[aliyaah]

Couple's Retreat 
Aelin and Gavin

finish date: April 16th 2024

Your characters have arrived at Crystal Pools for the Couple's Retreat event. They can now either simply bask in the romantic environment, or participate in the activities offered. The choice is theirs, and the day theirs to enjoy. 

Please refer to the sign-up thread for further information regarding this event, found here.

If fulfilling any of the bonuses in your posts, please mention it in an OOC portion of your post to make it easier for staff to tally the points you have achieved.

Thank you, and have fun!

illɘgal & Sunfrost

[illɘgal]

Although the golden mare had been apprehensive about this event, the moment she saw the young stallion, a nervous excitement began to take over. Perhaps that was why she had asked such a silly question upon seeing him. It appeared that Gavin was unfazed by her awkward question, much to the sunset fem's delight. Maybe? Likely not since I was younger. It’s pretty, isn’t it? Her two-toned optics gazed around them, watching the tendrils of steam come off of the shallow pools of water near them. I've never seen anything like it. She noticed a few of the couples separating to go have their own quiet time together and her attention was drawn back to Gavin as his little squirrel friend began to chatter away to the stag. Amusement crossed her features as Atlas took a moment to speak to her as well, though she couldn't understand what he might have said to her. It didn't bother her, especially since Fleetfoot sometimes spoke to her as well and it appeared that nobody else was able to decipher what the wolf would be saying.

Atlas was just saying he has some sort of surprise for us, and that he’ll be right back. I wonder what he has in mind? Aelin chuckled softly and shook her head. I look forward to it, whatever it is. She met his violet gaze with a burst of shyness, clearing her throat awkwardly and gesturing to a pool nearby. I assume these pools are safe to soak in? Do you want to check this one out? She looked down at her hooves, reaching out with one to dig into the dirt. I know things have been... I'm not really sure. Strange? There are a few things I wanted to talk to you about. She felt like an awkward young filly again - uncertain and uncomfortable in her own skin. Was she going to be like this forever? She wanted things to be like they were before, even better than that, preferably. But Aelin wasn't sure how to get to that point and relax again. But she had hope that the painted stallion would be able to center her again.

Speech

TAG Sunfrost and Gavin <33
WORDS 360 something
TIMELINE After Aelin has been released
She'll lighten up, don't worry!

[Sunfrost]

Gavin felt slightly nervous as he noticed other couples were starting to separate. His confidence had been a front; the young stallion now felt as though he might be totally out of his element. He hoped Atlas was bringing some liquid confidence back with him, as Gavin knew he needed it. Regardless, he noticed the smile on Aelin’s face and the way she seemed to be relaxing a bit more now. Gavin had been worried at first that he had been too forward, asking her to come here with him. But the way that she seemed to be relaxing slightly…that made him feel as though perhaps he hadn’t made the wrong decision to ask her here, in this setting. She seemed pleased with the location of the event, which also made him happy. She also seemed excited about whatever Atlas was that he had planned for them. Gavin only hoped it wouldn’t be something too embarrassing. Atlas knew full well how much Gavin liked Aelin, and how determined he had been to get her back.

I assume these pools are safe to soak in? Do you want to check this one out? She dug into the ground with her hooves while he was trying to compose a reply, then mentioned that there was a lot she wanted to talk to him about. That was a return to the uncertainty she had initially displayed on arrival. Gavin wanted it to go away. He wanted Aelin to relax and enjoy herself. She’d been unable to when in the clutches of the Helkaer who had stolen her, and likely was still not comfortable even within Eacarrah, given the recency of her imprisonment. Gavin wanted her to enjoy, to relax with him, to talk to him if she’d like to. Of course, we can talk about whatever you would like to talk about he assured, violet eyes softening as he looked at her gently. Just as he was about to step towards the pool, though, Atlas returned…and he wasn’t alone. He was accompanied by no less than nine squirrels, five of which excitedly chittered over to Aelin. Atlas excitedly described what he had in store, which set Gavin to feeling both exasperated and nervous.

Umm he neighed, which probably wasn’t very reassuring. Atlas has brought some friends. They want to give us a massage. Atlas says it’s better to have it now, before we go in the water. Is that…okay with you? The squirrels around Aelin were definitely waiting for her word, and Atlas was already enthusiastically climbing onto Gavin’s back with a contingent of others. Their paws were already beginning to form a lovely sensation that was relaxing his muscles with every touch. I highly recommend this he half-groaned, eyes closing as the paws worked over a particularly tight knot in his back.


tagged// illɘgal
notes// This somehow took me two hours to write as my muse sucks today - I'm so sorry, this will get better!

bonuses// Write your couple receiving massages from non-equine creatures: 10,000 WE Points

[illɘgal]

Of course, we can talk about whatever you would like to talk about. The young stallion's voice was so reassuring, yet the bronze fem still felt nervous. Where would she even begin? She wasn't sure if Avinash had informed Gavin that she became a Seer, wasn't sure how to sift through her anxious feelings, and was even less sure how to talk about her time with the Helkaer. There were so many things to discuss, but where the hell did they even start? Aelin was borderline ready to drown herself in the warm water when Atlas returned with some friends. Her ears flicked forward in curiosity, dropping her muzzle to sniff at the small creatures. If Fleetfoot was any closer than she was, the wolf would be struggling not to launch herself at all the potential prey.

