[SWP] little squirrels

[Random Events]

The evening came and went, the fires continuing to burn throughout the night. Embers lit up the northern horizon from the Dawn Court, the light of the flames appearing like a second dawn was ever near.

For the first night since the fires began, no new fires were started.

Oriens watches from dusk ‘til dawn, He hardly dares to blink, nor breathe, less his breath fans the flames or his eyes miss the flickering shadows within them.

All night, the squirrels remain as active as ever - but the keratin ridges upon their spines never light, never start the inferno anew. For all the world, they seemed like normal woodland creatures again (save for the fact that they could seemingly breathe smoke like fresh air and were immune to burns. But nevermind that.)

As the sun rises and brings new light stretching across the lands of Delumine, Dawn Court’s patron god stands silently, waiting for the day to start, and his work with it.

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After the meeting in the Dawn Court, Oriens has arrived back at the forest to keep watch during the night. As the new day dawns, he realizes: the squirrels that caused the fires do not seem to be causing any new ones, for the first time since the disaster started. Perhaps they aren't as intentional or malicious as they seemed?

[Sloane]

The God was something that Sloane was not used to seeing. She had never been in a world where Gods seemed to rule everyone. She had grown up in different lands, all her own destiny. Never once had she been forced to serve a god or even to worship one in passing. This was a new concept and frankly, Sloane was not exactly thrilled. Gods made others people by capturing their trust and making others much too comfortable in an otherwise uncomfortable situation. Yes, Sloane was weary of the ones who called themselves Gods.

After the meeting, Sloane could only trust herself to get rid of the squirrels. She already didn’t have any faith in the Gods and this one certainly didn’t make her trust him any more. So as he slipped into the forest, so did she.

She slipped into the shadows in the hopes of finding some sort of peace. But all she could do was think about just how much she wanted to kill those fucking squirrels. Normally Sloane was not so pro-violence (more so she would not be partaking in the violence) but in the end, one dead squirrel was much better than burned skin.

However, as Sloane ventured out in order to track down and kill the litter vermin, she finds herself in the presence of Oriens again. Did that individual just follow her around? Or did they simply have the same idea? Whatever the reason, she slips closer in silence, not really caring what his plan for the squirrels might be.

[Somnus]

An eye for an eye and the world goes blind

Dawn had found Somnus already on the move already within the forests surrounding his home, already engaging the world and ready to defend what needed protected. The fight was almost over, he could feel it. Through the woods his heart guided him, threading the dunalino sovereign along through the trees as though drawn along a fine silver line. At the end of that fine silver line stood his patron, his King, his Oriens, and for a long moment all Somnus could manage was watch his earthly deity bask in dawn’s beautiful light.

Eventually he pulled himself from the lingering shadows of the tree line, breathing in deeply as dawn’s first light fell upon him like a welcoming embrace. He felt nothing but comfort here in the presence of Oriens, even though he knew that the God’s presence meant ill. Oriens would not be here if all was well, and while Somnus understood that his patron’s business was only temporary, he also found himself selfishly clinging to it all the while.

Life felt a little more real with Oriens around, his devotion sound and true. Never would he waver, not to his patron lord, but this? It was a treat… Yet if it meant giving up Oriens’ earthly presence for the safety of Delumine, Somnus would not hesitate to make such a decision.

”Majesty.”

Reverence coated his tone, respect and adoration unbound. The golden stag dipped his obsidian crown in the God’s direction, before straightening up and rolling his shoulders back.

From the trees came a darting form with a sharp, echoing cry, quick and winged in a flurry of fluttering feathers. Alba had returned from scouting the nearby woods, and with a number of small, repeated ’pops!’ did the barn owl take roost upon the Dawn King’s rump. Her pale head swiveled around, beady black eyes focusing on the shadows of the wood that daylight had yet to pierce.

’There’s a watcher in the trees, Somnus. The woman from before. Sloane.’

A knowing grin crooked the dunalino’s dark lips and he risked a glance back at his bond-mate with curious verdant eyes. Was that so? Aloof though she tried to appear, Somnus wondered of the woman’s true intentions within Delumine. Perhaps, after this, they could have the opportunity to speak openly and honestly.

