[☽ caely ☾]

A heavy sigh escaped her white and stark colored lips. The many changes that had developed over the course of the last few months were draining to say the very least, but almost relieving for the Queen. She contemplated the difference between when she had started this new journey in being the neutral queen and now. She had stepped up when no others could muster the courage. A war was beginning, and she knew how war worked, therefore it made sense to step forth and offer her services to King Avinash. She had done her part. Engaged in several battles.. one leaving her sore and bloodied for a few weeks. She peered back at her belly, where the brightest and newest scar had formed upon her figure. That was a particularly nasty fight with a demon woman who was simply in the wrong place at the wrong time. She had become a victim of Boudicca’s fury. Boudicca thought back on that fight and felt some pangs of shame and guilt. The demon woman, aside from being an enemy of war, had done nothing to deserve Boudicca’s attack. However, Boudicca had learned of who she was. The mother of the demon whom she sought out over the situation with Avinash. Indeed, Avinash was no longer the King. Whatever the situation was between Avinash and that Demon, it ended with Boudicca forcibly removing Avinash from the throne. It was a difficult decision to make, and Boudicca was still processing the change in Avinash to this point. She had been quiet for a long time, not just in the here and now, but for the entire time between when she had removed him and placed him in a safe place to recover and this very moment in time.

She moved her head to peer into one of the many creeks that ran through Meraki Woods. This spot was a favorite of hers. It was quiet and the small glade offered her a protective and peaceful spot to think or just be alone. Most of the edges kept it’s area closed off with thick brambles that were difficult to navigate in the autumn when they were bare but loaded with tough, sharp points. In the spring and summer, the brambles were covered in leaves, which shielded the area from prying eyes. Now was one of those times, thankfully, even if it was late into summer and on the brink of fall. The leaves clung on, not yet showing signs of death with the next season. The creek bed was somewhat shallow, likely only chest deep in the deepest points in this area. This made it easy to look into the bubbling water and see fish, amphibians, and other creatures that lived in it’s waters. Today she watched a school of minnows dart this way and that. It was a pleasant distraction from her thoughts, until they weren’t. She clenched her jaws as she settled upon the situation with Avinash and his soul, and how she felt guilty for not saving it earlier. Now what was she to do? How would she inform the neutral kingdom? How would she announce it to the world? She inhaled a shaky, nervous breath. She did not know the answers herself and her fear of failure caused her anxiety to heighten. She felt the heartbeat in her chest wildly, and with that she knew she needed someone. She needed to talk to someone. She tilted her head to the thicket where one would enter. She blinked her wide eyes in a somewhat successful attempt at relaxing her eyes as much as possible to appear calm and poised. She inhaled and exhaled as she let out a low nicker. The sound of the bramble leaves brushing against the hide of another came close after her nicker. A large dark bay stallion stepped into the clearing and Boudicca offered a weak smile. ”Hello.” She greeted him in a somewhat uncharacteristically high pitch to her normally gruff, lower toned voice. Since all had transpired, she had been heavily guarded as to not lose both monarchs. ”Please fetch Nelly. Tell her I would like her counsel as soon as she is available.” Boudicca’s voice grew weaker towards the end as she fought herself to not audibly reveal her current inner state. The stallion nodded and responded, ”As you wish.” Before disappearing and waiting for the familiar Friesian mare to appear. For the moment, her head turned and her eyes focused on the rippling water and the small fish that attempted to go against it’s natural current. Again it was a nice distraction from her thoughts as she waited.



words;; 777
timeline;; A few weeks after removing Avinash from the throne
character;; Boudicca
tag;; fleabittengray
notes;;  thought I would get this up for you so Boudicca and talk with Nelly about everything <3

talk

☽☾

[fleabittengray]

x

NELLY

made by remi of rilla go! and adoxography

Another magical Friday night
I wonder what state you're in?

