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Post by Luneby on May 4, 2020 5:21:29 GMT -6
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Post by Luneby on May 4, 2020 5:22:08 GMT -6
 E U O N I A"Renunciation, total and sweet."
A crimson sky loomed over the city. No sun to be seen on a stainless horizon. Euonia moved slowly, gliding like a shadow among the growing darkness engulfing the city. The slight grating of her brace marked the hazardous rhythm of her painful pace. Her eyes, hidden under a scarf, scanned every corner, every faint movement. Her ears twitched at every breath – she felt like the hunted. Images of the past day remained engraved on her eyelids. She could still picture with frightening exactitude the sharp, gleaming scales. Their sinister clicking looped in her head, threatening ostinato that refused to leave her ears. It seemed to her that the cold eyes of the man enthroned among flames kept following her. She shrugged at this thought, eyes darkening as her thoughts clouded her sight. She was upset. Scared. Angry. A state she hardly allowed anyone to witness. Moira happened to be one of those people. The mare had shared with her the same troubling experience. She too sat in the ceremony they both had to suffer through. She too saw the beast and the man who controlled it. The two mares had left exchanging a silent promise. They would see each other again that night. They had much to discuss. The familiar lights of Azar were her destination, the sanctum that Moira could now call hers. She knew the path by heart – she had walked it so many times, her legs alone carried her to the place she well-knew. She slipped inside the stained-glass windows’ light in complete silence, silently gazing at the crepuscular light pooling inside. Her eyes roved along the engraved walls, before freezing on the familiar kirin statue. Her mouth tasted like ash. Her ear twitched upon the faint sound of someone walking nearby. “ Moira?” she called softly.
***
WC: 300| Post # 1
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Post by kajeayn on May 4, 2020 7:42:37 GMT -6
M O I R AThe fire finds a home in me.
wc: 410 | post: 1 The colored light filtering through her windows was normally, more than enough to cleanse her. It purified her, pierced through her and left no secrets in its wake, no dark places. Hours of prayer and meditation under the light, she felt unclean, still. Ash seemed to cling to her long after she had washed it from her coat, coating the inside of her mouth, feeling an invisible layer of grime stuck to her skin. No answers came to her, gazing at the images she’d long memorized but still studied as if for the first time. Ignacio’s glass eyes looked back at her, silently reflecting her own questions back to her. She could only hope she still acted in His will. Speaking with the Advisor, she’d been convinced. Unshaken in her conviction that this was the path she must take. In the presence of the King and his wyvern, she had been afraid. She’d reached out to Ignacio for protection and could only hope his eyes had been on her. When the King had spoken, her eyes had been fixed on the wyvern’s teeth, caught like a mouse in a trap. She was fortunate to not have witnessed the deaths that had happened at that fearsome maw, but it was too easy to imagine when face to face with it. Always in the background, a silent reminder. The soft sound of a familiar uneven set of footsteps made her ear twitch, turning her head as she gazed towards the entrance hall. Some tension bled from her shoulders, and she bowed her head towards the Ignacio in the window in farewell before she took her leave, treading softly through pools of colored light, pale from the moonlight. The flames in the great Hearth threw Euonia’s drawn face into stark relief, what little of it she could see.
“Moira?” The pegasus called. Moira stepped into the flickering light of the flames, stripped of her Flamen regalia, her hair loose around her, clad only in a simple robe she’d drawn around herself for a comfort it could not provide.
“Euonia,” She greeted warmly. Her teke glittered soft gold, gently easing the scarf from Euonia’s head, a crinkle to her eyes as she did. “Don’t worry. The Attendants have all gone to bed. I reminded them we have an early start tomorrow.” She tilted her head away, towards the inner chambers of Azar. “But perhaps we may speak in another room. You must be tired.” |
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Post by Luneby on May 4, 2020 13:25:55 GMT -6
E U O N I A"Renunciation, total and sweet."
Her ears perked up as the tall mare made her way towards her. Seeing her standing in the moonlight was a stunning sight. Moira did not need candles or ash to be holy: she was tailored for the divine task that was bestowed upon her. Euonia was not sure she could say that of herself. Part of the tension eased the moment her eyes fell on the familiar face, a sheepish smile blooming on her lips as the black mare pulled the scarf off her face. There was no one on earth who could so naturally bring comfort quite like Moira did. She so effortlessly felt like home. Her wings wrapped around the mare’s neck in a heartbeat, drawing her closer as their foreheads touched for a brief instant. The pegasus stepped back, wings folding back at her sides with a gentle sound. “I would love that.” She whispered as her eyes drifted to the side, where the Soleil statue appeared to be looking in their direction. “A little privacy sounds fantastic right now.” She adds, looking away as she limped towards her friend. The day had been long and exhausting – she did not get to rest as she usually did. Walking had become more and more painful as the day went on, and she knew Moira could tell. There was no such thing as true privacy within a Sanctum’s walls, especially as a Flamen. But the perspective of sitting in a closed room was enough of a relief already. And yet, she couldn't shake away the sour feeling that tasted like ash.
