[A z z y]

She was tired - dog tired and bone weary. The tiredness seeped into her soul; it began chewing at her ego, her drive and ambition. It had been one hit after another, with more lining up on the horizon. First, the tragic loss of her beloved Black Phillip. Unknown assailants had managed to bypass the patrolling guards, they had roamed in the shadows until they found the location of their target. Whoever they were must have known what the goat meant to her, they had hoped to rattle her, to put cracks in her foundations. And in fairness, to an extent, they had succeeded. Then, the attack on Lark, the subsequent coronation. Again, another unknown assailant - at that time. Third in succession to the series of unfortunate events was the ambush on her brother and his herd, the lands that had once been her home now holding up mercenaries. But what could she do? Thomasin sighed, restless in her chambers as she paced the walls with anxious steps. Not anxiety for fear of the target moving to her back, but for fear of failure. Fear that Black Phillip died for nothing, that Kraken and his herd would not taste the revenge they deserved and that within this, Kraken would not recover. Another horcrux of her father dangerously close to death.

A heavy sigh escaped the witch queen then, her incisors chewing on the membrane of her lower lip. There were plans in place to reduce further collateral damage to the herd, to the royals, plans that were in action and coming together slowly. Thomasin knew the dark alliance had few allies, it was part of their roots, it was part of what made them darks. Yet, as she looked at the wheezing frame of her sickly borhter, she knew that perhaps the olive branch could be extended. Thomasin cleared her throat, a deliberate action to summon the attention of the beast that stood by her cavern. With a siilent jerk of her atlas, the guard who waited by the entrance to her quarters moved in, standing over Kraken as Thomasin moved to the exit. "If you need anything in my absence, seek out the King." No further words were uttered to the guard as the queen of the dark kingdom skulked into the night. Her path was doused in the silver light of the moon, worn rabbit tracks down the mountain led her deep into the forest that encircled the lands, the dense canopy dappling her journey as over time, the trees thinned and the topography changed.

Still, Thomasin pressed on. This was an endeavour for her, for her alliance, for her brother. She had exhausted all options in treating his infection and the fear that it may transform into something worse hung over her more than she wish to admit. Yet, bringing the Vigilum into the lands was something she remained unsure about - would the herd welcome another syndicate? Given what the helkaer and the versai had done to their lands and their inhabitants, she daren't risk another fray. She was unsure how long she had been moving over the lands, yet the sun began to shift the hue of the horizon from an abyssal black to a pale claret, the stars losing their luminosity as the sun began to take hold. There, as she cast her golden gaze to the heavens, did the pyramid like structure of Mount Vigilum come into view. There were smaller peaks upon the range, much like those that surrounded the dark kingdom. Much like the one Black Phillip was buried atop. She drew to a halt, drinking in the image before pressing onwards, her features stoic, neutral despite the weary sadness in her once brilliant eyes.

Thomasin wasted no time in pushing onwards however, her shadow stretched out behind her as the sun continued its ascent to the heavens. It didn't take long for the mountain to overrule the horizon and she was dipped in shadow eternally. Drawing to a halt in a clearing at the base of the towering slopes, the spotted monarch scanned her surroundings, a brow arching as she studied the slopes and snow capped apexes that towered over her, judging her for her crimes. Of which currently, there were few. That she knew of, at least. That thought alone seemed to raise a smile, something the maiden had almost forgotten how to do. It was then, without furhter consideration, did she release a gentle call to the mountain, summoning fourth one, two or all three of those who gathered here. Thomasin didn't expect all of them, she would be thankful for just one, yet even she was not oblivious to the demands of the world around them. If they didn't answer her call, she would not be offedned, but she would not forget it.


Timeline: after alllllll the bad things, prior to the herd moving.
+ ebonite + Sunfrost Pippin
Not sure which of you guys fancied meeting her, so if all of you want to, you're welcome

"Speech"

_{Table by Whisper}

[Sunfrost]

It was a normal day at Mount Vigilum. Duramus woke with the sun, stretching each limb as he unfolded from his curled position on the ground. Where once he had slept standing, needing to tower above all others even when sleeping, Dur now felt as though he communed with the earth each night that he slept upon it. The bay draft mix was sixteen years old, going on seventeen shortly, but he didn’t think he was all that old. Compared to a lot of horses in Wild Equines, he was apparently ancient, but he felt young. Maybe it was the purpose of his work as a Vigilum, which drove him forward every day. He’d heard of some truly horrifying things uttered by those he worked with, stories of what had happened to them and how they suffered. His work was to ease their suffering the only way a Vigilum could with non-physical wounds – through words, conversation, therapy. It had become his specialty. Dur knew that, and yet there were of course days when even he knew he needed to take time off. He usually spent those off Mount Vigilum, wandering the Freelands and appreciating nature.

