"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
It has taken more time than he would have liked, but he is finally able to escort the little purple mare home, across the ocean from Ischia to Tephra. First he had been unaware that the former princess was aught but a visitor; it hadn’t been all that unlikely that she’d come back to her birthplace to visit it, and coupled with the obvious attraction between her and Kori he hadn’t really thought to question it. Once he had, and the truth had come out, that’s when all had fallen to shit; first Klaudius had come and perhaps if he had not acted the way he had Brennen would have been inclined to let it go, and let Karat go with her father; but the purple stallion had acted the ass and Brennen had chosen to respond in kind, intending to return the girl to Tephra almost immediately.
On top of that, Klaudius had stolen Kylin to whom Brennen had just promised sanctuary to Tephra, so he was firmly in Brennen’s bad books. Then, of course, before he could return Karat to Tephra she’d rashly run away, only to be escorted back to Ischia once more by Trekori with any number of odd followers-on in tow. But morning has broken and with it low tide, and finally Brennen is able to escort her across the channel, looking up at the volcano in curiosity before he battens down his serious diplomat face and calling politely for the Tephran King, keeping one honey-brown eye trained carefully on the girl. He hadn’t brought Kori along; it had seemed prudent to leave the perpetrator (at least on the Ischian side) at home, and anyway despite the fact that he was quite fond of the younger stallion, he was less than pleased by this particular choice.
Still, he believes that Warrick is a reasonable man and will understand the follies of youth. So he waits on the shores of the other bay’s Kingdom, to explain what has been going on.
hildren always find unique, almost humorous ways to mess things up. The term children could be used interchangeably, in some situations — Wound has encountered a few fully-grown individuals that she might consider children in her lifetime and she has also encountered a few young children wise beyond their years. Regardless of age, children (both old and young) can undeniably mess up a perfectly good situation with their immaturity.
Thus Wound arrives to Brennen’s call with an apologetic smile already set on the silver of her mouth. The alliance between Ischia and Tephra is still newly born, yet old enough to have reached the ears of the Tephrans. The silver bay had taken note of the possibility for an alliance in her first visit to Ischia’s scattered shores, and she had been right in those days. Yet things — more specifically, individuals — have been threatening their alliance and in hearing about these things — individuals — Wound has felt the creases of worry and frustration darken her face.
“King Brennen.” She greets the Kraken leader with diplomacy on her voice. Coffee-brown eyes take in the sight of Karat, one of Klaudius’ brood, and the lack of any other company. The Head of Peace offers a gentle nod toward the purple girl, her silvery forelock dancing against her forehead in the process. “It’s a pleasure to see you on our shores.” She would comment further on Brennen’s impression of Tephra, as she had commented on her impression of Ischia when she first met the bay king, but her assumptions about this meeting cause her to hold her tongue.
“I do believe I know what this visit is about, but please move into the shade with me. The sand can get hot under-foot in the summer, as I’m sure you know well.” Even in situations of tension, Wound is ever the hospitable one.
The Overseer had been overlooking the blackened shoreline with glazed and dark expression, the salted spray of the sea stirring at his mane and tail, trembling against the cobalt of his feathers. Tangerine and Sibyl were exploring the tidepools of low tide, and his youngest daughter’s voice echos over the sound of the churning sea as she calls out each creature she finds, while a small pile of glittering and smooth-faced shells lay in scattered disarray at his hooves. There is a faint trace of warmth that finds his mouth each time she calls his name in excitement, and each time she brings him a treasure from her exploration; but Tangerine can see the turmoil that glistens just beneath the surface, the wounds that still have yet to heal from going face to face with a god, and look of defeat that cannot be shaken.
It is business as always, however, and the simple time spent on the shore with his family is drawn short as Warrick’s eyes watch the approaching form of Brennen. He inhales deeply, leaving both Tangerine and Sibyl (and her collection of sea treasures) to greet the Ischian King, with the intention of returning when the meeting has finished.
Brennen and Karat come onto the shore just on the other side of the volcano, and Warrick is turning the corner to greet them when Wound has already arrived. They have moved into the shade, just beyond the blackened dunes and rolling waves of the sea. The stallion offers Wound a smile, but it is fleeting as the tension grows thick and palpable, tightening in his throat. He halts before Brennen, standing beside Wound with a stoicism that matches the Ischian King’s. “Brennen,” he says to the warrior king with a dip of his head, though the cerulean of his eyes remain locked on Karat with a studious and unwavering gaze. “I do wish it was under different circumstances that you have come to our shores today.”
“I am ever honored that you’ve returned Karat to her family safely.” Warrick’s gaze leaves Karat, wistfully placing his oceanic eyes on the King. “Despite her absence, though she was missed, there is no harm done.” Trekori’s mistake (however driven by the passion of his young heart) was not to be placed as Ischia’s fault, nor does Warrick harbor any ill-will towards the young stallion that had taken her. “However...” Warrick’s eyes narrow slightly and a soft snort leaves the cobalt of his nostrils. “Another - one of my own - has made an unintelligent decision.”