***
WC: 263| Post # 2
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Post by kajeayn on May 5, 2020 5:21:16 GMT -6
M O I R AThe fire finds a home in me.
wc: 367 | post: 2 Moira’s eyes drifted shut, leaning her head gently back against Euonia as the mare embraced her, returning it in kind as she nuzzled her face. The soft embrace eased her heart, and she felt a little cleaner, a little stronger as Euonia pulled back, wings fluttering back to her sides. “Come, then. Let’s get you off your feet.” For once, she briefly wished she had wings of her own, if only to drape one comfortingly over her friend as she walked beside her. Her pace was slow, careful, large hooves stepping down softly as she kept to Euonia’s laborious pace, her heart aching for her friend. It wasn’t hard to decide where to lead her. There were a few private sitting rooms, used for smaller groups and one on one sessions, and she knew Euonia enjoyed one more than others. The Sun Room was not far from the main entrance, one of the smaller rooms set to the side, and Moira opened the door silently, leading her inside. At night, the Sun Room was much less bright, but the large window centered in the far wall still glowed softly, filled with moonlight. Ignacio’s sun beamed down at them in rays of silver, casting an ethereal blue glow to the features of the room. A smaller hearth lay on the left side of the room, embers still warm, and it was a simple matter for Moira to stir the ash, coaxing the flames back to life. There were two plush chaises for equines to recline on, one notably larger than the others but then a Flamen deserved a seat of importance (and Moira needed a bigger chair) but both luxurious. Cushions lay discretely off to the side, in case extra seating was needed. A cabinet sat near the hearth, an elegant glass sculpture residing on top of it. Moira opened it, busying herself setting up a kettle over the small fire. “I imagine we could both do with a calming drink.” Moira explained, gold teke shining as she set up tea cups. “...How are you holding up?” She asked carefully, back to Euonia, the only sounds the soft clink of silverware and the merry crackling of the hearth. |
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Post by Luneby on May 6, 2020 6:48:33 GMT -6
E U O N I A"Renunciation, total and sweet."
Euonia was thankful for her gentle, cautious friend. She eagerly followed her towards what she knew was the Sun Room, where she spent countless hours in the past. It was her favorite place within Azar, as Moira well knew. She soon was comfortably seated on the chaise, her painful leg finally at rest while she let out a sigh of relief. Her eyes tiredly gazed upon the moonlight filtering through the stained-glass window. Seeing it at night gave the place a completely different allure. She nodded at her friend’s suggestion, watching her busying herself around the hearth. She kept quiet for a moment before answering. She did witness the execution of King Amadeus’ assassins. She knew full well what Isador, and his beast Sola, were capable of. For months she tried to bury those memories. Seeing them today only proved how pointless it was for her to try and erase the scars they carved into her flesh. “ … I have never felt so powerless, Moira.” She whispered softly, eyes wandering along the shape of the sleeping foal on the window. She knew that the convicts were murderers, but she could not help but put herself in their skin. She had felt for them that day. This was what she did, what she had always done. This was why she was a Flamen today– her ability to put herself in someone else’s skin so effortlessly. That day she was faced with the downside of such an ability. When they feared, she feared with them. When the beast’s eyes fell upon them, she felt pierced through the heart in concert. When fire licked at their flanks, she could feel herself burning too. When Sola’s great jaws tightened around the poor souls, she could feel Isador’s grip tightening around the whole nation. And that was what he called bringing the people of Aodh together. She swallowed painfully at this thought. “ We have never been closer to the Sun. And now it threatens to burn us.” She voiced feverishly, burning eyes staring right into Moira’s eyes. She was certain that each Flamen present was being threatened by the beast’s sole presence. After all, this was how Isador ruled.
***
WC: 365| Post # 3
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Post by kajeayn on May 6, 2020 8:31:04 GMT -6
M O I R AThe fire finds a home in me.
wc: 215 | post: 3 Moira listened, one ear always turned towards Euonia as the pegasus spoke. She busied herself, blending together some green tea with a little mint, setting it to brew. She looked up at Eunoia, her face softening as she met those fevered eyes. The fire cast the pegasus in an ethereal glow, bathed in moonlight from behind and giving her a soft silver halo, her face shining gold. “It is not the Sun that threatens us,” She spoke softly. “We are closer than ever, yes, but I fear that it is our own fire that threatens to consume us from within.” She looked to the hearth, lifting the poker in her teke as she stirred the coals.
“I fear not the Sun, I fear those who wish to control it.” She set the poker away, lifting up two cups and saucers in her teke as she made her way towards Euonia, giving her a steaming cup before stepping up onto the chaise, settling down carefully. She rearranged her robe around herself, forelegs crossed over each other where they hung over the edge of the velvet seat, staring intently down into her cup, swirling it gently. “What did you see that day, Euonia?” She asked quietly. She knew Euonia would know exactly which day she referred to. |
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Post by Luneby on May 8, 2020 11:21:44 GMT -6
E U O N I A"Renunciation, total and sweet."
Moira was met with a long silence, as the pegasus’ eyes blurred. The gentleness outside clashed violently against the painful recollection she was browsing through. The museum that was her mind often was too accurate for her own good. Every image had been printed forever – she would always be capable of telling this story, but never allowed to do so. She had written in journals which remained secret in feverish fits of anguish about the events – and she knew that even those private scrolls were incriminating. Her voice rose softly, at last. “What I saw that day… Is fire, used the way it should never be used against our own people.”
