[private] matilda & claudius

[Casimira]

CASIMIRA

i’m only whatever you make me

The sight of the phoenix hummingbird had caused her chest to clench, and a wave of nostalgia crashed over her unexpectedly. It was a relief that something was finally being done, and that there was enough interest in bringing Tephra back. 

When Casimira had begun to make her way off the mountain she had realized that she was traveling close to two faces that were familiar, if only vaguely so — she knew them not only as a previous queen, but because she knows they are closely related to her brother, Nightlock. Nightlock and Wonder may not have always found themselves in the thick of Tephran affairs, but they had left their stamp on the volcanic kingdom in a different way, with their children and grandchildren decorated with flowers, antlers, and an affinity for wolves. 

Tephra had been far more than just a kingdom; it had been a home to so many different families, and the thought of failing them all again hung like a shadow over her.

“I heard a rumor long ago that some of the animals that once lived in Tephra have been hiding in the forest,” she tells her companions as they walk, her attention focused on the fortress of trees that they are making their way toward. “I didn’t dare to believe it, but I think it would be worth looking into. I think the mountains of the Dale would have been too harsh for them even though it’s closer to where Tephra had been, but maybe the forest has provided enough shelter from the elements that they’ve survived?”

Here, she steals a glance sideways at them, searching for any sign that they think the notion is ridiculous.

@claudius @Matilda here have a really bad starter for this quest thread

[Matilda]

Matilda

The excitement that had carried Matilda up the mountain stayed with her throughout the short meeting with the phoenix hummingbird and all the way back down again. It infused her step with a little pep, making her feel like she was practically bouncing with every step. Her heart was soaring just at the idea of what they were all going to accomplish - and what they were going to get back.

It was already a certainty for her. She had inherited more of her father’s eternal optimism than anything else.

It was a happy accident that she managed to be walking near a cousin and the former queen - her mind had been elsewhere and she may have followed just about anyone.

When Casimira spoke about a rumour that the animals of Tephra have been hiding in the forest, it brought Matilda back into reality a little more - reminding her that, no matter how certain she was they were going to be successful, she still had to actually do the thing first. She automatically believes this rumour as soon as it enters her mind and she nods along in agreement. “That makes sense to me! It would’ve been too cold for them anywhere else.”

She starts to think about what animal she’s going to bring back - of course wolves are the first ones that come to her mind but they aren’t exactly “from Tephra” - just encouraged to move in. She is happily considering her options and it’s when they pass underneath the trees and begin to make their way to the more sheltered heart of the forest that she remembers the incredible, adorable, and perfect capybara. That’s it!

@Casimira @claudius