"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
and in my dreams I've kissed your lips a thousand times
Solace was born... here? I mean I guess it would explain that sometimes, when I'm kissing her neck in that other world, I get that taste like I've just smoked a cigarette... Or maybe that's why she enjoys them so, in the other world. Raised on ash, daughter of the volcano - somehow those titles just never quite fit the Solace I've come to know and love. Solace is photoelectric, a beam of light but weighted, grounded, this serene essence of life that could not possibly have been born in this stinky place.
Well, it's not stinky, but compared to the immaculate air and scent of Hyaline, it's a little much to handle.
I'm standing on the border - prancing, really - contemplating whether I should do what I came here intending to, or just turn around and say fuck it. I mean really, what the fuck am I doing here? Coming to meet my girlfriend's dad without telling said girlfriend? Plus the whole fought-each-other thing is bound to come up, but I mean it'll be a good conversational clutch if my game plan goes awry. Which, let's be honest, it will.
I want to say that I'm not about this whole family thing, but truth be told, I'm as much of a family-woman as it gets (besides the whole having a son and abandoning him thing, but we are going to do our best to avoid that subject today). Really, by all means, Warrick will have no reason not to like me, or to approve of me, which I'm more worried about if I'm being honest...
I snort loudly, and paw the earth. Enough thinking! As my nerves crackle and my eyes show white, I call for the Tephran king, not as Hyaline's Protector, but as the chick who's fallen in love with his beautiful daughter.
The Overseer has grown and aged within the salt and smoke of Tephra’s flaming mount and dark seas. He is forged from the fire, forever holding the ferocity of the volcano within his chest. Time and experience has brought him to where he is now, and though the winged-stallion is regal and battle-worn, he is wise. He remembers the ones before him - Offspring, Ellyse, Magnus - and their legacy fuels his duty, as well as his own. His family, his own legacy, are his everything; the cornerstone for his existence. It used to be Tephra itself, but time and experience has led him to realize the peninsula is merely a place to live, while his children (and his lover, and his friends) were truly his home.
When there is a call across the humid winds, carried over the golden plains of the intercoastal, Warrick is immediately on guard. The recent shift in Beqanna has left no room for the stallion’s normal mild-hearted manners, and so he quickly engages into a steady gallop towards the source, cerulean eyes dark with caution. He does not know who to expect when he comes to the only border of the peninsula - many have found refuge beneath the volcano’s hearth, and the new law requires any newcomers to be escorted by himself or Wound, which means that he must evaluate each equine that attempts to step onto Tephra’s soil.
However, the Overseer is surprised when he is finally able to make out the figure that stands to greet him - must like their battle in the plains, he comes to meet her with a steady pace and a quick swipe of his wings (fluttering them in surprise at her presence, his face matching the movement with raised brows and a slacked jaw). The cobalt of his wings quickly come to rest at his sides, and he snorts gently as he comes to a halt before her, his chin bobbing up and down rapidly. He is confused at seeing her, and though caution still dances through each muscle and nerve in the stallion’s body, he cannot help but feel as if Kagerus has come to bring more news of Hyaline, or if she perhaps is challenging him to another rematch. The healer did its job to heal the wounds on Warrick’s body, but he remembers her antlers to his flank quite well, and he is sure he would be immobile if not for the magic bestowed upon him. He clenches his teeth together, the muscle in his jaw jumping as he did so, and gives his head a quick toss.
“Kagerus,” he says unwaveringly and precisely, his ocean-blue gaze staring into hers expectantly. “You’ve come a long way to see me.”
and in my dreams I've kissed your lips a thousand times
I'm settling my nerves and forcing my hooves to stay connected to the earth for more than a split second when I hear the drumming of his approach. Swallowing and closing my eyes, I inhale deeply, hold it, and let it out. When my eyes reopen, he's right there galloping towards me, and for a moment I flashback to our battle when he'd first charged me. I can't help the slight flinch when he pulls up by unfurling his wings in the same way, too, but I manage to stay rooted to the spot, repeating the words this isn't a battle this isn't a battle this isn't a battle over and over to myself until at last he stands before me, bobbing his head in a confused but friendly manner.
Well, he hasn't attempted to kill me yet - but we shall see what we shall see come the end of this interaction.
Kagerus, comes his unwavering voice, those eyes (identical to hers) meeting mine with a ferocity that I find myself suddenly able to match. The way he stares, with an intent, reminds me that I am not some flippant queen's-girlfriend. I am Hyaline's Protector, I am an official, one worthy of respect and admiration. Even if I am screwing his daughter, too - but it's more than that, and that's what I'm looking to emphasize here. If I ever manage to make myself talk about it at all.
