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Post by aliyaah on Feb 16, 2024 23:44:38 GMT -7
Couple's Retreat Respira and Zana's Rose 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!
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Post by ❅ Icy Dragon ✩ on Feb 21, 2024 18:10:50 GMT -7
Date nights were absolutely something of Zana's youth, to the point she was not entirely sure if she was even up to date (hah) with however the kids did it now. She'd spent a lot more time in life-threatening situations than working on her romantic life... even if the two did happen to overlap. The last year had been spent raising foals, so not the most conductive to relaxing. Even so, she felt like she'd had a long vacation, considering she hadn't had to deal with politics lately. An entire new war had broken out while she'd been with her family and yet, she wasn't really that bothered. There'd be wars for as long as there'd be those who had opinions. Though from a quick look around, Zana wasn't too sure anyone there cared much either. The couples spread out, minding to themselves, but they all looked relatively healthy. There were no war-torn families or gruesome injuries. Zana pondered over the idea that perhaps there were many others like her, who had kept to themselves as of late. She cast a curious look to her partner, wondering just what Respira thought of this and if she'd recognized anyone there, then returned her gaze to the others. It was more out of curiosity than worry, though, as just being around strangers wasn't enough to make Zana anxious anymore. She was interested in if anyone would recognize Respira, but she doubted it'd lead to any altercation at this point. They'd attended several events without incident and it was lending confidence. What a twist of events.
Seeking some privacy in the midst of an event, the petite mare began to walk towards one of the crystalline pools. "How's this?" Zana inquired as she came to stand at the edge of a decent sized pool. The water rippled gently, scattering prisms of color across the crystals underneath. A dazzling pattern reflected back up against her ebony hide, highlighting her forelegs, throat and jaw. This had been one of her very first stops when she'd come to these lands and the crystals did not disappoint. "Romantic as fuck, right?" she joked and gave a playful flick of her tail towards Respira. Zana turned back to the water, pausing as she let out a breath and leap smoothly into the pool. The cool water closed over her head for a moment, giving her a pleasant shock before she pushed off the bottom and surfaced. The mare gasped sharply then snorted, clearing her nares of water. She was short, so if she stood on her hind legs she could stand while her forelegs uselessly pawed. Once balanced, she turned towards Respira, a smirk tugging at her maw.
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Post by + ebonite + on Feb 22, 2024 21:31:00 GMT -7
She couldn't deny that even if no trouble found her at this event, she was tempted to cause it anyway. She'd been out of the game for too long and she missed it. She missed the tension and the arguments and the banter. It had been so fun back then. And now that she was healed and her children with Zana were nearing adulthood, it was high time she got out and about again, wasn't it? She was far from done with these lands and she didn't need a title to have some fun. True, she couldn't light anything on fire anymore, but there were plenty of other ways. She'd done without fire for years as a Helkaer, before they'd been granted the ability. The only question was what exactly she was going to do. Without a group to guide her loyalty, her targets were so free range that it wasn't as easy to pinpoint them. It was likely her interests still aligned with the Helkaer's, though. Chaos and anarchy. Ultimate freedom. The strong preying on the weak. That was what she was beginning to crave again. She wasn't sure if Zana would be on board to follow her down such a path, but she had to know it was coming soon. Respira was growing restless. Once the quads reached adulthood, she would need something else to occupy her idle mind.
Respira followed Zana as they walked around the pools, searching for one that was unoccupied and also far enough away for some semblance of privacy. Respira did not particularly care who watched what she did, but it was nice to lessen the opportunity for interruptions. 'How's this?' Zana inquired, stopping in front of one of the pools. It was a decent size, big enough for both of them. The light it reflected reminded Respira why this place was called Crystal Pools. Though Respira was quickly distracted from the pool itself to the way the light danced on Zana's skin. She did not bother to hide that she was staring - why would she? - and a smirk slowly worked its way across her lips. 'Romantic as fuck, right?' Zana said, flicking her tail playfully before diving into the water. Respira waited until the black mare resurfaced, clearing water from her nose. Then Respira jumped in herself, knowing full well she would splash Zana heartily in the process. The icy water gave her a start for several seconds as she eased to the surface. She could barely touch the bottom if she stood on all fours, which was hardly comfortable, so she also opted for her hind legs, churning water with her front ones. Now that she'd gotten used to the temperature, the water felt nice. In fact, it reminded her of her days of healing. Being able to bathe again had been wonderful. It seemed such a simple thing, but after being in recovery for so long and unable to swim without pain, it had felt like a luxury.
