"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
She is floating lazily in the high drafts of the sky when she feels the first pangs of labor. At first, she does not think too much of it. She had become accustomed to the twinges and aches that pregnancy brings. But it soon becomes apparent that the pain is growing rather than subsiding. She drops lower, flitting over the trees as see seeks a glen in which she can have some solitude (though it is rather a moot point, given how empty the Dale has been of late). Before long, however, she is driven from the sky by the pain rippling through her torso. She lands on the ground with a thump, followed by an uncharacteristically graceless stumble. A snort escapes her dark nostrils as she steadies herself, though her mind is not so easily calmed.
She paces through the newly green trees as her muscles shudder and clench. Her bright red coat begins to darken with sweat, but she does not halt. She fears for the safety of her child, though she has absolutely no reason to. Old memories had surfaced with the onset of labor, and in her heightened state, she is having a much more difficult time rationalizing her old terrors.
When finally she can continue no longer, she stumbles to a halt. The small meadow she had managed to blunder into will have to do. With her instincts beginning to take hold, she finds she no longer has the time to consider the old memories that haunt her. Instead, she lowers her already wearied body to the ground as she struggles to bring new life into the world.
The foal arrives easily, and despite her exhaustion, the red mare forces herself to her feet. She is dirty, sweaty, and no doubt bedraggled, but she cannot bring herself to care. Her entire attention is focused on the tiny filly that lay before her, brimming with life. She nickers to the babe with happiness and relief, before applying herself to thoroughly cleaning her child. She hovers over the filly until she at last struggles to her feet to take her first sips of milk. Only then does she give herself leave to relax.
She is a beautiful child, her brilliant red coat (so like her mother’s) fading seamlessly into white points (a unique trait no doubt inherited from her father). A smile stretches her lips as she gazes at the filly with loving warmth, the name she had chosen for her at the tip of her tongue.
sometimes things fall apart so that better things can fall together
It had been so long since the striped queen had returned home. At least that is, in her own mind. She had never been one to believe in devils, but after her body had been a vessel and she had seen herself come home unable to warn anyone of the intruder calling her body it's home, she finally realized the truth. Even she was prone to the wicked even with the very powerful friends she had.
It had been a chilling experience. One that became exhausting after only minutes of trying to push the other out and away from her. She hadn't been strong enough due to her endless traveling. But when they has carried her body to the kingdom she once ruled, it was though the lovely lady had seen the truth that no one else could. And quickly she helped her once queen to be set free of the monsters possession. As a silent thank you, clytemnestra had allowed her to tear open her flesh and take the bright blood red that flowed for many minutes and then she slowly stumbles out, vowing not to return until she had fully healed and regained her strength.
Through this the striped queen knew she was forever and permanently bound to the beautiful kindom. And it was why she was returning now. The great once-queen had regained her strength and all that remained from the tearing were thick scars that looked as though a large cat had dug it's claws down her hind end savagely.
With light hearted steps she crossed the kingdom lines into the dale from the south. Here it was always the most beautiful. The grass grew thick and the color of emeralds. The trees were the most ancient and large, the wildlife the most heavy. It was less frequented and the most peaceful. The gentle wildflowers would poke out from the tops of the wide open fields packed here and there in the forest and you could hear the soft songs of the day birds cooing for miles.
It was only when she had found the path she had carved with eight that she heard a soft voice speak a name and with quiet movements she came to a stop, her wings lightly brushing her sides as she turned her head and pricked her ears. Inhaling slowly she caught the scent of birth and for a moment she stayed perfectly still contemplating whether or not sQhe should interrupt such a precious moment between mother and child.
It was only when she felt the breeze suddenly making its way through the trees that she knew it would be alright and with confident but quiet steps she moved towards the spot the voice had come from. Within only a minute or two she found herself coming upon them and careful not to surprise the mare she made sure to approach her where she could see her easily and know she was no threat.
"hello," she said softly "she is beautiful and you chose a wonderful name. A perfect fit for a daughter." With a soft smile she came to a stop a reasonable length away, not wanting to intrude on the mare's space. Birth could be exhausting, and clytemnestra knew well that it could put one on edge and heighten their emotions and she had no intentions of upsetting the mare. "I'm sorry to intrude. I'm Clytemnestra, and I was coming home to the dale when I heard your voice." Supporting an awkward smile she shrugged gently making her wings bounce slowly against her sides.
Here stood the once queen, awkward as ever and once again bothering someone she didn't even know. Typical of the old girl.
Ooc: ew it's been forever! I'm so sorry xD and html soon!
original html by strells, edited by taz | character by taz
04-08-2015, 01:41 AM (This post was last modified: 04-08-2015, 01:45 AM by Talulah.)
In a blink, everything changes.
Before, she was a wide-eyed child with great enthusiasm for the world, but little understanding of it. Before, she was forced to learn on her own, a difficult task growing up both motherless and fatherless. She discovered loyalty and loss, anger and angst. She found passion and purpose; love was a new and rare blossom, even under layers of flesh and metal. She had lived a full life, or at least she thought she had.
