Life Is But A Dream...
Mad men define what mad is
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Post by fleabittengray on Sept 17, 2023 14:40:06 GMT -7
x XOVAD Time had passed. He was a Versai Brother now. They had had the ceremony for himself and Serendipity and had even had their first Versai meeting. There was so much to discuss between himself and his two Sisters. So much to do in the world. On top of all of that, Xovad was doing his best to maintain a good, strong relationship with the Utopians. It was a little easier now that Cadence was back as Lord of Utopia, considering the man had played the part of father in his life for so long, up until he'd been swallowed up by the Mist, which thankfully he had since been returned. Xovad didn't even want to imagine what it must feel like, to be cast into limbo, into nothingness. He shuddered at the idea of it, focusing his attention inside on hiking up the mountain path to Mount Vigilum. He knew that Cassian didn't technically live here, but it still felt strange venturing into the Light Kingdom, where he would need to go in order to get to Cassian's home. Xovad had not seen Cassian since he'd been made into a Versai. The brand was now displayed in white across his otherwise solid palomino chest. There was no hiding the mark, which wasn't something that had even crossed his mind. Xovad never wanted to cover his brand unless it was absolutely needed for him to do so. He was very proud of the fact he was a Versai, a second generation Versai on top of that! And thank the gods for the training he did daily because otherwise this hike up the mountain would be not very much fun. Even so, with the sun shining down on him so strong all morning, the golden overo brute was still shiny with sweat. It was late in the summer season, but at least it hadn't gotten dangerously hot out yet. Making it up to a plateau, Xovad came to a halt and looked around, red eyes curious. Clearing his throat, Xovad whinnied in a loud but friendly tone, hoping to draw attention to help. "Cassian! Are you around? It's Valfrid!"Pippin w/ Cassian 357 | Xovad / ValfridLong overdue second meeting! Apologies for any wonky words/spelling/phrases, I just got my pain meds. 5 years 11 months, late summer, sunny morning, after Hunroor's Coronation, after the first Versai meeting
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Post by Pippin on Oct 13, 2023 8:59:26 GMT -7
Cassian Things where mostly back to normal around the mountain. If one could call a world descending into war and chaos normal that is. What was normal was things within the Vigilum. They had a full three members again and it was back to business as usual. Granted nothing was really usual about what they where doing now. They had to remain neutral in this war and that was not easy. It made enemies for them on both sides and left no one happy. And they where failing, neither side was willing to give ground or compromise. Things where escalating beyond reason and Cassian feared they where long past the point of stopping. He was starting to realize they had missed that window a long time ago. Damage control was all they could do now and he wasn't sure how good a job they were doing on that front. Beyond the war they where back to harvesting and stocking up the stores of herbs on the mountain. Summer was in full swing but he knew it's end would come swiftly. Especially with all focused on the war. He feared with afterlife powers raging that weather would be unpredictable and winter would be harsh. Then one had to worry about what else would happen if the Helkaer or the Versai decided to use their powers of fire and water. "Cassian! Are you around? It's Valfrid!" It was as if his thinking of the Versai had summoned the very thing itself as the familiar voice echoed from down the path. Cassian smiled and backed out of the small cave he had been working in and trotted down the path to meet the young Versai. It had been cool inside the cave and he hadn't realized just how hot it was outside until just then. He was glad then that the suns heat was always somewhat lessoned in the higher elevations as Valfrid came into sight and he could see a sheen of sweat on the others coat. Cassian smiled and stopped a short distance away form the other stallion, taking in the new brand displayed proudly on his chest. "Valfrid!" He spoke, he voice full of warmth, "I am so very pleased you came to visit." Beyond the new brand Cassian could see a surety about the stallion that had been lacking from him before. "You look good," He observed with another smile, "Congratulation on your new position. How are you finding it?" His powers where different, but still granted from the same mysterious source. Getting used to the hum of power that always slept just within the background of his mind had taken a long time and he wondered if it was the same for the Versai. Tagged: fleabittengray Muse: OkayWords: 455Notes: You are quite okay! Image by Fleur-De-Liason
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Life Is But A Dream...
