"Where brilliance is good and madness is better..."
Helovia Info
Helovia opened in February 2012! We are an active fantasy equine RPG
Where once the world narrowed into naught but gray dust and desolation, the gods called for life. Wielding the elements of fire and light, dark and wind, earth and water, spark and time, they have created Helovia. The realm is set within the mythical globe of Loorien, a planet rich with all variety of creatures and blessed with all manner of magic. Originally populated by nomadic, tribal characters, they've since grown into massive empires saturated with culture and history. Separated into four distinct segments of Helovia, called "The Regions," each band of horse strong enough and capable enough, took up the power and responsibility of leadership. Unicorns, old, wise and mysterious, took to the north, hidden in forests of mists and shadows and rarely making themselves known beyond their cliffs of the World's Edge. Equines, vast, organized and militaristic, split into two, one group went north to the Windtossed Foothills and the other group went south to the Dragon's Throat. Pegasus remained nomadic, making their homes in various parts of The Wilds in a migratory manner. For many generations, the land was peaceful and calm, but peace was never the way of the gods. With a clash of argument, war and bloodshed massacred Helovia, and in the aftermath, the realm was eerily quiet. Now, as newcomers sweep into this land, they are met with the lingering bitterness of the gods and the struggle to reclaim what was lost. Nothing remains safe or certain while sorcerers and soldiers alike brood and bide their time for revenge, honor and glory.
Site Wide Plots
Kaos :: The Beginning of the End ☼ - 6/2017 - Kaos placed Helovia in a time-bubble for a short period of time, but the Helovian gods are fighting back. But Kaos is powerful- far more powerful than anyone thought. This may be the beginning of the end of Helovia as we know it.
Kisamoa :: A New Kind of Kaos ☼ - 3/2017 - Kisamoa asks Helovians to help him restore the Spectral Marsh. Which side will you choose?
Invasions :: All Out War ☼ - 5/2/16 - New layout and the brand new invasion rules are up! Thank you for your patience and we look forward to getting started with this new adventure.
The Rift :: Gods Do Die ☼ - 8/2015 - Helovia Gods are saving the Rift from corrupt gods! Can Helovians band together against these foreign deities?
The Literal Ship ☼ - 2/8/15 - Oh no! You have to pair up for Valentine's day!
Sky Island :: Murder ☼ - 10/25/14 - Vesta has been found dead on the island, and the gods have called to you to solve the murder!
Sky Island :: Peace ☼ - 7/7/14 - An island has appeared in the sky! Clouds carry Helovians from the Veins to the sky.
Restoration :: We Welcome the Dawn ☼ - 9/21/13 - The sun has finally risen on this day, giving the land new light, but the Time God and the Sun God have yet to be seen.
Endless Night :: Broken Magic Plot ☼ - 8/30/13 - The earth god has returned and is walking across Helovia to heal the land. Every area can now be considered lush and prosperous, but the sun has still not risen.
☼ - 7/19/13 - The moon has risen in the sky, heralding the return of the Goddess of the moon. Lamp trees which light the paths have grown brighter, moon flowers which grow in dark places have begun to grow and prosper and the world is brighter, filled with a new hope.
Endless Night :: Dead Magic Plot ☼ - 6/22/13 - The gods of Helovia, in order to protect the world, have disappeared into the rift, leaving the world sunless, moonless and magic-less in their absence. Only the herdlands have a source of light, but lamp-trees with glowing leaves and branches sporadically line the popular roads and paths from place to place.
Doppleganger Plot ☼ - 6/20/13 - The God of Time is still struggling to close the rift though which the dopplegangers have come. He has requested that his brothers and sister assist in closing this hole, but without knowing why it opened, the task is proving difficult. Magic still remains faulty and hard to control, but the herdlands continue to be places of refuge for those who are fortunate enough to call these lands home.
ORANGEMOON cools off the lands with a a viscious force. Colder than normal, a sign of things to come during Frostfall, Helovia is bathed in a rich tropical lushness - albiet a cold one. The coastlines of the Dragon's Throat are pelted constantly by tidal waves, and the desert climate is humid but chilly. Ice begins to form early in the Aurora Basin leaving the winding trails slick and dangerous. The mists of the World's Edge coat everything in a glistening crystalline shine which encourages mould to grow everywhere. The Spectral Marsh is the only area which remains fertile, blissfully temperature and lush.
Cotm
Character of the Month for
June, 2017
WEAVER, Corporal of the Aurora Basin, is a relatively recent addition to Helovia and has taken it by storm. Branded with the seal of Death on her chest, intrigue and interest follow both her past and present. Though she is assuredly beautiful, her sometimes sharp personality reveals that there is more to this uni-peg hybrid than meets the eye. Proving herself able on the battlefield in the Basin’s warrior ranks, we can’t wait to see her test her mettle against the looming Kaos happenings! Congratulations!
Helovia RPG was created by Tamme and Blu and coded by Tamme also known as Schwartze. All coding, palettes and imagery are copyrighted to the website and are not for use outside of Helovia. Thank you to our ServerMaster for hosting Helovia. A special thanks goes to Neo for all of her coding help and fixing Tamme's errors, Boom, for her loyal service and creation of the Time God, and to Ali for her consistent contributions and dedication.
It was an early morning in Edge. Raeden and Tin arose from the shelter of their hutch. Cream hooves walked into the heavy mist; then a call came from the borders of edge. Ears pinned sharply as teal eyes looked around the murky world. Shaking her head slightly she went to the sound of the call with swift movements. Golden curves glowed in the new morning light. Cloud like dapples floated over the grounds. Her light tail kissed the ground she walked on, and spider web-like fibers drifted from her mane. Tin stayed along with her side quickly moving his small hooves to keep up with the specter. Green eyes narrowed upon the woman calling out to Edge. Tin shifted his bright green eyes back to Raeden. Large deer ears pinned back What does she want? Silver-flecked eyes narrowed upon the woman She Is challenging somone
The woman opens her mouth again speaking about an outcast member. Golden ears pin and her face shows an expression of disgust. She is saying that the outcast wants his bag back. Her venom like words wanted to spit from her mouth like a cobra. How dare her, and how dare him. Compensation was not given to the man because it was stealthed for her herd, fair and square. Maybe if the pussy of a man came here himself, he could have gotten it back. She knows queen Aly would more than likely give it to HIM. To send the leader of Falls to retrieve it for him is a coward move. Her voice talks aloud to TinWell maybe HE would have gotten it back if HE came and asked for it... But it looks like he needs to hide like an adolescent boy under his leader. Who, might I add was not his leader when the bag was rightfully stealthed. Hmm Burning bridges for a fucking leather bag.That is what Helovia has come down too. Give them a slow clap Tin! Her sharpened skull shook with disbelief. Tin chuckled at the words his companion spoke to him. For a moment she wondered if Loth knew that his ruler was challenging for a stolen bag from an outcast. He was a head sleuth rank now wasn't he? The honey colored mare stood waiting to see who was going to fight this battle for Aly. Surely the queen was not going to do this; her odds were on Tembovu to step up. She waited and watched wondering if any others would show up to watch the challenge.
speaking
OOC:: Welp I suck today I am sorry! I just wrote a paper for 5 hours... Anyways come watch the challenge with Rae!! Open to everyone and Posting order is a Lie!! Tagging a few who expressed interest.
