Reflected for a year and a day

Swanwhite. Only her beauty is remembered. ((part of NRP but will rp with anyone))

[unrefinedstoryteller-archive]

//Hey guys. Long time no see. And yet here I am telling you that I won’t be active on this blog anymore. I’m closing down my following rp accounts:

Aravis - unrefinedstoryteller

Restimar - restimarofthesevenlords

Swanwhite - reflectedremains

They’ll be transferred to my character blog, and that’s where I’ll continue developing them. …once I get my character blog going, that is.

However, I’ll still be active on Maugrim (horrendouslygentle) and Cheshire Cat (tthedreamcarrier). For those I follow on my now inactive blogs, I’ll re-follow them on either Maugrim’s or the Cat’s (and I’ll put a link to my character blog there eventually). I’m sorry for the abrupt announcement, but this is for the sake of my mental health. Thank you for understanding and for the great times. I’ll see you guys around, okay?~

-Ro

[reflectedremains-archive]

"I'm sorry. I'm not quite sure I heard you right." Susan apologized, regretting her distractedness. "Could you repeat that?"

Lips curling, Swanwhite said, “I said that previous suitor of yours won’t come near you again. What was he even thinking, to be so obscene as to look at you as some medallion. Tch. I should have blinded him instead of—ah, I won’t burden you with details when you have a person already occupying your cute mind.”

[darksoulslovethemoon-blog]

"Because I don’t need another war started over me." Su replied with a sad sort of darkness in her voice. "All of those who died at Anvard died because of me. If Rabadash hadn’t invaded Archenland to get to Narnia, and me, they never would have died. It was my fault."

Even after all this time, the guilt ate her away. If only she had been braver! If only she would have had the courage to say no! But then… If she had said no, not only would she either have been killed or forced into the marriage, but her brother, Prince Corin, and all of their dear friends would have been killed too. Perhaps if she had just been brave enough then to sacrifice herself for her people, as she was now, none of it would gave happened.

Her slumped and seemingly defeated body perked up slightly as a bought of laughter danced from her lips. “He’s a Knight.” Susan confided. “Don’t go getting any ideas, please. I doubt he even feels anything for me. And on the slim chance he did, there is still the fact that I’m a Queen, and he’s a commoner. My brothers would never allow it.”

[reflectedremains-archive]

"Do not fret about it so. The past is unchangeable--thoughts of guilt and regrets are wasted on it." She resettled in her chair, crossing one leg over the other. It was true, wasn’t it? By the Mane, it was. Every occurrence, every death, everything. Aslan decided to let all of them unravel underneath his paws. Glancing at Susan through her eyelashes, she knew her friend didn’t need reminding, for she was a smart one. Cute and smart—much like her siblings. "Simply allow me to defend your honor. I shall carry the burden, and all I ask in return is for your consent."

At her friend’s last comment, Swanwhite draped her arm across the backrest and laughed, her head thrown back, ripples moving down her untied hair. Shoulders shaking, she tried in vain to keep her composure. “If he has caught your fancy, then surely you have his in an iron grasp that even death cannot loosen. My lady, you are truly a beauty. If the time comes, allow me to talk to your brothers, and I swear to you that they will accept this knight—oh, my. What is this knight’s name?”

[reflectedremains-archive]

Stars in the Water [Nalani and Swanwhite]

If the Great River would stand still for but a second, the stars would dance upon their surface and share their tales of a talking Hare from Cauldron Pool hearing whispers in Cair Paravel, or the skirts spinning around their legs would weave the legend of Swanwhite, whose beauty was so great that her reflection remained in rivers for a year and a day.

"How utterly ridiculous." She took another swig from the bottle of mead and wiped her mouth with the back of her wrist. Fire crackling behind her, shadows ebbing and flowing like the river against her legs, she reached for the platter of dew-dipped seaweed. "It lasted only half a year."

The night was at its peak, the dark a curtain that covered the very ends of the flat world. Similarities, differences. Time's effect on the land. The night blurred it all, and it felt she was back in her own time period, fending off giants from the north, preparing for the inevitable fall of the Tree of Protection. By the Mane, it was a stressful life, but it was hers.