Klaudius - despite his fervent loyalty to serve his own family and even Tephra - seems to have slowly been causing Warrick a bit of political unrest, and he is not enjoying smoothing over the lavender-armored stallion’s messes. “The terms itself are void. The attempt itself, however, I know remains an issue.” Even with Klaudius releasing her from the terms, the folly in attempting to do so in the first place will remain poignant in Brennen’s mind, as well as his own. “I have not seen Klaudius since, but know that when I do, he will understand that another act such as the one he has so insensibly made will not come without consequences.”
Warrick turns his gaze towards Karat momentarily, peace in his eyes despite the trouble her father seems to have brought Tephra. Klaudius would do anything for his family, it appears, (and Warrick can respect that aspect) and the Overseer must make sure that his actions, however honorable in his eyes, do not put his own family - Tephra itself - at risk. Especially with the brooding darkness lingering in the Sylvan forest.
06-07-2018, 08:12 PM (This post was last modified: 06-07-2018, 09:25 PM by Karat.)
Karat
Blood is Thicker than Water
Her return to Ischia had been against her own will and apparently that was the norm around here. Pulled this way and that like some property she never wished to be. Her life thus far has not been her own. Like some mindless prisoner she is told to go here and do that. She would have no more of it. Determined to decide her own fate from now on, she returns to Tephra along the lands of which she has already crossed twice before...
Having captured the fire of the Tephra warrior, while waiting upon the sands of Ischia, she allows the flicker of light to dance upon her steel coat. Covering her in a protective coating of flame that both warmed her and made her fury known. Yes, she had left Tephra without a struggle after finding Kori had stolen her to the tropical isles, but it was on false hopes. The golden pinto had promised her the world and she received nothing but a scared heart. Even in her attempts to flee back to her home, he had forced her to return(out of spite she was sure). It only infuriated her more.
Whether Brennen arrives by land or air, she hardly notices. She walks, obviously, because she was not gifted flight. That was fine though, the glow of the flames about her, lit her way though darkened forests. Phoebus may have been bringing up the rear but he does not overshadow her in any way. Lavender eyes remained fixed on the pluming mountain in the distance. Her motion does not quicken or slow, but remains a steady march...
Crossing the channel that separates their lands is easier this time of year. The warmth of summer exhausted the depths of aqua that rise no farther up than her hocks. Lavender locks are dipped in the cool waters and as she climbs the banks of the alter side, a, irritated flick of them send droplets sizzling into her heated armor. Finally she was home...
Summoned to a meeting like some dog, others begin to gather. Others she knows lead Tephra and she has no interest in sticking around. Immediately her eyes search the terrain for who she really cares to see. The metallic shimmer of his body was unmistakable and the second she sees it, she takes her leave. Offering no more than a glance to those that converse about less interesting politics...
Something quick to wrap this up... EDIT: for her... please continue with whatever else you guys had planned. Shes not interested in the politics
Wound is the first to arrive to greet them, and Brennen offers her a warm smile and a nod in greeting, and gratefully accepts her offer. The sun is hot, perhaps today even hotter than the constant wet warmth of Ischia, and the shade is a welcome change. Karat lags behind and Brennen is tempted to say something, to scold for the blatantly obvious bad attitude like he would if she was one of the many and varied young people in his care, but he holds his tongue because she is not in any way his, and what business of his is it if she seems to be growing up not at all?
So the purple girl lingers at the edge of the group, obnoxiously covered in fire, and Brenne is quite glad to have Warrick join them promptly so he can officially wipe his hooves of any responsibility of caring for the girl or moderating her behavior. He focuses instead on listening politely and carefully to his Tephran counterpart, for he is still waiting for the axe to fall in regards to Kori’s actions. Brennen will defend the young stallion even to the point of breaking the somewhat tenuous alliance that has begun to form between Ischia and Tephra, for that is what the Brotherhood does, but he’d really rather not have to do so.
Though his eyes and face stay unreadable beyond a general polite expression the bay feels his heart clench at Warrick’s “however”, but at the words that follow the Kraken king relaxes completely, because Warrick brings up Klaudius instead of asking for some sort of sanction against Kori, which would have been his right as the King even if Brennen would have refused it. Brennen shifts, finding a more comfortable and casual position, and watched Karat disappear with a flick of her tail into the depths of Tephra before he responds, with an unmistakable dry humor in his drawling voice; “Children are such a joy.” Of course in truth Brennen loves his children more than most, enough to start a war and burn the world to the ground for, but he feels the trials and tribulations of trying to raise children - your own and others’ - is something Warrick will understand.
