This winter had been hard. Granted they were seldom easy for her, but every year they seemed to worsen. Every winter after Elysium fell turned into a stark reminder that she was no longer meant to walk the world of the living. She had been called to waltz in the stars among her ancestors, but Vega had called harder.
Even without that, it was a rough winter. The winds seemed to howl through Denocte, and the chill in the air was bitter and unforgiving. Herbs had been low throughout the year, and those she did have were given up to patients who sought her out looking to remedy a cough or a fever that had crept in through the drafty housing of the markets. More than once Picoro had told her to close, and save the rest for herself. Luvena though had never been one to take good advice. The result was a winter full of fever and coughing for herself, and even now days into the spring a rasp lingered in her voice, and a cough behind it whenever she moved too quickly, or spoke too loudly.
But spring had come, and she was determined to make something of it. She had heard the rumors of portals opening to a castle in the winter, but she had been too ill to go see them for herself. Now word had spread through the wind that doors had opened to new lands. Perhaps it was time to go see some new lands for herself.
Only Picoro accompanied her this time, clinging to her mane with a ferocity she hadn’t felt before. She had scared him too many times last year. He seemed furious with her, and yet unwilling to leave her side for even a moment. He was right to be. She had been more foolish this year than she had ever been before. Normally she was calm and clear headed. Unmoved by the cruelty of the world, statuesque in her strength. She didn’t know who she was anymore, who had come to live in this frail body of hers. Luvena had been weak in body for as long as she had known, now it felt like she was weak in mind as well.
The pathway behind the portal was dark, and eerily silent. Or was it peaceful? A feeling of indecisiveness seemed to linger in the air around her, just behind the crackle and pop of energy that seemed to sizzle on her skin. She could feel Picoros fur rising around her, and her mane and tail seemed to frizz, pulling towards a clearing up ahead.
It was the portal full of stars that first caught her attention, drawing the air out of her all at once. They sparkled within the limestone, echoes of past lives, her own and those of strangers. Before she could think to stop herself, she had stepped through the shimmering entrance.
She found herself in a fit of coughing, as the cold air hit her on the other side, and she stumbled into the snow dusted steppe. She took a moment to catch her breath, before turning her head skyward, watching the sky above with a wonder she hadn’t felt since… Well truly she didn’t know. She was utterly lost in the feeling
Tentative legs and tiny hooves touched the ground, pausing at the snow that chilled her frogs. Vivid blue eyes took in the expanse that was her father's favorite place to pause and think. The tiny filly was excited to experience the world, but at the same time she was anxious about all of the new things around her.
"Please be careful, Jiri. It is easy to slip in the snow." Her sire called as he watched her wobble around on unsteady limbs. Where her father was massive and prone to flight, Jiri was delicate and solidly grounded to the soil. Flicking her tiny tail, she danced forward and let loose a small, excited whinny. Joy softened Sol's features as he watched the filly dance. There was a peace that came from becoming a father and he was finding that he was more mellow.
"Daddy! The white stuff is cold!" She squealed as the flurries of white danced in the air with her movements. Sol laughed softly as he listened and moved closer.
"The white stuff is snow, love." The stallion laughed as he watched her continue to dance. There was pure bliss filling his heart as he watched her. The nagging thought of introducing his daughter to his dearest friend struck and he promised himself that he would do so soon.
"Speaking"
@ Notes: Sol is there, just not active in thread lol. He is being watchful daddy <3
The hour was far too early, the sun still tucked away beyond the horizon. Most Terrastellians still lay cozy in their beds, staring at the back of their eyelids. Fires were beginning to go out, most turned into nothing but coals. And yet, despite the stillness of the morning, Rhone was happy.
There was something about the beauty of a winter morning, the way a fresh blanket of snow seemed to settle over the citadel. The air was crisp and cool, but the wind was nowhere to be found. The birds were just beginning to sing as very few Terrastellians were already beginning their mornings. It was quiet and beautiful and just what Rhone loved.
And yet, here he was, meandering the streets looking for any excuse to not be stuck in the citadel. While he loved and appreciated his new role as Sovereign, he needed a break from scanning the archives. He loved his people more than he loved studying and to him, being out amongst his court seemed a far better use of his time than hunched up in the stuffy library with only a crackling fire and a mouse to keep him company.
