She had lived in the Mire for over half a year, and yet, she somehow had never explored some of the closest territories to it? How? As she emerged into the ash covered wilds, she stared at the barren lands with an expression of dismay- saddened to see the land in such a state. Most of Amaryllis, was breathtakingly beautiful... and she was sad to see this place in such a state of disrepair. Fall brought cooler temperatures to this part of Amaryllis, and while that was enjoyable.. this part of the land was uncomfortable to her.

She padded along, her paws against the ashy ground, sending a strange shiver of unease up her spine- reminding her of the wildfires in the Mire, upsetting her deeply- making her want to flee- to leave this place and not return. It wasn't right. It wasn't right.

A scent interrupted her upset frustrations- a familiar one.

"@Slaine?"

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She seldom ventured into this particular part of the jungle. Much like her friend, Slaine felt that the death of such beautiful nature was too difficult to behold in person. Almost better that it is left to be forgotten. Almost.
With purpose, her paws had set aground after wading through one of the near rivers that had protected the surrounding jungle from a similar fate. Ash clung to her damp feet but she did not mind, moving through the burnt trees until she stopped far enough from the river to gather a generous amount of wood ash into a leaf pouch she had brought with her. Slaine did not have the skill of Nusura or Caillen to make a container that could be strapped to her side, so she'd been forced to carry it by mouth.
Silence had been a companion on the short quest, allowing the Mire queen to linger within her own thoughts.

A voice disrupted the quiet and the lioness lifted her head to look toward it, sapphire gaze finding the familiar form of her friend, @Ghyslaine.
"Hello! An odd place tae run into ye, have ye come to gather th' ash tae? Is good for cleaning wounds."

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@Sláine 's voice is like a forgotten serenade, something that she hadn't realized how much she has missed, until she hears her friend speak- her accent make her nearly physically shake. "Oh Sláine, I've missed you." She whispers softly, a sad smile pulling at her lips. "No, I didn't know it had any uses. I... was about to leave then I swore that I scented you." She says, her voice soft.

"How have you been? How is the Mire? I haven't seen any of you since the challenge at the Lagoon." She shares, her eyes searching her friend- searching for any sign of harm- and then somewhere in the back of her mind, she wonders... what will Sláine see... when she looks at her? The slight rounding of her belly, the slight change in her scent? The thing she is slowly becoming unable to deny? The thing she really- really needs to tell her husband about?

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Leaving the pouch alone at her feet, Slaine sat up to give the other lioness her full attention. Blue tail snaked about her left haunch, ears brushed forward, drawn to unexpectedly kind words.
"Aye, I've missed ye, too." She reciprocated, warmth in her tone as her mouth curved into a gentle smile.

Ecrosia had charged onward, but without the familiar faces that had been part of the scot's everyday life, it had not felt the same. Perhaps that was a negative trait of aging, clinging to the past when nothing ever stays the same.

Bright stare does indeed rove across the form of her companion, detecting something new, a glow maybe, but unable to pinpoint the cause exactly. Their absence from one another has created a separation, a strangeness to them that made the clanswoman a little sad. She should endeavour to be a better friend in the future.
How had she been? It was a question that brought so many different answers right to the edges of her lips. Immediately longing to share everything with @Ghyslaine, to unburden her heart and seek advice.
It takes so much to just about hold it in though the strain is evident across her features. "Aye, I am well, Ecrosia isnae changed tae much. Alaric asked me tae take th' rank o' sovereign tae help him in th' pride." The mention of his name threatens to melt her and her tone faltered perceptibly to match the private feeling. It is good that she has chosen to sit than to stand.

"I saw ye at th' challenge tae. I was surprised ye didnae come to our side. Is everything well?" From anyone else, her words might appear an accusation. But it is clear by the way that she tilted her head and the soft way with which she spoke that there was no judgement in any form from Slaine, who held only concern that there had been something to hold Ghyslaine rooted to her spot, away from her friends.

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The subtle accent of, her subtle tones, the way her voice sings and dances. It reminds her of the first home she had. The pang of homesickness is harsh that rushes through her, and she offers @Sláine a small smile at her kind words. And as the words, came- that her friend was now Sovreign of the land, her grin widened. "Congratulations- It's about damn time. I can think of no other, who should rule alongside him." She says happily- sincerely.