Today was not one of those days. Today was for working. Duramus set about, first nosing his way into a nearby herb storage. The earth was growing again, the cold season was in the past, and now was the prime season to check stocks and replenish. Winter was always hard – herbs had to be stored in very specific fashions in order to survive the cold months. Dur had learned these methods from Zana and Casi shortly after becoming Vigilum. Now, it was him, Casi, and their former apprentice Cassian, now turned full Vigilum, who kept watch over the lands and the mount. Zana’s absence, once a fresh wound that blazed with pain, had cooled. She was always nearby even if she wasn’t Vigilum anymore, and Dur knew he respected her choice even if it had taken her away from them. It had been a while now, yet whenever Dur looked at a herb, he was reminded of Zana, who had been the first to teach him of them.

A gentle call sounded then, interrupting his inspection. Relieved despite how he imagined calls to the Vigilum hailed bad news, Duramus backed out of the crevice storage space, his ears swiveling in the direction of the sound. He picked up speed, trotting towards the sound and picking his way down the mountain with the ease of long practice. Drawing closer, he saw the dappled form of a mare who looked somewhat familiar. Blinking, Dur’s brain helpfully supplied that this was the Dark Queen, Thomasin. He had not seen her since her coronation, but he tried hard to remember important things like what the royals looked like. Wondering what in the world had brought the queen to their doorstep, Dur called out a greeting even as he came to a stop before her, his eyes automatically scanning her form for injuries as he did so, hopefully without making it too obvious as he did so. The scars that decorated his pelt did not scream Vigilum, but the brand he bore on the top of his right front leg certainly did.

Greetings, Queen Thomasin he neighed, dipping his head once in a show of respect. Welcome to Mount Vigilum. I am Duramus. He didn’t expect her to remember him from said coronation. How can the Vigilum help you today? The messenger birds had whispered of turmoil in the Dark Kingdom – rumor had it, the queen’s goat companion had been assassinated, and Damballa Isles had been taken over by some horse or other. Dur wondered if Thomasin was here about that, but he would leave the floor open for now, and see if Casi and Cassian would join.



tagged// A z z y + ebonite + Pippin
notes// A cautious Dur has arrived.

[Pippin]

Things seemed quite, the world at rest. But Cassian had learned to read that quite, to see the uneasy sleep. The restless slumber. Trouble brewed. Monarchs attacked, lands taken. The Helkaer and the Versai where plotting. There was even a whisper that the Lord of Utopia was not where he should be. So even though things seemed well enough on the outside, Cassian knew that with one good push everything would come crashing down about them. That was where he and his companions where supposed to come in. Keepers of order and peace, healers of body and mind, menders of strife. That task now seemed unreachable, an impossible goal. But one they would aim for anyway. One step at a time, one problem one answer. Step by step they would somehow restore balance. Cassian hoped. 

All this swirled though the spotted stallions head as he made his way towards the mountain. Since he had accepted Casis offer and lived with him in the light land of Omashu, Cassian spent half his nights there and half on the mountain. Though he made the trek back and forth on a daily basis. The sun was risen, though it was still early morning when the mountain came into view. But it was not the view of his second home that drew his gaze this morning. A lone shape making her way towards the foot of the mountain caught his hazel eyes. He was close enough to hear a soft, almost gentle call echo over the land. Not soon after that Dur appeared, emerging from the path that wound it's way to the summit. Cassian did not yet see Casi and he was unsure if he had left before or after the other stallion from Omashu. 

As Cassian came closer he found he recognized the shape of the mare before him. The Dark Queen. He had briefly seen the Queen at the coronation, though he had not swapped words with the mare. Cassian came to stop besides Dur neighing a greeting to his fellow Vigilum as the other stallion spoke.  Greetings, Queen Thomasin Welcome to Mount Vigilum. I am Duramus. How can the Vigilum help you today? Yes what indeed? Cassian took a quite moment to take in the sight of the Queen. He thought maybe he saw frayed edges and a fierce glint in her eyes challenging anyone to take note of the fraying. Cassian felt that only something huge would send this proud mare seeking help of any kind. "And I am Cassian, once again welcome to our mountain." He hoped Casi was near by and able to join them, Cassian knew that he would not want to miss this.                 

tags: A z z y  Sunfrost  + ebonite +  | words: 448 | notes: Sorry it isn't a great post, not in the best head space right now.

[+ ebonite +]

casimiro

Having three full members of the Vigilum present meant that Casi had been enjoying sleeping in on some mornings. He didn't have to get up ridiculously early in order to be available on the mountain for the entire day. Now, he could take some time to catch up on sleep and spend time with Gidge. This particular morning, he'd slept quite a while and had to scramble a bit to get ready to head off to the mountain. Now that spring was in the air, it was an optimal time to gather herbs and restock their stores. That's what he'd been spending the majority of his time doing. However, when he crossed the border to Mount Vigilum this time, he was greeted abruptly by Sol, who flew at him, chirping away. She told him that there was a visitor to Mount Vigilum, an important visitor. A Queen. Casi snorted at the irony of her visiting the one time he slept in longer than usual. Sol settled on his shoulder as he made his way toward the Queen. Luckily, it looked like Cassian and Dur had already greeted her. Queen Thomasin. He remembered her from the coronation, though he hadn't gotten a chance to speak to her personally. It had been a busy day.

