[A z z y]

The night hag stood within the confines of the grand hall, the largest of the rooms within the Keep. She stood upon a slightly raised platform, where thrones and banquet tables once sat, allowing her a view of those who she would soon call upon to join her. It would be the first time she would single handedly hold such a gathering, one where she would bare all to those not in the know - the loss of her twins, the disappearance of Selven and what this now meant for them, as a herd, as an alliance. If she was to learn that there were rats within her walls, snakes within her home, this would be their opportunity to leave unscathed, with her blessing that no harm would befall them. However, should they choose to remain, should they choose to continue to work against her and the safety of the Kingdom, death would be but a sweet release for those who wronged her, her family, her kingdom. Thomasin inhaled the musty air, her ribcage expanding slightly as her lobes darted atop her poll. The toll of being dark regent was beginning to become apparent - her once soft feminine features had hardened, the once hopeful glow of her golden eyes were now two burning coals set into her skull. Her physique was dashed with scars, both old and new, her once silken obsidian tresses were bound in knots and dreadlocks. The ferocity that radiated from one who had been so meek and mild not so many years ago was undeniable. She was not an idle queen, she did not expect her subjects to do the hard work without her at the helm. Yet should they choose to do nothing, despite her efforts to lead and protect them, it would not go unnoticed.

Damocles, the dedicated henchmen to Selven emerged in the door, his lavender gaze peering up at her as he dipped his crown minimally. Thomasin did not take offence, for that was the nature of the beast, he respected her and Selven, any others were below him. He had come simply because she had asked it of him, on this day, when the sun reached its highest point in the ether, he was to arrive. He said nothing to her, his attention devoted to her until she finally spoke. The night hag turned her attention from him to the pied corvid that was perched upon a stone shelf, her velvet proboscis gently brushing the crow's plumage. It is time, Damocles, she spoke, her regal tones dripping into the darkness of the shadows, a single lobe twisted back upon them. Rally the herd, have any who wish to remain in residence attend, Marduk purred slightly, his own beak nipping and tugging at the tresses of the witch queen until she turned to face the striped silver virile once again. And escort those that don't into the wilderness. There is no place for them here. Yes, your majesty, he snarled through clenched teeth, his willingness to take orders and his ability to execute them perfectly were mismatched, yet he obliged and turned to leave through the stone arch.

Silence fell once more as the sounds of his daggers echoing about the halls faded into nothingness. Thomasin inhaled deeply, her nares flexing as she turned away from her companion to stand at the centre of the raised platform, the sunlight from the stained glass windows behind her doused her in hues of bloodied red and flaming orange. She was a vision of stoic chaos, of hellfire personified. The herd would have not yet learned of the loss of Selven, it would be her job to inform them that once again, a king had fallen. It would be her job to tell his daughter her father had disappeared, with little more than bloody smears to indicate he had been there at all. Thomasin rose her jaw, her nape poised in a refined arch, a vision of royalty, a war queen, an adversary to any who threatened those that joined her this afternoon. Then, as if on cue, the sound of approaching daggers upon the flagstone floor drew ever closer, causing her gaze to lock upon the doorway expectantly - who would be the first to heed her summons?

TAGGED - Fallen fleabittengray aliyaah Indi The Quiet One Pippin ➳ T e c h n o ➳ Roman ♥ c i c i
WORDS - 712
MUSE - good
NOTES - Ooc// a herd meeting for the members of THK. For IC purposes, Damocles has relayed the summons to all, if they did not receive it from him, it would have been overheard. At this point, the loss of Selven is not common knowledge to any but she and Damocles. All who wish to attend, please ensure your reply is up by 4th July.

Speech

[Fallen]

The buttermilk and ivory coated vixen was curled up upon a bed of moss within the keep. It had been some time since she had last seen her father, last heard his comforting laugh and felt the warmth of his embrace. Gothika was not worried the first few days, hell, not until a week or so had passed did she even really begin to look about. Shenzi, his companion was still loitering about. Her dearest father was more concerned about the safety of his bride than himself and so had commanded the canid to stay at the keep. There was no telling what the black and white bastard had gotten himself into. But, this was Selven after all. The great Bone Collector, the Dark King! There was no need to worry. Gothika smiled gently against her lean limbs then as she drifted back off into a light sleep, her minds voice whispering sweetly. Father would not abandon us. Not Thomasin. He'll be back... he always comes back.

It was as the sun rose and the heavy click of hooves echoed about the stone halls, that Gothika snapped her gaze open. Shenzi had left her bed. It seemed the hyena had sensed the distress of the keep before Gothika was alerted to it by Damocles. The giant brooding man looked down upon her with poison eyes, no waft of softness to be seen. "Her majesty summons you." His tones were stern, his chiseled face hard before he turned to leave. Gothika huffed at the stallion but rose promptly. Shaking the light layer of dust from her pristine hide, she did not hesitate to travel the halls to find her queen.

