- the Prairie stands as a symbol of peace and prosperity among the islands
- anyone is welcome to live here so long as they do not bring harm to the Prairie or any of it's residents
- adventure and exploration is not only allowed, but encouraged! residents are asked to use their better judgement and not travel to places that could bring them harm
- the head of the prairie has final say in all prairie matters. the secondary and third positions are not able to be challenged for and are selected by the head
- the guardians take on a more active role in the prairie; they must protect the inhabitants of the prairie and go on patrols of the prairie borderlines and shore. they can welcome strangers to the prairie and invite anyone to live here, though they must inform one of the leaders of any newcomers or visitors
find my nest of salt Posted on October 25, 2023 at 01:22:32 AM by Daire
everything is my fault. . . I'll take the blame
The warm brown of her eyes was still on the stallion when the quiet bloomed between them. Daire was still motionless when Zevulun looked away from her. Stoicly, the black mare listens to the words that leave his lips. Talk of how he loved the Prairie, but not at first, and how he couldn't them again. By them, Daire knew he meant the collective herd, those under his charge, but there was more lingering there in the words unsaid. It was then that her eyes closed, and she turned her direct gaze away from him.
The brindled mare guessed that he was talking about Riesling, given the most recent events. Daire recalled the daughter of Riesling and Zevulun (her granddaughter) had been stolen, and at the very least Riesling blamed him for it. Daire's subsequent arrival had been the proverbial nail in the coffin. It didn't stop her from feeling wholely responsible, despite knowing that wasn't the case. She knew it probably wasn't morally right of her to be even a listening ear on Zevulun's behalf, but Daire still felt the pull to try and repay the debt she felt she owed the pale stallion. Even in such a small way.
The quiet had acquired a certain heaviness betwixt them now. The back of her mind questioned what it reminded her of. Yet it kept Daire still, even as Zevulun continued to speak. “I don’t mean to put my emotional burdens on you, though. Feel free to tell me to get the hell out of here already.” After loosing a deep breath, the brindled mare shook her head gently. It almost seemed a resigned gesture.
Despite whatever they -- only she in her mind -- were trying not to acknowledge, she was still lonely. There had never been a kindred spirit in all her wanderings. If nothing else, would Riesling's wishes permit her the solace of friendship? No. No, she would have to suppose not. Daire would have to settle for knowing that anything she did would earn Riesling's rebuke and further condemnation. And that sad and reserved unhappiness lay at the edges of her features, donned behind a mask of complacency.
"I wouldn't do that, Zevulun," she murmurs quietly, her gaze cast down and away from him. How could she? He'd opened up his home to her, to her two children. He'd lost a mare -- the mare? -- he loves because of her and trying to stick to his word. Hadn't Riesling been pregnant, too? So, on top of everything else, he'd lost connection to his own child while acting fatherly to her two youngest. No matter what other delusion she might have, Zevulun had been the kingliest of friends to her. Didn't he deserve that in return?