With a smile, Rhone turned the corner, not really expecting anyone to be out and about this early in the morning. What he hadn’t expected was the army to be out running drills this early in the frigged winter morning. So naturally, when he rounded the corner rather quickly, he nearly ran right smack into one of the many soldiers who just happened to be there. "My apologies…" He thought he had been traveling slow enough to avoid any run ins and yet, here he was. He must have been moving faster than he originally thought since he nearly ran over the sorrel and white fellow.
Liam. He recognized the man from the meeting with Vespera. "Liam, is it?" He offered the man a soft smile before he turned his body more square so that he could talk to the man face-to-face instead of at an angle. "I hope I didn’t interrupt…" Always a kind fellow, Rhone’s first instinct was to apologize for getting in the man’s way.
Snow had never been a favorite season of his. It was always so bitter cold, the sort of cold that chilled you right into your bones. It made you feel so damp and unable to get warm. Even sitting by a fireplace sipping hot cocoa did nothing to fend off the bitter chill. But as much as Rhone hated the winter, he embraced it. Because after winter cam spring and that was when new life would break free, peaking up from the mounds of melting snow. Flowers would begin to bloom and babies would be born. New life was so beautiful and perfect and Rhone loved it.
Sighing softly, the stallion continued on his patrols through Terrastella. For as long as he had been here, he wasn’t sure he had actually seen Terrastella for all the beauty she held. He’d been here before, hundreds if not thousands of times and yet, today he was talking through the fields as if he had never been here before.
Perhaps it was the fresh blanket of snow or perhaps it was the fact that he was not sovereign. Whatever the reason, Rhone was looking at this place with new eyes. He was seeing this place as something new and fresh and wait…what was that on the horizon?
Sometime caught his attention just barely. Something was pale in color, blending so perfectly with the snow. Eyes tried to fixate just to the northwest and while he didn’t see anything obvious, something had moved. Something was over there. It was perhaps a bunny or an owl. Rhone tried to convince himself that it was something larger, something not so easily missed.
He altered his course, slowly moving towards the area where he had seen the movement. Eyes continued to search, hoping to land on something familiar and praying it was nothing that meant any harm. The last thing wanted was a fight….especially when he had just be given this high honor as sovereign. Could that not wait a day or two?
@Erd @Ard - I’m SO HAPPY THEY ARE BACK. I NEED THE TWINS MORE IN MY LIFE.
Dawn was perhaps Rhone’s favorite time of day. Each morning, he would rise before the sun even awoke and make the trek to the top of the cliffs where he would stand and watch the sun come up from over the water. It was a surreal and beautiful sight and Rhone never grew tired of it.
So today started like any other day. He had himself a cup of coffee and a bagel with strawberry cream cheese. He then made the hike up to the top of the Praistigia Cliffs. It was there that he watered his oak tree, admiring how it seemed to grow out from the cliffside without any difficultly. Roots clung to the limestone and sand, somehow holding it to the cliff. No doubt it was Rhone’s magic that seemed to keep it in place.
And then, just as he began to see daylight, he paused his watering and growth and looked out over the sea below. He watched the beautiful colors of sunrise fill the sky. Birds flew overhead in groups, calling out their hellos. It made Rhone smile. It was breathtaking and Rhone couldn’t get enough of it. There was just something so soothing about this moment at this time of day.
But then, something broke his concentration. He paused, his head turning slowly to see the approach of another. He offered her a smile and a welcome to join him. "Welcome, come join me!" His smile was wide and welcoming, hoping not to scare off the stranger. He would never back away from company, especially when that company was going to admire something as beautiful as this.
Turning back to the sunrise, he waited patiently for her to join him or choose to walk away. He hoped she would stay and talk with him, to join in this beautiful moment. The sunrise was meant to be shared with those you care about…and seeing as how she was a Dusk court citizen, he cared for her, even if he didn’t know her name.
Posted by: Rhone - 05-04-2021, 06:35 AM - Forum: Archives
- No Replies
Dawn had risen in Terrastella. The sun was already peaking up just over the horizon. The sunrise brought a sense of hope to Rhone. It had only been days since he was crowned Sovereign and while it was still taking some time adjusting to the new role, he felt as though he was doing as well as one could hope.