She breathed out, closing her eyes. “This was nothing like the purifying fire we know. This was nothing like anything anyone should have gone through, or we should have witnessed. Instead of a stake was a devastating flare that burnt even the innocents.”
The cup of tea created a veil of steam over her face, light taking form as an iridescent sheen inside of it. ”This was no justice, but the destructive wildfire that leaves nothing behind but ash.”
Her eyes shot open, looking straight into Moira’s. She had just presented the mare one of her weakest spots – she trusted her, but she was ready for the eventuality of being thrown to the fire, too. ”I saw the most terrifying demonstration of power that day. I was proven that day how truly dangerous fire can be when given to the wrong people, in the form of something that lived.”
Her ears pinned against her neck as her breathing got ragged. ”I don’t want to see this ever again.”
But would she be able to prevent another fire?
***
WC: 288| Post # 4
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Post by kajeayn on May 8, 2020 15:39:27 GMT -6
M O I R AThe fire finds a home in me.
wc: 204 | post: 4 “A poetic way to describe innocent equines eaten alive.” Moira sipped her tea, her eyes partially lidded even as her gaze slid briefly to the door unconsciously. No one would be around at this hour- she had already seen to that- but still, her words could easily damn her in the wrong ears. She kept one ear pointed to the door, the other on Eunoia, meeting her fearful gaze with a dark expression. “I wish that I could assure you it would not, but I do not know. The King,” And something in her face soured, looking back into her tea cup. “...He does not follow a predictable pattern.” She said softly. “I only hope that we can contain the fire before it burns out of our control.” She murmured, cup pressed to her lips but not drinking. Her eyes were distant, unfocused as she stared down. “My motives in asking for this position were not wholly selfless,” Her lips curved up at one corner, a small wry smile as she lowered her cup without a sip. “The King will listen to Ignacio, but I do not know if He will speak to him. If that does not happen, perhaps a Flamen will do.” |
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Post by Luneby on May 9, 2020 11:48:08 GMT -6
E U O N I A"Renunciation, total and sweet."
Euonia’s ears shot back as a long shiver ran through her upon Moira’s words. She did not like to hear those words out loud. Even walls could not be trusted, and a Sanctum still was a public space, despite the hour. "Poesy is how I stay out of trouble. It has helped me more than you know.” She whispered. Poesy was the shield she wielded to never say anything incriminating out loud, and weaving coded half-truths in her writings, hoping to seed her own ideas in her audience’s head. She grew uncomfortable, mouth still tasting like ash as she her outer ear turned towards the door. Moira had broken the wall now, it was too late to turn back. Euonia’s own intentions were not clear. She was Ignacio’s loyal servant, above everything. She hoped she could nudge her herd towards a better place. Lastly, she wanted to understand. How did Isador of all people awake a beast that is Ignacio’s creation? Was He proving Isador right by doing so? She knew it could not be. She nodded upon Moira’s confessions, a blaze slowly rising in her eyes once again. “I see. “She took a sip out of her teacup, weighing the silence. “So, what do you have in mind?”
***
WC: 211| Post # 5
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Post by ThatDenver on May 9, 2020 15:46:40 GMT -6
ALEKSEI
“Yes, do tell us”, a voice said from the corner of the room.
A soft blue glow emanated from the Adviser’s eyes as he spoke, voice calm and oddly loud in the otherwise empty Sanctum. The air around him seemed to shimmer and pop and crackle; the tiles of the marble floor were impossible colors, and yet none. Around him, the floor blooms in violets and roses, the last remnants of the pocket world he hid within – until they too are gone, never having been.
There’s an edible ‘click’ as his hooves make sound again; as his body regains its natural weight, and the very laws of the mortal world once again become binding.
With focus, Aleksei is again.
The glow leaves.
“Your Holinesses. Please excuse me for the intrusion”, Aleksei said with a soft voice, stepping closer. There was a very slight tremble in his step; not so much from the nerves as from the sudden change in his own weight.
Even after all the practice, he both envied and admired the control of this blessing that Solaris had once wielded; the effortless grace of both the beauty and destruction she brought upon others with it.
“You should be more careful, my Eminences”, he said respectfully, his eyes twinkling:
“You never know who might be listening.”
Word count: 217
Post #1
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Post by kajeayn on May 9, 2020 19:04:40 GMT -6
M O I R AThe fire finds a home in me.