"I figured that now suited the journey better than in a month's time, your majesty," I offer, glancing pointedly to the red-yellow leaves littering the very ground we stand upon. "Winter will be upon us sooner than I'd like." Yes, good job Kagerus, talk about the weather of all fucking things. Really go to town on that one. Yes, king Warrick, I have traveled from afar to tell you that the seasons will, in fact, go on to switch again this year as they did last! Outrageous I know! Good day to you now and fare well!!
A split second passes after my words as these thoughts bombard me, but it is not long enough to cause any concern. The pupils in my nutmeg eyes subtly refocus on the bay king's face, and I continue steadily. "Though this isn't the only reason for my journey, I'd like to let you know that I have been assigned the role of Hyaline's Protector - general of her army, though there isn't much of one yet."
I smile easily, falling back on my excellent diplomacy to support me as I prepare myself for the... less diplomatic information.
"Though you and I have battled - an experience I greatly enjoyed I might add - I feel that it would be rather fun and beneficial to encourage challenges between our kingdoms, with friendly consequences, such as 'come visit for a day' or 'come have a conversation with me in the meadow.'"
My spiel ends, and when I go to talk about her, it's like there's something wrapped around my throat. I almost choke, but manage to instead just remain silent; an awkward point to just end on all of the sudden, but as I maintain that severe eye contact with my lover's father, I just absolutely cannot bring myself to speak another word.
He had come to her swiftly, on edge, nostrils flaring as he perceives her with a quick up and down of his ocean-eyes, the smell of salt and sun and ash coming from the fluttering of his navy feathers to his auburn sides. His sense of duty never seems to dull, but when he finds her gaze, his eyes are found shadowed by a hooded brow. There is a tenseness in her body and it confuses him (concerns him, even). He had met the Protector first on the battlefield as a formidable opponent, who had easily taught the osprey-king a bit more about the dance of battle than he had previously known. He holds a respect for the maroon and ivory mare since that day, and not just as a soldier from his daughter’s kingdom.
Kagerus speaks, and he is ready to listen intently. Blue-tipped ears swivel as her words fall into the humidity of Tephra’s sweltering heat, which will remain that way throughout all the seasonal changes outside his country. “An army?” the Overseer echoes, for a moment his heart overshadowing his role of leader. It is the father that speaks now - a concerned one, at the idea of Solace gathering a group of defenders, but soon the worried lines of his face soften into a simple understanding. With Kagerus as General, she will be protected by someone he knows will not back down easily. “Good,” he says, recovering from his fatherly instincts and returning to the Overseer that everyone knows. “Smart. The rumors are flying fast, but it is always better to be prepared for the worst.” He pauses here, knowing that his own army needed his attention as well, this conversation reminding him that though his heart also resides in Hyaline, his first priority is Tephra.
“I would have to agree, Kagerus,” he replies with a swift dip of his head, “we must meet again on the grounds soon - for sport, of course.” Here is where he smiles - the first time in the entire conversation - and though it is small, it is gentle and warm on his cobalt lips. “I would love nothing more than for my soldiers and guard to practice their skills on others besides the family they have here. I will inform them immediately that Hyaline would be more than willing to accommodate, as would we for your privates.” He inhales sharply here, his smile fading as he grows serious once more. “No trouble from Sylva yet, I hope?”
Warrick
@[Kagerus]
He has no idea what is about to happen during this conversation I'm dying
and in my dreams I've kissed your lips a thousand times
The bay king seems to falter as I mention Hyaline's nonexistent army - as if he considers Hyaline a synonym for Solace, instead of the home for her people who are in need of protection during these trying times. But in the same breath, my own heart squeezes at the thought of Solace being in enough danger to require an army's defense. Despite the darkness that sometimes dwells in my mind, I wish wholeheartedly that we could return to Beqanna could return to being exclusively light. Now that I have her to hold at night, to kiss and to soothe when her fears overwhelm her - now I wish this.
He recovers before either of us have time to voice these concerned thoughts however, and I follow his lead. A sharp nod indicates that I agree with his assessment of the political situation, storing away that information for later times when I might be called to the forefront of Hyaline's hierarchy. Were that ever to happen, I know that I could trust for a continued good faith on the part of Tephra, and especially Warrick. Unless what I have to say now does not go over well, of course.
