"But the dream, the echo, slips from him as quickly as he had found it and as consciousness comes to him (a slap and not the gentle waves of oceanic tides), it dissolves entirely. His muscles relax as the cold claims him again, as the numbness sets in, and when his grey eyes open, there’s nothing but the faint after burn of a dream often trod and never remembered." --Brigade, written by Laura
After they finish their mocks, or don’t finish as the case may be, they are standing around waiting on something to happen, and happen it does. Without ever remembering falling asleep, they awaken far away from the challenging fields, and apart from many of their Brothers and Sisters: the Krakens have been returned to Ischia, and the Leviathans to Nerine.
The Ischians find themselves awakening on the balmy-warm shores of their island home, the worst of the day’s heat fading away as dusk has begun to fall. The tide is high again behind them, leaving them wondering how they got home, and each of them is alone somewhere on the edge of the island. Not completely clueless, though; they are filled with the compunction to find their King on the interior of the jungle, knowing somehow that only by doing so would they be able to complete their final task, and pledge themselves truly to the Brotherhood.
However, it isn’t as simple as that. Did they expect it to be? Somewhere along the way, each of them is faced with the temptation to turn back; something or someone that urges them to abandon the Brotherhood and Ischia; tempts them with their darkest fears and deepest desires to leave the island and make a home somewhere else. It will take strong hearts and clear minds to prevail here.
Those that succeed find Brennen in his favorite haunt; he stands beside the island’s largest waterfall, alternatively watching the reflection of the sunset on the pool’s surface through the overhead break in trees and watching them arrive. He has a smile or a quiet word for all who have succeeded, as they trickle in one by one. Only when the last of the light and colors have faded from the sky, leaving them mostly in the dark with the light of the moon reflecting off of the water does he speak. “My Brothers,” as always his words encompass all of them - from the youngest to oldest, the men and the women - “I am glad to see you have made it this far tonight, and look forward to recognizing your other accomplishments in the days to come. But the time has come for us to formally pledge ourselves to one another.”
His honey-brown eyes drift from face to face. “First, I would ask that you share with us a secret of yourself, and any information from your past that might affect the Brotherhood in the future. Those who have no dangerous secrets may simply share something they hold close to their own hearts. In knowing each other’s secrets, we are better protected as a whole.” Brennen has few secrets anymore, but he too will speak of what he has before the end of this meeting. Any of them can see that truth in his eyes and his voice, if they care to find it there. For once, their King is quite transparent to all. “Second, I ask you to pledge your loyalty to the Kraken Creed.” He clears his throat a little, and lets those words echo into the space around them all.
“Brothers will be loyal to the Brotherhood above all else. Secondary loyalty should be to the Brother's own family of blood or choice. Third shall be loyalty to the Friends and Alliances of Ischia. Brothers should comport themselves outside of the Kingdom at all times with the knowledge that they represent the Brotherhood alongside themselves; with an eye towards chivalry and politeness. The Brotherhood will not tolerate such evils as rape or murder. Sworn Brothers who betray the Brotherhood will be banned. Brothers who cause offense outside of Ischia, but do not break their Oaths, shall be defended from outsiders, but may face punishment within the Brotherhood.”
And then he waits.
OOC:
So there is a different prompt for Ischians and Nerinians but the components are thus:
In order to reach Brennen/Scorch, you must describe your journey from shore to the specified area, including what form the dark force/temptation takes and how you combat it. (Its source is Oblivion, who is telepathetic and has a fear aura. He will not be taking corporeal form, but you can get creative with this).
Telling at least one secret/secrets that may affect your Kingdom
Pledge yourself to your respective Kingdom
Everyone who participates in this round will receive points in the tournament if they were participating, and one winner from each Kingdom will get more points. It will be judged overall on creativity.
All Nerinians and Ischians are invited to participate and pledge to their Kingdoms even if they were not part of the tournament
The rays of the late afternoon sun penetrate the black stallion's sleek pelt. He stirs as the waves of high tide lap at his unshod hooves and, gently sloped pasterns. Bronze-tipped ears catch the breaking of each crest and, it's subsequent crash into the sands of the Ischian shore. He also catches the unmistakeable squabbles of the island's native inhabitants - the multi-colored parrots. Nostrils detect the familiar scents of the jungle - the dampness of the fertile soil, the sweet aroma of many blossoms and, broad leaves, as well as, the heavy musk of mature, masculine, equines. Heavy eyelids flutter open to confirm that his senses do not deceive him. A sigh escapes nostrils as Jesper recognizes the shoreline and, relief floods chassis that he had made it home safely.