He didn't know how long the three of them had been gathered there, but he dipped his head in greeting, settling himself beside his fellow Vigilum. "Hello, Queen Thomasin. I'm Casimiro, the last of the Vigilum," he said to her. He was sure that Dur and Cassian had already given her the pitch, so he would remain silent until she gave them an answer. There was no need for him to uselessly repeat it. He wondered what had brought her here today, though. The Dark Kingdom seeking help from the Vigilum seemed an unlikely possibility. He would greatly prefer they did use the Vigilum's services to solve any conflicts beforehand, but that didn't seem like their style. Had something happened? The King seemed concerned over the state of the Dark alliance when Casi had spoken to him at the coronation, but he had not elaborated on what he meant by that. He hadn't heard of them being attacked by anyone, at least on a large enough scale to alert Sol and the rest of the messenger birds. So, what had sent her here?


tag A z z y Pippin Sunfrost
timeline late spring
notes the third musketeer has arrived

"Speech"

[A z z y]

Thomasin did not feel time slip by quickly in these lands, a cold breeze rolled over her, winds trapped within the angles of the mountain slipped and tumbled over rocks and crevice’s before finding her. It carried the chill of the snow that lined the apexes, reminding her of the chill she felt at home. Her gilded attention fell upon the sky, the birds beginning to sing their dawn chorus as darkness dropped off even more so. Silently, she wondered if she had roused the Vigilum or were they already long awake? Her question was quickly answered then as the rolling sound of drums pulled her attention from the summit to the base, a loud whinny quickly announcing the presence of someone. Thomasin peered toward the source of the call, her eyes soon finding the approaching shape of a bay draft stallion, his body littered with scars and the brand that identified his alliance. He was familiar, one that had attended her coronation, yet she struggled with the name for a moment. He drew to a halt a comfortable and respectable distance from the witch queen, dipping his head once. “Greetings, Queen Thomasin. Welcome to Mount Vigilum. I am Duramus. How can the Vigilum help you today?” Thomasin offered him a gentle smile, her own chin dipping a bit in response to his show of respect.

Thomasin was too focused on Dur to notice an ivory spotted creature appear beside him. The stallion seemed intent on listening to his companion, silence falling before finally he announced himself. “And I am Cassian, once again, welcome to our mountain.” Thomasin offered him another small smile, a silent acknowledgement of his greeting. There was an element of tension within her gut, knowing that she had seen the once leader of the Vigilum and the once leader of the Helkaer in very close proximity, not that long ago. It scratched at her gut, a single claw that made her wonder exactly where the alliances truly lay. Finally, pulling her from her thoughts, another bay stallion emerged, a bird sat easily upon his shoulder. “Hello, Queen Thomasin. I’m Casimiro, the last of the Vigilum.” Another dip of her crown was given in response as she allowed her halcyon runes to dart over each stallion in turn.

“Thank you all for coming to meet with me, I hope I did not wake you…” she offered a smile to the trio, humour twinkling within her weary gaze. “I am here to seek…knowledge, if you will be so kind as to help". It was not an easy task, coming to strange lands, seeking help from those who she did not know. “You are experts in herbal medicines, if I am not mistaken?” she began, her gaze jumping from one Vigilum member to the next, ensuring they were all involved in this conversation. Thomasin had been incredibly well versed by her father in herbal remedies, their usages (both benign and otherwise…) and how they could be utilised for different ailments. “My late father was known for his use of herbs and plants, he instilled as much knowledge within me as he possibly could yet I fear it is lacking… I do not know how much you are aware of, but my brother, Kraken, and his herd were recently ambushed and driven form the lands. He is gravely sick and I fear I have exhausted all avenues to help him…” she trailed off, schooling her tones to avoid the crack that threatened to linger within them. Thomasin would not break. Not here, not now. Not in front of strangers. Not in front of strangers who had links to the ex-helkaer and god knows who else. Flicking the lengths of her obsidian cords, the witch queen solemnly stood before the trio, curious to know how much they knew of the trials within the dark kingdom as of late, and how much they would be willing to help.



Sunfrost Pippin + ebonite +

"Speech"

_{Table by Whisper}

[Sunfrost]

Queen Thomasin seemed to appreciate the respectful way he had greeted her. Duramus filed that away – was she surprised to be greeted so nicely? – and imagined he wouldn’t have to wait long for the rest of the Vigilum to join them, if they were going to. Thomasin didn’t have much time to speak before Cassian came, introducing himself and welcoming Thomasin to their mountain. She smiled at him too, warmth in the gesture. Dur liked her already – she wasn’t arrogant enough to come swaggering in and demand their aid, and it appeared she respected instead of looked down on them as many Dark allianced equines would and did. Dur knew how they felt – he used to a Dark horse himself – but even moreso knew that with age had come wisdom, and it was that wisdom which kept him Vigilum. Casi didn’t take long to come, his bird friend perched on his shoulder. Dur nickered a greeting, happy that all three of them could be present for this.