Much was changing in the Neutral Kingdom. Avinash was no longer King, but Nelly wasn't entirely sure what all had transpired. Boudicca, who remained Queen at the moment, had not explained it to her - not yet, anyway, but Nelly didn't want to push or pry. She knew that the warrior Queen would come around on her own time. Sooner or later, the royal advisor was going to get the full story. For now, she was stretching her legs, taking a leisurely stroll through her home. Meraki Woods was beautiful, especially with the season starting to change from summer to autumn. The majority of the leaves were still green and clinging tightly to their branches, but peering up into the trees overhead, she could spot the leaves that were beginning to change. It brought a smile to her face as she walked, occasionally taking time to stop and peer at the flowers that were in full bloom. Her muzzle was lowered toward a batch of wild flowers when she heard approaching hooves.

Lifting her head slowly, not alarmed by being approached since she felt safe in her home, Nelly quickly recognized one of the royal guards. She offered them a kind smile, though didn't have much time to say anything as they were telling her that the Queen was asking for her. Nelly nodded, motioning for the guard to lead the way back to the Queen, and the two walked in silence. Nelly felt some anxiety in the pit of her stomach, as this would be her first meeting without Avinash, and she was worried about the former King. However, she was also bound by her duty to help the Queen and support her during the transition to a new King - whenever that may be.

The journey to the area Boudicca stood in, nearby a pleasant babbling creek, did not take long to get to. Nelly spied the Queen through the trees and nickered sweetly to announce her arrival, giving a quiet thank you to the guard, allowing them to go about their guard duties and leave her and the Queen to talk in peace. Walking forward, Nelly smiled at the scarred Queen - she had gathered even more scars since the beginning of the war - and dipped her head respectfully. "Hello, Boudicca. How can I be of service?" she asked, curious, wondering if this was going to be the probably difficult conversation that they needed to have about their lack of a King at the moment.


☽ caely ☾ w/ Boudicca
425 | Profile
yippie~
11 years 4 months, late summer, mid-day

[☽ caely ☾]

Boudicca stood quietly watching the life beneath the surface of the water. Blissfully unaware of the turmoil that beseeched the world above. The two toned Queen blinked her gem like eyes, her white eyelashes brushed her lower lid, leaving tender butterfly kisses in the wake of the simple action. Her upper lids rose slowly. A sign of her emotional exhaustion. Which was accompanied by a heavy sigh. As her sides rose to their fullest and lowered, allowing the air to be pushed out forcefully enough to make a sound, a sweet nicker filed the air around her. Her head rose from the water and her front legs began to cross over themselves gracefully as she turned on her haunches toward the maker of such a gentle greeting.

A soft, but weak smile found its way upon her lips as she watched the familiar ebony mare enter to quiet sanctuary. She looked well, Boudicca noted. Which gave the Queen some peace knowing that her hard members were faring well despite the war coming to a deadly head. The smile on the lips of Nelly helped Boudicca feel more at ease, but at the same time, Boudicca did not want to appear broken or too unstable to anyone. She was not emotionally unstable, per say, but she was not as unshakeable as she usually was. As Nelly came to a stop, she lowered her head respectfully to which Boudicca dipped her own. The sparkling gold and aqua crystal jewelry glimmered as it moved with the Queen. As Boudicca’s dome came back to its usual position, Nelly spoke, ”Hello Boudicca. How may I be of service?”. Boudicca’s lips became pensive as they transformed into a tight line as she struggled on how to start. There was much to inform the beloved advisor of and so many questions Boudicca had. What not and what to do next. She had never had to replace a king. She had formally ruled by herself, and she had come into this with the King position filled. She didn’t have the slightest idea of what the next step was. Her pensive expression released into that of defeat. She could not help but feel that all of this was her fault somehow. She had not protected her King well enough.

