I feel a bad moon rising; lilli & diplomats

[Lepis]

It has been years since the dun mare's last trip to Ischia, but it is not hard for the trio she leads to find their way there. West until they can go west on dry land no more, and then a wait for lowest tide so that they can make their way across the sandbars without having to swim against the pull of the ocean. 

Celina is too brave by far, venturing toward the deepest water despite her mother's caution, but always cavorting back with a kick of her pale feet toward the sky and a cheerful laugh.

"Didja know I'm part kelpie?" She asks Lilliana, "I was kinda hoping I'd grow a tail in the ocean but I guess not." The yearling doesn't sound especially disappointed though, and instead breaks into a gallop so that she can be the first to reach the sandy shore. 

Lepis responds to her daughter's chatter with a well-developed patience and far more coaxing than corruption, though she does call her back sharply when Celina looks as though she might be about to go exploring into the jungle.

"We need to wait here," She says to Celina, glancing over at Lilliana to ensure that the other mare heard her as well. Though the chestnut had readily volunteered to take part in diplomatic visits, Lepis also knows that she is still green and doesn't want to risk chastisement of a new diplomat by the unknown residents of this tropical land.

Last she had heard, a Nereid ruled here, but with the way that the tides of Beqanna - and perhaps those of Ischia - so readily shifted Lepis holds no expectations. Best to keep to the protocol that has always served her well, and for now that means staying at the edge of the land, and calling out in case their arrival had not yet been noticed.

@[Lilliana]
@[Celina]
@[ischia diplomats]

[lilliana]

It never ceases to amaze her how big Beqanna is. The chestnut mare has been tucked safely away in the northern redwoods, learning the secrets and intricacies of her home. It’s been the first time that she has spent so long in one place,  and the more time she spends in Taiga, the more she wants to do right by it.

The more she wants to play her part in ensuring that it stays her home.

Lilliana tries not to let her inexperience show and follows as Lepis leads, content to follow and offer an indulgent smile to Celina from time to time. The Comtesse's yearling daughter is infectious and Lilli can't help herself, an appreciative laugh manages to slip out. How could it not when the girl is so fearless and daring in the face of the going tide? "I didn't," Lilli replies warmly back with a grin. "And what would you have done with your lovely fireflies? Could they have gone beneath the waves with you?"

The beaches here are lovely, so different from the rugged coastline of Taiga and the admiration washes over her features with each incoming wave. From the white sandy beaches, crystalline waters and vibrant jungle of Ischia, this place is a stark contrast to Taiga. Curiously she eyes the jungle again, watching as Celina drew closer to it. The Comtesse reigns her youngest daughter with the ease of an experienced parent and Lilli meets her gaze with a determined nod, shifting her weight so she comes to stands still on the shore.

She had been somewhat shocked when Taiga's leader, a far worldlier and qualified diplomat, had offered to accompany her. But Lilli had readily agreed, resolved to make the diplomatic trip an educational one as well. The protocols aren't so different from the ones she was raised with, the etiquette her mother had tried to instill in all her children, she realizes. If anything, there are traces of her old life here and it brings her a measure of comfort. Don't cross into unknown borders. State your presence and your business. Learn what you can, determine the relationship (friend? foe? ally?) and take that knowledge with you.

She has tried to learn what she can about the politics of Beqanna (but they change as quickly as the tides themselves), hoping that knowledge might save her where her ignorance has blindly led her before. Where she has been quiet and content, where has that lead her? Four homes in almost six years. Her family gone, tossed to the four winds like dust. So here, she will do what she can prevent that from happening again. But Lilliana hadn't wanted to tread into unknown waters offering promises where Lepis had intended only kingdom pleasantries.

So while the Comtesse cuts a regal figure on Ischia's beach, Lilli is grateful to have the opportunity to learn from her and waits quietly for any further instructions. 

LILLIANA

i left home on account of snow
(buried all the things i know)

@[Lepis] @[Celina] @[Ischia Diplomats]?

[Aquaria]

She emerges behind them, the sea flowing around her like a gauzy train, only to wash back out as she leaves it for the pale beach. A trio of visitors, each so different from the other while still maintaining a sense of familiarity in their grouping. The gold and white sea mare smiled cheerily at the youngest of their group. She was a filly likely from this season, with as much energy as Aquaria's own niece often displayed. 