Poll tosses casually before limbs begin to unfold and, desert-bred steed hauls himself to his feet. He looks around to find he is alone on the beach; however, he is home. Although, he cannot seem to remember the return trip. Nevertheless, with his discomfort around water still plaguing him from his near-drowning in Sylva, he has no reason to remember how he got here. More specifically, how he crossed the many sources of water that lay between the Challenge grounds and, Ischia. Once steady on all fours, Jesper allows his entire chassis to shake in a joint effort to rid the sands that clung to his tresses and, to loosen the fibers of muscle. He snorts to expel the few granules of sand up his nostrils before aquamarine gaze shifts towards the horizon. From this position, he notes that the daystar seems to be slipping quickly over and behins the edge of the ocean. The fading light of dusk casts an amber glow over Jesper and, the shoreline. He watches with fascination as the once golden sky becomes an entire palette of hues which dance off of the clouds.
The magnificent display is enough to distract him from the cloak of darkness that settles around the black. Rather than darkness chasing the sun as it slides out of sight, it emanates from beneath his hooves. He remains oblivious to its ominous approach until a chill causes his entire chassis to quiver. Entranced gaze breaks its focus from the horizon to find his immediate vicinity in the depths of night. Noble cranium pivots to his left and right while pupils widen in an attempt to adjust to the lightless bubble around him. He stands, confused at how only the area around him is untouched by the setting sun, the waxing gibbous moon or, the twinkle of stars. Then, another chill settles in. Except, instead of clinging to his canvas and, seeping into his muscles from outside of him, Jesper feels it first within his heart. Each contraction grows more and more stiff as cardiac muscles try to work through the cold. Each pulse of thickening blood pushes against the tender walls of vasculature and, sends out a wave of pain.
With the delivery of this thick slushie of blood, the cold begins to spread to the other tissues of his body. His already tender lungs ache as they expand to fill with air. When he expels the gaseous waste, a plume of frost pushes out of nostrils and, the vapor condenses to cling to his whiskered muzzle. He winces as each heartbeat grows slower and, more excruciating. Jesper continues to remain frozen as the feeling in his extremities diminishes. He is at a loss of how this sensation has overcome his body; however, he finds himself growing numb with the cold. In fact, the only thing he can feel is a growing anxiety. He recognizes this throat-thickening and, muscle tightening response as the same way he felt when Astarael's aura got a hold of him. The only difference was, her grasp was scalding hot rather than ice-cold. He almost wishes his heart were able to race and, his muscles were bunched like a coiled spring. Instead, Jesper finds that he is stuck here. As he feels the cold encompassing his throat and, closing in on his jugular, aquamarine orbs roll back in panic. The black finds that his ears still flex backwards and so, steed pins them as flat to poll as he can.
Concentrating on his breathing, nares flare to draw in a large breath of warm, tropical air. He senses the resistance as the particles are drawn into his chest. As he attempts to counter the effects of the chill taking over his chassis, a voice in his subconscious speaks. Haven't you known all along, Jesper? You have a darkness in you. You are a son of Carnage after all. You could be great just like him. Others would bend to your every will. You would be in control; you could rise above to be strong and powerful. You could claim Sylva for your own and, embrace this darkness as you were meant to. The whites of his eyes are visible as Jesper let's the words play over-and-over in his head. He could do so much within the safety of this darkness. He could live freely and, cater to his every whim. Sylva could be mine.
It is with this realization that Jesper breaks free from his frozen trance. He turns to the right, to face the mainland of Beqanna, in the direction of the autumn forest. For a moment, he debates the truth behind his deepest, darkest desires. And, in that moment, Jesper stops himself. A truly dark sould would not debate anything here. He would plunge ahead, selfishly seeking satisfaction. Yet, Jesper rationalized and, analysed his thoughts before acting. If he knew one thing about himself, it is that he is not capable of acting irrationally and, impulsively. The ebony equine draws in several more warm whuffs of air before he musters every ounce of strength to face the Ischian jungle. Lowering his poll, neck stretches out as if pulling steed ahead while muscled hindquarters push him through the thickness of his own malice. Slowly, his hooves drag through the white sands and, Jesper emerges from the dark fog.