Heavy hoof steps thudded against the hardened and rooted floor, the clawed boots sunk deep into the earth as his weight bore down upon the misted dirt. He had heard the call of the Czarina, and he intended to be there to watch how the events unfolded, part of him was curious to see if their Queen would accept, or if another would take her place. The Seer was eager to see the Queen answer, the meeting of her ascension was forever ingrained in his mind, and had left the Moon's Messenger conflicted and reserved in his judgement on their current reigning Lady. Let her prove that a Healer is a capable warrior when the need arises, let her be able to answer challenges and not fall victim to the all too delicate noose of favor and misfortune. So he marched under heavy armor toward where the sound had emanated from with a collected font of curiosity.
Unyielding silver eyes landed upon the fae and her deer, drawing to a respectable distance from her and keep a respectable silence in favor of focusing on the impending fight. The Czarina voiced her reasoning for the challenge, blue hued ears pressed forward to catch every word which left her maw. An admirable quality, to take the grievances of those who joined as their own, one that no doubt showed that the Falls cared for that which ailed their members. The opinion is cut short by the doe's sudden voice, cutting and infantile, so he finds as she spouted and raved about how infantile it was to hide behind a leader. "Better it be that the leaders settle differences, than one man to act alone and draw ire upon an entire herd for the sake of not keeping one in check, no?" He grumbled, ears pressed back against the cool armor, disdain marking what was no covered by his faceplate. "The earthen leader is right to seek out that which belonged to her herd member, if he so rightly craves them enough to ask for them back."
He fell silent after that, leonine tail neatly pulled around his lapis hooves as his neck gave a shake. A vain attempt to shrug off the mornings lingering tendrils of sleep and grogginess. It was a match that required every ounce of him to focus upon and commit to memory. Sore it was for the Seer then, when it was not the painted Queen who emerged to meet the Czarina but Tembovu. Barrel swelled with a silent and confused sigh, and his plated neck arched to glance around the makeshift arena to see if he could not spot her, his search turned up empty and he was forced to glance back to the King and Earth Queen.
"Where is Queen Alysanne? Does she not wish to answer her own call to arms?" It's a question more to himself as brows knitted together and his lips pulled downward into an unabashed judgement. Ethereal eyes narrow with a resigned glint, a poor attempt at hope still remaining that she would show late and insist the King step aside. Strange, it was to him, his homeland was truly worlds apart.
Thinking about dosing off, his eyes glazing over, Sacre gazed into the thick mists that clung to every nook it could. It was almost hypnotic, the way it made everything monotone and dull, lulling him closer to sleep. The ears of his foxes, however, were not fooled for there was a commotion afoot and they, with a curious pair of noses, suddenly scampered off to see what was going on, leaving Sacre with his mouth open mid-doze. Groggily, he moved out into a jog, following the tails of his friends and wondering what was happening for them to so eagerly forgo nap time. They didn’t really have to go far, Sacre often slept near the Worlds Edge border (just in case Roux came by) and when they got there the scrimmage was in full swing. What was happening? He watched, mouth still agape, whilst the Czarina of the Falls—the Mountain that Knows? Each time they clashed together Sacre cringed at every bit of damage dealt to either side and his lips were pressed into a thin nervous line, filling his expression with dread. He had managed to catch the scraps of conversation from the other two present, Raeden whom he still felt awkward around, and Alune the Seer who called on the Moon.
It was a formal challenge, for a trinket that the Edge had stolen, that the Czarina now wanted back.
Sacre understood the unwritten rules of Helovia, that of stealing and challenging, he also knew the troubles that arose from them. The fox-boy himself had been a victim of stealing when the very place he now lived in had taken him from the Basin just before war broke out. This was, perhaps, much smaller in scale, but the repercussions could always be the same, though Sacre hoped the two leads would see a maturity at the end and was cautiously sure nothing major would come of it. Yet, to risk souring relations over a trinket of someone who, according to Raeden, was not part of the Hidden Falls when his trinket had been stolen. A frown fell over the fox-boy’s face as he gazed across to the Mountain, thoughtfully wondering what drove her and if she had considered, that whilst she was indeed serving one member, was she really serving them all? Would she go after every stolen trinket of those who joined the Hidden Falls… If word got out, everyone who had something missing might flock to the Falls with ulterior motives.
“I wonder if the guy the Czarina is fighting for understands that his leader may be hurt on his behalf” he sighed. If it was him and Tembovu, or anyone else, was fighting for him, Sacre would feel that every wound inflicted was his fault. “He did not even travel with her” was the guy really that bothered about his trinket? If he was, why wasn’t he here with the Mountain to reclaim what was his—he should at least see the effort his leader was making. Whilst he agreed partially with Alune, that he his presence alone may have been more aggravating, Sacre didn't believe that he shouldn't be here at all.
Yet, in a way, Sacre found the Czarina’s outlook refreshing if not slightly scary. The Falls had been plagued with blight for so long perhaps this girls fire might be enough to empower it again. Though still the Nurse wished that, if anything, the settling of disputes was not done through violence. He found, the more he got attached to healing, the more fighting made him feel ill. Especially when the Czarina morphed into a dragon and Tembovu rose into an Elephant, Sacre’s heart sped faster in fear and his teeth ground together anxiously. He was already envisioning the kinds of injuries they might do to each other and wished that there was a healer of higher standing here beside him. “There must be a better way” he grumbled watching them tear lumps out of each other as the King took another injury to his flank “that’s going to take some patching back together” he grimly commented, not that he would be doing the patching.
"Violence is evil" he remembered Mauja telling him, "a necessary evil", though now more than ever he wanted to ask the Frozen Light where the line was meant to be drawn.
The voice of Kahlua’s daughter was enough to make Alysanne shudder as it rang throughout the Edge. Would that she had been petty enough to burn or drop the bag off the cliffs so that the Falls could seek it out in pieces! She had considered it briefly when they had parted ways the day before but knew that would hardly help the situation.
She had not slept all through the night, so enraged by the younger mare’s beratement and self-righteous attitude, but what was one more sleepless night? She felt haggard and weary but dismissed these weaknesses as she hurried towards the border.
Alysanne had known, of course, that Isopia would be arriving with the morning. And she knew that the herd’s best chance at winning was if she did not answer the call herself. They had two other demigods with them now that may be a better match, experienced warriors that would know how to match the Earth God’s daughter in blows. Tembovu was one such warrior and though her heart ached to see the two giants meet in battle as she trotted towards the small group that was gathering, she knew that this was better.
She approached not long after the fight began, arriving just after Sacre and in time to hear everyone’s words. She came to stand beside Raeden, whose skills at espionage had led to the bag landing in her possession. She attempted to reach out with her dark muzzle to give a silent, for now, greeting to the mare but her green eyes found Alune first - her voice steady and eyes blazing still with the anger she felt over this ridiculous situation.
And to be insulted by their absentee Seer? Well, that just did not seem fair.
“If you have an issue with me, Alune, say it to my face. Tembovu is fighting because he is more experienced than I, because in this field he is a better match and stands a better chance at winning. This is not just a fight between two mares, but has rather evolved into one between two herds.” If it was just about the bag, after all, why did not Cowboy come to seek it himself? It seemed only fair that Kahlua's daughter came here looking for a fight and found Alysanne.
