a weird tipsypost for alaine!! set just west of sunflower sunsets! <333
Sage's normal route would have taken the tan girl and her lighter steed east, but today their feet were turned westward. She would seek him out, now certain that she could find him in relatively close proximity. If her sister was being kept amongst none of her blood-family, Sage had to be sure she would be safe.
On horseback, it took no time at all before she was passing through one of the landmarks she most treasured along the western coastline. The sunflowers bloomed large and tall, bright pillars of yellow and brown smiling up at each stranger as they passed. Sage would always smile back; they were so very happy to see her.
But today her smile was brief, and her thoughts more focused on her task as she strode past the wildflowers, only pausing for a few moments to appreciate the softness they granted the landscape. She knew soon there would be duller colors to behold on the more rocky western landscape. While the sea-breeze brought her comfort, the thirsty, pale plains ahead did not. Still, she urged Lennon quickly on, needing to close the distance before she sun began to descend from the sky. The windswept grass rustled noisily in the afternoon air, but she did not yet detect any familiar scent. Determined, a dark nose was kept facing the wind, itching to taste that mysterious man's distinguished scent mingling with the salty air.
He had taken the silver mare from the barn, seeking to try her for the first time since Larkspur had brought the creature back from the trading port in Freetown. The docks had supplied him well, this year - In spite of some misadventure between this Protege and the slaves he had bought from the slave trader, Solomon, the rest of their purchases had arrived in good form. Salsola had plenty of rare and, in some instances, simply bizarre items to show for its first successful trading trip, and the silver mare was just one of them.
Sirius had named the horse Chairo di Luna, light of the moon. The name was fitting in many ways, for not only was the equine splendidly colored, but it floated above the ground in each pace, barely jostling him at all from the worn leather saddle. Thus it was with a surprising amount of pleasure that the Thistle King set off.
He rode east, keeping to the scented paths that crisscrossed the entirety of Salsola. His land was a treacherous one, dangerous to the unwary traveler, but the monarch rode through it with the ease of a man at mastery with his own kingdom. He kept the mare to a walk, urging her to a smooth trot only once they reached the border.
The horse was not his only new accompaniment. From a pouch strapped oh-so-carefully about the man's lean waist came a chirping, a cheeping, a general peeping of sound so curiously sweet and enticing that it seemed paradoxical, coming as it did from the direction of the brooding Boss. The Revlis man was not a figure who put up with much general sweetness in his life, so it was amusing to find him so carefully parenting the small hatchling, snuggled within the wool-lined patch. However, his generosity was extended purely due to the nature of the fowl - It would soon reveal its true nature as a splendid peacock, a beautiful and proud creature not unlike the Thistle King himself.
A strange scent laced the wind. The mare caught it first, her nostrils flaring, and prettily cupped ears lifting from ivory mane to hear the distant sound of hoof-fall. With a sharp and dangerous glint to his acidic olive eyes, Sirius scowled, guiding the mare with a squeeze of his thighs in the direction of the familiar smell. When the woman and her own steed came at last into view, the Revlis man sat heavily in the saddle, easing his mount to a halt. A rogue breeze combed through silvery mane and dark locks alike as the Thistle King waited for Sage to approach.
hm.. this gunna be kinda sexy or something, ilu <333
And there it was. The second she caught the scent, chocolate ears darted forward, eager and anxious. She kicked Lennon once and his strides took him gracefully into a long and heavy canter, sending her long, billowy skirt into the wind, whipping them about her. The coyote was used to his strides now, and kept with the pattern easily; her hands gripped tightly at his thick mane for support as she leaned forward, golden eyes scanning the fast-approaching horizon almost hungrily. She desired his company in more ways than one. Now that her sister was under his command, though, her sensual feelings for him had become more demure, if only in temporary and in favor of more serious matters.
