Posted by: Phoebe - 06-07-2022, 09:08 AM - Forum: Viride Forest
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Phoebe stared upward into the thick canopy overhead and muttered a quiet [say]"Wow...[/say] to herself. She'd only ever seen the Viride Forest from afar, on the other side of the creek that separated Terrastella from Delumine, and from there it had seemed spooky and foreboding. There had never been any intention to visit the place personally--perhaps just weasel out a few tales from anyone else who'd been brave enough to go inside--but after her tiring trek over the mountains in the center of Novus--not once, but twice--the little sunset mare was looking for any easier way to make the trip across the region toward Solterra. ...for no particular reason. She'd seen how the mountain range didn't entirely touch the northern side of the island, so it made sense that if she just slipped around them, made a wide circle...
She knew it was going to take longer, but she planned for that. It was still morning--or would be if she could see the sunlight directly--and left her with plenty of time to reach the Day Court, find that little room over the tea house there, and spend some time catching up with the handsome Day Soldier who'd invited her back. Just the thought of being able to spend more time with him, learning about him and admiring his beautiful looks, was enough to make her get over those initial, irrational fears of the dark interior of the forest and traipse along through it. Hopefully the members of Delumine wouldn't mind too much; she would be quick and gone before anyone knew she was there.
...or so she hoped. While she'd started off in the right direction, Phoebe realized it was actually much harder to gauge direction once inside. There was so little light to go off of, and it was hard to make out where exactly the sun would be in the sky. There didn't appear to be any markers in the vicinity either, only a series of worn paths in the dirt and scrub from other travelers who had obviously known exactly where they were going. [say]"I think I'm going the right way..."[/say] Maybe if she just kept going in this direction, she'd end up where she wanted to be? Or...maybe somewhere along the way she'd be able to get her bearings? Unable to ignore the warning bells ringing in her mind, Phoebe tried to stay optimistic and kept picturing Jarek as motivation. She had to get through this place. Or else missing a surprise date would be the least of her worries.
The peace of autumn was a balm to the mare, her natural vapors were primed to keep her at perfect temperature. She found that she was a bit more forgiving to the heat than her sister, which might be something due to having been more on land than water in her life. Flicking her tail, she smiled at the lessening of the usual ache and sorted her room back to rights. The joys of living in the inn, she never had to worry about cleaning more than one room. Though she had to admit, it was getting old not having a place of her own to truly call home. A soft sigh escaped her lips as she straightened the bed and she found herself drifting toward her gathering satchel.
"Today would be a wonderful day for gathering supplies for the clinic." She murmured to herself, grabbing the satchel and heading out of the inn and into the sunlight. A content smile graced her features and she decided to head toward the lake. It was her favorite place, one where she felt safe enough to swim as well as search for the herbs. As she reached the lake, she moved to the shore.
"Hmmm... Perhaps a little swim would be fun." She mused as she set her satchel on the ground and waded into the cool water. It was peaceful and she found that the idea of swimming wasnt as terrifying as it used to be. Diving into the depths, she began to swim like a eel through the darker water. As she came back from the deep waters, she decided to grab a few plants that she could then add to her stash to dry.
Stepping out of the water, she shook her pelt dry and let the warm sun dry her. She was peaceful, enjoying the warmth and sun.
"Speaking"
@Gareth Notes: Small edits for the change in season <3 Let me know if any changes need done
Odgen stood upon the short, golden grass of the plains, stocky and solid and still. One feathered hind leg and hoof were cocked in a restful position, the whole of him relaxed and at ease--all except for his face. His eyes, solid green like spring and glowing with an inner light, stared out of a brooding frown that twisted his lips even beyond the usual near-snarl caused by his protruding fangs. Combined with the antlers and the brawny look, he didn't give off any indication of being approachable or suitable for company, but neither was he looking for either. In fact, the whole of his attention seemed fixated upon a point in the southern distance, up toward the peak of the mountain range that split the region at its center. [say]Verenor Peak.[/say]
He couldn't recall anymore when or where exactly he'd heard of the location, or of the beings who presumably resided up there in the skies over the locale, but the tale persisted. Gods, he'd been told, a number of them that created this world in their image and watched over the various life forms who embodied their doctrines. The concept was wholly new to him, and one that he still wasn't sure he could subscribe to. If there were deities watching over him, how was it things had been so rough growing up? Why hadn't they interfered? Why hadn't they said or done anything to promise the challenges he endured would be rewarded later?