Thomas began to speak then, thanking them formally for meeting with her and hoping she did not wake them, humor in her eyes. Dur laughed softly, neighing We all tend to wake early, to make the most of the day. She continued on, saying she was here to seek knowledge, if they would be kind to help. Knowledge of medicine? Thomasin confirmed that was the case mere moments later, confirming their expertise in herbal medicines. Duramus nodded, gray eyes glowing with pleasure. So the queen was curious as to herbal knowledge! It pleased the bay draft mix whenever a horse approached wanting to learn herbs, especially once with the ability to take that knowledge back to an oftentimes prone to violence alliance. He turned out to have guessed somewhat wrong on the herbal part, though – Thomasin mentioned her sire was known for his knowledge of herbs and plants, and while she had learned from him she felt her education was lacking. Why? Dur got his answer mere moments later as she revealed that Kraken - her brother - and his herd were ambushed and driven from their lands. He was sick, and she didn’t know else to help him. She trailed off, whether because she had no idea what to say or to avoid expressing too much emotion on the matter.

This was news. Dur glanced at Cassian and Casi, his gray eyes meeting theirs, before turning back to Thomasin and neighing We are so sorry to hear of this, imagining he could well speak to the sentiments of the whole group in this and with heartfelt sorrow in his tone. I have heard rumblings from our messenger bird system of a disturbance in the Dark Kingdom, but no specifics. Thank you for telling us. Can you tell us anything about his symptoms? And how injured is his herd? He imagined his fellow Vigilum would get to the more political questions, such as how this had happened and who had done it, but he wanted to focus on getting answers to the healing questions first and foremost.




tagged// Pippin + ebonite + A z z y
notes// <3

[Pippin]

It was not long before the final member of there small band appeared and gave his own simple greeting to the dark queen. "Hello, Queen Thomasin. I'm Casimiro, the last of the Vigilum," Cassian then waited to hear what the dark queen had to say. What was so important to draw her so far away from her herd and land to seek to the aid of the Vigilum? “Thank you all for coming to meet with me, I hope I did not wake you…” Cassian chuckled and nodded his spotted head at that as Dur responded with good humor. We all tend to wake early, to make the most of the day. The queen went on and Cassian listened closely as she jumped right into business.

“I am here to seek…knowledge, if you will be so kind as to help. You are experts in herbal medicines, if I am not mistaken? My late father was known for his use of herbs and plants, he instilled as much knowledge within me as he possibly could yet I fear it is lacking… I do not know how much you are aware of, but my brother, Kraken, and his herd were recently ambushed and driven form the lands. He is gravely sick and I fear I have exhausted all avenues to help him…” Dur was the first to respond to this information and Cassian listened as he spoke, We are so sorry to hear of this, I have heard rumblings from our messenger bird system of a disturbance in the Dark Kingdom, but no specifics. Thank you for telling us. Can you tell us anything about his symptoms? And how injured is his herd? Cassian nodded his head in agreement to the heart felt sorry Dur expressed that trouble of this kind had befallen the dark kingdom and in a way that hit so close to the dark queens family. 

"We are indeed well versed in herbal healings and many other forms of healing besides." Cassian added as Dur finished speaking, "You have come to the right place to get Kraken the help he needs." Cassian paused for a moment before speaking again. "We would also be willing to offer our aid to the dark kingdom to help restore order to your lands if you so desire our help." He was unsure if she would take them up on the offer, but this upheaval was one the very reasons the Vigilum existed. They where not only healers, but peacekeepers. Cassian was not yet sure of his diplomatic skills so decided to leave the delicate matter of asking questions of what occurred and if the dark queen knew who was responsible tp Casi.             

tags: A z z y  + ebonite +  Sunfrost  | words: 449 | notes: ooof sorry if it's rambley, kind of rusty. 

[+ ebonite +]

casimiro

Now that Casi had arrived, the meeting could officially begin. Casi was burning with curiosity, but he held his tongue. She would speak in due time. 'Thank you all for coming to meet with me, I hope I did not wake you...' Casi chuckled a bit. Luckily enough, he did not live on Mount Vigilum. Even though he was fond of the land - even with its bitter cold and difficult trails - he needed separation between his work and his home. 'We all tend to wake early, to make the most of the day,' Dur answered and Casi had to stop himself from chuckling again. Well, not for me on this particular day... But even so, he had not missed much and he'd needed the rest. Things had been busy as of late and now that summer was back, it was time to dive back into herb gathering in full force. 'I am here to seek…knowledge, if you will be so kind as to help' Casi nodded. That was one of their many jobs and he was happy to assist, as were his companions. It didn't matter who she was. 'You are experts in herbal medicines, if I am not mistaken?' Casi nodded once more. Another of their many talents. Casi instinctively swept his gaze across Thomasin's coat, looking for any injuries. If she was asking about herbs, then it was likely she or someone she knew had been hurt. Nothing stood out on her, so that meant it had to be the latter. 'My late father was known for his use of herbs and plants, he instilled as much knowledge within me as he possibly could yet I fear it is lacking… I do not know how much you are aware of, but my brother, Kraken, and his herd were recently ambushed and driven from the lands. He is gravely sick and I fear I have exhausted all avenues to help him…' Casi's eyes widened and then narrowed. Kraken. Casi had met the stallion once, at Underoath's trial. He had been the other witness to Underoath's crimes and had spoken about how his father had been murdered. Casi had no idea that Kraken and Thomasin were siblings. Which meant that Thomasin's father had been murdered by Underoath. He turned his gaze to Sol, perched on his shoulder and made a few quick gestures to her, asking if she knew anything about it. The goldfinch replied that she did not. It must have been recent - or not broadcast enough for the birds to know. Who had done this? The Helkaer? The Versai? Someone else? Casi felt his heart sink as his thoughts turned to Underoath. But he knew his uncle was more than capable of it.