The prosthetic leg limp and unfeeling, water kissed her right thigh, the cool touch registering in her skin. There was a message engraved in it: someone was walking down the river bank.

She called out to the figure. Might as well, right? "Care for some seaweed?"

[reflectedremains-archive]

Difficult to Tell [Mentius and Swanwhite]

Chin on hand, her eyes half-closed, she watched the scene unfold. What made her think that Dancing Lawn would be peaceful? From her time period till the present, it was always a place of deep emotions pouring out, clashing against nearby tree trunks, drowning the crisp grass, trimmed so diligently by an elderly Goat and Mole. As its name would imply the emotions danced with one another, a twirling, spinning torrent of neverending freedom.

At the moment, two fauns were in the midst of a storm of hurled words entitled to drawing blood across their chests. Whatever it was that spurned the argument, it was a very personal matter, save for the small detail that the two fauns were out in public, a mere meter away from her. By the Mane, fauns can be really loud when they want to be. Who ever made the assumption that fauns were demure creatures had not met an actual faun.

"I think that's quite enough," she said, neither raising her voice nor standing from the tree stump.

The fauns continued on, her words but a breeze to ruffle their tails.

Seeing a nearby faun passing by, she waved a hand, urging them to come closer. "Hello, cute one. Am I watching a lover's quarrel or a very committed debate about politics?"

[silence-and-slumber-archive]

Another Search *Naerwen and Swanwhite*

Did the air truly grow thicker with tension and apprehension, as the young Oracle thought? Or was it all in her mind? Did Wen’s mind project her fear of condemnation where there was none? Oh, how fragile and vicious a conscious ladden with guilt could be! A burden and a blessing all at once! A thing of true humility either way.

When the hand reached out, and the question posed, she glanced up. Her face was perplexed; brows furrowed tightly, lips slightly pursed, head titled. “I have fought. I have tried.” Wen answered, though her tone displayed knowledge that it was not truly a response. She had fought as a warrior would, and nearly died doing it. Yet, she was not very good at it, like she felt she was not good at being a prophetess.

“I want to make it right again.” Came the furvid, sincere reply; seeming to almost contradict the meekness of her face with its strength and force. “I want to atone. I want to, no, I need to know that my gift is capable of saving people. Not just killing. But I do not know how to…”

[reflectedremains-archive]

Her people wore the same expression. Guilt were their cloaks against sleep. The blood in the air followed them even in their household. Although many stood tall, bearing it all with clenched teeth and eyes forward, a substantial number collapsed and hung their heads, pleading to leave, begging to have ignorance plastered to their face once more. They wanted to stay in the past, chained to that Tree of Protection.

She left them there.

The girl before her was different. She saw the guilt but none of the desire to stay, stagnant, stuck. Naerwen wanted to change.

"You have strength. I like that." She slid a book closer to the other. "You simply need to start somewhere. Were you not searching for a name?"

[ladyalyssaliberty]

The Stakes are High, the Price Debatable | Alyssa and Swanwhite

[ladyalyssaliberty]

"Well…." AJ started before she carefully pondered over the question. "I would be glad to serve you in the area if your spies are unavailable… especially if a problem does arise."

"I assure you that I share your sentiments.  I am nothing without the support of my friends, family, my people, and the Narnians. I owe the Narnians a great deal and so, if you need me, I am more than willing to be your help. After all, I did not survive the past year or so without Narnians. If I am unavailable I know of a few people that can help as well."

"Tell me, what do you think about being queen," AJ inquired softly. 

reflectedremains

[reflectedremains-archive]

"That is the problem," she said with a sigh. "I have no spies to speak of. The sensation is akin to walking into battle with neither armor nor a steed. Have you experienced that yet?"

Elbow propped on the table, she laid her chin atop her knuckles, a smile playing along her lips. "Now, now. Why would someone as cute as you want to know about ruling a kingdom? Surely your love for Narnia has not poisoned your mind to commit treachery."

ladyalyssaliberty

[reflectedremains-archive]

"I'm sorry. I'm not quite sure I heard you right." Susan apologized, regretting her distractedness. "Could you repeat that?"