The burly stallion gave a violent snort and shook his great antlered head, sending his thick mane flailing around him as the restful posture was broken by a steadying step to the side. What did it matter if there were actually gods up there? Whatever reach they hadn't certainly didn't extend toward him--which meant he could only rely on himself, a truth he had long ago realized and accepted. [say]"They can't fix everything."[/say] The gruff grumble rolled out of him under his breath, a quiet blasphemy for the wholly devout but one Ogden believed firmly in. He wouldn't fall victim to the thought his life was dictated by another. He wouldn't lay at the hooves of some unseen force begging for intercession. He would do, whatever it was that he could, to make things happen on his own.
It was why, as he turned away from the mountain, putting its looming presence behind him, he set his eyes downward, toward the grasses and what grew among them. Winter would be fast approaching, and with it many plants would die and fall dormant--including those he often found medicinal uses for. Healing was his own brand of magic, of changing fates and making his own story, and it gave him a certain sense of power that grounded him and gave him purpose. With heavy, lumbering strides, Ogden began a slow, methodical search of the area immediately around him, little bits of endless dirt raining down from the earth piled upon his rump with each step. If he found anything, great; if he didn't, maybe he could slip away before the quiet was disturbed by unwanted company.
Posted by: Somer - 06-03-2022, 10:58 PM - Forum: The Day Court
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[1] The dunes of sand drifted wide, and he, driving over them as ships would on the sea, was a desert wraith. There were layers and layers of stillness around him, slicing through and silencing simultaneously. Yet the sun still screamed down to him through woven columns of light, tearing into his lungs and searing the sand beneath his hooves. Solterra was home for the beast, so he learned to find solace in the scorching long ago.
[2] The citizens of this land built its core long ago, construction to protect against the savage attacks of elements and raiders alike. It still stood today, and, as Somer entered the court's fortress, he remembered all the strength and resilience those walls possessed.
[3] It still looked savage, but that was something Somer had grown rather fond of in his time here. His crimson gaze pivoted back and forth over the sight, washing over soldiers in combat training, citizens meandering, entertainers doing their dances, and merchants hustling the naive. And he, their sole medic, nearly smiling at the humor of himself in such a role.
[4] After so many years of living here, it was time for him to attempt to get to know the faces of Solterra - something he had never tried before - so here he was, creeping out from the woodworks.
Now this was much better- the lights, the music, the dancing, the allure of strangers pulling each other into tender embraces, cloaked in shadow and mystique. One never asked too many questions when there was a masquerade ball on. While it had been some time since the mare had attended any high society gathering, she couldn’t resist the pull of festivities. More and more the clairvoyant found herself spending less and less time in her chosen home of Solterra and instead roaming the other lands. To be fair, they had been far more bustling as of late anyhow. Nefertari found that if she kept herself moving during the day, she might be less restless when the moon rose. Might.
She drank in the delightful smells of the denizens around her, their peculiar garb as they each tried to disguise their identities for fun and for mischief. For herself she had cloaked her figure in a breezy purple silk woven with golden thread that shimmered as she walked. She’d commissioned a veil to drape across the curve of her nose in a similar style to one particularly gorgeous mare that she was privately hoping to meet once more. The accents of the piece were gold chains and pearls, amethysts hanging from behind her audits to dangle and catch the eye of those who would cast their gaze across her. She did little to truly mask her appearance, but it had been enough to qualify as ‘masquerade’ in theme, and there had been no complaints as of yet.
