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Post by PaganStars on Jan 14, 2018 12:15:48 GMT -6
Jack
We never lost control
You're face to face
With the man who sold the world Lost in thought as he observed the object, Jack had barely begun to read the cryptic inscriptions when suddenly the lift was screeching to a halt, another band of horses joining the already large group on the plateau. Jack snapped his head back to look at them all, taking in any injuries and making sure that no one needed any assistance. To his relief, they merely all looked tried beyond belief. Smiling faintly, Jack turned his head back to inspect the strange golden object once more only to realize that Nafisa had her own teke grip on it and was gently tugging it away from his own. Shaking his head and blinking, the prophet smiled before letting his aqua teke disappear, looking up to Nafisa "I apologize; the new arrivals seemed to have stolen my attention". Stepping closer as she held it, Jack's lip set in a thin line as he examined it once more, blinking when Nafisa called out a name. It made sense though, Cardinal was the most well versed out of all of them and with his vast library of knowledge he would sure to know something about this.
Straightening his neck, Jack nodded in agreement with her words but furrowed his brow when she mentioned leaving. This artifcat was strange sure, but the children had had it in their possession for so long and nothing had come of them, what more was a few more hours? "Nafisa, wouldn't you like to stay for the prayers? we've all come such a long way for this, surely it could wait a little longer yet" he said with a smile, hair ruffling in the wind and a chill running up his spine. Of course, Jack would not press her if she did not want to stay. He merely wanted everyone to forget what was to come for at least a little bit, to look to the sky and ask their goddess to come home. His words were an invitation, but he would let her make her own decision.
Turning to join Nico and the children, Jack smiled as he watched their faces take in the land "It's amazing, isn't it" he said softly, taking in the view for himself. That chill ran up his spine again and Jack shook his neck to shake it off, the feeling lingering in his shoulders. Gods, his back and shoulders hadn't felt this sore when they had been walking up. Seems the journey had taken more out of him then he thought. But still, Jack couldn't help but smile as his gaze wandered on the landscape before them, even with an annoying itch.
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Post by Deleted on Jan 14, 2018 12:20:28 GMT -6
The jackalope had decided to join their caravan, sticking in one of the carts and transporting away any time someone tried to get close to it. Briny felt her nerves settle, glad that it was only a horned rabbit and not some tiny predator that would try to take them on while their backs were turned. She stuck close to Kristofer as they continued on their way back toward the Landing, straying only every now and then to peek over the edge of the path when it kissed the empty air. She had never been one to back out of exploring heights, but she could admit that it would sometimes make her uneasy. She preferred diving deep into the oceans and rivers, not climbing high in the sky.
As they reached the top, her long ears flicked forward in excitement at the sight of other travelers. "We made it!" She chirped to her group, a beaming smile on her face as she gave a little buck in excitement before trotting to the edge. She stared across the land, everything below them looking like tiny ants on a hill. She felt as though she could almost touch the clouds, her head tipping back as a soft breeze played through her curly coat.
She did not take very much time to admire the view, however. The other horses were far more interesting to her and it seemed as though they were.. preoccupied with something. True to the little mare's nature, she trotted toward the group, recognizing most at least by name. She tried her best not to accidentally whack anyone with her large shark tail as she positioned herself in a place where she could see what they were all admiring.
“If my fellow serorans would allow me, I’d like to take this and study it with the assistance of Councillor Cardinal.”
She caught the last of Nafisa's words as her eyes landed on the weapon.
"What is that?" She asked, curiosity and excitement evident in her tone.
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Post by LaBelleAnni on Jan 14, 2018 14:00:36 GMT -6
A V E R Y
Gatherer | Serora
... ...
With the jackalope joining their caravan, he glanced back once more before continuing on their long and anxious journey. The sun slowly was rolling over the sky and nearing the plains of sand, as the light gleamed a little less harsh than it had before in his eyes. They walked far and with such determination, reaching the stairs, and climbing to the top in what seemed like forever. Finally they had made it.
When they reached the top, Avery first moved to make sure the carts were secure and everything was in place, before turning to look upon this holy sight. By the Gods, this was such a glorious place, at a height where only pegasi could safely fly off and on to without the need for stairs. He smiled wide, for this would be a memory he would never forget. There we others that had presumably came here at an earlier time than their group. Some reveled over a strange object, examining it with such curiosity. Others took in the view or chatted. Avery couldn't help but to take a moment to look over everyone. Surprisingly to him, there were kirins there. It was strange to see them there, if at all. Never before had he seen a kirin, though he would not treat them any differently than him. They were not originally Alya's children, but everyone in the sands of Sedo belonged to the Wind Mother.
He turned his eyes to where a smaller mule and some children stood near the edge, gazing out upon the land. This was a revelation for all of them, finally getting to see the landing for the first time on the top. When his dear cousin's love spoke up in excitement of reaching the top, his grin only brightened more. Yes, they made it. Their journey was long and hard, but they did it. It was all worth it for him. Praise Alya. He thought to himself, though didn't announce it, what with his cousin seeming to be in such an intolerant mood. It was disappointing, but the pinto kept his mouth shut about it.
The young stallion moved to stand near to the mule and the few children, though not so close. He granted a smile towards them bowing his head for a moment. "Wind beneath your wings." His eyes trailed to the land surrounding the landing. It all looked so tiny, yet so wonderful. If only he was blessed to fly above the sandy deserts and into the bright blue sky, but that was not the path that the gods wished for him to take. A long, peaceful breath consumed his lungs before he slowly exhaled. "There's nowhere else I'd rather be than here. It's truly wonderful. There are no words that can perfectly describe this place, surely." A light chuckle escaped his lips, before once again he fell silent. In general he was speaking his thoughts out loud, lost in the moment by the beauty and wonder this place held.
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Post by brandvandet on Jan 14, 2018 18:34:20 GMT -6
As you gather on the plateau top, the world seems thinner here. Like the air, scattered so that simply standing and staring at the sight of Sedo before you leaves breathless, the actual fact of reality seems to be something you know secondhand. There’s a displacement in the knowledge, a separation from your mind and your body even as you become more aware of its function. Heaven seems only a breath away, here at the top of Hireath. At the very edge of afternoon, the sun melts across the sands, colors coalescing and staining the clouds soft shades of pink and peach and bright orange as the far horizon deepens and darkens to a plum purple. The sky reels, the purple chased by blue as it nears the gathering, stars bursting into pinpricks of light as night rushes twilight off the stage in a matter of moments. Full and focused directly above you, the twin moons spill light onto each of you, Alya’s children. They watch and wait. The winds rush in, having swept the sky of clouds, and circle the Landing, rushing faster and faster in a gleeful game of catch that only builds. Urging themselves into a vortex, they crescendo until a solid wall of air surrounds the edge of the Landing. You stand in the eye of the storm. The jackalope begins to run, flashing between portals as it teleports excitedly, crisscrossing and circling the area before tossing its body to the ground of the plateau in delirious abandon. The weapon begins to hum, a high, melodic sound that the stars echo back. Wings, bursting in a flurry of growth and feathers, sprout from the prophet’s shoulders, spreading wide in welcome. The world turns to watch as She descends from the firmament. Her wings are spread against the sky, bleeding into it, becoming it, and she draws the heavens around her with every beat of them. Upon her brow is a tiara of stars and her eyes are the blue the daytime sky draws from. She wears the sands and the wind on her coat and she comes, she comes.  ALYA You know this as surely as you know yourself. Suspended in her air, the goddess of the skies turns her gaze to you, each of you. She meets your eyes gently with a sadness deeper than the abyss and a happiness brighter than the noon sky. MY CHILDREN,
And it is the boom of a thunderclap and the rush of the wind in her voice.
MY CHILDREN, I HAVE MISSED YOU.
