enough with the lies tell me one
more time my blood your line is this you inside
T
he wedding was almost bittersweet to Salome de la Rosa. If she had been upfront, honest... she would have had more time together with Gareth. They could have even been wed by now. Of course, no relationship was without trials and perhaps if they did have more time... well, things could have been different. They could not have wed, even. They could have remained friends, or even bitter enemies after rejections exchanged.
The point was, the strings of fate twisted in various ways. Salome roamed the Library with a brief sigh, hooded eyes glancing this way and that. She sought... nothing in particular. She told Gareth to not cure her, and she was not looking for one herself. To have someone accept her for who she was, who said she was great even as a monster... it woke feelings she thought she buried. Having entered the location well before dawn, the woman felt she had many hours before night fell.
It was time to escape into the vast world of books. Yet when she settled down with a random one, a shadow fell upon her. The vampire did not look up but was self-conscious so she hid her fangs already. "Well met" she says quietly.
It wasn't often he visited Denocte since arriving in this land. Benedict wasn't even quite taken with the Dusk Court either; he just felt uneasy traveling farther than expected. Today, however, his hooves would draw him to the Night Market. Far from Dusk. Far from anywhere he knew to be safe and content. He tried, or rather attempted, to calm his nerves as he took a leisurely stroll through the open market.
But before unsettling thoughts lingered in his brain, the man was struck with various curiosities. He blinked as he stopped by a store, selling mostly etched wood figures. He had seen stalls like this back home, when he was allowed to be in the market accompanied by guardians. Though the once-boy had enough to purchase a fine item or two, his guards and parents would frown at him spending on useless things. The only item he wore was a claymore, combined with a worn leather bag to carry belongings.
Denocte was not somewhere he visited often, but perhaps he should... The golden man moved on, alone, taking in the sights of the Night Court's pride and joy.
Hello, darkness, my old friend, I've come to talk with you again
Because a vision softly creeping, left its seeds while I was sleeping
The small mare tilted her head as she hovered a few inches off the ground.
The marketplace was as lively as ever. And while Caelum might not be searching for anything in particular, she still loved the air of it - the atmosphere. It reminded her of back home. It was bittersweet, indeed. . . But she did not fight it, clinging to this energy. It made Denocte so special to her. It was healing her, encasing those wounds on her heart in a soft Balm, letting them heal slowly. Luvena said she needed to heal, and while it hurt at times . . . She was determined to try even if it required time to get there.
Today was an easy day.
She fluttered from stall to stall, conversing casually with those she knew, being introduced to others when someone didn't know who she was. It warmed her heart to feel so accepted someplace. Almost as much as it warmed her heart to hear all the words they had, the praises they spread, about her tea shop. There was so much vibrancy to her soul at the way they all had such high reviews. A matter of pride, to see it so well received. A success she had built up herself, though she knew it was the networking she did that kept it running. Multiple small bakeries in Denocte were making more from the cut of profits they received for Caelum selling their products in her shop. Fellow medics were utilizing her store to trade what they had for herbs that they needed.
It had something for everyone.
Caelum wanted her shop to be more than a mere tea shop, and it's why Tea wasn't in the name. It was embracing her heritage as a Fae, medicine, food, drinks, and entertainment. The only thing The Faerie Gardens Emporium was missing was a constant state of summer. But that had been her father's gift as King of the Summer Court. He had the abilities of eternal summer. Caelum was just the runaway daughter of Oberon, why her people saw her as queen. She'd never know . . . She didn't deserve that love.
She had failed them.
Deep down, she understood though, deep down, she knew her people loved her, cared for her. She was the people's princess. She had won their hearts as a filly when she raced the streets with the farmer's boy and treated everyone she met as equals. Was it so surprising they'd fought valiantly in her name to defend Primulan City? But the guilt ate at her heart. It would be a long time before she forgave herself for killing her kingdom.
A light touch, the call of her name.
Caelum looked up and smiled softly to the concerned, elderly mare, "Oh, I am dreadfully sorry, I got lost in my thoughts. The colors on these fabrics are lovely! If you get around to using a lighter, more sheer fabric, do let me know. But I would be delighted to take some of the thicker wool blends." The mare laughed, reciting the well-known colors Caelum dressed her shop in Orange, yellow, Blue, Red - colors that felt warm. Like summer. It was promised to be delivered by the following week before winter could set in, and Caelum smiled as she set a large amount of money down for the order, " Do not argue with the amount. I intend to be paying for your nephews to help me install them again. I hear they have been seeking spending money and inquiring about odd jobs." Caelum dismissed the thanks even as the two young stallions perked up and eyed the money in front of their aunt.
Their eagerness was so apparent.
