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+--- Thread: Lion Head Mesa save the last dance [wp] (/showthread.php?tid=52673)
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save the last dance [wp] - Aquene - September 21, 2022
Aquene had sought Reyson out after her conversation with Ramesses, feeling more comfortable in the presence of a soldier, and also wondering if the man had seen Tierra, as she had managed to lose track of the Scutarius and what she might be getting into. She moved along the edges of the dancefloor, a soft smile on her features as she made her approach.
“Not much of a dancer?” She asked, a hint of a tease in her tone as she looked out among those dancing on the floor. “Neither am I, at least not without my husband here to join me.” There was a pang of sadness, a hint of longing there. She missed @Kallik dearly, and the festivities only reminded her of just how much she longed for his company once more.
RE: save the last dance [wp] - Reyson - September 22, 2022
Reyson wagged a tail at the gentle healer's approach and offered her a smile. He tilted his head.
Good Evening. Healer Aquene. Are you enjoying yourself?
Reyson chuckled.
I could never get into it. Renaud used to tell me that I would be fine at it, because I was graceful in battle. But I never tried. These kind of gatherings.
Reyson took a deep breath and looked around, anxious and unsure.
They make me uncomfortable and with too much of the sweet thing they have that fermented stuff, makes smart wolves do dumb things. I prefer to have all my faculties.
Reyson looked down at her.
I am sorry that he isn't here for you to enjoy it more.
RE: save the last dance [wp] - Aquene - September 23, 2022
There was a strange comfort that came with being in Reyson’s presence. Perhaps it was the way he had confided in her, or the nature of his promise, his thoughts on healing and their arts. There had been some in Mereo, for a time, who did not appreciate what herbs and those who knew how to use them could do for the ailments that commonly surrounded a soldier’s life. Her own husband had been one of them for a time, until she had the chance to show him different.
“I never learned… my homeland, dancing was not something that was done.” She admitted once more. She was certain if her husband had joined her, that he might teach her, but he was not there. A small smile crept up her lips as he admitted his discomfort and she nodded.
“You are a soldier through and through, and it is wise. I fear some members of our delegation might be partaking heavier… the side effects of too much can be simply dreadful, and last for days.” She had treated hangovers before, not that there was ever a real way to treat them. “It is appreciated, though I try not to think about it too much… his duty to Mereo has taken him someplace else for a time, but I know he will return… just as I know my duty has brought me here, but when the festivities conclude I shall return to the canyon and our children.” She offered with a shrug, though it did little to fix the deflated sadness in her voice.
“Have you seen Tierra by chance? The Pharaoh drew me in with conversation and I’m afraid I’ve lost sight of her.” And Tierra was the one she was most worried about with how she had settled in to the festivities.
RE: save the last dance [wp] - Reyson - September 23, 2022
Reyson was happy to see Lady Aquene, no Matrona. He would need to remember this. He wondered how her husband had thought of her rise in station, though he probably didn't care. They seemed to be very happy together and for that Reyson was happy for them.
Reyson dipped his muzzle.
Nor so much in mine. Some would dance on occasion, but as I said. Never did much join it. Would you like to learn?
He was curious, he could probably find someone to teach her, but she may not want anyone to teach her but Kallik.
Reyson nodded his head.
It is what I was trained for, raised for. I know nothing else.
Tallow helps with the after effects. You want greasy meat and eggs help too and drink lots of water.
he cleared his throat and looked away for a moment.
In case you need to treat some tomorrow that is. Renaud taught me those. I would help when it was needed, when he needed someone to wrestle and subdue to administer.
Reyson nodded.
Yes, she had me try that god awful berries and honey. One bite was more than enough for me, but she seemed to be quite happy with it. I did not know if it were my place to correct her.
RE: save the last dance [wp] - Aquene - September 27, 2022
Aquene missed Kallik, though she knew that the mission Germanicus had sent him on was too important for her to selfishly demand that Germanicus send someone else. He had thought Kallik best suited for the job, and that was that… Aquene did her best to manage the children as well as her newfound duties in his absence, though there wasn’t a night that went by where she didn’t wish for his immediate return.
“I think I might… but such endeavors will certainly wait until Kallik has returned from his assignment.” She offered up with a measure of finality leveling in her tone. She had little doubt he might gripe, but learning to dance would help them both at formal occasions such as this.
He brought up tallow and she smiled, nodding in response to his statement. “He was a wise healer, just as you have told me… that is the remedy I usually resort to, though admittedly on occasion I find it best to not offer aide… there are lessons to be learned in such an awful feeling.” She offered up with a hint of amusement. Sometimes, only harsher lessons could train someone out of a bad behavior.