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Post by Warped-Desire on Jan 14, 2018 19:12:48 GMT -6
Once the ordeal was finally over they all had a chance to breath, with help from Rowtag Helios had managed to clean off his embarrassment and make the last part of their journey, sticking to the large Kirins side the entire way till they reached the stairs whereupon he followed Sol and took to the sky. The young pearl took the chance just to enjoy the empty freedom and quiet, easily climbing the great distance on silent wings; nearing the top he watched Sol land, his Bicoloured blue and gold eyes looking over the mass of gathered equines that hung atop the plateau. Alot of the gathered horses were wingless and he smiled at the thought of them finally seeing the sacred place before he flew down to land amongst the others They'd been there for a while, all through the last of the afternoon. Helios had spent it speaking to anyone he knew, he tried chatting with Rowtag and Nero, even some of the others, Sol and Persimmon. Once darkness had almost fallen however a strange shone fell down from the moons and he was forced to turn in curiosity as did kost others gathered around. He wouldn't have beleived it if he hadn't of been there to witness it, Their mother. Their sky mother had returned and was here right before them and not only that but the Prophet jack sprouted wings!. Her voice sent shivers down his spine causing a joy to rise within him, tears spilling down his cheeks as he felt an ethereal happiness grow with in him, "Sky mother, Praise her" he whispered, casting his eyes over her to soak in all her glory
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Post by silkeye on Jan 14, 2018 19:13:23 GMT -6
NAFISA
word count: 290 | reference | tldr fi is ugly crying➵➵➵
Everything before was a blur now, she had the weapon in her grasp and felt the world melt. This weapon was nothing as compared to the terrific display of change around them, the world was shifting and in the eye of it all came one fantastic display. Jack had grown wings and then the weapon musically responded until… she was there. She was there and Nafisa stared at her. Nafisa began to cry silently and even without her notice, she couldn’t speak nor move as her entire being was solid in this exact moment. Her voice nearly knocked Nafisa to her knees and the mere sight of the Wind Goddess sent a storm through the mullah’s body, no one in the entire world would have understood how she felt, not even the others standing near her. She sobbed now, openly, harshly and looked down meekly; unworthy of her love and light. The mullah felt hollowed out now and she couldn’t have explained why, the chemical rush of emotions was pumping in her veins and at that point it was the only thing keeping her conscious. What could one do? When faced with the epitome of greatness and the very being that had molded her, Nafisa had spent nearly her entire life worshipping her and groveling for the goddess’s love. She continued to stare down, there was something very clearly holding her back from looking at Alya, she would understand right? Alya would understand that Nafisa was doing everything she could for her people in the absence of her goddess, however; she could not knock the sense of shame and betrayal she held in her gut. Everything was spinning now, the weapon was laying weakly in Nafisa’s crimson teke. |
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Post by FaunaFawn on Jan 14, 2018 19:31:32 GMT -6
Sauron
I am a burning fire
I am a violent tongue
I am destructive
As he rested, he watched the others, children in wonder, and others talking some sort of small talk Sauron did not truly want to participate in. In a sense he could feel the shift in the area, how many looked at himself and Row. They were different, not the same and Sauron instead got up from his spot and trotted a bit away from the others. It was easier to be alone was it not? To be alone, meant their eyes did not follow his every waking moment. Had he not proved himself enough already? Had he not earned something? Sauron shook his head, poisonous thoughts he was told. Not the Serora way.
Yet night began to grow upon, them and so did the moons, yet something was different. The colors, the sense of something far to powerful drew near. The old relic they all awed over began to do odder things, if that was even possible and suddenly she was there.
She was there, in all her glory, wings spread and warped like the night sky above him, the hues magnificent and for a moment he was truly in awe. For who would think they got to see a god in person? Surely not him. Sauron was shocked of course, yet he saw others openly weep, their tears fall like rain. He watched them all and he felt nothing, nothing of the sort. Sauron should be honored, but those poisonous thoughts came back. He felt a hollowness, he felt the tension of not belonging stir within him. No tears fell from his face, but the pain of emptiness, of incompleteness instead seemed to fester in his heart. Here was their Goddess, missing them, loving them, and where was his to be? Ignacio? Where was his god? Where was he, when Sauron was lost in the desert? Where was he, when Sauron prayed and begged for memories, anything to feel whole? Where was his god when prayers feel on deaf ears?
Head turned away from the sight, he did not wish to stare at a sight that did not move him. No instead he felt anger boil in his chest. He was abandoned by his god, much like the others with Alya, yet here she was, so where was his god? He felt the ache, the need to feel something, but felt nothing, and in a way it was almost enough to bring him to his knees and sob with anguish. There was no glory for his kind today.
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Post by loveboxer123 on Jan 14, 2018 19:33:14 GMT -6
Oneida| Serora Advocate| "Oh my fuckin god shes not fuckin dead"
At first, the Advocate had been very, very confused. The teleporting jackalope caught their attention. They reached out, trying to gently pick the animal up. It teleported out of their grasp.
Then, two things happened. The weapon hummed and the Advocate turned to see wings. Wings lifting from the prophet's shoulders. Oneida gaped, staring at the new growths. Then, they turned. And were gobsmacked.
Alya Herself, descending onto the plateau. For a moment, they felt light-headed. Surely it was the altitude? But no. It wasn't. Their wings arched up wide, fluffed up in surprise. Their breath stuttered and rasped in their chest, their heartbeat leaping, thundering, roaring . It sounded like a crowd in their ears. The welcome home to the Goddess Herself.
"M-My Goddess!" Oneida yelped out, realizing they had totally been staring. An awkward half bow, keeping their eyes on the ground. Then, they stood, folding their wings. The Advocate was in complete shock and awe, their pupils shrunken, body shaking with some hidden intensity. This was their Goddess. In the flesh. If they wanted, they could reach out and touch Her. But they didn't. Because they were respectful like that. Instead, they continued to stare, mane and tail whipping behind them.
WC:209
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Post by Gaybies on Jan 14, 2018 19:54:15 GMT -6
R O W T A G
Serora Outsider
......
To say that Row felt out of place standing among the others atop God’s Landing… well, that would’ve been an understatement. Though he had proven himself reliable in the face of danger, he was not their friend, though he had been compassionate towards the frightened Helios, he still could not count himself as one of them. This fact didn’t bother him, not really, since his rebirth he had gotten used to this feeling of not belonging. As much as he had tried to convince himself of that, the more time he spent among the kindly Serora horses, the more he felt himself moved in the opposite direction. He had started to care about them, at least… maybe just the few he had arrived with. They were alright…
He stood quietly as the others spread out and conversed, offering Helios the occasional grunt when the other tried to converse with him. Sure, he felt bad for the frightened stallion, but he hadn’t entirely warmed up to him yet. He remained there for some time eventually catching Sauron’s departure out of the corner of his eye. They didn’t belong here… never had the label Outsider felt so accurate… Left alone, he sighed.
Suddenly, everything seemed to change. The goddess appeared from the sky and greeted those gathered. In all her glory, he was in awe, for she surely was magnificent, but as the others began to weep and exclaim in awe, he felt a hollowness settle in his heart. It felt as though something was missing, like something that had been there had been ripped forcefully away from him. It hurt, but he couldn’t explain it. The Goddess had turned to look at each of them in turn, but Rowtag couldn’t bring himself to return the look. Here were all her children, all her followers, bowing and bawling at her presence, and he felt out of place. She was not here for him, he was not one of her children… He never would be. Rowtag turned his gaze away and instead stared off at the wonderful sight that was Sedo from God’s Landing. Heh… God’s Landing… the name made sense to him now.
... ... Word Count: 361 Post 6
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Post by Deleted on Jan 14, 2018 20:23:38 GMT -6
The mare's head tipped to the side as she studied the weapon, her ears flopping over with the dramatic tilt. However, before anyone was able to give her an answer, the artifact started a sing. Jumping back in surprise, she whipped her head around to the others, wondering if she had heard the same. The familiar sound of popping filled her ears as the jackalope started to ping around the group. And if that wasnt enough, wings sprouted from the buckskin stallion in the group.