wc: 503 | post: 5 Reality shifted. Between one breath and the next, blue eyes suddenly gleamed from the corner of her room- her room, she thought with a sudden, fierce protectiveness that surprised her- and flowers bloomed. A wild dazzle of color flickered through her vision, impossible to comprehend, even as she greedily tried to hold onto the mental image, as if she could somehow replicate colors that did not exist- and then the image was gone, and Advisor Aleksei stepped into the room as if he had always been here. Perhaps he had. “...Forgive me for trusting in the privacy of my Sanctum, Advisor.” She remarked, tilting her head as she regarded him for a long moment. Her expression had changed little other than a brief twitch of her ears before they swiveled to point at him, something like pain flashing over her face. She remembered the last wielder of this blessing. One who wore different facets of reality like jewelry, spinning it into a weapon or a delight at a whim. Her eyes closed, just for a moment, to send up a brief prayer for Solaris. Taken so soon, too soon. “Since you have already invited yourself in, would you like some tea?” She asked lightly, the hint of a wry smile at her mouth further softening her gentle jab. She wasn’t angry, she realized with a bit of surprise. Shocked, certainly, and maybe a little wary for there were few who could threaten her effectively as an advisor to the King. But she was not afraid. Perhaps she should be, but she could not bring herself to fear one Solaris had viewed as a son. She saw her in him now, not just in the strangely similar blessings- a most holy gift, given to so few, and yet here she was viewing it again. Aleksei did not wield it like his mother in all but name, not like deadly, elegant jewelry but like a cloak and dagger, drawing it around and away from himself and never exposing the danger within. She saw Solaris in the twinkle of his blue eyes, the tilt of his chin. Little things, painting a picture all together. Her gaze was even as she looked at him, sipping her tea quietly. She knew Euonia would not react well, and she was glad to at least try to give her an anchor. The younger Flamen had deep empathy- Moira would not feed into her fear. She could give her this much. She made no other offers or comments yet. If she had been an Attendant still, she might have offered him her very own seat, but this was her Sanctum and her privacy interrupted. He held the higher political sway, yes, but in this room, she and Euonia reigned. And clearly he had gone to some trouble to speak with them both alone, after helping them both secure their positions. She wasn’t quite sure what he was playing at, and was content to let him explain without her asking for it. |
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Post by Luneby on May 10, 2020 12:04:44 GMT -6
E U O N I A"Renunciation, total and sweet."
An intruding voice thundered inside her head, tearing the reality she thought she was inside of apart within a split second. She was already acquainted with this voice. The picture her eyes had created started to burn; corners gnawed away first. Soon, it was pierced by incandescent holes which expanded rapidly. The fire’s crackling invaded her ears, completely drowning out any other sound. When nothing but ashes were left, Advisor Aleksei’s slender frame stood up before Moira and herself, occupying space with honeyed words. It was clear now that those blue eyes were the ones she should have been wary of in the first place. She hated to see her anxious feelings proven right. The taste of ash almost choked her. Ears pinned back, Euonia carefully watched Aleksei. In her eyes burnt challenge and distrust. He had certainly followed her all the way from Oralee and had wielded the Blessing King Solaris once did to trap Moira and herself inside a reality where they could not see him. He had done all of that to catch them when they were vulnerable – when they could be incriminated the easiest. However, she well knew Aleksei was the man responsible for their nomination as Flamines. He obviously knew everything he needed about them – then why? Moira did not seem scared, but she could not read Aleksei clearly, which only troubled her more. “ Your Eminence,” she said in a poised, yet challenging tone. “A man of your scale could certainly have summoned us, if he desired an audience so badly.” She rose slowly, taking a step towards the stallion whose mischievousness irritated her. "Besides, it seems to me that the conversation you just witnessed did not teach you anything on our accounts. "She did not forget that she was still standing in Ignacio’s house, in which Aleksei himself had made her a queen. She kept her head high as she walked slowly towards the intruder, stepping into the pool of moonlight which poured through the Sun Room’s window. “Fooling our peers is one thing… Fooling you is another.”
She stopped a step away from him, eyes sealed inside his own. “So. What do you have in mind?”
***
WC: 364| Post # 6
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Post by ThatDenver on May 10, 2020 13:58:11 GMT -6
ALEKSEI
Aleksei studied them, his bright, vibrant eyes older than their years.
Seeing death changed you.
Revolting against death, perhaps, changed you more.
He was quite pleased with what he saw. Euonia’s open defiance, irritation, that touch of concern that proved the truthfulness of her earlier words – one did not bristle as she did if they spoke only in jest or irritation.
No, what she had said was quite genuine indeed.
Aleksei wondered, absently, how many others felt the same; for how many Sola’s display was not that of power and Aodh’s indominable will, but of fear and abuse.
As for Moira, well, she was more difficult to read. Calm. Aleksei would’ve called her demeanor gentle had he not himself seen during his inquiry into the candidates the skilled way the seemingly harmless old lady wove empathy into knowledge.
She was not afraid of him.
That was, perhaps, the only surprise. Not that Aleksei’s face showed it – his tutors had taught him well.
He only slipped when it came to family.
“Tea would be nice”, he replied easily, stepping closer still until they were at a comfortable speaking distance. He gave Euonia a glance and smiled.
“Oh, but summons are so very public. So many questions. So many eyes and ears”, Aleksei said with a smile, flicking his tail as he lowered his voice: “As for the conversation; quite the contrary, Flamen Euonia. I’ve learned that you do not stand in awe and admiration of Isador’s great beast; that you think he is, perhaps, the wrong people. That you have, before, said things that would’ve gotten you in trouble.”
His observant, bright, twinkling eyes, met Moira’s next: “You too have voiced your concern. Your desire for change, a change that may be enacted if one bears a seat high enough, a voice loud enough.”
“But you are right. I should tell you what is on my mind. But not here”, the Adviser responds, and before you have time to question where, the air shimmers once more. Those blue eyes glow, and with a pulse of power the room is gone; the Sanctum exists no longer, save for the chairs, table and cups of tea.
In the place of marble and glass is a garden; impossibly verdant for the time of year. Violets of every color imaginable bloom towering and tall, reaching up to Moira’s knees. Roses, black and purple and white, bloom in tall bushes around you – bushes, you note, that more or less follow the original layout of the room you were in.