“I cannot imagine. I have not dined myself; like you, I prefer to remain alert in such an area… but I appreciate that at least part of Mereo’s delegation is letting themselves loose a bit. I would hate for us to develop a reputation as sticks in the mud when we clearly have such flamboyant personalities mixed in.”
RE: save the last dance [wp] - Reyson - September 27, 2022
Reyson missed Renaud as Aquene missed Kallik, but he also would never see his sunshine wolf again, but Aquene would see her Kallik again. The stone soldier that softened at her bequest. Reyson wished that Germanicus had sent someone else, even he would have gone, if it meant the healer could have her mate with her.
Reyson smiled. He briefly thought of asking to be present when she informed the mail they were learning to dance, because surely such a face he would make would give him never ending amusement, but it also felt as if that was something he should not intrude upon.
Reyson nodded.
It was how we taught the soldiers in the barracks. Were they to imbue to much, we then ran them hard the next day, and most of the time the illness they felt, when ten fold trained it out of them, but if they imbued of fear the night before a squirmish, Renaud would share this remedy.
Reyson looked around a small frown on his face.
Lady Aquene I find.
He grew quiet and looked around, not sure if he wanted to voice that he didn't trust the Akashingo wolves. Though if she looked close enough is ill will would be evident.
Parties like this are not to my liking.Was what he said, though he wished to say more.
RE: save the last dance [wp] - Aquene - October 06, 2022
Aquene looked to the stars and wished upon them every night for her husband’s return. It was the longest she had gone without seeing him since they had first met and his absence left a hole that was not easily filled, not even with work or their children… she knew that soon he would return, though truthfully she did not even know what the timeframe of soon looked like.
But he was a soldier, and it was his mission. She understood his lack of desire to be found in dereliction of duty. He wanted to be good, and loyal. “Thankfully this is not a time of war… there will be time to run them hard for their indulgences… perhaps Germanicus might make Tierra push that dreaded bolder across that canyon as he once made my husband do.” She recalled how she had to treat his muscles for soreness… the very beginning of their relationship.
There was sympathy on her features as he expressed his lack of interest in the parties. “Nor are they mine… I understand the sentiment better than most.” She assured him as she looked around with a soft sigh. “So much debauchery… I’ve never been a fan of it, my whole life.” She admitted before casting her gaze to him, speaking to try and change the subject away from the party.
“I met my sister-in-law here though… Kallik has never spoken of her before… we both are not horribly close with our families for our own reasons… but she seems nice enough, and seemed excited to meet me. She leads a pack… it is possible soon, a soldier or two might visit… I foresee enough relation that a potential alliance could come from it.”
RE: save the last dance [wp] - Reyson - October 06, 2022
Reyson had never been one to wish upon a star. Renaud had frequentlt, but the scarred beast felt it silly. Though, he now could understand the sentiment and how when you wanted something bad enough even the silly seemed good.
Tattered ears perked forward at mwntion of a boulder.
I have not seen thia boulder is it a punishment? Can you do it anyway to train?
He relished the thought of something new to test his fortitude and his body. The pain and ache that would come to make it know he was still alive. It was not all just a nightmare.
He understood what she was doing and chose to follow her lead. He would not rehash his mistrust of this place.
Reyson smiled.
I do not have family really. Though i had a daughter and a lover. But i understand not being close. Families can be great and also can hurt you the most. I will be glad to meet her and browch the subject with The Imperator if youd like me too?
RE: save the last dance [wp] - Aquene - October 06, 2022
The question of a boulder brought a hum. “It is in the training grounds, near the tablinum… if a soldier breaks Germanicus’s rules, then a punishment might be requiring the soldier to push the boulder from one end to the other and back, taking breaks as needed… it is how I met my husband. I tended to the extreme fatigue and soreness it brought him.” She admitted, remembering it fondly despite the circumstances. Kallik had been punished for laying with a woman, taken by his youthful passions… but she had not known him at the time. Germanicus had established the rules that the soldiers were not to fornicate lest the other be taken as a spouse, and they reside within Mereo and so it had been.
Once upon a time the idea of marrying had made her sick to her stomach.
It felt almost dangerous to speak of the unease this party and Akashingo as a whole had left her in… instead, she listened to his words. “I will be suggesting it myself when we return and I tell him of the party’s details… the relation would only strengthen the bond, especially since we do not know what dangers might linger around the corner.” There was a hint of sadness in her tone at the mention of it. She still felt responsible for losing Epoch as an ally, and she’d prefer to be able to bridge the gap she felt they had left.