"Reminds me of a time where you saved my life," she said idly. It seemed that their relationship was built on saving each other's lives. From demons and lava and fire and battles... though Respira was sure Zana was ahead on that count. She was not sure if she'd ever be able to even the score. Or perhaps if she ever even wanted to. It would mean Zana being put in mortal danger and that was not something she wanted to contemplate. They'd spent enough years apart, separated by politics. She didn't want that to change. However, she also couldn't deny that she itched to dive in again, involve herself in the world. She'd been good at it, made a name for herself, met dozens upon dozens of equines from all walks of life, all rankings, mortal and immortal. She wondered if Zana felt the same need or if Respira was alone in that regard. "Do you ever feel the urge to get back into it all?" she asked, gesturing vaguely to the world around them. She continued to churn her hooves in place, the water rippling above her, shattering the image of the moon high in the sky. "Personally, I have to say I'm getting restless," she said. She didn't think this would come as a surprise to Zana, but she did want to voice it outloud and see what her mate thought. Would she want Respira to dive into it again or would she caution her, be afraid, not want her to?
notes bonuses: - moonlit swim - talking about future
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Post by ❅ Icy Dragon ✩ on Feb 27, 2024 18:11:42 GMT -7
Despite her arid heritage and life spent mostly in mountains thus far, Zana was at home in the water. As her darling mate jumped in and sent a new wave over her head, Zana laughed and squealed in delight, tossing her head to clear her nose and eyes yet again. She still longed for the ocean and it's volatile ways, but this was pretty good too. Streams of water continued to drip down from her hair and over her lashes and cheeks, but she stilled this time, focusing on Respira. "Reminds me of a time where you saved my life," the palomino remarked, seeming to swim in her memories. Zana chuckled, quick with her response, "Which one?" It was more of a tease than anything, considering the duo seemed to always be in some kind of danger. Respira had definitely taken the blunt of the injuries over the years - something that came with the territory of terrorizing the world and all. Since leaving the political world behind, the two of them had been in relative safety.. if healing from life-threatening injuries counted as safe, but it was nothing like before. Zana could wake up in the morning and know where most of her children were and know that Respira was alive and well. That was something new- something she was very much enjoying. The path there had just been a little convoluted.
"Do you ever feel the urge to get back into it all?"
The question was a bit like a summer storm. It was obviously coming, just rolling over the mountains in the distance and shaking the earth with its force... but, it'd been far off. There was a chance it could just be swept off to the side with one strong wind and never even arrive. But, once it was there, it was unavoidable. There were options of course, whether to shelter in a cave or thick forest, to play and slosh around in the downpour, or maybe to just ignore it and continue on with whatever task was at hand. Zana hadn't yet decided how she wanted to go about the storm. Her life had been safe, but dry. Even if she prolonged it now, there would always be another, then another after that - it's just how life was. "The Vigilum?" she paused, then shook her head, "I only miss the powers." That, of course, was not the entire extent of the matter. It was the easiest point to start from - the one that Zana knew with the most certainty. "Personally, I have to say I'm getting restless," Respira aired her thoughts, not to Zana's surprise. She could see the lengthening of days, the future of summer and the storms it'd bring. "Should we try for quintuplets next time, then?" she humored, a playful smile lingering on her lips for a few seconds before fading. "I was wondering how long you would be content with what we've been doing," she began, tone a little more serious, but still light, "It's like a double-edged sword, I guess. On one hand, it's amazing to not have to deal with so many idiots, but on the other hand..." The slightest smirk pulled at her maw again, "It is a little boring, right?" She heaved one front hoof up, just to splash it back down with force. "Hell, it's been ages since I last had someone dying on my doorstep! I can't even keep up with if Akroma is still slinking around with Underoath or if she stopped that after Zephyr or whoever the fuck was king after Xerxes," she ranted on with some humor, recalling some of the endless secrets she'd had to keep while Vigilum, "well, that probably stopped with her dying, but my point stands." With an indignant snort, she quieted then, seeming to mull over something. Her eyes darkened, quite literally as they shifted to a nearly-black gold. "I'm angry that my niece disappeared and I know nothing," she paused, returning her gaze to Respira, "I'm enjoying the peace, but I don't think I can stay out of things forever."
