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  • Beqanna

    COTY

    Assailant -- Year 226

    QOTY

    "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


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    Request from the Queen: Round 1
    #1

    Deep within the winter valleys

    among the snowdrift wide,

    you can find a magic place

    where all the fairies hide.

    A vast field lay covered with a thick blanket of downy snow. Here the Queen stood, her fine coat as white as the snowflakes that slowly danced their way to the ground. Her icy eyes gazed upon the towering mountain in the distance where the item resides, a very special item. A jewel, one that granted divine protection to the one in possession of it. It could keep any creature from causing one any harm, repel anything with evil and malicious hearts, and even heal one from life threatening illnesses. The jewel was a miracle worker that brought good fortune to its holder. 

    But there was only one problem.

    The one in possession of the jewel was none other than the Queen of Frost Pixies whom thrived upon the mountain. She was a sacred mare with the purest of hearts; but she was a mischievous thing, and made no task easy for those who seek her power or belongings. She only gave to those worthy enough, and disregarded those who weren’t, tossing them from the mountain and causing them to become hopelessly lost with a spell so they could not return.

    The white Queen could not seek out the Pixie herself, however. Her reasons for needing the jewel were completely selfless and pure, for a dear loved one had fallen victim to a deadly illness. With every breath they took they came closer to death, so she needed to stay and watch over them. But she needed to hurry. She only had one option to retrieve the jewel. Someone else will have to do it. There was no one in particular she had in mind, so she would have to send out a message across Beqanna in search for help.

    She closed her eyes as she began spreading her request across the lands telepathically, her words reaching all ears. “Mares and stallions, I am the Ice Queen, and I am in need of your assistance. I have a request for anyone willing to help,” she paused for a moment to allow her words to sink in, hoping someone was listening. “Upon the mountain lives the Queen of Frost Pixies. She has a jewel that I am in dire need of, and I ask that someone, anyone, retrieves this jewel for me. This is a very important task I am asking of you, so I will pay handsomely to anyone who ventures to the mountain and returns with the jewel.” She took in a deep breath, the released it slowly as she tried to calm herself. The life of her loved one was on the line; should no one take her request, they would surely die.

    But there was something else the residents of Beqanna needed to know if anyone was willing to give aid.

    “If more than one of you decide to take this request, I give words of warning: on this journey you will be comrades. Keep in mind that those who betray and abandon their comrades will surely fail. It will be a dangerous task, so you will need to stick together in order to succeed.” She opened her eyes and looked upon the mountain once more, a soft smile forming on her beautiful features. Then, with upmost sincerity she added, “I wish you well.”

    _____________________________________________________________

    The Ice Queen has come in search for help so that she may save a loved one! For this round, she needs someone willing to help to build a team and set off for the mountain. Describe why your character accepted her request (whether they want the reward the Queen promised, want to help her in her time of need, or they’re just looking for an adventure) and describe your chosen scene in detail before they set off and group at the mountain. Keep in mind that your characters will be a team, so they will need to interact.


    Rules
    • One character/entry per player.
    • No editing whatsoever after posting! If you need to edit, send me a PM for permission and explain why first. But ONLY if editing is absolutely necessary. That way I know you aren’t cheating.
    • You may use your existing traits and abilities if desired.
    • Defects given out will be temporary, unless you want to keep them.
    • You will be judged on obedience to the rules, creativity, grammar, and readability. 
    • Word count limit will be 2,000 words.
    • If you fail to obey the rules you will be disqualified.
    • Prizes will be given to the two top players at the end, as well as to the 2-3 runners up, depending on the number of entries.
    • Entry deadline will be January 13th at 6:00 pm (CT). No extensions.

    Roseen ~ Diarmuit ~ Reva
    Eifa ~ Sunniva ~ Thorgal
    Camomila
    Reply
    #2
    With things at home seemingly settled, Jesper felt less guilty about venturing off the Isle. His natural curiosity piques when the Ice Queen's plea echoes across the tundra. The steed rather enjoys helping others in need. Even if, everything about a quest, to a mountain, in winter, to help the Ice Queen by retrieving a precious jewel from the Queen of the Frost Pixies should deter a desert-bred equine, Jesper is hardly an ordinary horse of Arabian blood. His thick fur pelt, as a canine, would certainly come in handy. When his tender paw pads become sore and cut from the long journey, his hooves would be ready to support his four limbs.