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Post by fleabittengray on Oct 16, 2023 2:55:50 GMT -7
Xovad waited patiently to see if Cassian or one of the other Vigilum members would answer his call. Much to his delight, it was Cassian himself who came forward. The newly marked Versai Brother grinned, friendly and eager for a good chat with his friend. Well, at least, he hoped he could consider Cassian a friend, especially since things were still currently pretty rocky for the Versai in general. They still were not trusted or really liked by anyone, despite and all new generation being at the forefront of the group. Xovad knew it was going to take time but, gods, a war really had come at the most inconvenient of times, hadn't it? But no matter! Xovad was just happy to have someone outside of the Versai to be friendly with and hold a normal conversation with. Sometimes it felt like he was stuck with just those "on the inside," and he knew it was important to have an outside perspective.
"Valfrid!" Cassian greeted him, eyes going down to the brand on his chest, and Xovad's smile widened with pride, red eyes twinkling. "I am so very pleased you came to visit." The youthful stallion chuckled and nodded. "I figured it was about time I showed up around here," he admitted, feeling playful and cheery. It felt pretty peaceful here, at Mount Vigilum. And it wasn't nearly as hot, either! Oh, how he dreaded going back down the mountain and walking through that humidity to get home.
"You look good," The praise had him beaming at the other stallion. "Congratulation on your new position. How are you finding it?" Xovad let out a low rumble of a chuckle, shaking his head. "It's sure kept me busy, but at least I was prepared for that. Eos's daughter has also been promoted. We had our ceremony together. Since then, with, ya know, the war, I've been kept rather busy. Not sure about the girls, but I'm assuming they've been busy doing their own thing as well. Trying to make a name for ourselves and such. A good name, I assure you!" The gold and ivory brute gave a sheepish look, shrugging his shoulders. "I guess I'm still kinda in the figuring it out stage? Mom prepared me as best she could, but there's just so much to do! I'm glad she'd able to finally rest and relax now, especially with Dahlia needing pretty constant supervision. Rambunctious one, she is."
Feeling as though he'd rambled on long enough about the happenings in Lyrarcor and the Highlands in general, Xovad motioned with his muzzle toward the mountain. "And what about the Vigilum, and yourself? Anything the Versai or just me right now can assist with?"
[Tagged: Pippin w/ Cassian] [Words: 452] [Character: Xovad / Valfrid] [Notes: I enjoy their friendship <3] [Timeline: 5 years 11 months, late summer, sunny morning, after Hunroor's Coronation, after the first Versai meeting] "Speech"
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Post by Pippin on Nov 11, 2023 21:37:45 GMT -7
Cassian "I figured it was about time I showed up around here," Cassian listened attentively to Valfrid's cheerful recount of his experiences as a newly marked Versai Brother. The genuine warmth in the conversation was a welcome respite from the tensions of the outside world, especially with the war casting its ominous shadow over the lands. As Valfrid spoke about his new responsibilities and the changes in his life, Cassian couldn't help but feel a sense of camaraderie.
"It's sure kept me busy, but at least I was prepared for that," Valfrid chuckled, acknowledging the demands that came with his new position. Cassian nodded in understanding, fully aware of the challenges that came with such a position. "Eos's daughter has also been promoted. We had our ceremony together. Since then, with, ya know, the war, I've been kept rather busy. Not sure about the girls, but I'm assuming they've been busy doing their own thing as well." Cassian was glad that Eos had stepped down as well, knowing she needed the break as much as Vals mother did.Cassian couldn't help but admire the dedication of the new Versai generation, navigating their roles in a world engulfed in conflict. "A good name, I assure you!" Valfrid added with a sheepish look, emphasizing the importance of building a positive reputation amidst the chaos.