Shenzi found the monarch first, her normal boisterous cackles were silent, her bone crushing jaws clenched shut as she lowered herself to the stone floor in a corner behind the Queen. Her large head rested upon her paws and her predatory gaze watched as Gothika was the first to come and stand before the Dark Queen. The 17.2 hand overo vixen gave a proper curtsy to the Queen, the utmost respect lingering in her gaze as she stood tall once more and looked her in the eye. Thomasin was beautiful, but there was no denying the fierceness that now clouded her once youthfully soft and almost childish face. There was something else there, something wrong. Gothika's normal childish grin slowly began to fade as she realized that Selven was not there. Her soft brow furrowed for a moment, her baby blues looking to Shenzi in the corner before back to the Queen. "Thomasin, forgive me but... where is my father?" Her sing song voice did not quiver though she had a gut feeling that something was amiss. It couldn't be though. Perhaps he was just late! Allowing Thomasin to soak in the hellish light that flirted across her back so well. Gothika chuckled lightly, her smile brightening once again, "He must be primping himself, like always.. I must remind him how improper it is to keep the Queen waiting.." Gothika's voice trailed off somewhat awkwardly. She knew her father would never allow her to be upon the perch totally alone. That was against his very nature.. The daughter of the bone collector could only swallow her saliva as her inky tipped thorns quivered... giving away the sense of dread that slowly grew over her spine.


Speech

WC: 564
Tagged: @everyone
Notes: Gothika is cute when shes nervous

[fleabittengray]

Your eyes already say the things that with your mouth you won't

Snake had been up since before the sun had started to rise. With reports of more fighting in all the Kingdoms, he had been spending the morning gathering herbs - from within the Keep as well as back home at his father's brothel and within the Free Lands. He had been kept busy all morning and by the time it approached noon, he was tired but still had much to do. Now that various bundles of herbs had been gathered, now he had to organize it all. He had taken everything to one of the rooms which he had somewhat temporarily claimed. A safe, dry space to keep the herbs away from rain and other weather. The room smelled heavily of herbs, and the scent clung to Snake as well. It was a calming scent and it never bothered the pony to work in this room, organizing and making sure all of their stocks were at a decent amount. He did miss his family, though, and was ready to return home after the war (whenever that would be). Until then, he contented himself with keeping busy. He was debating taking a nap before heading back out to the Free Lands when he was approached by another equine. Snake looked up from the herbs he was counting, blinking at Damocles and offering a polite grin. "The Queen summons the herd." He gave a nod to acknowledge the words and then the larger brute was walking away. Snake sighed softly, stretching his legs and neck for a moment before he set off to find the Queen.

It did not take long for Snake to find the meeting room where, to his surprise, the Queen stood alone, no King Selven by her side. Immediately, Snake Charmer frowned, giving the Queen a worried look but saying nothing. There was another mare there already, making him the second to arrive. He had not really met anyone else in the herd, officially, but he had been lingering and watching most that lived here and knew this to be Gothika, Selven's daughter by the way she spoke, he assumed. The healer walked up beside Ghothika, giving her a small nod of greeting as well. The blue roan sabino smelled of lavender and all things medicinal, with some dried flowers and herbs and leaves tangled into his hair. He hoped that no one minded he didn't look pristinely clean at the moment. After all, he had had a busy morning.

"Hello, Thomasin," he spoke finally, greeting the Queen as he casually glanced around the room. He could hear the shuffling of hooves, of other equines approaching. He did not think that any of them was going to be the King... he had a feeling that this meeting had been called to explained why the King was not here. Come to think of it, he had not seen the King in The Howling Keep for some days now, but he had assumed he had just been kept busy with the war efforts.


Tagged: A z z y w/ Thomasin/Damocles, Fallen w/ Ghothika, aliyaah , Indi , The Quiet One , ➳ T e c h n o ➳ , Roman , ♥ c i c i
Words: 502
Character: Snake Charmer
Notes: Others will be posted eventually haha
Timeline: 5 years 5 months, late spring/early summer, mid-day

[The Quiet One]

Since his return, it had only become more apparent to the beast that the Dark King had been rather absent from The Howling Keep. The beast had been quick to pick up his regular patrol routes. During them it had been rare to pick up the scent belonging to the Dark King, and the times he did they were increasingly stale. Such discoveries only reinforced the initial gut feeling that had settled into place mere moments after he had first stepped past the borders upon his return. Selven had vanished. Where, or why, the beast didn’t know. Neither did he particularly care, for he had never thought much of the brute. They had only crossed paths once when the newly crowned monarch had been pissed that the beast hadn’t attended his coronation, but the beast had hardly come away with the best impression. What was more concerning for him, was how this would impact Thomasin. Something had seemed different about her. With all she had been through the disappearance of her beloved King could very much be the last straw. The beast had served one mad master before. He wasn’t so sure if he wanted to serve another, especially one that thought very little of him.

