[aliyaah]

Amaranthine Wars

This is a thread between Boudicca (☽ caely ☾ ) and Solstheim (Indi ). 

Prompt:

Solstheim, a member of the Ghosts, continues his search for discord caused by the war, having previously noted how irritatingly quiet it was in many territories, despite the conflict. While travelling through various Dark Mainlands, he encounters Queen Boudicca of the Neutrals. A bold ruler, she has little issue entering enemy territory. But how will she handle someone like Solstheim?

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 January 21st, 2023.

[☽ caely ☾]

Boudicca’s auds flicked back and forth, while her cerulean gazers looking out over the expanse before her. She stood upon a hill, not unlike several others that created dimension to the fields of tall grass that covered their exterior. Trees jutted from the land in clusters. A reminder of the once exotic jungle that stood here but was no more. Another reminder was the humid air that made the atmosphere feel thick with every breath. Even in the autumn air it felt heavier, without any cool crispness. While Boudicca had no knowledge of the way the lands looked in years past, she could appreciate the beauty that remained. Large nostrils flared as she took in a deep inhale. Scents flooded her nostrils. Some fresh, some old, but most importantly, the scent of a dominant stallion was prevalent. Boudicca’s dome turned to the right and then to the left. Truthfully, the boldly painted mare did not know she was even in a dark herd land, though she did know she had been traveling through where the dark territories were supposedly located. It was bound to happen, and she silently wondered how many territories she had passed through before ending up here. A slight smirk formed on her lips as she pushed air out of her nostrils which was followed by a nod of her dome as she found mild amusement in the thought of those in the dark kingdom being puzzled by who had infiltrated their borders without being detected. What panic might ensue from that? She could only imagine.

She lifted her styled tassels, the bun bobbed and moved from side to side as she readjusted the placement of her silvery strands behind her. She stood there for a couple moments more before she mentally reminded herself that she had better get a move on before she found herself in a position where she was severely disadvantaged. With that thought in mind, she rocked into motion as she traversed the hillside. She stepped over several logs and rotten wood that would have crumbled under her hooves. Her choice in that was to remain undetected for as long as she could. She moved in the small valleys between the rolling hills. While she might be discovered and be disadvantaged from the high ground, she would also avoid being seen. If a herd did reside here, she would most likely be identified as a intruder should she be spotted. Although, the role was to go undetected completely and not stick around long enough to be spotted. Her hooves quickened the pace into a brisk trot as she tried to lower herself to the ground. Her dome lowered, almost to the point that her knees could hit her jaw if she had to high step for any reason. She found herself slowing though, all the way to a halt.

Boudicca blinked as she looked at the stream before her. Her dome rose slightly, and her brows furrowed with annoyance. Of course, she would run into a water source. A place where equines usually gather. She stepped out from the path between the hills she had been traveling. Her dome looking left and right quickly as she checked for any other equines. At least from what the painted goddess could see, she was alone and her instincts told her the nearest border was across this stream. She inhaled and exhaled as her annoyance grew into irritation. Her white tipped, pierced auds flicked back as her features grew sharp while the muscles in her jowls twitched as she clenched her jaws. The corners of her mouth tilted down. She had no choice but to cross the stream. She approached the stream and studied it. The current did not seem too fast, and it’s depth was detectable from this side of the stream. Her gaze moved to the other side of the stream. She could see that there was a slight gradient of some kind, but depth of the middle was unknown. She looked up stream first, and then down stream. She could not see any spot where the creek thinned out or its depths were revealed to be shallow. Any other day or time, she would have taken her time, but not this day or during this time. She stepped forward into the water. The liquid was cold already, it’s slight warmth and relief she had found in the water during the summer was no more. Each step she took the water grew deeper until she was belly deep. As she sank and the water stole the breath from her lungs. It rose to mid shoulder as she made it mid way across. She could still feel the dark bottom and push off of it, but her speed was slowed considerably. She pressed her auds to her nape and grimaced as she pushed herself along. Soon she could feel her form lifting. Water ran from her sides as she lifted herself into knee deep water. Her nostrils flared as she attempted to recapture the air that the icy water had stolen from her lungs, and to recover from that sudden workout. She paused for a moment as she regained her breath.

