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Post by posy-punch on Jun 29, 2018 19:10:16 GMT -6
Hello Starborn, and welcome to Talori Plot 601: Revelations and Rebirth Team Leader: Laurens Participants: Luna, Sinclair, Seven, Belle, Meredith, Kersal, Physalius Please keep the following in mind!- Posts must be a minimum of 175 words. There is no maximum!- No strict order is enforced, but there must be at least two posts between your own character's.- No god-moding or reading characters' minds (unless your pony is a literal telepath, anyway)
- Always get consent before harming another character!- Your team is precious. Try to interact with everyone. <3- Have fun! Even if your pony isn't. 8'DPrompt: For some of you the dreams are familiar, the overwhelming urge towards the Wilds, as forbidden as they are. For some of you the dreams are new, and the only thing you can think to do in their wake is to go to the edge of the jungle. There you find a number of others with the same dreams as you. The more experienced of the group know the way, but the storm roaring over the Wilds makes the journey appear perilous. Do the Wilds holds answers worth seeking? Location: The edge of the Wilds. Time of Day: Late Morning. Current Weather: Light drizzle where you stand. However, there's a clear barrier between your light rainfall and the hurricane torrents of rain within the Jungle. Have fun! You do not have to wait for your leader to post!
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Post by posy-punch on Jul 1, 2018 11:35:44 GMT -6
"Do you have to go?"
"Yes."
"But why? Can I come?" The dark colt whined. "Ana?"
Laurens laughed lightly and kissed his forehead. "Thadeus, your tutor will be here any minute. You need to focus on your studies..." she looked down at his pouting face that refused to look at her, "You can come next time."
"Yeah whatever." teenagers...
In reality, Laurens was being called again- back to the wilds. The day was young, but Nagisa and Kladius were long gone. She left a note on Nagisa's vanity. Laurens had told Thadeus she was just going to the market- if she had told him she was really going to the wilds, he'd only be more insistent that he come along. And it wasn't completely a lie, she was going to the market, she just intended to go to the wilds as well.
Laurens put some supplies in her pack, just some fruit and a few first aid supplies. She prayed that she wouldn't need to use them, but it was always better to be safe than sorry. The road ahead of her was long and unknown, but Cascade would guide her to the temple like she always had.
There was a light rain on her way through town, but nothing her cloak couldn't protect her from. She put her purchases in her sack and tucked them under her cloak once more. As she approached the edge of the wilds, she heard rustling around her.- more than just rain through the leaves. Her heart sunk, if only she'd asked to bring Creature with her, maybe she'd feel just a bit more safe. She searched for courage, but found little, all she could shake out was a weak, "W-whos there?"
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Post by Svantanon on Jul 1, 2018 16:41:27 GMT -6
Laurens was answered with a startled squeak.
There was a moment’s pause before a peachy-cream foal stepped out from the forest’s edge, a large Aquorian Raptor following closely behind her and eyeing the strange adult cautiously.
Guilt weighed Belle’s hooves down, making her steps slow as she dragged them across the earth. She hadn’t been expecting to see anyone else here—no less a grown-up. No less a grown-up she’d already met. Now she was facing a potential lecture for coming to the rainforest without adult company, and even worse, being escorted home as soon as she’d gotten here. That wasn’t something she could do—she had to be here, even if Ms. Laurens or any other grown-up couldn’t understand that—and for a heartbeat Belle wondered if she should just make a run for it and lose the mare in the jungle’s darkness… but that would be wrong. She had made a promise to Cascade to be braver, and if that promise would have to start with this… w-with maybe, possibly, being brave against a grown-up, then…
Then…
“I…” she started out quietly, but with a deep breath spoke louder on the second try. “I’m sorry. But you can’t—please don’t tell anyone I’m here. Especially my mama, and my brother.” Try as she might to be courageous, however, Belle’s tone was still a desperate and pleading one. “I have to be here! I’ve been having dreams, about the jungle, a-and they haven’t stopped. Cascade wanted me to come back. I know it. I have to know why she wants me here. And I’m not alone, because Bambi will protect me! Please…” a newfound resolve set in then, and before Belle knew it she had taken a tentative step back. Something in her told her that she would run into the rainforest if Ms. Laurens tried to stop her, and that thought was a little scary.