"Hello! Can I help you?" She called out in her salt roughened alto, shedding droplets of water as she approached. A quick shake threw up a cascade of bright mist and made the fins at her crest and hind snap like wind caught sails. 

She did not know any of the horses she now faced, and from their courteous pause at the edge of the island, she knew they were strangers here. It was one of the many rules the nereid had learned since joining the more civilized reaches of the world. Her nose dropped politely to each of them once in reach, a soft smile lifting the corners of her mouth. 

"Welcome to the island of Ischia. I am Aquaria, a resident and diplomat here." She introduced herself with pride, glad to be representing the home that meant so much to her. She had traveled enough over the winter to know that she had paradise under her hooves now, and sharing it with others made her happy as a clam at high tide. 

@[Lepis] @[lilliana]

[Eva]

There is a calmness that overcomes many when stepping onto the shores of Ischia. A sense of peace that always lingers in the air when you breath in. Almost instantly the worries that you carried heavily on your shoulders are lifted away and forgotten.

It was this peacefulness that she loved most about Ischia. The lull and serenity it brought to everyone was almost as if a piece of heaven was shared with them all despite the many times their past generations and ancestors have brought destruction and chaos to Beqanna. Eva knows nothing about that all—only the harmony of the world.

But she can feel the quietness unsettling.

There was something coming amidst—perhaps.

Despite enjoying her long hours and days of relaxation, Eva knows that the world continues to spin, and time moves forward. She knows child play and attending to her duties come first. Afterall, she is a loyal resident to Ischia and a mother to two children now. There were many things she was meant to look after and she was not one to neglect things.

The unfamiliar scent of visitors calls to her attention currently though. Ischia did not always have the pleasure of having guests, so when strangers came from all corners of Beqanna Eva found herself most excited to meet and greet new possible friends. Adria had once told her it was important to show her face to the world, and now with Adria gone it seemed every moment she could spare to greet others was very necessary.

Eva could see in the distance that the visitors stopped at the edge of the island. A familiar face—Aquaria—greeted them already. The purple nereid smiled softly at seeing her adopted-aunt’s presence. It seemed with Adria no longer ruling that everything in their small little island was changing. For better or worse, she does not know but she does not fret away from the changing times. Eva welcomes it warmly with those else that call Ischia their home.

The purple nereid made her way towards the duo. Ears flickering forward as she hears the welcoming message from Aquaria to the trio. A soft smile graces her purple tinted lips as orange-gold eyes study each of the two mares and younger one. “Welcome to Ischia,” she says softly and warmly as she finally settles near Aquaria. She gives Aquaria a wider smile. “Good to see you as well, Aquaria.” There was a stronger warmth in her words with the nereid (perhaps the connection of family and being part of a small species made her feel this way).

Turning her gaze back to the visitors, her warming expression still remains the same. “I am Eva. How can we help you today ladies?” She offers with a tilt of her head to the right slightly.

[Lepis]

Lepis listens with a single ear as Celina answers Lilliana's query, hearing her daughter tell the chestnut mare that the fireflies would wait for her above the water. Though the dun mare's attention remains on the jungle and the beach, a faint smile does pull her navy lips at the surety in Celina's voice. Lepis has never been quite sure where the fireflies had come from, but she has come to suspect the origin of her daughter's scales and sharp teeth.

She should have let them serve as a reminder, Lepis scolds herself at the sound of hooves behind her: not all equines call the land their home.

A pale mare emerges from the water, finned and clearly aquatic, and Lepis turns to face her. Celina has already done so, far too excited to try and hide her surprise. She takes in the mare - Aquaria - with much the same interest that Lepis does, though she refrains from speaking, instead glancing back at her mother with eye as green as the sea around them.

"I'm Lepis, Comtesse of Taiga" The dun mare says, adjusting her wings so that some of the cool breeze might penetrate the thick feathers. Though it is summer in Taiga as well, the humidity in the air here makes a significant difference in the climate, as does the sun - unfiltered through a thick canopy of evergreen branches. "This is my daughter, Celina, and..."

She trails off at the arrival of a second mare, this one as brightly colored as a violet. Eva, she says her name is, and clearly well-acquainted with their first greeter. Lepis repeats her introductions from a moment earlier, pausing to allow for the other Taigan to introduce herself as well.