Zana's RoseArt by shevy-art
+ ebonite +| Timeline Notes + 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
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Post by + ebonite + on Mar 1, 2024 20:20:29 GMT -7
'Which one?' Zana responded immediately and Respira chuckled, shifting her leg just slightly to send a wave of water toward her mate. Not enough to splash her, but enough to be noticed. However, even with the humor in the air, as soon as Respira voiced her question to Zana, she could feel the slightest bit of tension. Respira's antics with the Helkaer had caused Zana a lot of stress, worry, and straining of her Vigilum abilities. It was no coincidence that they hadn't been able to fully be together until after they'd both left their respective factions. Respira almost wished that this kind of peaceful life could be enough for her, but she'd be lying to herself and she refused. She craved the chaos. She thrived in conflict. She missed stealing and fighting. She missed the banter and making deals. She missed the power and influence. Would Zana be disappointed that Respira still desired these things, even now that she had her and their children? Perhaps it was why she had waited so long to voice her desires. She had wanted to go back in as soon as she'd fully healed, even after the children were born. But the children were a handful enough on her own that she could push her question aside. But it wouldn't hold forever.
Respira couldn't read Zana's expression before she spoke. She only had to wait to hear her mate's response. 'The Vigilum?' she asked and then shook her head, 'I only miss the powers.' Respira felt relieved to hear that. She could not imagine Zana going back to being a Vigilum. Equally, she herself could not imagine going back to the Brotherhood either. Her time as a part of their order was done. That did not mean she wouldn't help them in other ways, though. Her values would always align with them, far more than any other part of Wild Equines. She did not fit in anywhere else. 'Should we try for quintuplets next time, then?' Despite the obvious joke, Respira's eyes widened anyway and she gave one, firm shake of her head. No, she was absolutely done with children now. Fourteen was quite enough. 'I was wondering how long you would be content with what we've been doing,' Zana said and Respira felt more relieved at that. Perhaps she shouldn't have been so worried. Zana knew her better than anyone else, after all. 'It's like a double-edged sword, I guess. On one hand, it's amazing to not have to deal with so many idiots, but on the other hand...' Respira chuckled. Oh, that she could definitely agree on. Politics was one of the major reasons that she had wanted to leave the Brotherhood. Among other things, but the way politics so often tied her hands from doing the things she wanted to do... it was infuriating. 'It is a little boring, right?' She nodded. "So boring..." she voiced agreement. Even with the quads keeping them busy, it didn't feel like she was doing enough. She was healed now, so she should be launching herself back into the world, shouldn't she?
'Hell, it's been ages since I last had someone dying on my doorstep! I can't even keep up with if Akroma is still slinking around with Underoath or if she stopped that after Zephyr or whoever the fuck was king after Xerxes,' Zana exclaimed. Respira quirked a brow at the names mentioned, names she hadn't heard for so long. Her gaze darkened at the mention of Zephyr. The last time she'd thought about him, Sly had come limping to her lands after being violently assaulted. If he ever showed his face around Respira again, he would lose it. The news about Akroma and Underoath though... that was something she hadn't been aware of before. Just how many secrets was Zana keeping? That could definitely be benficial to getting back into the world... 'Well, that probably stopped with her dying, but my point stands.' She finished. Respira chuckled. She had had her dealings with the former Dark Queen and couldn't say she had a strong opinion on her one way or another. Just another name in a long list of people Respira had dealt with in her career. Zana's eyes changed color then, though, betraying the anger that she felt before she spoke. 'I'm angry that my niece disappeared and I know nothing,' she said. That was the entire reason they had gone to the coronation (well that and having a bit of fun, admittedly). Unfortunately they had learned nothing further from attending. 'I'm enjoying the peace, but I don't think I can stay out of things forever.' She finished. Respira was glad to hear that she felt the same, at least, to some extent. It would break her heart to have to tell Zana that she was going to get involved in things without her. If they could do this as a team... it would be a lot more fun.