Before she began spiraling into self blame, Boudicca responded to Nelly. ” Nelly, it’s good to see you. Thank you for coming on such short notice.” Boudicca said with genuinely thankful tone. ”I wish this meeting was under better circumstances, however there will be much to discuss.” Boudicca forewarned the advisor. She took a quiet breath before she began to speak again, ” Undoubtedly, you know of King Avinash’s departure from the throne. First though, before I begin, he is in a safe location within Metal Woods to heal for now.” Boudicca’s spoke calmly, but at the end her voice became quieter with sadness behind the words. Boudicca looked down at the feathered feet of the ebony mare for a moment as she collected herself and her thoughts. A short silence fell between the two mares, until the warrior queen began her tale, ”It started when I was unable to protect his soul from being stolen by a member of the underworld. Everest is the demons name. As I searched for the demon and attempted to remedy the situation, Avinash began to behave strangely. It started with debilitating pain and then he began disappearing frequently. Then for extended periods of time. Switching from extremely illness to as if he could take on the world after returning….” she trailed off as she took a breath. Her brows furrowed as she pressed her lips together as she tried to find to right words to explain the next half of the story. ”As time went on, his behavior and thoughts became.. reckless and unstabable. Which is so unlike Avinash, as you know.” Boudicca said, pausing for a moment before beginning again, ”And it just came to the point that I had to make the decision to ensure the safety of both the Kingdom and Avinash.” As the Queen came to the end of her tale, she averted her gaze for a moment as she looked down again and heavy breath of defeat escaped her. ” Therefore, I had to remove Avinash from the throne.” Boudicca said suddenly as if confessing to a crime. ” Which was one of the most difficult things I have ever had to do.” Boudicca admitted, before looking back up to the black mare’s gaze. Her eyes told of the internal turmoil that she had been going through. The Queen paused for a moment before she spoke again, ”I know I must notify the herd and the Kingdom, but I do not know to what extent of detail I need to go into.” Boudicca spoke in a saddened, soft tone before continuing, ” Nelly, I would like your guidance in how to do this and what I must do next. I’m still learning the customs here, but importantly, I want the Kingdom to feel safe.” she expressed, with a bit of hope in her voice as she offered a soft smile to the advisor as she awaited her reaction and response.


words;;
timeline;; A few weeks after removing Avinash from the throne
character;; Boudicca
tag;; fleabittengray
notes;; <3

talk

☽☾

[fleabittengray]

x

NELLY

made by remi of rilla go! and adoxography

Another magical Friday night
I wonder what state you're in?

Nelly had seen the way the Queen sighed, the sound of it lost on the late summer breeze, and it made her heart ache for the warrior Queen. Still, Nelly's soft smile did not falter as Boudicca turned toward her. The two mares were alone, but Nelly was comfortable. There was no hint of awkwardness, at least on her end. She was confident in her abilities as advisor, and was also confident in her ability to admit if she didn't know what to do. She had lived in the Neutral Kingdom for several years now. She had children who called the Neutral Kingdom home. This was where she had raised them. It was where her loyalties lie. She took note of how the Queen's smile was faint and fragile, like it could fall away at a moment's notice. Something was troubling her - but that much was obvious. She had just lost the King that had been the very man to make her Queen. Left alone to rule the Neutral Kingdom in the midst of a war that she was, it seemed, heavily involved in.

The question that Nelly proposed had Boudicca's lips pinching together into a tight line. Nelly waited, calm and serene, for the Queen to gather her thoughts and explain the situation to her. ”Nelly, it’s good to see you. Thank you for coming on such short notice.” Nelly gave a gentle nod, smile warming but saying nothing, allowing the other mare to continue speaking. ”I wish this meeting was under better circumstances, however there will be much to discuss.” Nelly took a breath just as the Queen took one, letting it out slow and gentle. ”Undoubtedly, you know of King Avinash’s departure from the throne. First though, before I begin, he is in a safe location within Metal Woods to heal for now.” Nelly's eyes widened at mention of Avinash being in a safe space in the Woods to heal, but she tried not to let it shake her too much. To heal from what? ”It started when I was unable to protect his soul from being stolen by a member of the underworld. Everest is the demons name. As I searched for the demon and attempted to remedy the situation, Avinash began to behave strangely. It started with debilitating pain and then he began disappearing frequently. Then for extended periods of time. Switching from extremely illness to as if he could take on the world after returning….”