As the day dragged on the beast carried out his usual patrols, taking the time in between to quench the burn in his throat. He did not stray far however. Since he had risen, the beast had felt a sense of anticipation thrumming through his veins. There was only so long the absence of the Dark King could go unaddressed. Whether she wished to or not, Thomasin would have to make some sort of announcement soon. The beast had a gut feeling that today could possibly be the day. As afternoon rolled around, the beast noticed a flurry of movement. Movement that resulted in a silver and obsidian hued male approaching him to inform him of a herd meeting. With the slightest dip of his crown in acknowledgment, the beast moves off long strides carrying him towards the keep. By the time his daggers are carrying him into the meeting room there are already a couple of others in attendance. As measured strides carrying him forwards, the beast allows his mismatched gaze to assess those in attendance with an unreadable mask in place. The mare he recognises but the other stallion he does not.

As he takes his place off to the other side of the femme, with a decent space put between them, the beast allows his gaze to travel to Thomasin. His skull adorned facade dips slightly in acknowledgment, arguably a sign of respect that would not have been offered prior to his return, before observing her carefully. She appeared hardened. The beast says nothing, instead he merely watches with a quizzical hint in his mismatched orbs. A silent question that would surly be answered in this meeting.


"Speech"

Word: 400+
OOC: A z z y w/ Thomasin/Damocles, Fallen w/ Ghothika, aliyaah , Indi , ➳ T e c h n o ➳ , Roman and ♥ c i c i

Link to image

[fleabittengray]

Hate to twist your mind, but God ain't on your side

Illuminati had never met his father. He'd heard of him, of course - what soul in Wild Equines hadn't heard of the master of the local brothel? Illuminati was just nervous to meet him. After all, Charm probably had no idea that he existed. Lush had told him that she'd never told Charm about their child together. So when one of Charm's other children had come to The Howling Keep, playing role as a healer for the Kingdom, Illuminati had found himself becoming quite jealous of the other stallion. His thoughts became obsessive, always wondering what Snake was doing and when he was doing it. It had gotten to a point that, the other day, he had faked a stomach ache in order to have an excuse to go see Snake. It was a pitiful excuse, really, but he'd wanted so badly to ask Snake questions about Charm, to get to know Charm through the elder stallion's answers. It hadn't gotten him very many answers. Snake was polite, almost eerily so, but tight-lipped. He answered some questions here and there, but for the most part, he gave the same answer: he wasn't allowed to talk about it. But Illuminati had found out that Snake was heir to The Whore House - and there came that jealousy again. Because what did he have to his name? Nothing. Absolutely nothing. He had never been given a task to do or proper training while living here in the Dark Royal lands. Sometimes he debating leaving, going to Charm and asking to join his herd instead. Ask for training. Ask for a purpose.

He was startled out of his thoughts by the approach of one of the King's guards. He huffed, nostrils flaring, as he turned his head to look at the large beast. "The Queen gathers the herd." And then he was stalking away, leaving Illuminati with his thoughts in the forest. He debated not going for a moment, but then decided it was the safest and best options to show up for the Queen. He lurched into a lope, going in the direction of the building, where meetings typically took place. He figured that would be where it was. Shortly after arriving in the building, he caught the fresh scent of Thomasin, mixed with the scents of others in the herd. Illuminati slowed to a walk so as not to slip on the dirty floor, peeking through doors until he found the proper meeting space.

His purple eyes instantly zeroed in on Snake Charmer, widening slightly before he schooled his face into a neutral expression. There was Thomasin and another mare - Selven's daughter, he thought, but couldn't remember a name. He noticed the absence of Selven, a ghost of a frown playing across his face as he came to a halt in the growing crowd of equines gathered before their Queen.


Tagged: THK herd
Words: 477
Character: Illuminati
Notes: Number 2 has arrived!
Timeline: 3 years 2 months, late spring/early summer, mid-day

[♥ c i c i]

✘ though you won't recognize him

It felt odd being so at peace in a place like this. Saudade hadn't sparred much thought and research into the Dark Lands, but so far he was pleasantly surprised by being able to witness such sorcery of nature. The Howling Keep was a beast lying asleep against her mountain of treasures -- though instead of gold, she hoarded souls keeping them close to her cold, scaly chest, exposed to the elements to fester and rot, decaying life like they were the river styx itself.

