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Post by Deleted on May 21, 2018 14:31:04 GMT -6
Once Upon a Time...
In a faraway land called Valore, two fates became intertwined.
Non-Canon Romance and Undercover AU.
Set after the events of Chapter V.
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Chapter One
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"Lovely Danger"
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Post by Deleted on May 21, 2018 15:42:00 GMT -6
esmae | vagabond | vindicator | Specialist ❝ A mission, they said. It’ll be undercover, they said. The words quietly reminisced as Esmae trotted down the streets of Valore. When the assignment had been handed to her, it had certainly taken her by surprise. Apparently, since many of the Vindicators were recognizable besides the newest recruits, they had figured which one would be best suited for an undercover mission; straight into the heart of Aodh. It was going to be the first time they sent an operative into Aodh besides the few smugglers that were friendly with the Vindicators. After some consideration, the specialist had agreed to their offer. Not a moment later, forged papers were given to her along with a new name and a pair of tickets. Hell, she even had an alibi if anyone asked about her past. The hardest part was traveling across the border and into the city. Under the disguise of accompanying a band of other equines, she managed to get into Valore after some difficulty. The sight of the city nearly stopped her in her tracks, leaving her gaping at the sights. It's beautiful, she mused. It was so refined and colorful, vibrant with life. Commoners bustled around in the streets, many flaunting their accessories and appearances. Least to say, Esmae was enraptured despite catching a few glimpses of a slave brand here and there. A set of directions were given to her and a pack of shards before she had left the Bunker along with a sketched map of the city. Passing by the shopping district, Esmae attempted to discreetly window shop over the silks and laces. However, a sweet scent drew her away and back into the crowd. Not too far from the district, there was a running bakery. At the sight of the freshly baked treats, the mare bit her tongue in thought. Since she was here, was it so bad if she enjoyed her stay? Even if it was to gather intel and observe from afar. Quickly, Esmae pulled herself away with a heavy sigh before she did anything reckless. By that, she meant spending all her money away. Reaching over to her saddlebag, she pulled out the small map and unrolled it. Glancing over its contents, she looked up and compared her surroundings. Supposedly, there was some sort of transportation around the area that would bring her to her destination. After a short while of searching, she finally found it and by Alya, it was huge. They called it a train, allowing equines of all sizes to board and ride. It was fascinating. Boarding the train not long after, Esmae settled in one of the carts. Peering around her surroundings, she perked her dark ears with curiosity. It was all so new to her despite the limited background knowledge she was given. Boarding the train not long after, the Vagabond settled in one of the carts. Peering around her surroundings, she perked her dark ears with curiosity. It was all so new to her despite the limited background knowledge she was given. Her gaze flitted about before her golden eyes landed on a blood red mare with a ruby choker. Tilting her head slightly, she glanced around the cart before walking over. Nudging her shoulder gently to catch her attention, Esmae smiled gingerly and chirped, “Is this seat available?”
POST I ● word count 508 |
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Post by promsong on May 22, 2018 18:50:13 GMT -6
Jasmine
Smoke rising in the distance
She glides in a swan dive
Cooler than a strawberry shake
post 1 | 490 words
Jasmine hadn't said much to her slave, Tess, when she left the house that day with a small purse and train tickets. Her mind had been filled with thoughts of leaving Aodh and starting a new life by herself for the past couple of weeks. So she decided to get on a train and have some time to herself where she could really think about it. There was nothing more calming than viewing the ocean from a train car to Jasmine and she was eager to board.
She wore large black sunglasses and a white sun-hat, the brim flopping every step she took throughout the city. She wanted to pick up some fruit before her trip so that she could snack on it while she rode.
Mumbling to a poor merchant which packages of cherries and strawberries she wanted, she lifted her head to get a look at her surroundings. The business of Valore was something she had always liked and was used to. It was her home but was there more for her to see outside of it? She wanted to know.
Her husband's death had marked a new chapter in Jasmine's life, one she wanted desperately to get right. She could pretend all she wanted that she was happy and yet even the most foolish of people could see past the facade of expensive clothes and lavish parties. She either had to get better at acting happy or learn how to be happy.
Swapping the fruit for a couple shards, Jasmine held it in front of her, her purse too small to hold any of it. She made her way through the streets, avoiding annoying peasants and slaves who got even slightly in her path. She always held herself up as if she owned the city, as if she was nobility, much to actual nobles annoyance. What was really in a name, though?