Had she brows, one would be arched as she continued - her tone casual as her tail flicked and showed the frustration she was trying to master. “Are you so eager to see your queen beaten on the field of battle?” She did not doubt that there were those in the herd that would like to see her battered and bleeding but that wasn’t exactly the diplomatic style she intended to rule the Edge with.
Why did no one seem to understand that leadership required balance and that it was good she and Tembovu had separate strengths? To her it was such common sense!
Alysanne was honoured Tembovu had taken on this fight for her, though she suspected it had more to do with the fact that it was for the Edge and not just her. The fate of their relations with the Falls would be called into question whatever the result here today.
She hated even the sound of the fighting and so she turned her attention to Sacre, agreeing with him that there was a better way. “She and I spoke yesterday and though I attempted a more civil manner to end this dispute she was adamant that a challenge was the only way that was fair.” The way Alysanne stressed that last word, her eyes performing a graceful eyeroll to punctuate it, made it clear she did not think fighting was the solution. Not for this, not for anything really. It showed a lack of intelligence to her, or a lack of diplomacy at the very least. “She didn’t even try asking first.” She continued to explain, reminding herself that they would have only heard one side of the story so far and that she could try to help shed some light on why this farce was taking place.
She then turned to Raeden and commented in a low voice, intended only for her ears. “I do not think the mountain knows as much as she thinks she does.”
11-06-2016, 12:52 AM (This post was last modified: 11-06-2016, 12:54 AM by Iona.)
- I O N A -
The call to challenge was impossible to miss, as was the attention it garnered. Iona, of course, was concerned about the prospect of this Mountain calling out her sister. If no one came to battle, she’d step in Aly’s place before she allowed her sister to fight such a hulking opponent. Though she didn’t want to see any herdmate step up to meet the call over something so petty, she was pleased when she saw Tembovu step forth on behalf of her sister. Iona couldn’t believe the gall of this Czarina - coming to the Edge, making demands, demanding blood as payment, refusing so much as to consider that her “logic” may be inherently flawed. Such a path was dangerous. Iona knew there were so few absolutes in this world, seeing it in such black and white colors never ended well.
She saw Raeden appear, and shifted so as to join her fellow Specter, knowing that she could likely commiserate with the pale unicorn about the utterly ridiculous nature of the situation. She joined Rae and gave the unicorn a sympathetic smile, shaking her head in distaste as she watched the battle unfold. It was Alune’s comments, however, that caused her attention to turn from the battle.
Iona snapped her head around leveled her emerald gaze on Alune (who came looking like he was decked out for battle, with his fancy glass outfit and all). It was tough to get under the painted mare’s skin, and the large stallion had managed to do so easily with so few words. Impressive. Her ears flicked back upon her head as she her gaze hardened.
“Quick to judge aren’t we, Alune?” Iona huffed, with a poorly concealed roll of the eyes. “You speak as if the Specters routinely steal useful items from the Falls. We do no such thing. The item in question belonged to an outcast who only recently joined the herd. One who didn’t have the balls to come and retrieve his item himself. But if the Czarina wishes to compromise a standing alliance all because a new member couldn’t hold on to his belongings long before he joined them, so be it. I expect that there will be a ban on all stolen goods within the Falls based on her philosophy. That’s her prerogative - not mine. And its not the way that those in my rank operate. Feel free to ask Raeden and I if you have any questions. This is our area of expertise.” The mare hardly paused to catch her breath, and barely registered that there was another - Sacre - present.
Iona was seething. She was sick and tired of people doubting her sister, just because she preferred healing to fighting. As if that meant she would lay down on a battlefield and allow herself to be overcome if danger were to come to the Edge. Did any of them know Alysanne? Did they bother to know the one who now bore the title of the Devoted? Who were they to doubt her? Iona had seen Alysanne tested before - she had seen her sister fight off (literal) demons. She knew what she was capable of, but why wouldn’t the others give her the same chance? They were too busy making their own goddamn assumptions because apparently playing with glass sticks or building some glass objects somehow made you a much more able warrior than someone able to heal wounds. Iona wore the same scars as Alysanne. The ugly, hairless scars that decorated her wing joints and her neck. She’d seen her sister fight. She knew why Aly now disdained doing so. But it was no one’s fucking business but Alysanne’s and her own.
Thankfully, before Iona could open her mouth and do any real damage, Aly was there and did a damn good job of putting Alune solidly in his place. Iona moved to her sister’s side, offering her a reassuring bump to the wing before she turned to Sacre, finally calm enough to recognize that she did agree with most of what Sacre had said. “Sounds like there was a better way and the Czarina still chose violence. What a waste,” she said, casting a glance Aly’s way. Iona just sighed, frustrated and irritated by the whole situation. She then whispered to her sister, hoping to keep her voice low enough for Aly only, “I’m glad you’re here. I think I was about to kill your Seer, or in the very least break his outfit.”
11-07-2016, 05:22 AM (This post was last modified: 11-07-2016, 05:26 AM by Tilney.)
The Mountains call came to his ears like thunder and the den, that perfect cave neath the tree sprung with life - the flaxen Physicians had awoken after the most restless night indeed.
It would of been near impossible to not overhear the conversation between the Queen and the Czarina the previous day were you nearby - there was a lot of catty remarks and raised voices, mostly likely a lot of wing flaring and stoney green glares.
To learn that Alysanne had no trifle with holding onto stolen herb bags that (now that she was no longer a Moon Doctor) she probably no longer needed, and also that Tembovu would be paying the price for the monarchs cat fight had struck an immense blow to Tilneys faith in his Queen to say the least. In his eyes it was a remarkable fall from grace on both parties, but respect for his own queen and former colleague was dissolving. He was dissapointed in the so-called devoted woman whos refusal to return a stolen item had summoned an awful ire in the Mountain, one that could not be put out.
Dressed in his cloak of dark green and scarved by his sturdy lions mane collar, the Moon Doctor tread from his home to the clearing where the mountains boom had come from. A small gathering had beat him there, but it was by Alunes shoulder that the chestnut took his place.
Alune had spoken about the Earthen Leader and her right to seek what belonged to her herd member, and Tilney could only dip his chin ever so slightly in agreement. He offered no greeting as he usually would - he gazed ahead at his King and the woman they called the Mountain. She was all finery and no beauty in his eyes - relying on trinkets to bring her appearance to that of a Czarina.
"Where is Queen Alysanne? Does she not wish to answer her own call to arms?"
Tilney wished to speak aye and agree, ask along with the Seer on why the Queen had not shown, but it was then that he could feel her presence.
The Matriarchs voice demanded that Alunes issues regarding her should be spoken to her face - something which caused his brows to knit together. He had spoken his mind, and he had spoken true, - Tilney felt he could only stand up for the Seer, and in the fashion that would please the Queen. Silence was not an option, he daren't let her growl the spiritual advisor into a silence of his own.
Bringing his head up from its sunken, hung position the physician looked to his former colleague, a woman who had changed beyond recognition since corronation and let his eyes pin to hers. "I admire the Czarina for coming so far to retrieve the gentleman's stolen bags, andI sympathise with him."