Letting his head turn and focus once more upon Oriens, Somnus cleared his throat and went on, daring to draw closer so that he stood beside his patron God. Not too close, of course. Being too familiar with a God could spell disaster in its own way, or so he imagined. It wasn’t like Somnus had a lot to go off of when it came to interacting with the deities of the world. Verdant eyes drifted outwards, watching the smoke that steadily rose from the trees, yet he couldn’t help but notice something odd.

”… The fires seemed to have ceased spreading, at least for now. What do you make of it, Majesty?” A breath of smoke-tinged air, and Somnus went on, his brow furrowed with troubled musings. ”I feel as though there is still much we do not know of these squirrels. Perhaps… Perhaps these fires have not been their malicious intent, as opposed to a cry for help?”

It was hard to say. Somnus had no idea, but with the little beasts having caused such havoc and then to temporarily cease? He couldn’t fathom it, save that maybe, somewhere, they had overlooked a
very important piece of this elaborate puzzle.

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tag: @Random Events @Sloane

[Ulric]

Rest had come easier to him than it had in a very long time. It had been unwilling, of course, his need to keep a vigilant eye on their surroundings and assure his people were safe nearly overriding his need for rest all over again. But the moment he had lowered to the ground in his quaint quarters and his head supported by a cushion, he was out, though waking numerous times in a panic that brought him to his window throughout the night. When he awoke, there was no time to waste in finding his way back out of the citadel where he searched for the familiar faces of his friends and family; Ipomoea, Eulalie, little Anemone and Regis, and Somnus, too. There were others, of course, as there always would be, but busy as he was the Warden had neglected to grow close to many others. Perhaps, once this was over and their safety assured, he would see a change to that. Spying his friend’s golden form on the horizon, Ulric made his way to him, not missing the statuesque form of Oriens himself still standing amongst the cracked and scorched earth. As he went, molten eyes scanned the forest surrounding them and, much to his surprise, no new fires seemed to have sprung to life in the night for the first time since they’d started. As he closed in on them, the roan cast Alba a fleeting, tired smile before pressing his nose briefly against Somnus shoulder in a brotherly greeting. He did not speak, not yet, instead allowing the Sovereign and his God have a word all their own. But at Somnus’ question, his brow furrowed and he looked between the pair, standing to Somnus’ left. “Either way, how do you figure we’ll be able to tell?” He asked, the thin skin around his mouth crinkling as his lips drew back, “I’ve never... deliberated with a squirrel before.” Words he could have never thought would leave his mouth. "Speaking."

[Eulalie]

Eulalie had not been outside the court walls since before the fires started. Her heart quivered at what ash the beautiful forest of her home may have become. Pieces of its soul strewn to the wind and across the world. What mysteries and stories might those pieces carry with them? Though she was not prepared to see the destruction, the sunshine woman could not deny the draw of Oriens’ presence, and she was more than curious about these squirrels he had mentioned when he had come to the court and spoken. Though she’d not been present at the time, her son had been eager to tell him of the excitement he’d experienced while he’d been out in the court with his father. Now, however, both children were tucked safely at home where they belonged, away from danger. The fire’s spread seemed to have cased but Eulalie would chance nothing with the twins.

As she walked, a large shadow passed over her figure more than once. Tabbris rode the skies with ease and grace, flying at a distance she knew was meant to give him an eye into the distance but keep him close to her. She had not yet grown used to the ever-present bond of his mind with hers, as it were, though Regis and Anemone had both been more than excited to play with what she can only imagine they thought of as some great beast from a bedtime story. The gryphon had been more than gentle with the twins, despite his towering size, and she was pretty sure he loved the attention even if he didn’t necessarily show it.

She grew closer to the forest with each step, and soon she could see gathered figures there on its edge. Oriens, colored as the dawn sky itself, standing at the head. Then there was Ulric, making his way toward Somnus. Her dark eyes traced the familiar curves and lines of him and the smile that lifted her lips was involuntary. She would never grow tired of the verdant green of his eyes or the gilded sheen of his skin, and in such trying times as these his proximity could only bring her peace. Eulalie made her way to stand next to him, standing close enough that their sides might touch. Tabbris landed a few feet away and settled into a seated position, ever vigilant, and once both Somnus and Ulric finished speaking she turned her gaze on the god before her. “If only there was a way to discover what frightened them, or how they might feel safe. If we can help them, we should.”