As she waited at the stop for the train, she checked her watch and grumbled a few words of frustration. 3 minutes late? Unacceptable. Some people had places to be and while this didn't include her, it still bothered the woman. When it finally came, though, she boarded and sat near the back of the cart where she was to receive the least attention possible.
The train pushed forward and it was with a small sigh that Jasmine began to snack away at her cherries. She was fixed on the view outside of the window and her eyes scanned the horizon as she took it all in.
Jasmine didn't hear the voice immediately, but when she did, she pulled her gaze up and tilted her sunglasses down. A more suggestive than friendly smile came across her face and she nodded, "Of course," she said softly. She completely took off of sunglasses she wore and placed them down on the table in front of her. Like this, it was now possible to actually see her properly.
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Post by Deleted on May 25, 2018 3:36:40 GMT -6
esmae | vagabond | vindicator | Specialist ❝ In the midst of the mass of equines, Esmae spotted a few slaves lingering beside their masters near the back. It made a small dent in her imagination, quietly reminding her of the wrongdoings of Aodh. She bit her tongue at the sight, glancing away. So much for trying not to get distracted. Realizing how wild-eyed she seemed from how often her gaze wandered, she focused solely on the mare in front of her. She cast her an apologetic gaze for getting distracted, leaning forward with sparked interest. The woman’s voice was sweet like music when she agreed. She seemed poised, relaxed even. Like some Aodhians, she had an air of royalty around her. Was she a Noble? Gods, the dark mare could only hope if she was, she wouldn’t be like the last one she encountered. With a nod, Esmae sat across from her, setting her saddlebag beside her. Tucking her sketched map into one of the pockets, she looked up about the train car. Glancing out the window, she caught sight of the sparkling ocean. Her golden eyes widened slightly, studying the sun’s reflection across the water and the boats that bobbed on the surface. The water looked nearly crystal. Turning her attention back to the blood red mare across from her, she chirped light-heartedly, “Where are you heading to on this fine day? Looking for an adventure? Or maybe a small get away?” Surely, Valore had more sights to explore. As she spoke with a breathy chuckle, a hint of an accent tinted her dialect. Raking her gaze from the top of the floppy hat to the dark sunglasses, the corners of her lips tilted further upward. The summer look suited her if not enhanced her allure. A low rumbling came from the train before it started forward, starting down the tracks. The spotted mare jumped at the movement, startled. Catching herself, she glanced away with slight embarrassment. If she continued to act like a tourist, she was surely going to give herself away. Focus on the mission, that’s what you’re here for, she mused. Despite this, Esmae relied primarily on her alibi to explain her actions if she was asked. Especially about her beaming interest in her surroundings. All the more intel to collect, she claimed. Back at the Bunker, they had given her a new identity, a new past while she was allowed to make up the details on her own. However, it didn’t mean she would be allowed to prance straight into their vaults and swipe their plans from under their noses. By Alya, that would make the mission immensely easier if she could. If someone told her that she would on a train traveling through Valore, she wouldn’t have believed them. A few moments after, she spoke again. It couldn’t hurt to make any more small talk, right? "I don't believe I caught your name. Mind to share and tell?" Her words were good-natured as she inquired the mare. Tilting her head, she perked her dark ears forward to listen attentively.
POST II ● word count 508 |
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Post by promsong on May 28, 2018 20:16:25 GMT -6
Jasmine
Smoke rising in the distance
She glides in a swan dive
Cooler than a strawberry shake
post 2 | 481 words
Her silver eyes returned to the ocean momentarily, finding herself getting lost before she heard the shuffling of the other woman. She sat down and seemed to be interested in their other company. Jasmine rarely paid any mind to others in public settings. She walked as if she was the only one there, cutting into crowds and making a pathway for herself.
She seemed almost mesmerized by the view that Jasmine had grown accustomed to over the years. It was still just as calming and just as breathtaking as the first time she saw it, however. "You should see the view from my villa." She turned her head towards the woman, took off her sunglasses and placed them delicately on the table. The floppy hat she wore covered half of her face and she pushed it up slightly to reveal her other eye.