The mare wound her way through the throngs of other attendees at the center of the citadel, dusky twilight swirling across the dance floor in search of pleasant chatter and a damn good drink. One could hardly participate in these kinds of festivities sober after all. The Spring Festival in Delumine had been peculiar in that way- when she had offered her services as a fortune teller she had much needed her senses clear. Here, where she was nothing more than a guest in Terrastella, she was free to enjoy the evening as she liked.
Which meant the woman was in search of a delectable whiskey to whet her pallet and loosen her bones so that she might commingle with the opposite side of life for a little while. She had been smuggling herself away in Solterra, but with Leviathan all but a completely absent figure and the Vogelstein family presence waning within the court of the Sun, things had been rather dull. Sure, there was the perfume baron and his kin that often liked to indulge in social niceties, but more often than not these days it was a ruse to sell of his youngest daughter, a bastard, though he never said as much outright. Nefertari would never say it to the girl’s face, but she pitied her. Wondered if perhaps that would have been her own life had she chosen to stay in Denocte and be used as a pawn by her own family. The mare shuddered at the thought.
She wouldn’t be surprised if Swahili was somewhere among the throng- this did seem like the kind of event where her father might try to push her onto suitors with high value in his realm of business. Perhaps if she ran into the young woman tonight she might give her a bit of advice, but only if Caligo wished it. She would not spend her evening searching for a mirage.
Posted by: Faction - 06-03-2022, 01:53 PM - Forum: Vitae Oasis
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Faction
The problem with wanting…
Is that it makes us weak.
The sun had risen hot in the desert, something that Faction found that she loved about it. While she enjoyed exploring the sands in the heat, her beloved Sors did not. So while she disappeared into the scorching sands, her necrobotanic creature stayed safe in their home. There was a pang to the mare’s heart at the idea of exploring their home without her dearest friend. Her only friend…
That thought was plaguing her as she approached the oasis. The water was cool and soothing to her heated hooves. Stepping in the shallows, she drank deeply of the water and watched the world around her with cautious eyes. Her acid green orbs were wary and her entire frame was taught with tension. Her time in Novus had been less than pleasant for the most part.
A part of her thought of the small interaction between herself and the dawn hued viper. There was a pang in her heart, a small voice telling her that she shouldn’t expect a friend in this land. Perhaps she was better off alone, with just Sors for companionship.
"One of these days… I might catch a break. Maybe find a place where I belong." She remarked to herself, words soft as she sloshed through the shallow water and enjoyed the spot of greenery that hid within the desert’s heart. That simple thought was enough to hurt her heart, though she hid the pain and tried to continue as nonchalantly as possible. Not that she expected to run into anyone here. The last few months she had been out in the desert and oasis nearly daily with no interactions.
"Faction's Words"
@nastyalicorn
Notes: Here is Faction for you <3 No Sors for this thread, too hot for the plant creature XD
Posted by: Xalvador - 06-03-2022, 01:40 PM - Forum: Rapax River
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Xalvador
The road isn’t easy. It is long, and hard, and often traveled utterly blind.
But you keep going because you know the destination will be worthwhile.
The river had been his companion for a while, his bonded taking the time to play in the cool water after their trek had been finished. This land was strange, so green and lush after growing up deep in the deserts. The strength of a warrior still coursed through him, the desire to do something for the good of all rather than the good of just him.
"Bastian, please stay close. We are far from our homeland." He called to the dinosaur, using his native Egyptian tongue. As he had gone from those sands, fewer beings were able to understand his words. He had been forced to learn more common tongue, though he found himself still slipping into the words that he still found himself thinking in. The small spinosaur lifted his head and grumbled an agreement, slowing to keep pace with the massive warrior stallion. It was still odd to Xal that he was larger than the dinosaur.
As they approached a small lull in the river, a place where the waters calmed and deepened, Xal stopped and let the dinosaur enjoy the water and catch some fish for a meal. This was peaceful, a moment that never changed between the pair as they had traversed many lands. Bastian would enjoy a watery lunch while Xal would take a moment to graze. Not that he wasnt on alert at all times. The large stallion was wary and prepared to defend himself should he need to. That was simply a part of his training that had not gone away after the upheaval.
