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Post by Indi on Sept 16, 2023 19:09:33 GMT -7
It was fascinating, really, the kinds of twists and turns that life could take. Native Dancer could only imagine that her childhood self would never have imagined the path that life would have led her along all these years. She had not been one of those youngsters who knew exactly what she wanted to be when she grew up. Not like her half-brother, who had seen himself as the leader who would inherit when their father passed on to the Afterlife and even gone so far as to murder his brother in order to ensure his place... Which had backfired spectacularly when their father, in turn, had killed him. She had been close with Archaleos; he had been the sibling to really look out for her when she was little, the sibling she turned to when she needed anything. Losing him had been tremendously painful, yet... considering what he had done, it was hardly a surprise that their father had retaliated as he had. As deeply distressing as it had been to lose her brother, even as close as she had been to him, she could see that he had brought his fate upon himself.
Maybe it was that event that had sent her on the search for a path of her own? While many of her siblings had idolized their father and sought to be like him, to be the kind of Dark he was... that had not been her desire. She had not known what her desire was when she had set out from Phantasmagoria to see more of the world. And to see what her place in it would be. She had been part of a herd, led by a fellow who called himself Dead End Carnival -- DEC for short -- but when he had passed away, she had been content enough to return to her nomadic life. Still dropping in to see her father and siblings from time to time. They might not see eye to eye on a great deal of things, but they were still family.
And then had come the attack. Though she had refused to allow it to impact her life to the degree it could have, she could not quite suppress the slightest shiver at the memory. While Nati cherished her daughters, the manner in which they had been conceived was... far from ideal. If not for a noble fellow intervening when he had come upon the scene, Nati was fairly certain that mob would have been the death of her.
That event definitely inspired a desire to do more for others than what little she had ever done previously. Of course, she had tried to make the lives of her father's slaves more comfortable previously. But after being a victim herself, Nati had felt driven to protect others. To help. To strive to make the world a better place. When a group was being formed up to be peacekeepers in the lands, Nati had felt certain at last. Finally, she had found the path meant for her.
It had not been an easy path. No picnic at all, really. Especially the months she had been alone, juggling the duties of being a Vigilum with raising twin daughters who struggled with anxiety and paranoia. What a relief it had been to finally have a strong support in Zana's Rose. And when she had overdone things with the new power of healing... it had been a comfort to know that she could take the necessary time to recover from the toll all the supernatural healing had taken upon her.
When a position had recently opened up in the ranks of the Vigilum, it had seemed a sign. What better time to throw herself back into things with renewed energy? War had been declared between Utopia and the Underworld. The land was embroiled in chaos like never before. And while in a sense it was rather depressing to see, especially given all the hard work she had put into her duties as Vigilum for so many years. However, she was not about to be daunted. Not after everything she had endured and survived.
Meandering the paths of Nomalanga, seeking particular plants to add to the store already tucked away in Mount Vigilum, Nati maintained a degree of alertness, despite the way her mind had taken to treading the paths of memory. Character;; Native Dancer Tagged;; ☽ caely ☾ w/Boudicca Notes;; <3 Timeline;; 16 yrs old; early fall
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Neutral Royal
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Post by ☽ caely ☾ on Sept 24, 2023 13:13:12 GMT -7
[attr="class", boudiccaContainer] [attr="class", boudiccaChild]
Boudicca had found herself staying within the border of the Neutral Kingdom more and more recently. Though she was not particularly afraid of way lurk and hunt beyond them, she had a duty to make sure she kept the members of the neutral kingdom safe in these treacherous times. She knew that she would be of no practical use if she was far away from home. But today, she needed to move. The deep mahogany and white splashed mare had an insatiable urge to stretch her limbs and move beyond the borders. She told herself it was to find out information from others about the current happenings, just to ease the guilt that panged her over leaving the neutral kingdom without her presence in case of some kind of situation.