Nelly's gears in her mind started turning, a thoughtful expression on her face as she quietly listened to what the war maiden was telling her. A member of the Underworld was responsible for the King's falling? ”As time went on, his behavior and thoughts became.. reckless and unstable. Which is so unlike Avinash, as you know.” Her expression turned a bit sorrowful as the thought of Avinash, always so kind to her... "Yes, that does sound very alarming and unlike him," she agreed, her voice holding a hint of that sadness. There had to be more to this story. ”And it just came to the point that I had to make the decision to ensure the safety of both the Kingdom and Avinash.” By reading Boudicca's body language, and hearing the tone of her voice, Nelly could tell that the Queen must feel some guilt for what she had done. ”Therefore, I had to remove Avinash from the throne. Which was one of the most difficult things I have ever had to do.” Nelly offered the Queen a kind whinny, soft and encouraging. "You did the right thing, Boudicca. For Avinash, for yourself, and for the Kingdom." Given what she had been told, Nelly was very firm in her belief that Avinash was not fit to rule anymore, at least, not until they figured out what truly was the matter.

”I know I must notify the herd and the Kingdom, but I do not know to what extent of detail I need to go into.” While, yes, it would be important to notify both the herd and the Kingdom, Nelly wondered just how much detail they should go into. ”Nelly, I would like your guidance in how to do this and what I must do next. I’m still learning the customs here, but importantly, I want the Kingdom to feel safe.” Humming thoughtfully, Nelly gaze up toward the treetops a moment, eyes squinting as she thought in silence for a moment. "I agree it is of utmost importance to tell the herd and Kingdom that Avinash is no longer King, as it is their right to know, but I do not think we should go into too much detail." Her gaze lowered, eyes blinking as her gaze settled back on the Queen. "If the Underworld truly is targeting our Kingdom, they will want to cause panic and chaos. We cannot allow them to do that. I say we tell them Avinash has become unwell and can no longer rule as King - which is the truth - and only give the details to a select few individuals. Those you can trust without a doubt." Nelly took a deep breath, wondering what may have started this all. Something just didn't make sense. Why would Avinash have any willing contact with a demon, for instance?

"What has Avinash told you, if anything? When did this all start? Something just doesn't seem right about this, Boudicca. Why was this... demon, Everest, interested in Avinash in the first place? Did he target him merely because he was King, or is there more to the story?" she pondered out loud, her lips turning downward into a frown. "I think we should try and gather as much information as we can. Is Avinash stable enough to talk to? Or has he lost himself inside his mind, to whatever is ailing him?" Avinash would be their greatest source of information but... perhaps she could find a way to talk to Everest. She did not very well like the idea of speaking with a demon, especially one that had allegedly done something to harm a friend of her's, but perhaps Everest could shed some light on the situation.


☽ caely ☾ w/ Boudicca
1032 | Profile
very eepy while writing, sorry for the quality >.<
11 years 4 months, late summer, mid-day

[☽ caely ☾]

Undoubtedly, the keen-eyed advisor could see the worry and sadness that plagued the painted Queen. She wore her melancholia and concern without a mask before her. While Boudicca had not known Nelly long, she felt a sense of calm around her and the ability to be at peace in her presence. The black mare was a peaceful soul and wise with knowledge of all she had seen. Boudicca was grateful to have her to call upon, but also, surprisingly, thankful it was her that she could speak to in this moment. She took time to greet the ebony mare and thank her for arriving so promptly. Before Boudicca began her tale, she had explained that Avinash was being kept in a secret, safe location within Meraki Woods. Guarded by those that Boudicca could trust and that she knew, without a doubt, would keep his safe. The painted Queen cared for the young king. He showed her nothing but kindness, and she would do the same for him. However, Boudicca watched as the eyes of the ebony mare widened at the information that the Queen had given up so freely. The queen then continued on with her account of the events that had taken place and she could almost hear the cogs clinking in the mind of the advisor as she listened. Sadness befell the façade of the Friesian mare before her and a slight frown found its way onto Boudicca’s face. ”Yes, that does sound very alarming and unlike him,” Boudicca nodded in agreement, her own expression holding a particular sadness mixed with regret and guilt as she continued on.