The sky is like marble, white and striped with gold; there is no sun.
Ignacio’s sun has never touched these plants. They only live in thought and dream and will.
“I have come to speak with you because I suspect that in you, my ideals, my… Aspirations, may find support”, Aleksei said, his smile less than genuine, yet somehow oddly reassuring.
Word count: 484
Post #2
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Post by kajeayn on May 10, 2020 15:05:42 GMT -6
M O I R AThe fire finds a home in me.
wc: 389 | post: 6 Euonia voiced her defiance, and Moira ducked her head to hide a brief grin, pleased beyond words by the spark in the pegasus. She reminded her of herself at a younger age, if only a little, but better. And then, quite abruptly, her Sanctum vanished. She lifted her head, ears pricked as she gazed up at the gold streaked sky, ivory white. Sol did not touch this realm, she could feel no warmth, but flowers perfumed the air with a heady aroma, so thick she could nearly taste it on her tongue. She knew her Sun Room especially well- a glance around her revealed parallels that brought her comfort. They had probably not been spirited away somewhere, as her first startled thought had been- most likely, they were still here, in the Sun Room, but somehow not. Away from any more prying eyes or ears, though it chafed her to think that Aleksei assumed her Sanctum was not safe to speak freely in. But then, she would never have known he was there, had he not revealed himself. Perhaps he was paranoid, or perhaps she was overconfident. She would look into both. The mention of his aspirations made her eyes sharpen, head turning as her gaze intensified on him, blue and gold flickering over him. It was a carefully chosen word. As an Advisor, Aleksei was already at the top of the political food chain, so to speak. Except, of course, for one other. He suspected them of supporting him, which she was relieved to hear- she had known he would vet the candidates for the Flamines, and she had done her best to assure that Aleksei would know their interests aligned. For the most part, at least. Gazing up at the Advisor in his strange, beautiful new reality, her teke glittered, quietly pouring out a cup for him. “I am listening, Advisor.” She said, brows lifting a moment. There was no judgement in her voice or eyes, only curiosity and interest. In a world where powerful families like the Soleil line could be wiped out in the blink of an eye, an Advisor hinting at aspirations was a dangerous thing. She could understand his paranoia a little better- in these dangerous times, Valore was dry kindling, ready to go up at any moment, and his words were sparks. |
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Post by Luneby on May 12, 2020 10:31:17 GMT -6
E U O N I A"Renunciation, total and sweet."
The world shifted once again before she even had a chance to process the Adviser’s words. She soon found herself trapped under a marble sky and fragrant, thorny walls. Under any other circumstance, she would have marveled at the overwhelming beauty of such a place. She would have admired this more real than life garden and smelt its impossibly beautiful roses. She would have praised the Gods for the Blessings they bestow upon their children and the grace with which Aleksei wielded it. Under any other circumstance, she would have found such a place peaceful. But not now. She was now cast away from Ignacio’s sun, trapped inside a man she did not trust’s inner world. She despised displays of power. As pretty as this one was, she didn’t like it either. Only Moira’s presence kept her grounded. She would only listen to him because Moira was visibly willing to, and she trusted the older mare’s judgment. But she was far from being swayed, despite the avowal he had started to voice. Whilst she did want to see Isador gone, she had never shown any form of sympathy towards Aleksei himself. As much as she respected King Solaris, she cared little for dynasties and was only interested in finally bringing a competent ruler back on the throne. Aleksei being Solaris’ splitting image, especially now as he used the same, incredibly rare Blessing, did not give him any credit in her books. She still could not tell if the stallion was genuine, the look in his eyes conflicting with the tone of his voice. His smile left her cold. She could only hope this was not another trap and that he was indeed protecting himself, so he could speak freely and was not taking advantage of them more than he had already done. But she would listen. She simply sat back on her chair, her mint green teke glittering as it carried her cup of tea to her. She gave the Adviser a nod and said nothing. She was waiting.
***
WC: 339| Post #7
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Post by ThatDenver on Jan 14, 2021 12:42:46 GMT -6
ALEKSEI
The color of Aleksei’s eyes settles slowly as the world seems to grow more stable.
It is a strange monster, beautiful and yet strangely horrifying in how unnatural it is. Both a song of praise and a complete bastardization of Kaia’s creation, as was in the very nature of this blessing.
He was surprised by their silence, and yet, he should have expected it from what he had learned of them before ever coming here. He had thought they would be eager to hear him – and indeed, Moira seemed to be, but the younger Flamen… Aleksei could sense her trepidation.
”You have left the stage to me, then”, he said with a huff of a laugh, and then admitted: ”Perhaps that is only fair, to leave me to speak my part first. I have so rudely stolen your attention, after all.”
He looked away from them for a moment, at the garden of his own making. Collecting his thoughts, his words, he pondered on the seemingly imminent end of yet another dynasty.
If he were to succeed, an old House would die.
If he were to fail, the same would be true. He had no doubt about that.
Isador had already shown himself not to be too soft with mercy.
One more moment, considering if this was a trail he wanted to walk. If this was the garden he would nourish, the hill he might die upon.
The unicorn smiled, almost sadly.