"I guess I'm still kinda in the figuring it out stage?" Valfrid confessed, a genuine smile playing on his lips. Cassian nodded, understanding the sentiments behind such a statement, it had taken him a while to fully feel he belonged in his role and sometimes he still felt that way. "Mom prepared me as best she could, but there's just so much to do! I'm glad she's able to finally rest and relax now, especially with Dahlia needing pretty constant supervision. Rambunctious one, she is."
Cassian chuckled at the mention of Dahlia, picturing the lively spirit of Allocen's daughter. He had met the young filly and her mother by chance out in the freelands "Family can keep us on our hooves, that's for certain," he replied, a fondness in his eyes and a longing in his voice that he could not quite hide. The conversation then shifted as Valfrid gestured toward the mountain, inquiring about anything the Vigilum or Cassian might need assistance with.
"And what about the Vigilum, and yourself? Anything the Versai or just me right now can assist with?" Val asked, shifting the conversation "Well, my friend, you've already brightened my day with just your visit," Cassian said with a warm smile, generally happy to meet the young stallion once more. "As for the Vigilum, we're doing our best to navigate these challenging times. Our main focus is on maintaining our neutrality and ensuring the safety of our home while finding someway to end this war." Ending this war, hopefully, was the goal of all involved. And maybe the Vigilum could convince enough others to see the sense in that. Tagged: fleabittengray Muse: GoodWords: 494Notes: Sorry if it's a bit rambling Image by Fleur-De-Liason
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Life Is But A Dream...
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Post by fleabittengray on Nov 16, 2023 3:47:33 GMT -7
The Vigilum brute was attentive with his listening. Xovad felt like Cassian was the type to listen to anything he had to say, and he would truly be listening and hearing what he had to sad. Cassian seemed so genuinely kind and attentive. It was nice to be able to consider him a sort of friend, perhaps someone he could look to for guidance as needed. Though the Versai and the Vigilum were both quite different, Xovad believed firmly that both groups could learn something beneficial from each other. He was glad he'd come to Mount Vigilum today. He knew what he would learn! Cassian didn't say anything, just let Xovad talk, and it was nice. Though he did have a comment to chime in kindly as the Versai Brother spoke of his younger sibling. "Family can keep us on our hooves, that's for certain," Xovad saw the fondness in his eyes, and could hear and almost longing in his voice. That had him wondering if Cassian had any children but he didn't think it appropriate right now to ask. Maybe later, some other day, when they knew one another a little better. "Oh, she certainly keeps us all busy! Dahlia still thinks everyone is a friend... even if they're not."
There was an anger behind those words that he tried to hide, thinking of her grandfather, Xerxes, and how Dahlia had grown fasciated of him - of the Afterlife in general. She didn't understand yet what a Cambion truly was, only that there was some connection to the Underworld, which was opposite of her Nephilim brother, Heaven's Hymn, who was connected to Utopia. It was complicated for a little girl to understand. Thankfully, Cassian soon spoke again, dragging Xovad out of his thoughts that were spiraling in his head. "Well, my friend, you've already brightened my day with just your visit," The Versai grinned, pleased to be called friend, and also to have brightened the others day. "As for the Vigilum, we're doing our best to navigate these challenging times. Our main focus is on maintaining our neutrality and ensuring the safety of our home while finding someway to end this war."
He supposed a bit of political talk never hurt. "That's understandable. I'm actually happy you guys are sort of bound to neutrality. I may be aligned with Utopia, but what I really want is peace for all." That said, he also offered another tidbit of information. "My Sisters have also chosen neutrality for the moment. I am the only Versai aligned with Utopia in the war. Luna and Ole have not decided to support Utopia as of yet, but neither of them wish to support the Underworld, either."