The squirrels continued speaking to her in a language she couldn't understand when Gavin provided some insight. A... massage? Her eyes shifted to the stallion and a wide smile crossed her lips as she fought back a laugh. The little creatures almost looked like they were dancing across his back when he groaned. I highly recommend this. She shook her head in amusement, trying to ignore the strange feeling in her stomach at the look of bliss on his face. Well, I wouldn't dare to say no to a massage. She half smiled at the small group that was waiting, laughing softly when they did indeed jump onto her back and began digging their tiny paws into her muscles. Her ears relaxed and she dropped her head as that same bliss she saw in Gavin washed over her. Thank you, Atlas. And your little friends, of course. Aelin looked to the squirrel upon the stallion's back, unsure if he could even understand what she said.

With a heavy, relaxed sigh, the mare looked toward Gavin, her anxiety and shyness reappearing, but much more subdued than before. I'm not sure if Avinash spoke to you recently... I chose to become a Seer to help the kingdom. To... help you. Her eyes closed as a squirrel managed to find a sore spot near her withers. I didn't want to be directly involved in the war, but I wanted to protect you as much as I could. Her words were rushed and she breathed deeply as they erupted from her mouth. I just want you to be safe while you're out there fighting. Her gaze shifted back to the stallion nervously. I was worried about you when I was with the Helkaer.

Speech

TAG Sunfrost and Gavin <33
WORDS
TIMELINE After Aelin has been released
<333

Write your couple receiving massages from non-equine creatures: 10,000 WE Points

[Sunfrost]

Gavin felt reassured by the wide smile that crossed Aelin’s face when he mentioned that the squirrels would like to give them a massage. He lost sight of it, though, as the squirrels began to give his back a massage, his eyes closing and the groan escaping his lips. The young silver tobiano buckskin barely heard Aelin’s reply that she wouldn’t dare say no to a massage, but he did manage some sort of extra half groan, half neigh of acknowledgment. Atlas as a natural at giving massages. Where had his friend even learned to do this? He’d have to ask once this was over, though he really did not want this to end. He opened his eyes when Aelin spoke again, noticing how she had relaxed beneath the paws of her own squirrel masseuses. She seemed blissful, carefree, and Gavin suddenly wanted nothing else than to make sure she could feel like this all the time. She’d carried too many weights in her mind since her time with the Helkaer. Gavin wanted her to be happy, always and forever. He would do whatever it would take to ensure that.

Aelin neighed a thanks to Atlas and his squirrel friends, which Gavin turned his head to relay in that way he had of communicating with Atlas that no one else could. Atlas chirruped enthusiastic acknowledgment of the thanks, passing along the message to the other squirrels, who enthusiastically added their own chorus of your welcome’s. Gavin laughed softly, almost dislodging some squirrels in the process. They thank you for thanking them he neighed, translating what they were passing along, a smile on his lips and violet eyes half-opened to look at Aelin as he relayed the message. His ears perked as Aelin sighed in relaxation, looking at him and speaking about something else, something more serious. He listened attentively as Aelin discussed how she had decided to become a Seer. He hadn’t known before that she was willing to make such a sacrifice, for the kingdom…for him. A warm, fuzzy feeling enveloped him. She had done this for him? He was speechless. He breathed deeply as she went on to say she didn’t want to be directly involved in the war, but she wanted to protect him and ensure he was safe when he was fighting. She even said that she had been worried about him while she was with the Helkaer!

Gavin nickered uncertainly, turning to Atlas and nudging at him to halt the massage. The other squirrels scampered off his back, but Atlas remained as he approached Aelin, extending his head towards her shoulder with the intention of lightly and affectionately touching it with his muzzle. He simply had to physically express his admiration for her actions somehow…words weren’t cutting it. You didn’t have to do all of that he neighed, trying to somehow express the expressionless roiling within his heart at the emotions Aelin’s words had brought out in him. I…do not have the words to thank you, or to fully acknowledge your sacrifice for me…for us…for the kingdom. I don’t know what to say. He felt totally inept, as though nothing he said would express what he felt strongly enough. Which angel did you contract with? he asked, wondering if it was their guardian angel Rhundurin, Lady Rasa herself, or Lord Cadence. If there was some other angel involved, he would love to know who it was, if Aelin was willing to share. He knew the gift had to have come from someone in Utopia.