“I will be talking to Kori as well. The Brotherhood appreciates you allowing us to handle this matter, due to his youth, but I will make sure there are some consequences felt so he will learn from this experience.” He doesn’t know what that will look like exactly, not yet, and his fondness for the young brother leaves a better-than-not likelihood that it will end up being no more than a stern lecture, but everyone still present understands that no harm was really done nor intended by his actions. “I had not realized Karat was not in Ischia with Kori of her own choice, or I would have brought her home much sooner. I don’t feel it would be a good idea if I were to do so right now, but please extend my sincere apologies to her parents when appropriate for my having no noticed before now.”
Of course he really means Krone - he doesn’t feel the slightest need to apologize to Klaudius, and in fact every desire to physically harm him. “Thank you - I have extended Kylin the protection of the Brotherhood and would be loathe to have that come between us because Klaudius cannot be bothered to fly across the channel to see his child. I do not hold you responsible for Klaudius’ foolish actions either, though as an adult if he continues to act that way he might find himself facing my personal consequences on the battlefield.” one wrong word or step might have found Klaudius facing down Brennen right on the shores of Ischia, though thankfully the situation had not escalated in such a way. “Though, I am sure you will understand when I say that Klaudius is not allowed back in Ischia at all, not after his most recent behavior, and will face the justice of the Brotherhood if he so chooses to trespass again, at least for some time until he earns his way back into my graces. If Kylin wishes her daughter to see her father, they will have to do so here in Tephra or in some common land.”
ound is grateful when Brennen accepts and they move into the shady grass. It provides her a small understanding for the Ischian king’s attitude toward their meeting and a fragile piece of relief finds her concerned mind. That relief expands with Warrick’s arrival. The bay Overseer has always had a way with words, able to soothe the most restless of hearts and bring peace to the flighty, and Wound knows that he will be able to smooth over any ruffled feathers that might’ve sprung up with the recent events.
The silver bay settles down, offering a twitch of her ears in Karat’s direction when the girl slips into the foliage. Perhaps the girl is not quite so happy to be back under the face of the volcano or perhaps the hormones of puberty have finally reached her young mind. Wound nearly chuckles aloud at this thought, remembering Wishbone’s own mood-swings quite well, but she manages to pull the laughter into an amused smile before it gets past her mind.
There are more important issues to take care of, such as the mess that the girl’s father had created. Wound listens intently to the conversation, but the words spoken are aimed between king and king and she doesn’t feel the need to add unnecessary information. Klaudius’ name printed in red in Ischia’s book doesn’t surprise the Head of Peace and she seals this information away for later.
Wound knows her own opinions — and Warrick knows them too — but the silver bay still keeps her mouth quiet, coffee eyes turning to her Overseer as his reaction becomes expected in the rhythm of their conversation.
Warrick’s eyes flash quickly to Karat, flames licking at her body most defiantly. The Overseer snorts sharply, ears flicking back into his mane with both disappointment and frustration. It is not his child to scold, however, and though whatever teenage emotions might be thrumming idly through her veins are spurring her actions, Warrick keeps the image of her form retreating in his mind. Had he not been the wise, calm, and collected leader he naturally is, the blatant expression of disrespect would easily have cracked the stoic surface of his face. The Overseer truly hopes that it never came to it, but it would take an incredible and terrible situation to happen for Karat to realize just how much he (and the Ischian King) have done to ensure her safety during the unrest in Sylva. There may been a time where he protected the orphaned family out of the goodness of his heart, though now he can feel the purpose being one of duty and morality, especially as she trudges away without a single word to those who rule her family and her home.
“The mistakes of youth should not be forced on the kingdom from which they hail.” Warrick tells Brennen with a swift nod, agreeing with the winged stallion. There is a smile on his cobalt lips now, the heat and bitter attitude from Karat now dissipating. “Rightly so,” Warrick replies, finding that Brennen’s decision to be rather fitting for the crime. “Upon your leave I will find Klaudius myself and tell him of our agreement. Not only will he face consequences on your shores if not followed, but here in Tephra as well.” Warrick cannot have unrest in the midst of his allies nor his kingdom, when there is a wolf clawing at their doors. Tephra has so graciously accepted Klaudius and his family in good faith, though that faith is slowly waning.
Warrick snorts sharply, tipping his ears back to listen to the sound of Karat still retreating from the borders. “Please let Kylin know she is more than welcome here in Tephra, as well as her child. Have her find me so I can ensure her safe and timely return.” The Overseers wings shuffle at his sides, stretching slightly as they prepare to take flight. “As always, it has been a pleasure to see you again, King Brennen.”
He nods, truly grateful for the wisdom that Brennen offers and the obvious strengthening in their alliance despite unwarranted circumstances. It settles Warrick, in spite of the sternness in which he must rule his people because of those circumstances. With a bow of his head, (and a knowing -
and thankful - look given to Wound) the winged Overseer takes to the skies, searching immediately for the lavender stallion.
