Marimalade-09/09/2016
Evening was passing quickly, the sun having given way to it's glittering cousins that slowly filled the sky in-between stray clouds. Most of those in Dovania were enjoying the warmth of their hearth, of drinks, or of the late shows provided in the entertainment district. But not all.
The training grounds near the castle were illuminated in round splotches by tiki torches for use well after it's intended hours. Their light, along with the low hum and occasional movement through their glow showed that at least one person was making use of the space, for whatever reason they had to this late in the day.
That one person was Foal. She jogged laps around the training grounds, skin illuminated by each torch she passed, before fading in to the darness between it and the next one, until she reappeared. A stone axe was held on her back by a leather strap that slung over her shoulder, tied to both ends of the crude weapon. She mumbled words as she breathed out, a tune just loud enough for her to get enveloped into her own beat.
Kwakado-09/09/2016
The red-haired rider races past on her splotchy-coated steed, its pounding hooves drowning out the rhythm around her momentarily as the rider clings tightly. It was the dim lights, and not Persephone's slender arms, that guided Yuridia's gallop along the edge of the grounds.
Further down their lap, the girl sits straighter, growing accustomed to the shocks of their furious pace. Little by little, she seizes control over their arc, urging her brother's horse to go even faster this time.
And, as if unaware of their presence, she passes by the Gallibian once more. Her bright hair flutters past, resembling a dying flame in the night.
Marimalade-09/09/2016
Foal blinked. Her voice stopping as she looked towards the sound of the hooves. She moved closer to the middle of the closest torch's light, making sure she was out of the horse's way as it took over the field. She wiped the sweat off her forehead while taking deep breaths, slowing her time between them gradually to come down from her workout. Her eyes followed the horse around the track, humming to herself and crossing her arms. A sigh was let out and she shrugged her shoulders, speaking to herself as the horse picked up speed.
"Guess this much will have to do."
Kwakado-09/09/2016
A much longer time passed between their last meeting and this one, as Yuridia's pace diminished against her rider's will across the dimly-lit grounds. With a soft, solitary sigh, Persephone brings her into a steady canter around the bend. A small hand slid her own mane back into place, before returning to the reins.
The late-night disciples' paths crossed not far from the shabby guest stable at the end of the grounds, which was designated for the exiles' mounts. Persephone brought her black-clad feet from the spurs, and lowered herself from her mount, not too far ahead of the jogger.(edited)
Marimalade-09/09/2016
Foal moved from her spot once the horse had slowed to a safer speed, taking a few steps towards the horse and it's master. She stopped about halfway, biting on her lower lip and scrunching her brows together in a conflicted expression. She let out a long breath through her nose after a few long momvents, dragging her feet like they were lead towards the two, arms still crossed. Even as she forced herself to move, there was an even longer amount of time before she spoke up to the other.
". . . Did not expect to see someone else this late. Most finish by the time the sun has granted us our lunch break."
Kwakado-09/09/2016
The Floribian noble kept her violet eyes fixed on the approaching stranger, spotting some kind of distress or disapproval in the torchlight. Though she started to step back as the Gallibian walked eerily towards her, Persephone instead let her right foot circle out to the side and sent her hands to her hips, then lower, into a stiffer curtsy.
After hearing their rather guarded greeting, Persephone tightened her stance but turned to face them directly, while her head looked outward. "There is a...peculiar beauty in this darkness, and yet so hard to see....I can't help but to want a little more light out here."
Marimalade-09/09/2016
Foal smirked, letting out a small 'heh' at the response she got. Sharp eyes studied Persephone's frame, the tribal womas making to move further into the nearest light. "We call that 'curiosity.' The stars will grant your wish soon enough. Or, they should.." She stared upwards a moment, clicking her tongue before shaking her head at the rest of her thought. "Though your companion might not agree with your choice of time."
September 15, 2016
Kwakado-Yesterday at 12:59 PM
Persephone's eyes widen at the sight of the savage in the light. A gloved hand stifles her gasping mouth, but she stands her ground. "The stars...Are you alright, miss? What happened to your clothing?"(edited)
Marimalade-Yesterday at 1:13 PM
Foal blinked, momentarily robbed of her voice from the shock of the woman's question. She stared down at her current attire, a very simple sleeveless shirt and pair of shorts, both made of tanned hide with furred hems for comfort. Her hands scanned her simple clothing for tears, tilting her head up at the other woman when she found none.
"...Is there something wrong with it? It is a warm evening, pointless to drench my usual clothes with sweat."
Kwakado-Yesterday at 1:35 PM
"No, I suppose not." She reflexively tugged at her own velvety skirt - black, like the rest of her outfit. It made her appear to blend into the night itself. Her shabby-looking steed gave its head a lazy shake, clearly more comfortable in this situation than either of them.
"Perhaps it is I, that is ill-suited to hide in the dark."
Marimalade-Yesterday at 1:56 PM
"Ill-suited?"
Foal chuckled, bringing a hand up to wipe the sweat off her brow. "If you lied in the dirt the shadows might just swallow you whole. If hiding was your goal, then your only mistake was bringing a horse."
Slowly, her posture relaxed, her shoulders rolling as she adjusted the strap attached to her axe.
Eyes closed, Foal's fingers weaved together, stretching her arms out in front of her. "But neither of us came here for small talk, hm? If you are keen on continuing with your horse, then I should head to the river. Do not want the wolves thinking they can take my bathing spot."