"I can recall a time not too long ago when my lantern was stolen, this very lantern that hangs from these tines in fact. What the theif didn't know is that without it I cannot see in dim light, let alone at night" Tilneys gaze tore from the Queens, looking to the Sneak and then to the Seer "You did nothing" "Thank mother moon the thief returned it on their own accord. If I had relied on you or the sleuths I would be crippled with each sunset once more! Now here you stand, possessing bags you do not need and refuse to return despite the option to"
Tilneys green gaze was not filled with anguish, nor hate or anything vile. Just sadness, disappointment. What was he dissapointed in? He was dissapointed in Isopias immaturity, Alysannes lack of judgment and clear selfishness. Their beloved King would not be under the knife had their silly decisions not allowed it. That same gaze looked upon the battlefield, surveying the wounds of his King and planned which he would heal first and how.
He begun to peel each herb from their pocket in his collar, including the cedar heartwood antiseptics and anaesthetics, but he wasn't done with Alysanne yet it seemed. He ignored Ionas approach (he had learned to ignore her by now). "You will not fight today because fighting is not one of your talents - it is not one of mine either, but Alysanne you are a strong Queen; It takes strength to admit your faults.
However, It takes a great deal more to admit when you are wrong."
"That, I believe is just another one of your weaknesses."
And with that the Moon doctor was off. Leaping onto the meadow to edge closer to the fight, ready to heal the King as soon as it was over. You should of returned the bags to their rightful owner.
There was something going on. She could sense it, like an itching lump somewhere along the spine. Then there was the noise too, disagreeing voices punctuating the rumble of hooves and the trumpeting of wounded beasts. Sounds of battle. Altogether it was foreign sounds that did not belong in the forest, noises she had never had to associate with her home before.
Frowning, Erthë approached the battle warily, watching with apprehension the dragon and the elephant as they exchanged blows. She took her time in reaching the group of onlookers, and merely listened as they passed their judgement on the matter. Something about bags, theft and a challenge (obviously this fight, that seemed to be the most logical explanation) but more than anything, it was the increasingly vehement tone of the conversation that troubled her. Blue-tinged ears dipped backwards at Tilney's harsh words and Erthë looked after him as he moved closer to the combatants, frowning at the way he just left after saying all that.
"Why didn't you return the bags?" she asked, turning towards the Queen with her question; honestly curious about the reasoning, there was no trace of judgement in either face or voice of the young acolyte. Perhaps it was because the matter seemed so pathetically simple, hardly worth causing such a fuss over. The outcome of the fight honestly didn't matter to her in the slightest, because in the end the stakes were just that small.
A pair of bags? Please.
"I can't believe that Cowboy person caused such a mess over something so small... Rather than fighting here that Czarina should have a talk with him about keeping track of his own possessions."
She shook her head in disbelief. If the man was so keen on having his stuff back he should come and ask for them himself. Better yet - if he cared so little about them that he wouldn't do it on his own, then he didn't deserve to have things in the first place. 'Might makes right' was a philosophy Erthë definitely could get behind - never in her life would she bother others to keep track of her own baubles.
Another matter entirely was the whole thing with stealing stuff and giving them to others. Even though she couldn't bring herself to feel badly about it, it didn't exactly seem like the most thoughtful way of handing out gifts. Looking thoughtfully from one face to another, she wrapped her tail around a hock, not knowing that the pretty metal bracelet that adorned her dock was just as hot an item as the disputed bags, or that the culprit was the very Spected she stood next to.
If she had known, the whole situation might have grown vastly more interesting to her.
_________________________________________
Waiting for the rain I'm bracing for the thunder A twig that wouldn't sway in the wind
11-07-2016, 09:17 AM (This post was last modified: 11-07-2016, 10:30 AM by Alune.
Edit Reason: proof reading is for the weak
)
"So it is about winning, is it?" Alune's question is an emotionless response, as his head turned nonchalantly toward the Queen. "You possess bags that do not belong to you, it is only fair that you return them, now that you no longer have need of them." He commented simply with a roll of his great periwinkle shoulders. "I take issue with a Queen who is unwilling to fight her own battles, whether or not the odds are stacked against her. You would of earned more respect and honor if you had handed them back, or better yet, if you were stood there now."
Sacre's comments are taken with a gentler approach, it would seem after exchange of hooves, flesh and magic were said and done — it would require gentle hooves and diplomatic words. "I hope the Mountain is not one to hold grudges, for I will be setting out soon to convene with the other religious figure heads of the land. It would be vexing to have the Falls turn away relations for such a juvenile matter."
"Do I wish to see any of my people harmed? No." He responded with a monotone rumble, the irritation and boredom droning into his voice as Alysanne continued to sap him of his patience. "I however, do believe there is a sense of honor and duty to stand upon one's own hooves and not rely on another, when something is directed toward you, and you alone."
He's soon joined by the flaxen chestnut stag, whose body was marked with a tree whiter than bone. His head dipped in a silent greeting, and his ears flicked forward when the man spoke and contributed. At least there was another who saw what was unfolding for what it was. His comments prompted a steady raise in opinions and respect from the Seer, and his eyes flicked from the lad to Alysanne and then her sister.
"I hardly find it acceptable to be asked to give back what does not belong to you." His attention diverted to Iona with a blank silver stare. "Neither do I accuse the Sneaks of this land of stealing from the Falls time and time again, and neither do I say you should stop. Is it not your duty to realize that you can be caught? You play a dangerous game. When you are caught, it is only right you give back what did not belong. Just as I would hold it to any sneak, in any herd. There are rules to the games you play."
His midnight ears did not miss Iona's bratty remark, and finally his maw breaks into a smirk. "I would return such a sentiment, specter, if I thought it worthy of my time." His head dipped to each of them present in turn, just as Tilney left his own comment. "Ladies, gentleman." The Seer rumbled in a parting comment with a bow given to each one, lapis hooves taken him further down toward the battle after the Moon Doctor. He would surely enjoy catching the attention of the Czarina in the aftermath and see about securing passage to the Falls, as well as answering a few of his own questions. A parting glance is given to Erthe, and his icy resolve thaws for a moment. "Thero'shan."
Z E R O they say we are what we are, but we don't have to be
So this is a disaster.
It's not a good idea. You feel that in your bones, in the depth of your soul, in the knot that clenches at your stomach- this is not a good idea. But you know better than to argue with Isopia, to try and talk her down from her crusade. Maybe it's because you trust her judgment, maybe because you were raised by a woman hell-bent on adhering to her own moral code, regardless the repercussions- whatever the reason, you take this new turn in stride with quiet resignation, opting to follow and support your friend rather than attempt to talk her down.
The Edge is eerie in the early morning light, its weird glass barrier almost-hidden and menacing. You shiver against the cold, the physical and emotional discomfort, as Isopia leaves to summon her opponent, a great brute of a stallion you're sure you've seen here or there. He emerges from a milling group of also vaguely-recognizable-but-mostly-unfamiliar horses, a champion to the challenge for a bag - one stupid bag - surrounded by a swell of support. Your ears pin back as you watch him approach, anger blaring through your skin - not for him, but for them, the so-called family of the Falls that has neglected to come support their queen. The Elephant arises from a wall of upturned faces, and what does Isopia have? You, a small lonely figure on the side of the battlefield, a shifting shadow in the mist. No medics, no soldiers, not even Cowboy, the idiot who didn't have the balls to retrieve his own property- and, sure, you don't really think Iso's doing the right thing, but you know why. Even if she wasn't your friend, she would be your Czarina.