He came into sight, and she sped up to meet him, but came to a slow stop some feet away. The newly made king was mounted as well; now he truly looked something near a king. Amber eyes widened, intrigued. My, he had done quite well for himself. Modest, she smiled, taking a step closer. "Sirius," she called as a free hand played idly with her stallion's ear, "I'm told my sister is under your eyes now; is that true?" Her tone was not unfriendly, though strongly curious and insistent. She must know, and he must not toy with her. Matters regarding her family-- and particularly her sisters-- were of utmost importance and concern.
"You look well," she added with a smile after a moment. He most certainly does, she thought as she brought a tightly rolled joint to her lips and lit it, almost casually.
She urged her large mount to a swifter pace, and Sirius did not have to wait long for the arrival of the Infernian hippie-princess. Sage was beautiful, as was her sister - The little darling Clover he had lured away with his Infernal silver tongue. Narrowed pupils appraised the approaching girl suspiciously. Did she seek to take her sister back? Such a shame it would be, if the tenacious maiden had come in search of conflict, for the Thistle King never gave up his prizes without a fight.
The silver moonlight mare he rode turned her head snootily from the approach of the other horse. She was a picky creature, Sirius had noticed - Fussy in picking those whom she liked, but an elegant and polite steed nonetheless. Holding her dancing under the control of one firm hand, the King sat easily in the old leather saddle. He was not as good a rider as those such as the Fae creature he now faced, lithe and pretty as she rode bareback, but his skills in the saddle were rapidly increasing.
His name was called in the sweet, familiar voice, but the barbed monarch did not allow himself to be deceived by its gentleness. His paranoia was a barking dog, forever constant in the back of that maddeningly genius mind. Sharp olive eyes appreciated the Lykoi's sweetly curved form, her cascade of hair, her easy command of the large horse she rode. For all appearances, Sage had not changed an ounce since he had seen her last. "Dearest Sage," Came the King's reply, his tenor tone oozing with caramel charm as usual.
Allowing the silver mare to glide closer, he caught the slight edge to her otherwise peaceful tone. She was not asking cruelly, but he sensed the severity in the question, and decided in a rare bought of generosity not to trifle with the girl. "You have been correctly informed, sweet Lady. Your sister has joined me in the Thistle Kingdom," A sharp, crocodilian smile offered her a glittering of hungry yellow teeth at the girl's easy compliment. Perhaps he had been wrong in assuming that she sought to take Clover - Perhaps, like her sister, she sought little more than the cunning ruler himself. As with all beautiful things, Sage set his blood to stir, but he was a sly creature and would not easily allow himself to be overcome by such whimsical attractions. "How kind! I must say, my dear, that you yourself look simply... Delectable," Narrowed pupils glittered at her, and the predatorial smile lingered.
Sage's smile was thin as she watched him suspiciously; if he were to refuse her that small bit of information, there would be little friendliness left in her. Clover's well-being was nigh as important as her own, and Sage would not have him toying with her. She heard his voice again; it was true. Slowly, she took a deep breath through her nose and cleared her throat. "I trust she is well, there, then? If any harm comes to her, Sirius..." she trailed off, assuming he would understand her vague threat. There wasn't much violence inside of the hippie child, but any threat towards her kin was not taken or dealt with lightly. "We are neighbors, after all," she finished; they were close enough for her to be able to get there in short time, if the need arose.
"Mmm," she replied to his compliment, her throat filled with thick smoke. Exhaling, she added, "you're too kind." Under normal circumstances, she may have been more willing, but her inexplicable desire for the hybrid King was held at the back of her mind for now. Even if she could have had him, Sage was not sure she should have. He was a sly creature, and had surely used his cunning charm with many a woman before her.
Clever Sage, then - He definitely IS a ho XD Well, sort of. 3+
So, she had in fact changed. It surprised him, deep within the recesses of his generally reptilian nature, to see the strange violence within her at the threat that left such a pretty tongue. Had the world tainted Sage? Surely so, for when he had last met with her, the girl would have been more likely to throw herself to the cannibals than to watch them starve. A selfless, harmless creature. What was she now? Narrowed pupils watched her hungrily, for here was a changing beauty, something he encountered rarely.