I was worried about you, too he sighed into her shoulder, muzzle having not hovered far from it even in the affectionate touch he’d given. I’m…sorry beyond the extent I can express that you were taken. It’s unforgivable on my part. I will do better in the future. And he would. He refused to let Aelin be taken from him, from Eacarrah, ever again. A sudden protectiveness came over him. Come with me he invited, nudging her shoulder once more in a sudden burst of affection again as he turned, motioning towards the pool. We can take a swim in the water, if you'd like. And if you’re comfortable, you can tell me more. He hastily added the last part, not wanting to shut Aelin down if there was more she wanted to say, but not wanting to force her to speak of it either. The moon was rising now, its fullness illuminating the pool. Gavin stepped towards it, a soft smile on his face as he slid into its depths. The water was the perfect complement to the massage they’d just received, and he neighed with delight as his hooves found no bottom and he began to swim. He loved swimming. It made him feel like a colt again.




tagged// illɘgal
notes// CUTEST thread of the year <3
bonuses// Write your couple taking a midnight swim beneath a full moon: 10,000 WE Points

[illɘgal]

The bronze mare wasn’t sure why she had felt nervous to tell Gavin about her new position in the Neutral Kingdom. Would he somehow look at her differently? Would he feel more guilty for her imprisonment? She had no idea. But the vixen knew she had to tell him if he hadn’t already been informed. She watched the squirrels run off their backs and nervously waited for the young lead’s response. Her eyes were locked on his violet ones are he approached, nearly holding her breath as his soft muzzle nuzzled her shoulder. You didn’t have to do all of that. Aelin wished she knew how to respond to his words, but instead her gaze was simply fixated on him. How could she explain to Gavin that she would do anything to protect him and was even willing to give up her soul for any advantage she might be able to provide him in the war? What words could describe how important he was to her?

She listened to his mild rambling with a smile starting to tug at her lips again. Gavin was always so cute when he was flustered. I met with Lady Rasa. She explained the process to me, and now I am ready if she ever sends a vision for you or the King and Queen. She did feel great pride in what she had done, but the shyness still sat beneath her skin. Your thanks aren’t needed… I just want you to know that even in war, you aren’t alone. I’m here to help you, no matter what you need. As the conversation shifted back to her imprisonment, Aelin struggled not to shut down. This whole day was supposed to be about them growing closer and closing off her thoughts and feelings would get them nowhere. She listened to his apology with distress blooming in her chest and the mare slowly reached out to also nuzzle at his shoulder. Gavin, what happened wasn’t your fault. You did nothing wrong, and honestly I think the Helkaer would have come even if you did manage to stop them. I made it out - whole for the most part. It could have been much worse. I have been through worse.

We can take a swim in the water, if you'd like. And if you’re comfortable, you can tell me more. Aelin looked toward the pools, eyeing the tendrils of stream that wove through the air with curiosity. A swim in the warm water did sound wonderful, especially with the moon and the stars so bright on the sky. She barely had time to react before Gavin was a yearling again, causing another genuine smile to cross her features. The mare shook her head in amusement and slowly waded in beside him. It had been a long time since she had been swimming, but never had she been in a warm pool such as this.

Her multicolored eyes widened in delight and she turned the painted stallion in excitement. This is incredible! We definitely need to come here more often! Her white tipped legs kicked slowly as she moved through the pool, curiously trying to see the bottom but wasn’t surprised when she found it impossible to do so. What more can I do for you, Gavin? her words were soft as she slowly moved through the water. I want you to be safe - happy. I just don’t know what else I can do. I would.. do anything for you.

Sunfrost
I love these two, man ;-;

[Sunfrost]

Gavin knew he was rambling, and felt so very, very inept as he tried to express the depth of what Aelin’s actions meant to him. He hoped she wouldn’t take offense at how he couldn’t just get to the point, or at how he lacked the words to say much of anything. His ears perked as Aelin explained that she’d met with Lady Rasa herself, who had explained the process to her. Aelin had decided to participate in the war in her own way, in the way she thought she could best contribute. She had done it so that she could protect the Neutral Kingdom, protect Eacarrah, from whatever might come. Your thanks aren’t needed…I just want you to know that even in war, you aren’t alone. I’m here to help you, no matter what you need. And just like that, Gavin was straight back to not knowing what to say.

