11-11-2018, 09:17 AM
Leilan
Glaciers melting in the dead of night
and the superstars sucked into the supermassive
and the superstars sucked into the supermassive
He's silent for the most part, thinking he doesn't have to open his mouth for them to understand that what is being proposed is total bull, to him. Of course, Phasus would agree - in this proposal she gets to be queen consort, nearly as good as what she wanted, and most of all, with the option to kick out anyone she wants. He doubts this salt-and-pepper guy would intervene.
After all, a good swing of the hip and a nice-enough looking smile (for now) - well, he knows those tactics. Been there, done that, to be honest. Mares were easy enough in the figurative palm of his hand, should he want to; even Phasus most likely - she would prove a challenge, of course, having her eyes set on this bigger price, but if she thought she had something to gain from courting him instead, he has no doubts she would do it. He could probably make her believe it was her own plan, as a means to drive him away from Nerine.
So, he gives Phasus a crooked, knowing smile; looking at the way she clings to the newcomer, he doesn't have any illusions for her motives. He recognizes in her, what he was himself not long ago - not long enough to forget. She is fortunate, then, to have found someone willing to... indulge with her, one who is physically or mentally attracted to her in a way - one who can protect her from the Plague; and of course, it isn't enough for her.
Any more than this knowing gleam in his eyes to her, however, is void when he gets surrounded by a blackness of little insects near his face - forced to shut his mouth, pull back his ears, and shake his head in mild irritation until they go away. A diversion of sorts, only here to mess with him. As if such would change his mind. An look to the retreating darkness, somewhere between annoyance and amusement. Brought a pet, then. he thinks a moment; then, he straightens his face to listen to the stallion who'd called him here. Camomila appears too, though silently.
Set's ridiculous offer is then given, and with each word, there is less ice blue in his eyes and more dark grey. He scoffs softly at the word agreeable - probably none of the Nerinians will be allowed on the island, then. He's about to bluntly say 'no' and leave, for there seems to be no negotiating with this guy, not on starting terms like these - but Castile arrives, waylaying the reasons why Leilan would say no - something the dragon-mimicker wouldn't have bothered with, any more.
But the most important reason, hidden away somewhere, is that he never had been given anything, and has finally found something worth fighting for, and so he does, stubborn as he is. Holding on to what little ice he can claim as his, because he belongs here more than anyone currently present. Born to an Amazon queen, there were literally no options to do anything of sustenance in his birth kingdom, except find a female to attach to and be her slave until forever, perhaps sire some good Amazons like his father had (maybe they should have stopped after Ea) - so he'd left and, upon return, still a normal horse in all accounts, had taken every opportunity to prove himself to be worth more than that; whatever was cast down towards the Beqannians by a goddess, and later by the fairies.
Not something he'd let go off easily - just like this claim. He'd earned all of it, now was a chance to do something with it instead of just hang around with friends; a chance to develop himself personally - and these people would deny him that. Deny him the opportunity to grow, reject his offer to include them in the circle of people he'd do anything to keep safe. Their loss, then.
Refusal, rejection - things he would not stand for. Not any more. Too much trouble had come from letting go of something he wanted, years of ago - a period of sombering, attacking, mocking, chasing, challenging fairies. And to think that Phasus was feeding off this probably-powerful stallion, a position of fortune thrown into her lap so easily because she was 'looking interesting' - it was laughable to see someone claiming to be so neutral and powerful, succumb to her whims so quickly. Power in body, he might have alright - but hardly any, mentally, it seemed. Or if he had, he was pretty good at ignoring it anyway, for lust, and perhaps a faint idea of power. Which he would not get, not here, not now.
He's drawn back that here and now by Phasus asking him to 'dismiss' his friend. "Thanks to you, he's not mine to dismiss." He throws her a humoured look, before extending that to the dragon shifter as well, which in good understanding should mean that he wouldn't dismiss Castile even if he had that kind of power; his friend has his own opinions and can say whatever he wants. It is then that another woman arrives, highly irritated just by the fuss of all things, and his dark grey (near black) eyes lighten a little, much more navy blue, when he looks at her, when she tells about her upset children. She had arrived like Set - silently. But she held no interest in claiming the land, which was what he had expected of this Set figure as well, earlier on in the day. The problem now presenting itself was, that if Set hadn't claimed, by now things would have been settled. So, then - a reasonable request, in other circumstances - and he nods at her. Not saying he agrees with her, but that she will be considered. Has been heard. This didn't need to last long if he could help it.
That, in the end, is the only reason he doesn't walk away right now to call everybody to arms and fight these three no-gooders off the island. Tooth and nail, for all he cares.
But he can be patient, too, if the need arises.