RE: save the last dance [wp] - Reyson - October 06, 2022
He listened curious. It was a punishment. The scarred soldier wished to use it to train. He made a mental note to ask in case he could. He had recently climbed the walls and the adrenaline high it had given him was receding.
Reyson could feel the underlying unease and pollution. Corrupt and dangerous. But he wasn't sire if his own thoughts and opinions were not colored by his sheer lack of lovecfor the debauchery and party.
Reyson studied her.
You worry of Epoch? Surely they wouldn't attack those they hold in esteem even if they are angered by one individual?
RE: save the last dance [wp] - Aquene - October 07, 2022
She had never seen anyone be so interested in the boulder for training… but then she supposed that Reyson already had the discipline that the pushing of the boulder was supposed to instill in the soldiers… she suppose it made sense in that regard.
They were two wolves out of place at this party, and with it she felt a sense of kinship. She considered all of Mereo to be her family, but like a few others in the pack, she held a soft spot in her heart for Reyson, along with the likes of Towhee, Germanicus, and Ruenna…
“No, I do not fear they would attack us… I know they would not… it’s more of losing the alliance potentially costing us valuable backup in the future should they chose not to come if we were to request aid.” She explained more thoroughly with a soft sigh. “We’ve had attacks at our borders before… wolves with vendettas… I worry about it.”
RE: save the last dance [wp] - Reyson - October 07, 2022
Reyson had been raised into warring. Exactly what Matrona did not want for her children was what Reyson had been taught. There was no room for slacking, there was no room for anything, except train, and fight and die. He had learned that there were other things since venturing into Mereo, but those were still core moments in his soul.
Reyson probably liked Healer Aquene best of everyone in Mereo, she would ever call, he would drop everything to assist her, possibly even at the disfavor of Imperator. Her and Maxim were two that held his loyalty much deeper than any other.
Reyson frowned in thought and spoke softly.
I have not met Sir Aresenio, but I have met Lady Tamar, and I cannot see her standing idly by if back up was needed and you were in the line of fire. She is a good lady. And quite frankly, she seems to have her mate wrapped around her paw.
He offered the last good naturedly, from what Meadow said they were besotted with each other, and for that Reyson was pleased for them.
RE: save the last dance [wp] - Aquene - October 07, 2022
Aquene was not shy when it came to blood and gore. She had become desensitized to it at an early age, treating things diligently. It used to be that she could not stand the scent of blood lingering on her paws even after washing and scrubbing against rocks in the riverbed… but now it was a mere fact of life.
Thankfully, Mereo had been in times of peace, and thus it had not been required. However, that did not mean that it would always be. “I do not think they would either… despite the animosity currently between them and the Imperator because of my position, I consider them close friends and I would like to believe they would not leave anyone in Mereo for dead if they could help.” She stated with a certainty in her voice, a soft smile at the mention of their relationship.
“It is… she used to live here, in Akashingo… Arsenio bargained her freedom from the Pharaoh so she could come with him to Mereo… it is one of my favorite stories. They are the model of what I hope my sons might find in love when they are older.”
RE: save the last dance [wp] - Reyson - October 07, 2022
One of Reyson's first jobs as a new recruit was in the injury bay. It was there that he had learned quickly what warring was all about. He had not healed, no he had carried those that had parished to their wounds, he and the other pups. That practice had died out fairly quickly after he was over 6months old, but it had been there.
Do they blame you or the Imperator? Because it sounds as if it maybe the latter?Reyson did not understand fully the whole implication, and frankly it really wasn't any of his business, but they were talking about it and he dropped the question before he thought of it's implications.
Reyson's brows shot up.
He had to bargain for her freedom? That seems. I don't like that, not for them, but for that he had to do such a thing. It seems unsightly.
Reyson shuddered very lightly.
The more he knew of Akashingo, the less he liked.
Amity and Rook were in love like that. And I have felt that love once before. It is all encompassing and I hope your boys can find it too.
RE: save the last dance [wp] - Aquene - October 07, 2022
There was a soft sigh to his question, a distant look in her eyes for a moment before she explained. “Arsenio does… he thinks that the Imperator broke his word by offering me the role of Matrona after I was promised to Epoch.” The feminist in her hated the idea that some trade between the Imperator and Arsenio would hold more weight than her own interests, but she herself had agreed to some extent.