She was correct in thinking his charm well-used, for it undoubtedly was. Sirius had learned from a young age that a silver tongue was just as useful as any sword, if not more so - The power of the word was enough to reap what force alone could not; the minds of men. It was his manic genius that sat him atop the throne, his sharpest wit and cunning, his fox-like slyness. Brawn alone would do the Thistle King no good, for although tall, broad-shouldered and relatively well built, he was lean and lanky compared to mammoth brutes such as Larkspur. No, physical strength alone could not hold the crown.
Nor, too, could it hold the attentions of women. As a young man, abroad in London, Sirius had learned the ways of the fairer gender, and enjoyed them just as much - The whores in Britain were far looser with their bodies when plied with food or liquor. But pleasure had made him soft; The hunter demanded control, fastidiousness, resolve. In spite of what the lovely Lykoi maiden might have assumed, Sirius' days as a man-whore were well over. His desire for power and beauty far outlived the mortal urges for soft flesh and seduction.
Her question was mulled over carefully, the hungry smile still lingering about black lips and sharp yellow teeth. "Your sister is in good health, my dear," Came the throaty purr, although his amusement at her unvoiced threat was evident. With a signal to the silver mare, he began to walk her slowly about the seated beauty in a predatory circle. Thirsty pupils sucked in every inch of Sage that they could see. "But tell me what you would do if she were not? I should hardly like to provoke your wrath, for as they say, Hell hath no fury like a woman scorned..." That predatorial growl to his syrupy voice was evident again, and it was clear that the King was truly more entertained by this darker Sage than he had been her sweeter self, not too long ago. His teasings could have seemed cruel, but she had come to him willingly, and he would seek as much enjoyment from her pretty company as possible.
anna needs to come back! ; ; also if he's not wearing his daggers lemme know and i'll change the bit about her noticing them.
His response was not fully satisfying, but she supposed it would be good enough until she could visit Clover herself. "I shall be allowed to visit her as I please, then, of course?" Sage had seen her sister a few weeks prior when she'd come to Inferni to gather her things, but the encounter had renewed the longing in her for the company of her sisters. And she needed to see Salsola, the secretive western pack that had been there even before her father's newly formed pack. Isn't it strange, she thought, that I haven't met anyone else from his pack? What sorts of people would be surrounding and influencing her sister? Unsettled now, she shook her head and locked her gaze on the newly mounted King as he stalked around her.
Sage was truly a nonviolent creature; her words carried threats, but what could she back them up with? She had no one to fight for her, save her own blood, and she was weak. Though Ezekiel had taught her well of hand-to-hand combat, she knew little about weapons, and could see the glint of metal beneath his cloak, and it made her nervous. She tried not to show it, though, for she had grown to become stronger than she had been as a girl. "I'm wiser than to challenge a hunter like you, Sirius," she spoke earnestly, her eyes matching his. "I just want to know she'll be safe there." She would not fight him, but nor did she want to play his game, but that did not mean that was not capable of just revenge. The Lykoi could feel the intensity of his gaze, and she shifted, sitting upright and carrying herself with more confidence, now. He wouldn't break her down.
Slow reply, I SUCK! Yeah, he wears his daggers everywhere, strapped to his thighs. 3+
His gaze was volatile, a constant shifting of suspicion, hunger and amusement as it surveyed the beautiful Lykoi maiden. She sat like a princess - She was a princess, and this gave her the power of status, and of standing. But he was a King, and a Hunter, and the Hunter King lived by no rules, not even his own.