    The Ice Queen's voice carries her concern and strikes a chord with the black. Her request does not come from a soul seeking power but, rather a worried love. A selfless love. He had been there before. He knows that pain. He knows about the desire to do something, anything; so desperate that you would sacrifice everything. Jesper knows this quest is time sensitive and so, he sets off as soon as the earliest light of dawn breaks on the horizon. Jesper makes a point to find Leilan, briefly, before heading towards the coast. He assures his Brother that he will not be away any longer than he needs to be. After bidding farewell, the stag turns east; towards the sunrise and the northern sector of Beqanna's mainland. The soft light gradually increases in brightness and, although a warm golden hue, it does little to counter the arctic air. He would need to swim across the channel to Nerine, first. Then, trek across the mainland to the mountain. It will surely be a long, cold venture. Unshod hooves lift out of the snow in diagonal pairs as limbs execute a springy trot. Muscled haunches glide stallion across the arctic terrain until he feels the ground begin to slope down. Male brakes until he comes to a halt, which sends snow flying. He stands, now, at about the midpoint of the eastern-most coast of Icicle Isle. He stands right on the edge of those ice cold, black-as-midnight waters. This is much different than those swims around Ischia, he thinks with a smirk tugging at his lips.

    He decides to make the swim as a horse. Let's be honest, the doggy paddle through icy slush sounds far more excruciating. Also, he figures that he should keep his thick coat dry for after the swim. Jesper inhales deeply before plunging into the frigid waters. Immediately, hind limbs strike out in an alternating pattern to thrust male forward. Forelimbs reach out and push water down and back to help pull him ahead. It does not take long before his muscles tighten and his skin numbs as a result of the harsh temperature. Black stallion keeps his focus upon the western shore of Nerine. As the cold sets in, his chassis tenses and his range of motion decreases. Jesper reminds himself that he is still better off making this swim as an equine and so, he sets his jaw and pushes on. Aquamarine gaze soon catches sight of the North's kingdom's coast. Stiffly, Jesper pushes himself into the shallows and pulls all four legs onto solid ground. He takes a moment to catch his breath before he shakes from ears to tail. A shower of freezing droplets scatter from thin pelt and rid steed of any clinging cold before it encapsulates him in an ice blanket.

    Unfortunately, the cold has already sunk in. Lean physique succumbs to the bitterness and male begins to shiver. It is without further ado that Jesper embraces his fox form. Where the sleek, well-balanced form of a horse stood, now stands a compact but strong canine. Aside from the obvious changes, such as mane, tail, hooves and teeth, his coat color changes from an indigo-black to a stark white with grey undertones and shading. His fur is long and dense as opposed to the minimal coat he grows as an equine. Two features do remain the same and would certainly help anyone to recognize him: his light-blue-almost-crystalline irises and the bronze-tips of his ears. Jesper feels slightly warmer though, he knows moving on will be the quickest way to thaw. His first few steps are mechanically slow. As his ligaments and tendons uncoil, his joints bend better and his movements are less hinged. Across the heart of Nerine, Jesper heads nearly due south. He keeps his eyes peeled for any glimpses of his Brothers or, Sisters. The black could not help but wonder how Brennen is or, if Dieti even wanted to leave the warmth of the tropics. Perhaps, on his way back home, he would linger here and, purposefully, seek out his ties.

     The scene changes before Jesper as the craggy landscape and brackish air of Nerine give way to the redwood forest and earthy smells of Taiga. He keeps to the eastern border as much as possible. One, to ensure he does not become lost in the maze of fog and tree trunks and, two, to avoid trespassing too much. As far as he knew, Taiga has always behaved neutral but, Hyaline carries the reassurance of a known neutral (friendly towards him) relationship. Certainly better to play it safe, even if he is just passing through. By now, the fox realizes that any lingering tightness in his musculature is gone. He continues his steady pace - a confident walk - out of the shadows of the redwood forest and, into the weak sunshine bathing the knolls of Loess. The day star hangs midway between the east horizon and high noon. The air that moves through his white fluff is milder though winter's sting still hurts. A light dusting of snow covers the ground and crunches beneath his sensitive paw pads.