Lips curling, Swanwhite said, “I said that previous suitor of yours won’t come near you again. What was he even thinking, to be so obscene as to look at you as some medallion. Tch. I should have blinded him instead of—ah, I won’t burden you with details when you have a person already occupying your cute mind.”

[darksoulslovethemoon-blog]

It took a moment for the words to sink in. When they did, her face grew wide with shock. “What did you do?” Su shakily questioned her friend. Yes, the man had frightened her awfully. Yes, he was one of the more vile and sleazy of her admirers. And when he grabbed her, she feared the worst; but no one knew that part. Not even her siblings. She never wanted to see him again, but this couldn’t be right!

Blood rushing to her cheeks, Susan looked away. Only a few people knew of her blossoming feelings for one certain someone. And while she was still unsure of his feelings, the brunette didn’t want anyone to find out. “I don’t know what you mean.” Su bluffed.

[reflectedremains-archive]

She brushed her hair over her shoulder and laughed. "Why are you fretting over an issue so unnecessary like him? Relax--we only had a small discussion about etiquette. Did you know he has forgotten how undignified it is to force oneself unto another? Such a silly man." Raising a hand, the fingers curled, she examined her manicured nails as she added, "A brisk rattle of the jaw does wonders to one's memories.

"A disarming smile has the same effect, too. So"--she let out a crooked smile--"who is this person? Is it me?"

[whenthisstoryendsarchive-deacti]

Catching up with the news [Emeth and Swanwhite]

Mmm. He is a fool; spoiled and arrogant. He believes all the world to be his personal plaything, and all beings his own poppets, which only he has the strings to control.

*tilts head to the side, perplexed* I suppose I am a certain level of competent, O noble lady. I would never claim to be perfect, for that honor belongs only to Him. But I can claim my own skills; minimal and simple they may be.

Well… I have seven, my Queen, technically. Six elder brothers back in Tehisbaan. They would be of no use to us, however. They are among the likes of Rabadash. *bitterly scoffs* They care only for their own comforts and to cause as much pain and suffering to others as they can. Devils all. My younger sister and I are loyal to Aslan, to Narnia. We no longer count them family, and were it up to me, all six of them would die the most agonizingly painful death imaginable.

*bits lip and hangs his head* Forgive me, O my Queen. It was not my place to say such things in your presence. I confess one of my worse faults is not knowing at times when to hold my tongue.

[reflectedremains-archive]

His ancestor would have hung her head in shame if she were to know about her lineage. I have seen many such men in my time, general. They grovel for pity and compassion, [waves hand dismissively] none of which I have. Simply not worth my time. 

[sits back, listening patiently, expression lax] There is no need to apologize. As I would speak to you as I would with my court, you should do the same with me, or are you always this solemn? Hmm. Six brothers, you say. I have an elder brother myself. A quiet, temperamental man who lacks initiative. It is because of his character that I seized the throne from his rights. Would I be in the same league as your brothers, general?

I commend you for your loyalty to Aslan and Narnia. [leans forward, hands laced under chin] And what do you think of the Calormene gods? Of Calormen?

[assadas-thelistener-a-deactivat]

reflectedremains has found you

[assadas-thelistener-a-deactivat]

Other worlds? You mean, more worlds beside mine and yours? How is that possible? How is it even possible for yours to exist?

Well, your Aslan sounds… Noble… At the very least.

*bites her lip hard* I have nothing to say about that.

[reflectedremains-archive]

I believe it is possible. I cannot explain, but I know it is true. [rubs chin] Perhaps it is because I believe in Aslan. You do not believe in a god?

[reflectedremains-archive]

//I'm getting to replies and starters and catching up in the dash (I fell asleep the whole afternoon...), but I want to remind myself to elaborate on this later: Swanwhite is a trans woman.