A genuine - if a little nervous - smile comes to my lips as he agrees to sport with me, eager to see that he is smiling back. A good sign! A green light!.. But he speaks more, and I am by no means excited to stop him. "Hopefully by the time your warriors hear this news, I'll have kicked enough butts into the caste system that they'll actually have Hyalinian opponents to choose from." And then, in the same breathe as he asks about Sylva: "Warrick, I --"
But I cut myself off and shake my head deliberately should he attempt to prompt me to speak first, smiling sheepishly - and in horror that I'll have to work up the courage to start up AGAIN. "No, thankfully. They've been stealing rampantly as you know, but nothing as of yet directed towards our corner of Beqanna. Should there be, I think it might be taken as an offense by more than just ourselves... Hyaline serves as a sanctuary, and to attack it would almost unthinkable - but worse has come to pass, so we must be ready."
Now, Kagerus.
"King Warrick, there's actually another reason I came to see you today." My eyes bug out a little, but I refuse to break the gaze we now hold. I gulp, but it is in vain, for no amount of swallowing will make what I have to say any less daunting. "Sir, I come seeking your approval..." Vague as hell, spit it out Kag, there's no going back now. I swallow again, press my ears back in a show of submission and respect. "I've fallen in love with your daughter, sir, and it would be my heart's only desire to have your blessing of our pursuit of one another."
A pause of silence - tension filled - at least on my end. In my eyes, there are suddenly tears.
"I love her, and I want to protect her to my dying breath - but you are her father, and as she respects you, so too do I."
@[Warrick] idk what this is but its SAPPY AS HELL TO BE SURE
He is not prepared for the turn that this conversation will soon take, and later he might reflect and wish that he would have spent less time talking about politics and soldiers, and more about Kagerus herself. Warrick is unable to tell that she is nervous before him, let alone pondering the reason as to why. He remembers her fondly from their previous battle, and mentally approves Solace’s choice as Hyaline’s Protector and General. Her diplomacy skills are exquisite as well - the Overseer feels comfortable as they converse as equals, and Warrick can feel the loyalty that Kagerus has for both Hyaline and the Caretaker. He is less businesslike now as their conversation continues, tilting a back hoof and absentmindedly shuffling his wings at his sides to allow the warm breeze to filter through the thick feathers.
“Sylva has already targeted Tephra, since we are housing the late Ischian people here on our shores. They aim to make chaos for the sake of chaos, there seems to be no method to their madness.” The Overseer’s face deepens with sadness and a hint of disgust as he remembers he had been unable to protect Kwartz, as well as the disappearance of Krone herself. Klaudius quickly took up arms with the Sylvan King, and even though the newcomers were still merely strangers, Warrick feels as if he has done them a disservice in protecting them. He sighs, however, and clears the thoughts from his mind to focus on the woman from Hyaline. He cannot dwell on what has already happened, but only focus on what would be Tephra’s future. “I do hope Hyaline remains away from the forefront of their minds.” He snorts sharply, flicking his ebony tail against his flank.
Kagerus continues, and Warrick’s blue-tipped ears flick forwards interestedly as she calls him by name. His brows raise curiously, intentionally listening. Another reason? But he does not interrupt, so instead he adjusts his stance so that he is standing upright, giving her his utmost attention - especially when she mentions she is looking for his ‘approval’. His lips turn into a frown slightly as confusion traces through the planes of his face, wondering what in the world Kagerus would want his approval on. Solace and himself are close, but he would never expect his daughter to ask him for approval to do anything, nor does he feel like Kagerus would care what others thought of her decisions.
The softness of his frown slackens even more to give him a surprised gaze, eyes slightly widening. The words spill from her mouth but they are not ramblings - they are heartfelt and genuine, steady and clear as she unspools everything from her heart and mind into the thick and humid Tephran air. There is a moment of pause as his unwavering gaze stares into hers, deeply exploring the tear-filled irises before him. The moment, though most likely impossibly terrible and long for Kagerus, quickly passes.
“I love her too,” he replies, his brow furrowing and a sort of seriousness coming over the Overseer. “and I would never stand in the way of anyone’s happiness, especially hers. If you are her happiness, who am I to argue?” He pauses with a gentle sigh. “I believe every word you say, Kagerus. The love you feel for her rivals my own.” A small smile finds the edges of his navy lips. His eyes are bright with sincerity, even if confusion flickers in their irises (Solace’s recent pregnancy, for example). “You do not need my approval, yet you are here seeking it anyway. It speaks volumes for your character, and for how much Solace means to you.”
and in my dreams I've kissed your lips a thousand times
What he has to say about Sylva and their chaos passes completely over my head as the words I need to say come to the tip of my tongue, jostling for position nervously. Perhaps if I had a leveler head, I would be able to at least offer some trivial bit of information in return - but as his blue-tipped ears flick forwards in interest to the beginning of my spiel, I know he'll forgive me the absent-mindedness.