"We've come from Taiga, to see how Ischia fares and to see if we might form a friendship between our two lands." She does not delve farther, not yet, and instead answers the question that both mares had asked. She does mean to say something more, but the words are cut off by an interruption from Celina, who has been staring more and more intently at Eva as the conversation continued.

"You're Ayoh's mom, aren't ya?" She says, and despite the question in her voice she also sounds quite sure of herself. Shortening the name of the boy she had met at the playground comes naturally, as does he suspicion that maybe he is here, and perhaps willing to play. "Is he hiding somewhere? Can I find him?"

Lepis blinks, but it is too late for her to reign in her second-youngest with any of her non-verbal methods, and she can only hope that Eva is not too bothered.

@[lilliana]
@[Aquaria]
@[Eva]

[lilliana]

The island is breathtaking.

She can feel the tropical air fill her lungs, bringing forth the sweet and ambrosial scents of Ischia. Like the Comtesse, she had been focused on the jungle, fascinated by it. She learned some things about it from the previous Summer School but to stand here on its beach brings its beauty into perspective. What a shame it has taken this long to witness it for herself. While she studies what lies ahead of her, the sound of splashing water sends one russet ear flicking backward followed by the turn of her head.

A mare comes from the sea. The wave that brought her in recedes and Aquaria arrives like a treasure brought to shore after a storm, bringing the mystery of the ocean depths with her. Lilliana turns to face her, coming to stand slightly behind Lepis. The chestnut mare remains quiet but her gaze brightens with curiosity as she studies Aqauria. Kelpies she knows something of from foalhood stories and a lonely loch that she had been warned of as a filly.

Nereids, however,  are something of a mystery to her. And as she dips her head politely in return to Aquaria, she thinks this is an excellent place to learn.

Her own smile rises as she brings her head back up, the warmth reaching her eyes in shades of brilliant blue. "Thank you for welcoming us, Aquaria. Ischia is... incredible." Where pride shines off the nereid mare like the sun above them, the admiration in Lilli's voice comes like the waves rolling in on the tide. She knows some of Beqanna's history - the Reckoning, the plague - and she can't help but think that Ischia stands as a beautiful testament that despite whatever travesties occur, life endures.

She quiets and looks to Lepis again, letting the Comtesse take the lead. As the winged-mare goes through her introductions, a second mare approaches. This one reminds Lilliana of the vibrant parts of a purple sunset, at the place where the dying sun meets the indigo hues of the night sky. The nereid introduces herself and the fire gold mare greets her with a nod and kind smile, acknowledging Eva's introduction when she turns her attention back to the Taigans. When Lepis takes the moment to introduce herself and Celina to the newcomer, Lilliana finds a moment to make her introductions afterward with a soft voice, "And I'm Lilliana."

She glances back to the Comtesse again and then relaxes as Lepis states their business in Ischia. Lilli finds herself admiring the nereids (Aquaria's translucent mane, the seashells in Eva's) when Celina interjects with a series of questions that make her grin, an amused expression as she looks to the bold yearling.

LILLIANA

i left home on account of snow
(buried all the things i know)

@[Aquaria] @[Eva] @[Lepis] @[Celina]

[Aquaria]

Before much anything else can occur, the little group is joined the Aquaria's contemporary, Eva. The sea foam pale mare nodded lightly in the violet mare's direction in response to her greeting before returning her attention to the trio of visitors. The blue and white filly had been dancing along the edge of the water near where Aquaria herself had emerged, but now stood more calmly by her dam's side. 

The third newcomer, Lilliana, seemed more observer than diplomat, but Aquaria was pleased to see her all the same. The opportunity to make new friends was never one to be lost on her if she could help it, and Lilliana seemed as sweet a mare as you could hope to find. 

Smiling with ethereal serenity, the pearl mare bowed her head to each guest in turn, beginning with the blue and dun lady and making her way to the young Celina. "It's wonderful to have your presence on our little isle, Comtesse. And Celina and Lilliana, I hope you all get the chance to take in the sights on your visit!" 

She bobbed her head toward the verdant jungle that lay framed by white beach beyond them. The depth of green was almost enough to hurt the eyes, and it hid any number of beautiful pools and waterfalls, flowering clearings and hidden sea coves. One could wander for an age and still find new treasures in the heart of the island. 