Only for the eerie sound of the earth groaning to find its way to her auds. Before she could react the earth rumbled as a massive boulder ripped itself from a hillside and fell down into the stream. Instinctually, Boudicca launched forward much like a deer might in the face of danger. The boulder crashed into the stream, causing the earth and water below it to explode in several directions, sending rocks spewing across the water. Her annoyance replaced with adrenaline as she found herself on the other side of the stream in what felt like one stride. She turned her figure and looked up stream where the boulder had fallen. She panted as her widened jewel like orbs lifted with her dome to see where the boulder had come from. Dust wafted in its wake while loose rumble followed the boulders suit, and tumbled down at varying times. Boudicca found herself feeling lucky. That surely would have been a death sentence had she decided to wander up stream. Her gaze moved up stream, and while she had been feeling lucky, she suddenly felt unlucky. She could see the form of a rather large equine in the distance. Her auds flicked forward as she poised herself. She attempted to regain an air of regality and coolness, for there would be no way in Hell they had not seen her at this point. Whether she had been spotted prior to the boulder falling or the boulder gave her away, she was unsure.. But she was sure she likely found herself in a questionable situation. She watched as the equine in the distance began to come her way. She breathed in and out slowly, calming herself physically and mentally as best she could with the adrenaline still pumping in her veins. She needed to be ready whether this was to be a physical battle or a psychological mind game.



words;; 1183
timeline;; Act 2 of Amaranthine War. Following encountering Queen Thomasin.
character;; Boudicca
tag;; Indi w/ Solstheim
notes;; I hope this is okay! Let me know if I need to change anything!

talk

☽☾

[Indi]

Throughout the summer months following the declaration of war, Solstheim had admittedly expected things to get... exciting. Chaotic. Something beyond the norm. What he had not anticipated was for things to remain relatively quiet. Oh, he heard of skirmishes between equines both living and dead. Instances of brief chaos. Compared to what he had been anticipating, however, it had all been rather boring. True, there had been a few moments of interesting things happening. Encountering Charm in the Free Lands and scheming up some chaos with the leader who had granted the Ghosts a place in his land had been an appreciated moment. Especially given that they had been able to come up with some excellent ideas to make things more interesting as the war progressed.

Perhaps today would provide an occasion to make use of one of those ideas.

Not here, likely, given that it was a land of the Dark Alliance that, at least as far as he was aware, had given allegiance to the Underworld. This did beg the question as to why precisely the young Ghost found himself here in the first place. Solstheim himself had not chosen his destination. In truth, it was a rare thing for decisions to be of his own volition, under the command of Lord Ghost and his father and the Underworld as he was. Some might fuss at the lack of freedom in his life -- from two of his loyal older sisters, he had heard that their eldest sister, Kacia, certainly had greatly objected to the control their father had over their lives. Like Vanya and Nasuada, however, Solstheim found comfort in the way life was and had never complained that he lacked the meaningless "freedom" that Kacia had long desired.

Despite autumn making itself known in many of the lands of Wild Equines, there was a humid heaviness in the air here that suggested that, whatever one might consider it now, chances were a jungle not unlike that of Nomalanga or Rain Forest Beach once stood. Idly, Solstheim wondered what had happened that now mere clusters of exotic trees remained. Some natural event? Or something involving the Afterlife? It would not be the first time that the denizens of the Afterlife flexed their supernatural muscles, so to speak, by altering the land. He had heard of one such place that, when taken over by the relative of an individual loyal to the Underworld, had been changed to the point of being unrecognizable by the realm's prior inhabitants.

Most scents that the humid breeze carried towards the ink and ivory hellion told him that they were likely residents of Trembling Shadows. One errant breeze, however, carried a scent that gave Solstheim the distinct feeling of not belonging. Whoever they might be, they belonged no more than he did. Perhaps less, if they were not even of the Dark Alliance. What someone of other alliance might be doing in these lands, especially during these days of war, he could not imagine. His curiosity was undoubtedly piqued, however. Also... was this the reason he had been guided to this place? Nothing showed on his features, beyond the flicker of intrigue in cold blue eyes, though before he could do more than contemplate this presence and what further course of action he should take, a rumbling of the earth captured immediate attention. Lifting his head, Solstheim watched as a massive boulder pulled free of a hillside not more than a few yards away, crashing towards the stream he had been meandering beside. Rocks and water spouted in all directions, but it was the painted mare who threw herself across the stream to avoid the falling boulder.

