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Description

Featuring Padme and Prince Michael
Hallowed Grounds, Sonder Vale
Summer, Year 2002 of the Dragon Era

Collaboration with opti-mism

Previously: Dragons!

Michael (170)
Sonder Vale brought such bittersweet memories. Sometimes, it felt like they were events that happened a lifetime ago; other days, it felt like it all just happened yesterday. So much has changed since then, and not just in the physical appearance of the land but the mindset of folk too. Herds spoke to each other, their folk no longer limited to living in their own homelands. Crossbreds… Crossbreds were no longer shunned to the Shadows.
Michael’s eyes unconsciously shifted to the direction of the floating island, although it was too far away to be seen. Shadows that had, for too long, been allowed to live in the dark, and-
The Prince sighed, returning his gaze to look at the Hallowed Grounds, cutting off his own trail of thought. Now was not the time to spiral down that rabbit hole. He took a deep breath, silently regaining his composure. Today was a day for idle smiles and remembering the fallen, a day to carry out his duties for Queen and Kingdom.

Padme (177)
Padme tiptoed through the thicker part of the woods, making her way slowly to Sonder Vale. She hadn't been here in years, in fact, it was someplace she actively avoided. Not for the shame, but for the harsh memories that came with it.
The death that ruled in her mind. Turning against former family and friends to do what was right. She was hesitant, even as she approached, but the only thing that brought her peace was that Mike had asked her here.

While Vae'a had stood by her, and she in turn stood by the Austerians, she had felt more pride than she had in all her life. Padme was still confident that she had made the right decision, stopping the tyranny from spreading. Keeping the Shadows in the dark. And she was finally welcomed somewhere, albeit with some reluctance.
Thoughts continued to fly through her mind, and soon she was peeking out of the brush by the Hallowed Grounds, but her feet would move no more. Instead, she called out softly. "Mike? Are you here?"

Michael (106)
The silver stag’s ears perked, head turning to look at Padme. A bright smile spread across his face, “Padme! My darling dear, the apple of my eye, the brightest star in the night sky, and the reddest rose. I was starting to worry. Thought you might not have received my note.”
Michael trotted up to Padme, brushing his cheek against hers. “What’s wrong?” he asked, tilting his head as he glanced down at Padme’s frozen hooves. “Too shocked to see my stunning form? Need your prince to carry you? Because for my sweetheart I’d be more than happy to carry her wherever she wishes to go.”

Padme (130)
Even as he spewed cheesy lines, a smile sprung across Padme’s face. “You know, I don’t know how you keep coming up with new ones.” she chirped, rubbing his cheek in return with a small sigh escaping her. “I promise I got your note, light of my heart.”
“I won’t ask you to carry me,” she paused, taking a hesitant step forward. “But I will ask you for your patience. I haven’t been here in a long time.” Padme gazed around the battleground, shocked by the immense change. It only showed minor scars of the war that once raged, nature taking over once again.Vaea taking over once again, reclaiming the land for her own. “Why did you ask me here, Mike?” she asked, stepping forward once again to join Mike.
Michael (103)
Mike watched the weary doe walk out of the bushes, still smiling softly. “Ah. I see my charismatic skills are rubbing off on you, dear. However, I cannot let the student become the teacher. ”
Slowly, he began walking next to Padme, eyeing the rose bushes as they strolled past. Hesitation was clear on his face as he tried to find the words to answer Padme’s question with. “It’s… always good to come back here. To remember what happened, so we do not make the same mistakes again. And…” Michael sighed softly, “I’ll be honest, I didn’t want to visit my father’s grave alone.”

Padme (126)
“I would never dream of it, Mike. I don’t think I could ever outclass you, no matter how hard I tried.” She followed his gaze, the roses sticking out almost like a flare in the green scenery. From their vibrance it was clear, Austers probably took care of this place well.
A pang ran through Padme’s heart. Another casualty from the war, and this one struck so close to home. “Mike, I didn’t know.” she spoke softly, her side brushing against his in solidarity. “I’m so sorry, it can’t be easy to come here.” Her voice was gentle, but a waver was present. After a long moment of silence she lifted her head to look towards him. “Do you have any good memories of your father?”