"Xalvador, this land is strange. More green and much different fish than home. Do you intend to stay here?" Bastian asked, climbing the bank to find a spot of sunlight to bask in. He was very cat like on that, loving to sleep in sunlight where it was warm. Xal frowned as he looked around them.
"I am not sure… This place is so vastly different than home. Perhaps that is a good thing. Perhaps that glowing doorway led us to the correct place. I would like to give it a chance at least…" He murmured, still speaking ancient Egyptian. The dinosaur dipped his head in understanding, frowning at the dark forest around them.
"I still think it is odd here." He grumbled before closing his eyes for a quick nap. Xal laughed softly, shaking his head and pressing his muzzle to the sail upon Bastian’s back. Once he had dozed off, Xal moved away and began to graze, listening to the world around him with constantly moving ears.
"Xalvador" - "Bastian"
@—
Notes: Xal and Bastian are officially in dawn <3
Since his arrival to the day court something had been pestering the back of his mind. The hulking beast that was said to rule these lands was not often seen. Nonetheless the court life seemed to progress without constant nurturing. This was testament to the hardiness of the souls that lived in Solterra, they were independent hard working types who just got on with it. They deserved more support and recognition for their struggles. Jarek fancied that with his background he would be in a unique circumstance to provide such support.
With the sun rising on a new day he stood on ground level where he had seen the beast last. He would make it known that he intended to make things better. He would invest his energy into improving the standard of life for all. He would allow those who were not as well off to stand in the light if they wished. He would do his best to support them in their goals without forcing them into change. In his mind he had several different investments that would perhaps also boost the activity within the court.
“I, Jarek, challenge the leadership of Solterra!” he shouted hoping to catch the ear of the king. He would win this fight, and then he would go on to work actively with the people of Solterra. He would listen to their needs and do his best to make sure their interests were taken care of.
His mind couldn’t help but think about Phoebe. He would need to find her and inform her of all this. Would she come to Solterra if he was the sovereign? He didn’t wish to rip her from her world, but the longer they were apart the more he needed her by his side. He needed her presence and her kindness. As moments passed from their meeting he was all the more sure they were fated. That this was truly fate. He hoped that Solis and Vespera would approve their union and that he would see her very soon. He would ensure it.
He also couldn’t help but think about his father and where he had come from. How one man truly ruling by himself could easily become misguided. Jarek would seek the support of the people of Solterra to ensure that the goals they would work on were mutual. He would not become his father, lest someone else lop off his head too. He would do better for Solterra then what his father ever did. He would work hard and dedicate himself to Solterra.
He sighed deeply, stretching his neck as he awaited his fate before Solis and the rest of Solterra.
Here, she was. Yet again at the he markets. The closest thing to civilization she could find in this land she’d come not too long ago though she was persistent about traveling it. Her definition of “civilization” were in terms of activity. Places where equines were willing to let the ideas of royalty or rank pass them by. Delphine no longer had any respect or versed tomes for those who had “power.” All she knew was that money really made the world go round and vice was the currency. She had her own vices for sure, perhaps this is what kept drawing her back to this place. She was a Vagabond, one of no gods and no true land, but it didn't take her long to find that now one seemed to care where she went. Therefore when she spent so much time in the more “un-natural” set up of the markets no one seemed to put her off.
She was at home in the crowds. Despite the idea of weekends this place never seemed truly deserted, someone was always looking for something and someone. Like she meant… vices. She was occasionally here for a reason no different than the others. Delphine had a secretive, yet loud, existence. She blamed it on the injury she had sustained previously and in some honesty it was partially that which controlled her vice-seeking nature. The other part was that she liked this new type of life she’d found. Unlike others who’d known tragedy and fell in to the decent of sadness, she chose this life of risk and dopamine rushes. It was in this she found her freedom.