He was never the type to seek out bloodshed and carnage, although he'd be lying to himself if he didn't admit his own arousal was lifted when his sapphire form became stained crimson. It was a feeling he felt drawn towards, but not one he was willing to give to just anyone. The thing he sometimes craved was easy to obtain, and the blue painted boar was more than happy to use what he lusted for as a means to provide for the greater good, especially if it meant reaping the benefits.

The Greater Good

Is that what this was? As he stepped out of his own thoughts, the boar made a quick decision to approach these unfamiliar equine's as though he'd been there for some time, calm and without hesitation, carrying himself with confidence as he usually did. He would be the lowest man on the totem pole, a reminder that he was making an unspoken oath to no longer carry his own weight, but share in the collective cargo that was The Keep. The mare they spoke highly of stood tall before the room, commanding the attention of every shadowed soul that came to hear her words. "So she is the one, eh?" Sau mumbled quietly to himself, careful as to not disturb the others in the dreary hall of stone and foliage. He remained on the outskirts of the stone hall, not too far away from the dark blanketed vixen who so proudly displayed herself before the flames of hell encased in stained glass. She was a sight to behold, and her demeanor spoke out to the room with such force, even without her words to help her.

The painted boar couldn't look away...

But that changed quickly, as he stayed out of the way of the others, he was eager to catch any spare words slipping from loose jaws. But like the others his attention was snagged by an unexpected voice. She was delicate and sounded of honey dripping from a hive on a hot summers day. There was evidence of confusion in her questioning of the Queen. Teal optics lingered on the filly, studying her words and manner before the boar allowed them to drift slowly towards Thomasin. He wanted to know what would unravel from this... Even an outsider such as himself already had his own conclusion he assumed others in the room already shared. War was still raging outside of this keep, though it seemed some of the warriors belonging to it were seen as an immortal soul by some, justifying the natural order in which it might be impossible that their soul might be lost to the flames.

Sau remained silent, merely watching and waiting for if and when it was deemed necessary to break it. He knew introductions would not mimic a summer camp for troubled teenagers, and so even with his curiosities already rising, he knew he needed to keep himself prepared for it all -- whatever it might be -- he stayed focused and unwavering. His body was not tense, though he was hardly presenting himself to them all without something of an air of indifferent casualness. His expression was calm, but there was an intense focus in his already darkened eyes.

As he, along with a dozen others waited on the doe called Thomasin to respond, Sau allowed his gaze to wander, yet he kept himself calmly positioned in a neutral place, not looking to draw attention towards himself as per usual. The one with the wheat and obsidian coat caught his eye, he was a brute with an unspeakable aura about him, chaotic as it was Sau couldn't help but let a small smirk tug at on corner of his maw, and a slight sparkle to enter his shadowed gaze, one eye covered conveniently by his long obsidian forelock, nares flaring to silently pick up the scent of Thomasin, storing it to memory before he moved to the one who smelled of herbs and flowers, a stout gray boar. The filly questioning the absence of her father seemed to catch his attention again briefly, wondering to himself just what sort of reputation not only did this Selven hold, but all of them.

your preacher will ✘

characters ♥ Saudade is looking to join The Howling Keep - A z z y Fallen The Quiet One fleabittengray

[fleabittengray]

And here it is, our final night alive
As the earth burns to the ground

War was keeping her home most of the time. Lush did not want to leave the Keep. She figured this was the safest place to be during war. They had guards all around the land! And very many allies. She'd heard Charm was one of them, but she hadn't spoken to the older stallion in several years now. Not since their coupling that had produce Illuminati. And now, one of Illuminati's half brothers was in the Keep, serving as a healer. Snake Charmer, his name was. Lush hadn't spoken to him but she'd seen him from afar and Illuminati wouldn't shut up about him. He'd become enamored by the brother that had no idea they were related. Lush felt bad. She really should tell Charm but when Akroma and Xerxes were Queen and King, they had banned her from seeing him. And now? She was grown. She had a life of her own, and Charm was a busy man. And who was to say Xerxes wouldn't come telling her to stay the hell away from him again? The last thing she wanted to do was make things awkward between Charm and the Underworld and The Howling Keep.

She was grazing off in a small clearing when she heard approaching steps. She lifted her head, chewing slowly as her mix-matched eyes focused on the figure that was approaching. She recognized him as a member of the Kings guard and she dipped her head politely as she swallowed. "The Queen seeks an audience with the herd." And then, he was walking away, leaving Lush to scramble after him. He motioned her in the right direction and she took off at a trot. Upon entering the building, she shuddered. It was at least shaded in here and out of the mid-day heat of the sun. Walking forward to join the gathering equines, Lush took up a spot to the right of Illuminati. Mother and son stood together, gazing up at Thomasin. Lush wondered where the King was, noticing that he was nowhere to be found. That couldn't be good. Was he okay?


