag listened as the mare again spoke, this time she asked for his name. The stag perked up embarrassed he did not introduce himself as she did to him. "I apologize for my rudeness, my name is Jedi." The stag spoke he gave a small nicker "Ashara, how long have you been in this kingdom? the stag asked, curious to if she was already taken to a stallion.
BETTER BEWARE, I GO BUMP IN THE NIGHT DEVIL-MAY-CARE WITH A LUST FOR LIFE
The bay and salmon pointed woman had been off within the embrace of the Falls. Time to time she would sink deeply within the foliage, consumed by the tangles of greens but this time was different. The mare had felt her belly swelling with the seed that had taken hold. As she grew in width, Ygritte stayed away longer in the privacy of the land. Kreios was off with his family but she knew the king would return once the war had finished and the land settled once more. As for now, Ygritte kept things in order and Ashara was finding comfortable in her new home.
In the dark of the night, the pain of labor woke the mare from her sleep. It was familiar as this child was her second but at least now Ygritte understood, was at peace. Limbs move to find a soft ring of moss and grasses to make her nest. Under the moon's gentle gaze did the woman birth not one but two babes. Two perfect little girls. It came to a surprise of their mother but both fillies were healthy and strong.
Some days pass till they are strong enough to travel safely. They bound ahead and under their mother with ferocious energy. The two girls, bay with grey-blue points are identical in size and motion. Ygritte moves with a small but proud smile as she knew to raise the pair with a tender but stern hand.. Amber hued pools scan the topography with mild interest as she watches the little girls bounce against one another, gumming at each other's manes. Ygritte smiles softly when the sound of voices catch her attention.
Ashara was with another. She explains the working of the kingdom as Ygritte had done so. The woman would make a fine diplomat. It was warming to her heart that she golden damsel had already gone and sought out a new member for the growing kingdom. As svelte limbs draw the mare closer, she gives a small but silvery call. The two fillies stay close to their mother as instinct tells them. "Welcome Jedi." The tones are low and velvety as she speaks, the tongue moving fluidly with the syllables. Cocoa tinted pools shifting to those of Ashara and the mare extends her muzzle. "I am glad to see your face, Ashara-" attention shifts to that of the painted stallion's "as well as yours, Jedi. I hope it suits your standards." A small chuckle flows from the flower crowned mare's coral lips. The little girls stand silently by their mother and gazing up at the other equines with wide, wide eyes. "Please meet my daughters, Cometissa and Elysi." Ygritte bumps each child lightly with her muzzle and the girls giggle in return to their mother's touch, jumping up slightly to place little kisses on her cheeks.
As the stag was gazing upon Ashara he noticed the familiar face of Ygritte coming over in the distance. Ygritte was not alone this time though, she had 2 foals following behind her. Very young and most likely not weaned from there mother. Making Ygritte there mother, the stag looked in amazement unaware the mare had recently delivered a foal, and twins at that.
As the mare approached and began to speak Jedi gave a small bow of his dome for the queen of his kingdom. "Ygritte, thank you for inviting me into your kingdom, it is beautiful" Jedi gazed down to the foals the queen introduced he gave a welcoming nicker to the two "Hello Elysi and Cometissa" he said softly not to startle them. the stallion remembered Ashara talking about the diplomats and the warriors and was curious to his future position. "Ygritte, i am very interested in becoming a warrior, can you please tell me what the duties to this position entail?"
BETTER BEWARE, I GO BUMP IN THE NIGHT DEVIL-MAY-CARE WITH A LUST FOR LIFE
Amber eyes drift to watch the tiny twins stare at he painted stallion and golden mare. They would be like this for a bit as the world was wide and far too big for the likes of newborn twins. Ygritte's attention moves the face of the fetching painted stallion. His inquiry as to the warrior caste causes her to tilt her skull, a single edge of her lip curling as if in a silent approval. The flower crown poll nodding slightly. "Jedi, the tasks of a warrior are not easy ones. They are responsible for patrolling our borders, willing to risk life and limb. Warriors must hold mock battles when the threat of danger is low as to hone their skills. They must also participate in recruiting new members just as the diplomatic caste does. Just as I do myself. Does this sound appealing to you?"
The bay mare's voice is low as she nears the bay, drawing close to his face. The Falls needed an army and the fact he inquires excited the salmon pointed mare but it is a serious task that is not taken lightly. Her eyes search his own, swimming in their depths and prying for weakness. Ygritte wanted Jedi to realize the weight of the warrior and still accept it willingly. She did not want him to feel forced into the task.
The stag glanced over to Ashara who was silent, still curious to the mares current courtship. He turned his eyes back to the Queen, Ygritte. He listened carefully as she spoke about the tasks of a warrior and gave a nod of understanding. "Ygritte, I am not the tallest stallion, or the broadest but I can hold my own. You have taken me into your kingdom and offered me much. As long as I can have a life outside of patrol, a family mainly I am more than willing to join the warriors." The stallion was ready to settle down and have a foal of his own, but he would work for his spot in this kingdom. He is not familiar with these grounds or if it is attacked often, but from what Ashara has said it is not. That of course can change rapidly in the future, although Jedi would give his life to defend these horses he now surrounds himself with.
His gaze turned down to the foals that stood by the queens side he gave a small smirk towards them and turned his gaze back to the queen awaiting an approval from her. He wondered if he would meet the King soon, how big was the warriors? Was it just the king? perhaps that is why he has not yet seen him.
kreios don't you tame your demons, but always keep them on a leash
The Falls is a small kingdom, but patrolling the borders alone is still a tiresome task. I have been doing so since dawn, but I am heading back toward the heart of the kingdom when I overhear the sound of a conversation between Ygritte and two strangers.