Michael (133)
Perhaps to Padme’s surprise, Mike let out a soft chuckle. “Mmm… I do. He was my hero growing up, still is in some way. I wanted to be exactly like him as a stagling.” Michael said, head raised as he stared off into some nondescript point on the horizon. “He was a Queen’s Guard, like me. Trained me during my years as a squire and during my brief stint as a guard. He was an old man when the war broke out, it was no surprise that he fell.”
“I try to make this visit at least once a year. Let him know how the Kingdom is doing, the latest family drama, that sort of cheesy thing.” The stag smiled, glancing down at Padme, “I thought it’d be worth introducing you to him.”

Padme (148)
“He sounds nice,” Padme murmured. “Like he was a powerful member of the guard, though I’m sorry he passed before I got a chance to meet him. And he really raised a wonderful son, I can attest to that.” The healer turned her bicolor gaze to the horizon, the distance still shocking her. She could still remember the souls lost herself, but the last thing she expected was for Mike to have lost someone so important as well. She forgot the loss that existed for all those present, caught in her own memories, and sorrow twitched at the back of her mind.
“I think it’s wonderful that you keep up with him. I’m sure that he looks forward to the days you visit. And of course, who doesn’t love hearing family drama.” she hummed. “But meeting him? I couldn’t think of a better way to spend the day.”

Michael (51)
Mike smiled, nudging Padme softly. “I’m glad you think so. Otherwise this whole excursion would have been a complete waste of time.”
The stag paused for a moment, the rows of bushes slowly starting to turn into rows of gravestones. “How about you? Did you lose anyone important in the battle?”

Padme (106)
Padme shook her head. “When I left the Shadows, I couldn't… and wouldn’t look back. The only Shadow I wonder about from time to time is my older sister, Pippa. I last saw her during the battle, but I don’t know what became of her.”
Sorrow sank through her again. “And those who gave the ultimate sacrifice so I could help those healthy enough to escape. Those who covered our escape, they’re the only reason the prisoners made it to the Queen. And… The guard, Kelso.” she paused. “I never got a chance to thank him. He fought by my side.” she grew quiet, plodding along. “Of course, there were more. I can’t even name them all.”

Michael (196)
“Kelso was a good soldier. His death has not been forgotten, although many of his companions have since retired from the Queen’s Guard,” Mike spoke softly, eyes drifting to the grass below them, eyes closing momentarily. “The sacrifices and risks taken by former shadows hasn’t been forgotten either.”
A few seconds later, a soft sigh escaping his lips, eyes opening as nodded towards the left. “This is us,” he murmured, walking up to a white gravestone. The plaque was impeccably well kept, the name ‘Prince Emerson’ etched on the surface. The prince bent his head down, nose touching the cold surface.
“Hey, dad,” Michael whispered, “it’s been a while… hasn’t it? I’ve brought someone with me today, Padme, she’s the gal who has been taking all my time and attention lately. You know how it is.”
“I don’t know if you met her before but… she’s sweet, kind… well. Much kinder than me, at least. And her heart is in the right place. There’s not much more I could ask for. The only thing is, Dad, she keeps threatening to bite me and I’m not quite sure how to encourage her to go through with it.”

Padme (227)
The tobiano bowed her head, closing her eyes as she greeted Prince Emerson. “I’m honored to be here, sir. I fought alongside you in your final battle, though I don’t believe I had the pleasure.” she hummed softly, “I was lucky enough to have Mike fall into my life this past winter, and he’s been nothing short of a blessing from Vae’a herself.” she paused to glance at the silver stag beside her.
“I think you’d be really proud of the stag he’s become. The way he talks about you, it seems like so much of his strength comes from the way he grew up with you. And I’m lucky for that. He says that I’m kinder than him, but that’s a lie. There’s few anomalies I know that hold a candle to him.” she paused.
“And if you could, please send him a sign that I’m not going to bite him, no matter how nicely he asks. Even if he does have those big green eyes.” she chirped, nudging Mike.
“I’m sorry I never got a chance to meet you in person, because there’s no one I’d rather meet than the stag who was responsible for making Mike the soldier he is today. With his kind heart and dedication to not only the guard, but myself as well, he’s someone I gladly give my heart to.”