And in gazing towards the hillside birthplace of the fallen boulder, it was inevitable that she should spot the powerfully-built yearling. Coincidence that such had taken place? Solstheim was not inclined to believe it was anything so simple as coincidence. Not when the entirety of his life had been spent in service to his father and the Underworld. What it might mean now, he could only guess. However, seeing as he had been spotted, Solstheim did not hesitate to close the distance now at a sedate pace, curious to see what the mare might do with the time between spotting him and the moment they would be within conversational range.

Character;; Solstheim
Tagged;; ☽ caely ☾ w/Boudicca
Notes;; <3
Timeline;; 1 yr; his first encounter in Act 2 of Amaranthine War

[☽ caely ☾]

Boudicca continued to breath to steady herself. The beast before her covered ground at an alarming pace, considering he was not necessarily running at her. Between carefully counted breaths, her mind wrestled with itself as just what to do. Should she run or should she stay? If she ran, she would surely be hunted down. Could she outrun a beast whose one step was easily two of her own? She thought. Logically, if she could keep a steady pace, she could outrun him if not in lengthy full out gallop, but by sheer stamina. She was smaller, lighter, and quicker. Which also meant she would be quicker on her feet should she need to fight. Her lips pressed together as she considered her options. Run, yes, but where would she go? She was nowhere near the neutral kingdom that she knew of, and she could very well run into a place that could potentially take her prisoner. If she stayed though, she may have to fight. Something she had been holding out on for as long as she could. Her figure trembled with adrenaline as it seeped into her blood stream, giving her clarity, and, perhaps, a wee bit of too much confidence. It was not in her nature to tuck tail and run, and could she live with herself if she was known as the warrior queen who ran away from someone? She blew air out of her nostrils at herself. There was no way she would ever allow her image to be tarnished by cowardice.

So the decision was made. She took a step forward toward this quickly approaching equine. The rocky earth below her feet was littered with embedded rocks and loose ones alike. As well as larger rocks that could absolutely chip a hoof or possibly shatter a limb if knocked against. This was the most unfortunate place to meet a stranger, which very well may be a dangerous stranger at that, and not even have decent solid ground beneath one’s feet. She kept a steady eye on the approaching beast, while she could not help but think of the desert wasteland. She was not sure in this moment what was worse: loose deep sand that seemed to swallow you and move you without your choice in the matter or rocky earth that was littered like a mine field with obstacles that would surely make the choreography of a fight all the more difficult. She could not decide. However, it was not long now, and the figure was beginning to show details. His larger frame was not black, like she had thought when she spotted him farther off, but a deep chocolate. What sun shone down from the heavens onto this fellow’s coat was the only reason she could note that. Additionally, his rigid paint markings, similar to her own, covered the sides of his frame. As she drew closer, she further composed herself. She drew her neck back upon her shoulders, her chest grew wider and fuller, as she extended her head in the newcomer’s direction. Boudicca looked in the direction of where the hillside birthed this massive boulder that nearly crushed both of them, or perhaps just herself, she did not know for certain. She would play it cool, and perhaps as innocently as she could. She did not know who this equine was or what he was about. Not until they conversed a bit would she know. She had to get the beast talking, however as he drew ever nearer, he did not look like one of the conversationalist sorts. ”Greetings.” She said curtly, and without unnecessary political genteelness. Her voice was deep and raspy. Not a voice that once might expect to come from a woman with beauty such as her own, until you looked closer at the scars that littered her skin. Her eyes were relaxed and her lips were neutral. Her expression unreadable as she wondered just how close the beast would get.



words;; 664
timeline;; Act 2 of Amaranthine War. Following encountering Queen Thomasin.
character;; Boudicca
tag;; Indi w/ Solstheim
notes;; I hope this is okay! Let me know if I need to change anything!

talk

☽☾

[☽ caely ☾]

Indi gentle bump <3 just as a reminder we have fifteen days to complete this!

[Indi]

Steadily, unhurryingly, Solstheim approached the painted mare. She was, he noted with inward amusement that never showed upon his sculpted features, at least a good hand shorter than he was. Despite the fact that he was relatively certain that she was probably at least a couple years older than himself. Of course, with full maturity age difference mattered less, but especially when he had only a year of life to his name, it amused him when others who were adults were smaller than he was. Of course, it was what came after that was most interesting, when they realized that he was only a year old. After that, a good many equines underestimated him. Assumed him to be a mere child and therefore no threat. Yet, in truth, he was already a honed, deadly weapon. Age and experience would only increase his strength and ability.