[Tagged: Pippin w/ Cassian] [Words: 450] [Character: Xovad / Valfrid] [Notes: xxx] [Timeline: 5 years 11 months, late summer, sunny morning, after Hunroor's Coronation, after the first Versai meeting] "Speech"
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Post by Pippin on Dec 9, 2023 22:47:44 GMT -7
Cassian Cassian listened to Valfrid's words with a keen ear, appreciating the authenticity in their conversation. As the Versai Brother shared insights about his family, particularly the vibrant Dahlia, Cassian sensed an underlying emotion, perhaps a tinge of frustration or anger. He had a feeling it resolved around the young foals father and the ties to the Underworld that gave her. Opting not to delve deeper into the matter, Cassian nodded in silent acknowledgment.
"Oh, she certainly keeps us all busy! Dahlia still thinks everyone is a friend... even if they're not," Valfrid shared, and Cassian reciprocated with a knowing grin, acknowledging the intricacies of family dynamics remembering the first time he met the filly and how she wanted to be his friend right away as well."That's understandable. I'm actually happy you guys are sort of bound to neutrality. I may be aligned with Utopia, but what I really want is peace for all." Cassian nodded in agreement and smiled, happy that peace was indeed the main goal for the other. He respected that even so Val would stand with his beliefs. "Peace is a noble goal and one we are searching to obtain. Though it can be isolating as both sides want support. It does life a weight of worry off my soul to know you do seek that end as well" Valfrid then revealed that his sisters had opted for neutrality, underscoring the complexities within the Versai ranks. "My Sisters have also chosen neutrality for the moment. I am the only Versai aligned with Utopia in the war. Luna and Ole have not decided to support Utopia as of yet, but neither of them wish to support the Underworld, either." Cassian nodded again, comprehending the intricate balance within the Versai ranks. "It's a challenging position to be in. Balancing alliances and ideals is never easy and when that divvied is even within the ranks of your own order it must be ever harder." That statement cause a sharp stab of pain as he thought of Casi who had let his own ideals interfere with his duties as a Vigilum. Shaking his head the spotted stallion spoke once more. "But I admire your commitment to what you believe is right. If there is anything the Vigilum or even just myself can do to assist or offer guidance, don't hesitate to ask." He smiled again, turning his gaze to look out over the world slowly gain more light as the sun rose higher in the sky, gracing them with a little more warmth. He breathed in deep, enjoying this small moment of peace and quite with someone he conceded a friend. Tagged: fleabittengray Muse: GoodWords: 441Notes: <3 Image by Fleur-De-Liason
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Life Is But A Dream...
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Post by fleabittengray on Dec 25, 2023 7:42:03 GMT -7
Xovad hoped that, given enough time, the Versai and the Vigilum could become friendly with one another. He knew that, for a long time, there was a lot of dislike and distrust from the Vigilum toward the Versai, mainly due to the whole... Casimiro situation, from what he understood of it. His mother had tried to explain. Casimiro was no longer a Vigilum, as far as he knew, however, and there were brand new Versai in the Sisterhood now - so maybe this was a chance to all start getting along better. To turn over a new leaf and become stronger, together. Or as much as they could, given that the Vigilum couldn't take sides - they were truly neutral in everything, to the best of their abilities, and it was something that Xovad actually admired about the group.
He was also grateful that Cassian did not pry with questions about Dahlia thinking everyone was a friend. He wasn't sure just what would be appropriate to share. But on the other hand, it would also be nice to talk about and get an outside point of view... someone who was supposed to be unbiased... But before he could ask, the conversation was rolling along, talking about peace and the war. "Peace is a noble goal and one we are searching to obtain. Though it can be isolating as both sides want support. It does life a weight of worry off my soul to know you do seek that end as well" The youthful stag grinned sheepishly, his head tilting slightly. "Peace just sounds so much better than bloodshed and violence. I know I've been trained to fight all my life, and I like to think I'm pretty good at it, sure, but... if I'm being honest, I don't enjoy it. I much rather have conversations, try to come to a compromise that way, ya know? Not everything has to be solved with hooves and teeth." He shrugged awkwardly, wondering if that sounded stupid, considering he was a Versai, and had trained all his life to "combat evil and darkness."