Tagged: THK herd
Words: 349
Character: Lush
Notes: Look who finally made it...
Timeline: 5 years 4 months, late spring/early summer, mid-day

[Indi]

It had been too gorgeous a spring morning to laze about. At least, that had been Kida’s opinion, if not necessarily shared with the entirety of her family.

Saul would not have minded at least another hour of snoozing, but at least this week had not been so bad. Certainly, it was nowhere near as bad as when they had transitioned from Lachlan Breck to The Howling Keep. The land was not all that different, but apparently it had been enough to completely throw his delicate digestive system painfully out of whack. Or perhaps it had been the move itself, even though they had not had to go far. At any rate, he’d had a miserable few months before his body settled back into a semblance of normality and he could handle life again.

Kalani, in contrast to her son, was happy to bound awake and enjoy whatever adventure her mother might have in store for them. Nessa was equally eager to enjoy the day with her family, even if her thoughts drifted elsewhere from time to time. Jael was also happy to scramble along after her much taller family members.

Hazard was resigned, whilst Ophion agreed with Saul that a little longer to snooze would have been nice.

Kida even managed to drag Osada and Elina along with the family, convincing Lazarus to join them once he was off duty.

However, this plan did not quite play out to full fruition. Summoned to a gathering of the herd, they were joined by Lazarus. Some, like Kida and her daughters, had no idea of anything wrong. Others, like her eldest son and Osada, had suspicions about what this gathering of the herd might mean. They kept quiet for the time being, however, content to maintain a watchful eye over the family grouping as they made their way to the building for which the Royal land had gotten its name.

Slipping inside, respectful greeting was offered their queen, but there was something in the air which kept even the most boisterous of their number quiet, waiting to see what might transpire.

Characters;; Kida & Elina & Jael & Kalani & Keroscenic Hazard & Kyrin & Lazarus & Nessa & Ophion & Osada & Saul
Tagged;;
A z z y w/Thomasin & Damocles
Fallen w/Gothika
fleabittengray w/Snake Charmer & Illuminati & Lush (& Edom?)
The Quiet One w/Belial
♥ c i c i w/Saudade
aliyaah
Pippin
➳ T e c h n o ➳
Roman
Notes;; Hope this isn't too incoherent

[fleabittengray]

x

SWITCHBLADE

made by remi of rilla go! and adoxography

It was getting hotter and hotter by the day. Switchblade wasn't sure what her true thoughts were on summer, but she knew that, in the moment, when it was hot and humid, she hated it. She'd been staying in shaded areas of the Keep, mainly sticking to Kida and her family (Switchblade's adoptive family) instead of mingling with the rest of the herd. She wasn't sure about living in the Dark Kingdom, especially now that Selven and Thomasin were so cruel to others. She had head of what had happened at Hunroor's coronation and she did not agree with it. You could not just go around killing and beheading equines willy nilly, just for the hell of it. Then again, maybe Switchblade didn't have the full story... maybe she should give her King and Queen more of a chance.

These thoughts were on her mind as she was approached by a member of the King's guard. She tensed, eyes going wide, childishly wondering if he had read her mind, but the beast just spoke in deep tones, stating, "The Queen requires an audience with the herd." The tension was released from her shoulders and she started forward, trotting through the forest until she neared the building where most meetings took place. Or, at least, where the majority of the freshest scents were. She followed these scents through the building, glad to catch the familiar scents of Kida and company. She slowed to a walk, ears twitching nervously as she entered the room. Going over to where the majority of the horses she knew were standing, she hid mostly at the back of the crowd, peering up at the Queen skeptically. She did not know what this meaning was about, but she had a feeling it wasn't anything good.


THK Herd
298 | Profile
Better late than never?
4 years, late spring/early summer, mid-day

[➳ T e c h n o ➳]

Selene had been summoned by one of Thomasin's guards. It was an urgent invitation, and slightly vague. The guard had informed her she needed to attend the meeting if she had wanted to remain in the her home. The painted Nephilim nodded to them and was on her way in the direction of the meeting.

She hadn't been close to it, she'd been on the opposite side of the keep from where Thomasin had extended the invitation. The ominous message hung in her head as she approached the gathering. The familiar scene unfolded before her. It was a swarm of faces gathered to listen to their Queen. Some she recognized and knew, but others she didn't.