'We are so sorry to hear of this,' Duramus spoke, breaking Casi gratefully from his dark thoughts. 'I have heard rumblings from our messenger bird system of a disturbance in the Dark Kingdom, but no specifics. Thank you for telling us. Can you tell us anything about his symptoms? And how injured is his herd?' Focusing on herbs was helping. Casi was struggling to get rid of images of Underoath overthrowing a herd. To do that he would have had to have help. Casi gave himself a firm shake. There was no evidence suggesting any of it was Underoath. There were plenty of possibilities. Focus. Cassian spoke next then. 'We are indeed well versed in herbal healings and many other forms of healing besides. You have come to the right place to get Kraken the help he needs.' Casi could only hope that they would be able to help him in time. What had happened to him to make him ill? Had his wounds gotten infected? How long ago had this happened? 'We would also be willing to offer our aid to the Dark Kingdom to help restore order to your lands if you so desire our help,' Cassian offered in turn. Casi wondered what Thomasin would say to that. Would she be willing to have the Vigilum help with this conflict? Or would she want to deal with it herself? If she wanted the help, then they needed more information on who they were dealing with. "Do you know who attacked them?" he asked. Even if Thomasin declined the offer of help, it would still be valuable information to know who'd done this. It could lead to wider conflict and bigger problems in the lands as a whole.


tag A z z y Pippin Sunfrost
timeline late spring
notes <33

"Speech"

[A z z y]

She stood before the trio of males with a serene air of confidence, as if she knew precisely what she was about. Which, to an extent was true. But did anyone really ever know what they were made of until something triggered them to utilise it? If someone had asked her during her time in the confines of the tunnels under the asylum if she felt she could be a queen and could rule effectively… the answer would have been no. “We all tend to wake early to make the most of the day.” Durasmus spoke and Thomasin merely smiled, understanding the sentiment yet not fully accepting that her early rises were to be proactive. Sleep was a cruel mistress since the parting of her beloved goat. She woe at the slightest sound, the first sliver of golden daylight had her wide awake if she was not already. As the group settled in, Thomasin was not oblivious to the concerned glances passed between the Vigilum, yet she let it wash over her for now, a small silence falling momentarily until Durasmus spoke first. “We are so sorry to hear of this,” He began, his words sounding genuine in their sorrow. “I have heard rumblings from our messenger bird system of a disturbance in the Dark Kingdom, but no specifics. Thank you for telling us. Can you tell us anything about his symptoms? And how injured is his herd?”

Cassian spoke then, causing Thomasin’s halcyon runes to snap upon him. “We are indeed well versed in herbal healings and many other forms of healing besides. You have come to the right place to get Kraken the help he needs. We would also be willing to offer our aid to the dark kingdom to help restore order to your lands if you so desire our help.” Her lobes remained twisted upon him, nodding her atlas slowly then as she digested the information given. She was blissfully unaware of the turmoil carved into Casimiro’s features however, her attention focused upon Durasmus and Cassian, the questions they posed rolling through her mind until finally, the bay stallion spoke. “Do you know who attacked them?” Thomasin turned her auriferous gaze towards Casimiro with a firm nod of her crown. The Neutral Alliance had done some reconnaissance work, much to the irritation of Thomasin. Having a scout of theirs deployed to what was once her homeland without first discussing the issue with herself or Joker had admittedly raised her heckles somewhat. “The same stallion who attacked and mutilated Lark it would seem. He goes by the name of Hound. From the reports from the herd members, he has back up – both equine and canine.” She spoke solemnly, her shoulders seeming to sag slightly, defeat threatening to consume her as she considered the possibility her brother may have rabies…

Thomasin then returned her attention to Durasmus, her gaze two heat seeking lasers as she recalled his mention of rumblings. “I suppose then your messenger birds have no information as to who murdered my companion, Black Phillip? He was found with eight black sparrows around him having been brutally attacked and left to rot...” she trailed off, her voice cracking slightly as she furiously blinked away tears that threatened to roll down her cheeks. She could -would- not crumble, not now, not here. Turning her atlas towards the rising sun, she inhaled, steeling herself before looking back to the trio before her. “It felt too personal to be the helkaer or versai, in my opinion…” this time there was a bitterness to her words, an icy edge staining the tone as she allowed her gaze to roll over each member, seeking a reaction of some sort. An indication perhaps that they indeed did know something…