     Light blue gaze glances about to assess his surroundings. To the south, Jesper can just make out the edge of the Forest, with her army of evergreens and familiar scents beckoning him home. He can hear the nearby currents of the River, slowly navigating its course with thicker waters. Hyaline, to his left, smells of clean resources and, although the wisteria has yet to bloom, a light floral aroma lingers in the air. In the distance, Jesper locates a range of mountains. One of the summits swirls ominously with snow and fog. Jesper presumes that said mountain marks where the Queen of the Frost Pixies rules. He adjusts his course and points bronze-tipped ears towards his destination.

    His stride becomes more peppy as he gets closer though the snow becomes deeper. Around him, more snowflakes fall from a sky of heather grey clouds. Jesper finds that soon the snow is over his knees, making his easy jog rather difficult. He bounds up and out of the pillowy fluff and then, continues to leap out of the snow. His canine body is light and athletic which greatly reduces the strain on his legs. The fox navigates his way to the base of the mountain. It seems he is the first to arrive. He chooses to stop at a prominent boulder. He climbs the rocky wall behind the landmark enough to sit on top of it. He figures this position would give him the best vantage point as others arrive. The wind pushes against his chest as it slaps the side of the mountain and forces him to squint his eyes as snow stings his cheeks. At last, Jesper decides to lay down upon the rock. He finds the wind less forceful in this position and thus, he can settle his blue gaze on the scene below. He watches the vast field he just crossed and waits patiently to see who else would rise to the Ice Queen's call for help. He would welcome and willingly work with any one who joins him.
    jesper
    carnage x bethanie
    devin's∇designs
    Reply
    #3
    Bleary olive eyes blink open slowly; Pteron is still half in his dream world as he begins to rise to his feet. Overlong legs and clumsy movements are evidence of his youth, and as the pale yearling finally stands and clutches his feathered wings to his sides there is an eager smile on his face that is only possessed by the very young (and perhaps the very foolish).

    His dream had been a dream, but it had also been real. Pteron is absolutely sure of this. 
    He is as sure that the Ice Queen needs him as he is that it is just past dawn. 

    The sun hovers over the hills to the west and Mother has already left him. Her patrols start early in the morning and they haven't slowed with her pregnancy. Pteron is excited about the idea of a younger sibling, but doesn't yet understand how much his younger sister's arrival will change life has he knows it.

    With Mother and Father both elsewhere, Pteron makes the decision, feeling rather adult as he does.

    He will go help the Ice Queen. She needs him, and this is his chance to show his parents how responsible he is, how ready for a sibling. Rolling his thin shoulders, and putting on a scowl that he is very sure looks determined and brave, Pteron sets off.

    His wings, though growing stronger every day, are still not ready to bear his weight on a journey of any significant length. Soon, his parents promise him, soon. 
    Soon feels like forever away. 

    The dun colt travels by foot along beaches he has never seen, beside lands he has never visited. Relying only on the memory of his dream, he travels by keeping the ocean ever to his right. When he reaches the river he follows that instead - water always on the right. There were few places to get lost in the Brilliant Pampas, but the young colt recalls his father's lessons. This will make getting home easier too, he reminds himself.

    And won't they be so excited when he does, the hero of a Quest!

    About a third of the way up the river, Pteron disappears.

    There is a disembodied sigh in the place where he had been, and a puff of cloudy air to accompany it. With a soft huff he continues forward, trying his best to become visible as he does. He flickers back for a moment right at the edge of a broad field, but it is a fleeting victory. The yearling continues across the snowy field, so focused is he on this task that he doesn't notice that there is someone - or rather, something - else already there.

    He settles to wait, nothing but an imprint in the shallow snow. Leaning against the conveniently placed rock, Pteron shelters from the wind as best he can, his excited grin growing wider.
    Reply
    #4

    Ilma
    And there's a lesson waiting to be learned
    the firestarters always get the burns
    and the good guys never get the girl

    The white mare never hesitates when someone calls for help; though this instance is much more unique, and a call from a queen nonetheless - but a queen in need of help for something pure, someone else, simply wanting a jewel to use for something good. Ilma wonders briefly if it should be taken back, afterwards - but the journey she is about to undertake is challenging enough in itself that she doesn't yet want to worry about doing it twice, not right now.