Selene probably should have learned more about them by now but she hadn't. Selene came to a halt on the edge of the gathering rather than attempt to push her way forward into the gathering. It didn't matter how close she was in proximity to Thomasin, only that she was here to hear her leader speak. Perhaps it would be even be a good opportunity to get to know a few others gathered afterwards.

Selene cocked her hoof and focused her gaze on the spotted Queen. Her auds were nestle atop her head and pointed toward the mare.

A z z y

[A z z y]

The witch queen steeled herself, her jaw set as her enamels ground down upon one another. Was what she was about to ask of her homeland too much? Was the news she was about to depart too heavy for their shoulders to bare? The approaching sound of hooves upon the flagstone floor pulled her from her reverie, her halcyon runes alighting upon Gothika as she emerged in the doorway. Her baby blues scoured the spot beside Thomasin, and when it's emptiness roused her concerns, she quizzed the regent "Thomasin, forgive me but... where is my father?" Thomasin did not falter, a subtle, soft smile curling her velvet veneered lips as she studied the gold and bone hued lass. She had come around from the assault upon her, and despite Thomasin's initial ire towards Selven's daughter at her failings when it came to defending the twins, there was now an urge to ensure the same fate did not befall her that seemed to haunt her sire and siblings. Parting her jaws to reply, Gothika changed tact. "He must be primping himself, like always.. I must remind him how improper it is to keep the Queen waiting..” The pain that ricocheted through her chest would have floored a lesser woman, but now was not the time to dwell in her loss, no, now she must lead.

“Hello Thomasin,” her eyes shifted from Gothika to the familiar face of Snake Charmer, a brief nod of her atlas given in greeting. Belial then entered, his crown dipping in her direction, another gesture she returned. The time for words would come soon enough. Others soon entered, many she recognised, one she did not, but their silence was enough to discern that the seriousness of this summons had not gone unnoticed. As Selene entered, Thomasin rounded her attention upon them all, her bosom expanding as she took in a large breath of air, it was time. Thank you all for answering so promptly, she began, her tones genuine yet earnest. I have called you all here today for one reason - your king, Selven, has fallen. She allowed the herd a moment to digest this information, her scrutiny landing upon Gothika for a moment as she offered her a look of genuine sympathy. Pulling her lingering gaze from Gothika, she allowed her gilded pools to dance across each face, registering their reactions. His last known encounter was with a Utopian, there was evidence of a fray, but little else. No trails, no other scents… nothing. Again, she paused, watching, waiting for their reactions.

For those of you unaware, our twins, Cersei and Jaime were abducted, their ward, Gothika, brutally attacked. Whilst we know who did this, we know not of their location and I would hazard a guess that Selven's disappearance may have something to do with this. However, as we know Selven's last known encounter was with a Utopian, and given that Rasa and her angels are sworn enemies to the Dark alliance, I have something to ask of you all that will be enforced, her scrutiny danced to Belial, knowing he feared her to become like his previous master, she briefly wondered how he would take this request. Damocles emerged then, standing in the doorway, his fierce lavender gaze scouring the members in attendance. Any of you who may have ties you wish to maintain with a Utopian or those of the Light Kingdom, I ask you to leave, now - should you do so, safe passage will be granted. Her silence fell then, those halcyon runes dancing across their features as she inhaled, her nares flexing slightly before she continued on. Should you choose to remain, and these allegiances are learned later down the line, this will be considered treason and the punishment will be severe. It is my duty to ensure that you, the herds within the dark alliance, and my own family remain protected in these times of war, and I cannot do that with snakes roaming in our grasses. Thomasin paused, watching them carefully, bracing herself for their dissent. Dissent which she would gladly silence, should it be required. With a gentle slice of her obsidian tendrils, her jaw parted once more, Does anyone have any questions? She posed the question easily, her tones free of the subtle rage she had withheld earlier, if they wished to know anything more, now was their time to ask.


TAGGED - Fallen fleabittengray aliyaah Indi The Quiet One Pippin ➳ T e c h n o ➳ Roman ♥ c i c i
WORDS - 715
MUSE - good
NOTES - please keep to a 5 day min posting gap between the person above, current order is fine. If you have multiple characters and want to bulk them into one reply, you can do ❤️

Speech

[Fallen]

The buttermilk and ivory vixen mirrored the soft smile the queen gave her. It was quite unlike the regent to hold such a soft expression toward herself. Gothika was well aware that she had failed horribly in protecting her younger siblings, something that would haunt her till the end of her days more so than the attack upon her own bodice did. Assault of all varieties were not lost upon the golden and milk hued lass, nor was it something that could easily break her spirit. However, knowing she had contributed to a piece of the queens heart dying... that was a pain even the wretched woman hated to stomach.