This shit would not be tolerated in the Throat.
At first you keep your distance from the rest of the throng, those familiar-unfamiliars, but slowly you begin to drift close, curiosity and a desire to think about anything other than the dragon and elephant at war before you driving you toward the figures. Even before the battle is concluded they're starting to drift away, and you frown at this, watching and trying to figure out why.
You pause before you really enter the gathering, your sunbeam eyes casting furtive glances toward the Edge(ers? -lings? -ingtons? You don't know). At the center of the group are two painted mares and a white filly; you strive to hear what they, and the others, are saying, but their voices are quiet and muted by mist. You want to say something, to justify Isopia to them, or at the very least mitigate the damage done by this fight. Your lips quiver, try to form words, and fail. What can you say? You are the enemy, cheering for the opposite side.
But there's one thing you know, one thing you want them to know, even though you're not sure who to tell it to- so you tell it to yourself, to nobody, to the Gods who listen and judge, your bright voice heavy (but still loud) beneath the weight of the ongoing fight:
"She's doing what she thinks is right. What else was she supposed to do? If we don't stand by our morals, what are we?"
Zero lurks on the outskirts. Kind of tries to get the attention of @Alysanne,@Iona and @Erthe
Erthë hadn't noticed the one-winged colt, too absorbed in the fight and the argument around her to have much room for anyone else. It was something she would have to work on, she decided, because it was annoying to notice people only when they spoke up. It made her feel inattentive, as if she wasn't looking properly at things and missed important details. A stranger in their midst certainly did seem important to her, and even more so since the things he said were both clever and had point. Much more point so far than anything the others had said.
Including, as much as it galled her to admit it, her own teacher.
Pricking her ears in his direction, Erthë turned her head and regarded the boy with her clear, piercing eyes. He looked to be the same age as her, roughly, but that was where the similarities ended. Darker, stockier, possessing only one wing and shorter than herself, if it was even possible; she tried to meet his gaze and found the golden eyes appealing, even if he was taking the side of the challenger.
"Nothing" she replied, and separated from the group, her limp heavy and impossible to miss as she went to stand in front of him. "Hypocrites and cowards... and none accuse her of being that. But that doesn't make this ridiculous spectacle right, or just, or even necessary. I'm sure there would have been a hundred different ways of solving the matter without resorting in violence... Don't you think?"
Tilting her head, Erthë looked inquiring at the young stallion, an ear twisting like a raised eyebrow asking for his opinion. She found that it was hard not to stare at the shoulder where his other wing should have been. Against her will her eyes traveled downward on their own, fascinated and full of a pity she was sure he didn't want (or need).
"I'm Erthë" she offered, a half smile reaching her rosy lips. "Who are you? Her friend, I gather?"
_________________________________________
Waiting for the rain I'm bracing for the thunder A twig that wouldn't sway in the wind
@Zéklè
~| Use of magic and violence is always permitted |~
~| Please only tag in opening posts |~
Iona was tired of arguing. She was tired of how something so ridiculously petty had escalated into a question of competencies and morals. Couldn’t anyone see how trivial this was? Couldn’t anyone see the issue of tearing apart the ranks of this kingdom over something so incredibly stupid. Iona felt like she was losing her damn mind standing amongst this screaming match, but it became very evident that she wasn’t going to be able to reason with the irrational so the painted specter placed her hooves firmly on the high road. When her voice came again it was hard, level, forced, clearly frustrated, but still calm. The storm was being kept at bay. She directed her words towards those with the harshest criticism for her sister, and her gaze lingered between Alune and Tilney.
“I think it’s important to remember that Raeden and I are not omniscient. If something is lost you’d like our help with, it’s your responsibility to bring that to our attention and we’re always willing to help. That’s the reason we dedicated our ranks to locating the lost herd members. And we are good at what we do. I’ve not been caught, I don’t believe Rae has been either. But sometimes people can discover the whereabouts of their things. Even then, it is their responsibility to get the item back. We don’t keep things out of malice or selfishness. We keep things that would be beneficial to the herd.”
“And speaking of the herd I think that you’d do well to show support for its leaders. This public display of insubordination is, to put it frankly, embarrassing. You would so publicly doubt your queen while the king has no issue fighting in her stead and defending the honor of this place? You talk of this Czarina’s beliefs - what about those of your leaders who have earned their place as lead here? If you’re that discontent living here under the current leadership, what the hell is keeping you here? If agree with this foreign Czarina to the point you demonize your own Queen, perhaps you should follow her home? I trust you know where the Gate is. Don't let the door hit you on the way out.”
It was then that she refocused her attention entirely, taking a cleansing breath and taking scope of who else had joined the gathering. Iona was pleased to see Erthe had arrived, even though the little one had very well formed opinions of her own (as she well should), she seemed to speak the most logic of them all. It seemed she was smart enough to keep a cool head regarding the situation, when those who were grown lost their heads and their rationality. “Silly, isn’t it?” Iona mirrored, thoroughly agreeing with the girl, though her gaze drifted to the band that adored the girl’s tail. Iona’s lips were sealed, however. Items in Helovia passed from equine to equine frequently. Another reason she found this entire situation to be ludacris.
It was then that her eyes drifted to a strange face - one who likely belonged to the very Czarina who had caused such an upheaval in the Edge. It was funny to think that of all those that had gathered, this newcomer was not one who set her blood aflame. Instead, Iona found it refreshing. Someone who had come to support his Leader and kept his own personal opinions absent from his rationale for being here.
Iona offered the one-winged boy a small, crooked smile and beckoned him forward. “It’s okay. Despite our differences, we don’t bite. Your leader fights for what she believes, ours fight for what they believe. Your Czarina clearly has, er, strong morals to say the least. You’ll find the leaders here have a strong moral compass too. We won’t all agree every time, it’s the way of the world. It’s just too bad it lead to violence. However none will come to you while you’re here. I’m Iona.”
They gathered quickly around her. The voice rose from each corner of the small clearing. The man of the moon arrived first. Teal eyes flicked over looking at the man. Silver flecks roared in her eyes and Tin let his green eyes narrow upon the purple colored man. Her sharpened horn turned to look him square in the face. His comment burned deep in her chest. A sigh fell from her maw before snapping back at the moon man. What is this woman doing now Seer?? Is she not creating an enemy over a leather bag? If the man came to us and asked for his fucking bag back, I am sure he would have gotten it from our queen. It is about manning up, or keeping an eye on your shit. Her honey voice was calm and almost soothing. Shaking cream tresses her attention drew back upon the challenge. Then the boy with the foxes appeared... Sacre right? Raeden smiled listening to him speak. He was not accusing of any sleuth nor questioning the reason the queen was not fighting for it. No Cowboy did not travel with her. I guess he wanted to hide at home. Her shoulders shrugged. I am sure the queen gave a better option than fighting. You know she never resorts to a battle. Her voice reassured the boy, then the queen arrived followed by her fellow specter Iona.
Sweet tones wanted to chuckle as she addressed the seer quickly and promptly. She spoke like a true queen and Raeden could not help but to stop and listen to her. The Mountain never asked the queen for the bag back. Raeden nodded her head with agreement. Her velvet maw reached out and touched her shoulder I know you would have given it back if she would have asked. I did not think a bag would cause this much turmoil... A sigh fell from her mouth watching the challenge continue. A small voice rang in her ear that made her chuckle. I think she is burning her bridge faster than she can get off of it...