Shaking her crown, Thomasin silently chided herself for putting her loss before the impending loss of her brother. How callous must she seem to the trio; her brother lay dying in a cave and she was questioning them on her dead pet? A heavy sigh escaped her, one that gave away how tired she was with this onslaught, that felt as if it came from all angles. An unrelenting tirade upon the dark kingdom that had not truly ceased since the death of Xerxes, and now it was her at the helm. “He managed to get to Lachlan breck with the support of his herd but has since succumbed to his injuries and not regained consciousness… he has deep wounds all over him, some I believe are from the wolves which makes me fear the worst…” she trailed off again, trying to recall exactly what treatments she had given her poor sibling. “His temperature is high, which we have been trying to lower with bathing him. The wounds themselves are mostly healing, yet there is one particularly deep one that seems unwilling to bond shut…” she half shuddered, thinking of the gaping wound. Funny how these things changed – when viewing the injuries upon hr father’s victims she had not batted an eyelid. Yet seeing Kraken in such a poor state made her almost vomit, if she’d have had the mechanisms to. “His herd have mostly superficial injuries, yet Hound has taken several captives. Aria, Kraken’s lead mare, Rousselet his beta and Wendigo, my niece… her mother, Abrasia, is distraught as the child is mute and by all accounts, they're all each other has...” The words were uttered with an edge, having only met Wendigo recently and learning of their blood bond, she now felt a stronger urge to protect this mute filly from further harm. “I would request that perhaps the Vigilum talk to her, however she did not respond well to my support… I do not know well she’d fair with three strange stallions doing the same.” It wasn’t a jab, by any means, but more of an observation.

The witch queen turned her attention then to Cassian, briefly recalling his offer of aid in various forms. Thomasin hummed thoughtfully before looking at the spotted stag pointedly. “What other forms of aid, if I may ask?” the question was fair, she did not want to make a blind decision, no matter how desperate she was becoming. “As for the offer of returning order to my kingdom… I can’t make such a decision without Joker being present. You must understand my hesitancy… given that the Versai murdered a royal and the Helkaer are hellbent on torching us to the ground so… you remain untested” she said with a dark chuckle, her tones free of malice but hoping they understood her sentiment and she would be a fool to let anyone wander into their lands freely, given all that had happened. With a gentle swish of her obsidian cords, she fell silent, watching the trio, trying to read their features for an indication of their response.


Sunfrost Pippin + ebonite +

"Speech"

_{Table by Whisper}

[Sunfrost]

Duramus was glad for the company of Cassian and Casi as Thomasin continued to speak. This seemed like something that could turn into a keen political issue the Vigilum needed to keep an eye on, and he was loathe to neglect it in any way. As he addressed the healing side, Cassian added his own thoughts in, saying they could help in ways beyond herbs and reassuring Thomasin that she had come to the right place for the healing that she needed. We would also be willing to offer our aid to the dark kingdom to help restore order to your lands if you so desire our help. Dur nodded, underscoring Cassian’s words and happy that his fellow Vigilum had added that point. Sometimes the lands forgot that the Vigilum were not just healers of the body and the mind, but diplomats as well. And they could be trusted to be honest, given they could not lie. Casi added his words to the mix, asking if Thomasn knew who had attacked them. The logical next question, especially given that the messenger bird system did not know.

Thomasin appeared thoughtful, turning to each of them as they spoke, attentive to their words. The Dark Queen nodded to Casi’s question, appearing to know who had done the deed. Dur’s attention sharpened as she spoke of the same stallion who had attacked Lark, former Queen of the Neutral Kingdom. Some horse called Hound, who had both equine and canine back up. Canine? And why did the horse’s name sound familiar? Dur’s thoughts raced. He wasn’t a Helkaer…but Dur had followed the Gladiator Tournament keenly, attuned to the sense of conflict that pervaded that atmosphere. Why did this horse sound familiar? Had he been in the Tournament? He might as well ask his fellow Vigilum to confirm his suspicions. Whoever this was, he seemed to be out and about causing trouble. His name sounds familiar Dur murmured, his gaze meeting Thomasin’s. Was he part of the Gladiator Tournament, by any chance? Perhaps Thomasin had been following his movements more closely. And any idea as to why he did this? Causing this much chaos seemed like a Helkaer thing. Was there any other motivation, though?

The Queen asked then if the messenger birds had any information on who murdered her goat, Black Phillip. Her voice cracked then, a clear chink in her armor for all to see. She inhaled, looking away, before adding that it felt too personal to have been the Helkaer or the Versai. Dur spoke to fill the silence, if only to draw attention to him instead of her pain in the moment. Not to my knowledge, no. Our birds hear of things, but do not always pay witness. Cassian, Casi, have you two heard of anything? He turned his gaze to them, knowing Casi in particular had a close relationship with the messenger birds, given one he had personally befriended. Thomasin then added further details on her brother, Kraken, who had fallen unconscious in Lachlan Breck and who clearly had a fever, including a wound that wasn’t healing. His herd was apparently superficially injured, but Hound had taken several captives. Thomasin spoke of how one mare in particular could use their support. Dur’s mind catalogued the details, already trying to figure out how they may be able to help without betraying their neutrality.