His mornings were always welcomed at the top of the cliff where he watered a small tree that he had grown the day he came to Novus. Each day he used his powerful magic to grow the tree in strength. Roots weaved unnaturally through limestone and sand. Somehow, the tree flourished. Had it not been for his magic, the tree would have long been swept away by the powerful winds or perhaps died from lack of proper soil and nutrients.
And yet, the tree lived and flourished. It was a sign to never lose hope, to always look on the bright side. It brought Rhone so much comfort.
But despite his desire to stand there forever, Rhone had a court to greet. With his new role came new responsibilities. He could not stay up here forever.
And so, Rhone made his way into the capital, meandering the streets and just observing. Those who made eye contact, he offered them a polite hello. He was learning new names to put with new faces and today would be no different. It was important to him to get to know his people. Oh how he wanted to know them all!
A foal came up to him, trotting lightly against the cobblestone walkway. The steady clip clop of his hooves brought a smile to his face. The child was carrying a beautiful bushel of roses. But then, the most disastrous thing happened. The child stumbled and the roses fall to the ground in a heap of broken stems and fallen petals. Sobbing, the child began to gather what was left of the bouquet he had picked for his mother. "Shhh…child, don’t cry…" His voice was soothing as he smiled down at the young foal. Using his magic, he watched as the stems began to heal, forming a stronger, thicker stem. Petals seemed to sprout from where the others had fallen. Color seemed to become more bright and vibrant. The child’s eyes lit up with joy at the restoration of his bouquet. Rhone smiled at him as he watched him prance off in the direction of his mother. The mare’s eyes fell on him in silent thanks and he nodded his head to her. He sighed. These were the small things he loved more than anything.
Posted by: Rhone - 05-04-2021, 06:15 AM - Forum: Archives
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Here he stands, looking out at his people. His people. It had been so many years since he had goverened a large body of individuals, but he supposed it was much like riding a bike. This would be his third and perhaps last attempt at leading a kingdom to greatness. It was task that he didn’t take on lightly, a task that he was so very serious about. He would do his best by Dusk, guiding them into a new era full of hope and prosperity.
He gives a smile to Vespera before he looks out at those gathered in front of him. He is reminded just how much these people look up to him. After all, it was their choice for him to lead. For so long he had advised previous Terrastellan kings and queens and it was now his time. He is filled with love, knowing that these people saw something in him that perhaps he had not.
The silence fills the gathering of individuals, all eyes on him. They were waiting for him to make a speech. While he had never been too terribly good at speeches, he knew he needed to address his people. "My fellow Terrastella citizens…" His voice his loud, the tenor seeming to resound through the crowd and for that, he is thankful. "It is an honor to be chosen to guide you into the next phase of life within Dusk Court." He’s not sure what to say and it seems like he is tripping over his words. And yet, he knows most won’t care what he says. Some will judge, he is sure, but most just want direction.
Clearing his through, he climbs on top of a small boulder so he could look out over the crowd and they could see him. His short stature was definitely not doing him any favors in this moment. "I want my time as your Sovereign to be about you, not about me. I will not be your dictator. I value each and every one of your opinions, from the very young to the very old." And he was serious. He was not here to order the court around and increase the distance between royalty and citizens. He wanted to bridge the gap, to bring everyone closer together, not farther apart.
Rhone takes a minute to look at each person gathered, to meet each and every set of eyes. It takes several long moments, but he knows it’s worth it. They will know he values them, that he cares about each one as an individual. "Tell me, Dusk Court, what do you want to see done to better this court?" This was their time to bring up their ideas, to allow him a chance to carefully ponder each one so perhaps they could all move forward. "While I cannot promise I can give you everything, I will try my best to make you all happy and to make this court great again." He knows not everything can be given. He is not here to please them all. He is here to lead and with that role comes some very tough decisions and compromise. But he hopes, that at least his people will feel heard, even if some of their ideas cannot be implemented. "Please, come forward with your ideas now or seek me out privately. I always rise with the run on top of the cliffs. You can always find me there." Sometimes, coming forward in a group like this can be hard and scary. Perhaps coming in a far less formal way might encourage more participation. But until then, he would stand here watching and waiting.
ooc: Rhone wants YOUR imput. What do you want done? What sort of events would you like? Parties? Balls? Hunts? Anything goes! Make your voices heard!