He stares at the black-and-white with a considering look. What could he possibly gain from Phasus, besides the fact that she would not challenge his claim? Just her warm body? He doubts it would be warm for long. She'd probably find an opportunity to kick him out, or switch roles.
Camomila hasn't got much to say right now, but she doesn't really have to. She already dismissed Phasus' ideas earlier, and she doesn't need to reinstate that. Much like he himself doesn't have to reinstate the fact that he doesn't want Phasus as a neighbour in a million years.
The winged bay appears out of nowhere, like last time, right by his side. He'd be humoured by this in any other circumstance, probably would have said something about being attracted to bay roans (like his mother); but Brennen is here to subtly make clear that they are in fact, dealing with a magician and a power-augmenter. Ah. Funny business.
Whatever Leilan had needed to say to sound convincing to Set, or whatever argument he has for standing ground; it's already been waylaid by both Castile and Brennen, at this point, so he doesn't bother much with argumentation for his rebuttal.
"Here's my offer, then." He looks straight at the black-and-white for a moment. "It is you and Phasus who renounce your claims, because an alliance had already been made between the first two claimers by the time you arrived, and you seem unwilling to add to it but rather challenge it. This island wouldn't even need be a subkingdom, more of a herd-land would be fine." They had just assumed that's what it would be under his claim, and hadn't bothered to ask. Sure, he'd have preferred it to be loyal to Nerine, but independence was fine, too, as long as it would not be a challenge to the coastal kingdom - much like Taiga. "So I would not kick you off the island if you still wish to stay with your little herd," though it is highly doubtful she'll want to stay anywhere near me, "but if you're looking for a little something to claim, to lead, be satisfied with a herd and hiding yourself away from whomever is sick on this island, or, I'm sure you could teleport yourself to any other of the safe lands which will likely not give you as much trouble as we will. Your name and your promises mean nothing to me. So far you have done everything opposite of what could make me trust you. And, since I don't trust you, there's no such thing as me renouncing my claim." Set has himself to blame for the latter. He could have sought Leilan out individually, explain his reasons, and perhaps he could have shared the land, let him in as a second, make this place being lead by a council of three - the roan is as thick-skulled as they come, yes, but also only pretending to be stupid (a ways of self-preservation, truth be told). That option was long gone, by now.
Because instead of working things out, Set now seems to cling to the first-best arrogant girl he can find, just because she has a little something of power enhancement. But the fact is that the two (maybe three, counting the black thing) are outnumbered at this point; surely the man isn't so arrogant that he thinks that she can augmentate his power so much that he would win a war against the now-combined Nerine?
After all, a good swing of the hip and a nice-enough looking smile (for now) - well, he knows those tactics. Been there, done that, to be honest. Mares were easy enough in the figurative palm of his hand, should he want to; even Phasus most likely - she would prove a challenge, of course, having her eyes set on this bigger price, but if she thought she had something to gain from courting him instead, he has no doubts she would do it. He could probably make her believe it was her own plan, as a means to drive him away from Nerine.
So, he gives Phasus a crooked, knowing smile; looking at the way she clings to the newcomer, he doesn't have any illusions for her motives. He recognizes in her, what he was himself not long ago - not long enough to forget. She is fortunate, then, to have found someone willing to... indulge with her, one who is physically or mentally attracted to her in a way - one who can protect her from the Plague; and of course, it isn't enough for her.
Any more than this knowing gleam in his eyes to her, however, is void when he gets surrounded by a blackness of little insects near his face - forced to shut his mouth, pull back his ears, and shake his head in mild irritation until they go away. A diversion of sorts, only here to mess with him. As if such would change his mind. An look to the retreating darkness, somewhere between annoyance and amusement. Brought a pet, then. he thinks a moment; then, he straightens his face to listen to the stallion who'd called him here. Camomila appears too, though silently.
Set's ridiculous offer is then given, and with each word, there is less ice blue in his eyes and more dark grey. He scoffs softly at the word agreeable - probably none of the Nerinians will be allowed on the island, then. He's about to bluntly say 'no' and leave, for there seems to be no negotiating with this guy, not on starting terms like these - but Castile arrives, waylaying the reasons why Leilan would say no - something the dragon-mimicker wouldn't have bothered with, any more.
But the most important reason, hidden away somewhere, is that he never had been given anything, and has finally found something worth fighting for, and so he does, stubborn as he is. Holding on to what little ice he can claim as his, because he belongs here more than anyone currently present. Born to an Amazon queen, there were literally no options to do anything of sustenance in his birth kingdom, except find a female to attach to and be her slave until forever, perhaps sire some good Amazons like his father had (maybe they should have stopped after Ea) - so he'd left and, upon return, still a normal horse in all accounts, had taken every opportunity to prove himself to be worth more than that; whatever was cast down towards the Beqannians by a goddess, and later by the fairies.