“Please don’t send me home.”
Post #1 | Word Count: 323
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Post by posy-punch on Jul 1, 2018 16:57:31 GMT -6
The return of the dream was more shocking than Sinclair would have thought months earlier. She had only just returned to what felt like a normal schedule when once again her nights were plagued by the Wilds. Just like before, they were irresistible. So here she walked, approaching the looming jungle, her eyes narrowed at the clear storm ripping through it. The groan of trees and the whipping vines were enough to make her more than a little nervous about the inevitable journey. But, it would be all right. She had walked this path before.
And she had run into someone in the very same situation on the way to the jungle. A familiar face. Luna walked alongside Sinclair quietly, the two of them sharing comfortable silence as they walked through the drizzling rain. Sinclair pointed her muzzle ahead of them, her voice low, but interested, "That looks like someone we both know, don't you think?" And it did. Laurens, a friend from the very first time they'd been called, stood at the edge of the Wilds, and at her hooves a small foal appeared already to have found her.
The two mares quickened their pace ever so slightly, eager to join the couple already standing there on the cusp of the overgrowth. "Laurens, we've been called again," Sinclair called as a way of greeting, walking close to the mare before stopping and dropping her gaze to a familiar Tenderfoot. She too listened to the little foal's plea before humming quietly.
"It will be dangerous, but Cascade is sure of who she calls, is she not?" She remembered the first time they had been called, "Even the first time we were accompanied by Tenderfeet; it shouldn't be so different." She chewed her lower lip in thought before continuing. "Especially now that we know the way."
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Post by sansatine on Jul 1, 2018 17:39:03 GMT -6
A. Laurens | 2
Her fear was misplaced, for the cause was a mere child. The tenderfoot had crossed paths with her before, but her name was foggy, not quite remembered... it started with a B... Laurens wasn't given a moment to recall before the now-caught foal began to ramble a plea, trying to find the right words. "Please don't send me home." Finally, what she meant to say. Laurens smiled and gave a soft laugh, gesturing for her to come closer. "Cascade called the both of us, I will not turn you from your mission. Bambi is your friend here, I assume, so please stay close so he can protect the both of us while we answer our Mother's plea." Laurens had learned to protect the egos of tenderfeet from spending time with Thadeus. Braver was a trait Laurens wish she had innately, so she tried to boost the foal's. Their bravery was tested shortly after their exchange. The sound of others came from behind them. Laurens moved to keep... B eatrice? no... whatever her name was close to her flank. Through the mist and rain, Laurens made out a white figure, making her heart feel at ease, an old friend who she'd met many times before in these wilds, Sinclair. Though there was another, looking much like Luna, but they were still too shrouded to tell. "Laurens, we've been called again." Sinclair said to her in greeting. The brown mare nodded, sneaking a peek at Sinclair's company, It was Luna! "It seems we have, though I'm much happier to know I will be going with friends."
Sinclair aimed to set the foal at ease with her words, like always. Tenderfeet were always among them when they made their way to the temple, something Laurens secretly wished didn't happen. She was always worried, but even more so when children's lives were involved, but Cascade knew who and why she called who she did, and Laurens trusted Cascade. Sinclair aimed to go on into the woods, but Laurens took a breath, "Do we know of any others? I don't see any one, but who could with this rain?" she asked offhandedly. As she looked out on the horizon it hit her. Belle!370 |
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Post by llostsoulss on Jul 1, 2018 18:28:21 GMT -6
KersalNone of it made sense, all of these dreams. At first, she just pushed them away not thinking anything by them. But they just kept going, every night it was another one the same way. The same forest. So Kersal decided to finally go look. She told her dearest friend that she will be back and started on her short journey to the forest. It was lightly showering, it was always nice to have that little bit of rain. But if these dreams meant anything it might prove difficult if she needs to go any further. On her way there excited and curious but also very nervous she thought nothing of it than just another adventure. Cantering around having fun, it wasn't until she came in sight of the forest that her excitement perished. It was dark, big and looked like it didn't want them to come back out once entered.