Instantly, the mare's heart started to race. There was too much happening at once, overloading the small mare's mind. Her breath started to quicken as she tried to process it all, but unfortunately for her, it wasnt done.
Appearing in a vortex of swirling wind, a winged being burst into existence before them.
"MY CHILDREN."
Tears brimmed the mare's eyes as she looked upon the goddess before her, her eyes widening at her cosmic wings. Alya. Briny's parents had always told tales of the air mother, urging Briny to pray; and she had, at least for a while, but as she got older.. she had drifted.
Now, her doubts had been lifted.
"MY CHILDREN. I HAVE MISSED YOU."
Briny felt her world spinning, black forming in the corner of her vision. "She's.." here. Her mind went fuzzy, her world fading to black, and her legs collapsed from beneath her as she lost consciousness.
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Post by wulfeneit on Jan 14, 2018 21:20:18 GMT -6
Lyall, Seroran, Shook Goat Father
The afternoon wore on. Lyall drifted between the members of his party. He found the Kirin’s reaction to the sight before them amusing, yet bittersweet. His gaze lingered on Sauron as the beast wondered for longer than he cared to admit. At some point he remembered his concerns for Helios and alcohol and a made a point to ensure the white pegasus could not reach any. A task not as difficult as one would think, given the fact that Helios had the height advantage. Lyall found that tall equines looked down as often as short equines looked up. In other words, not frequently. Overall however he kept to himself, preferring peace over the bustle of voices. In the following week he would remember little of it. As the sun set beyond the horizon, four things occurred in quick succession. A jackalope went mad. Something among the crowd sang. Wings sprouted from a stallion with none. A piercing glow followed and from the might of a gale a God descended. “MY CHILDREN.”
Time stood still. “I HAVE MISSED YOU.”
In the face of her light and glory Lyall stumbled, his legs shook, feathers trembled like leaves in the wind. The Goddess was everything he thought she would be and more. Oh so much more. In that moment he recalled every word his father spoke. Abba’s prayers; his praise, every lesson ever taught, every discipline he endured in the name of Alya. And Lyall found every single one of them lacking. Miles below her magnificence. He staggered forward again, braving the crowd to be closer to her. Not caring who he brushed against or who stood in his way. His will lasted only three paces before he fell to his knees, bowing, forehead touching the earth. “Mother-” He choked, stumbling over all he meant to say and feeling like a complete dolt. “My Goddess... Sky Mother. You-you heard the pleading of my brothers and sisters. You heard them above their quarrel-” Abba’s voice roared in his ears, ‘Brazen colt! You will not speak in such a way!’ but he could not hold his tongue. “Forgive us. We have not held true to our word. To ourselves or to you.”
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Post by kalovantha on Jan 14, 2018 22:54:36 GMT -6
VitriakThe Folk, GathererWord count: 315 || Post: 1st (in this thread), 3rd for chapter
Vitriak was growing irritated with the jackalope. Of all things it just had to come along! His tail lashed against his side, however he did sullenly admit to himself that it was better to be a small little thing, even with the teleporting, than saaaay a teleporting thunderbird. He grumbled as he steeled himself for the rest of the journey up the steps. Once there, and helping to ensure that the carts were safe did he finally start to relax despite the amount of others at the landing. Without hesitation he walked to the edge and looked over Sedo, amazed and once again wondering what it must be like to have this view every day. How he envied those with wings. I'm here father, I can finally see what you see and how I wish you were here. His thoughts drifted before realizing that there was much more interesting things happening behind him. Vit turned to see that there was...something? Soemthing that many horses were crowding around and he shuffled closer, half rearing to see what it was so he wouldn't have to shove his way through the crowd he nearly fell down as he saw a horse suddenly sprout wings! The hell?! If that was possible then why wouldn't he of all?! He shook away such bitter thoughts when he felt something....something else. He turned and his breath caught in his throat, green eyes wide in amazement. Surely...surely this was a mirage or some trick! When their eyes met he knew it was no trick though and he took a few steps forward before his hooves would move no further and he bowed his head deep, only stopping as his muzzle hit the ground. "Lady Alya...." He murmured, lifting his head just a little so he could watch her, marvel at her. His thoughts were racing, even more wildly than the jackalope had been. |
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Post by PaganStars on Jan 14, 2018 23:09:53 GMT -6
Jack
We never lost control
You're face to face
With the man who sold the world Jack had barely noticed as the time had passed, spent playing with the children and pointing out various landscapes with Nico, discussing the artifact with Adonis and generally preparing the offers they were to make. With his mind elsewhere, Jack had hardly noticed the insistent itch along his spines and the ever-growing warmth that radiated from his shoulders. He figured it to be the sun that was causing this, his back overheating and tired. It had been a long journey after all and the trip up to God's landing had not been an easy one.
Jack had been humming to himself softly when the sky seemed to fade, his eyes widening at the speed that it arrived from, greatly confused and wondering what in the hell was happening. The air felt thin like his breath was being taken from him, stolen by the breathtaking view- and for Alya's sake, his back felt as if someone was sitting on it. His gaze snapped to the jackalope that was dancing circles in the dirt, shifting back to the forming clouds that seemed so ominous but awe-inspiring at the same time. The pain seemed to disappear at that moment, Jack's jaw dropping as he felt something spring forth from him in a flurry of feathers and movement.
"oh"
His jaw slack, Jack stumbled as the most uncomfortable feeling washed over him, his stomach twisting and flipping as he fought the ground, his vision spinning. His shoulders felt heavier, larger and gods something was flicking against his tail. Whipping his head back, Jack's widened impossibly so as he gazed over his new appendages, Orange feathers seeming to glow from the light that surrounded them all. Jack was lost for words; he had seen kirins come back to life, seen beings who were the mix of two creatures but growing wings? Never in his life had he heard of this, had he seen this. It was a blessing from-
Head snapping back towards the source of light, Jack blinked, only just registering the goddess that stood before them, their goddess. He froze, how did one address their god in person? Jack had heard her voice the day he had received her blessing, had felt the air stir with her presence as she had filled his lungs and gifted his voice. But then she had gone silent and Jack feared that she was furious with them, storms raging across the land. He had prayed, practically begged for her to come back, to help him answer why a blessing bestowed upon his family and friends had disappeared, where she had disappeared to. Jack startled as her voice rang out like thunder, new feather ruffling up with little to no control. His wings hung awkwardly at his side, not quite sure how to operate them just yet.
He couldn't move, couldn't even bow his head or hide the tears that were to shed. She was here, standing before them. Jack could not find the words, his jaw hung slack and his breath stolen from him.
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Post by seechem on Jan 15, 2018 2:54:11 GMT -6
N E R O
a Saviour of Serora
'writing my poems for the few that look to me, took to me, shook to me, feeling me'
......
The tranquillity, the hum of voices and awe at their desert home seemed to fade in an instant. The roan's eyes snapped open as the wind picked up engulfing God's Landing in a storm that they were now the centre of. Nero backed away from the edge quickly, his ears flicking back as he whinnied fearfully and did little half rears in his retreat. Had they led the Thunderbirds here? Were they under attack again?! He had to fight a sob of anguish at the thought. But then a high melody sung out against the raging storm and it was as though the sky itself was unfolding before them.
Wings like the cosmos, her coat like the sand. She was different from how he remembered her, but the awe and love he felt for her was almost doubled. Then she gazed upon them, addressed them, and Nero almost crumbled. Her voice rolled like thunder "MY CHILDREN." She spoke, tears brimming on Nero's cheek at her majesty, "MY CHILDREN, I HAVE MISSED YOU." Her blue eyes, like extracts of the bluest skies, met his copper eyes. Even though it was for the briefest moment, the medic felt a stirring in his chest. His power, the power she had given to him, swelled inside him, surging to meet their Mother.