He continues on as the air becomes lighter and milder until he feels no resistance. Once free, he wastes no time picking up a steady canter as he navigates the foliage towards the largest waterfall on the island. The cascading water drowns out the sound of any others; however, sensitive olfactory sense filters out the familiar cologne of his King, Brennen. When the winged, mahogany stallion comes into view, limbs slow into a purposeful jog. Jesper aligns himself before the noble male and, with a soft smile, acknowledges that he had overcome one of his most challenging tasks. He nods to his Brothers as they arrive, one-by-one and, waits patiently for their leader to address them. The black male listens closely until the end. When it comes time to offer his voice, he finds the tone that passes through his parted maw to be sincere and steady. "I would like to share that I, Jesper, do carry a darkness in my soul. I have faced its vile nature and, can overcome it; however, I am sure it will resurface and, test my strength. I will continue to fight it. I choose to follow the light; to act with kindness and, embrace the good Beqanna has to offer. Please know, this is my secret."
Without hesitation, Jesper follows his grandsire's prompt to pledge himself to the Brotherhood. He repeats back to his Brothers, their binding principles with conviction. “I, Jesper, pledge my loyalty to the Kraken creed: Brothers will be loyal to the Brotherhood above all else. Secondary loyalty should be to the Brother's own family of blood or choice. Third shall be loyalty to the Friends and Alliances of Ischia. Brothers should comport themselves outside of the Kingdom at all times with the knowledge that they represent the Brotherhood alongside themselves; with an eye towards chivalry and politeness. The Brotherhood will not tolerate such evils as rape or murder. Sworn Brothers who betray the Brotherhood will be banned. Brothers who cause offense outside of Ischia, but do not break their Oaths, shall be defended from outsiders, but may face punishment within the Brotherhood.” The black falls silent as the harmony of his comrades follow suit and, pledge their loyalty. As he stands here before his Brothers, Jesper feels that he is among Beqanna's finest.
06-25-2018, 11:13 AM (This post was last modified: 06-25-2018, 01:17 PM by Belgaer.)
Belgaer
He dreams that he is standing bruised upon a trampled battleground. Wearily his gaze stretched out across the browning grass to meet the eyes of his opponent. Both stood with breaths held as they awaited the announcement of who would walk away victorious. Instead of telling voices, however, the figure of his father and Scorch dissolve from where they stood. Panicked Belgaer rushed forward just as the ground beneath his feet crumbled into a blackened abyss.
Jolted awake, he gasps the sound of his heart pounding wildly within his lobes. Head lifted upright off of his sandy pillow he blinked against the harsh rays of sunlight that pounded down upon him. He was upon the beach, the waves crashing tirelessly upon the shore. Crabs and seabirds alike scurried in the shallows, cooling themselves within its spray. Off in the horizon the billowing pillows of smoke filled the skyline, a dark storm brewing just behind it. A sense of foreboding pressed in on him from all sides, a deep worry churning his empty stomach.
Oddly sore he drew his legs up beneath hin he rose sand falling from the places it had previously clung. Unfurling his wings he allowed the humid wind to brush through his feathers, the heavy smell of rain thick in the air. A storm was coming. From behind him a lone parrot squawked at him, his tone curious. Glancing back Belgaer studied the brightly plumed creature as it cocked its head. Satisfied that he was otherwise alone he stepped towards the water, his hocks being met with the welcoming coolness of the salty tide. The water massaged his muscles, allowing him to forget for a moment the ache that followed every movement.
Bel! His softly spoken nickname came as a surprise as the tone was not one he had come to expect. Spinning around, forgetting for a moment the ominous grey behind him, he was greeted by a face he could never have anticipated.
Just breaking through the edge of the tropical forest Amorette appeared as beautiful as ever. A pretty smile upon her face her golden streaks glistened alongside his similar bronze. All at once the air seemed to escape from his lungs as her chocolate eyes came to rest upon him, a familiar spark of humor embedded within them. Exiting the shallow current he approached her, questions begging to be released from the trap of his man. Achingly familiar he studied every curve of her, ignoring the unease that continued to torment him.