Each calculated, sweeping stride urged her forward. Her head bobbed in rhythm with her neck which swung with the movement of her lengthy stride. Her body was like a finely lubricated and fit machine. With what little sun rays that managed to find it’s way through the dense canopy, one could see the gleam of healthiness in her coat. A stunning creature to see in motion, however, her skin told the stories of her own past. Strewn across her gleaming hide were many scars in various shapes and sizes. It might have been that take made her an intimidating woman, or it was the prideful, confident air about her. Or, perhaps, the way her eyes observed and scrutinized everything in sight, and the fact that naturally, the corners of her lips turned down into a slight frown. She had recently been very self-aware of this presentation she gave to others and had been working on looking more approachable and having a warmer presence than she had. However, she allowed her expression and body to show and exude these qualities in herself on the off chance she encountered an enemy. Alas, she would not.
Her large nares quivered as the scent of another was pulled in on her last inhale. Her strides slowed to a halt. Her golden and jeweled headdress swung with the sudden loss of velocity. The neutral queen in inhaled deeply as she attempted to dissect it. The scent was close but exactly what it was evaded her. Perhaps some enemy with the ability to cloak itself somehow? Not that she knew if that were possible, but she would have not been surprised if it was. She lifted her chin and flipped up her upper lip, breathing in the scent again. Still near, but this time she knew it was a mare at the very least. And no hint of volcanic sulfur in the air. So, not a demon, but that didn’t necessarily mean it wasn’t an enemy. Boudicca lowered her chin and contemplated what to do. Continue on the path or change directions? Well, she had come for information, no? She lowered her dome and began to stealthily move toward the scent. She changed her pace and way of moving to approach as silently as she could along the trail. It was not long before the other mare’s figure came into view. Boudicca slowed her movements and raised her dome to assess the other equine. Boudicca’s oceanic orbs looked at the other mare. Her movements were slower, but purposefully so as she appeared to be picking and collecting plants. A healer. Boudicca’s auds pricked and she released a low, hushed nicker. Before the mare could look at her, she forced the corners of her lips upwards and relaxed her face so that she did not look so cold and bitter, but rather what she hoped was non-threatening and friendly. "Hello there." She said with raspy, deep vocals. "I mean no harm. Just merely taking a walk, in search of some company, perhaps." She felt strange having to state her intentions. But with the current climate of the war and what was brewing on the horizons, perhaps it would become customary to announce if you are friend or foe.
[attr="class", quoteCredits] [newclass=.boudiccaContainer]width:80%;height:690px;background-image:url(https://images-wixmp-ed30a86b8c4ca887773594c2.wixmp.com/f/0685a527-471c-4c82-a9c2-ee82dc8a6329/dg0jq2d-cb5745b0-256c-4491-8116-a6a5dec5d413.png/v1/fill/w_1173,h_681,q_70,strp/fear_not_by_caelycat_by_noctiilucent_dg0jq2d-pre.jpg?token=eyJ0eXAiOiJKV1QiLCJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJzdWIiOiJ1cm46YXBwOjdlMGQxODg5ODIyNjQzNzNhNWYwZDQxNWVhMGQyNmUwIiwiaXNzIjoidXJuOmFwcDo3ZTBkMTg4OTgyMjY0MzczYTVmMGQ0MTVlYTBkMjZlMCIsIm9iaiI6W1t7ImhlaWdodCI6Ijw9NzQ0IiwicGF0aCI6IlwvZlwvMDY4NWE1MjctNDcxYy00YzgyLWE5YzItZWU4MmRjOGE2MzI5XC9kZzBqcTJkLWNiNTc0NWIwLTI1NmMtNDQ5MS04MTE2LWE2YTVkZWM1ZDQxMy5wbmciLCJ3aWR0aCI6Ijw9MTI4MCJ9XV0sImF1ZCI6WyJ1cm46c2VydmljZTppbWFnZS5vcGVyYXRpb25zIl19.QTtx0m4smEN0C-psAprYpjrNu9elVRy0vuiK-9PEpBE);background-size:100%;background-repeat:no-repeat;[/newclass] [newclass=.boudiccaChild]height:235px;overflow:auto;width:35%;font-family:garamond;font-size:12px;text-align:justify;background-color:#110600; border-radius: 20px;border:1px solid #bc921a;color:#bc921a;padding:10px;opacity:0.9;margin-right:60%;margin-top:6%;[/newclass] [newclass=.boudiccaChild::-webkit-scrollbar]display:hidden;width:0px;[/newclass] [newclass=.quoteCredits]display:flex;width:80%;margin-top:-20%;[/newclass] words;; 673 timeline;; Early fall, beginning of Act 2 of Amaranthine War character;; Boudicca tag;; Indi notes;; <3