"You...you came back...Mother..." his voice was shaking, every fibre of his body pounding as his heart throbbed with love for her. As he regarded her, soaked in her glory, his legs shook under him and he fell to his knees. He never tore his eyes from her, from his beloved mother. Somehow she had saved him, unshackled his Blessing in his moment of need so that now he could feel himself brimming with power.
His mind was swimming at the Goddess before him, could this be real? Was he so truly blessed to gaze upon her again?
"Thank you Mother...thank you Alya." He whimpered. How could he ever show how grateful he was for Her return, for returning his Blessing. For being here now.
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Post by gutpunch on Jan 15, 2018 5:47:41 GMT -6
QIMAT seroran glass crafterQimat was surprised to see the jackalope appear, to say the least. She had seen them many times before, but how quickly it grabbed the turnip and immediately popped away, snack in hand, simply shocked her. It shocked everybody, but she could feel the tense, irritated, almost infuriated air around her dissipate just as quick as the jackalope revealed itself. Glad that it seemed to be of no apparent danger, she lifted herself off the ground and immediately turned her head around to look at Lemon, an amused grin on her face. “Maybe it’s the ghost of a jackalope, and that’s why it can teleport,” she quipped, before pivoting and falling back into the caravan’s line.While they travelled, she considered trying to adopt the odd creature. It was skittish, disappearing and reappearing in random, yet nearby, spaces just as somebody would try to pet it or grab it. She understood how it might feel as she gently ran her teke along the hidden scar on her neck from a slaver’s rope. More like a noose, really, but she had survived. With God’s Landing in sight, her mind quickly switched to more positive thoughts: they were almost there. Anxiety began to bubble in her stomach, burning at her insides and forcing a lump into her throat. The caravan was so close, so close!, that it sent chills down her spine and into her legs. Her fur prickled.The chimera mare stayed that way when they settled onto the lift. Her nerves increased and shot upward, suddenly aware of just how high off the ground she truly was. With a small shake, the lift completed its journey. Qimat was sure the short trip had lasted a lifetime. Lungs filled themselves with air as she took in a deep breath. Her hooves trembled with excitement that now replaced anxiety, and with her pale hoof, she took a step out onto the large plateau, and then another. After several steps, the realization crashed into her. Finally, they had arrived. Fear melted away, sore muscles were forgotten, and her aching back ignored. Her pale yellow eyes watched Briny buck with the same excitement before she noticed the large gathering in front of her. Her herd, her family. Her family… A brief, disappointed look swept across her face. Oh, how she wished her mother and father could see this. How she wished Embryss and Sesil could see the view. They deserved this more than she did.Before moving to engage with the other horses, Qimat turned around and began helping Avery secure the carts. Once they were fine, she quickly pushed herself deep into the crowd, greeting Nafisa and Adonis. “Wind beneath your wings,” she said as a glint from the weapon they had all been inspecting caught her attention. She squeezed herself in between her herd mates, excusing herself along the way, so that she could actually see what the hubbub was all about. Gods, how it was beautiful. The line work was intricate and Alya was depicted in the etchings. “What is that?” she whispered, echoing Briny, eyes shifting around, hoping somebody would have an answer. “If my fellow Serorans would allow me, I’d like to take this and study it with the assistance of Councillor Cardinal.” Qimat nodded, tacking on a quiet agreement to Nafisa’s suggestion. “Yes, that would be best,” she repeated. Then Jack, one of the horses she had openly disagreed with at the Sultan’s meeting, spoke. "Nafisa, wouldn't you like to stay for the prayers? We've all come such a long way for this, surely it could wait a little longer yet.”That was right -- they were all here to pray, to sing, to call upon their holy Wind Mother. While she hadn’t seen eye to eye with the stallion beforehand, now was different. They were all here to worship, they all had a common goal. Warriors were already on the move. There was no turning back now. “I have idols in my bags,” she mentioned, and then carefully backed herself out of the crowd. Surveying the plateau, Qimat noticed a nice, flattened rock that would be the perfect display for the glasswork she carried on her back. Carefully, she reached into her bags and pulled out the statuettes. They were of feathers, of Alya, of wings, of pegasi, anything that she thought might call out to the goddess.Once satisfied, Qimat left the display and then, after several passes over the crowd, noticed the antlers. Then the scales. Kirins. Kirins were here, and she wondered if they worshiped Alya just as she worshiped Ignacio. Her worship was a much more private affair, however. The stallions looked disgruntled. No, they were brought here, but Qimat couldn’t understand why. Perhaps to convert them to Alya. This was as close as she had ever gotten to the kirins, and she had so many questions to ask, but now was not the time. Interrogations regarding a different god definitely, absolutely did not belong where Alya was considered sacred. Instead, the mare carried herself toward the edge of plateau and simply stared at the earth below her. If she squinted, she could see Osulas. The desert looked so beautiful from above, where one could appreciate the full scope of the land they inhabited. ‘Pegasi are so lucky,’ she thought.The sky quickly turned from afternoon. Pinks and purples and oranges exploded over the sky as time seemed to abandon them on the cliff. It sped up and stars and the two moons now glistened in the light while strong winds encircled the herd. Oddly, the forceful gusts didn’t displace a single horse or the figurines, not even a single grain of sand. Logically, she knew she should be fearful, but there was something preventing that. Qimat’s head turned to watch the jackalope pop in and out of existence, jumping from place to place with increased excitement. Her ears twitched and swiveled to listen to the metal weapon sing, and then she noticed how Jack had literally sprouted a pair of massive wings. The spectacle caused her to gasp.“Oh, Alya!” she cried, unaware of just how near her goddess was.Something pulled at her and she returned her gaze to the sky, only it wasn’t the sky. Clouds and stars and oranges and blues all blended together, forming beautiful wings that quickly became the sky itself. The color of sand pooled itself together, forming their beloved Wind Mother.
“My Children, I have missed you.” Qimat’s eyes widened with understanding, and her mouth opened to let a scream escape her throat, but no sound came out. She could see everything, yet nothing at all. Could feel everything and nothing all at once and she was overcome with emotion, her chest seizing in shock. She didn’t even notice Lyall accidentally brush against her, but he steps in front of her and she notices him bow. The mare could have sworn she no longer had control over her body, but somehow, she moved to kneel, too. Her head and gaze promptly lowered, immediately followed by an immense sense of guilt for worshiping another god, for worshiping Ignacio. Alya still loved her, right? Qimat desperately wanted to cry out for an answer, to ask if Alya had forsaken her. Surely, She hadn’t, as She was right in front of her. She was right in front of dozens. Alya hadn’t forsaken Her children. They would not be left alone in the war.
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Post by BlueUnicornJ13 on Jan 15, 2018 9:26:23 GMT -6
Malik | Talori | Tenderfoot
All of the commotion as more and more horses appeared on the plateau had Malik's mind racing at a dizzying speed. Where was everyone coming from? All Malik could figure out was that they were all Serorans and most seemed to know each other as they greeted and saluted one another. His disk-shaped ears swiveled back and forth, catching snips of conversations around him. Most of them directed toward the artifact. With a small snort, the striped colt took a step closer to his sister, his shoulder brushing against hers. If he wasn't going to be able to do something with the odd weapon-like artifact, he was at least going to make sure he didn't lose Pearl in all of this mayhem or get them trampled underfoot by one of the adults milling around God's Landing.
"Wow, I've never seen so many Serorans in one place before." He mused aloud, his eyes sweeping across the different faces with curiosity. He felt odd standing in such a large group of adults from a herd that was not truly his own, but where other foals would have shied away and hid on the outskirts of the groups, Malik stood proudly, swishing his colorful fins around his hindlegs. He was a Talorian, and there was no reason why he should feel awkward or bad about it. His mother had always told him to be proud of his heritage even in these lands that were not his home, and he wasn't about to stop believing that just because his mother wasn't there at the moment.