I alter my path to come across them, and find the queen, two foals, a palomino mare and a brightly colored stallion. Judging from the conversation as I approach, I know that the two adults must be Ygritte’s newest recruits. The fillies I greet with a gentle smile; I’ve not seen Mandan around lately, but assume that these two are the result of he and Ygritte’s union. I’ve never thought to infringe on their relationship despite my respect for the lovely Ygritte (and the fact that her father had threatened to geld me were I ever to put her in danger), and as I see the two pretty fillies I am confirmed in that decision.
“We definitely need more warriors,” I say as I come close enough to the gathered horses, “If I look at the same stretch of forest by myself for much longer I might lose it. And mocking against myself isn’t much fun.” There’s only so many times I can work up a sweat running up and down the rocky ridge of the waterfall and mutilating trees with my bucks and rearings. The Falls has not been in danger for the years I’ve been here, and despite the fact that I can hold my own in any one-on-one battle I have no hope of taking on an entire army by myself.
Golden cranium dipped to acknowledge Jedi’s siding. She was quite pleased in his choice that would even the balance of peace keepers and warriors. Her successful recruit was a small victory she felt immense pride in. ”Nice to meet you Jedi, I’m glad you chose to join us. I have been with the kingdom for just 3 seasons now. 7 or 8 moon cycles I think.” she responded to his inquiry. It may not be long enough for much of a foothold here but she was dedicated to the cause all the same.
The sight of Ygritte with the twins is a beautiful sight. Their exuberance and innocence a pleasure to witness and the pride perceived in their mother’s eyes. Honey coloured limbs stepping in place, sharing in the enthusiasm. The bay mother extends a greeting and Ashara mimics her reach. Amber pools admiring the duo as they are introduced. ”Lovely to meet you both.”
Where she had come from the mares birthed children out of obligation to their leader. Satisfying his spring desires to keep their place and earn protection. Here was a strong independent queen, who held a great deal of control and persuasion, one who was not worn out like an old broodmare, a true mother. ”You must be so proud,” she speaks fondly to the queen.
As the two grown ups discuss politics, the palomino watches the youngsters. No fear, no worries, no responsibilities. Their only concern for the moment is their mothers nurturing and sustenance. She was off day-dreaming of simpler times, of mother’s deliciously sweet and smooth milk, of playing with half siblings when another voice startled her from the calming thoughts. Her head jerking to it’s direction and pools wide. So this was the king she had heard about. She had gown fond of the female leadership and hoped his presence wouldn’t be too demanding. ” Hello Kreios, I am Ashara. Ygritte has spoken gallantly of you.” She searched for something else to say, perhaps she should have addressed him more formally. Pulling a front limb up to her belly and leaning back onto her haunches, she gave a half bow of respect. Her loyalty would always be to the bay and coral woman but she would still respect and oblige the king.
Wherever I am, is exactly where I'm supposed to be.
The stag was filled with joy as the kingdom seemed to be filling with faces. It was an odd feeling to be with others in close quarters. But this is something he could get used to. Jedi turned his head as one of the largest horses he has layed eyes on roamed over to them. Jedi has not heard much of other horses in this kingdom so imagined he must be the King of the lands. Jedi watched oddly as the stag eye the foals, as if he has never seen them before. were these not his foal? Jedi thought to himself. Was it possible the King and Queen were not bound to each other with courtship? He has never seen a herd or kingdom where the king and queen were not lovers.
He shook the thoughts out of his head as the Large stallion began talking. Jedi gave a dip of his dome in respect to the king who introduced himself as Kreios. "Good evening Sir, I am Jedi. I would love to be a warrior if you would not mind showing me the ropes." The stag spoke softly, he would need to learn the rules to this position if he would hold it. Jedi glanced over to Ashara who began speaking towards Kreios, and his eyes moved resting back upon the stallion.
BETTER BEWARE, I GO BUMP IN THE NIGHT DEVIL-MAY-CARE WITH A LUST FOR LIFE
Lobes are attuned to the painted stallion. Pools roaming over the bulk of him as he talks about himself physically. Ygritte is not swayed to think the stallion weak for it is not always about size that wins the fight. Her sight slides to the pair of fillies who are now curiously nearing the other horses. Ygritte does not call them back for they were of one kingdom now and the children would need to know who they could trust also Ashara and Jedi could be good examples to them as well. Her features relax when she faces the golden mare. Ygritte enjoyed the woman's company and it was nice to have another female about in which to sit and talk with (not that Jedi wasn't good conversation but some times women must take breaks from a testosterone fueled environment).
Ygritte does make a mental note as to how Jedi kept looking after the other woman, his interest lying in her movements and seemingly fuel by the palomino's presence. The scent of sandalwood and fir trees touches her nostrils and she knows Kreios is close by. Each horse has their own scents whether they knew it or not. Some were spicy, some were sweet. Kreios happened to remind Ygritte of sandalwood and fir. Her now flatter figure moves aside for the king. Her face looking upon his with a curl on her lips. She can see him looking over her daughters, and though Mandan had long vacated the bay and salmon woan, Ygritte does not speak up. The pair of fillies were by the magician, Jason, but with good cause. A careful union of sorts.
It was good to see the large stallion, his splattered coat contrasting vividly against the backdrop of the Falls. Ygritte finds herself admiring the king with a keen eye before looking back to Jedi. Ashara had already settled nicely into the Falls and she had sought out a caste and now that Jedi was choosing his with the warrior caste...well, Ygritte couldn't be more happy. Finally the kingdom was sparking to life between the horses and Ygritte felt that more would follow soon. The Falls would return to the glory it once was with the help of Jedi, Ashara, and Kreios as well as herself. Ygritte would not forget the limitless fidelity that both the new kingdom horses had show to her and Kreios.
Ygritte