I think we’d have to look at Kraken’s injuries directly to attempt to help him he neighed, turning once more to his fellow Vigilum. I’d be happy to try and speak with Abrasia, if you would like he added, mind already running through possible ways of speaking with her. I imagine a one-on-one conversation would be best. His specialty had turned out to be injuries of the mind, and he would be willing to provide what support he could. He imagined it might be a good idea if the Vigilum split taskings in the land, if they were to help – he could provide mental support, and perhaps Cassian or Casi could focus on herbal healing? They could all play each other’s roles, of course, but an initial split could be good for triage. Thomasin asked then about what other forms of aid they could provide, directing the question to Cassian. Dur left that to him, instead responding to her comment about hesitating to let them help restore order to her kingdom as they remained untested in her eyes. The Vigilum are neutral. We’re not going to murder a royal or torch a kingdom to the ground. We just wish everyone would get along he neighed, chuckling slightly at the last part. But when there is disorder in a kingdom and it harms the peace…that is when we like to step in. It would be up to her to accept their offers of aid or not, of course.



tagged// Pippin + ebonite + A z z y
notes// <3

[Pippin]

Cassian had notice a shift in his friends manner, ever so slightly as the queen spoke of an attack. A stranger would not notice the shift, but the ones close to Casi would for sure. "Do you know who attacked them?" Casi asked and Cassian wondered what had caused his friend reaction. Did he already know something about what was going on? Or had a suspicion of who it might be? The queen quickly answered Casi question about who was behind this attack. “The same stallion who attacked and mutilated Lark it would seem. He goes by the name of Hound. From the reports from the herd members, he has back up – both equine and canine.” Canine? Well that was interesting. Where had this Hound come from? Cassian could not say he knew anything about the brute. No wait. Had the stallion fought in the recent gladiator tournament? Yes that was it. But Cassian couldn't think of anything about the brute before that tournament. The queen was talking again and Cassian pulled his thoughts away from Hound for the moment to listen as she laid down more tragedy. “I suppose then your messenger birds have no information as to who murdered my companion, Black Phillip? He was found with eight black sparrows around him having been brutally attacked and left to rot...” This they had of course know of, as the birds spoke and news had traveled fast on the air. But there had been no knews of who had done the attack. "It felt too personal to be the helkaer or versai, in my opinion…” Cassian saw the pain this brought the queen, though she tired to hide it well. He admired how well she hid the cracks, though he feared what would happen if something else where to hit hard enough to deepen them. Would she shatter? Only time would tell.

“He managed to get to Lachlan breck with the support of his herd but has since succumbed to his injuries and not regained consciousness… he has deep wounds all over him, some I believe are from the wolves which makes me fear the worst… His temperature is high, which we have been trying to lower with bathing him. The wounds themselves are mostly healing, yet there is one particularly deep one that seems unwilling to bond shut…” Fever. Coma. None of that sounded good at all. He needed something more than bathing to combat a fever. There was also a high possibility of infections and most likely internal bleeding of some kind that prevented his body from recovering to wake up. This didn't sound good at all. She was speaking once more, giving status on the others who had been part of the attack. “His herd have mostly superficial injuries, yet Hound has taken several captives. Aria, Kraken’s lead mare, Rousselet his beta and Wendigo, my niece… her mother, Abrasia, is distraught as the child is mute and by all accounts, they're all each other has... I would request that perhaps the Vigilum talk to her, however she did not respond well to my support… I do not know well she’d fair with three strange stallions doing the same.” It seemed as if Kraken took the brunt of this attack but he did worry about the mare with a child captive. He didn't take offense at her tone or mistrust about talking to her. But of course they wouldn't all go to her at once. In fact Dur was probably the best to talk to the mare as he dealt with stuff like that better than himself or Casi.

"What other forms of aid, if I may ask? As for the offer of returning order to my kingdom… I can’t make such a decision without Joker being present. You must understand my hesitancy… given that the Versai murdered a royal and the Helkaer are hellbent on torching us to the ground so… you remain untested" Untested indeed. Maybe in her eyes. But each member here had overcome a past that would have killed or broken lesser horses. But he supposed that the queen would not know this. And the three as a group where still pretty new working together. What would they have to do to prove they where capable of helping?

Dur was speaking now, responding to the queens questions and statements. His name sounds familiar Was he part of the Gladiator Tournament, by any chance? Durs words echoed his own thoughts and Cassian nodded his spotted head in agreement. "I remember him as being part of the tournament. Though I don't think he fought more than a battle or two before vanishing from the contest. I had not heard of him before the tournament." Could he have decided such a show was beneath him? Or maybe he had started his plans for attack and left as to not revile his true fighting skills? And where had be come from? And any idea as to why he did this? Dur asked, maybe hoping the queen knew more about this stranger than they did. 