Caelum merely winked playfully and finalized when they would show up to help her set the curtains up before winter. She made sure to pay extra for weights to be sewn into the bottom to make it easier for them to keep the shop warmer, all while ordering a different set for her private bedroom windows. Exchanging fair wells, Caelum turned back to the Market, continuing her walk, stopping at random shops along the way. She browsed jewelry that seemed to gleam up at her. Paused to look over books (usually picking a few medicinal or herbal guides). She laughed and exchanged pleasantries quickly.
Then she saw the shade.
She almost overlooked him, but the slight stop in her heart had her pausing, her gaze turning back to the man dressed in shadows. He looked the same as she remembered from that night so long ago, in a silent world, grieving for one's loss. Her body slowly sank to the ground, small flowers popping up where her tiny hooves touched, growing up and around the fae's ankles. Her wings folded softly down, and for the first time in a long time, she found herself hesitating. Did she approach? Keep her distant? Would her company be appreciated? Did he think of her as often she had wondered about him. Her gaze suddenly dropped, focusing on her dark legs. To the steady, pulsating warmth Tiana's soul offered to her from within the red pendant. She had seen him briefly at Isra's address. The silent, dark shadow. She had felt it the moment his eyes had landed on her.
The way it made her heart beat faster.
She hadn't approached him then either, but Lu was right. She deserved something better than just existing. And so, despite the nervous butterflies in her belly, Caelum's gaze lifted, chocolate eyes softening, slowly made her way through the crowd, approaching cautiously. Closed the distance to a respectable one,"Vikander." She greeted, surprising herself at how soft her voice was, at how skittish her heart seemed to be. How ridiculous it felt to be behaving like a filly seeing a handsome stallion for the first time.
She was pathetic, wasn't she?
She hoped this wouldn't get back to Lu, or worse, Isra. Least, either tease her about where the calm and collected fae had gone when face to face with tall, dark, mysterious, and sinfully good looking. She did tell Lu she had a type, didn't she? "You look . . . . Well."
Sweet Caligo, could she get any more awkward?
Her gaze lowers, a sense of embarrassment staining her insides with shame. She was too old to behave like this. So why did this stallion always seem to draw it out of her? He probably did see her as an odd, weird thing. Why did she approach? Why didn't she nod from a distance and keep walking? Why, with him, did the perfectly poised princess suddenly disappear . . . ?
His wounds bother him , his lungs ache . The Teryr had beaten him damn near black and blue , but they had come out on top . All of them had .
His eye turn towards the older mare that he had asked to join him today , his weight adjusting on his hooves with a wince , eyes sliding over the other . She had been steadfast , and it helped that her personality was so open . " Thank you for joining me , Cordelia , " comes the deep rumble , and his lips twitch into a soft smile . It's rare , but there , lips falling over golden fangs again as he turns his head .
Aloe shines along his spine and wounds , healing salves that he's applied the moment he woke up . It won't prevent scarring from the deeper wounds , but it will at least soothe the pains through the day . " I asked you here to have a discussion with you . You're a go-getter type , very quick witted , sharp tongued , and charismatic ... and I think we can use that in Solterra . Right now , the Regime is empty , except for me , but I would very much like to offer you the position of Emissary . To be able to mend bonds with other courts and talk with them , to help me plan things . I'm no good at it , but I have a feeling you would bring a world of wisdom with you that I would need . "
The blue of his eye seems to gleam with mirth , and he smirks . " What do you think ? "
it's in the way that you move me,
and the way that you tease me,
the way i want you tonight
Callynite
it's in the way that you hold me,
and the way that you know me,
when i can't find the right words to say
The doe felt like she'd forgotten how to breathe, as she looked up to the talk of the peak. The soft crown of small white flowers circled her head gently, ivy visible between the petals as she glanced towards the buck, her expression soft, excited; but nervous. "Are you ready, Huehuecoyotl?" She asked quietly, brushing her muzzle against his cheek softly, her eyes warm, gentle. She took a step, smiling as small flowers leaned towards her, pushing up and borrowing her own magic to whisper their excited, their congratulations. The very air seemed to hum as the doe began the climb up with her to-be-mate at her side, for their official request of a union before the gods. Would this work? After all Coy had only just recently come over to the Court of Delumine from being a vagabond. She had only just taken up the mantle of Sovereign. She hadn't even had a chance to properly wish for Orien's blessing.
What if they weren't happy, didn't grant them - no. Cally wouldn't think on the negatives. If the gods couldn't see what was between them then that was there foolishness, but Cally knew in her heart that this was special, this connection, this bond they already had. She took the steps slowly up the mountain, leaning slightly into the buck's slightly larger side, borrowing from his own strength. She nuzzled him briefly, speaking softly to pass the time as they walked, "Please remember to behave yourself. No showering the gods with glitter, yes?" She teased, knowing as well as he did that he wouldn't mess this up for them - not this, not something this important. But she couldn't not tease him regardless.