As Boudicca finished speaking, she let out a defeated sigh and averted her gaze. Her auds tilted to the sides to express her tiredness and deep regret that clouded her. Surprisingly, her words were responded with by a soft whinny that was filled with encouragement from the wise elder. ”You did the right thing, Boudicca. For Avinash, for yourself, and for the Kingdom.” Boudicca’s gaze moved back to the Friesian mare, and she blinked. Warm salty tears glassed over the turquoise orbs of the Queen, which she quickly blinked away. She inhaled a ragged breath and exhaled heavily, as if not just exhaling the used up oxygen, but also releasing the guilt and shame she had felt in making such a decision. Boudicca felt a sense of relief in being told she had made the right choice. All Boudicca wanted was to do right by the Kingdom and all those who inhabited it. While the relief did not completely take away the sadness, guilt, and shame that she had been feeling, it certainly made her feel more resolute. Which, in turn, made her next questions to the advisor come with a bit more confidence. When she finished, the advisor seemed to go deep into thought. A low hum echoed from her throat and as the obsidian mare’s gaze shifted to the canopy, Boudicca’s followed for a moment. The Queen’s gaze searched the treetops for a moments before returning to the black mare as Boudicca patiently waited for her response. ”I agree it is of utmost importance to tell the herds and Kingdom that Avinash is no longer King, as it is their right to know, but I do not think we should go into much detail.” Boudicca’s lips pressed together tightly as the other mare’s gaze met her own and then she continued, ”If the Underworld truly is tareting our Kingdom, they will want to cause panic and chaos. We cannot allow them to do that. I say we tell them Avinash became unwell and can no longer rule as King – which is the truth – and only five the details to a select few individuals. Those you can trust without a doubt.” Boudicca nodded in agreement and let out another heavy sigh. With each audible exhale, she could feel the weight of this well-kept secret shedding off of her shoulders. ”I agree fully. I will call a herd meeting, as well as call a meeting for herd leaders, to inform them.” The Queen felt a knot in her throat as she thought of announcing the news to the herd leaders of the neutral kingdom and she worried they may pry for answers. What would she tell them? Would she tell them of her burning desire to confront the demon that caused this? Would she tell them nothing? Would she tell them of her deep sadness? She did not know. Perhaps she would need some time to collect herself before announcing the news.

As Boudicca fell into deep thought about what she would do next, Nelly began to speak once more, ”What has Avinash told you, if anything?” Boudicca’s gaze focused back on the ebony elder as she continued, ”When did this all start? Something just doesn’t seem right about this, Boudicca. Why was this… demon, Everest, interested in Avinash in the first place? Did he target him merely because he was King, or is there more to the story?” Boudicca’s jaw clenched as the mare finished for a moment. Truthfully, she did not know exactly when it started, but she knew it was after Avinash’s soul was stolen. Why Avinash? Boudicca did not know, but she contemplated the question countless times. Her lips tilted downward, which matched the advisor before her, ”Truthfully, I am unsure when it started exactly, but after Avinash’s soul was stolen, was when he began acting differently.” Boudicca spoke in a low and somber tone. Nelly continued, ”I think we should try and gather as much information as we can. Is Avinash stable enough to talk to? Or has he lost himself inside his mind, to whatever is ailing him?” Nelly made a good point, to which Boudicca’s brows furrowed slightly. ”Unfortunately, Avinash’s mind is lost at the current time. I was not able to get much information out of him aside from earlier on when he notified me of who had stolen his soul… other than that, we have nothing.” Boudicca said, clenching her jaws together. The muscles in her cheeks jumped as she clenched her jaws together out of frustration at the entire situation and that she had allowed it to get this far. Boudicca lifted her chin and found the gaze of the advisor, ”I do not know why, but I fully intend on finding out why.” Her gaze grew intense for a moment, her aqua gazers growing sharp like ice, ”And I will ensure that Avinash will be whole again. I will promise you and all of the Kingdom that.” Boudicca said defiantly, perhaps more to strengthen her own spirits more than anything. Boudicca buzzed off her words for a moment, ”Regarding Everest… I may have someone to speak with.. however, I do not think they will be so ready to give up information.” She said, her words slowing at the end with defeat again. She had met the demon’s mother on the battle field.. and they had fought brutally. Boudicca could seek her out, but she may not want anything but revenge and the likelihood of getting information from the woman may be low, but it didn’t mean chances were zero.



words;; 1206
timeline;; A few weeks after removing Avinash from the throne
character;; Boudicca
tag;; fleabittengray
notes;; <3

talk

☽☾