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Post by Indi on Oct 10, 2023 16:35:34 GMT -7
Strange to think that it was healing for which the Vigilum had become mainly known for, rather than the original purpose that had brought together a group of equines dedicated to keeping the peace. Of course, being able to help others by way of healing skills -- both supernatural and in more mundane fashion -- was a way of reaching out to society at large, providing a helpful service that hopefully led to considering the more important viewpoints and goals of the Vigilum. Whether it had ended up the prominent aspect of the Vigilum in the minds of most equines was something Native Dancer suspected had come to pass. After all, how many of the recruits she had spoken with had been focused almost entirely upon the aspect of healing, with seemingly almost no awareness of what the Vigilum were truly all about? There had been occasions when she had worried that incorporating the aspect of healing had been a mistake, insofar as it had distracted focus from the Vigilum mission. On the other hand, it had been helpful in reaching out to others and helping. Even some who might otherwise not have had anything to do with such a group as the Vigilum.
And at a time like this, with a war declared between the Afterlife factions that unfortunately was likely to deeply impact the mortal realm... chances were high that the Vigilum's abilities with healing would be necessary. Though Nati hoped that their skills as peace keepers would also be utilized to the fullest possible extent. Perhaps they might even have a chance at bringing about peace between the warring factions before things went too far. Sadly, the buckskin knew that there were plenty who would be all for the war, but she could only hope that wiser heads prevailed and peace could be returned to the realm of Wild Equines.
A low, hushed nicker pulled Nati from both her thoughts and the attention she had been giving the plants she collected, turning to take in the bejewelled femmora who approached. "Hello there. I mean no harm. Just merely taking a walk, in search of some company, perhaps."
It was perhaps a sad state of affairs when equines felt the need to state their intentions when meeting others. Yet with war declared, such a thing was hardly surprising. This was not the first time life had slid into such norms, but Nati hoped that it would not last.
Inclining her head in response to the other mare's greeting, the buckskin femme answered, 'Hello there. Nomalanga is an intriguing place to take a walk in. And I believe it is safe to say that you have successfully found some company.' Without hesitation, she added, 'My name is Native Dancer, but you can call me Nati if you like.' Character;; Native Dancer Tagged;; ☽ caely ☾ w/Boudicca Notes;; <3 Timeline;; 16 yrs old; early fall
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Neutral Royal
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Post by ☽ caely ☾ on Dec 2, 2023 22:13:04 GMT -7
[attr="class", boudiccaContainer] [attr="class", boudiccaChild]
The jagged white splotches on the athletic figure of the woman contrasted her deep, deep brown hair. Which in the shaded floor of Nomalanga. That stark contrast between the light and the dark of her hide was similar to the factions of this war. Darkness and light. The purest forms of the eternal abyss that were the Underworld and the heavenly high realm of Utopia. The jagged edges mimicking the tensions and the way this war seemed to be heading, which to Boudicca, did not seem to be going in anyone’s favor. At least not yet. While Boudicca did not fully know the reasons for which the hulking dictator of death and the halo clad champion of the heavens above had declared this war, but she did intend to find out. It was hoped that it may be sooner than later, but one could only hope the situation would arise in her favor. Not to say that knowing would sway her either which way, per say, but knowing could have advantages. Specifically for the protective measures Boudicca had planned to put into place and for the plan to open the neutral kingdom borders for refugees. Knowing the etiology of the war could help her plans to be successful, or at least as successful as she would hope.