Whatever contemplating the two-toned mare had been mulling over, she seemed to have made up her mind in some way. At least in that she was no longer standing still, but had taken a step closer. Between them, the distance closed more rapidly before and Solstheim could see more details in her appearance. Just as she no doubt was able to see more detail in his. Had she spotted the brands scarred into his shoulders? Would she have any idea of what they meant? Not many he had thus far encountered seemed to be aware, but Solstheim was looking forward to this war being the perfect opportunity for the Ghosts to truly make their mark on the world for the Underworld.

Solstheim would not soon forget that most incredible moment, when Lord Ghost had slowly, carefully etched the marks into his shoulders that declared without words his unswerving dedication to the Underworld. In just a short time, his second birthday would arrive and then not only would he become officially a full-fledged Ghost, but he would give his soul over to the keeping of the Underworld.

"Greetings," the mare uttered once within conversational range, curt and to the point. Solstheim would admittedly not have expected the deep, raspy nature of her voice coming from one as attired as she happened to be. Then again, be was very well aware that looks could be deceiving. Her expression was unreadable and would have done credit to any member of the Ghosts. Solstheim's own expression was neutral, revealing nothing of what he was thinking. He had halted when she spoke, curious to see what she would make of the action.

His answer was equally as curt when he replied, 'Greetings.'

Character;; Solstheim
Tagged;; ☽ caely ☾ w/Boudicca
Noes;; <3
Timeline;; 1 yr; his first encounter in Act 2 of Amaranthine War.

[☽ caely ☾]

Each step the lumbering beast took seemed like slow motion. Like he was out on a leisurely stroll through the countryside on a lovely morning. It took everything in the mare not to scowl and narrow her eyes with indignance at the perceived lack of urgency. This was war, was it not? The painted Queen sized the increasingly large figure before her. Much to her relief he was shorter than expected. Her mind flashed back to the first equine she had stumbled upon. A great, stout dapple gray mare that was as tall as a tree. She did not have to crane her neck up nearly as much as much to find the indifferent orbs that stared back at her own. As she gazed upon him, she scrutinized his bone structure and form. As large as he was, he looked almost infantile… as if he were young… nothing more than a child. What were the rules in this war? The neutral queen retained a look of unbiased opinion as she stared with a neutral expression. Though inside her frame she felt a rage boiling within at the thought that anyone was allowing a child to play fight in a war that they could lose their life in. She had seen enough bloodshed, innocent lives lost, and above all, enough horses fall in the sands and breathe their last breath. That breath before they were even able to leave the safety of their clan and wander off into the world. Many had not yet seen their third birthday. Her eyes scanned his façade again, attempted to recollect the familiar features of those child-soldiers who had unjustly fallen.. but she could not. Her gray matter could not recall the memory of their faces, and for a moment she was horrified with herself.. how could she have taught them to fight, led them to battle, and when they died for her… she could not remember their face? Her nostrils quivered, the only tell tale sign that she had any thoughts bouncing against the walls of her skull.

As the beast before came to a halt when she uttered a two syllable greeting. Her expression dulled and would give the dead a run for their money. He, too, wore a mask of unreadability. Her nostrils quivered as she inhaled deeply, but quietly. Boudicca’s eyes scanned the creature once more when she had stepped closer in his directly. Upon his sloped shoulders she could see the scars in his shoulders. They did not resemble any kind of battle scar she had seen or wore upon her own skin. They were carefully drawn upon the skin to form some kind of symbol. The symbol did not ring any bells within her mind, but what symbols did? There was so much the queen still had to learn in these lands. Factions, demon spawn, angel spawn, and whatever else crawled out of dark holes and walked this earth. In a way, she almost did not care, except for the rumor that there was some kind of demon or angel spawn whose spit was enough to poison one’s body. Perhaps it were best if she kept her distance and watched where she was position relative to this young stallion before her. ”Greetings.” The beast replied. The tones were devoid of emotion and mimicked her own aphoristic tone. She tilted her chin down towards her chest as she eyed him carefully. ”Lovely day for a stroll, no?” She inquired innocently, though her deep rasping tones remain vacuous and to the point. She blinked quickly as to refresh her eyes but also not to take her eyes off the figure before her.




words;; 621
timeline;; Act 2 of Amaranthine War. Following encountering Queen Thomasin.
character;; Boudicca
tag;; Indi w/ Solstheim
notes;;

talk

☽☾