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12-31-2013, 07:05 AM
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But when his heart was lifted up, and his mind hardened in pride...
Quilyan
...he was deposed from his kingly throne, and they took his glory from him.
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At first, the sigh that leaves the golden boy makes the prince's auds flicker back; did he make the wrong choice when he had chosen to follow Kaj from the meeting? Had he offended his sole true male friend in some way? Or perhaps the WingLeader simply wanted to be alone, and Quilyan has thoughtlessly intruded. As they say, the road to hell is paved with good intentions - and the painted steed has those in abundance, but occasionally lacks the good sense to go along with them. But the moment passes as emotion floods his companion's face, his eyes shut tight against some unknown thought. He questions Quilyan then, his voice almost pained. It worries our prince in ways that he cannot describe, and he stretches a wing to gently brush Kaj's, a light offer of support. The stallion does not expect the vehemence of the response he receives, does not expect such a long-winded explanation. He is not sorry for it - in fact, he rather thinks that Kaj needed the release - but he does find himself lost in his own memories once more. He raises his brows at the insinuation that their new leader is racist in any way, feels the passionate heat of anger bubble in his gut at the way Kaj was treated. He was raised to rule, after all - he knows how not to treat one's subjects. Though he does not know Lace, he feels the pit of contempt and dislike grow in his belly, driven by Kaj's words and Quilyan's own knowledge. He has seen a kingdom fall. He does not need to be a Seer to know that this one was out of control. He respects Mirage, is grateful to her for allowing he and his princess a home, but the thought that she could allow an imposter such as this to rule beside her... his lips turn into a frown, his thoughts soured. For the first time, his loyalty leaves a bad taste in his mouth. Kaj's anger, for a moment, gets the best of him; Quilyan winces as his shoulder slams into a tree. The following words explain the golden boy's heritage to the prince, and he begins to feel even more deeply the wrongs that have been committed. His own memories start to whirl through his mind, for he, too, has lost his family; he, too, has been treated poorly. The Anarchists had come, battle-fire roaring and war-mages chanting. They had come for him - he found this out later. The working class, cut off from the Royal Family by the very Council meant to protect their interests, had chosen to forcefully dethrone their leaders, and to prove their right to rule with the Family's execution. Quilyan had gotten lucky - he and Erigor had been in the godswood and escaped mostly unscathed - but later, when they had crept through the crowds of refugees burned from their homes, they had learned of their family's fate. The Anarchists had not know the Royals. They did not know that his mother had a lovely singing voice and always prayed to the Healing Goddess. They did not know that his father was a horrible public speaker, but tried to speak at as many state functions as possible in an attempt to overcome his stage fight. They did not know that his favorite sister was Nasreen, and that her favorite pastime was trying to figure out how to braid his mane without any magic to guide her. They did now know that his youngest brother, Eirik, had asked for the poor to receive cakes when his first birthday came around. And yet, they had hated the Family, and they had slaughtered them without mercy, all the way down to Eirik. He hadn't even turned one. And suddenly there are tears in the prince's eyes, because he understands Kaj's pain. He understands what it feels like to lose everything you know and love. But he is not selfless like Kaj - no, the golden boy is the better man of the two of them, of that Quilyan is certain. What has the prince done in his time here except take? He took Resplendence as his own; he took refuge in the World's Edge without ever giving back. But Kaj has fought and bled for this kingdom, and for what? To be thrown beneath the hooves of those inferior to him? To suffer from his losses over and over again? Guilt and pain flood the painted steed's heart, and for a moment it is difficult to even breathe. But then Kaj has stopped talking, has turned his dull gaze to Quilyan, and he knows that he cannot leave a broken heart in ruins. Not when it is his brother. "You aren't weak, brother," he says, eyes glistening with repressed emotions and memories. "We are more alike than you know, you and I. My family was murdered for the blood in their veins, without knowing anything about them, for a crime they did not commit. I was a prince, once. I was in line for the throne, and I had to learn how to manage it. To place one such as this Lace in a position of power... it bodes ill for this land. I have seen discontent, I have seen rebellion, and I can tell you... this is how it starts. This is how kingdoms burn." He shakes his head, knowing that his words are not comforting in the least. "But you... you are not weak for seeing the truth. You are not weak for wanting to be appreciated. You are a better stallion than I - yes, I have Resplendence, and yes, I have Zarina, but what have I done to earn them? And yet, here you stand, bearing the scars of your so-called family, with naught to show for it." He pauses, again shaking his head. Locks of gold and white fall to frame violet eyes. Zarina, from her place on Resplendence's neck (for she had chosen to accompany the mare and assist with the herbs, as she so enjoys) feels his pain; her concern floods their bond, but he waves her off. He tells her he has it under control. It may be a lie, but it is all he has to offer. "She loves you," he says finally. "Resplendence. I didn't... understand, at first, I thought... but... you're family to her. You're family to me, if you'll have me. If you choose to leave, I will not beg you to stay - I cannot ask it of you when you have already given so much to this land - but I will have your back, whatever your decision." |
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[W/C | ---] RayoDeSoleil.deviantart.com | Ness8Bit.deviantart.com |
Please tag Quilyan in all replies.
Use of force and/or magic (with the exception of death) is allowed at all times.
Want to plot with Quilyan? Visit his plot page here!
Use of force and/or magic (with the exception of death) is allowed at all times.
Want to plot with Quilyan? Visit his plot page here!