"Akroma and Underoath huh?" she said, her tone teasing, "I haven't heard of that one before. Just how many secrets have you been hiding from me?" Her tone took on a more serious edge then. She would always take advantage of information if she could. It was how she'd gotten so good as a Helkaer. I am glad that you feel the same," she said, starting to move forward idly in the pool, wanting to get some motion in before the cold of the water got to her completely. "I'm not made to sit on the sidelines. Not when I'm capable of doing something," she said, twisting her lips thoughtfully. "However, now that I'm not with the Helkaer... I'm not sure exactly what I should be doing," she admitted. The urge to do something was there, but she didn't have a destination for it. There were no clear goals anymore. So, what did she do? Maybe Zana had ideas, if she also wanted to get out and do things. Maybe finding Orel could be one of them. "I need a direction now," she tilted her head in question, "got any ideas? Perhaps finding your niece?" The war was the most prevalent thing happening right now, but it was not something she could - or really wanted to - get involved in. That was between immortals. And she had never been fond of the Afterlife in the first place. But perhaps finding Orel was where they could start.
notes bonuses: - moonlit swim - talking about future
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Post by ❅ Icy Dragon ✩ on Mar 6, 2024 19:29:21 GMT -7
The years spent belonging to the Vigilum felt like another life, the longer Zana stayed away. The time before she even came to these lands was almost gone from her mind all together. It was funny how life kept moving, no matter how much she might've wished to pause certain moments. If she could, she would've held onto the quiet of rearing her children with Respira for a little longer, but she'd known those days were numbered to start with. Recalling the obscure details of her life as a Vigilum felt like scratching at an itch that she'd forgotten about. More started to come back as she delved deeper into that line of thought. "Akroma and Underoath huh? I haven't heard of that one before. Just how many secrets have you been hiding from me?" Respira inquired, causing an inkling of a smile to briefly cross Zana's features. There was probably a lot that would've been interesting for the Helkaer Commander to know back then. Nevertheless, it had been Zana's job to keep it the group. "Probably as many war plans as you hid from me," she replied, her tone calm, but not serious. It'd been a given that their lines of work wouldn't allow things like that - it was free game now, though. "I am glad that you feel the same," Zana's ears flicked forward at the remark and she watched as Respira began to move through the pool. She snorted softly in agreement. The two came from vastly different walks of life, so it was expected they wouldn't see eye-to-eye on everything. This was something big, though - something that probably wouldn't be recovered from if they did disagree. Zana wasn't one to spread senseless violence, but she understood the draw to power and something interesting to do. It'd made her a morally gray Vigilum, but that was how she preferred it. "I'm not made to sit on the sidelines. Not when I'm capable of doing something. However, now that I'm not with the Helkaer... I'm not sure exactly what I should be doing," Respira admitted, and maybe it wasn't meant to be humorous, but Zana chuckled quietly. "No more fucking fire," she said flatly, getting that out of the way before the thought could even come up later down the line. Now that neither of them held ties to otherworldly powers, they'd have to think more like the common equine. "I need a direction now, got any ideas? Perhaps finding your niece?" the suggestion was a very valid one, something that Zana had already been considering on her own.
"I have a feeling she's still alive. She was tied into the Underworld - they'd have her if she was killed," she commented, flicking an ear to the side. The chill of the water was finally getting to her and she lurched forward, now paddling lazily, but well enough to stay afloat. "Unless Utopia took her, but I don't think they'd risk that. It's far enough in the war for both sides to be sloppy, it'd get out and they'd make enemies of the Neutrals... not a good look," Zana suggested, though quickly shook her head. She'd been out of the game long enough she wasn't fully versed in where everyone's allegiances lay. The Lights with Utopia and the Darks with the Underworld, that was probably obvious. The Helkaer had an on/off relationship with the Underworld, but she couldn't see them ever allying with Utopia and with Sly at the head... it had to be Underworld. In theory, the Vigilum was trying to work all sides, but she hadn't actually checked in with them in a while. That left the Versai, who were already in a tough situation, but if she had to guess, she'd guess that they'd try to clear their name and side with Utopia. It was pretty much the same way every war fell. Predictable. She wondered then if the outcome was already decided. "How many wars have you seen in your life?" she asked, pausing her swimming to touch down her hind hooves again so she could turn fully towards Respira. "Who were the victors?"