"Pearl, what do you think is going to happen to the-" Malik didn't get to finish his sentence as he was interrupted by a sudden rush of wind seems to make the air around them incredibly thin. As suddenly as the air seemed to disappear, a swirling storm grew around them, more powerful than he had ever seen before. His eyes went to the weapon as its humming grew louder just as a pegasus in their group spread his wings wide as if it greet the four-winged equine that rose up before them. 'Wait.... he hadn't had those wings a minute ago...' He thought, confusion creasing his brow. What was happening? Malik took a step closer to Pearl, making sure he could fend off any danger that may come their way.
MY CHILDREN. The pegasus's voice boomed in his head like a clap of thunder. MY CHILDREN I HAVE MISSED YOU.
Malik's eyes widened in fear, suddenly feeling as though he shouldn't be there. This wasn't just another Seroran. He had been told of the sky goddess during his studies, but he hadn't imagined that she make an appearance. "Pearl, that's- that's Alya isn't it?" He asked, knowing very well what his sister's answer would be.
Watching the reaction of the adults falling onto their knees with tear-stained faces, Malik dipped his head, bowing onto one knee.
Word Count: 488 | Post #4 |
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Post by moonlightwalk on Jan 15, 2018 9:39:09 GMT -6
Inigo
Serora | Outsider
Inigo eyed the trinket, barely refraining from taking it out of the adults’ grasps as it was passed along. With only words exchanged, words that couldn’t manage to grab his interest, the whole thing soon lost the young colts interest, instead being pulled in by another horse calling over Noatak and Pearl, Inigo deciding to extend the invite for himself and trotting after his new friend. He stared at whatever it was the horse pointed at, explaining this was the highest point in all of the land. Inigo’s eyes grew wide in wonder. “Ooh, I see, I seee, euhm, a lot of sand. And river and rock,” the golden colt listed of excitedly, thinking it was a game. He was clearly winning. He smiled brightly, proud of himself, before casting a wary glance at those around him. There were a lot of adult gathering and none of which his family as far as he could see. He frowned. “Why’s everyone h-“ he started, but was interupted by…
He did not know what or who, but it happened none the less, a figure appearing as Inigo shared in shock or awe. Until the first words were spoken and the spell was broken.
Alya.
And Inigo screamed. Sky mother, Goddess, all had been fine, but that name, Alya, that made his whole body quiver and his stomach lurch in terror as the colt turned an ran blindly, panic and fear the only thing on his mind. Alya. That was Alya? Alya was bad, was wrong. He didn’t know why, but it just was and he had to get away, somewhere safe. “Mama?!” He looked around frantically, scanning for familiarity in a sea of strange horses. “Mama? Io? Uncle?”
Anyone? Just anyone, please.
Post 4 | 289 words
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Post by FaunaFawn on Jan 15, 2018 9:42:48 GMT -6
Noatak
We're just kids
we aren't supposed
to be heroes
Being ushered away by Nico, Noa let out a small huff, but Nico was quick to turn his mind around what else was happening. Instead they looked out int he vastness that was of Serora. The lands wide and diverse the hues and colors beautiful. Noa felt joy spread across him, like goosebumps his skin prickled with delight. This was home, his home, their home. Eyes looked to the other children that Nico ushered with him and watched their reaction as well, though, Noa eyed the others hat came flocking into God's Landing.
"There are so many here" Noa remarked. "Did they come to look at the relic too?" he asked almost a bit sadly. He perhaps was a bit selfish keeping it to himself and the other children. Seeing how all the adults wanted to be around it and see, Noa felt guilt rise in his small chest. He did a bad didnt he?
Though as the day grew out, and suddenly everything seemed a bit off. Noa heard the adults gasp about the relic and Noa was quick to turn his attention to it, yet suddenly everything was happen. Eyes spotted Jack growing wings, feathering on his neck and he was in wonder, yet what truly took him in was the sight of her.
For a second nothing else mattered, for a second it was just himself and Alya or so it felt like to him. In wonder and delight, a large smile grew on his lips with delight. her voice, oh her voice was loud but it felt like home. Like tender kisses on the forehead and Noa wish he could hear more of it. Tears of joy escaped his eyes, as his giggled was heard, his happiness could not be contained by smiles and tears alone.
"Alya! I knew you'd come back I knew you would!" he called out to her with glee. Noa rearing up on his hind legs with delight. Noa continued to giggle and laugh with delight, their goddess, she was here! Here with them, she missed them and Noa, oh he missed her terribly too. Her presence missing, but she returned like a fireplace in the home, everything right now, felt so right.
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Post by moonlightwalk on Jan 15, 2018 10:13:16 GMT -6
Eyrin
Serora | Savior
Eyrin let the trinket be taken by Jack, inclining his head politely at the Prophet, before Adonis managed to catch his attention. He started sweating in distress, but nodded, not as impolite as to refuse such request. He followed with head hanging low, heart filled with dreath. Was he going to yell at him for not catching Naotak and the children sooner for playing with the weapon? He really had tried as best as he could. Maybe he should have gone closer earlier, but they hadn’t really huddled before that either? Was it because he had called for Noa when he darted of the cart towards him? Was it because he-?
His thoughts were interupted as Donny started speaking and Eyrin scrambled to catch up to what he was saying. Here it was- He- Wait, what? Eyrin felt heat crawl over his face, a blush working to paint it red. He gaped slightly, at a loss of words. The Advocate was apologizing? But- but- Realizing he was probably being rude with staying silent for so long, he rushed to say: “It was my fault. I-I mean, it was not your fault. It was- Euhm, it was…” he trailed off, not sure what he was trying to say. His teke move to brush at his own mane, which were sticking to his forehead unpleasantly, and then to fumble with his saddle bags, removing invisable dust. “I’d like to be friends as well,” he managed before tearing up after all and lunging forward to wrap the smaller stallion in a bone crushing hug.
He stepped backa few seconds later, whiping at his eyes and starting to mutter apologies. “Aah, sorry, I just-“
Whatever he was gonna say was cut short as everything around them suddenly picked up and quieted down all at the same time and then he was tearing up again, now outright crying, for a whole other reason.
“My children. I have missed you.”
Alya appeared before them, wings sprouting from Jack’s shoulders. It was a miracle. Alya, so different, but still the same. What happened? He asked or thought, he didn’t know, as he svrambled to drop to his knees. No sooner had she appeared however, or a tiny voice of distress could be heard. Inigo! Wait, where was Pangolin? The tiny colt was standing next to Nicodemus along with some other foals, apperently having joined Noatak in giggling.
He tried scanned around for Inigo but had a hard time pinpointing his location. What was going on with him?
Post 5 | 421 words
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Post by seelestudio on Jan 15, 2018 11:08:56 GMT -6
He had not been... Well, a very good team player. The finding of the weapon, or whatever it truly was, had shocked him. Not like he offered much to anything before. He had followed his group up the many steps without trouble but once up there all he could feel was the wind and urge to look over the edge. He chose to ignore the others already up there, let Eyrin deal with it. Looking out at his home from such a height was an intense feeling that left him invigorated. He had not felt like this for a very long time and wanted to keep staring down as the wind twisted his hair into knots. When the others trickled in as well the overwhelming feeling of being unwantedly surrounded had him breaking away from the group ever more. It was only when the world quickly darkened that he backed away from the edge and focused on the group. Did that one have wings before? What is going on? Thats when he saw her, the incredible image of Alya. Not just an image, that was her! Real and in the flesh! She met Tore's eyes and he was truly shocked. He had been sure she wasn't real, that she was just a made up thing for people to feel better about themselves. And now he felt almost betrayed, he had prayed to her, practically begged her and it felt like she had not heard him. With a childish huff, he looked away. So she was here now, what did she plan on doing? |
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Post by Blubber-Bun on Jan 15, 2018 13:25:48 GMT -6
Jemin
 ---
As armageddon descended, his father’s old mantra came to mind.