Foolish. He had chosen this weeks before. It was too late now to have second thoughts.
”I shall speak frankly then”, he said, turning his attention back to the two Flamines.
”Isador has stolen the Crown with blood and poison. Look at the trail of bodies, with him left to pick up the pieces and wield the glory”, Aleksei said, knowing full well what he was implying.
”It was no luck nor accident that had the crown fall onto his head. I have every reason to believe that the lifeblood of my siblings and my mother alike is on him, and those he paid to do it”, he said calmly, as if speaking of someone else – and yet, a dangerous undercurrent ran in his voice, deep and dark and pained.
”I can show you no proof of this. Not yet, anyway. But who else has benefitted? Our country has been torn – never has it been so broken. And yet there he stands”, the unicorn said, before adding: ”I believe you will soon find this to be the truth. But I tell you now – the blood spilled on New Year was the only misstep he ever made.”
Word count: 438
Post #3
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Post by kajeayn on Jan 19, 2021 12:20:18 GMT -6
= M O I R A =
The fire finds a home in me.
WC: 669 | Post 7As promised, she listened, ears pointed towards him as he spoke. She made no move to interrupt him, even when her head pulled slightly back as if struck, her eyes widening before her face sobered.
She was quiet a long moment after he had finished speaking, mulling over his words, before she let out a soft sigh, draining her teacup.
“These are grave accusations, and yet you have no reason to lie. I can see the truth in your eyes. I believe you.” She told him, and she meant it. She believed Solaris’s son. Maybe she was an old, trusting fool, but she believed him.
Even without his lineage and earnest words, she would believe him. She had had her suspicions of Isador’s character- she hadn’t suspected him of murder, but she had seen the cold light in his eyes. She could not claim to know his heart, but she’d sensed no love in him. Nothing at all.
“If he is truly to blame for these deaths, know that I will aid you any way I can in bringing him to justice.” She spoke firmly. She hesitated, ears angling back as her expression seemed to droop, as if suddenly pulled down with a heavy weight. “I just can’t wrap my mind around him murdering King Solaris. Is it naive to say I thought she was too well liked to be betrayed like that?” She smiled thinly. “I have committed sins for which I cannot ever fully forgive myself, but I have never even entertained the notion of murder. It's a foreign language to me. I cannot see the world the way someone like Isador would.” She shook her head, dropping her gaze to her empty cup, tipping it slowly back and forth in her teke.
“But you… for good and for bad, Adviser, you know death. It was forced upon you, but now you wield it as a sword to protect others.” She spoke softly. “I have not had the pleasure of visiting Cinder Hall, but I have heard of the impossible garden, courtesy of your Necromancy. Many often see it as a blessing that discomforts them, and forget that it, like all other gifts, is holy.” She gazed out over the garden before her now, the flowers whose scent weighed thick and heavy in her throat, gleaming in every color imaginable before her.
Not one of them was real.
“I believe you are a child of Kaia as much as you are one of Ignacio’s. You understand life and death as She would, but you are fueled by His fire. I only wish you weren’t called upon so young.” She looked at him, her eyes sad. “It is a heavy weight to carry, and my heart aches that you have been burdened so.”
Delicately, she unfolded her crossed forelegs, setting her hooves down on the ground Aleksei had created. She rose up to her full height, gently setting aside her empty cup with a quiet clink.
“But know this- I would be glad to help bear that burden any way I can. Azar’s arms are open to you.” She bowed her head low, even lower than when she played nice with Isador. “I am loyal to Aodh. Not to Isador.” She said firmly. “And I will not be threatened into submission. Ignacio will judge him for his crimes, and I will happily aid Him in metering out His divine punishment.”
It would give her no pleasure if this were to end in death, but if Ignacio called her to be His sword then she would answer gladly. Though, if she were to think of it along those terms, she would much rather be his shield- as near-overwhelming the thought might be.
Her eyes slid to Euonia, to Aleksei. Both with fire in their hearts.
She did not know if she could protect all of Aodh from Isador, but she would do her best to protect who stood before her. She had to try.
She could not fail again.
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Post by Luneby on Jan 19, 2021 14:20:39 GMT -6
 E U O N I A"Renunciation, total and sweet."
Her eyes had not let Aleksei out of her sight once as he exposed his allegations. While all of them were beyond appalling, none of them genuinely came as a shock to her – nothing really did anymore, in the light of recent events. She certainly was gutted and wondered the same thing Moira did – but someone who desired power in such a destructive way would seldom care about the person harnessing the power they so craved, regardless of them being a beloved ruler or not. But was power alone what Isador wanted?
“We have witnessed unmatched indifference and brutality on Isador’s part. If you believe he has bloodied his way up to power for a long time, I will trust your word, and I will help you prove it. There is nothing I want more than to put an end to this senseless violence. I am sick and tired of our home burning, of our people dying while the richest turn a blind eye to it while nothing is done about the danger knocking at our doors. Above all, I abhor seeing the Sun’s flames being used in blasphemous ways– this reign of terror must end.”
She felt shivers through his speech. The young Advisor surely was skilled at concealing his emotions – but he could not fool an empath as trained as herself. She had felt the anger poisoning his words -the darkness burning in his eyes. This was more than a political intrigue – everything he cared about was at stake.
What did Aleksei want out of this?