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Post by + ebonite + on Mar 11, 2024 16:17:53 GMT -7
Respira found herself reminiscing now, thinking back to how she'd first joined the Helkaer. It was many lifetimes ago. She felt like she was a different person now than she had been back then - or perhaps just a person still coming into her own. She'd lived with Castle, who had been a Helkaer at the time, and when the announcement had gone up about a new member, she'd auditioned for it. She hadn't expected to get in nor had she expected to devote so much of her life to the Brotherhood. She did not regret any of it. Her life had turned out like it was supposed to. However, she didn't need something new to drive her now. 'Probably as many war plans as you hid from me,' Zana replied and Respira shrugged and nodded in agreement. There were many plans that she had hidden from Zana as a member of the Vigilum, plans that the Vigilum would have wanted to know about. The war on the Neutral Kingdom, the multiple raids on Lachlan Breck, even the many steals that she had made. That was one of the reasons they couldn't be together while a part of their respective factions. Even with how much Respira loved Zana, she would never have compromised the Helkaer for her. She would never have told her the Helkaer's plans. If she had ever been put in that kind of a position, Respira knew she would have chosen the Helkaer over Zana. And it would have broken her. 'No more fucking fire,' Zana said flatly and Respira chuckled, sending more waves Zana's way. No, she doubted that she would ever have such powers again. There were no other groups she was interested in joining in that had such things. Perhaps when she finally kicked it, but she was not particularly interested in joining the Underworld and joining Utopia was laughable after what she had done. Perhaps she would just choose nonexistence. But that was a decision she could make later. She could debate on it all she wanted right now, but her feelings on it would change. She'd just have to wait until the moment finally came. The topic changed to Orel, then. Respira knew very little about Zana's niece, only that she was a former Neutral Queen that had gone missing That seemed to happen often for Neutral Queens. She only cared about Orel to the extent that she was important to Zana, however. She'd never met the girl and her being a Royal was already points against her. But she was Zana's family and finding her was something to do. 'I have a feeling she's still alive. She was tied into the Underworld - they'd have her if she was killed,' Zana said. Respira quirked a brow. A Neutral Queen with ties to the Underworld? Perhaps Orel was more interesting than she'd initially thought. 'Unless Utopia took her, but I don't think they'd risk that. It's far enough in the war for both sides to be sloppy, it'd get out and they'd make enemies of the Neutrals... not a good look,' Zana continued. No, that would be a foolish move on Utopia's part, but at least the girl was likely to be safe if she had fallen into Utopia's hands. The good guys were far less likely to harm her. It was curious what Utopia's take on someone like Orel would be. Did she fall under Utopia's protection because she was a Neutral Queen or was she forfeited because she had ties to the Underworld? Which came first? Respira knew what she would choose. The latter. "How was she tied to the Underworld?" Respira asked. Had she made some sort of deal with them as a Neutral Royal? Did she have other familial ties? A child, perhaps? Fascinating. "I'd be curious to see how Utopia sees her - as an ally because of being a part of the Neutral Kingdom or an enemy because of her ties to the Underworld," she mused outloud, "but she is less likely to be harmed if Utopia does have her." In theory, anyway, Respira supposed. Utopia was supposed to be the good guys but it remained to be seen how they actually behaved in practice. 'How many wars have you seen in your life?' Zana asked, changing the topic a bit, and turning toward her mate. 'Who were the victors?' she added on. Respira had to pause to think about that, her lips pursing. Most of the wars she had witnessed were with the Helkaer against the Dark Royals. And some were not at a large enough scale to properly be declared "war." "Most of the conflicts the Helkaer had were with the Dark Royals," she said, swimming lazily. Memories flashed in her mind's eye. "The first war we fought against them was entirely one-sided. We raided Lachlan Breck and killed or injured many of their herd members," she said. She had killed Emmaline, Incognito's precious daughter. She felt no remorse for it. Emmaline had gotten in her way and had paid the price. "The next one was against Carnevale Letale - a war that I'm sure you remember," she said, smirking. That war was the reason they had met in the first place. Respira had stolen Zana from Carnevale Letale during the war to keep as a prisoner. Things had not exactly turned out that way. "That one was resolved with a deal between Incognito and Diavolo, so I don't consider that a win. More of a draw, especially since the Helkaer were forced to ally with the Dark Royals in the first place," she said. She was still unsure exactly why Romeo made such a deal with Incognito when they could have helped Carnevale Letale instead. "After that it was against Akroma and Grizmar. After Akroma disappeared and we killed Grizmar, we marched on Lachlan Breck. However, the followers of the crown overwhelmed us and we were forced to retreat. A loss," she said. She had lost Duncan in that conflict, a stallion who baffled her to this day. She had thought he was one of the most honorable members of the Brotherhood she had ever met and yet he had kept and assaulted a slave mare, something she had found out after his death. It had tarnished his memory entirely. "Then came the war with the Neutral Kingdom," she said, her eyes blazing silver. The war had been devastating for the Neutrals and was one of the times she had felt most alive. She had been on top of the world. "Four wars, two wins, one loss, and one draw," she summarized. Now finished with her memories, she tilted her head curiously at Zana, "why do you ask?"tag ❅ Icy Dragon ✩notesbonuses: - moonlit swim - talking about future
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Post by ❅ Icy Dragon ✩ on Mar 16, 2024 15:30:30 GMT -7
Different allegiances in the family was hardly a surprise to Zana, especially given her own contorted history. She held no love for the Underworld, but she'd humored her niece just as she would with any of her own children. Maybe it had been the mystery of the afterlife as a whole that'd drawn young Orel in - or something more personal. Zana had never told her brother's children about what'd happened before they'd been born, but she was certain no such thing had happened to them since. Maybe it would have been wiser to inform them... maybe it would have led Orel to a different path than the one that stole her away.