‘A Seroran is faithful. A Seroran does not lose hope. A Seroran does not falter, does not disrespect, does not stray from peace. The Sky Mother will always provide for those with faith.’
He was suddenly a child of eight again, fidgeting and groaning his way through the local liturgy. Jemin remembered it clearly; the clay statuettes and intricate tapestries, the sound of song and glass chimes. Even more, he remembered the boredom, the frustration. Piety, while as ingrained as instinct to most, had skipped the boy entirely. Sit up straight, Jemin - no, put the lizard down and listen - Jemin; again, his father’s voice, now chastising. Age eight was the last time he had spoke of The Sky Mother in any tone close to reverence.
Now, he only ever used Her name to mock.
It was fitting that his initial reaction would be one of horror. Here came Alya - the object of his scorn and doubt - descending from the gale with a flurry of stardust. In one spectacular swoop, She shattered his suspension of disbelief, put to shame a decade’s worth of ‘I do what I want - no one’s watching’ logic, and gave him a minor existential crisis. It was a three-way combo, all delivered neat and tidy.
“I need a drink,” were the first words to roll off his tongue. Slack-jawed and thoroughly dazed, he stumbled back. A nihilist does not waver from their bleak reality, and to this extent Jemin tried. He insisted, demanding that his senses deceive him.
But the truth remained undeniable, unchanged.
Flashing the whites of his eyes, he tore his focus to the mortal world. His herdmates kneeled, throwing themselves to the dust. They sobbed. They gushed and worshipped. They were elated. Somewhere, he heard a child scream. It was their naivety that grounded the mule, solidifying his resolve. So blinded by adoration, they forgot to question their situation, and the events that had led to it. Guileless fools.
Alya’s roaming gaze, vast as the cosmos, left him a lingering sense of vulnerability. He scrambled for anything with which to shield himself - and, ever a mouthy bastard, his weapon of choice was to be expected.
“Get up,” he snarled “All of you. Do you - do you really believe, that - that…” His voice dissolved into a shallow, hoarse laugh, edged by hysteria; as if scoffing at a joke only he understood. He shook his head, regaining his breath. “She left you. She abandoned us when things got dirty - when we stopped being pretty toys to play with; when we became too busy preparing for war to sing Her praises and grovel at Her shrines.”
“This - “ he gestured vaguely to the magnified sky, tossing back his head with another rueful snort, “ - you’re just gonna accept this?” He finally allowed himself to look at the Goddess, to really look at Her. She was the sky; untouchable, magnificent, and terribly infinite to behold. Jemin balked, but did not bend his knee.
“...I’d say an explanation is overdue.”
---
gdi
WC 522 | P #6
Jemin - Serora - Planter |
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Post by arlybarlywartek on Jan 15, 2018 19:57:11 GMT -6
The amount of horses that were arriving to God's Landing was overwhelming Pearl and she stuck closer and closer to her brother's side, pressing hard against his shoulder as his touched her's.
"Is this reality?" She asked softly, flattening her ears at the chill the wind gave her, crawling up her spine and making her blood go cold.
"I believe so."
She nodded.
The horses around them bowed, giving the goddess great respect- Even her brother did so.
She twisted her mouth, uncertain what to do.
There was one horse who wasn't pleased, yelling for everyone to stand up. Pearl grimaced and lifted a foot. Were all gods this intimidating? She took a few steps forwards away from Malik, towards the goddess; staring with wide, curious eyes.
"You're too loud." It was true, at least for Pearl. Alya's voice had exploded in her head and she could feel the vibrations bounce around in her skull. Pearl strengthened her posture and stance, trying to seem like a horse who commanded respect. For a small filly, who was awfully cold, it wasn't exactly going well.
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Post by leaftail on Jan 15, 2018 21:27:47 GMT -6
Taeith | Gatherer
The strange object was passed from Jack to Nafisa with the latter saying they would investigate it with Cardinal at a later time. Tae knew it was in good hands with those who possessed much more knowledge than she probably could ever accomplish in this lifetime. She trusted that Nafisa and Cardinal would get to the bottom of the strange weapon.
The colors of the sky shifted suddenly and Taeith turned her head to look up, watching the spectacle with wide eyes. It was strange, though mesmerizing. The sky never changed colors this fast, and at first she thought it was because of their height, but as the moons rose and shone their light down on them, something seemed...different. This wasn’t natural. It was…
Taeith sucked in her breath as the wind picked up, her heart pounding. It twisted around the plateau, encompassing the group at the edges and Tae felt the stomach churning pain of fear creep up onto her. Had they been lured into a trap? Was there an air manipulator plotting against them nearby?
The jackalope didn’t help as it started to pop in and out of existence, bounding around before throwing itself onto the ground. Taeith let out the breath she had sucked in, finding that breathing would be best to calm herself down. A new sound grabbed her attention as the weapon in Nafisa’s teke grip started to hum. She looked back at it just as wings sprouted from Jack’s back. Taeith jumped away, surprised by the sudden growth. D-did the weapon do that to him!? She was in shock and, then awe, as what happened next brought tears back to her eyes.
‘My Children’
Was this real? Was that…
‘My Children, I have missed you.’
The sound of Her voice was immense, yet almost calming at the same time. Taeith felt the tears run down her face as she stared up at her Goddess, mouth hanging open.
Ayla!
She had returned and...She was here! In front of her!
Taeith swallowed as her mouth grew dry, letting her emotions take over as she started to cry just a few seconds later. She was so happy. Her prayers had been answered!
As Ayla looked at each and every one of them, Taeith returned her gaze, her expression full of unconditional love. She didn’t care if the Goddess saw her tears, or her weaknesses...She saw her! Taeith wasn’t just another Seroran in Her eyes. Taeith was one who was present when She came back. Her attention was quickly pulled from the amazing sight when Jemin’s harsh voice rang out, causing the gatherer to shoot a glare at him.
How dare he! In front of Ayla too!? Taeith had wanted to say something, but she bit her tongue. Even though he was angered and accusing Ayla of abandoning them because they weren’t praising Her daily, he had a point. She did disappear on them and for what reason? But, to say no one was calling to her was an outright lie. He was ignorant for that as Taeith knew for herself she prayed daily for Ayla to return to them. She must’ve had a reason for Her absence though...right?
>Post: 5 | WC: 535< |
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Post by LaBelleAnni on Jan 18, 2018 11:09:44 GMT -6
A V E R Y
Gatherer | Serora
......
When the winds started to whirl and the item shake, he knew something strange was about to happen. The next time he blinked, one of the others in their large group of travelers all the sudden had vibrant, beautiful wings. Following this was the appearance of none other than Alya herself. He froze in his tracks, looking up at the Sky Mother with shock and amazement. Here she was, more beautiful and wonderful than his mother had said she was. Her coat was like the sandy desert, while her wings wrapped the sky in her loving presence. Her eyes fell upon each one of them, even him. Tears streamed down his face as his mouth stayed agape. There were no words that could perfectly describe her, or this moment.
All his prayers were worth each passing day, each sorrowful cry for their dearest mother to come back. One time he even considered passing through the Sear and pray to her at her temple. Now, however, there was no need to. She was here, and that was all that mattered. All the sadness in his heart from before vanished when she appeared, filling him with her kind and caring winds. He could not move, but he forced himself to do so, bowing in her presence. For a moment he bowed his head, though he saw no reason to shy away from basking in her radiance. Her voice thundered in the evening, shaking his very being. Each of her children cried out to her, for the most part joyful with her appearance. Some questioned and did not wish for her to be real, but there was no changing that this was Alya. This was their goddess, their mother.