Thankfully, the silver tobiano buckskin managed to ramble his way through an apology for her imprisonment. He was feeling so awkward, at least until Aelin gave him a nudge too. Warmth spread from the spot where her muzzle had touched him, spreading through his limbs and warming him to the core. Aelin claimed he had done nothing wrong, that it wasn’t his fault, that the Helkaer would have come anyway. She ended by stating she’d made it out mainly whole, and it could have been much worse. All the same he neighed, distressed again at the prospect of what she must have suffered. I will do better in the future. This was his personal vow. The safety of all of his herd members was his concern, but now especially of Aelin. She had come to fill the gap left behind by his family, all of whom had gradually disappeared and left their responsibilities to him. He would ensure Aelin stayed, and he would never be alone again.

Gavin felt grateful as he began to swim in the water, joy in his violet eyes. He looked back, wanting to ensure Aelin made it into the water safe – he was thoroughly overprotective now, and recognized that, but all the same one never knew when one might slip on a stone or piece of moss in the water – and then looking forward again, his smile widening. Aelin had been smiling with pleasure, and now she expressed it, stating that the water was incredible. It is he happily agreed, adding a delighted nicker at the end. He almost missed her next words, softer and more hushed. She asked what else she could do for him, how much she wanted him to be safe and happy, how she would do anything for him. Gavin looked back, almost forgetting to keep his hooves moving. He turned in the water, relying on some feat of dexterity he didn’t know he had in the water. After everything you’ve already done, you want to do even more? For me? he neighed, a tone of wonder sliding into his words. What had he done to deserve such a mare?

Suddenly, fiercely, Gavin knew what he wanted. Stay with me he neighed, almost begged, distress lighting his violet eyes. So many I’ve loved have left me alone, without even a goodbye. I don’t think…if you left… He paused, suddenly realizing he’d basically said he loved the mare in front of him, without directly actually saying it. He wondered if it was possible to drown himself in the pool – was it too shallow? Embarrassment, hot like fire and nothing like the comforting burn of before, suffused his chest. He was suddenly too embarrassed to meet Aelin’s gaze directly. What must she think, him blurting this out like that?



tagged// illɘgal
notes// whoops, he said it!! Kind of <3 It felt like something he would naturally work up to. Poor little young horse. They are TOO cute.

[illɘgal]

While the bronze mare knew that her words wouldn't be enough to make the young stallion forget her time in Sinheim, she wished they could. She wished he didn't have that burden or guilt in the back of his mind because of someone else's actions towards her. All the same, I will do better in the future. Aelin knew he meant it, and it brought a small smile to her lips yet again. He always had a way of doing that and, especially when she felt like this, she appreciated his ability to do so. The comfort and stability that Gavin gave her was more than anyone else had, and she had no idea how to give him the same.

Once the pair was in the warm, soothing water, Aelin felt significantly more relaxed. She enjoyed seeing the painted stallion let loose as well. Even after she awkwardly asked him what more she could do for him, the state of almost contentment remained in place. As if they were merely discussing the weather instead of the serious conversation they had somehow fallen into. The painted beast turned around, the splash making the mare pause. After everything you’ve already done, you want to do even more? For me? She suddenly felt self-conscious, and her two-toned eyes looked out towards the shadowy figures in distant pools. Why else would I have fought so hard to come back? To stay whole? It was for you, Gavin.

Stay with me. His tone made her gaze jerk back to meet violet one with surprise, almost alarmed at the look in his eyes. So many I’ve loved have left me alone, without even a goodbye. I don’t think…if you left… For a moment, the sunset fem was stunned into silence. Did he mean to say that? Did that mean he loved her? Without giving herself time to think, the mare slowly kicked forward so she was close enough to Gavin that she could feel the extra heat coming from his skin. She moved even closer after a few heartbeats, hoping he would let her lean against him. You couldn't get rid of me if you tried. I don't... leave the ones I love. I'm here to stay. The tentative smile that crossed her features was shy and tinged with childlike embarrassment. But you aren't allowed to leave me either.

Speech

TAG Sunfrost and Gavin <33
WORDS 400 ish
TIMELINE After Aelin has been released
I'm sooooooooo sorry I missed the deadline (but at least we got our 3!) but I still want to continue because I'm low-key obsessed

[aliyaah]

Couple's Retreat 2024

rewards

illɘgal

• Completed Thread
• Write your couple receiving massages from non-equine creatures: 10,000 WE Points
• Write your couple taking a midnight swim beneath a full moon: 10,000 WE Points
  
• Write your couple discussing their possible future together: 10,000 WE Points
  

Sunfrost

• Completed Thread
  
• Write your couple receiving massages from non-equine creatures: 10,000 WE Points
  
• Write your couple taking a midnight swim beneath a full moon: 10,000 WE Points
  
• Write your couple discussing their possible future together: 10,000 WE Points