"Looking for peace, I suppose," she said softly, her tone quiet and only for Esmae to hear. She studied the woman for a moment. She had almost glowing golden eyes and while she was distracted by this, her attention was soon pulled to the saddle bag. Then the train rumbled and while Jasmine would have said that she leapt out of her seat for pure hyperbolic effect, she did startle.
"And what has brought you to Valore, my dear? And I'm Jasmine, you are?" Jasmine questioned, the woman's smile being returned with a subtle one of her own. There was no way she was from Valore, or at least she thought so. There was something off about her presence on the train, she didn't belong here. Jasmine couldn't quite place where she did belong or where she had come from, but she was hoping to figure that out soon enough.
Sighing softly as she picked at a strawberry, she moved them to the centre of the table to share. Now that she was having an actual conversation, the large hat was a bit much. She took it off, shook out her forelock gently, and placed it on the seat beside her. Everything seemed to be a bit much with Jasmine, though.
She looked up at a passing waitress and immediately made eye contact with them, beckoning them to their table. "We'll take a bottle of white wine. You like white, right? Or red? Whatever you'd prefer, honey. The most expensive thing you have, of course," she said with a charming, yet forced, smile at the waitress. She hadn't grown up with money so having the ability to order whatever she wanted from the drink menu was a privilege she never got enough of. The most expensive thing - a show of her wealth, wealth that in turn meant power. Maybe it was her narcissism that meant she felt like she needed to flaunt the money that was not really hers, maybe it was underlying insecurity. It's hard to tell. |
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Post by Deleted on Jun 3, 2018 5:38:19 GMT -6
esmae | vagabond | vindicator | Specialist ❝ Was that an invitation? Esmae pondered, nearly murmuring her thoughts aloud before she caught herself. Not that she would really mind, she needed a place to stay anyways. A villa. She never heard of one before. Glancing up at the floppy hat she wore and her sunglasses on the table, she admired the style for a couple moments. Swerving her ear in the woman’s direction, she rose her gaze back up to meet hers. It was her silver eyes that caught her. Holding her breath for a moment, she replied, “Elaine.” Averting her eyes, she added, “Let’s just say I left home for a good reason.” Her voice lowered at her words as if she were timid, if not slightly afraid. She wasn’t entirely lying. Merely a half-truth. The idea was to make herself seem like a sheltered equine who ran away, who was once locked away from the real world. It was a ploy to gain at least some sympathy from those who were soft-hearted if to collect some generosity. As the bowl of fruits slid forward, Esmae slid her gaze to the strawberries. They were freshly ripened and a ruby red. Surely, they were sweet as well. A curious look arose at the offered strawberries, picking one from the bunch and nibbled on it with a nod of thanks. Her warm yellow teke surrounded it as she held it, the texture familiar to her. They nearly matched the woman’s crimson coat, complementing her style with various shades of red. Looking up as Jasmine beckoned a serving waitress over to order, pleasant surprise flashed across the mare’s features. Day drinking? Where did this idea come from? Well, if she was offering, she might as well. Finishing her piece of fruit, Esmae looked straight at the ebony haired mare and chirped. “Then, we’ll have red, please.” Why not add to the color scheme? She feigned an innocent look, despite the small glint that sparkled in her eyes. At the moment, she was beginning to believe she could enjoy this woman’s company. “A fine day with a fine lady, I think I could get used to this.” She chuckled, brushing a stray lock of hair from her face. Esmae tilted her gaze up, a smile gracing her features. Plucking another strawberry from the bunch, she let out a small hum. A small flirt. It was harmless, right? When the waitress returned with a bottle of red wine and two glasses, the mare’s eyes grew round. When the waitress was finished and took her leave, Esmae picked up a glass. Finishing off her piece of fruit, she washed it down with a small sip of wine. She planned to take a couple sips before she got too tipsy. Or at least, that was what it was originally. Setting her glass down delicately, she chirped, “Well, what do you plan to do once you find your peace?” Inching forward, she arched a curious brow.
POST III ● word count 491 |
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Post by promsong on Jun 30, 2018 14:59:02 GMT -6
Jasmine
Smoke rising in the distance
She glides in a swan dive
Cooler than a strawberry shake
post 3 | 483 words
Jasmine watched the woman as she waited for her reply, nodding slowly when it was given. "Elaine," she repeated, her eyes fluttering to the window before they focused back onto her. "Delicate... pretty," she said as if her opinion was asked in the first place. It was then she gave a small smile and the hint of a breathy laugh, "Don't we all?" Jasmine would be the first to admit there was nothing more freeing about leaving her childhood home. She hadn't travelled far, though, and that left her with curiosity for where this woman had come from.