Boudicca’s gem-like eyes watched the mare as she moved slowly, but with care and purpose. Her figure seemed to be aged, but who would be Boudicca to judge? The times she had seen the same season were still quite few; however, all she had experienced had surely aged her beyond her years. How long would it be until her body began to feel the weight of the atmosphere crushing down on past injuries? The war hardened mare knew it was only a matter of time. She blinked away her dissociation as the other woman began to stir at her low, reverberating greeting. When she had turned to face her, Boudicca had spoken of her intentions. The deep mahogany mare watched as the buckskin mare lifted her head and responded almost without a second thought. ”Hello There. Nomalanga is an intriguing place to take a walk. And I believe it is safe to say you have successfully found some company.” She paused before continuing, ”My name is Native Dancer, but you can call me Nati if you like.” Boudicca felt a warm smile tug at the corners of her lips. Boudicca admired the other mare’s openness and her confidence. Even in these times of war, she seemed to act as if it were not a time to be wary of all and any that you met. Boudicca had to admit that it was a welcomed and relieving feeling the other mare gave her. "Nati, it is wonderful to meet you and thank you for allowing me the honor of your company. I am Queen Boudicca of the neutral kingdom. But please, just Boudicca." She said dipping her head with respect, before raising it back up. In her dome’s descent and ascension, her golden headdress and turquoise-colored jewels tumbled over her skin. What light was available allowed the gold to glimmer and a white reflection to dance over the jewels until they came to rest once she had stopped moving again.
"Yes, these lands do seem intriguing. " Boudicca remarked at her comment of how interesting these lands were. They were indeed. The foliage was thicker, and the trees were denser than even in the heart of Meraki Woods. Navigating these lands was not something one would want to do if they were in any kind of hurry. "What has brought you out to these lands today, Nati?" The painted mare inquired with gentle curiosity. While she had nearly included “during these uncertain times” at the end of her final statement, Boudicca had refrained. Boudicca did not know if Nati had intentionally avoided the topic of war on purpose or not, but perhaps it could be good to just forget about it for a moment. Or as long as the conversation allowed.
[attr="class", quoteCredits] [newclass=.boudiccaContainer]width:80%;height:690px;background-image:url(https://images-wixmp-ed30a86b8c4ca887773594c2.wixmp.com/f/0685a527-471c-4c82-a9c2-ee82dc8a6329/dg0jq2d-cb5745b0-256c-4491-8116-a6a5dec5d413.png/v1/fill/w_1173,h_681,q_70,strp/fear_not_by_caelycat_by_noctiilucent_dg0jq2d-pre.jpg?token=eyJ0eXAiOiJKV1QiLCJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJzdWIiOiJ1cm46YXBwOjdlMGQxODg5ODIyNjQzNzNhNWYwZDQxNWVhMGQyNmUwIiwiaXNzIjoidXJuOmFwcDo3ZTBkMTg4OTgyMjY0MzczYTVmMGQ0MTVlYTBkMjZlMCIsIm9iaiI6W1t7ImhlaWdodCI6Ijw9NzQ0IiwicGF0aCI6IlwvZlwvMDY4NWE1MjctNDcxYy00YzgyLWE5YzItZWU4MmRjOGE2MzI5XC9kZzBqcTJkLWNiNTc0NWIwLTI1NmMtNDQ5MS04MTE2LWE2YTVkZWM1ZDQxMy5wbmciLCJ3aWR0aCI6Ijw9MTI4MCJ9XV0sImF1ZCI6WyJ1cm46c2VydmljZTppbWFnZS5vcGVyYXRpb25zIl19.QTtx0m4smEN0C-psAprYpjrNu9elVRy0vuiK-9PEpBE);background-size:100%;background-repeat:no-repeat;[/newclass] [newclass=.boudiccaChild]height:235px;overflow:auto;width:35%;font-family:garamond;font-size:12px;text-align:justify;background-color:#110600; border-radius: 20px;border:1px solid #bc921a;color:#bc921a;padding:10px;opacity:0.9;margin-right:60%;margin-top:6%;[/newclass] [newclass=.boudiccaChild::-webkit-scrollbar]display:hidden;width:0px;[/newclass] [newclass=.quoteCredits]display:flex;width:80%;margin-top:-20%;[/newclass] words;; 680 timeline;; Early fall, beginning of Act 2 of Amaranthine War character;; Boudicca tag;; Indi notes;; <3
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Post by Indi on Dec 10, 2023 20:49:44 GMT -7