Her question was answered with a soft guttural sound of surprise. Sage phrased her words like an inquiry, but they were more a statement than anything. One cream hand lifted to pensively stroke his dark beard, the silver mare halted with a firm hand on black leather reigns. "Well now, Sage, I am so fond of your company, but... My Family, you see, they are so wary of outsiders," His succulent tones, pensive though they were, were accompanied by a glint to the eye that suggested he was doing little more than teasing her. However, pupils narrowed suddenly, and sensing the shift in his temper the silver mare tossed her prettily dished head. "No one, not even your beautiful self, just visits in Salsola, dear girl. Though it is true that I have a softness for your pretty visage, I cannot speak for your safety without me present," There was a dangerous glimmer within acidic olive eyes that warned her not to be bold, nor brash, with this information. "If you must meet with your sibling on Salsolan land, do so by calling me only." If she was by his side, then she would be safe. Without his presence, the shadows that lingered within the Thistle Kingdom would surely devour her alive.
Clearly annoyed with how she had fouled his mood with such serious questions, Sirius shrugged as if to be rid of the solemn atmosphere. The heavy bearhide coat shifted about him like large, dark wings, momentarily revealing the glinting teeth of daggers strapped to his well-muscled thighs. Clucking to the mare, he again neared her, drawing in the Lykoi maiden's scent with a deep breath. Her words pleased the Hunter, and black lips quirked in that deadly smile once more. "I have taken quite a liking to your sister, little dove. I can assure you that she has my protection." He spoke dismissively, as one might about an expensive horse. Clover was beautiful, and her beauty made her valuable to the vain monarch. She made a pretty addition to the trinkets he adorned his home with, and while she was held in the graces of the King, no man would dare lay a finger on her hide. The rules within Salsola were brutal, but clear - What belonged to the Boss was out of reach of all others.
Allowing his steed to still, facing hers, Sirius ran one clawed hand through the dark and unruly tousles of his hair, sweeping them out of his eyes. They sprung back almost immediately, but he didn't seem to notice. "Enough of this chit-chat about others, though. I should so very much like to hear about you. How has dearest Ezekiel been treating you? We are quite good friends, you know," A shallow chuckle anointed these words, clearly marking them as false, "Inferni seems to have sharpened your edges. Have you found a man to smooth them again, my sweet?" He was being awfully bold, asking her such prudent questions. She seemed to be such an innocent, virginal lady. So pure. His hungry eyes watched, and waited.
The Lykoi's golden gaze never fell from his own as he paced around her. She refused to yield to him; he was not the King of these neutral lands, and she should not let his power sway her. As much as she tried, he was still so darkly captivating. Sirius' eyes narrowed, and hers followed in suspicion as he spoke. What sort of place was it that he ran, to be so cryptic about a visit? Frowning, her gaze hardened on him for a moment, relenting only when he promised to escort her. She could not refuse, and relented with a small huff and a nod. But then, she wondered. "And if you're not around when I come?" She feared his answer, but maintained her composure.
Sage was not sure whether to believe his promises for his sister's safety, but she supposed for now she had no choice. After all, her threats were more empty than she'd hoped; and who in Inferni would help a betrayer like Clover (for surely they thought her one)? If danger came to her sister, Sage wasn't sure what she'd really do; would Razekiel be any help? In her mind she heard the whispers of his accusers, but she could never view her father as a killer. Still, though, she couldn't help but wonder if he was capable.
Sirius spoke again, and she realized how silent she had been. No matter, she had little to say. Clearing her throat, she shook her own hair back behind her shoulders, straightening again as he brought his silver mare to a halt. She was a lovely animal, Sage had noticed as Lennon extended his neck to greet her with a sniff. Sirius spoke words about Ezekiel, and the Optio's curiosity piqued. He knew their Aquila? The cackling laugh tacked onto his statement made her frown again. "Fine," she answered simply, preferring not to give him any information about their current goings-on. He could find out from his friend Ezekiel later, she though with a sneer. "That's not really your business, Sirius... but who says I need a man?" she barked softly at him. A woman might be able to please her just as well, truth be told. But Sage didn't need anyone else in her life at the moment; it was too complicated as it was. She did miss Ouija, though, and it had been too long since she'd seen Barry. "I don't guess you've found a Queen though either, have you?" She did not want to be his Queen, but desired to know as much as he had.