Amorette, he greeted, disbelief heavy upon the waves of his tone. What are you doing here? Is everything alright?
Reimagining the nearly black clouds and the overly active volcano he wondered if Tephra was in danger. There was, however, no spark of concern upon her momentary expression of confusion. Drawing beside him, her muzzle gently brushed along the length of him. Leaning into her he closed his eyes enjoying her familiarity.
What do you mean? She asked as she met his gaze once more. His heart lurched, an unexplained pull tempted him to rush to her side and to wrap him in his protective embrace, but he refrained. Her brow furrowed as she studied him. Are you alright?
Unexpectedly her question stirred up a discomfort as he remembered his dream. His memories were garbled and confused as he struggled to remember the events that had led to him waking upon the beach. Nothing made sense. Amorette belonged to Tephra and, yet, there she was smiling up at him - every bit as beautiful and meek as he had remembered. Despite the nagging at the back of his mind, his heart was contented. Gazing around everything appeared to be as it should have been. He was home once again and he was glad to be. Distractedly his eyes flitted to the heart of the island a small voice whispering that there was something waiting for him within the fold of trees. When he met Amore's eyes once again she appeared oddly out of focus.
Bel? She said once more, this time his name a question as it fell from her lips. Although close to him she sounded faraway, her words garbled - disconnected. I thought we'd already talked about this...that I would have the baby on Tephra and you would come with me?
Tephra? Foal? His gaze snapped back upon her figure stunned into disbelief. There was a roundness to her and a glow similar to that of any other expectant mother. There was no need to ask, the foal was his. She was his. Both from two different kingdoms they had managed to find each other in one messy tangle. Plagued by their duty he had heard her request, even if he knew he could not agree. Desperately he longed to escort her across the channel to watch as their child entered the world - but there was something he had to do...
Amore, I - I can't go with you, the words fell from his tongue searing hot and he regretted them almost the moment he had released them.
Instantly her expression shifted and replaced its previously lighthearted glimmer with agony. He stepped toward her, mouth open, an apology readied, she flinched away. Every feature, once delicate and demure, appeared almost darker somehow. Its not too late, his own selfishness assured. You can sti change your mind. By her side he knew that he could forget the storm simmering above them, forget the darkness that lurked in Sylva and the role he played in the grand drama. He could protect her from everything that threatened to harm them, from his sister, from the altering of time - from everything. She would be enough. He would be happy.
Almost as quickly as the thought was presented to him he knew that world could not exist for him. Burdened by the expectation of the oath he intended to take he knew his life would never be simple. Approaching her he tenderly kissed the curve of her cheek memorizing the scent of her. If she could not embrace his duty as he welcomed hers, they clearly could not remain together.
I love you, Amorette, he assured, his words more a promise than a statement. With one final look he walked past her and dove into the jungle.
Weaving around trees and intricate root systems the world seemed to sharpen around him. Pain gripped his heart as he attempted to forget the look of betrayal he had placed upon her face. It did not take him long to find the path that he needed. He knew Ischia well having had played within its fold as a colt. From the time he had been very young he had always anticipated falling for an island girl - avoiding the complications of an interkingdom relationship. He could never ask or expect Amorette to leave the place she loved. Why? When he felt similarly towards Ischia? He loved her and it was because of that love that he knew he had to let her go if that was what she desired. Her duty and his were the basics of what made them who they were. He could not surrender that.
Nearing the heart of the island Brennen's scent rode upon the floral breeze. In one giant teetering gust Belgaer was welcomed back into reality, clarity enveloping him. Pausing he glanced back towards where he had come. It had all been a test. Amorette had never been upon his beach, she was still in Tephra, safe within its borders. Disappointed and embarrassed his skin grew warm as he remembered the realness of her skin beneath the caress of his lips. Closing his eyes he pressed forward, swallowing past the lump of bitter emotion.
Breaking through a tangle of underbrush he opened his eyes to be greeted by the sight of his king and father. Humbly approaching he lowered his head in respect. Expectantly the bay eyes his son and the required admission formed itself easily.