At first, a slight frown colours his expression, and I feel as though I will be sick. I miscalculated the nature of our relationship, he's going to say no, you'll be banned from Hyaline, abort abort abort abortabortabort --
But the expression softens to one of surprise, mouth slightly open - a good look for a king - and eyes blinking a little more than usual. As I come to the end of my words, tears threatening to spill, I figure that if he is to kill me now - for surely I must die for being wrongly in love with his daughter - that at least he can tell Solace it was in pursuit of her that I breathed my life.
(Seriously, enough with the melodrama! Listen, he's not even mad you foolish girl.)
My own mouth drops open upon hearing his words, but I click it shut quickly as I realize that I'd better pull it together if I want this to continue in the manner it's going. Shushing all the wound-up voices in my head, I take on a serious expression myself, stepping closer to Warrick - because what we speak of is intimate, and our voices are low; somber murmurs of love in a time when such a thing is scarce.
If you are her happiness, who am I to argue?
And in this moment, I know that I am - and even when I shall find out that she is pregnant with another man's children, that knowledge will remain steadfast. We are each others. A resplendent smile of gratitude spreads my dark lips, my head nodding as a choked sound of agreement comes from my constricting throat as the tears continue to come. When he mentions our loves for her rivaling however, I outright laugh - though it sounds somewhat like a sob, too.
"I could never hope to love her as you do, Warrick. But I hope that one day I could earn even a morsel of that affection from you." My voice comes more steadily now, and my eyes clear of tears; but as they look up into Warrick's, they speak what my mouth cannot: I see you as a father figure. Despite the fact of our ages (I may well be older than the king), he is Solace's father, and I look to him in the same way that she does.
"I'm glad you see it that way, because it's true," I murmur, smiling more easily now that the tension has completely left the air of our conversation. "She means everything to me." My world, my star, my galaxy - it is the void of her being that welcomes my drifting, chaotic soul with soothing and comforting words. There is no where I would rather lay my head than the soft crest of her celestial bosom.
Shifting my weight, I glance behind me, and then back to the pegasus. "Thank you so much for seeing me, Warrick, and for... Listening." I smile a little. "We will definitely be in contact again, about Sylva, and our warriors - and the love that ties us both to Solace now, too. But I'd best be getting back to her." The last sentence reveals the nerves I have at leaving my lover's side, even though I force myself to do so often for the benefit of Hyaline. But Warrick will understand, of that I am sure.
I hesitate only a moment, with my eyes locked on his, before stepping forward and pressing my muzzle to the curve of his left shoulder, our chests gently connecting - a physical touch very unlike that one's we'd shared during battle. "Thank you, sir," I murmur there, between the threads of his navy mane. Then, stepping back and meeting his gaze significantly one more time, I turn to head home, to tell Solace of the good news.
It is strange, he feels, that the two are barely more than strangers yet there is now something familial between them - he can feel his family growing right before his eyes, and though it makes him feel his age, there is a warmth in the realization that grows steadily in his chest. Kagerus must feel it too, the way she responds so gently and truthfully. There is honesty in Kagerus, something that he would have found himself drawn to without her relationship with his daughter, which all the more encourages him to give his blessing. Though it is not something that they need, he will be forever touched that he had been asked. Suddenly there is more to Kagerus than simply the mare he had battled, or the General of Hyaline. He knows the moment she leaves she will enter his mind daily, just as his other children do, and he would worry and pray for her, hope for her all the happiness in the world. Within a conversation, Warrick has found another he could call family.
Kagerus steps forward and Warrick immediately helps to close the gap between them with a step of his own, curving his neck so that a brief touch of his muzzle would press against her painted neck. She thanks him (as if he had done anything at all), and he finds himself smiling into the two-tones of her neck and the darkness of her mane. Their embrace is brief but full of emotion and new affection, a new joy in a time where love and light are almost forgotten. She turns from him, stepping out from beneath his curved neck, and departs from the Overseer with a steady gaze into his eyes. He gives her a gentle nod of his head, a smile pulling at the cobalt of his lips.
“Until we meet again, Kagerus,” he finishes, before unfurling his wings promptly and with only a few strong sweeps of their navy feathers, heaves himself up into the air to continue to patrol his borders.
![[Image: kag]](https://78.media.tumblr.com/2e8039018ce4dff6112c167ec23e886a/tumblr_p72zjit7wC1s5a0qvo1_100.png)