"Dearest Mother, I prayed for you to come, and you have. I am more than thankful for your presence. Thank you. Thank you, Alya! You've blessed us all." Avery's voice shook, though he spoke with such conviction in his voice, praising her with each breath he took. His vision blurred with the tears in his eyes, but he did not stop looking away from her, for how could he turn away? He thanked her for allowing him to be a part of this, to be a part of her arrival. This would be the day that changed his life for good.
... ... Word Count:387 Post #5 |
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Post by Ladybro-Meghan on Jan 19, 2018 13:22:41 GMT -6
 Cherche;Serora | Folk
I want to feel good about myself. The way you do. And I don't know how. I don't know if I can.
Once more, the pale mare stubbled out of Kris' caravan. This time minding not to squash her little friend Briny this time. Cherche's tired eyes surveyed the heights, the sky. The deep painted colors of the heavens were nothing short of beautiful. The breeze played in the mare's mane and the air tickled her nose smelling of the untouched wildflowers. Gazing over the submit all Cherche could think of was trying not to look as lame as the others. Psh. Why look like a dope? It's just sand and rocks.
Cherche trotted over to Briny. Leaving Kris to deal with the caravan alone. She gruffly nudged the bouncy mule on the shoulder to announce her presence. That pesky jackalope still popping excitedly around them and the new faces. Little bunny needs to tone back the enthusiasm, shit. She just gave the pest a hard stare, eyes following the movement. The pale mare was probably more irritable than normal. That empty hole in her chest becoming more noticeable the soberer she grew. At this point, her secret stash ran dry hours ago. As much as Cherche wanted to complain about going home she could tell Briny was enjoying herself. Sigh. Of course, she is eating this up. Cher stifled a groan of boredom.
And then it happened. Alya breathed into mortal form, existing before them all. She commanded the storm itself. Powerful but controlled much like herself. Cherche's mouth was agape in wonder. The others bowed, bawled, and Briny even fainted.
The others felt loved, blessed even, from the wind mothers presence. All Cherche could focus on was the empty void in her own heart growing the longer Alya stayed among them. She had given so much to her children. Why did Cherche feel so..unlovable? Why did the wind mother curse her with this poison growing inside, every day? Making her a burden on those closest to the mare. Why..?
Sullen, the albino horse's head found its way low. Eyes were hidden away from view in curly locks. Most might think she was crying but numbness was all Cherche felt. No tears, no sobs, just numbness. Crumbling apart.
She needed a sign. In desperation, Cher searched for something to latch onto. Something, anything to hang onto from the goddess. Maybe that would prove that there was still hope for her better yet if a god would give a shit about her. A pitiful sight she must have been reeking of booze, hair a mess, and eyes that held no shine or goodness anymore.
On wobbly legs, she stepped closer to Alya, eyes meeting the sky's own, in the typical casual Cherche voice she finally spoke. "Can I have one of your feathers?" That took balls. It made her feel like an idiot but brave.
Would the goddess understand the reason why though?
TL;DR:
Cherche wants a feather from Alya because REASONS
WC: 469| Post #2 |
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Post by lovellatorendo on Jan 19, 2018 18:38:51 GMT -6
Andine
She gave up in her attempts to urge the remaining children toward Noatek after a few failed tries. Either her words weren’t encouraging enough or they simply found the prospect of speaking with mullahs too intimidating. Not that she could blame there even most teenagers she knew tried to avoid the focused attention of the very wise whenever possible. Andine had a brief slack jawed moment herself when she noticed that the first “mullah” to answer the adults’ summonings was someone she recognized though she knew him by reputation and in passing only. In fact, he wasn’t a mullah at all but a prophet… the prophet, Jack. Well, maybe they would find out what this thing was after all. Soon enough two mullahs also came forward to inspect the item in question and their thoughtful semi circle more or less excluded everyone else, intentionally or not. With a sigh the girl stepped further back and returned to scanning the surroundings partly to keep an eye out for danger and partly to look upon that which she had never before seen. It seems that she is no longer needed here really but she hasn’t been released from duty either and it appears that the rest of her baby-sitting team has gone off for one reason or another. Even Eyrin was, at least temporarily, engaged in a private conversation that seemed to be taking all his attention. So, when one of the mullahs (Nicodemus) removes himself from the circle and takes the children with him she follows. ”Um, sir, I can… I mean, it’s my job too...”
Suddenly the quiet of the plateau is shattered as group after group begins arriving in a clatter and clamour for the arranged ceremony. She hadn’t realized it had gotten so late and allows herself to be momentarily distracted by searching for her family and friends. Instead she spots not one but two kirins, an antlered rabbit and a small group of injured serorans. The first sightings make her eyes wide and the final one causes her to leap forward a few steps before stopping. The injured folk are escorted by at least two saviors and all appear to be bandaged appropriately. So she refrains from interrupting Eyrin or volunteering her own assistance. If they’d needed it they’d surely have called for additional medical attention as soon as they’d arrived. Sighing in disappointment she turns back to the children, the mullah and the prophet standing before her. Wait, when did he get there? Apparently discovering what the strange item might be isn’t as pressing as she and Eyrin had thought. She hrmphs quietly to herself at this but hangs back hoping to avoid unwanted notice. Then she remembers that Jack had asked the small winged boy a question earlier and not really gotten an answer. So, she inches nearer that she might speak softly to the colt without startling anyone standing too close to the edge. “Noatek...”The name is all she manages before her words are drowned in a sudden roaring rush of wind. That by itself is amazing given the recent silence of even the smallest breezes. It is not the end of the days amazement however for when she looks up she finds that Jack has sprouted wings he definitely didn’t have before. Then a sudden crack of thunder nearly defense her and the sky directly above them is suddenly filled with the overwhelming presence of Ayla accompanied by a booming god voice. Her appearance and words of thunder, how ever kind and warm, bring many to their knees, some to crying and even a few to shouting in anger. Andine wants to do all those things simultaneously for various reasons but most of all she wants to run because she is suddenly so terrifyingly close to the towering goddess. In the end all she manages to do is freeze completely and gasp out a small, surprised… “Oh!”
Post #4 | Words: 600 |
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Post by seechem on Jan 20, 2018 16:15:57 GMT -6
M A D D E N
a Mercenary of the Vagabond
'blood like rust on swords i knew, chests and hearts from lovers too'
......
The shiny thing had started singing. Not a useful weapon then, what sort of weapon emits noise? As he pondered that the singing got louder, and louder. Now the unicorn leapt back in alarm, teke latching onto his only defence; his knives, which now circled around him as he snarled at the object. A crash, a swoosh, noises bombarding his senses until he quivered under the intensity of it all. Then he saw her, hovering in the air as though utterly weightless. He didn't have a moment to consider before he saw many of the Serorans drop to their knees, cry out in passion or simply faint. His mercenary mind immediately sought out Nero and found the blue roan utterly transfixed by the appearance of his Goddess.
Madden watched her cautiously, he was a child of Ignacio, and his brain swirled with the wrongness of being in her presence. But seeing Nero fall to his knees, shaking and trembling, barely able to hold it together told him he needed to stay. If only to make sure his mate would go back home again at the end of this. One voice caught his attention above the declarations of love and adoration. Jemin.
"I need a drink."
Madden regarded the mule, practically his cousin-in-law at this point, make his way to the refreshments. Was Jemin not a child of Alya? Madden pondered to himself, though every second thought was still wondering why the Goddess had finally arrived, and what she wanted from them now. A harsh laugh brought his attention back to Jemin and he had to hold in a gasp at the mule's bold statement.
"She left you. She abandoned us when things got dirty-when we stopped being pretty toys to play with; when we became too busy preparing for war to sing her praises and grovel at her shrines."