She looked up at the rest of the way they still had to go, before snorting and suddenly her playful smile was in place, "Race you to the top? First one there, gets to shove cake into the face of the loser at the reception?" She offered, with a wickedly playful glint in her eye - not even waiting for his response before she took off at a run, laughing. It didn't matter who got to the top first anyway - they'd both likely get a face full of the sweet treat, regardless.
She slowed towards the top, reaching out to touch his side, and she slowly lead him towards the statue of their patron god, her muzzle dropped down, touching the base of the statue, and as she did, her offering was left behind. Magic, the very energy that housed inside, the very thing that made her who she was; flowed from her body, the soft green glittering of the natural magic of the word swirling around the base of the statue, leaving a small feast. As she stepped away, small relics, the smallest (and easiest to carry) but prettiest that she had found when looking for items for the Library to display for the reception were left around with the feast, a small token of bringing their reception here, with her, to share with Oriens (and any other god that might show up, she supposed).
She motioned for Coy to step forward, to live his offering, her expression gentle, as gentle as the almost constant touch she kept up with him, whether it was the brushing of shoulders, the pressing of sides, or even her muzzle against his cheek or neck. They'd stopped trying to fight their need to be close to each other a long time ago. Cally looked up to the statue before slowly bowing, trying to ignore the own goddess's soul inside her body that was revolting at such an idea - bowing to another. Cally ignored her for the time being, knowing this was important, this was for Coy - and no past version of herself would get in the way.
Her gaze lifted back to the god's statue, and as she spoke, her voice was softer than normal, her gaze slowly turning to the buck at her side, eyes brimming with the love she had for him. They'd come a long way to be here today. "Oriens, my name is Callynite; though I am sure you already know that. I'm afraid our introduction is long overdue after I took up sovereign of your beloved Delumine. I hope that you'll forgive my tardiness, but as you can see, I've been a touch busy with a wedding, that wouldn't be complete without your presence. We hope to acquire your blessing upon our union." Her gaze was solely on her mate now, the love she held for him, almost causing slight tears to well up in her eyes, "I love him, with all my heart; and couldn't imagine my life without him. I see my future with him by my side, raising our fawns together in Delumine, and working side by side to make Delumine stronger. Even if I have to keep him from trying to redecorate everything with neon colors and shed glitter." She brushed her muzzle against his, slipping past, to keep contact until her cheek was pressed to his.
Withdrawing, she glanced to Coy, to see if there was anything he wished to say as well. Their focus now was on the union and the blessing (hopefully) from Oriens. Their vows to each other would come just before they would descend down the mountain so that even if the blessing failed, they could still walk away with heads held high and joy in their hearts. Because no matter what the gods said, Cally knew - knew it with everything she had; Coy was the only one for her.
Her hooves hit the ground, yet made no sound. She glanced about from under her hood, pondering if this was a good idea. Salome wished to control her issues. What better way for a vampire to control than to smell blood and resist it? She was a cloaked bat upon the Steppe, seeking a challenge. While not physically strong, she desired to be. For Gareth.
He was so gentle. She promised herself she would never leave him ever again. But to do that, she had to prepare for whatever came at them next. It included any type of conflict. She drew in a breath, the air not reaching her dead lungs. Salome had fed on a rat hours prior; she was good to go for... this sort of interaction. Lifting her head, she called out for someone to answer.
"Speaking."
Summary: arrived (at night) to the Steppe to battle
The little healer was a bundle of emotions as she woke from her nightmares. Scenes of her past, memories that had chased her from sleep many times. The fears and worries from the current events were turning the little mare into a mess. Bel had helped, but Pol couldn’t erase the thoughts that plagued her.
Escaping her bed, the aquatic mare paced the room. The walls felt like they were closing in, her entire being begging for freedom from the room. Her ruined tail was twitching like a feline, tapping her rear legs as she tried to keep her mind from racing. No longer able to keep herself from racing out the door, the healer headed into the court. There was one that she could trust to help her figure out at least one of the puzzles. At the edge of the courtyard, the mare stopped and offered a letter to a guard to bring to the sovereign.
Israfel,
We haven’t officially met, though your love for my mentor speaks volumes. I have a question for you, a plea for help. It regards Luvena and her past. Your advice would be greatly appreciated. I dont want to make the wrong step and make things worse for her.