Father, he greeted nervously. I confess that I have fallen in love with Amorette, Warrick's right hand. I fear that, one day, it will be that same love that will tear me away from the brotherhood. I swear, here and now, that I will not let it. He paused, readying himself to take the oath he had prepared for since childhood. He knew the words well, having had memorized them for the very moment he had arrived in. I, Belgaer, son of Brennen, the king of Ischia, pledge my loyalty to the Krakens. As a Brother, I will be loyal to the Brotherhood above all else. My secondary loyalty will be to mine own family of blood or choice. Third, I will be loyal to the friends and Alliances of Ischia. I will comport myself outside of the kingdom at all times with the knowledge that I represent the Brotherhood and myself; with my eye toward chivalry and politeness. The Brotherhood will no tolerate such evils as rape or murder. Sworn Brothers who betray the Brotherhood will be banned. Brothers who cause offense outside of Ischia, but do not break their oaths, shall be defended from outsiders, but may face punishment within the brotherhood.
It was done. Standing tall he exhaled. Born a Brother forever a Brother.
Your beauty is beyond compare - oh, if I could hear but one song from you
I shall hail thee Queen of Birds...
Finding himself back home without a memory gnaws on him, but only shortly. He has been given a goal, and he knows Brennen awaits him near the centre of the largest island. How he knows this, he doesn't know - but he also understands that he is not supposed to understand.
It seems too easy; soon enough it turns out that indeed, it is.
Suddenly, one step is harder to take than the others before - forcing his hoof upwards, forwards, then downwards, what he sees becomes blurry and fades from view.
He sees his own parents, living in the Jungle. Mother is pregnant again, she says it must be twins again. Leilan doesn't pay attention to this fact; his sister likes to cuddle mother's belly and coo at it, but whenever she does, the silver bay roan colt sneaks up behind her. Sometimes he is able to tug her mane, or fleetingly touch her butt - more frequently, Hestoni is suddenly behind him to do the same to him. "Revenge", he always says it is, but the colt thinks it unfair. "Life is unfair", he is then told. A life lesson for those who are male among the Amazons, it seems.
Shaking his head, the now grown-up stallion gets clear of the already fleeting memory. Did he dream? No, it felt so real. That was him, but he was so little back then. The Jungle's heat is still on his skin, slightly thicker than Ischia's outer rims where is is now - the scent had been sweeter, where Ischia carries salt. But all that is just a way of changing, and he takes another, drained step.
"She says to look after her." A yearling now, Wrynn has a way of knowing things. This message comes from their mother, supposedly, and if their littlest sister wasn't lying on the ground shivering from the events that took away both his parents - being born without her twin - he would have stuck out is tongue at her or told her to do it herself. But little Vi seems so cold and lonely, and so, he knows that he will try. He still can't help but roll his eyes at his ever-knowing twin sister. She always does that, being the better of them, and he kind of hates it. Not that he hate hates it, but just enough to be bothered. He sighs then, and stays with his baby sister until Wrynn comes back with some adult. He doesn't even know or care who will feed her, to be honest. As long as she is safe.
Gasping, he stands shaking. He doesn't notice the one tear in his eye. He knows what comes next, and he's not proud of it.
"Shut up! Stupid know-it-all! You don't need me, and you can't make me stay!" Angrily, the teenage colt stamps his foot. At not yet two years of age he seems to know all that he needs to know. "If you're all so much better, then you can do it yourself!" With that, he turns, fleeing the scene. He's had falling-outs with Wrynn more often than not, and one more insult on his incapability to watch his baby sister because he was too fucking careless with her was enough. If all those mares and fillies could do it better, then so be it. Being of royal blood meant nothing to an Amazon if you weren't female.
She says something to the others. Something along the lines of 'he'll be back, let him cool down', perhaps. Well, not this time. This time, he runs as far as he can; this time, a long swim and a sudden land-bridge (pier-like in it's shape) takes him away from not only the Jungle, but all the way away from Beqanna. This time, he's gone for good.
He shakes his head. If he weren't still feeling angry as a residual effect of the vision, he'd laugh at his younger self. And even 'gone for good' had turned out to be just as true as saying the sun was cold and the moon hot. His anger slowly subsides, however. And he wonders whatever became of Wrynn. Perhaps he should be looking for her instead of be here, make up for it. But then he remembers he was supposed to go somewhere, yes, Brennen was waiting still, and he moves forward once again.
