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Post by illɘgal on Jan 14, 2024 19:20:51 GMT -7
AELIN & HARLAN
winter - after Boudicca's coronation, several weeks after Casimiro is stolen, after Dahlia plot
A bronze statue leaned against the frigid cavern walls, a sigh escaping from her lips. The mare had no idea how long it had been since she had been brought to these harsh lands and could not keep track of the passing time. Sure, she was brought food and she occasionally slept. But, was that because it was naturally time to sleep or was it the despair setting in? There was no sunlight down here and the sound of equines was near constant. Whether she heard hoof beats, breathing, or laughing - the sounds were always echoing around her. At first, the fem was disturbed by the ghostly signs of life. She rarely saw another being, except when hard, frozen berries and dried bits of foliage tinted with frost were brought to her. The hunger used to gnaw a her belly, but now it was just a faded whisper in the back of her mind. The disturbing noises in the dark no longer bothered her. She had grown used to the biting chill and her bones aching no matter how much she tried to move in the cramped cave. Whether it had been days or years, the chestnut had grown to accept her captivity.
Acceptance wasn't the same as giving up - it was quite the opposite for Aelin. This wasn't the first time this had happened to her, though it was much better than in the past. The months and months of slavery had left her with not only physical scars but mental ones as well. This was nothing compared to that. The despair she felt now had stemmed from worry. War was heavy in the lands and as a new Seer for the Neutral Kingdom, the mare wanted to be able to perform her duties and keep her newfound family safe. Keep Gavin safe. Where was he? What was he thinking? Was that sweet, selfless stallion going to try and fight to get her back? A small part of Aelin hoped he would keep going on and not let this incident cloud his judgment. Another part wanted him to come swooping in like a hero in a bedtime story - defeat the villain, rescue the damsel in distress. But was that the best idea at this point? Was one mare worth risking the safety of himself and his people during a time of war?
A wraith prowled through her lands as Aelin stewed deep beneath the ground. To say that the winter had been unkind was an understatement. The wind was vicious and the freeze had begun to set in and the season was only just beginning. The Helkaer was in high spirits despite her hunger lingering beneath her flesh. It was manageable today, which meant it was the perfect time to go visit her prison. There was one she had purposefully not met at her borders and immediately sent to their cell - the delicate vixen from the Neural Kingdom. The private wanted the mare to feel trapped and helpless, showing her that Utopia wasn't coming to help her. Nobody was, nobody had just yet. How would she feel about that? The thought made a smirk tug at Harlan's white-tipped lips as she turned back toward the center of the landscape.
There were many different ways to the underground tunnels, but very, very few that led to any of the main ones. It was easy to get lost or trapped down there if you didn't know what you were doing. She had lost count of the times that she had to act like a mother and go help her eldest twins. Once they had learned, they made sure to teach their younger siblings the ins and outs so that they could avoid the dappled mare's wrath. Harlan maneuvered the maze with ease, taking note of how much colder the atmosphere became the deeper she went. She wanted her prisoners to be uncomfortable but didn't necessarily want them dead. Yet. She stopped a roaming guard to order him to locate some dry branches in the Freelands to pad the caves just a little bit - just enough for her captives to avoid frostbite but not enough for them to grow comfortable. As the stallion dipped his head and made his way back to the surface, the wraith found the cell she was looking for.
The golden mare was against the rock wall and stared off into the shadows. The smirk returned to the Helkaer lips as she settled to a halt and leaned against the barred entrance. Losing your sanity already, witchling? Her voice was soft, nearly a purr as those turquoise and gold eyes shifted to meet magenta ones. They already seemed to be void of life and the wit that Harlan had heard about. In truth, Aelin had only been here a little over a month and a half, but it appeared to already be taking its toll. Good. The shorter fem snorted softly and shook her head almost painfully, muscles tense with the cold and disuse. It will take more than isolation and the cold to break me. But, your valiant effort is noted. Her voice was strained and low as she stared at her captor. Taller, well-built, clearly unfazed by the chill, the other mare was exactly what she expected.
Harlan gave a low chuckle in response and a humorless smile touched her lips. I am the only one putting in any effort. Utopia hasn't come for you and neither has anyone in your kingdom. That surprised me, of course, Her tone almost seemed conversational as the lies fell from her tongue and her eyes roamed the pretty mare. I expected someone to come looking for you. After all, your location isn't a secret. Aelin swallowed thickly as the Helkaer fed her more lies, though she couldn't tell if they were. Aelin knew that it was smart for the Neutral Kingdom to keep their forces close, especially since Gavin was a lead. But... nobody? Lady Rasa seemed fierce enough to want to protect her Seers, but obviously, she was busy with the war as well. The sunset-colored fem tried to reason with herself that it wasn't because none of them cared. It was just them being safe. Right?
The Helkaer watched the unconcealed emotions flit across Aelin's face with growing delight - shock, shame, a flash of fear, and then her facade settled into a look of determination. Attempted bravery would get her prisoner nowhere but Harlan wasn't about to tell her that. I would be careful underestimating the Neutrals. You don't know them like I do. The words held a bite to them that made the private's smile sharpen at the edges. There was that spark of life. You won't have the pleasure of my company for much longer. Harlan hummed to herself as her amusement began to cross her features. So you say. When will you accept that you chose the wrong side? It's not too late to change your mind. We could work out a deal, the wraith leaned forward and her tone dropped to a conspiratorial whisper. You could free yourself and go home. Be your own hero instead of waiting for them to get their shit together.
Aelin was almost embarrassed that she was tempted by the Helkaer's offer. She had relied on people before and had been let down. But, Gavin and the Neutral royals weren't like her past letdowns. She just had to give them time. Besides, the fem wasn't someone who betrays her loved ones. She would rather stay down here and rot than put any of them at risk. Is that why you came down here? You honestly thought I would broker a deal for my freedom? It was Aelin's turn to chuckle, though it sounded rough and forced as it worked its way through her lips. I'll take my chances, thank you. Harlan shook her head in sympathy and stood up straight. When you are ready to hear my offer, witchling, you know where to find me.
The Helkaer turned and walked back through the tunnels. Maybe a few more weeks down here would make the bronze mare more willing to hear her out. If not, well. She'd better hope someone came for her before she froze. Aelin watched the painted mare leave with forced stubbornness laced with more despair. This time, it wasn't because of worry for Gavin. No, it was towards herself. She wouldn't blame them if nobody came, but at the same time, she would never trade her freedom for their safety. Aelin painfully pushed off the wall and walked towards the entrance. As she stared out into the darkness, she let her thoughts wander to the young, spirited stallion, the steadfast king, and the fierce queen. They deserved to be safe. The fem was willing to risk her life for them and now, she supposed, was the time to prove it.
Harlan speaks Aelin speaks
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