But that was before - before her swollen belly flattened again, and she met the cause of many uncomfortable months.
Talulah gave birth as the sun rose in the east. All night she had paced, weaving between the trees and through the meadows, trying to find a suitable place to conclude her pregnancy. Finally, with the process imminent, she had nestled between two sturdy pines overlooking the river below. The needles were a soft welcome to the earth as she laid down, an unnecessary boon in her current state, but one she’d be grateful for upon reflection. When the foal slid from her seemingly hours later, she was exhausted and exhilarated all at once.
More and more of the foal was revealed with her cleaning and the rising sun. It was a colt – black as a raven’s wing – with spindly legs and soft eyes. She smiled when she saw that his mane and tail were streaked with Tiphon’s gold. My son. She glowed with the weight of the word. His name came to her suddenly, effortlessly. “Ramiel.” It’s strong and yet soft at the same time – everything she hoped he would be.
…
Mother and son bond in the hours after the sunrise. Hours spent learning to stand, to drink, to walk. She fusses over every stray hair and he associates her cold, metal side with safety. It’s not the familiar warmth he’d grown accustomed to, but it becomes home to Ramiel. His gold-tinged eyes learn the shape of his immediate surroundings before they begin to commit the entire scene to memory. When Talulah is confident (or as confident as a new mother could be) he has progressed enough to leave their pine tree shelter, the pair sets off down the hillside.
They walk slowly at first with the colt trailing in the hoofprints of his dam. She means to take him to the river and explain the inherent dangers of flowing water, but a sound in the nearby woods draws her attention instead. Conversation from sources familiar and less so diverts her path. When the grey locates Elysteria, she is surprised to find that – in more ways than one – she is not alone. The last time she saw the bay mare, her sides had been just as stretched as Talulah’s. Now, they both have reason to celebrate. Now, with new life, their home will be even more of one. “She is beautiful Elysteria, congratulations.” Ramiel moves in for a closer look, his eyes shining with curiosity, but his mother holds him back gently. She doesn’t know whether instinct will kick in for the other mare with her foal or not, and the pegasus is another matter entirely. And while she doesn’t seem like she means any harm, Talulah takes a more defensive stance just in case. Former Dalean or not, its current members have to stick together. “I’m Talulah, and this is Ramiel.” She gestures to the black colt happily peering around her and smiles. “Welcome home.”
04-08-2015, 09:17 PM (This post was last modified: 04-08-2015, 09:19 PM by Elysteria.)
love is a temporary madness...
The red mare is nuzzling the equally red filly when the winged mare approaches. Delicate head rising, she gazes at the newcomer in curiosity as she shifts slightly to put herself in between her young child and the mare. Though she does not believe the female to be a danger to them, in this moment, her instincts drive her actions.
At the mare’s words, her muzzle drops to brush against the filly. A warm smile touches her dark lips, brightening her wearied features.
“Thank you.”
Before she can continue, she catches the sound of another. Ears swinging forward, she turns her head towards the sound, her cinnamon gaze landing on Talulah. When she sees the small colt trailing at her heels, her gaze softens. She offers the mare a tender smile, delighted to see she had also birthed a healthy, beautiful child.
“Thank you, Talulah. It seems I must offer you congratulations as well. A fair handsome fellow he is too.”
Joscelin, having apparently become wearied, chose that moment to bump clumsily against her mother before folding her spindly frame to lie down. Breathing out a soft sigh, Elysteria once again nuzzles her, unable to keep herself from touching the small filly yet again. Her relief upon seeing her born healthy and whole had been nearly palpable. And though many of her fears had been allayed, a few still linger like black storm clouds. Pushing them away (for she knows how foolish it is to allow such old memories to haunt her still), she turns her attention back to the two mares. Offering a bright smile, she finally gives her greeting to the newcomer.
“Welcome. I am Elysteria. It makes me incredibly happy to see a new face. Or, as the case may be, not so new.”
She laughs softly, her russet gaze lingering on the winged mare with interest.
sometimes things fall apart so that better things can fall together
"You're welcome," she stated with a soft smile. Before she could say more she heard the sounds of another approaching pair and like Elysteria, Clytemnestra found herself looking towards the noise, ears pricking forward as her body tensed slightly. With years of ruling under her belt she had found herself protective of any member the dale held within it's walls and only when the other mare showed familiarity did she relax softly, smiling once more.
she noticed both their movements to protect one another and the corners of her mouth twitched slightly in appproval. a great kingdom was one that carried members who worked as a team, stuck together, and treated one another like family even if they had zero blood relation. it showed that strength had lasted within the dale long after she had left it's beautiful borders.
Quietly she stood there, letting the two exchange their congratulations and speak before answering their welcomes. And while they did she watched their daughter and son with a humored expression. Children had always been a wonder to her and she saw them all as the makings of an even greater future. Her own children had been such a blessing and she knew exactly what both of them were feeling in these moments.