He's looking at himself now, he's splashing water, cracking jokes. His mind shifts a little - no, he's a she. And she sure likes his looks. Fluttering her eyes, she steps forward just a little to be noticed; when he catches her eye, she smiles and then turns away into a slow walk, as if she hadn't seen him gape.
He follows, of course. She's young and pretty, he's young and handsome, and autumn never looked so good on the both of them. Rubbing her nose into his chest, she can think of nothing else, no-one else, surely they will stay together after this and start a family of their own in one of the herds nearby...
Fuck, that is weird. He's glad the memory hadn't gone any further, because it would be way too weird to experience that in a female body - with himself none the less. He shudders, regaining his sense of himself, and musing over this. Out there, Beyond, she was. She'd been the first but, truth be told once he had gotten the hang of it, he'd lost track of her, or maybe he'd done it on purpose. There'd been others, too - would they all be thinking the same? Would - gasp - any of them have his kids? Suddenly he feels hot, wanting to get out and track back, away from Beqanna, to make sure they were all right. His old buddies were there too, but, the idea that he might have children he never knew of was suddenly very scary and exciting all in one. But dear good fairies, he'd been such an ass-hole leaving her there alone and going on and on to the next. He wonders if he was taking revenge on all the girls out there, for being treated as not-fully-allowed-in when he was a young Amazonian prince.
His ears catch the sound of the Ischian birds. He doesn't know what magic this is, but he realizes that if he wants to be part of a way better kind of bachelor group, this Brotherhood, he should probably hurry up a little. But one step further brings him yet another colour swirl.
Funny, this time he's still where he was just before. Yet, he knows something is different, not entirely right. "Lei-lannn..." A female voice, warm, inviting. He catches a movement against the forest green, but he can't see it well. He knows who it is though. He tries to move, but he cannot follow, tries to say something, finds he can't do that either. Stuck in his place, he is only able to move his eyes and ears, catch what she is saying. "Why don't you come with me? I just don't understand." Shit, shit, shit. Feelings of regret where there should not be any wash over him like a wave. Fine, he has feelings for her then, he admits to himself.
Letting out a breath he didn't know he was holding, he looks around the forest. No rushing of leaves other than where the wind blows. No voice against the dark. Part of him wants out. Wants to leave and be with her. But common sense tells him that she doesn't need him, and besides, it's not like Krakens and Leviathans were supposed to leave and start for themselves. Whatever happened, it would be perfectly fine for him to stay here. Perfectly fine to pledge his loyalty to his brothers.
Chaos surrounds him. He spies a fleck of white and gold, and regretfully understands that his youngest son is in this battle as well. Too much like his father, perhaps, or did he get that stubbornness from his mother? No matter. He has to face another, a smaller horse but one with tricky powers over water, and he can only try to freeze whatever tries to touch him in hopes of not getting choked. He strides forward to engage; swims where he needs to swim, walks whenever he is thrown back to the ground. He will not stop before this evil is out of the world; or at least scattered, because that's how evil is. But organized evil, no, that will not come to pass on his watch.
Unless, of course, time stops. Unless something stops him, so devastating he cannot begin to understand. He falls then - he watches. A father should not see his son die, especially not their youngest, he shouldn't have come, take me instead. But it's done, over and done with in the blink of an eye. He can only stare; then, the waves overcome him, and he goes down as well.
Shuddering and wet - from sweat or as an after-effect of the illusion, he doesn't know - he stands there. He doesn't want to go any further. If this is the future, then pledging himself to his brothers means whatever sons he has will probably want to follow his example. To be heroic, to be better than him, because face it, that's the same drive he's always had himself. He can't do that. He shakes his head. He is quite certain that this is the end of it, but he's stuck now, struck with an uncertainty he's never had before. He'd never had to think about the future, always living in the now.
He takes a deep breath. He should move. Whatever direction that is. His mind is clear, he'd made this decision a long time ago. Brothers first, family second. To be honest, for Brennen that was a little easy - his family was in Ischia. Most of it anyway. Leilan now has had plenty of time to think about it, but to be honest...
To be honest, there's nowhere else he'd belong more. And besides, the future is uncertain. He might not have any kids at all.
Stepping forward once more, he is surprised and relieved that no new visions come.