"Speaking."

[Random Events]

The morning dawns, and the Court rises like the sun with it. Oriens does not stir as the black-coated woman watches him from the trees - is he not doing the same? The god is a sentinel, guarding the trees the same way Sloane guards him. Each of them is cautious: shy and wary, as if waiting for the other to make the first move. He does not speak, does not call out and welcome her - nor does he ignore her.

“Somnus.” He inclines his head to the golden Sovereign, and in an instant his spell is break. One ear tilts towards the stallion, listening intently, but his eyes remain trained on the forest with its distant flames.

“For now,” he agrees. “I believe they should stay that way. Your people have fought the flames well.” Oriens takes the arrival of Ulric and Eulalie in stride, nodding his head to welcome them both. A smile even quirks at the corner of his mouth, small and fleeting though it is.

“It is hard when they speak a different language,” he concedes. “But it may prove easier than you think, Ulric. Some things are universal.”

And just like that, as if knowing they were being talked about, the squirrels appear. Shadows in the forest leap from tree to tree when no one is looking, the keratin spines along their back twitching and clicking softly against each other.

One shows itself, then another: a pair who tentatively leave the safety of the forest (for with their flame-resistant bodies and ability to inhale smoke, the fire itself is their haven.) Orients inclines his head towards them, his breath a mere sigh of the wind.

“Shall we try?”

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[Ulric]

Eulalie is the last to join them, and to her Ulric casts a tender, exhausted, but genuine smile. It falters somewhat at the sight of the creature accompanying her, and though the roan cast the griffin a circumspect look, he knew that there was no need to worry. A conversation for later, it would be, once they knew for certain that their home was finally safe. The voice of the God himself pulls Ulric’s gaze back in an instant, and taking note of his simple gesture, the Warden, too, nods his head solemnly in return. His calmness is a balm against the surmounting, nearly overwhelming dread that had consumed him since witnessing the fires first began, and for the first time since, he felt a renewed sliver of hope. Oriens spoke again, and this time, Ulric couldn’t stop the slight tilt of his head nor the puzzled look that so blatantly etched its way onto his face. Some things were… universal? He supposed there was a healthy dose of truth to the statement, yet when it came to their specific situation… how? He looks on as two squirrels appear from the depths of the forest, and the Warden wonders if they’re even aware of the devastation and fear they’ve caused. A part of him wants to be upset, but the feeling fails to manifest beyond an inkling of a thought. Eyes of gold shift once more back to Delumine’s patron deity, and Ulric nods as he takes a step forward, ready to follow Oriens’ lead and finally restore peace to Delumine. -- blep post but let's end this!! :D "Speaking."

[Sloane]

At first she had no interest in court dynamics or really helping them out in any way. She didn’t necessarily owe this court anything. She had shared the information she knew in order to help them out and in exchange, they had offered her shelter. But it was these squirrels that had the mare on edge. She wasn’t sure why they bothered her, but they did. Perhaps it was because she dislike fire. Perhaps it was because they threatened her own life with the fires they were spreading. Regardless of the reason, she was choosing to stick around to at least try to figure out what the plan would be. Only when would she decide if it benefited her enough to help them.

As the others began to gather, she watched them from the shadows. She didn’t necessarily mean harm to them, but Sloane was an observer by nature. She was gathering information and intel in order to make more informed decisions. It seemed like a smart strategy, even if it did rub some of the others the wrong way.

It was the appearance of those squirrels that caused her to step from the shadows of the trees and towards the gathering of individuals. She is curious about them. She looks to each one gathered, making eye contact her form of greeting. Sloane had never been good at small talk and she certainly was not good at giving out information. So eye contact would just have to do for now.

She listens to the God, taking in the information that the squirrels speak a different language and yet, he seems to agree that some things are universal. Yes…in her mind, starting fires is an act of aggression that needs retaliation. Sloane was more than ready to squash them like bugs. That’s saying a lot from someone who tends to be passive in nature.

It seems that no one wants to try to speak to the squirrels or attack them. Others are just standing there watching. So she steps forward, boldly pushing past the gathering so she can look down at the squirrels. She eyes them, watching and studying them. She reaches out with a hoof and taps one of the clicking spines. They are odd creatures indeed. "Why the fires?" Her statement is simple and her goal clear. She wanted answers.