Michael (103)
“See, she keeps threatening to bite me-” Mike’s start of a snarky response seemed to be cut off short as Padme’s words sunk deeper into his mind. Some would even say that his jaw was hanging slightly. His big, green, deer-like eyes widened slightly, looking directly at Padme. Their glow, for a split second, turning blue; but, perhaps, that was just the sky’s reflection.
Eventually, a smile graced his lips, he leaned against Padme. “What did I say? She’s good. Too good,” he murmured, giving Padme a quick lick on the cheek. “Mind if we just stay here, like this, for a bit?”

Padme (109)
Padme relaxed back against him, rubbing her head on his neck softly. “So long as your dad doesn’t mind, I’ll stay here as long as you’d like.” There was no hesitation in her voice.
After so much loss, there was a certain resolution to the sorrow the resided over this former battleground. It came as a surprise to the blessed auster, that something so kind could come from the battle so long ago. Vae’a gave her a second chance, and because of it, she had met Mike. This was her chance for a happy ending. The sparks felt like they flowed through her veins, and unknowingly, she shone softly.

Michael (94)
The Prince didn’t say anything for a few minutes, his unfocused eyes resting on the gravestone. There was an unusually sad expression on his face, a rare sight for the usually grinning stag. It must have been almost 10 minutes by the time Mike stirred again, his smile back on his face.
“Right!” he called out, turning to look at the glowing Padme. “Thank you for coming with me, my dear. How about we stop by Vale’s Market on the way back? Let me buy you something pretty as a way of saying thanks?”

Padme (82)
The doe glanced at him with slight concern, feeling a tinge of sadness rolling off of him, but thought nothing of it. Better to let him grieve as he needed to, she didn’t want to intrude more than she already had.
At the mention of the Vale’s Market, she perked up, rather excited. “I’d love to! I’ve never been. But only as long as I can get you something in return.” she hummed. “A pint of something strong perhaps? Or something dashing?”

Michael (263)
“Well. I wouldn’t say no to some Linx Grogpurr. But I can’t let you pay, Padme. Wouldn’t be very chivalrous of me,” Mike chuckled, turning and walking towards Valeville alongside the painted doe. “I must be the perfect gentleman for my princess.”
There was one question bothering the prince’s mind. One, burning question. A question he could not ignore as he watched Padme glow ever so brightly.
Every time she was with him he could feel it, and it wasn’t just her happiness. He had felt a doe’s engulfing happiness before. It was this overwhelming sensation of acceptance, of someone who could finally move on with their life.

It was drowning him alive.

Behind them, Mike could see the trail of glowing hoof prints. A trail only a truly happy Austerian would leave behind. With it, was Michael’s question: what was wrong with him? What had truly broken in him to leave him with such a rotten core?
Because it wasn’t a pair of trail marks that was glowing behind them. It was one, single set: Padme’s. The Prince knew, as he always had, that his own set would not be appearing to join the doe’s. And, as he turned to stare at Padme’s innocent, naïve, smiling face, he returned the gesture with a bright grin of his own. Motions and words that he had repeated so often that they came naturally, but this time, they came with hidden waves of guilt.
He didn’t have to stay. Not anymore. But the Prince couldn’t bring himself to leave either.

What was he going to do?

Word Counts
Prince Michael: 1,219
Padme: 1,105

Skill Points Gained
+5 ____ - Full-body + Detailed BG + Collaborative Art
+1 ____ - Skill Shown, Art [Padme Only]
+6 ____ - 1000-1999 Word Lit [Skill Shown] + Collaborative Lit

Description

Featuring Padme and Prince Michael
Hallowed Grounds, Sonder Vale
Summer, Year 2002 of the Dragon Era

Collaboration with opti-mism

Previously: Dragons!