She wanted to go where her husband was, and he had been willing to seek out Epoch. “I think Arsenio and Tamar both understood my reasons for staying. They are cross with the Imperator for giving me a reason to want to stay… but in truth my reason for staying is because I am a medicus. My home and my role is where the injuries are… which will not be Epoch, not with it being a place of learning.” It felt much like retirement.
Retirement would be the answer for that, and she was not ready to retire yet. “I do not know all of the details, but I do know that she was a fellahin in Akashingo… a servant to the Queen. Arsenio is not a fan of this place if his words were anything to go by… and so they left.” He had gone about it the best way he could.
“I should hope that for all, yourself included, Reyson. Everyone deserves happiness.” She hoped he might find some after the loss of Renaud.
RE: save the last dance [wp] - Reyson - October 07, 2022
Reyson listened closely and though a part of him balked at anyone feeling they had control over well anyone, bothered him. As a soldier yes the Imperator had a certain semblance of control over him, and Reyson very seldom questioned an order. However, were it to go against his moral code he would. And he would feel quite irritated were someone to presume to know what was best for him.
He did in a way, if it was even unspoken that you would be going to Epoch as their teacher. However, they both fail to realize it seems that you are you're own wolf with your own designs on your future and your life.
I met a Fellahin this evening. A young girl, and she made me very sad. She was unable to think for herself in a way. She was not comfortable unless she was serving someone and it bothered me, especially given some of the implications I have overheard as to what she would be serving as she aged.
He frowned in thought. It did not sit well with the scarred warrior.
I had happiness Matrona, the likes of which you cannot imagine. And if nothing else comes around. I am content with that memory.
Everytime i imagine renaud. I imagine this golden tawny wolf, with little eyeglasses and a hat speaking in french accent. And going Sacre Bleu!! constantly...and it just does not fit into my image of Reyson's former pack, but I cannot get it out of my head lmao. Just thought i'd share.
RE: save the last dance [wp] - Aquene - October 07, 2022
Reyson at least seemed to understand, just as Kallik had when she had sought him out and they had originally discussed it. “I was content to go with my husband. He had committed… but when the offer arose, our priorities changed. I had been nervous about leaving… I worry about Mereo, about injuries that might come to pass and in Epoch I would have been less effective in offering them treatment.” She had carefully curated her tablinum over the course of almost a year and the idea of leaving her setup behind hurt her heart more than she was willing to admit.
“Life happens. Plans change… I just hope one day they will all get over it and our alliance can resume.” She admitted, looking out once more upon the crowd as he spoke of the fellahin. “I know the feeling.” She admitted.
It was crazy to think that she was speaking of this. Kallik had calmed her, helping her recover from her own past. “In my birth pack, all women were similar to Fellahin… we were expected to serve the men as healers, and would be married to whichever warrior they deemed fit for us to marry.” She admitted, bringing her gaze back to him. “It can be hard, but when you grow up in that environment, it is all you know.” She recalled how long it had taken her to get out, even after she started to realize how long it was. “There are some who see others as property to them… and if everyone agrees to such a way of life, then it is little concern to the rest of the world. It is when that service is unwilling or an uninformed service that I find my issue.”
RE: save the last dance [wp] - Reyson - October 07, 2022
Reyson wasn't sure if he could understand completely what had made them come to this decision or why, and truthfully. It was not his place to wonder at it, or question it. Did it affect him? In some small way certainly. Had Healer Aquene gone, the would have lost a very good healer, he would have lost a friend. However, Healer Fennec though prickly as a briar bush, she seemed adept at healing. She knew herbs at the very least.
Reyson studied her surprised. He was about to tell her she needn't say anything unless she wished, until she began her tale and he grew silent and simply listened. A small tender place in his heart opening up, that she was willing to trust him in this way.
I am sorry you had to go through that, but I am glad you were able to get away from it. I am much the same in how I think. The thing that bothered me the most i believe. She was born to it, much like you. So it is all she knows, and she does not realize she can want more. That she should want more. Though perhaps I am wrong, perhaps some like to hold that position. I would not and when I see it. I feel it is a great injustice.
RE: save the last dance [wp] - Aquene - October 08, 2022
A few months prior even, she likely would not have spoken of it to anyone… but things had changed. At one point, Dimitri had shown up at their borders and attacked her… most of the pack knew, at least, those who had been in the pack during that time. The man had not been seen since, and she had begun to no longer fear that he might show up as well. It had taken time, but she felt as if she was healing from the entire ordeal as best as she could.