Despite war causing conflict across the lands, Native Dancer had no intention of allowing it to dictate how she behaved with strangers. Especially when there had been given no reason to be wary thus far in this encounter. It helped, of course, that Nati considered herself a fairly good judge of character even without the added benefit of Vigilum gifts. She had met all sorts of equines over the course of her lifetime, from the very worst of equine society to what might be considered the best. Such experience was useful in picking up even subtle hints as to the type of individual she was interacting with now. And, at least thus far, she had seen nothing to suggest that this uniquely-attired femmora was a threat. Capable of being a threat, no doubt, if the way she carried herself was any indication. However, not actively seeking to be threatening, at least for the time being. The smile that tugged at the corners of the painted femme's lips was warm and the other mare looked relieved in response to the greeting and introduction the buckskin had offered.
"Nati, it is wonderful to meet you and thank you for allowing me the honor of your company. I am Queen Boudicca of the neutral kingdom. But please, just Boudicca." The mare inclined her head with respect upon offering her name, the headdress glittering and glimmering as the scant light to reach them in Nomalanga was reflected from gold and jewels.
However, it was the mention of rank that specifically captured Nati's attention. Queen of the Neutral Kingdom? It was not entirely uncommon for the royal positions to change... rather frequently. Still, considering how dedicated to the job Enigma had mentioned Orel to be, it was a surprise. The topic of a Shadow Canyon daughter becoming Queen had come up on one of the many visits the palomino had made to see her father whilst he had still been staying close to Mount Vigilum for Rhianwen's sake. Nati could not help wondering what this meant. Given what she had heard of those who had lived in the same herd as Orel while the young femme was growing up, it seemed unlikely she would just step down from the position without good reason. Had something bad happened? Would it be impolite to inquire with Boudicca as to what might have taken place that she was now Queen?
Pushing errant thought aside, at least for the moment, she tipped her head respectfully in return, saying, 'It's a pleasure to meet you, Boudicca. And might I offer congratulations on becoming Queen?'
As the topic shifted to the lands in which they found themselves, Boudicca was remarking, "Yes, these lands do seem intriguing."
Smiling, she noted, 'Of course, they are also quite dangerous. Still worth it, at least from time to time.'
"What has brought you out to these lands today, Nati?" Boudicca was inquiring and the buckskin could have sworn that the sentence was meant to include just a little bit more. She could guess at what might have been included. Namely, that in times like this, wandering willy-nilly was not always the wisest course. As a Vigilum member, she had not taken a side; however, not everyone would care about such a stance and assume wrongly, leading to them committing violence.
Gesturing to all that she had gathered, Nati answered candidly, 'There were a few items in the Vigilum's stores that could use being replenished and I thought I would take the opportunity to do so today.' Character;; Native Dancer Tagged;; ☽ caely ☾ w/Boudicca Notes;; <3 Timeline;; 16 yrs old; early fall.
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Neutral Royal
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Post by ☽ caely ☾ on Jan 19, 2024 20:45:22 GMT -7
[attr="class", boudiccaContainer] [attr="class", boudiccaChild]
Boudicca felt a sense of calm in being near the aged buckskin mare. A calm sense of comfort even, she might add if it was no too premature. Boudicca found it rare that she was in the presence of another mare that she felt comfortable in. Perhaps it was losing her mother so young, going through the trauma she had endured, and then learning of her mother’s death. Heartbreaking even still, was learning that her execution was to force Boudicca into submission. To break her. While it did break her in many ways, she would never allow a single soul to know it. She would rather starve and endure a thousand gauntlets than admit they had broken her. And yet… that broken part of her never did heal quite right. Boudicca found herself holding her breath, and when she released it, her shoulders lowered. It was nice to be in the presence of another that she did not feel as though she had to be “on” with.