Iona was the next to speak up and correct the Seer. Her venom like words snaped and lashed at the man. He was lucky it was just worded at this point. She spoke up speaking about the stealthing. Raeden waited until she was done. A pale girl came into the mix. Her reasoning was a good one, and she spoke her mind simply. I agree with the girl, she speaks clearly and simply. Maybe the man needs a lesson or two in keeping his stuff safe. Everything unraveled and unfolded in front of the specters eyes. Iona and the seer battled each other in a fine game of witty remarks and snapping at each other. The moon doctor would add in his two sense every now and again. The cackling hens went on and on for what felt like hours. It was only a few minutes that had passed. The specter pinned her ears to her skull tired of the others running circles and playing the blame game.Finally, after Iona spoke with the boy, there was a chance for her to speak. You know, why don't you spend a day in our shoe's Seer, or if anyone has a problem with our job, or what we do. I gladly accept you to join the ranks for a day. I do not see anyone else stepping up around here to try and gather information about anything other than someone else's business. Does Iona or I tell anyone around here how to do their job? If there is an issue with the way that we run things in the stealth ranks I invite you to come seek Iona out and me. We can't read minds so just like Iona said if you do not tell us about someone or something missing we do not know, especially if it is personally related. You act as if we do not speak or consult with our king and queen before any action is done. As for getting caught might, I add I was not caught; if I was caught then, the whole fucking argument wouldn't be happening right now. You know I am not greedy, and I know Iona is not either. I have given my items to others that I feel deserve or have a connection to them. I give them to the herd and to anyone who needs something. That is OUR job. A herd looks out for one another am I wrong? If the king did not agree with the cause he would not be fighting right now. He would have asked the queen just to give back the bag. So are you questioning the king's authority to stand up for the rights of the herd? Why can we not stand together as a herd? Let the Fall's Burn their Bridge, but let's not burn bridges in our own herd. Shaking her head she looked to the one winged boy.Iona is right. In the end, your leader stands for what she believes is right, and so does ours; sometimes that leads to war. It is all a part of the temperamental game of life. I am Raeden and this is Tin by the way. She reached out and bumped Iona's shoulder You did good, thank you for standing up for me and us. She spoke soft enough only for Iona to hear.
11-07-2016, 11:03 PM (This post was last modified: 11-07-2016, 11:04 PM by Asavvi.)
Of all things, the soft-stepping stargazer had not expected the violence that greeted her first visit to the World’s Edge. She had followed her academic and rational Czarina here hoping to see more of Helovia from the safety of the Giantess’s proximity and more, to learn what she could about the unknown herd’s ways. She had thought to learn about diplomacy at what she had to quickly assumed was the master’s knee, but what Asavvi came upon was little more than the very brutality she had hoped to avoid when she had not returned to the place of her birth.
The dark-crested girl had not followed to closely to the sultana and so came upon the confrontation already in the throws: the Mountain that Knows fighting a mammoth of a stallion that she quickly learned was called Tembovu and a collection of horses gathering to bicker as they watched the duel. It sickened her. Both that two that clashed and the many that seemed to watch so nonchalantly made her stomach want to twist and turn in her abdomen. Why. the question tripped in her consciousness for it was a question that would never be satisfactorily answered.
Her eyes, the color on an overcast sky, were stricken as she was caught for a moment in staring at the child of the Earth God, the rest of her face not quite succeeding in staying blank and betraying her distress. It was foolish to feel betrayed by this. Even as the inkling rose she shrunk away from it. betrayal was such an ugly feeling, a violent one, and for her own sake Asavvi tried to tell herself it had no place in her mind. Isopia had never professed to abhor violence but her cold, academic manner had been something Asavvi had recognized, aspired to, never dreaming for a moment that it hid a violent beast within.
Because she needing something, maybe needed someone (a cowardly girl she had ever been seeking shelter wherever it could be found) she gravitated toward the one other face she knew here, one who was mercifully not betraying a penchant for combat. She had avoided Zèklè when he had come to the Falls, fearing that he would betray her presence to the denizens of the Throat, but in the face of this horror didn’t much care about that. She drew near to him, never touching, not even sending a true greeting his way, but wanting stiffly, unable to tear her stricken eyes away from the violence.
The words all the other spoke trickled over her, all the back and forth about reasons and morals. One thing assay picked up quickly was that though most disparaged the whys and the hows and the who's in this fight, not now seemed to make much of an objection to the actual violence that the two gargantuans meted out upon each other. It was wrong. Twisted. Perverse. Perhaps They had opened her eyes to that, but still she could not say They were wrong.
This. Over a bag? Even over herds and principles, there was no excuse for this, This could never be right."There's no acceptable reason for violence. There never is." the whisper on her lips was directed at none. She thought of the hare, and thought of the bobcat, and knew she was wrong despite the belief she professed, the belief she clung to.
By the time I made it to the Edge, Isopia's battle was already underway and there was already a crowd gathered to watch. I didn't necessarily agree that fighting over a leather bag was the best or smartest thing to do, but I trusted that Isopia had her reasons. I had to trust her, if I didn't then we would never be able to work together and the Falls would fall even farther into ruin. I sighed, though, as I listened to the bickering back and forth between the Edge members, some criticizing and some supporting. The amount of anger they displayed over a leather bag was concerning.
Zero and Csilla were the only ones from the Falls, besides myself, that had arrived and this made me frown. "Cowboy isn't here?" But I suppose I didn't really need to ask because the Edgers were commenting on his absence. I sighed and closed my eyes, frowning. I couldn't believe that he wouldn't show up after sending his own Czarina to get his stolen item back for him. And he was supposed to be a warrior. What kind of warrior sent his Czarina off to battle for him? I could only imagine what kind of a fit my mother was having over this mess.
In the wake of the battle I knew that there would be much to be done. From the comments that I was hearing some of the Edgers seemed to think that an alliance was ending over a disagreement over some bags, and that disappointed me. If an alliance was fragile enough to end over a disagreement over material possessions then it was it really a strong alliance to begin with? Would they be that narrow minded that they would let the loss of an item, something being recovered for one of our own, drive a wedge between us?
Disappointing.
But I could concern myself with the politics later, that wasn't why I was there right then. I was there to support my fellow Czarina, the aftermath would have to wait until I knew the outcome and knew that Isopia was going to be okay.
"."
you won't forget the heavy steps it took to let it go
close your eyes, count to ten, hold your breath and fly
Sacre wasn’t quite sure if he was more afraid of the battle between elephant and dragon or the sudden growth of anger that burned from the gathering crowd. In fact, it grew so much much that the fox-boy couldn’t even get a word in edge ways even if he wanted to. Instead he stood, like an awkward beanpole, wincing at every hungry swipe from the fight or heated word from his fellow onlookers. Though to Sacre the aggravation between the Edgers didn’t seem be a matter of stolen bags, but rather a growing rift between ranks that had been present at the last herd meeting. It wasn’t that he didn’t have an opinion on the argument, as it was tossed back and forth, but Sacre found the way his fellow members tore into each other rather disconcerting and wished no part in it. Though now he was lost as to what to do, he couldn’t leave without knowing what would happen to Tembovu and the Falls Czarina, but Tilney had not asked for his help either with the healing. His presence here was obsolete and he found no entertainment in lingering, but there was one face who appeared in the gathered that gave Sacre a reason to brighten a little.