But there was no going back.
She'd focus on locating her niece and then they could move on from there. Zana just hoped that Orel wasn't facing something similar wherever she was. "How was she tied to the Underworld?" Respira inquired, "I'd be curious to see how Utopia sees her - as an ally because of being a part of the Neutral Kingdom or an enemy because of her ties to the Underworld, but she is less likely to be harmed if Utopia does have her." It was logical and along the same suspicions that Zana was already having. Honestly, what an absolute mess of the world. "She's an Underworld Seer - been obsessed with the dead since she was little," Zana explained, the memories of escorting Orel to the ethereal coronation for Teca flashed into her mind. She wondered if Abysm blamed her for encouraging the interest in the Underworld and for what'd happened to her. A heavy sigh left the mare. She could lament over it all day, but that'd change nothing.
Though Zana had arrived in the territory years ago (before any of the current royals were born, she imagined), she was woefully uninformed about events prior to her entrance. She was grateful as Respira began to describe the past conflicts, beginning with the raid of Lachlan Breck. That came as absolutely no surprise and the ex-Vigilum wondered lazily just how many times the Darks and Helkaer had fought. "The next one was against Carnevale Letale - a war that I'm sure you remember," Respira said with a smirk, earning a laugh from Zana. One of the first things that'd happened to her when she'd joined the herd was get stolen away by the Helkaer. She wondered if Diavolo had even noticed her missing. Respira continued on with mentions of Grizmar and the Neutrals, things that Zana had been around for. It'd been ages since Grizmar had died and it was starting to become hard to remember what he even looked like. Big, that was one thing that she hadn't forgotten. All the Darks seemed huge, for some reason. "Four wars, two wins, one loss, and one draw. Why do you ask?" the palomino finished, looking curious of what the hell that had to do with anything.
"Funny how it's all Darks," she noted with a chuckle, then paused as she considered what she'd learned. "It seems like the best side to be on is whichever the Helkaer is fighting for. I'd imagine with the Helkaer and Darks probably both for the Underworld, that's who we're going to see win this," she mused, though her lips turned downwards in a slight frown, "let's hope that Orel hasn't been taken by someone pro-Utopia, who might be a sore loser." It seemed unlikely that someone "good" would kill simply because of an alliance, but that line was getting ever more blurry. Honestly, Zana wasn't sure where to start. "If she's been taken by someone allied with the Underworld, they can't have known she's a Seer. I'd imagine not the other royals and I doubt any herd owners would act that drastically without the knowledge of their King or Queen. Maybe the Versai or someone in the freelands," she paused, brows furrowing, "you haven't heard anything from the Helkaer, have you?"