Boudicca did notice when Native Dancer had perked up when she noted her rank. Boudicca remained calm and was unbothered by the look of surprise or confusion. She had gotten the look, and even some questions, many times and Boudicca never tired of repeating her story of Orel’s disappearance and how any information would be greatly appreciated. However, as quickly as the look of interest arose, Nati tipped her head respectfully and responded with, ”It’s a pleasure to meet you, Boudicca. And might I offer congratulations on becoming queen.” Boudicca nodded and softly uttered, "Thank you." She was still slightly unsure of herself in this role, but she would do her best to push past it. When Boudicca had responded about the lands of Nomalanga, she was met with a smile and a wise response. ”Of course, they are also quite dangerous. Still worth it, at from time to time.” Boudicca’s brows rose slightly as she echoed, "Dangerous?" Boudicca blinked and realized she probably sounded bewildered, when in fact she was merely curious. "In what way are they dangerous?" She questioned curiosity.
Shortly after, Nati gestured to the many herbs and things that she had picked up along the way. ”There were a few items in the Vigilum’s stores that could be use being replenished and I thought I would take the opportunity to do so today.” Boudicca nodded and followed with, "I suppose today is as good as any." Boudicca looked over the herbs with intense curiosity. "Where I come from, herbs are rare and there are few in number that can be used to heal. Most of the time we just kind of had to hope for the best." She said, somewhat solemnly, but she glanced at the buckskin mare and smiled, "You know.. the whole ‘rub some dirt in it, you’ll be fine’ kind of thing." Boudicca said with a lighthearted laugh. Her eyes went back to the herbs as silence fell between the pair for a moment. The silence was comfortable, but Boudicca could not help but interrupt it by asking, "Nati, if it is not too much trouble, could you tell me more about the Vigilum?" Boudicca inquired. "In exchange, I can help you with collecting some herbs, if you’d like?" Boudicca offered her assistance, although she was quite clueless. It was a welcomed distraction. Something about the interaction was just so normal, it almost felt like a dream.
[attr="class", quoteCredits] [newclass=.boudiccaContainer]width:80%;height:690px;background-image:url(https://images-wixmp-ed30a86b8c4ca887773594c2.wixmp.com/f/0685a527-471c-4c82-a9c2-ee82dc8a6329/dg0jq2d-cb5745b0-256c-4491-8116-a6a5dec5d413.png/v1/fill/w_1173,h_681,q_70,strp/fear_not_by_caelycat_by_noctiilucent_dg0jq2d-pre.jpg?token=eyJ0eXAiOiJKV1QiLCJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJzdWIiOiJ1cm46YXBwOjdlMGQxODg5ODIyNjQzNzNhNWYwZDQxNWVhMGQyNmUwIiwiaXNzIjoidXJuOmFwcDo3ZTBkMTg4OTgyMjY0MzczYTVmMGQ0MTVlYTBkMjZlMCIsIm9iaiI6W1t7ImhlaWdodCI6Ijw9NzQ0IiwicGF0aCI6IlwvZlwvMDY4NWE1MjctNDcxYy00YzgyLWE5YzItZWU4MmRjOGE2MzI5XC9kZzBqcTJkLWNiNTc0NWIwLTI1NmMtNDQ5MS04MTE2LWE2YTVkZWM1ZDQxMy5wbmciLCJ3aWR0aCI6Ijw9MTI4MCJ9XV0sImF1ZCI6WyJ1cm46c2VydmljZTppbWFnZS5vcGVyYXRpb25zIl19.QTtx0m4smEN0C-psAprYpjrNu9elVRy0vuiK-9PEpBE);background-size:100%;background-repeat:no-repeat;[/newclass] [newclass=.boudiccaChild]height:235px;overflow:auto;width:35%;font-family:garamond;font-size:12px;text-align:justify;background-color:#110600; border-radius: 20px;border:1px solid #bc921a;color:#bc921a;padding:10px;opacity:0.9;margin-right:60%;margin-top:6%;[/newclass] [newclass=.boudiccaChild::-webkit-scrollbar]display:hidden;width:0px;[/newclass] [newclass=.quoteCredits]display:flex;width:80%;margin-top:-20%;[/newclass] words;; 597 timeline;; Early fall, beginning of Act 2 of Amaranthine War character;; Boudicca tag;; Indi notes;; <3
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Post by Indi on Mar 10, 2024 14:16:16 GMT -7