Her wings flared open as she slid out of her chair – soon standing straight before him.
“I know that you carry King Solaris’ legacy alone – and what a burden that must be for someone as young as yourself. I believe you righteously crave vengeance for your mother, your brother, and everyone that you lost. I sincerely empathize with all you have been through and applaud your courage. Moira believes you are wise, and I trust her judgement. That is why I believe there is more to this than revenge.”
She took a step closer, eyes scanning the stallion’s delicate frame. There was no anger in her eyes, nor was there any accusation in her voice. Only curiosity, hope and defiance struggling against one another.
“What would you get from overthrowing Isador? The throne?”
She needed to find out what he wanted and what he stood for before deciding whether he was worthy of support. While she wanted is Isador gone, she desired change the most. Aodh must not remain the way it is – she firmly believed Isador embodied the worst of it and was only King because of the herd’s shortcomings. She would not support anyone who would only wallow in Aodh’s classicism once Isador is gone. The throne was not much of a reward on its own –what could Aleksei possibly intend to do with it?
“So, tell me, Aleksei of House Aelius – what do you truly want, and what do you stand for?”
***
WC: 503| Post # 8
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Post by ThatDenver on Jan 19, 2021 16:00:28 GMT -6
ALEKSEI
Aleksei, for a moment, looks saddened, resolve melting into a pain less hidden, more raw. There was a savage undercurrent of emotion in his eyes, controlled but not hidden.
”It is due to what she wanted – more equality. The empowerment of our downtrodden – the eventual end of slavery. Things that do not fall in line of his vision of Aodh”, Aleksei’s usually boyish voice was almost a growl, coming deep from his chest. He bit his lip, and the world around him shimmered.
”When I was a child, I did not know this. She and my father, they did not wish to see me involved. Perhaps they hoped I would help moderate Alduin, once he became King one day”, he went on, looking past Moira and Euonia, at nothing; at happier days and happier memories.
”My brother had no sense of diplomacy in pursuing what he believed. He was brilliant and good and principled, but not subtle. He would’ve driven his abolition through with the same vicious righteousness as Mishal drove down the other gods”, Aleksei admitted, voice tight. Rarely did he speak of Alduin these days; Solaris, often enough, but Alduin. Alduin was somehow sorer still, perhaps due of the jealousy he had felt – how he had once coveted his brothers destiny.
Well, he got what he wanted, did he not?
”And now he is dead.”
And you are alone.
He gathered himself again; piece by piece, crack by crack. He had to learn to be better. Stronger.
There had been a time for tears, and although neither death nor guilt would ever leave him fully, he had to be what Aodh needed.
Moira’s next words made him smile; weakly at first.
”Unfortunately there is still more death to be had. Isador will not be maneuvered from his throne with words or opinions of majority. He has paid too dearly for the gold that sits on his brow”, Aleksei said, and had to admit that he did not feel sadness at the idea of their King’s death. He then continued: ”But as the Sun has its path in the sky, so do we all have ours. A new sunrise is what we need.”
Euonia, it seemed, was harder to please, and that suited him just as fine. He had not taken this road expecting it to be easy, or to be loved by all just for being who he was.
Indeed, he expected many to resist him, for while drops of Soleil blood ran in his veins, he was not a trueborn Soleil heir – never would be, no matter how many times he slipped and called Solaris his mother.
”My mother’s legacy”, Aleksei said, and this time it was not a slip. He stood up straighter and moved his head slightly to get his hair out of his eyes.
”I do desire revenge, yes. For my family, and for everyone else who died for Isador’s ambition”, Aleksei then stated, his voice blunt and honest. It was not something he could hide – his anger, his pain, his resolve. They made him who he was, for better and for worse.
”Once the throne is mine, I am going to continue my mother’s work. I will find a way towards equality that does not trample on the livelihoods of the people. I will break the chains, one by one, so those who come after me can trample them to the ground”, Aleksei spoke, his voice quiet and oddly booming; a voice that did not sound all his own: ”I will change that which Isador seeks to meld into iron – find a way for more voices to reach my ears so that when my own judgement fails, others will be there to counsel me.”
Then, he was quiet for a while, before adding, quiet and soft and broken: ”For I am not my mother, and I never will be – I share not her wisdom, only her vision.”
Word count: 653
Post #4
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Post by kajeayn on Jan 20, 2021 16:13:43 GMT -6
= M O I R A =
The fire finds a home in me.
WC:512 | Post 8Once again, she found herself trying to suppress a grin that threatened to break out on her face, if only for a moment.
Euonia’s light shone brightly, even here in this little pocket world. It eased her heart, somehow, to see it- voicing the questions as Moira had known she would, but her fierce courage left her feeling comforted. Ignacio’s sword to Moira’s shield, really. Euonia had always been soft spoken, but it only made the dragon inside more awe inspiring when she bared her fangs.
Moira loved her dearly in that moment.
The warmth slowly cooled down to a dull, throbbing pain in her chest as Aleksei spoke, explaining his family’s goals- the ones they had not lived to see.
The ones that had gotten them killed.
She listened in silence, her eyes sorrowful and solemn, almost able to feel phantom pangs, echoes of his grief washing over her. Her bruised heart ached for him, drinking in the pain that deepened his voice, aged his eyes.