Ranjiri!
He ducked around the flying arguments, pausing only to gaze at Raeden on his way past, grimacing at her last words “life should not be a game nor should war” he was gentle in his conviction, not accusing, simply proffering his own belief and not wanting young ears to believe that war was anything but the end product of failure. Life should be sanctified above everything—precious and sacred. “The young filly is right, I believe” he nodded to the dark bay girl from the Falls before continuing onwards, heading towards a familiar hybrid, he had said more than he had intended anyway.
“Jiji!” he called with his usual bright voice, but his face was downcast with a lopsided grimace, his two foxes trailed beside him, both awed by what was happening around them. He wondered what she thought of it all as he fell in beside her, attempting to brush his shoulder with hers, enjoying a moment of familiarity in spite of the animosity that surrounded them. What did Ranjiri think of all this bickering? Yet, Sacre had another question, one he was more curious about, as he shot worried glances towards the sparring leaders “who is this Czarina?” he asked with intrigue colouring his voice.
11-10-2016, 10:57 AM (This post was last modified: 11-10-2016, 10:59 AM by Alysanne.)
To Tilney and Alune, Alysanne did not get much chance to rebut their words - Iona and Raeden spoke before she got a chance - before they both turned tail and ran away from the gathering. That they might disagree with her was one thing, but so publicly? In front of visitors from the Falls (as she would discover later)? And in clear disagreement with what Tembovu was doing? That was perhaps the most shocking, as she had come to know both retreating stallions as being ridiculously devoted to their King and friend. Especially Tilney! At least he had not entirely left the area, remembering his duties as a Moon Doctor if not his manners. The whole thing seemed oddly out of character for what she knew of the sweet tempered stallion. She could let it slide that he had forgotten her presence on the night his lantern went missing (to some, she assumed, she would always be second best to the Elephant King) but this was not the manner she expected from the Moon Doctors.
As he moved off, Aly sent Hemlock to go find Evangeline or Lyanna so that they might have another healer present. She wasn’t sure who, if any, of the arriving Falls members might have magic at their disposal to help and wanted to cover her bases in case Tilney further acted strangely and left altogether. And she made a mental note to discuss this entire affair with Tembovu afterwards.
As always, the painted mare was thankful for the presence of her sister - Iona was strong where she wasn’t and her twin always seemed to figure out what to say, even on her behalf, when she did not know herself.
Erthë asked her a question though, and though delayed by the argument she looked to the pale girl with a small frown - not for the filly’s sake, of course, but because of the entire situation. “Because I did not think it right to hand over something that one of our Sleuths had stolen without so much as a please, I thought that a very thankless way to support the work of the members of this herd. Because while I was trying to find a peaceful solution that was fair, she immediately jumped to violence and would not be swayed. And I suppose when threatened, I decided to hold my ground rather than to roll over as she wished. Do you think that wrong?” The question was asked quietly, calmly, and she welcomed the girl’s input - if it was spoken calmly, unlike the others. She did not wish this gathering to further dissolve into squabbles so she would try to contain it any way that she could.
Morally yes, the bag should not have been stolen in the first place. But it was. Alysanne didn’t actually know if what she did (and was doing) was right but she believed that because of their positions - Czarina and Queen - this had more implications than just one single bag and that complicated things.
Another voice joined in and it was then that Alysanne realized that some members of the Falls were present. Although annoyed that Kahlua’s daughter brought an audience that further extended this farce and meant that the ripples would continue to grow, she nodded with Iona’s words to him and her invitation for him to move closer, if he wished. “I understand that she was doing what she thought was right, but so was I. So is Tembovu.” Really, right now all she wanted to do was throw the bag at Isopia’s head and be done with it. But how would that look?
‘Fill with rocks first.’ Hemlock added to that thought, most unhelpfully.
Iona and Raeden addressed the blue-winged boy that had spoken with grace and Alysanne followed their greetings with one of her own, her gaze flickering over those she did not recognize. “My sister speaks true, we will not harm you. I’m Alysanne, and you and yours are welcome here - however unfortunate the circumstances.”
If these were the members of the Falls, she was quietly thankful that she did not recognize a single face. Better not to add unhappy memories of an invasion and the stallions that had caused it.
She was not really enjoying the situation. Between the ongoing battle and the heated words that shot through the air indiscriminately without a thought to respect or timing Erthë felt very out of place. As more foreigners appeared to join the blue-winged colt, she smiled faintly at him and withdrew again, retreating back to her own family to huddle between Iona and Alysanne, should they allow her to intrude.
When the painted Queen responded to the previous question, the young sage listened quietly, taking her time to consider the matter before saying anything. Ethically speaking, a wrong had been committed at the very moment the informants set out with the intention of procuring something that was not theirs. If everything was to be carried out in a clean and blame-free manner then in truth the whole rank of sleuths would be unethical, unnecessary even - because in a perfect world no one would ever desire what another possessed.
But the world did not work like that. There was greed and darkness in every soul, selfishness and a certain amount of laziness that made it more appealing to steal rather than craft something of your own, because it took less effort. It would always be easier to harm than to heal, harder to rebuild than to tear down; it was sad, and certainly would provide endless topics of discussion for long winter nights...
But. In Erthë's mind, one could either argue rhetorical rights and wrongs until the mountains crumbled and the seas dried, or one could strive to accept the way the world - and it's inhabitants - functioned.
"I think" she replied, "that 'right' and 'wrong' will always be subjective, just as 'good' and 'bad' always will be relative. It depends on who you ask, and their relation to the matter at hand. From what I can tell the Mountain is attempting to argue ethics and morals while striving to keep herself impartial, whereas you and this Cowboy person view the matter of this bag and ownership from a personal, emotionally invested point of view. To Cowboy, the loss of a possession will be wrong, an 'evil' committed upon him. For you who received the same possession as gift from a friend, the same theft hold a different meaning, the bags are awarded additional, emotional, value... and thus we arrive at an impasse."
Erthë shifted her wings into a more comfortable position, the pale eyes fixed on the combatants as she spoke. The tone was calm as she spoke, and the look on her face suggested she found the subject only mildly interesting - a stance that was easy to take as she was not invested in the matter at all.
"I suppose the best solution would have been for you and Cowboy to meet and discuss this as individuals, perhaps even for a challenge to have occurred between you and him in private, without mixing in the herds in this. But the way it is now... I don't know, Alysanne. In either case it comes down to whether you wish to adhere to the commonly accepted rule that 'theft is wrong and stolen items ought to be returned', or whether you prefer to acknowledge this view without living by it."
"Either way, by keeping the bags despite receiving a request for them to be returned - regardless of how that request was phrased - you have taken a stance of disregard towards that moral code, basically saying that you don't give a damn about what Cowboy wants - and by extention also the Hidden Falls, as the Czarina made this a matter for the whole of her herd."
A smile appeared on her lips at this, and as she turned to look at the Queen there was an elfin look of almost malicious glee in her eyes as she sought to meet Alysanne's gaze.