Tilting her head thoughtfully, she glanced at Eva a moment before favoring a safe answer to the Comtesse's treaty. "Friendship is of course always a thing to treasure. I stand by my sister's ideal, that Ischia serves the world best as a place of refuge and respite for those worn down by the world, and we gladly welcome those who seek it." She finished her thought in her sultry tone, and paused to see if Eva had anything to add. 

This was a herdland, she knew, separate from the politics of the world at large. That was how she liked it. In her mind, Ischia was beautiful because it held such a deep sense of peace, from the sandy sunlit shores, to the humid depths of her jungle heart. Every inch of the land brought a lightness to her heart, and she dreaded the day when something might take that peace away. 

As a creature of the sea, she knew change, and knew it's place in the way of things. But change was seldom unique. In the way the tide changed in its daily and yearly cycles, in the way creatures migrated to and from their birthing and feeding waters, in the way storms would roll back and forth over the endless waves. Change was inevitable in that it brought the same results back round time and again. She could only hope that would be the way of things with her beloved island. 

@[Lepis] @[lilliana] @[Eva]

[Eva]

While Eva is often a creature of peace, the changes within her home has made her a bit more cautious. The modifications to their leadership position could likely draw more attention considering their new appointed leader’s parents are the current and past ruler of Tephra. Ischia has often stayed out of politics of others, living simply in their quiet and peaceful herd under the protection of Tephra. However, if it had not been for Adria, she would not have found an interest in diplomacy and an understanding of the current ties their protector has with others.

Then again, there was always a change.

Eva is not certain what ties are held now when it comes to the other lands. She has been absent from keeping with the recent ones that have come her way, but if she remembers her lessons from Adria then she knows the trio that stand before her lie under the rule of Nerine. As well, Nerine and Tephra shared an alliance together she remembers when meeting Heartfire a year or so now.

Her warm expression remains on her lips as the winged mare calling herself Lepis introduces herself and the daughter at her side. Eva quickly glances to the young yearling as she remembers her son telling her about a friend he made within the playground once named Celina. A sparkle glistens in her eyes as she looks at the yearling before returning her gaze towards the chestnut mare whose name is Lilliana.

She remains quiet as Lepis continues after the chestnut mare introduces herself. However, the Comtesse is cut off by Celina. Her orange-gold gaze moves to the yearling and her warm smile inches a bit further. “Yes, I am Ayoh’s mom.” She adored the shortening of Aeolus name Celina used. “He is just down a little ways on the beach.” Eva gestures with her head in the direction of where Aeolus would be. “I’m sure he would love to see you, Celina. Perhaps he can teach you how to catch a parrot!” She laughs softly. It was one of Eva’s favorite childhood activities she had passed down onto her own children as well.

Turning her attention back to Lepis and Lilliana, Aquaria welcomes their guests even more. It was always a pleasure to meet others, especially those that sought out friendships with them. Friendship was a precious thing to Eva. It was something she cherished near and dear to her heat like her own family. “It indeed is a pleasure to have you all visit,” she adds after the pearl mare at her side.

Aquaria speaks first in regards to answering Lepis. She bobs her in head agreement to what the other nereid says. The purple mare wanted to continue many of the things Adria had began during her ruling over Ischia. Friendship was an important aspect of what Adria had wanted for Ischia too.

“Aquaria has summoned it up well,” Eva says glancing to her for a moment and then back to mares before them. “Friendship is important to us Ischians. We would be happy to start forming a friendship with Taiga.” She pauses for a moment, turning her gaze specifically over to Lepis. “Are there any specifics you had in mind?” When it came to politics the word “friendship” could easily be thrown around. Eva wanted to be certain there was no hidden loopholes when it came to deciding to move forward and build a friendship with Taiga.

@[Lepis] @[lilliana] @[Aquaria]

[Lepis]

Lepis barely manages to hide the look of alarm in her blue-grey eyes at her daughter’s reaction to the suggestion of catching a parrot. The dun mare is quite sure that Celina had looked hungry when she nods enthusiastically to Eva’s direction. The yearling gives her Mother a quick glance that Lepis answered with a wordless reminder to have fun but remain cautious and a small nod. Then Celina is trotting off down the beach and Lepis is turning her attention back to the trio of other women. Lilliana and Aquaria are completeing the niceties and Lepis follows with an aquiescent smile.