Michael (170)
Sonder Vale brought such bittersweet memories. Sometimes, it felt like they were events that happened a lifetime ago; other days, it felt like it all just happened yesterday. So much has changed since then, and not just in the physical appearance of the land but the mindset of folk too. Herds spoke to each other, their folk no longer limited to living in their own homelands. Crossbreds… Crossbreds were no longer shunned to the Shadows.
Michael’s eyes unconsciously shifted to the direction of the floating island, although it was too far away to be seen. Shadows that had, for too long, been allowed to live in the dark, and-
The Prince sighed, returning his gaze to look at the Hallowed Grounds, cutting off his own trail of thought. Now was not the time to spiral down that rabbit hole. He took a deep breath, silently regaining his composure. Today was a day for idle smiles and remembering the fallen, a day to carry out his duties for Queen and Kingdom.

Padme (177)
Padme tiptoed through the thicker part of the woods, making her way slowly to Sonder Vale. She hadn't been here in years, in fact, it was someplace she actively avoided. Not for the shame, but for the harsh memories that came with it.
The death that ruled in her mind. Turning against former family and friends to do what was right. She was hesitant, even as she approached, but the only thing that brought her peace was that Mike had asked her here.

While Vae'a had stood by her, and she in turn stood by the Austerians, she had felt more pride than she had in all her life. Padme was still confident that she had made the right decision, stopping the tyranny from spreading. Keeping the Shadows in the dark. And she was finally welcomed somewhere, albeit with some reluctance.
Thoughts continued to fly through her mind, and soon she was peeking out of the brush by the Hallowed Grounds, but her feet would move no more. Instead, she called out softly. "Mike? Are you here?"

Michael (106)
The silver stag’s ears perked, head turning to look at Padme. A bright smile spread across his face, “Padme! My darling dear, the apple of my eye, the brightest star in the night sky, and the reddest rose. I was starting to worry. Thought you might not have received my note.”
Michael trotted up to Padme, brushing his cheek against hers. “What’s wrong?” he asked, tilting his head as he glanced down at Padme’s frozen hooves. “Too shocked to see my stunning form? Need your prince to carry you? Because for my sweetheart I’d be more than happy to carry her wherever she wishes to go.”

Padme (130)
Even as he spewed cheesy lines, a smile sprung across Padme’s face. “You know, I don’t know how you keep coming up with new ones.” she chirped, rubbing his cheek in return with a small sigh escaping her. “I promise I got your note, light of my heart.”
“I won’t ask you to carry me,” she paused, taking a hesitant step forward. “But I will ask you for your patience. I haven’t been here in a long time.” Padme gazed around the battleground, shocked by the immense change. It only showed minor scars of the war that once raged, nature taking over once again.Vaea taking over once again, reclaiming the land for her own. “Why did you ask me here, Mike?” she asked, stepping forward once again to join Mike.
Michael (103)
Mike watched the weary doe walk out of the bushes, still smiling softly. “Ah. I see my charismatic skills are rubbing off on you, dear. However, I cannot let the student become the teacher. ”
Slowly, he began walking next to Padme, eyeing the rose bushes as they strolled past. Hesitation was clear on his face as he tried to find the words to answer Padme’s question with. “It’s… always good to come back here. To remember what happened, so we do not make the same mistakes again. And…” Michael sighed softly, “I’ll be honest, I didn’t want to visit my father’s grave alone.”

Padme (126)
“I would never dream of it, Mike. I don’t think I could ever outclass you, no matter how hard I tried.” She followed his gaze, the roses sticking out almost like a flare in the green scenery. From their vibrance it was clear, Austers probably took care of this place well.
A pang ran through Padme’s heart. Another casualty from the war, and this one struck so close to home. “Mike, I didn’t know.” she spoke softly, her side brushing against his in solidarity. “I’m so sorry, it can’t be easy to come here.” Her voice was gentle, but a waver was present. After a long moment of silence she lifted her head to look towards him. “Do you have any good memories of your father?”