"Personally I see nothing wrong with this at all. If you want the bags then by all means keep them, and to the Abyss with everyone else! You are the Queen of the World's Edge, leader of a prosperous herd and blessed by one of the most infamous Gods in all of Helovia. If you want something, why shouldn't you take it?"
"But, like I said, right and wrong is highly subjective. In the eyes of some it would probably have looked better if you had followed the usual code of conduct, or at least faced this challenge on your own, to reinforce your stance on the matter... I don't really care either way, as long as this disagreement does not escalate beyond the challenge. It would be silly to start a war over a trinket."
Still smiling the girl shrugged and returned to watching the fight, attention scattered between the people around her and the combatants. Personally she was rooting for Tembovu; he was her friend after all, her king and a good man in all the ways she thought mattered. It would be sad if he lost, but as the stakes weren't higher than a leather bag and some wounded pride the young mare thought it didn't feel all that traitorous to quietly admire Isopia's strength as well. She was certainly putting up a splendid fight, and the glittering dragon form she took was magnificent.
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Waiting for the rain I'm bracing for the thunder A twig that wouldn't sway in the wind
@Alysanne - No, really Erthë. speak your mind, don't hold back... xD
~| Use of magic and violence is always permitted |~
~| Please only tag in opening posts |~
Z E R O they say we are what we are, but we don't have to be
Maybe you would've responded to the filly. Struck up a conversation, engaged in an interesting debate. You don't disagree with anything she's saying, really, and she seems just as eager to discuss it as you are eager for it to be over. You might reply with something witty, or funny, or even just normal, but you find you cannot. You cannot, because before you're given a chance to her eyes travel down, and you catch a glimpse of unmistakable pity in her blue-and-white face, and just like that anger and self-consciousness flare up within you, drowning out the usual exuberance as, once again, attention is brought to your barren side. Questions you can take, blatant curiosity, even weird touching by strange fillies, but pity, pity...
Pity, you hate.
You might've retreated then and there, returned to the safety of your growing crowd (read: two) of Falls dwellers, but you've successfully caught the attention of everyone now, and there is no retreat from the spotlight. One of the paints calls you over, her green eyes fierce as she promises you won't be harmed (something you hadn't feared until she mentioned it, thanks), and despite your anger with the filly you feel yourself smiling uncertainly at the older mare, accepting her invitation to stride a little closer. You nod your agreement, wishing Isopia hadn't decided to react with violence, wishing Cowboy hadn't been such a bitch in the first place- but what were you going to do? You aren't a leader, just a friend, and all you can do is offer your support, try to soothe feathers while still being her cheerleader.
"I'm Zer- Zèklè," you clarify, with a glance toward the snowy filly. She doesn't get to call you by your nickname. More mares come before you can speak, one of them (Raeden, you catch) talking about the possibility of war. Alarm lights up your face - "War?! That seems like a little bit extreme, don'tcha think?" you exclaim, a nervous laugh on your crooked smile, thinking this to be quite an overreaction. Do they really want to go to war over this? Over a bag? You glance toward Ranjiri, willing the Czarina to step in and take over this clearly failing attempt at diplomacy, but nobody comes to your aide. Instead the other painted mare speaks, and you realize this is Alysanne, the Queen, and the source of all this conflict to begin with.
Sort of.
It's more complicated than that, you know, but you really wish it could just be simple.
Still, she's quite nice and you nod as she attests that she, too, was doing what she thinks is right. You don't doubt that, really, the same way you don't doubt Iso- you just think maybe they have vastly different opinions on right. You really want to acknowledge and express this, too, but before you can Erthë is talking again, and boy does she have a lot to say.
You listen in silence, irrationally irritated, your bright eyes narrowing as she carries on. She thinks and supposes an awful lot, you note, and there seems to be no end to her trail of speech (perhaps a bit hypocritical, from one as chatty as you). She's mean, you decide, a thing made of splintering crystals, pretty but sharp, all sparkles and smooth edges until you get too close, and then, slice!, you've lost a hoof. Who even is she, anyway, judging you and everyone else?
"What?" you blurt into the silence left by her bizarre tirade, your voice less accusing than bewildered, utterly at a loss for how to deal with this thing. What was her point, even? Steal shit and never mind the consequences, but don't let them actually be bad consequences? Disregard the usual code of conduct (whatever that is), but make sure to follow the rules as you do? It makes no sense to you, and you glance back over at Alysanne and Iona, hoping for some hint of clarification from the older, and presumably wiser, mares.
"Sacre!" I exclaimed happily despite the situation I had found myself in. With all of the bickering and animosity between the other herd members I thought it was nice to have someone beside me that seemed just as worried and concerned as I was. His shoulder brushed against mine and I turned me head, extending my neck to brush my muzzle against his cheek. "It's good to see you again, Sacre. I just wish it was under better circumstances." I glanced around the gathering, frowning. I just couldn't understand what the big deal was about challenging to take an item back that had been stolen from a herd member, even if he had been an outcast when it had been stolen.
I looked back at Isopia and Tembovu when Sacre asked who she was. "The Mountain that Knows." I answered, my head tilting slightly. "Together we rule over the Hidden Falls." I knew my promotion would probably come as a surprise to Sacre because Archibald had ruled over the Falls for so long. "Do you think this could end our alliance?"My voice had dropped down low so that only Sacre would be able to hear me. "Isn't it natural to challenge for an item back?" I felt like that if the Edge did end our alliance because of this that it would mainly be because of their greed at not wanting to lose something they had stolen in the first place.
"War?!"
Zero's voice had me turning, my ears pricked forward. I felt guilty that I hadn't been paying much attention to him before because I'd been too intent on watching Isopia, but now I bid Sacre farewell and joined Zero. "I agree that war seems a bit extreme." I agreed. "If the roles were reversed and Tembovu were challenging us to have an item returned would you not be cheering for your King and hopeful that he returned was was once rightfully yours?" I asked. "I can assure you that if that were the case we would not consider war nor would we want to undo an alliance that has stood for many seasons." Of course I was never one to hold petty grudges over items, but I couldn't say the same for the individuals that resided within the Falls. So far they seemed petty and greedy to me so it would not surprise me if they did end our alliance.
Another mare, a small white hybrid spoke and I listened to her. She had a lot to say, but the thing that made the most sense was that it would be silly to start a war over a trinket. Everything else didn't seem to make a lot of sense and judging by Zero's what he felt the same way. I stared at her for a moment before turning my gaze to Alysanne. "Hello, Lady Alysanne." I greeted the other mare. "The last time we met I came as a Mason, now I come as Czarina. I do hope that we can resolve any hard feelings that may linger after this challenge is concluded."
"."
you won't forget the heavy steps it took to let it go
close your eyes, count to ten, hold your breath and fly
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[O] Watching you burn your bridge [Challenge watching]
![[Image: QsJIY4g.png]](http://i.imgur.com/QsJIY4g.png)
![[Image: tammetabletest_by_neverrmind-dahdrp9.png]](http://orig07.deviantart.net/7a92/f/2016/255/3/a/tammetabletest_by_neverrmind-dahdrp9.png)
![[Image: alysanne_by_schwartze-d89se15.png]](http://fc02.deviantart.net/fs71/f/2014/348/8/6/alysanne_by_schwartze-d89se15.png)
