[aliyaah]

Amaranthine Wars

This is a thread between Xovad (fleabittengray ) and Titan (Welder ). 

Prompt:

Despite the chaos that is unfolding in his home, Xovad still wishes to do his best to help others. He caught wind of feuds breaking out in the Lands of the Free, and so makes the trip from the Highlands to see if he can offer his aid against the Underworld and their supporters... Trying to do his best to put Ragnar's death behind him. The stallion known as Titan awaits him. The hefty, dark-allied beast spots Xovad, noticing how the Versai seems to be moving with purpose. Well, what better to do than to try to halt him from being able to fulfill that purpose?

This thread can become a battle should you so choose.

This will be Xovad's first encounter in Act 3. It will be Titan's fifth.

Please ensure you have read the information regarding the plot here. At least three posts from each roleplayer are required for this thread for it to be considered as complete, however further posts are encouraged. Thread should be completed no later than August 18th, 2024.

[fleabittengray]

How could I fight
When my past is where I live

TW: language

Xovad felt like he was losing his mind and had no doubt that it was due in part to the Curse that had been placed on the Highlands. Sometimes, he felt like he was walking through water - sluggish, slow, his body both weightless and impossibly heavy. He'd been doing his best to not eat or drink within the borders of Lyrarcor but that was not always feasible, especially as he grew sicker. He'd been struggling to keep up with his training, sometimes feeling much too feverish to do much more than lean against a tree in order to keep himself standing. Today was not one of those days, though. Today, he felt full of purpose. Perhaps it was a delusion, the overpowering urge he got to head out to the Free Lands, but he decided not to dwell on that thought. Instead, he left his home, letting out a sigh of almost relief as he left the Cursed Highlands behind. It was strange, feeling a sense of relief when leaving his home, but perhaps he could have a decent meal and something to drink while he was out and about without having to fear the Curse growing stronger within him.

His throat felt a bit dry and as he thought about a cool drink of water, he licked his lips, his red eyes having a somewhat distant look within them as he traversed away from the mountains. It was always cooler in the Highlands, due to the higher altitude, which was nice when he was feeling feverish. He hoped he didn't develop a fever while he was out and about today. He was just trying to have a good day, despite the Curse, despite the war, despite everything. He wanted so desperately to have some normalcy in his life... and yet, he was left to suffer. Everything felt so overwhelming. Nothing felt real, yet at the same time, felt almost hyperrealistic. Damn Xerxes. Damn the Underworld! And fuck Ragnar for everything he'd done to his family.

His jaw clenched as he grit his teeth, ears pinning, tail lashing against his gold and ivory flank. I didn't come here to dwell on the past! he scolded himself, forcing thoughts of Ragnar and his malevolent father away. He quickened his pace, his stride long and fluid, walking with purpose to... well, he wasn't sure where, really. He lifted his head, looking around himself and realizing that he'd gotten so caught up in his thoughts that he'd not been paying any attention to his surroundings.

Around him lay crumbled stones - headstones, he'd learned they were called, created by humans that were long gone. Pahaendeline. He huffed softly, annoyed at himself for coming here, but that wasn't going to stop him from trying to enjoy himself. He supposed the grass here was just as good as the grass anywhere else in the Free Lands. It was damned well better than the grass in Lyrarcor, when it could be found, at least. He couldn't stop the bitter huff of laughter that escaped him, shaking his head as he kept up his quick pace. No, perhaps eating in the graveyard was not the best idea. Especially when a place like this was rumored to be haunted...

[Tagged: Welder w/ Titan]
[Words: 540]
[Character: Xovad / Valfrid]
[Notes: Tagging Fallen for Selven mentions! I kept the encounter with Selven vague for now, since the thread is still in progress.]
[Timeline: 6 years 7 months, spring, morning, about a week after being released by Selven]
"Speech"