There is a flicker of guilt, as Sláine mentions the challenge, and Ghyslaine's heart grows heavy in her chest, as she sighs softly. "Things are complicated, they've grown ever further so." She says softly. "..I... I am married and expecting cubs." She says softly- and before Sláine can wonder about the seeming change of conversation, she explains- "The heir of the Lagoon is the father. Nero- my husband." She said quietly. "And now the Lagoon and Mire are.. enemies, I guess." She sighs softly, "And I don't know where that leaves me and mine. Being friends with everyone- being stuck in the middle is hard work."

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Perhaps some part of Slaine agreed with @Ghyslaine. It was about time, wasn't it? The warrior had long since been waylaid in her initial climb to power by growing family, duty ...loyalty. Ironic that it was now for those exact reasons that she finally wore the crown. Though actually, it felt better this way, she thought. Especially because now Alaric had this little way of looking at her when they went about their daily duties and it made her feel weak at the knees.

However, if the Scot had thought she was alone in her Great Matter, then she was sorely mistaken. For once her friend had begun to speak, it seemed that there was so much Ghyslaine had to share. All of which was a great surprise to Slaine, whose eyes widened a little, but who otherwise remained seated and quiet until there was silence once more.

It was a lot to take in, but also had answered a great deal too. Her golden friend had followed her heart and it had led her on an unexpected path.
"Well." She began, blinking as if to compute the new information before breaking into another smile. "First o' all, my congratulations!" Her eyes straying momentarily to her friend's stomach as she shared in the joy of new life. Wondering briefly if her own stomach might quicken with life soon, too.

But the second matter was a little more complicated. It was only right that Ghyslaine should be loyal to her husband and new family. Slaine could not take against her for that. It was also true that the Lagoon and Ecrosia may well now be enemies. Which made for friendship between Lorien and the Mire more difficult if there would be war. "Isnae an easy situation yer in, I give ye that." She said, after ruminating on it for a moment. "But I dunnae think Alaric wishes fer war." And neither she nor Alaric would ever support turning on friends, she was certain of that.

Since they were sharing... "Speaking o' Alaric..." She shifted in the spot, her tail tightening around her hips. Lips tugged, lifting at the seams as she could not contain her pleasure any more. "I am in love with him." It was the first time she had spoken of it beyond to Alaric himself. It had been her personal secret for some time and she found herself unexpectedly anxious now that it was out there and out of her control. Would Ghyslaine think her foolish?

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In the lull of silence, she also realizes that she hasn't shared another detail with her friend- a very important detail. "I... also am now High Sovreign of the Plains. Vio took a step back to look for his daughter, Vera. She's an abyss and tan colored babe with magenta eyes- if you happen to see her... try to keep her and send for us." She says quietly. "And if you don't mind... let me tell Alaric, I'm coming soon to share it with him. I've got a gift for him actually." She says softly. "I somehow... forget that change." She admits with a small smile.

Among all the other things she has going on... of course she does. She beams at @Sláine as she congratulates her, and her smile only fades a little as Sláine admits that her situation is... not an easy one. "I need to talk to Alaric- to tell him soon, explain my... rooting at the challenge. I don't know what I would have done, had war broken out. I couldn't fight my husband... nor his mother, but I couldn't stand and watch Alaric or you be harmed either. I... don't know what I would have done but stood in the middle." She admits softly. Dammit all, this shit would kill her in the end. "I always thought Alaric just wanted to work on raising all those kids," She admits with a laugh- "Never any more wars- if only the other prides would leave him alone."

She really did think highly of Alaric, didn't see him as others often seemed to paint him. She thought they didn't take the time to get to know him, and when Sláine speaks again, Ghys's smile widen's and her eyes widen. "Oh." She says, her jaws parting. "Oh- that is... that is wonderful. I think the two of you make a very dashing pair." She says sweetly, "And I think you're quite good for him." She admits. "Have you told him yet?" Ghys asks curiously, but gently.

@Sláine

one more day with you

but oh, you taste like wealth. oh i'd risk my health, for one more day with you-- this is a tricky age... we're birds stuck in a cage, wish i could fly away with you. we fit perfectly like milk and honey, but somethings don't mix like young love and old money...