There was something gratifying about seeing other equines find calm and comfort in your presence. Or at least, that was what Native Dancer felt when she noted others relaxing in her presence. She might not quite project the aura of calm and comfort to the degree a Utopian was capable of – and how grateful she had been for Oderia’s calming presence in the days after the attack that had nearly claimed her life, when she had been adjusting to the new path her life was taking. Still, it would seem she could offer others at least some degree of peace, given that they were able to relax around her. It was quite a contrast to the intimidating savagery her own father had so frequently projected, seeking so hard to make others fear him. And though he had long since passed on, not only from mortal life, but from immortal life as well… there were plenty of that same mindset remaining. The sort who wanted to carve their names in history by way of the blood and suffering of others, as if such cruel barbarity somehow made them better. As if they were stronger simply based on such methods as they employed.
They were unlikely to acknowledge the strength to be found in those they deemed “weak,” despite the fact that Nati had observed far more strength in the lowly that those who looked down their nose at them were unlikely to ever attain.
Nati did not miss the way Boudicca responded to Nati’s words. Or, more accurately, did not react. It would not surprise the buckskin if the younger mare had experienced a number of reactions regarding her new rank by now. What this all meant for young Orel, Nati could only guess, but before she could inquire, the new Queen was nodding in response to Nati’s congratulations, answering softly, ”Thank you.”
’You’re very welcome,’ Nati answered sincerely, though her expression sombered a little as she queried, ’If you don’t mind me asking… why is your predecessor, Orel, no longer Queen? I am well acquainted with her family, but had not heard anything was amiss the last time I was in Shadow Canyon.’ Had something happened? Was it not enough that poor Chime was suffering illness?
Mentioning the dangers of Nomalanga seemed to surprise Boudicca, the painted mare’s brows rising slightly whilst repeating, ”Dangerous?” Her voice reflected curiosity as she added, ”In what way are they dangerous?”
Harks twitching to take in the sounds around them, Nati answered, ’There are large predators of the feline sort who make their home in this particular part of the Free Lands. And who are not necessarily averse to the idea of snacking on horses.’
As to Nati’s reason for being out and about, Boudicca responded, ”I suppose today is as good as any.” There was vivid curiosity in the Neutral Queen’s expression as she gazed at the store of herbs Nati had already managed to gather, saying, ”Where I come from, herbs are rare and there are few in number that can be used to heal. Most of the time we just kind of had to hope for the best.” Though the words were uttered solemnly, when the painted femme glanced at Nati, she smiled and added with a lighthearted laugh, ”You know… the whole ‘rub some dirt in it, you’ll be fine’ kind of thing.”
Allowing a light laugh of her own, Nati noted, ’Even here, where there are more herbs available and at least some of us with knowledge on how to use them… it isn’t unusual to come across those who still live by that mindset.’
A comfortable silence had briefly settled between them, before Boudicca inquired at length, ”Nati, if it is not too much trouble, could you tell me more about the Vigilum? In exchange, I can help you with collecting some herbs, if you like?”
Smiling warmly, Nati answered without hesitation, ’I would be happy tell you more about the Vigilum. What do you know about our group already?’ It would, obviously, be easiest to tell more if she had an idea of the foundation Boudicca might or might not already have.
Character;; Native Dancer Tagged;; ☽ caely ☾ w/Boudicca Notes;; <3 Timeline;; 16 yrs old; early fall.
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