Posted by: Ephraim - 04-27-2021, 03:00 AM - Forum: Archives
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The stallion sighed as he lowered himself to the sun-warmed grasses of the oasis, the steady heat of Solis’ eye soaking into Ephraim’s bones. A small symphony erupted as joints cracked and popped while the male settled over the softened earth, seafoam eyes glazing with relief. Giving another contended sigh, the grey leaned forward and bit off a mouthful of grass, chewing happily as he watched the mirrorlike waters of the pond. At this time of day, the small lake and the clearness of the sky played tricks on the old man’s eyes, the eggshell blue of the heavens attempting to convince him that a piece of it had fallen to the earth.
Winter had sunk its frigid claws into Novus, though Solterra was lucky to have slipped the majority of it’s grasp for the time being. The sun, despite burning as proudly as ever, had seemed a bit sleepier these days — rising sluggishly in the dawn and dipping quickly back to dusk once the noon hour had passed. Ephraim supposed that he could not blame that glowing disc, could not blame his patron war god for seeking some rest. Hell, Ephraim sought rest frequently, and his time upon this earth could only be measured in fives, Lord Solis’ lifespan had stretched eons beyond that; the poor angry bastard deserved a good nap.
Tearing up another mouthful of tender grass, the old warrior nodded to himself, thoughts straying to gratitude and what blend of tea he would leave steaming on the tiny altar he had set up in honor of Solterra’s Lord. It had been a bit of a culture shock when, in his younger, angrier years, when the war had yet to leave him, Ephraim had discovered that it was not custom in the Day capitol to leave offerings to the War God. Every home he had visited lacked the harmony of an altar to their God, and it had been difficult for the stallion to find laurels of bay leaves at market.
Such things had been taken for granted in his tiny village — the cohesiveness of their interpretation of religion, the consistency of ritual in their everyday lives — that when it was taken from him, Ephraim had felt ungrounded, shaken from his roots. Thus, when he had received his contracts to other, greener courts, the grey had sought out the herb vendors and the incense stalls and spent his stipend readily upon his religious affects. Of course, the other mercenaries in his band had laughed at him, often goading him into a brawl over the defense of his practices, but their sly words had not barred the male from his faith.
“Would you have protected me from my own with such vigor if I hadn’t honored you, Lord?”
@Crux (or Levi) whichever one you feel muse for here :)
As the Portal in Tinea oozed into existence, so did the one within the Arma Mountains. Winter had its strongest hold here, and it solidified its grasp with vigor - snow blanketed even the base of the Arma mountains, the fresh flurry packing on day after day after day. Where the ice and snow failed and its grasp slipped in the Tinea Swamp, it was certainly the opposite here.
The fifth alongside the fourth, here in Denocte, burrowed into the Arma Mountains.
of cold mountain peaks, snow, and frostbite
THERE IS A HIGH PROBABLITY FOR RANDOM EVENTS TO OCCUR IN [PORTAL] TAGGED THREADS ;)
But something peculiar started happening at the same time as the muck in the Tinea Swamp tried to engulf its own Portal.... as the snow fell at the base of the Arma Mountains, some citizens of Denocte may notice that there seemed to be... one particular area it did not fall. It was almost as if a clear, spherical ball was suspended mid-air, deflecting the snow as it fell all around it.
It was here that the Portal cracked open at the base of the Arma Mountains. The needle ripped through and all at once, the air was still and then violently warped as the seams ripped open. The wind howled angrily - as if it knew this was somehow wrong - and the snow turned from a flurry into a blizzard.
When the blizzard finally subsided, when nature finally stopped her bellow.... the Portal was there. Open, wide, and so bright on the other side. It was as if the mountains had suddenly opened up to the sea, and you stepped onto the shoreline.
There was no immediate harm that would come to you should you pass through the Arma Mountain's Portal to explore the coastal shore on the other side - but you may just come face to face with some distinctly non-equine-like beings.
But unlike the local fauna you may be used to encountering... these non-equines - Cervines, in fact - were very clearly sentient and able to speak the same language as you, their equine counterparts. Their initial hesitation around you and all other Novians is just the same as your hesitation around them.
Why are they here, and where did they come from? — They could say the same about you.
How will you react and interact with them, if at all? — They may or may not feel the same about you, too.
Are they here to stay? — These questions boggle them the same as they do you.
... — Maybe you're not so different.
Earn EXP for your character!