Not to my knowledge, no. Our birds hear of things, but do not always pay witness. Cassian, Casi, have you two heard of anything? "No I have not." Cassian said unhelpfully as Dur spoke of the birds. "They do see and hear much, but the attack was done in secret and if there is a witness it was not of ours." 

I think we’d have to look at Kraken’s injuries directly to attempt to help him "He needs something to counter the fever and most likely has internal wounds and infection. As Dur spoke we can better help him by treating him in person." Though of curse if she didn't want them near they could tell her some suggestions of what to do and send her home with herbs that might work and instructions on what to watch for but it would be imperfect.

I’d be happy to try and speak with Abrasia, I imagine a one-on-one conversation would be best. Cassian nodded. "Dur is the best of us in dealing with matters of the mind and heart. If anyone can help her it will be Dur." 

The Vigilum are neutral. We’re not going to murder a royal or torch a kingdom to the ground. We just wish everyone would get along But when there is disorder in a kingdom and it harms the peace…that is when we like to step in. "Bring order back into disorder is what we where made for." Cassian added, "To you we may be untested but that does not make us weak or untrustworthy. We have no interest in making the dark kingdom an enemy but do understand that you will need to talk with Joker. As for other aid, the Vigilum are able and willing to offer whatever you require. Even if that means fighting at your side to drive out Hound and stop him." Sometimes the only way to peace was though a fight, and they would not shy away from such if it came down to it. 

tags: A z z y  + ebonite +  Sunfrost  | words: 1,184 | notes: Ufff sorry for the long wait on this reply and if went kind of ramble at points, I did more than half of this on my phone.

[+ ebonite +]

casimiro

Casi listened intently as Thomasin relayed more information. The assailant was a stallion named Hound, the same stallion who had attacked Laqueta and caused her to have to step down from her position as Neutral Queen. Casi's gaze grew shadowed at the thought. Hound was causing a significant amount of problems it seemed - and not for just one alliance, either. Dur then spoke then, asking if Hound had participated in the gladiator tournament. Casi tried to recall the participants of the tournament. He had not attended it, but he'd kept an ear out just in case any of them needed assistance to heal from injuries they'd sustained. Luckily, he hadn't gotten anyone. Cassian confirmed that Hound had participated, but he had not lasted long. Casi wondered if that was what had motivated him to carry out his attacks. Frustration at losing? Dur then went on to ask after Hound's motivations. Casi was curious as to those as well. He'd attacked members of the Neutral and Dark alliance thus far. Did he have an allegiance somewhere or was he working independently? Casi's first thought was the Helkaer, given their tendency to make enemies with everyone, but he would refrain from passing that judgment until he had proof.

Thomasin then spoke of the murder of her animal companion, Black Phillip. Casi's expression filled with sympathy. He couldn't imagine losing a companion in such a fashion. What an awful way to go... But unfortunately, he had not heard anything about it. 'Cassian, Casi, have you two heard of anything?' Dur asked the two of them. Casi turned to his own companion and made a few gestures to ask her. Sol shook her head. "I have not and neither has Sol," he said to the group. Given the secretive nature of the attack, he was not surprised. But it did sound like it was more personal than an attack by the Helkaer or Versai. The Helkaer seemed more apt to rub it in Thomasin's face and the Versai were walking on thin ice from all sides, so making such an attack didn't make sense. He couldn't rule either of them out entirely, though. Dur then said that he would need to attend to Kraken's injuries personally for the best results and Casi nodded in agreement. His injuries sounded severe and life-threatening. The sooner that they were able to attend to him, the better that it would be. One of them would have to stay behind, however. They couldn't leave Mount Vigilum completely unattended. Dur would be the best candidate to speak with Abrasia. Cassian voiced Casi's own thoughts only moments later. Dur would be perfect to counsel the mare. Then either Cassian or Casi could attend to the injuries. "I agree that Dur would be the best for Abrasia. As for the others, either Cassian or I can attend to their injuries. One of us will remain behind to hold Mount Vigilum," he met Cassian's gaze. "Do you have a preference, Cassian?" Casi did not mind either way. Cassian may not be as experienced as Casi, but he still knew everything that Casi did. Either of them would do.

The Queen expressed her doubts about trusting the Vigilum given what the Helkaer and Versai had done. He supposed she was right to be suspicious, but the Vigilum were specifically founded to not take sides and to remain neutral. Dur expressed such in his statement and Cassian spoke up as well. Casi felt he was being a bit too pushy, but Hound did seem to be a threat to everyone around him, so he understood. "The Vigilum do not have enemies, as we are neutral. Even if you or Joker reject our help, it will not mark either of you or your Kingdom in our eyes. If you want our assistance, we are happy to give it, so please come back once you have spoken to the King," Casi said, "if you would like our assistance in helping Kraken's herd, then we should leave as soon as possible to attend them." The longer that they waited, the further infection could set in. Casi didn't want to lose any of these herd members to Hound's attack.


tag A z z y Pippin Sunfrost
timeline late spring
notes <33

"Speech"