Michael (133)
Perhaps to Padme’s surprise, Mike let out a soft chuckle. “Mmm… I do. He was my hero growing up, still is in some way. I wanted to be exactly like him as a stagling.” Michael said, head raised as he stared off into some nondescript point on the horizon. “He was a Queen’s Guard, like me. Trained me during my years as a squire and during my brief stint as a guard. He was an old man when the war broke out, it was no surprise that he fell.”
“I try to make this visit at least once a year. Let him know how the Kingdom is doing, the latest family drama, that sort of cheesy thing.” The stag smiled, glancing down at Padme, “I thought it’d be worth introducing you to him.”

Padme (148)
“He sounds nice,” Padme murmured. “Like he was a powerful member of the guard, though I’m sorry he passed before I got a chance to meet him. And he really raised a wonderful son, I can attest to that.” The healer turned her bicolor gaze to the horizon, the distance still shocking her. She could still remember the souls lost herself, but the last thing she expected was for Mike to have lost someone so important as well. She forgot the loss that existed for all those present, caught in her own memories, and sorrow twitched at the back of her mind.
“I think it’s wonderful that you keep up with him. I’m sure that he looks forward to the days you visit. And of course, who doesn’t love hearing family drama.” she hummed. “But meeting him? I couldn’t think of a better way to spend the day.”

Michael (51)
Mike smiled, nudging Padme softly. “I’m glad you think so. Otherwise this whole excursion would have been a complete waste of time.”
The stag paused for a moment, the rows of bushes slowly starting to turn into rows of gravestones. “How about you? Did you lose anyone important in the battle?”

Padme (106)
Padme shook her head. “When I left the Shadows, I couldn't… and wouldn’t look back. The only Shadow I wonder about from time to time is my older sister, Pippa. I last saw her during the battle, but I don’t know what became of her.”
Sorrow sank through her again. “And those who gave the ultimate sacrifice so I could help those healthy enough to escape. Those who covered our escape, they’re the only reason the prisoners made it to the Queen. And… The guard, Kelso.” she paused. “I never got a chance to thank him. He fought by my side.” she grew quiet, plodding along. “Of course, there were more. I can’t even name them all.”

Michael (196)
“Kelso was a good soldier. His death has not been forgotten, although many of his companions have since retired from the Queen’s Guard,” Mike spoke softly, eyes drifting to the grass below them, eyes closing momentarily. “The sacrifices and risks taken by former shadows hasn’t been forgotten either.”
A few seconds later, a soft sigh escaping his lips, eyes opening as nodded towards the left. “This is us,” he murmured, walking up to a white gravestone. The plaque was impeccably well kept, the name ‘Prince Emerson’ etched on the surface. The prince bent his head down, nose touching the cold surface.
“Hey, dad,” Michael whispered, “it’s been a while… hasn’t it? I’ve brought someone with me today, Padme, she’s the gal who has been taking all my time and attention lately. You know how it is.”
“I don’t know if you met her before but… she’s sweet, kind… well. Much kinder than me, at least. And her heart is in the right place. There’s not much more I could ask for. The only thing is, Dad, she keeps threatening to bite me and I’m not quite sure how to encourage her to go through with it.”

Padme (227)
The tobiano bowed her head, closing her eyes as she greeted Prince Emerson. “I’m honored to be here, sir. I fought alongside you in your final battle, though I don’t believe I had the pleasure.” she hummed softly, “I was lucky enough to have Mike fall into my life this past winter, and he’s been nothing short of a blessing from Vae’a herself.” she paused to glance at the silver stag beside her.
“I think you’d be really proud of the stag he’s become. The way he talks about you, it seems like so much of his strength comes from the way he grew up with you. And I’m lucky for that. He says that I’m kinder than him, but that’s a lie. There’s few anomalies I know that hold a candle to him.” she paused.
“And if you could, please send him a sign that I’m not going to bite him, no matter how nicely he asks. Even if he does have those big green eyes.” she chirped, nudging Mike.
“I’m sorry I never got a chance to meet you in person, because there’s no one I’d rather meet than the stag who was responsible for making Mike the soldier he is today. With his kind heart and dedication to not only the guard, but myself as well, he’s someone I gladly give my heart to.”