However, there was soon others that piled in. Gothika's fine tiara dipping politely to each one that she cast her baby blue gaze upon. Thomasin, did not waste time addressing them all, and as she did so, that beautifully wistful smile that always adorned Gothika's face fell like an angel tossed from heaven.

I have called you all here today for one reason - your king, Selven, has fallen.

Gothika and Thomasin's eyes met as the silence grew. The sympathetic gaze of the queen lingering only for a moment before it was taken away. Gothika's fine tiara shook softly, her soft brows furrowing as she processed this information. The following speech of Thomasin seemed to fade in and out for her. Cersei and Jaime were abducted ... Gothika, brutally attacked... we know who did this,... Selven's disappearance ... last known encounter was with a Utopian .... sworn enemies... Thomasin's strong voice merely faded as Gothika's heart thumped harder and harder. There was no way her father was dead. He couldn't be. Not that easily. Yet.. he wasn't here... Gothika's gaze refocused as her tiara snapped upward, Thomasins last few sentences of her speech vibrating within her skull.

It is my duty to ensure that you, the herds within the dark alliance, and my own family remain protected in these times of war, and I cannot do that with snakes roaming in our grasses. Does anyone have any questions?

Gothika's pink and ivory lips quivered slightly, but she closed her eyes and steadied her breath. The vein inhaled heavily before letting her gaze land back upon Thomasin, and Thomasin alone. "Understood." Her normally light and airy vocals held a more sinister air to them, her heavy lashes shading her baby blue eyes in a darkness that had not touched them in years since she herself had led her own pack of demons. Gothika dipped her crown deeply to the queen after a short pause, the fire and anger that was growing in her heart threatening to spill into a wail that could summon hellfire. "Thomasin, you have me. and I will be taking my leave." Gothika's sweet voice was low, her vicious gaze looking upon Thomasin once more as she lifted her tiara before taking a step back then turning quietly upon her haunches. She did not care to gaze upon the others as she walked past them. Her mind set on one thing, and one thing alone. Revenge.



WC: 514
Tagged: A z z y , fleabittengray , ➳ T e c h n o ➳, The Quiet One, ♥ c i c i, Indi
Notes: Angry Gothika has entered the chat!

Speech

[fleabittengray]

Your eyes already say the things that with your mouth you won't

Snake kept his expression neutral as he looked around the gathering herd. Members were coming at a steady pace. Snake wondered when Thomasin would announce what this herd meeting was about and, seeing that most of the herd members had gathered by now, he turned his gaze back upon the Queen. His green and blue eyes held her steadfast in his vision, the epitome of calm even in the growing chaos of war. When the Queen spoke, the only sign he gave of being alarmed by the news was his eyes slightly widening. The King had fallen, and there was nothing known of his current whereabouts. From the corner of his eye, he watched Gothika as he encounter was spoken about, and the missing twins. The known assaulters had been sons of Underoath, who he knew now lived in The Howling Keep. Snake was not a fan of Oath, who was also an enemy of his father and rapist of his long gone sister, Niko, who was twin to Cookie Monster. Yes, The Whore House and its residents firmly saw Oath as an enemy and had for several years now.

The daughter of the fallen King spoke her allegiance to the Queen and then excused herself. Snake watched her leave before returning his attention to Thomasin. "You have me as well, Queen Thomasin. Let Selven not have fallen in vain. We will find who did this to him, and they will suffer for it." His words were strong and confident, but there still remained a lingering calmness to them. He had always been the rock in the storm for others, never reacting strongly to things. It was why he made such a good healer. Nothing really bothered him, and he was able to keep his cool in stressful situations.


Tagged: The Quiet One w/ Belial, you're up next!
Words: 299
Character: Snake Charmer
Notes: I'll get my last few posted this round too! Sorry for the wait <3
Timeline: 5 years 5 months, late spring/early summer, mid-day

[The Quiet One]

Thomasin does not seem put off by the beast making his appearance. The offered inclination of his crown has the femme dipping her own in return. With nothing more to be said, the beast waits patiently as gradually others join the gathering. For the most part, the beast pays the new arrivals little attention besides a quick glance. Only one attendant draws his attention for any longer. It’s a blue roan and ivory stallion. The other male seems to be particularly interested in the beast for the other stallion allows his gaze lingers longer then would would perhaps be deemed as appropriate. The beast meets his gaze easily, mismatched optics unreadable from where they are nestled within the skull adorning his facade. After a beat or two, the beast breaks the eye his gaze once more returning to the Dark Queen. Once the mare is satisfied with the attendance she allows herself moment to take a deep inhale before her kissers part. “Thank you all for answering so promptly. I have called you all here today for one reason - your king, Selven, has fallen.” Her announcement when it falls upon the crowd is one that has the beast merely blinking in response. There is no surprise, just quiet acceptance of a reality that he has been suspecting since his return to the herd.