He offered his sympathies, and she offered a hum in response. “I am glad as well… Mereo saved me in that regard… even after I got away, I had no true purpose until Lady Ruenna found me, brought me to Mereo, and I established myself as the medicus.” She admitted, perhaps giving leave to how her loyalty ran as deep as it had. “Yes, it is likely all she knows… some like to serve… it being all she knows is not necessarily bad. It can get complicated. There is a chance even if she did not know different, she would still be serving.”
RE: save the last dance [wp] - Reyson - October 08, 2022
Reyson did not know what else to say in light of what she shared. But he did know without a doubt. He'd kill the first wolf to lay a paw unkind to her. It was just the way of things. Granted were it an injured party, she'd probably not let him.
Tattered ears forward as he listened.
I always had purpose until Mereo, now I feel a bit adrift. And I realize that what I had known and how I was taught, is not everything. It has been...mmm. Humbling.
He wished that Renaud was here to see his growth and personality.
HE frowned.
It still doesn't sit well with me, but thank you for helping me to understand a little better.
RE: save the last dance [wp] - Aquene - October 08, 2022
She found his statement to be… curious. “How so?” She couldn’t help but ask, wondering just how he had felt adrift… humbling was good but she did not understand, especially when he had lived the life of a soldier before finding their borders.
It seemed strange to her.
“It does not sit well with me either, but we are guests… and a wedding is supposed to be a joyous time.” She might have gone on a feminist rage about the treatment of others had she not been there on a purely diplomatic mission, leading a delegation to celebrate a wedding.
RE: save the last dance [wp] - Reyson - October 08, 2022
How does he explain. He made a soft hmm noise in his throat. Ordering through his thoughts to answer her.
I am not sure how to explain, but I will try. In my former pack. I had not many ties. Renaud, Amity, Rook. That was it. But I was still their commander. I did what was needed no matter how distasteful usually. There were some things I did not do. But when I came here I realized there was more to the way of life of a soldier. That I could be more, should be more than simply a body to fill ranks, to die if it should come upon me. That I do not need to mindlessly follow an order, simply to be a good soldier.
Reyson looked around.
Give me a quiet wedding with nothing but those we care for. None of this big affair, but you are right and I should be more respectful.
RE: save the last dance [wp] - Aquene - October 09, 2022
She offered a soft smile and nodded at the mention of there being new ties. She understood that quite well. She understood him quite well, because he was cut from the same cloth as her, both walking two different paths, eerily similar to what they had seen in the other. She considered him a friend, and someone who could understand her experiences for what they were, rather than being clouded by the ideologies that lingered outside of military life.
“It sounds lonely.” She admitted with a frown on her features, listening as he explained how it had caused him to be adrift. “And it can be dangerous… to follow mindlessly… with that kind of power, men like the imperator can become quite corrupt in my experience.” Germanicus was far from, even with the disagreements she had with him, but she trusted him to act ethically in his position, give orders that were moral… the same could not be said for others. “It is good for soldiers to have more thoughts, to know they are individually unique… it acts as a balance for those in higher ranks.”
“I understand the sentiment… my own wedding was small, and nothing quite of this affair.” Granted, in many ways, her own wedding had been a conversation between her and Kallik. No vows had been exchanged other than a promise to hold each other for the rest of their lives, and there had been no celebration of the matter outside of her and Kallik’s own festivities… and she had vastly preferred it that way.
RE: save the last dance [wp] - Reyson - October 10, 2022
Reyson found a kinship in the matrona healer. One he hadn't been expecting. As a healer he held her in higher esteem than most anyone. However, he now also held her closer to his heart as a friend.
A sharp nod.
It was, but I didn't realize it until I came here.
They can and they usually do. I have seen it. However, our Imperator has what others do not. A team he listens to that has different views than he. That is what makes the difference.
Reyson smiled at her small admission. Glad she had what she had wanted in her wedding.
RE: save the last dance [wp] - Aquene - October 12, 2022
Aquene herself had not realized how lonely her existence was until she had become so integrated into Mereo herself… and with it had come friends, and love, and children… she didn’t know what she would have done without it. “It does have a way of doing that…” She offered more lightly.
“I have seen it many times as well.” She offered up, sharing that it was not a rare occurrence. In fact, a situation like Mereo seemed to be the rare case in that regard. “I will leave you to enjoy the rest of the party… if you see Tierra, please could you keep an eye on her? She might be the one I worry about most at an affair like this.” She certainly seemed to take after Towhee when it came to being fun.