Michael (103)
“See, she keeps threatening to bite me-” Mike’s start of a snarky response seemed to be cut off short as Padme’s words sunk deeper into his mind. Some would even say that his jaw was hanging slightly. His big, green, deer-like eyes widened slightly, looking directly at Padme. Their glow, for a split second, turning blue; but, perhaps, that was just the sky’s reflection.
Eventually, a smile graced his lips, he leaned against Padme. “What did I say? She’s good. Too good,” he murmured, giving Padme a quick lick on the cheek. “Mind if we just stay here, like this, for a bit?”

Padme (109)
Padme relaxed back against him, rubbing her head on his neck softly. “So long as your dad doesn’t mind, I’ll stay here as long as you’d like.” There was no hesitation in her voice.
After so much loss, there was a certain resolution to the sorrow the resided over this former battleground. It came as a surprise to the blessed auster, that something so kind could come from the battle so long ago. Vae’a gave her a second chance, and because of it, she had met Mike. This was her chance for a happy ending. The sparks felt like they flowed through her veins, and unknowingly, she shone softly.

Michael (94)
The Prince didn’t say anything for a few minutes, his unfocused eyes resting on the gravestone. There was an unusually sad expression on his face, a rare sight for the usually grinning stag. It must have been almost 10 minutes by the time Mike stirred again, his smile back on his face.
“Right!” he called out, turning to look at the glowing Padme. “Thank you for coming with me, my dear. How about we stop by Vale’s Market on the way back? Let me buy you something pretty as a way of saying thanks?”

Padme (82)
The doe glanced at him with slight concern, feeling a tinge of sadness rolling off of him, but thought nothing of it. Better to let him grieve as he needed to, she didn’t want to intrude more than she already had.
At the mention of the Vale’s Market, she perked up, rather excited. “I’d love to! I’ve never been. But only as long as I can get you something in return.” she hummed. “A pint of something strong perhaps? Or something dashing?”

Michael (263)
“Well. I wouldn’t say no to some Linx Grogpurr. But I can’t let you pay, Padme. Wouldn’t be very chivalrous of me,” Mike chuckled, turning and walking towards Valeville alongside the painted doe. “I must be the perfect gentleman for my princess.”
There was one question bothering the prince’s mind. One, burning question. A question he could not ignore as he watched Padme glow ever so brightly.
Every time she was with him he could feel it, and it wasn’t just her happiness. He had felt a doe’s engulfing happiness before. It was this overwhelming sensation of acceptance, of someone who could finally move on with their life.

It was drowning him alive.

Behind them, Mike could see the trail of glowing hoof prints. A trail only a truly happy Austerian would leave behind. With it, was Michael’s question: what was wrong with him? What had truly broken in him to leave him with such a rotten core?
Because it wasn’t a pair of trail marks that was glowing behind them. It was one, single set: Padme’s. The Prince knew, as he always had, that his own set would not be appearing to join the doe’s. And, as he turned to stare at Padme’s innocent, naïve, smiling face, he returned the gesture with a bright grin of his own. Motions and words that he had repeated so often that they came naturally, but this time, they came with hidden waves of guilt.
He didn’t have to stay. Not anymore. But the Prince couldn’t bring himself to leave either.

What was he going to do?

Word Counts
Prince Michael: 1,219
Padme: 1,105

Skill Points Gained
+5 ____ - Full-body + Detailed BG + Collaborative Art
+1 ____ - Skill Shown, Art [Padme Only]
+6 ____ - 1000-1999 Word Lit [Skill Shown] + Collaborative Lit