With each word Madden felt his own agreement grow. Who was this Goddess to strip his mate of his Blessing, that he had earned himself, and that he needed to serve his herd? Who was she to come soaring back and demand their adoration again? Yet here they were bowing to her and mewling. Ruby eyes found Nero's frame, wracked with sobs and quivering with exhaustion. Madden ground his teeth together a little as he looked at the Goddess, an anger almost as fierce as the flames of his own God tore at his heart. But seeing the love and devotion pouring from almost every soul present made him consider his words, snarling a little at the effort it took to not rip into the source of his mate's anguish.
"At least you came back." He growled, exemplifying the 'back' with a sharp thud of his hoof. He looked towards Jemin now, feeling a slight kinship with the usually grumpy and unforthcoming mule. Looking directly at 'the Goddess' he gave a snarl of his upper lip and scuffed his front hooves in a display of anger, though he didn't want to show too much outward aggression. An insult from him could be a death sentence, in that instance Jemin was lucky to be a worshipper of Alya. He felt Nero look his way, could only imagine the hurt in those amber eyes at his lack of willingness to kneel before her, or to exchange kind and meaningless praises. Finally he shook his head, unable to stand there a moment more. A pale mare, had now approached the Goddess asking for a token, he admired all of their devotion to her, but had to step away from the suffocating air of love that felt so wrong in his mind.
As he returned his focus to the Temple, he hadn't noticed the tears running down his muzzle. Tears? When had he started crying? At the realisation the wave of hurt, disappointment and resentment hit him. Why was the world out to get him? Out to get those that he loved? Nothing was every just simple. He moved away from her, the wind tearing at him as he tried to find a spot where he didn't have to see the betrayed look in his mate's eyes.
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Post by PennthePony on Jan 21, 2018 21:26:19 GMT -6
K R I S T O F E R
Seroran Planter
“ For every knee shall bow. ”
......
Sweat beaded on his brow as he trudged through the sand, the harness of the caravan weighing on his withers, weighing on his back. They were so close, he knew, and this made the sweat on his brow form only quicker. Nervousness gnawed at the back of his mind - what would they find at the God’s Landing? This entire trip he had spent grumbling, frustrated, and at war with himself. Every ounce of logic within him screamed that there were no Gods, no stars that watched over the equines of the world. Yet his emotions had been toying with him, he felt conflicted, confused, and downright pissed. Why now did he have to go soft? What had changed? Because it sure as hell wasn’t him, Kristofer wasn’t one to just change. He was an unchanging rock, one that did not shift on its foundation. His mother for years had tried to preach to him, but he had nothing to do with it. As a child, he had believed her stories… but now that he was older? They were just stories… weren’t they?
Yet all at once his steady beliefs were flipped upside down and crushed by the weight of pure obvious fact. She looked like a mirage at first - a show of light that force him to squeeze his eyes shut. Turning his head away, his eyes snapped open when he heard a thud beside him. Briny had fainted at the sight of this… this thing. Loving boyfriend brain kicked into action. Without thinking, Kristofer moved to stand over her, lowering his head to nudge her cheek lovingly, checking her over to see if she was alright. He wasn’t the only one to see this mirage in front of him. Many were proclaiming it to be the goddess Alya, his friend Jemin scoffing at it, demanding answers. Kristofer could not blame him - he would want answers too if someone had up and left him without any apparent reason.
With Briny beneath him and his face still close to hers, his eyes cast up to look at the pegasus who hovered above them, four wings flapping to create a sort of swirling barrier about all of them. And then her voice lit his ears on fire, tears springing to his eyes. Why the hell was he crying? Sand in his eyes?
“MY CHILDREN.”
All at once, his heart was pounding, his ears ringing, his eyes suddenly inoperable. Panic was beginning to set in - why couldn’t he see?!
“MY CHILDREN, I HAVE MISSED YOU.”
He fell to his knees, catching himself just before falling on top of the mare below him. He felt like a blind man, kicking sand forward as he moved his hooves to stand - yet he couldn’t bring himself off of his knees. It was as though he were being held down, his head forced into a bow. A voice echoed with his mind, one that was not his own. “Stand, my child. I did not teach you to kneel.”
Like magic, the burden on his withers was lifted. Pushing himself off of his knees, Kristofer looked up at the Sky Mother, tears in his eyes. A whisper came to his lips, while he blinked hard and allowed the tears to fall. “For we walk by faith, not by sight…” His vision had not improved, yet his fear had dissipated. “...I understand now…” The feeling of the wind and sand about him was all the proof that he needed, Alya had returned.
... ... Word Count: tba Post #3 |
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Post by brandvandet on Jan 22, 2018 12:58:35 GMT -6
The great wings churn against the firmament and the stars ripple in her wake. The moons flank her shoulders like twin guardians, her eyes over her children. The goddess regards her faithful, as winds brush their skin gently, cradling those that have come for her, that have called for her. She followed those cries back from oblivion and each one pierced her heart as she lay naked and new in the vacuum of space. Two kirins watched and she glared imperiously down at them, all the weight of her anger and betrayal in her gaze. Ignacio had granted his kirins the salve of ignorance but she remembered. She could never forget her children’s cries. Viciously, she yearned to implant this burden in them--let their mortal minds erode under the horror of hundreds of pieces of your soul dying as they call your name. Instead she gave them back their own memories. In partial only, she pressed upon their minds the bodies of those they had slaughtered in Ignacio’s vain campaign, without the softening shroud of his madness. No longer could they plead their false innocence. They would remember that at least. Poor penance to pay. Jemin’s braying caught her attention and she looked sadly at him, the weight of her struggle lining her ageless face for just a moment. She had sent her visions to explain but there were so many of her children calling--she could not convince them all.
I HAVE ONLY EVER LOVED YOU, MY CHILDREN.
It is an echo that reverberates the stars and seems to span distances to another location where she gazed sadly through her zesla’s eyes. Another child steps forward and she smiles gently.
MY DAUGHTER, I WARN YOU IT WILL NOT KEEP ITS POWER ALONE.
She bares her teeth and cranes her head to her right wing. She pulls a pinion from herself, long as a grown horse and lays it on the ground. Separated, the feather stays static, patterned as if painted with the stars.
HAVE IT GLADLY.
As her head turns, she sees so many kneeling--the last to fall a seal bay--and she speaks into his heart before echoing the words aloud.
STAND, MY CHILDREN. I DID NOT TEACH YOU TO KNEEL.
It is then she turns her gaze to one of the smallest present.
NOATAK.
Her hooves press into the earth and she steps toward the child. Her winds hush as she presses her lips gently against his forehead in a maternal kiss, leaving a little white star marking. THANK YOU FOR KEEPING MY WEAPON SAFE. WE WILL NEED IT SOON.
The knowledge of it sweeps through everyone present. A glowing rod.
The world warping.
Space reshaped.Once again she takes to the air with a rush of wind.
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Post by fynli on Jan 22, 2018 14:26:11 GMT -6
While others kneeled, Adonis could only stand and stare.
Her voice was a blessing in itself, the sound of it just enough to heal any wounds inflicted upon Her children. It reached deep into Donny’s heart, pulling out any lingering pain he held there and soothed it. It was as reassuring as his mortal mother’s was, shooing away the dangers that lurked around every corner.
He couldn’t speak as others cried to Her, demanded where she had been or just simply spoke to Her. It felt like all the air in his lungs had simply vanished as if Her winds had taken it away. Even as She touched ground to approach Noatak, he couldn’t find the words to speak to Her.
She was in the air again and Donny gasped, realizing there were tears sliding down his face. The weight of their Mother’s return was all too much and he felt his mortal soul unable to process it.
He looked to his nephew, a soft smile on his muzzle as he reached down to hold the boy close.
“I’m so proud of you,” he whispered, holding him just a little too tightly as if he was afraid to let go.
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