His steps are still heavy by the time he reaches his leader. His face not ready for jokes for once, he looks at Jesper and Belgaer. He's about in time to hear Belgaer's confession, and he nods. Yeah, something like that, he thinks vaguely. But when he looks at Jesper again, seeing the scars, knowing what he'd gone through, he suddenly feels selfish for all the times he had stood on the brink of walking away just now.
He looks at Brennen straight. "I have never been loyal to a kingdom before and I am not entirely sure I know what it entails. But I know you as a friend, and I will respect your every decision. However, I've made more friends, and they threaten my loyalty to Ischia. I do not wish to go to war with Loess, for example, but I wouldn't stand in your way if that is the only way." He bows his head to show his respect. Not exactly a hundred percent, he knows this. He looks back up. "By pledging myself to the Brotherhood, I hope that this will be family as much as it is already a bunch of friends." He looks at Jesper and Belgaer, smiles a little, though he would have winked if he weren't still upset from the visions.
He's finally ready then. "From today forward I, Leilan, formerly a Prince of the Amazons of Old, after which a title-less young man, will be known as a Kraken of the Brotherhood. My brothers will come first, above all else. My family will come second, however large or small that is or may be. Thirdly, my loyalty lies with allies of Ischia, whom I will consider an extension of the Kraken family. Wherever I go, I shall be aware that I am known as a Kraken, and will present myself with honesty and chivalry, if not politeness. I will not tolerate evil such as rape, murder, or maiming, and will work against such acts wherever I can. Should I come to know of a Brother who betrays us, he will no longer be a Brother of mine, nor family or friend of choice, nor an ally of mine. Should I come to know of a Brother who has not presented themselves chivalrous or politely, but who hasn't broken faith, I shall be aware that he will be punished within the Brotherhood, but not to the eye of an outsider. This, I swear to you today. Please bear witness of this fact." His throat is getting a little dry from all the talking, but he dips his head then, and waits. There will be others.
there's something here that doesn't make sense
let's go and poke it with a stick
sid, should you read this - sorry in advance if the details of Vi's birth don't match with whatever happened back then, but I did not have time to go find and sort through all your old Scorch threads. The rest seemed like something that could have happened :P.
Two things I know I can make: pretty kids, and people mad.
Tephra and Ischia. Both posed seemingly unanswerable questions. Standing once again upon the shore of her beloved island, the place of her birth, she studied the glistening surface of the ocean as it move restlessly. Retaining no memory of her journey across it she shifted where she stood. Behind her there was a familiar buzz of the island as it wrapped her within its familiarity. Carried upon a blissfully chilled breeze a question begged to be answered, who was Mosrael and who was it that she wished to become?
Turning away from the beckoning of the sea, she fixed her eyes upon the sprawling flora that made up the majority of Ischia. Unaffected by the changing of the season, the tropical climate continued to blossom. Stepping forward her hooves sank into the sun baked sand and she exhaled. It was hard for her to feel as if she belonged there. She was marked, the scent of her father's most recent rival heavy upon her. The evidence of her union with him played carelessly within the waves. Hers was a betrayal the reached beyond the abandonment of her values.
Glancing to her left, she eyed her youngest child, the one who had chosen to follow her back to Ischia's shores. The frosted filly splashed in the frothy shallows as she chased after obnoxious sea birds. Her vibrancy and excitement for life had faded as she'd aged. Mosrael found peace in the observation of her antics.
"Kove," she beckoned. "Come along."
There was much to be done. Trusting that the lavender tufted filly would continue to follow, Mosrael turned her back to the beach. Pushing her inhabitions aside she strode forward. Well trained hooves found her desired path effortlessly. An unexplained pull beckoned her deep into the fold of the forest. The question begged to be answered - her choice to be made known to all.
...Mosrael...
The purple freckled mare halted, her ears swiveling in all directions as the whispered tone set her teeth instantly on edge. Positioned protectively in front of her daughter she squinted her eyes, training them to spot anything out of the ordinary. From the darkness of the under rush a deep, red tinted fog reached out to gather around her hooves.
...Mosrael...
The hissed whisper rode upon the wave of red as fear tightened its burning grip upon her heart.
You don't belong here, the voice taunted hatefully. Traitor, slut, oathbreaker.