[Eulalie]

Ulric's hesitations pulled a smile from the golden warrior. It was so much like the Warden, so familiar, that she could not help it. Even here, staring down at two squirrels who could create fire, did he question the possibilities. It reminded her of what felt like a far off time, standing on the bank of the river and speaking of pink dolphins.

"All you need is a little faith, Ulric," Eulalie said, gently bumping her shoulder against his as she passed him. Her earth brown eyes settled on the dark woman standing forbiddingly before the two squirrels and worried if her brazenness might startle them. The last thing they needed was for the spines on their backs to ignite once more. She worried, too, what might happen to them if they did. The other mare didn't seem to fond of them.

Thus, she did the only thing that she felt in her heart that she could do. Eulalie pressed forward, slowly making her way closer, until she was merely a short foot or so away from the creatures. Then she knelt, to make herself seem smaller and hopefully less intimidating. Her gilded hair spilled and pooled on the ground around her and she offered them a gentle smile.

"You don't need to be afraid," she couldn't know if they understood her words, but her tone was a mother's who attempted to soothe her child. "We want to help you, it's okay," it was slow and calm, but perhaps most important, it was caring. And, maybe, just maybe, they would sense that. She hoped that together, they could all figure out what was really happening here.

"Speaking."

[Somnus]

Stay Determined

It did not take long for Ulric to find him, of which Somnus had no doubt. The dutiful Warden was never far, always in the thick of things when it came to the affairs of the Court. As the blue roan stepped to his side and pressed his silken muzzle against the gilded skin of his shoulder, Somnus cast his dearest friend a fond, grateful smile. While no words were shared, the Dawn King had no doubt that Ulric could see and comprehend the gratitude and appreciation that he felt. He understood.

Moments later did Eulalie and Tabbris join them. Somnus’ verdant gaze softened as the pale maiden moved to stand at his other side, their sides brushing as she came to a stop. The dunalino turned his head, reaching out with a loving, reverent touch to press the velveteen of his muzzle against Eulalie’s own pale skin. “Darling,” he murmured tenderly, feeling that warmth of love and affection course through him as their eyes met. Oh, how lucky he was, to have this magnificent woman, so strong willed and able bodied, be his, as well as the mother of his beautiful children.

Words were spoken, from Eulalie, from Ulric, even from Oriens. The Dawn King watched with a curious expression as not one, but two of the creatures responsible for the Delumine wildfires slowly approached, clearly skittish and alarmed. Unbidden, he found himself smiling at them, finding them adorable despite knowing firsthand the sheer amount of destruction they could create. One by one they spoke, addressing the problem, some a little more bluntly than others. Indeed, though; why the fires? If they needed assistance, why not seek out aid in a more favorable way? Or, perhaps they were thinking of this all wrong.

A soft, patient breath left the gilded man’s lips. His eyes, soulful with a lifetime of wisdom, of passion, of loss and love, of pain and happiness, regarded the two little creatures with a gentle stare of understanding. “Perhaps words will offer us very little by means of understanding one another,” Somnus began kindly, picking his words carefully yet fluidly, recalling the years he had spent standing beside his beloved late-king as advisor and chamberlain. Now, he stood beside his patron deity, his beautiful love, his best friend, and while still new to one another, a determined soul who also wanted answers. “I am Somnus. For so long we have fought your magnificent flames, thinking that it was us against an unfathomable force. You are the ones responsible for the fires, but I believe… We believe that it was not in your intentions to hurt or to destroy.”

For a moment the gilded stallion grew silent, lips pursed and brows furrowed. If they had the means to create the flames, and they could withstand the heat created and the merciless fires themselves… Perhaps it was some kind of means of defense? Were they being hunted? Harried?

Clearing his throat, Somnus went on in gentle accented tones, dipping his head lower to the ground so he could better see the two little squirrels. “You’ve no reason to be afraid us. We aren’t here to harm you; we’re here to help. Are you in danger? Is that why you’ve created the fires; to ward off a possible threat?”

It was a good guess, but even despite his bookish wisdom and perception, Somnus honestly had no clue. Yet he would do all that he could to assist them, as he had sworn to do when accepting the mantle of Dawn Sovereign. While of a different species, they still called Delumine home, and he would help all the same.

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