Zana's Rose | + ebonite + Notes: BOOP
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Post by + ebonite + on Apr 5, 2024 19:56:25 GMT -7
Respira continued to tread water, attempting to keep her body temperature up. She was starting to get chilly. She wondered if that was a side effect of the burns. Did the extensive scar tissue make it more difficult for her body to hold in heat? An interesting question that she'd have to pose to Zana later. 'She's an Underworld Seer - been obsessed with the dead since she was little,' Zana explained and Respira chuckled, quirking a brow. An Underworld Seer? The former Neutral Queen? Had the Neutral Kingdom been aware? Respira couldn't imagine them being too fond of that. "Did the Neutral Kingdom know?" she asked with amusement, "we're definitely going to find her, because I need to talk to this girl." Respira had to find out how she worked. Fascinating. A Neutral Queen as an Underworld Seer. Such controversy! Respira couldn't help thinking that she would have been a prime target for stealing back in Respira's Helkaer days. Oh, how she'd missed doing that. So many ruffled feathers and angry faces whenever she took someone from their home. And the deals they had made for their freedom! Children and slaves and information. She passed her tongue over her lips. The desperation had been delicious. Zana listened as Respira explained the wars she'd been a part of. Was her mate trying to gauge how this current war would play out? Of Respira's thoughts on it all? Frankly, if it had been any other kind of war other than one between immortals, she likely would have dived into the middle of it. It was the perfect opportunity for something to do. Alas, she had no interest in getting into a war with immortals - not as a mortal herself. What could she possibly stand to gain? 'Funny how it's all Darks,' Zana observed, chuckling. Respira gave the equine version of a shrug. That seemed to be the way of the world, yes. The alliance most predispositioned to violence were most likely to start wars. They enjoyed it. Respira included. She was no less Dark now that she was no longer Helkaer. 'It seems like the best side to be on is whichever the Helkaer is fighting for. I'd imagine with the Helkaer and Darks probably both for the Underworld, that's who we're going to see win this,' Zana continued, frowning slightly. Respira agreed with her assessment, though her opinion was likely biased. 'Let's hope that Orel hasn't been taken by someone pro-Utopia, who might be a sore loser.' Hopefully not. Not before Respira had a chance to speak with her. 'If she's been taken by someone allied with the Underworld, they can't have known she's a Seer. I'd imagine not the other royals and I doubt any herd owners would act that drastically without the knowledge of their King or Queen. Maybe the Versai or someone in the freelands.' Respira found herself amused by the idea of Orel being taken by an Underworld supporter not knowing that she was a Seer. What kind of wrath would that incur on them from the Underworld leaders? Though Orel being taken by the Versai was a concerning thought, given their history with murder - most notably of the one who was currently Lord of the Underworld. That thought made Respira join Zana in frowning. 'You haven't heard anything from the Helkaer, have you?' Zana asked. Respira chuckled, shaking her head. No, she had not spoken with any of the Brotherhood since the horrific injuries that had forced her to step down. She tried to keep tabs on the current members from rumors in the Free lands, but that was about the extent of her knowledge. She knew that Sage and Undead Legion were no longer in the Brotherhood. Both horses that she had personally trained. It made her want to spit. Some things never changed. That old anger and frustration could still be revived, even years later, it seemed. "I haven't spoken to anyone in the Brotherhood since I left it," she said. She did intend to go back, eventually. See Sly and Nemesis again. Introduce herself to whoever the third member was. "I guarantee they have sided with the Underworld, though, and likely the Dark Kingdom has as well. I'd wager a guess that those three groups are all working together against Utopia," she said. It was speculation, sure, but she had dealt with these kinds of alliances many times before. The Underworld would be allied with the Dark Kingdom and the Helkaer, which would make the two of them uneasy allies after decades of war between them. It would be a tenuous alliance, but it would be enough to hold them against Utopia. They would likely get back to fighting each other afterward. Par the course. "If Orel has been captured by the Versai, that is cause for concern. In all my dealings with the Versai, they have proven to be no better than the Helkaer, despite whatever they claim," she said, her eyes flashing silver. Respira did not hold any grudge against the Versai now - in fact, she found them amusing - but that didn't mean she wouldn't fight them to get Orel back. She was still on friendly terms with Allocen, despite all these years. She might be able to ask for information. "I'm on friendly terms with Allocen, one of their members. I can ask her, as a starting point," she proposed. Whether Allocen would actually tell Respira the truth was one thing, but it was still an opportunity to start off with, If Zana wanted to look at the Versai first for finding Orel. tag ❅ Icy Dragon ✩notesbonuses: - moonlit swim - talking about future
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Living slow and loving fast.
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She/Her
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11,606 posts
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Post by aliyaah on Apr 22, 2024 20:29:37 GMT -7
Couple's Retreat 2024
rewards❅ Icy Dragon ✩ - Completed Thread
- 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
- Completed Thread
- 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
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