Her eyes followed the golden teke as it picked up one of the strawberries. There was something off about her, something that told Jasmine to get up and leave. Yet, she sat and stayed, because couldn't deny her attraction. Besides, where is the fun in spending the whole train ride alone?
Elaine's choice in wine left another small smile on Jasmine's face and she mumbled a few words of agreement for the waitress' sake. She was not one of loud laughter or sparkling grins, but rather subtle smiles or knowing glances. There was always a wall up with Jasmine and it took only the most trusted to slowly bring it down.
The woman's commentary was sweet, lively. She missed that sense of life, that youthfulness. It was something absent from her life with her husband and now that she was free from him, she could enjoy it again. She could enjoy the things she tried to before. Silk sheets felt softer when she was waking up with someone adored.
Then the wine came and two glasses were being set down in front of them. She poured both of them half full and went on her way, Jasmine waiting for her to leave until she spoke. "I can drink to that," she said, raising her glass slightly and taking a sip.
Her question took Jasmine off guard and she had to think for a moment before replying. "To be quite honest, I haven't thought that far yet," she admitted with a subtle shrug. "I suppose I'll return home to Valore. It truly sparkles at night," she continued. The Sun City, she called it. Even at night, it was lit up with candles, lanterns, life. And in the midst of reimagining what the view was like from one of her favourite cafés, she had an idea.
"It can be awfully lonely, though," she began, her eyes trailing slowly over the woman's features until they finally met hers. "I wouldn't be opposed to your company."
And maybe it was too soon, or too forward, but that didn't stop her. She brought the glass back up to her lips and took another sip, sighing gently once it was set down on the table. What harm could it really cause to invite her for a night out on the town?
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Post by Deleted on Jul 6, 2018 17:52:40 GMT -6
esmae | vagabond | vindicator | Specialist ❝ Esmae- or rather known, Elaine- quietly chuckled under her breath at her comment. She supposed it was. A misleading name that was a mere guise. Perking her dark ears at the sound of her breathy laugh, she couldn’t help but tilt her lips into a wide smile. She couldn’t help it. Laughter was always quick to infect her. However, in the back of her mind, a small voice of her whispered trickling doubts over her acting skills. She would admit, they weren’t the best but what’s a better time to polish them off than now? Although, it would’ve been better to prepare them beforehand. Taking a couple moments to study her newfound companion, she noticed a guarded look about her despite her laidback personality. Strange. Perhaps she could learn a few things from her. Maybe even more about her if she was lucky. As the waitress came back around, she decided to hold off on the strawberries despite however good they were. There were still some left over, ripe for the taking. Glancing at the sparkling glasses set in front of them, she sucked in a breath as the wine was poured. Despite her better judgment, she grasped the glass and lifted it up. After tilting it towards the crimson mare, she tipped it back against her lips to take a sip. Pausing in surprise at the taste, Esmae glanced down to her drink with wide eyes. It was flavorful yet powerful on her senses, almost a fine taste of rapture compared to the watered-down brew she drank before. Aodhians did always have the nicest things and spared no expense while doing so. She would’ve said she had to stay vigilant especially with a drink in hand but she was always bound to slip up somehow. Steering her attention back to Jasmine, her eyes practically sparkled at her words. If Valore was this fascinating in the day, she could only wonder it would be like in the night. Ever since she arrived, it was a drastic change from the dim underground of the Bunker. Locking eyes with the woman, Esmae grinned at the invitation, nearly jumping at the chance. “Well, I have no other plans. What better way to spend the night than going out to town with a ravishing lady at my side.” There she went again with her flattering words. It wasn’t exactly like her but it wasn’t false either. The woman likely heard them every day anyway. With a chuckle, she added, “I would be happy to take you up on your offer.” Not only would she have her at her side, it was a fine opportunity to explore Valore and its hidden secrets. A gleam of giddiness lit up her features, not at all subtle. “I place myself in your capable hands.” She rose her glass at the end of her statement, indulging herself with another sip.
POST IV ● word count 481 |
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