After a moment she presses on. “His last known encounter was with a Utopian, there was evidence of a fray, but little else. No trails, no other scents… nothing.” Once again the beast gives no reaction to the information, although it’s information he takes a great deal of interest in. “For those of you unaware, our twins, Cersei and Jaime were abducted, their ward, Gothika, brutally attacked. Whilst we know who did this, we know not of their location and I would hazard a guess that Selven's disappearance may have something to do with this. However, as we know Selven's last known encounter was with a Utopian, and given that Rasa and her angels are sworn enemies to the Dark alliance, I have something to ask of you all that will be enforced,” The beast had already known about the twins, the fact that they had been determined enough to brutally attack a mare was another matter. It was easy to guess the stipulations that would be coming next. The fact that Thomasin allowed her gaze to drift to him only served to reinforce his instinct, and yet despite his concerns the beast could not blame her. She had lost everything. So in a rare display, the beast allows his cranium to dip in wordless encouragement.

Moments later a silver and obsidian hued stallion appears, his gaze sweeping over those in attendance. “Any of you who may have ties you wish to maintain with a Utopian or those of the Light Kingdom, I ask you to leave, now - should you do so, safe passage will be granted. Should you choose to remain, and these allegiances are learned later down the line, this will be considered treason and the punishment will be severe. It is my duty to ensure that you, the herds within the dark alliance, and my own family remain protected in these times of war, and I cannot do that with snakes roaming in our grasses.” Her decree when it comes confirms his suspicions, and yet her delivery is not tainted with the darker emotions the beast would have perhaps expected. Whether everyone would accept her new rules was another matter. After a pause, Thomasin is inquiring if there’s any questions. Those who have arrived before him take their turn to have their say on the matter. Both are quick to reaffirm their allegiance. When the other stallion is done the beast takes a moment to consider his words before allowing his kissers to part.

"My skills and service remains yours to use how you wish, as they have done since I first pledged myself to you my Queen." When his velvety tones finally break the silence, they are confidently spoken full of unwavering conviction. Perhaps there was more he could say. The beast was one of few words however, and knew that anything else was better to be said in private. He could only hope that he had provided Thomasin with enough reassurance that he was not going anywhere.

"Speech"

Word: 400+
OOC: A z z y w/ Thomasin/Damocles, Fallen w/ Ghothika , Indi , ➳ T e c h n o ➳ and ♥ c i c i

Link to image

[A z z y]

fleabittengray bump ❤️

[fleabittengray]

Hate to twist your mind, but God ain't on your side

His purple gaze kept wandering back to Snake Charmer, wondering what it would be like to actually go up to the healer and introduce himself and get to know him instead of just watching from afar. Snake was actually making a name for himself in the world, in the Dark Kingdom, and what was Illuminati doing? Nothing. Merely existing. How embarrassing. He sighed quietly, shifting his weight from one side to the other, and moving his attention back to Thomasin as the Queen began to speak. And as she explained why Selven wasn't there, and what had happened - eluding that Utopia may have had something to do with it - Illuminati felt anger welling up inside of him. He may not have known Selven all that much, but he had been his King, his protector, his superior. And if Utopia was willing to harm someone of such high standing, to the point he could not return home, what would they be willing to do to a guy like him? He jaw clenched, eyes narrowing as he decided that, from here on out, he would make a name for himself in the Dark Kingdom.

He continued to listen about Thomasin and Selven's twins and then how anyone who dared have ties to Utopia should leave now. More anger welled up inside the young stallion and he snorted, shaking his head to try and compose himself. He gave a look to his mother, knowing he should probably discuss this with her first, but he didn't want her trying to talk him out of this. So, taking a step forward, Illuminati looked up at Thomasin, his aunt who he hardly knew, and said in a voice that was confident, not at all wavering. "I want to fight for the Dark Kingdom, Queen Thomasin. Our Kingdom. I know I'm young, and don't have much in ways of training, but I'd like to change that." He swallowed down the nervousness, fighting through it, not letting it show as he stood, proud, hoping that he would one day be making a name for himself. "I want to be a warrior for you. For The Howling Keep, and for all of the Dark Kingdom. I have a lot to learn, I know, but all I'm asking for is a chance to prove myself."


Tagged: ♥ c i c i you're up next!
Words: 385
Character: Illuminati
Notes: SO sorry for the delay >.< I THINK Thomasin is his aunt if I got the lineage right LMAO if not, just ignore that part (Illuminati is Lush x Charm, Lush is half sister to Thomasin, they are both daughters of Akroma)
Timeline: 3 years 2 months, late spring/early summer, mid-day