For this night her freedom existed in her dances of gentle nature and broken vulnerability. Conveyed in the look of seductive pain upon her face as the open stage surrounded by light maroon and lavender- sheer fabrics cocooned her in. It was this, her feigned vulnerability that drew others in to her. She was in a sense, damaged and this prey-act was her ambush tactic. She was smaller in build, so when the music hit and the lights shone her light and skinny body performed. Performed in ways that would even leave the most stuck-up power noble in tears if not in desire. A gentle tilt there and straining bend here. It called them in a way that they probably wouldn’t be able to live with themselves in the morning, should they ever act upon how they thought of her in that time.
This night the crowd called to her as she began, riding the busy of her time just moments before. The rush igniting her body and delivering her from the physical pain of the true world. She was wrapped in her sheer furred cloak, hiding at first shyly her golden eyes and sliver glittered body. And from there she danced to the techno sounds from behind the curtains. She moved under the furred-skins suggestively, they sliver orchid broach embedded in her long subtle-toned hair. The golden lights and the sliver tones mixed together with a grace fit for royalty. Her pale pink hide screamed seduction and good times. Ironic considering her buzz was coming off and through her extensive movements her hip was raring with flames.
This was her sign. The sign as the song finished and the dance done to reveal herself to the crowd about the low stage table. She stood head on hips cocked to the left to raise her dainty head and her cloak fell away. Under it, as the lights shone the same hue as the base of her coat, did her sparkle shine. Silver bits looking like the deepest of galaxy’s, a kaleidoscope of grey that made her invisible but seen in a whole new light. Shining like the star she could be. The crowd roared and she collected her cloak gasping quietly as the performance had secretly left her winded. Suddenly the horns upon her skull felt as though they were truly made of metal.
Behind the stage the busy of the people met her with praise, mostly from those she didn’t want it from, but she knew this was the proper thing here. She quickly moved to join the lonesome night behind the show tent, gathering her things from the bench behind the scenes. Cloak, hair still a-done, hide under sweeting sweetly from the extravagance. She dared her face with the edge of her cloak before realizing this was not the best for her furs. She exited rashly out to the back dark alley of the tent. The in and out off performers and extra beings to make it all happen. She’d been left her pay in her things, wrapped in a small envelope. She wouldn’t open it now and just tucked it on her person. She stood for a moment, nostrils enjoying the greasy night air slipping in to her lungs. The pain in her hip dulled mildly from the rush of completing something well done. In the alley she was alone aside from her single cigarette she’d saved for after the whole ordeal.
Delphine craved this. The moment alone after the rush of pleasure, the best thing after love. The downfall, the freedom to fall. She chose this and she didn’t care. Depravity was one thing she’d never gotten to see with her own eyes until she came to Novus and being a entertainer was something she could get behind for herself. And so she stood perched agains the stone wall behind the tent in the dark, smoking… and living.
"Speech" | TAGS: @Fever | NOTES: Sliver accents!?!?! Enjoyable or horrible lol. Just a tease.
New places were an intimidating match for the lil' mouse.
In the midst of a colorful array of new faces and conversations, Thomasin stood dwarfed by the city structures of Dusk Court. Her large doe ears folded submissively in a puppy-dog nature against either side of her toffee-hued face, her wide eyes trying to take in the sights but remain modest and not infringe upon anyone's privacy.
There was excitement in the bustling air, whispers about the masquerade ball and a festival that featured a race.
Yet, Thomasin wasn't here for the festivities - as tempting as they might be.
She was here to find some vendors and purchase some gifts in a feeble attempt to apologize to a dear friend for her absolutely uncalled for behavior.
Thomasin churned with guilt as she looked around, timid and meek, barely able to conjure her own voice in order to ask for assistance. Every time her mouth opened nothing but a pitiful squeak escaped her teeth.
How would she ever be able to bare these crowds in hopes of finding someone who might be able to assist her? She was thankful for the friend she had met on the journey over - the strange boy who could change the shape of his body from equine to swan with the help of moonlight on his wings - he was much too kind, she thought, to be her guide to the city.
But now she was yet again alone, and the sun was starting set. She had only but a few hours before she could travel to the lady of the night, the lady of her heart, and beg for forgiveness.