    She leaves early in the morning: flying at night is something she finds she just can't do. The rosy and orange rays however, are enough to power her wings, similar in colour right about now, and the white mare uses them - her only advantage in this - to travel the long way towards the icy plains.

    From above, the icy mountain is easy to spot; especially because it is surrounded by an icy plain, and simply because it radiates magic (it draws her in even though she doesn't know this, but that's what, in the end, made it easy to find).

    She lands in a puff of snow, her feet landing a little too heavy and deep for her liking but not dangerously so. She folds back the wings out of habit, not out of necessity; perhaps if she'd not had wings before she got these, she might not have done it at all, but had learned to let them vanish when she didn't need them. Now, she carries them with her all day, but this doesn't bother her.

    Ploughing through the snow, whipping up too much dusty snow for her liking, she sees she is not the first to arrive. A slender white-blue colt has also arrived to help; winged, but with feathers to actually keep someone warm with. When she nears him, she spots a white fox on the rock he shelters behind, and wonders briefly if that is a coincidence - but most of the time, she finds that there is no such thing as coincidence in Beqanna.
    More, she hopes will come, but if not, surely the white Andalusian would be able to help them in one way or the other, even if only with words of encouragement.

    Ilma doesn't know much of the Pixie queen guarding the jewel, or the jewel itself, really. In her life in Beqanna, which now extends her life before, she hadn't heard of it before, and she briefly considers the queen coming from another realm altogether. But as she approaches the gathered duo and the similarly-snowy-white figure of a queen awaiting them, the sun-winged mare gives them a warm, welcoming smile in greeting, forgetting her previous considerations. They're not needed and surely at this moment, they are not helpful either. "Good morning, you two."

    She settles in to wait next to the colt and the fox, trying her best to make sure the lanky colt doesn't get too battered by the winds. This, she decides, is much colder than Hyaline usually is - even in winter.

    and shooting stars cannot fix the world
    Any fool knows men and women think differently at times, but the biggest difference is this: men forget, but never forgive; women forgive, but never forget.
    Robert Jordan, Wheel of Time
    Reply
    #5

    it's a guarantee that he won't forget me.
    my body little, my soul heavy.

    Naia’s head is down, ears locked into the nooks of her mane, lips pulled back so taut her gums are going white. Out of Nerine she goes - again and again, and perhaps again? She stops at Taiga’s border, sick of the neverending tree trunks and the endless fog, but suffocated by the sea’s crashing and eroding cliffs.

    Sick of being myself.

    “It’s not their fault,” she whispers to herself, casting one last haunted glance over her shoulder and into the gray of Nerine. She knows of Leilan’s family: Breckin, the little ones, Chryseis; yet Chryseis is the only one she has met, and even she by chance.

    Naia feels so small.
    So miniscule.
    Selfish and berated and effortlessly cruel.

    Her lips fall lethargically back across her teeth, lips haphazardly folded over each other. She misses Thalassa; she wishes her mother would show up again, at least for a second: even a moment of a familiar embrace may ease her loneliness. Time passes, though, racing past her suffering and stiff body. The breeze ruffles her thick gold mane, whisking hair into a gaze so glazed her blocked vision is of no consequence.

    “. . . I am the Ice Queen . . .”

    The golden locks blocking Naia’s eyes flip over her ears when she rears her head. The voice, kindly and imploring, is cold as it passes slowly across her mind. The appaloosa’s lids drift shut: her voice sounds like Thalassa’s in a buried memory, a day that she begged her daughter to please get off the ice, honey.

    Quite funny, how the universe works - how it cannot give you exactly what you want, but proves it may not be exactly what you need.

    Naia does not chew on the request; she simply canters in the direction of the Mountain. If she is to be completely honest with herself, the eagerness is rooted in a deep need to be distracted. Perhaps this quest will be life-threatening; perhaps she will not return. She thinks that would not be too terrible, death or disappearance or torture or kidnapping. She wishes she could stop thinking, even for just a second -

    Please, could I stop running in the same ugly, abusive circle -

    Suddenly she is amongst a few others: one brilliant white, one canine atop a boulder, and just the scent and imprint of another. The silence spans between them, Naia gulping and staring. She cannot mask her confusion or misplaced fear, but she can surely refuse to speak.

    Naia


    srry she's like this this is how she always wants to be!
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