The description of Ischia as a refuge and place of respite are stored away, as does the mention by the fin-maned mare that those ideals belong to her sister – presumably someone important here on the island. It is not Eva though, the Comtesse surmises, yet the purple mare is still someone of importance. Important enough to be making deals, at least, LEpis realizes with another smile and one last glance down the beach to where her daughter has stopped beside a spotted colt.

“I’d like to extend a treaty.” She says, a formal offer that is not quite a binding alliance. “No member of Taiga will steal any resident of Ischia as anything more than immediate release at the end of the practice. The same for challenges – friendly and mock only, with both fighters to agree on the terms.” Friendly steals and challenges, she could have said, and trusted the Ischian diplomats to know what she meant. It is for Lilliana that she elaborates, knowing that the chestnut mare is new to politics – or at least to Beqanna’s particular method.

“I don’t anticipate any danger on the mainland,” She says with a smile. Lepis would know, some might say; she’s the one they accuse of warmongering. “But if you find yourself in need of help here, I would be glad to send volunteer Taigans to help.” She will give her people the chance to help rather than requiring it of them. It is a bargain she’d made years ago with the redwood forest’s golden champion.  She promised she would not embroil the Taigans in wars they did not choose, and the Comtesse intends to keep her word.

Aquaria had earlier mentioned taking in the sights of the island, and Lepis glances back toward her before adding: “I would like to see some of the sights, if you have time to show them.” Her tone is polite, but it has been years since the dun mare has set hoof on the tropical isle. There had been far more stallions then, she recalls. What else about the tropical island has changed, she finds herself wondering as the sound of her daughter’s laughter reaches her ears.

@[Lilliana]
@[Aquaria]
@[Eva]

[lilliana]

"I hope so as well," comes the chiming voice of Lilli. She manages a quick grin at Aquaria before regarding the Comtesse, her blue eyes holding Taiga's leader firmly in her sight. The northern woods have been quiet in winter and Lilliana relishes the change, missing the warmer temperatures that she had always been more acclimated too. Ischia seems to hum with birdsong and the air is filled with the scents of salt rolling in from the waves, clean water dancing in from the waterfalls and idyllic pools that lay beneath the jungle's embrace. Her nostrils flare as she breathes it all in, loving the way that they all flooded her senses.

But the young mare remains quiet and her head turns briefly to Lepis, studying the dun pegasus as she speaks. The humor in her eyes quiets and Lilliana slips into the role of a pupil. She had wanted to learn. Lilliana had expressed that to the Comtesse. And if she was going to learn, why not learn from one of the best silver-tongued diplomats that Beqanna had to offer?

There isn't much for her to say here; she feels about as helpful as one of the gulls that soar above on the ocean breezes. One ear remains flicked in Lepis's direction while outwardly Lilliana smiles to Eva and Aquaria. (And the humor sparks briefly back to life when she catches a glimpse of Celina greeting a spotted playmate further down the sandy beach, perhaps the 'Ayoh' she had inquired about.)  When Aquaria speaks of Ischia as a place of refuge, Lilliana nods her head in agreement with the statement. It's one she is familiar with, a mantra that she has grown up knowing. It's something that she hopes to accomplish for Taiga.

The conditions of Lepis's treaty are different than those she has been raised with and momentarily, her lips purse together in a line. Not a frown, exactly, but enough emotion to show that she is considering what the Comtesse is saying. Why not an alliance with Ischia? What could they stand to lose with a paradise like this one? But Lilli keeps quiet and reminds herself that the whole reason she is here is to learn from Lepis, to follow her lead. She isn't native-born and there could be many elements that she is missing. So silent she remains and Lilliana contemplates the words that the Comtesse says, mulling the terms over internally and tucking away any questions she might have for later.

All in all, things seem simple enough. A sort of extended 'friendship' that leaves both territories virtually alone with no concrete promises made.

When Lepis concludes what she seeks of Ischia and she intends for Taiga, Lilli brightens. The questions in her mind settle and the dimple returns as she takes an inquisitive step forward, "I'd like to see more the of the island too." She's never seen Ischia before and certainly never a beach like this one, wide and wild with waves. "If you don't mind," she finds herself asking.

@[Aquaria] @[Eva] @[Lepis]