Kwakado-Yesterday at 2:12 PM
Persephone's shoulders recoiled at the very suggestion of being swallowed up in dirt. "I'm afraid you misunderstand. This field is for soldiers of Damona, and their guests. We shan't hide...nor do we ride on accident."
Clicking her heel into the dark dirt, Persephone turned from the smug-stanced stranger, and begins leading her horse away, until she tilted her head over her shoulder. "Most wise of you to depart...but you needn't hurry. After all, you would find good company among your wolves."(edited)
Marimalade-Yesterday at 2:38 PM
Foal's eyes slowly opened, her mouth opening as she clicked her tongue. "I see . . ." Her head slowly tilted down to stare at her body. ". . . My clothes, huh? Yeah.. I suppose someone in such a hurry to leave would be wearing clothes such as yours."
The tribal woman's arms crossed once more, brows furrowing as her voice picked up in a condescending tone, a notch louder. "After all, I shouldn't expect someone wearing such a fanciful outfit to actually know their way around a weapon, much less be a part of any military. A guest out for a ride on one of the soldier's horses, then? Hopefully you return it before you're caught."
Kwakado-Yesterday at 2:49 PM
Persephone whirled back around, flinging a pained palm to her side before gently clenching it in. Her own soprano voice sharpened like a slim sword, finally unsheathed from her lips. "You are speaking to Lady Persephone of Cawdor. I will not take critique from your kind on proper apparel....nor shall I stand and watch you call me a common thief." Looking back to Yuridia for a moment, a tremor hit her knees, but the girl steeled herself, despite her racing heart's protest.(edited)
Marimalade-Yesterday at 3:12 PM
Foal burst out laughing. "You just prove my point! Born in to money and fortune, no doubt." Her teeth showed in a taunting grin, her expression looking right at home with the forest's beasts. "At least I've earned my place above the wolves. Your title tells me nothing but the amount of gold in your pocket."
Kwakado-Yesterday at 3:21 PM
Somehow, her aggressive boasting seemed to put Persephone at ease, and a smug sneer frosted over her face. She rested a hand on the side of her steed, leaning out to the side.
"Then please...enlighten me. Who are you, and just what place is it that you've been granted?"
Marimalade-Yesterday at 3:44 PM
The Gallibian went back from smug to aggressive, her voice lowering as a result. "'Granted', that word is your problem. A position is something that is earned, not given." She paused momentarily, letting her words sink in before continuing. "Foal Peow, North Magna of the Amiduu tribe. You may think of it as an officer."(edited)
Kwakado-Yesterday at 3:54 PM
Persephone leaned one shoulder in, as if to stand profile to the tribeswoman. "A Gallibian, no doubt...it's clear from your insolence, Miss Foal." She turned her chin up to look down at the taller woman. "Any officer of Ethysia with an attitude like yours would be executed before she could even begin to undress."
Marimalade-Yesterday at 4:15 PM
As soon as the word 'Ethysia' came out of Persepone's mouth, Foal stomped forward. She stopped inches from Persephone's face, glaring at her like she was trying to kill with just a stare. "NEVER. Compare me. To that trash. The day I step foot into that country will be the day I take every officer and 'noble' of that disgusting country's head off their shoulders, and I've already had the pleasure of starting that head count."
Kwakado-Yesterday at 4:21 PM
Perephone's eyes narrowed into daggers, and her sword hand flew to its hilt. She was done with the formalities. "Stand back, peasant."
Marimalade-Yesterday at 4:22 PM
"Make me, noble. Or maybe you'd rather explain why you're speaking so highly of the enemy?"(edited)
Kwakado-Yesterday at 4:33 PM
Persephone's knees bent. "Oh, it's quite simple, even for you: my enemy has more honor, than a scabrous wolf woman!"
Marimalade-Yesterday at 4:51 PM
"Another wrong, sheltered bird." Foal's head turned uncannily as she spoke, "I've fought against them many times, and I know . . . They have just as little honor as I do. For while I wouldn't spend a second thinking before killing one of them off, they'd much rather turn the rest of the world into their slaves."(edited)
Kwakado-Yesterday at 5:45 PM
Persephone steps into the stirrup at Yuridia's side, flinging her foot across and seating herself for a charge. "Ramble in your river all you please. But step aside."
Marimalade-Yesterday at 5:59 PM
"Not going to continue to defend your beloved Ethysia's honor?" She scoffed, before giving a dull look up to the mounted woman. "If you are so mighty, then make me. If not, then go around. Surely you can control your horse enough to do that."(edited)
Kwakado-Yesterday at 6:12 PM
Her sword stirred...then sheathed itself, as her fingers peeled off. "Thank the Vengeful Spirit, before tomorrow comes...that you still draw breath." And with a smile that declared herself the victor, Persephone rode in a tight circle back around toward the stable.(edited)
Marimalade-Yesterday at 6:42 PM
Foal continued to hold her unimpressed look, letting out a long breath through her nose. A hand went to the handle of her axe, and her voice picked up enough for Persephone to hear as she rode away. "An expected answer from someone unwilling to dirty their shoes. Tell me, noble. Where exactly is Cawdor?"(edited)
Kwakado-Yesterday at 7:43 PM
Persephone rode on, simply calling back through the dark. "You shall find it...just after Amarana. In the annals of Ethysia's conquest of Floribar!" But the grief on her face was masked by the night, which revealed only a red flag of retreat.(edited)
Marimalade-Yesterday at 7:58 PM
There was a moment of surprise, before it mixed with confusion and confliction in Foal's expression. She sat in the flickering light, quickly imerssed in her own thoughts.
===END RP===
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