[miauleth]

Li Bing Bing as Ni-Chang, the White-Haired Witch - The Forbidden Kingdom (2008)

[miauleth]

Li Bing Bing as Ni-Chang, the White-Haired Witch - The Forbidden Kingdom (2008)

[reflectedremains-archive]

//Like for a starter~

[libingbingfanclub]

Li Bingbing black & white

cr: @李冰冰全球官方后援会 weibo

[reflectedremains-archive]

"I'm sorry. I'm not quite sure I heard you right." Susan apologized, regretting her distractedness. "Could you repeat that?"

Lips curling, Swanwhite said, “I said that previous suitor of yours won’t come near you again. What was he even thinking, to be so obscene as to look at you as some medallion. Tch. I should have blinded him instead of—ah, I won’t burden you with details when you have a person already occupying your cute mind.”

[whenthisstoryendsarchive-deacti]

Catching Up with the News | Swanwhite and Emeth

I assure you, my Queen, I am no God nor Prince. Merely a man doing his best to live his life by the word of the Lion. No more, no less.

Prince Rabadash, my Queen. After attempting to trap the Queen Susan, the King Edmund, my friend Lord Peridan, and the rest of their party on pain of death, the Brat Prince did invade Archenland in a time of peace, and without sending defiance. When King Edmund and Queen Lucy took our army to aid Anvard, and the battle was won, they discussed with King Lune what to do with him. The vile child refused to hear the words of them all. E'en the Great Aslan. For his hubris, Aslan changed his form to that of a Donkey. It was a spell that such action must be taken on Rabadash's part to return to his human shape. It earned him the name Rabadash the Ridiculous in the desert Kingdom.

I thank you for your support. It shows the exemplary ruler your are to give your aid to ones truly in need of it. Not many would care for the safety and comfort of a former Tarkheena of Calormen.

Of course, my Queen. Whatever commands I am given, I shall see done to the fullest extent of my skills. On my honor. We have not many here, but I know of several who oppose the Tisroc, both in the rebel forces and within his very circles and household. My sister had aided in releasing several slave girls. She could get us in the graces of Kalpana and her forces. I can handle swaying the military and the rebels.

[reflectedremains-archive]

Neither a god or a prince, and yet he looks like either.

That Calormene prince. I have read much about him. Unlike his father, he is foolish, rash. No ounce of leadership skills dwell in his blood, that unfortunate boy. He shan't live for long lest he finds a spouse who would commit to his every needs. I pity such a being. I, for one, would rather have a competent spouse. Are you competent, general? Surely you have already convinced this "exemplary ruler" of your silver tongue.

You have a sibling? Is she willing to pledge her life to me? To Narnia? To Aslan? Ah. [stops short] Forgive me if you and your sibling are followers of the Calormene gods. It was never my intention to provoke you in the name of Aslan.

[silence-and-slumber-archive]

Another Search *Naerwen & Swanwhite*

Her throat feeling more and more constricted by the moment, Wen waited for the onslaught of accusations. She waited for the Queen to curse Anna condemn her. Yet it never came. Instead, Swanwhite was calm, almost serene even... The Half Dryad nodded in understanding. She too was much older than her youthful gave would claim.

"It was me." Wen confessed as well. "I made them. I... It... I made my first prophecy when I was... four years old. Those are only two of them. I've made so... so many..."

Swallowing thickly, the girl shook her head. Her graceful, pretty features darkened by grief and guilt. "It was my fault. It was all my fault. I let them all down. I failed..."

[reflectedremains-archive]

So what she assumed was true. The downcast eyes. The words wrapped under a breath. What else was she supposed to think when handed a question such as that? The girl Naerwen was... pure. Normally she'd declare pureness a weakness, a useless hindrance to what could have been a fairly simple process, but she found it rather cute how the girl couldn't lie. The girl, the situation. It reminded her of something.

Reaching out to tuck a curl behind the Naerwen's ear, she said, "You are a prophet. Are you also a warrior? No one expected you to fight."

Her hand, curl released, fell upon the tattered tome, the cover rough against her palm. It was nothing like her tactician's precious books. Piles and piles of books. They could fill the Great River, she once teased her, and the rest of her soldiers laughed.

Ah. So that was it. The blame darkening the skin under the girl's eyes was the same as her soldiers'. She exhaled. At last, something familiar. "If you really are to blame, what do you plan to do about it?"