- Polar North
How the message would be taken, the thoughts of this lady of power… Pol found herself anxious as the message disappeared from view. This was stupid. Isra had no idea who she was. Why would she help? Lu was her heart, Pol was the interloper. Her thoughts strayed to the stallion and a soft smile crossed her face. No, she would not let him down.
Standing out of the way of the hoof traffic, Pol waited with an anxious heart for any response. A little voice inside told her the message was probably ash by now. Closing her eyes, she focused on breathing and trying to control her thoughts. "I can do this… I am not a stupid, frightened pup anymore." She muttered, her words soft as she waited.
"Speaking"
@Israfel Notes: Worried Pol for her ‘mama’s’ love <3
I have love in me the likes of which you can scarcely imagine and rage the likes of which you would not believe.
If I cannot satisfy one,
I will indulge the other.
He had traveled far and wide, done many a great thing, but it wasn't enough. The crawling, all-consuming compulsion to move on when it was clear he would gain no more from a particular place had driven him across many lands. It had driven him from his mother's gentle, protective hold long ago when he was barely more than a boy. He had left his birth land of rocky cliffs and tumultuous seas; Gaston left his dear mother behind, crowing of grand plans and promises to save her from the fate of a cruel marriage. Whatever it took, he would do it. He would make the entire world quake beneath his hooves and burn if he had to. He would make the angels praise his fame and bards would sing of his glory for centuries to come.
Yet, all of what he had done had never been enough until he met her.
Before he knew it, Gaston's whole world shifted on its axis. No longer was he consumed by the desire to chase fame and glory. Now he wanted roots, and most important of all, he had wanted them with her. With the daughter of the moon at his side, Gaston envisioned the very future his mother had hoped for him: the love he deserved and a happy family. Yet, burdened by their own pasts and mistakes, she fled from him. An elusive creature, his mistress was, but Gaston was not about to abandon the hunt when he knew she returned his affections. He had foolishly tried to ignore their bond once and had paid a hefty price. He had nearly lost her and he was not about to repeat that particular mistake. She was undeniably close. They were in the same realm, that much was certain. Now he had to find her, but in the meantime, he very much needed to find another use of his talents.
For that reason, Gaston found himself in Denocte's capital. Red silk swished along Gaston's legs as the pegasus walked the streets, getting a feeling for the capital during his twilight walk. A realm that seemed to house all sorts of citizens who all had varying stories to be told. Nobles from far-flung places, rogues who hide in shadows, humble merchants who were as bland as their wares. Unlike the other kingdoms, it seemed there was no correct mold for the souls who called the night court home, which endeared to Gaston's own aesthetic in more ways than one. Perhaps he'd find his place in this new realm, after all. He would certainly need something to occupy his time once he had found Io and convinced her to stay at his side.
Character #1: @Benedict Bonded: N/A Magic: N/A Armor: N/A Weapons: a steel claymore Current Health: 8 Current Attack: 12 Current Experience: 22
Character #2: @Israfel Bonded: Yes - Phoenix Magic: Periti Magic - Pyromancy Armor: No Weapons: No Current Health: 32 Current Attack: 28 Current Experience: 60
A quiet challenge rang out from the depths of his stoicism. Benedict was no criminal, nor was he a soldier... but the man desired to learn. The request was for a teacher, of a sorts, since his own had not followed him to Novus. He wasn't even sure if the equine was dead or alive... Shaking himself free of such things, he wordlessly paces the Steppe. Here is where he learned that fighting happened. Hadn't he said he'd only defend? But... he could not wait for violence to be thrust at him. He had to take the initiative here.
He wasn't sure who or what would show to face him. The man was unmarked by war; he was fresh. But he was not so innocent, never to see blood. He had. A lot of it. And bodies. Benedict felt his body shudder a bit as he walked, refusing to see in his mind's eye the horror he had years ago. It took all of his control once more to shrug it off. It was time to begin again, to start anew... to... be not a burden. He had no experience with fighting; he couldn't even defend his loved ones.
To all Deluminians, you are cordially invited to the Wedding Reception and Celebration of
Callynite, Sovereign of Delumine
And
Huehuecoyotl.
Taking place in Delumine, Fall of Year 507 [On October 13th, 2021]
Feast will be provided, with options for all types of diets, with many games and activities to intrigue your minds and need for adventure:
Delumine:
Courtyard: Feast, Dancing, Mingling, Resting Area, and open stage for any entertainers wishing to compete for best entertainment.
Viride Forest: Labyrinth to explore, the minotaur not included (If you come across one, alert Callynite right away as it means Huehuecoyotl will need to spend their wedding night in a dog house)
Illuster Meadows: Olympic Games
The Library: Collection of Roman and Greek Story Books, History Books and Artefacts to enjoy.
We look forward to seeing you all there for a time of great fun and merriment!