Heart pounding in her ears her mind easily accepting the truths presented to her. Unbidden she remembered that fateful day upon the beach. She had been so confident and unafraid to reach out and grab that which she had wanted. Klaudius had been all too willing to scratch an itch she couldn't reach. Weakened by his offering, she found that the state refused to release it's hold upon her. But he had asked her to leave, believing Tephra to be no longer safe. His choices pushing her farther away.
He never loved you, The fog continued as it reached higher, brushing along the curve of her neck. Ambition and lust drove him to you. You, the forbidden fruit plucked too easily from its vine.
Klaudius changed from one moment to the next. Upon the beach he had made love to her, made her feel like she was the only one that mattered, only for her to later find him wrapped in the embrace of another. Time and again he chased his own recklessness leaving her to decipher the meaning of the fragments reserved for her. Just as she believing that there could be a future for them he had dissolved into oblivion, the consequences of his actions finally catching up with him. Like a figment of her imagination, he almost ceased to exist. And he hadn't, at least not in the way she had longed for him to be. Picking up the pieces of her heart that he had discarded, she had been presented with two options. One rose above the other, glorified in its simplicity.
The sky above her darkened, the red glow taking hold of her muzzle in its attempt to choke her. Stumbling backwards she coughed and sputtered, her heart somersaulting in her chest. The slithering voice crackled coldly.
You don't belong here, oathbreaker. It snapped and twisted the thoughts in her head. Did you really think you would be forgiven so easily? That you could run straight into daddy's arms and be welcomed back? You betrayed him - chose the false affection of your king's enemy. Not only have you betrayed the Brotherhood, you've betrayed your family.
He's right. She knew that she could not stay. Her place among the Krakens had been tainted and stripped away the moment her heart chose Klaudius. It was undeniable that she still longed for him, even after he had so swiftly pushed her out of his life. Her loyalty had been compromised and she couldn't even trust herself, so how could she expect her brother to do so? Tears burned at the corners of her eyes, blurring her vision and making it hard for her to see.
...Worthless, pathetic, weak...
Mama?
The sweet croon of Kove's soft voice broke through Mosrael's agony. Behind her, the sweet face of her youngest searched her own, meek concern etched upon her features. Blinking away her tears she warily eyed her surroundings. No sign of the fog remained except for the heaviness that pressed upon her and the trembling of her body, an aftershock of her insecurities. With new resolve she turned around. Whether she was welcomed there or not, she owed it to her child to try. Kove deserved the protection that only Brennen could provide, a victim of unchangeable circumstances. Affectionately she nuzzled the soft fluff of her child's maturing coat, she offered a wavering smile. Inhaling sharply past the lump in her throat she turned towards the path. With renewed clarity she knew that her father would be awaiting her. Making a study of every fallen stick and pebble in her path she wove deeper into the jungle.
All at once sunlight beamed down upon her from above as she and Kove reached their desired destination. Mosrael paused, lifting her gaze to meet that of her father's rich honey. Behind him three others stood in wait, Belgaer among them. The force of their curiosity was upon her as Kove drew up beside her, her lavender mane a clear representation of her parentage. Tentatively, Mosrael peeled herself away from her child her eyes finding her king's once more.
"Brothers," she began, her voice strong despite her hesitations. "I come before you now to confess that my loyalties have been misplaced as of late. I lost sight of what matters most. I have given myself willingly to a named traitor of our values - of our island. I do not deserve your forgiveness, but I have come here ready and willing to swear myself forever to the brotherhood."
She knew the words well, having studied them tirelessly with the aid of her brother. Together they had imagined the day where they would submit themselves to their father's dream. Now a reality she felt the heaviness that came with giving her life to the Krakens.
"I, Mosrael, pledge my loyalty to the Krakens of Ischia. As a part of this brotherhood, I will be loyal to my brothers above all else. My secondary loyalty will be to my family," she paused to glance at both her father and brother. "Of blood or choice. Thirdly, my loyalties will be reserved for those named as a friend of Ischia. Outside of the island's boarders I will present myself with honor and politeness, ever aware of the knowledge I carry. I will not tolerate such evils as rape and murder and hereby swear to punish those of us who betray our values. Should I encounter a wayward brother whose oath remains unbroken, I will escort them home to await punishment within our own boarders."
She could not explain the voice or fog she had encountered, but she found that it did not matter. She was home.
Jesper
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