I think I beat you at the who-sucks-game. I clearly am supreme suckage. 3+
He had chosen to ignore her final question, leave the dark and sinister air to it hanging in answer. If she came to the Thistle Kingdom without him, then her foolish neck deserved whatever punishment it got. He had voiced his warning, and in a strange bought of generosity had even offered his own personal escort - Something extremely rarely given by the dark and mysterious monarch. Already he had given Sage far greater attention than any other woman of her standing was worth. But truth be known, Sirius had a weakness for the Lykoi girls; They were so beautiful, so blue-blooded and pure. Something about them drew his ravenous hunger to heel, and so in way, they held some strange power over the wicked Thistle King.
He would never admit to such a thing, and even now, was careful to show no sign of true fondness in his sharp, crocodile smile.
Sage's reply to his cheeky inquiry was short, blunt. Amusement spread thickly through him, warming the coldness within his veins. Her soft retort served only to pull a further chuckle from him, a genuinely delighted sound that oozed out like soft caramel. Olive eyes glittered at her, unreadable, terrible. "My, my! Such a sharp tongue on you, my lady!" Black lips quirked up at the corners, arrogantly showing their admiration for her stance. It hadn't occurred to him that Sage might be a fancier of the fairer gender - Homosexuality was not something that Sirius contemplated often, or in much depth. But nor was it a subject he detested. The topic of sexual preference was offered only nonchalant attention, for his own adoration of beauty and power had, on more than one occasion, led Sirius to feel lustful towards other men.
By the large, however, women were far more to his tastes - Women like Clover and Sage. Narrowed pupils hungrily drank in this bolder sister. "I have found many Queens," Swelled the succulent tone, seductive without reason, without intent, "Many, in my lifetime. None that challenged me enough, and so I seek them still," The silver mare shifted her wight beneath him, drawing the intensity of his predatorial gaze away for a moment to still her once more.
wow i could've sworn it was like 5 days ago that you replied. my bad @_@ didn't really mean to end this so soon... but she's all annoyed at him lol. new thread soon? :o
Sage pursed her lips at his chiding, the edges turning up in clearly false amusement. "Mm," she said mildly, shaking her head. Her tongue was not usually so sharp, but she was in a defensive mood. Her sister's safety was priority. He had confirmed it, though Sage would prefer to see the proof in person, see where her sister stayed, whose company she kept. Perhaps it was over-protective, but if Sage wouldn't look out for her dear sisters, who would? Was Sirius as untrustworthy as her gut told her, or was he a man true to his word? She couldn't be certain, but as a King, she thought having his word must have meant something.
"Good luck on your search, then," she said, forcing a small smile, her eyes locked intently on his as she attempted to read them. Sage could not decipher his intent so easily, though, and it frustrated her. The Optio blew a thick breath of air through her nostrils and guided Lennon forward, making a wide circle so as to return in the direction of home. She'd gotten what she'd come for, and now she just wanted to go home. She didn't want to play his silly game anymore. "I'm going home, Sirius," she began lightly, "I've got things to do. When I come, I will call for you; expect me." The next chance she got Sage would be sure to go visit her sister. She needed to see with her own eyes what Sirius' supposed kingdom was like. With the squeeze of a leg muscle, Lennon started off into a trot, and Sage bowed her head as she passed the man, locking eyes with him briefly. "Good day," she called before turning her head forward and lowering her body, signaling her steed to speed off towards the comfort of Inferni, pondering their encounter and the trip she soon be making.
She needed to see Clover again, and she couldn't help but wonder where China had gotten to, biting her bottom lip at the thought. It had been too long, but she trusted that Mother Earth would care for all of her family. So far, She had.
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