When he had finished, the marble sky swallowing the last of his words, she stepped quietly towards him. Slowly, and with the utmost care, she lifted her head, and gently pressed her muzzle briefly to his forehead, just under the horns that crowned him.
A soft gesture, more like a proud parent then a Flamen to her future King, but she knew in her heart she would subject him to occasional affection even when he took the throne. There were few divine privileges she indulged in, but this seemed something worth throwing her weight as a Flamen around for.
“You are not your mother,” She agreed, pulling back to regard him with kind eyes. “You are her son. Which means you have the chance to be better. It’s all she would have ever wanted for you. Any mother would.” Her smile stayed the same, even as a shadow seemed to pass through her eyes, like a cloud over the sun.
“You look like her,” Moira spoke softly. “You have her eyes. Not just the color, but turned to the future- as you said, her vision.” She smiled sadly. She wished she had known the King better, but she had only been a distant figurehead, the sun all of Aodh turned around. She had been lucky to meet her when she had- a Divine intervention, maybe. As if Ignacio had known one day she would aid Solaris’s son, and had their paths cross. She’d been lucky enough to be considered worthy of creating glass in the King’s image- she’d been graced with the privilege of meeting the King in person, in order to sketch her likeness.
She had had such kind eyes. She remembered them well, all these years later.
“It gladdens my heart to know you plan to uphold her hopes and visions, and I would be happy to aid any way I can. Our goals align, after all- nothing would make me happier than Solaris’s son breaking the chains.” She said. “Only tell me what you need of me- I will make it so.”
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Post by Luneby on Jan 21, 2021 8:49:48 GMT -6
E U O N I A"Renunciation, total and sweet."
“I will break the chains, one by one, so those who come after me can trample them to the ground.”
“I believe in your vision. I believe in your power. I believe in the change you can bring.”
A wing stretched to touch his cheek, gently. A gesture only Moira and Jessiah had ever been the object of before.
“Above all, I believe in you.”
She bowed before him, eyes falling closed.
“I believe you can become the King we are both proud to serve. May you lead our herd on the path of redemption – may you turn your pain into the righteous flame of justice.”
She rose, once again, eyes falling on Moira as she nodded, ever so slightly. Together, they would be the armor Aleksei needed in his journey.
“I will be your eyes and your ears. I will be your sword if you need me to, and I will spread your vision to our people. I will be by your side when this chapter comes to an end in flames. I will be by your side, even if we may burn trying to do the right thing. I am not afraid.”
She took a step back, an apologetic smile gracing her lips.
“I hope my defiance has not upset you. I could not swear loyalty without hearing those words from you. I know you appointed us being fully aware of our ideals, and of our past. Being by your side is our honor.”
Her outlook on Aleksei had been brighter ever since she had found out about his purchase of Jessiah, and had found them in much better shape. For the first time in their life, they appeared to have hopes. And she would do anything to give them a good reason to hope for a better future.
She was ready to trust him and live up to the consequences.
***
WC: 358| Post # 9
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Post by ThatDenver on Jan 21, 2021 15:52:15 GMT -6
ALEKSEI
He almost recoiled when Moira, who was near twice his height, suddenly moved closer and touched her muzzle to his forehead. It had been so long since he had been the recipient of such touches, especially from someone so much older than him.
The relationship between him and Elham was so completely cordial, while his relationship with Faiza was… Quite all over the place, at times. It was not that he did not cherish her, but her touch was different.
This felt more motherly, comforting, and he wasn’t sure how he felt about it; not about the touch of Euonia’s wing.
He shifted his weight, momentarily unsure, but not necessarily uncomfortable.
It was just different.
It felt good.
And simultaneously, it broke something inside him, even though he let none of it come to surface.
Aleksei smiled – more genuine this time, softer.
Less guarded.
”You flatter me, the both of you”, he said, before adding more lightly: ”Perhaps I should’ve said less, now you have such high expectations of me.”
”I am not upset. It is only fair that you’d question me – I have long been a coward”, he said to Euonia, adding with a half-smirk: ”I am not sure I would trust myself either, at least initially. I am the King’s Adviser, after all. Isador has shown that it is not a safe path to be in his way.”
He was quiet for a moment, simply regarding the two of them. Their devotion, their faith. It was touching, their eagerness to help him.
He hoped he would not disappoint them. Aleksei knew that promises were much simpler than actions. A King was never truly free to do what he wanted – not a good King, at least. There were so many elements to consider.
And, he feared, a great war to win before they could truly set their minds to dousing the fires alight in the heart of their own country.
”As Flamines, you have incomparable reach. Speak to the people. Whisper truths. Hear lies. They will listen to you, and speak to others in turn. Once the whispers are too many, Isador has no hope of tracking them to their source. The unrest will grow, until but a match is needed to light it”, he told them their mission. Flamines were powerful allies – they had the ability to speak in public, hundreds, without arousing suspicion. Surely metaphors and clever turns of words would be needed, but the people were smart – some would get it. Other would be told. Some would learn after repetition, after connecting themes they had heard time and time over.
It would be a wildfire, and by the time it reached Isador’s ears, the rumors would be too numerous, too vicious. Who could say where they ever had started?
Word count: 463
Post #5
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Post by Dream-Lark on Mar 7, 2021 14:56:02 GMT -6
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