Looking up oncce they finished exchanging pleasantries she spoke a bit louder. "Thank you, Talulah, Elysteria. I appreciate that very much," nodding slightly she let her smile grow just a bit, "I am Clytemnestra. I once lived here in the Dale, and for a very long time have called it home. I have returned in hopes of staying here, so please, don't let my presence worry you. I was only curious and i wish none of you harm."
never being one to boast about her past, she kept mentions of her ruling quiet. as usual she would only bring it up if they asked. her history here with eight had been a long, full, and extensive one and he was one she had hoped to find once more. the rumours on the wind had been that he had headed east and conquered the valley. and one day she would head that way to see if such was true. until then she would make her place here in the dale and learn about the ones she would be living amongst.
original html by strells, edited by taz | character by taz
The Dale continues to be a surrogate family to the girl who had grown up without a mother or father. Its steep slopes were a welcome cradle. Its river was a cleaning touch. Even its unbreached borders were a sort of security blanket as she lived her youth as an orphan. Most of all, though (and especially as she aged), the people became her definition of home.
Daleans are a rather secretive bunch, prone to stretches of solitude and mountainous wanderings. They’re rarely known for being the focus of attention, nor is it something they really strive for. But while some might say they lack charisma and drive, citizens of the Dale more than make up for it in their ties to each other. It’s not what kept Talulah here at first – after the wolves had slaughtered her mother and driven her from the mountain’s peak – but rather a connection that eventually overshadowed her initial loyalty to stay. She felt this overwhelming reliability first with Lion and since then, the links have only become more numerous and deeper. Tiphon and Tiberios (and more recently, Elysteria) are as good as a family as she could have hoped for.
So it is not surprising – to her at least – that she defends the other new mother as instinctively as she would her own sister. They already are, in a sense. And with their angel king gone as of late (off procuring treaties and alliances, Talulah thinks) the females are the only two remaining. The kingdom hasn’t been this vulnerable in years, and Tiphon’s absence leaves a distinct lack of color and warmth through the land.
Elysteria compliments her overly-curious colt, and Talulah grins agreeably. They had certainly done fine jobs. Joscelin chooses to take an impromptu rest at that moment, and the metal-mare’s smile widens as the girl tries to figure out her legs. It’s hard for her to believe she was ever that small and helpless – and completely adorable. “If you ever need a break, I’m more than happy to keep an eye on her for you.” She looks to her own son then, assessing him with a mock critical-eye. “Unless this guy proves to be more rambunctious than he’s letting on.” It was true so far, however. Ramiel had inherited his father’s occasional stoicism. He was prone to overthinking, and often, Talulah had to remind him to explore with more than just his eyes.
She relaxes noticeably when the grey mare thoroughly explains herself. It is all too common for former Daleans to return. As she had said before, there is just something about the place that calls you back. “No worries at all, Clytemnestra. We are glad to have you.” The name feels foreign on her tongue, but she rather likes its choppiness. “When did you live here, if you don’t mind my asking?” Little does she know that Clyte had ruled over the Dale when it was a subkingdom to the Chamber and her mother had despised the arrangement. She doesn’t know that Adolpha had conspired with Skellig, Enigma and Modesto – that they had rolled in the dirt together in solidarity that day under the shade of evergreens. All she knows is that this mare doesn’t mean them any harm, and with their vulnerable children present, that’s all that matters.
It seems, in the end, the Dale calls everyone home. Elyseria had been born within these borders, many many years ago. She does not recall that time as her mother had left shortly after, taking her newborn daughter with her. Her memories of her mother, though distant, still ring clearly in her head. She resembles her so very much after all. But what she remembers of her mother is not all happy. After the events that had led to Elysteria’s conception, Joythief had been but shadow of her former self. Not that the red mare had known her before then, but she had caught glimpses of the once happy woman Joythief had been. Those memories had always driven her, reminding her why it is so important to remain strong, why it is so important to remain kind even in the face of all the evils of the world.
But that is all ancient history. She had been through so much since those long ago days. But in the end, she had returned to the Dale. Though she had not realized it at the time, its sweet song had called to her. It had finally given her the home she had always longed for. Its residents had welcomed her warmly. And now, as their ranks had thinned, they had grown close. Its members had become more of a family to her than any she had had before. It had given her purpose in her life again, brought a joy she thought she had lost long ago. And for that, she would protect them with her last breath if need be.
Having experienced the open embrace that is the Dale, Elysteria could completely understand why the mare had chosen to return. A warm smile resting easily upon her lips, she gazes at Clytemnestra with welcome in her eyes.
“We are delighted to have you back. You are of course more than welcome to stay.”
Grinning at Talulah’s words, she turns her gaze to the metal mare. Dropping her dark nose, she breathes a soft sigh over her sleeping filly. Raising her head once again, she nods at the mare, her russet eyes sparkling with happiness.
“You shall be the first I call, should I need a break. And I hope that you will do the same.”