Not something he'd let go off easily - just like this claim. He'd earned all of it, now was a chance to do something with it instead of just hang around with friends; a chance to develop himself personally - and these people would deny him that. Deny him the opportunity to grow, reject his offer to include them in the circle of people he'd do anything to keep safe. Their loss, then.
Refusal, rejection - things he would not stand for. Not any more. Too much trouble had come from letting go of something he wanted, years of ago - a period of sombering, attacking, mocking, chasing, challenging fairies. And to think that Phasus was feeding off this probably-powerful stallion, a position of fortune thrown into her lap so easily because she was 'looking interesting' - it was laughable to see someone claiming to be so neutral and powerful, succumb to her whims so quickly. Power in body, he might have alright - but hardly any, mentally, it seemed. Or if he had, he was pretty good at ignoring it anyway, for lust, and perhaps a faint idea of power. Which he would not get, not here, not now.
He's drawn back that here and now by Phasus asking him to 'dismiss' his friend. "Thanks to you, he's not mine to dismiss." He throws her a humoured look, before extending that to the dragon shifter as well, which in good understanding should mean that he wouldn't dismiss Castile even if he had that kind of power; his friend has his own opinions and can say whatever he wants. It is then that another woman arrives, highly irritated just by the fuss of all things, and his dark grey (near black) eyes lighten a little, much more navy blue, when he looks at her, when she tells about her upset children. She had arrived like Set - silently. But she held no interest in claiming the land, which was what he had expected of this Set figure as well, earlier on in the day. The problem now presenting itself was, that if Set hadn't claimed, by now things would have been settled. So, then - a reasonable request, in other circumstances - and he nods at her. Not saying he agrees with her, but that she will be considered. Has been heard. This didn't need to last long if he could help it.
That, in the end, is the only reason he doesn't walk away right now to call everybody to arms and fight these three no-gooders off the island. Tooth and nail, for all he cares.
But he can be patient, too, if the need arises.
He stares at the black-and-white with a considering look. What could he possibly gain from Phasus, besides the fact that she would not challenge his claim? Just her warm body? He doubts it would be warm for long. She'd probably find an opportunity to kick him out, or switch roles.
Camomila hasn't got much to say right now, but she doesn't really have to. She already dismissed Phasus' ideas earlier, and she doesn't need to reinstate that. Much like he himself doesn't have to reinstate the fact that he doesn't want Phasus as a neighbour in a million years.
The winged bay appears out of nowhere, like last time, right by his side. He'd be humoured by this in any other circumstance, probably would have said something about being attracted to bay roans (like his mother); but Brennen is here to subtly make clear that they are in fact, dealing with a magician and a power-augmenter. Ah. Funny business.
Whatever Leilan had needed to say to sound convincing to Set, or whatever argument he has for standing ground; it's already been waylaid by both Castile and Brennen, at this point, so he doesn't bother much with argumentation for his rebuttal.
"Here's my offer, then." He looks straight at the black-and-white for a moment. "It is you and Phasus who renounce your claims, because an alliance had already been made between the first two claimers by the time you arrived, and you seem unwilling to add to it but rather challenge it. This island wouldn't even need be a subkingdom, more of a herd-land would be fine." They had just assumed that's what it would be under his claim, and hadn't bothered to ask. Sure, he'd have preferred it to be loyal to Nerine, but independence was fine, too, as long as it would not be a challenge to the coastal kingdom - much like Taiga. "So I would not kick you off the island if you still wish to stay with your little herd," though it is highly doubtful she'll want to stay anywhere near me, "but if you're looking for a little something to claim, to lead, be satisfied with a herd and hiding yourself away from whomever is sick on this island, or, I'm sure you could teleport yourself to any other of the safe lands which will likely not give you as much trouble as we will. Your name and your promises mean nothing to me. So far you have done everything opposite of what could make me trust you. And, since I don't trust you, there's no such thing as me renouncing my claim." Set has himself to blame for the latter. He could have sought Leilan out individually, explain his reasons, and perhaps he could have shared the land, let him in as a second, make this place being lead by a council of three - the roan is as thick-skulled as they come, yes, but also only pretending to be stupid (a ways of self-preservation, truth be told). That option was long gone, by now.
Because instead of working things out, Set now seems to cling to the first-best arrogant girl he can find, just because she has a little something of power enhancement. But the fact is that the two (maybe three, counting the black thing) are outnumbered at this point; surely the man isn't so arrogant that he thinks that she can augmentate his power so much that he would win a war against the now-combined Nerine?
you set my soul alight
hey hey, look, we'll make a diplomat of him - someday. maybe. perhaps a tiny bit.
xD
Two things I know I can make: pretty kids, and people mad.
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