This is an extension of The Portals board Year 506 Winter event. Seems multiple Portals have opened up - and not at the Terminus Shoreline, but rather within the continents themselves! There have been strange reports of odd, non-equine creatures passing through these portals, too...
YOU CAN EARN +2 EXP FOR PARTICIPATING To redeem the EXP once you meet the criteria below: Go to the Experience Updates thread and post a redemption for "Participating in Seasonal Portal IC Event (506 Winter)." Link to the Portal thread/s you posted in and THIS Portal info thread.
You can reply in this thread OR make your own exploring the Abigo portal - you must use the [Portal IC Event] prefix OR include [Portal] in your thread title!
Your character will need (4) posts in a thread started during the timeframe of that season's event. Any post started during that timeframe and completed within (2) months of that start date can redeem the +2 EXP.
Like other IC events, you can claim those (4) posts across multiple threads as long as they were all completed during the same (2) month period.
As the Portals will change on the first day of each new season, all threads started after that date will not count towards the 506 Winter season's IC Event.
It had been a couple days since the towering sandstone walls of the Elatus Canyon had started to crumble and give way to the creation of Solterra's Portal. A couple days of silence, but the rumors continued to bubble.
THERE IS A HIGH PROBABLITY FOR RANDOM EVENTS TO OCCUR IN [PORTAL] TAGGED THREADS ;)
The Tinean Swamp, even in winter, was mysterious and looming. The humidity it oozed also seeped into the cold and made it that much more painful, more biting as it settled into your bones and marrow. The ice underfoot crunched and cracked, turning the muck of the swamp into a dirty slush.
But still deep within the swamps, winter fought a losing fight in its attempts to overtake. The ice and snow settled, freezing the ground and water... but in areas of heavy vegetation — most of Tinea, to be truthful — it never stayed frozen for long...
It was in one such area that the magic clawed through, its needle piercing and ripping a seam into the warping, static-heavy air. The muck below reacted almost violently to the intrusion; as if it had a mind of its own, it crawled up itself. Two towering columns of slush-filled muck and reeds formed, surrounding the edges of the portal as it ripped open. As the Portal's electricity crackled: up and up they continued to climb, leaning around the circular curve of the portal, until eventually they linked at the top.
As they joined and formed the Portal's dripping border, the air in its center suddenly changed. No longer were you looking through its warping center to the other side of the Tinean swamp... but instead, a bog that looked eerily unfamiliar.
There was no immediate harm that would come to you should you pass through the Tinean Portal to explore the bog on the other side - but you may just come face to face with some distinctly non-equine-like beings.
But unlike the local fauna you may be used to encountering... these non-equines - Cervines, in fact - were very clearly sentient and able to speak the same language as you, their equine counterparts. Their initial hesitation around you and all other Novians is just the same as your hesitation around them.
And should you be brave enough to now visit Tinea at night.... you may run into a curious creature that happened to slip through the portal one evening. She — they — tower above all.. they grew on top of one another, their legs oozing out of the others back like jelly.
But despite their nearly nightmare-enducing appearance, should you stop to talk to them instead of run away... they may be kinder than you are expecting.
Why are they here, and where did they come from? — They could say the same about you.
How will you react and interact with them, if at all? — They may or may not feel the same about you, too.
Are they here to stay? — These questions boggle them the same as they do you.
... — Maybe you're not so different.
Earn EXP for your character!
This is an extension of The Portals board Year 506 Winter event. Seems multiple Portals have opened up - and not at the Terminus Shoreline, but rather within the continents themselves! There have been strange reports of odd, non-equine creatures passing through these portals, too...
YOU CAN EARN +2 EXP FOR PARTICIPATING To redeem the EXP once you meet the criteria below: Go to the Experience Updates thread and post a redemption for "Participating in Seasonal Portal IC Event (506 Winter)." Link to the Portal thread/s you posted in and THIS Portal info thread.
You can reply in this thread OR make your own exploring the Abigo portal - you must use the [Portal IC Event] prefix OR include [Portal] in your thread title!
Your character will need (4) posts in a thread started during the timeframe of that season's event. Any post started during that timeframe and completed within (2) months of that start date can redeem the +2 EXP.
Like other IC events, you can claim those (4) posts across multiple threads as long as they were all completed during the same (2) month period.
As the Portals will change on the first day of each new season, all threads started after that date will not count towards the 506 Winter season's IC Event.