"It's a challenging position to be in. Balancing alliances and ideals is never easy and when that divvied is even within the ranks of your own order it must be ever harder." Xovad hummed thoughtfully before he responded, "I have nothing but respect for my Sisters. Had I know been a Seer for Utopia, I probably wouldn't have even taken part in the war - or, at least, avoided it as best I could have. But Rasa has been such a help to me, and being a Seer, I felt I owed it to her and Cadence and Utopia. Cadence is basically like a father to me, too. It's... just what felt right, ya know?" He sighed, somewhat heavy, but a smile remained in place on his lips, unwavering. "But I admire your commitment to what you believe is right. If there is anything the Vigilum or even just myself can do to assist or offer guidance, don't hesitate to ask."
And with that, Xovad thought of the Dahlia situation again. He was quiet, biting at his lip a moment, and, hesitantly, he asked, "I do kinda want advice on something. About my sister. But I kinda don't really know like... how to ask it I guess?" He chuckled, awkward as always. "So if you're feeling up for a bit of a longer chat and dealing with my trying to figure out what the hell I'm talking about..." he trailed off, grinning, his ears twitching forward - hopeful but awkward, his signature look, really.
[Tagged: Pippin w/ Cassian] [Words: 599] [Character: Xovad / Valfrid] [Notes: He's funny lmao] [Timeline: 5 years 11 months, late summer, sunny morning, after Hunroor's Coronation, after the first Versai meeting] "Speech"
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Post by Pippin on Jan 6, 2024 22:49:43 GMT -7
Cassian "Peace just sounds so much better than bloodshed and violence. I know I've been trained to fight all my life, and I like to think I'm pretty good at it, sure, but... if I'm being honest, I don't enjoy it. I much rather have conversations, try to come to a compromise that way, ya know? Not everything has to be solved with hooves and teeth." As the young Versai spoke Cassian felt a surge of connection with the other. Flashes of his own upbringing played within his mind, things he had fought hard to to not think about since leaving that life behind. Battles and blood, one fight after another. Then betrayal from horses he had fought along side his whole life. One against many, too many to count. Left for dead, defeated for the first time in his life. With effort Cassian pushed the memories back down. Knowing Valfrid had most likely seen the pain and conflict in his hazel eyes."I grew up a warrior myself. I know that path all too well." He closed his eyes for a moment before refocusing his gaze on the other stallion. As A Vigilum he could not lie, he could however choose to leave that statement as it was and speak no further of the past. But he general liked Val and wanted true friendship with the Versai. For that nothing but complete openness would suffice. "It took nearly dying, by the hooves of ones I thought of as brothers to show me I wasn't where I belonged. That I was following the wrong path." Very few knew of his past. He put forth smiles and sunshine and general happiness, but he came from a place of darkness.
He was glad when Val responded about his fellow Versai, tipping the course of the conversation. "I have nothing but respect for my Sisters. Had I know been a Seer for Utopia, I probably wouldn't have even taken part in the war - or, at least, avoided it as best I could have. But Rasa has been such a help to me, and being a Seer, I felt I owed it to her and Cadence and Utopia. Cadence is basically like a father to me, too. It's... just what felt right, ya know?" The spotted stallion nodded his head. "I can understand that. Doing what feels right is noble, and often the hardest path to take."Cassian felt another shift in the direction of the conversation, one that seemed to have the other stallion twitching and awkward. "I do kinda want advice on something. About my sister. But I kinda don't really know like... how to ask it I guess? So if you're feeling up for a bit of a longer chat and dealing with my trying to figure out what the hell I'm talking about..." His interest peeked Cassian smiled and nodded his head. "I have time to listen and give advice if I can." He paused, "There is no need to feel odd about asking me anything, but take all the time you need to figure out how to say what's on your mind." Tagged: fleabittengrayMuse: GoodWords: 522Notes: I love him <3 Image by Fleur-De-Liason
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