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The news that Violarum had removed himself from a position of power surprised the clanswoman greatly. Though she supposed that even the most ambitious Violarum could not escape the trappings of family and the pull of matters of the heart. They really were all grown now, weren't they?
She's sorry to hear about his cub though, knowing that particular pain well. "O' course. I will look out fer her." Maw nodded, before adding sincerely. "I ken tha' ye will be a most worthy queen, @Ghyslaine."" Kind, protective, devoted. Slaine had not been born into a land where it would have been possible for a creature with such heart to rule, but here in Amaryllis, it could only be a change for the good.

Toes mingle in the ash absently as she listens on, asked to keep the news of Ghyslaine's marriage a secret for now. Until the golden woman has chance to tell the chieftain herself. It was only fair that she be given the opportunity of course.
"Dae tell him soon." She asked, not feeling at complete ease for keeping Alaric in the dark too long. "Ye did what was best at th' time, keeping to the side. I see tha' now."

Did Alaric only want to raise his family in peace? Yes, she supposed that was now his aim. How far they had come, he who had promised her war and battle. How domesticated they had both become this past year. "Aye, if only." She agreed with a sad smile. Though suspecting that Alaric would never be let alone, there would always be something, some foe to vanquish.

Visions of the previous night flashes in her mind. The tenderness of his touch, her love pouring into the encounter, bringing them to an incomparable high. Sometimes it is as if she can feel his love. A look. A touch. A smile. But she knows this is only fantasy.

Ghyslaine's response is better than she could have allowed herself to hope for. Alaric has been with so many, has so many still. What would make her think she was special? She expects her friend to tell her that she is foolish to think she might be this happy after Ronin. That she will be just one of many in the pale King's eye.

Was that what she had really expected her to say though? Or was that Slaine's own voice she heard, airing her insecurities?

"Aye. I hae told him." She replied. "But he dae nae feel th' same fer me. I ken tha'" She adds, accepting her situation and yet feeling keenly envious of Ghyslaine's happiness. "But I love him and I cannae scarcely breathe when I am nae with him" Sapphire eyes became wet with longing and sadness.

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She smiles as @Sláine speaks, and nods blushing slightly. "I've never wanted this, but I'll do what I can do defend it until Violarum finds his daughter and returns home." She says simply.

"I'm coming to speak to him soon. I have a lot to catch him up on. Including all of that." She shares- and the flower crowns she had teased him about- they were almost done. She had to bring them to him, before the memory faded from her mind.

"Maybe one day, there can be peace." And perhaps, perhaps she is a fool for believing that it could be possible.

"Why wouldn't he feel the same way?" Of course she hasn't been caught up on his most recent tragedies. "You're a spectacular lioness, I'll come cuff him over the ear until he sees sense and stops acting like an ass, if you need me too." She shares, quite willing to do so. How could Alaric not love the beautiful kind warrior that Sláine was?

one more day with you

but oh, you taste like wealth. oh i'd risk my health, for one more day with you-- this is a tricky age... we're birds stuck in a cage, wish i could fly away with you. we fit perfectly like milk and honey, but somethings don't mix like young love and old money...

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"Maybe one day, there can be peace."
The Scot nodded "Aye, maybe." but more so to be amiable. Slaine did not truly believe there would ever be peace, she had a number of years behind her and had travelled vast distances. Peace was a hope, a belief. It kept them going when life otherwise seemed so bleak.

But other than Alaric's potential disapproval, a man that was no longer her King, it appeared to her that Ghyslaine had so much to look forward too. "Alaric will be pleased fer yer in th' end, I am sure." She hoped.

Slaine's own love affair was something far more complicated, and it was difficult to be positive about her future. She had potentially spoiled everything by sharing her feelings, but she could not help herself falling into his arms again and again, knowing the risks.

@Ghyslaine's words were comforting but the queen only shook her head. "Nae. It is my own fault. I hae been lonely, and I hae known fer some time now tha' Ronin and Mirari must hae perished." She sighed, pulling her ears back across her crown. "It is tha' open wound which hae opened myself tae Alaric. He hae both helped tae heal me and torn me open all over again."

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