After inspecting how scary the forest looked she spotted the small group of 4 down at the edge of it she cantered down to them. "U..hh hi, um my names Kersal... and I've been having weird dreams of this place... I don't know what it means..." Kersal quietly stuttered out. She's never had dreams like this she didn't know what it meant. Hopefully, the small group that stands before her could help her. She thought that they might be here for the same reason?
Within the group, she saw no one that she had any interaction with before, that made her a little more nervous. She didn't know anyone here.
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Post by mariahwhy on Jul 1, 2018 21:09:46 GMT -6
Seven | Tenderfoot
Seven awoke from his sleep as if he had only been closing his eyes. He did not feel groggy, nor did he need to stretch. His eyes simply opened and he rolled off his bed and got to his hooves. He didn't shake Five awake to start their day, though he didn't make any attempt to be quiet either. The tenderfoot just walked straight out of the house without hesitation. Without looking back. The dreams had not happened for months. Yet the tug he felt in his chest was as familiar as if he had just felt it yesterday. He knew where he had to go. He knew who called him. Cascade. She was calling him back. This time his hooves carried him steadily out of the city. He didn't break into a run, nor did he pause. The foal was a year older, but years more mature than the last time he had walked this path. Or, the first time he had walked it, anyway. The second time had been at a breakneck speed, clinging to the tail of the now empress, Thalassa. That was when the Flight had come. But he didn't think of that now. Nor did he think of the light drizzle that spread a fine mist across his back. Despite it all a smile was plastered on his face, and his mind clear. He was going to see the Wave Mother again, and with a reward like that nothing could discourage him from his mission. He was excited to see her, and see if she was pleased with the way things were going with her children. His excitement increased tenfold to see several familiar figures on the path ahead. Now he broke into a bucking, playful run, closing the gap between them quickly. "Laurens! Sinclair! Luna!," he called. The three mares had watched over him not only during their extended stay in the Wilds, but also on his first trip into the jungle. He squealed happily, drawing up just short of running into them to give them a quick dip of his head. His bucking resumed when he spotted Belle, another familiar face. "Cascade called you this time too! Isn't that amazing!" He remembered how taken she had been by the idea of the goddess's visits before finally experiencing the visions herself. "She must be very happy with everything you've done since the last time we were there." Only as his heart began to settle did he notice another, though unfamiliar face. But he smiled just as wide at them, blinking as a few rain drops slid from his forelock into his eyes. "It means that Cascade wants to speak with you. Or, that's why she has called us here before anyway."Briefly his eyes shifted to the torrential rain ahead of them. It was strange how sudden the change from sprkinle to monsoon happened, but the foal completely glossed over the fact. He was still too excited about meeting old and new friends. "My name is Seven," he offered to the donkey.
(Post 1: 508 words)
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Post by Svantanon on Jul 2, 2018 12:32:54 GMT -6
Alarm shot through Belle as others began to approach through the foggy rain. The thought of getting into trouble with even more grown-ups was not a pleasant one, and the filly was just about to stomp her hooves and sprint right into the woods to avoid them all when Ms. Laurens—thankfully—responded with a gentle chuckle.
“Cascade called the both of us. I will not turn you from your mission.”
Belle’s heart warmed, instantly, as she breathed out in relief. She really had been expecting the older mare to scold her, but she wasn’t. She understood… and she was going to let her stay! And Cascade had sent her dreams, too?!
There was so much the tenderfoot wanted to ask, now.
Catching Lauren’s gesture, Belle drew closer to her with a shy smile and an earnest “thank you,” before calling Bambi to follow suit. The raptor appeared to be more at ease, now, although the growing crowd made him press closer to his owner.
But if Belle had been relieved before, she was now filled to the brim with joy. Another grown-up said how Cascade had called tenderfeet before, and didn’t seem at all bothered by her being here. It was… it was like they were treating her like a grown-up, too. And it felt wonderful.
And then—
"Cascade called you this time too!”
“…Seven!”
Seeing a familiar face, Belle reared and stomped as the colt approached, unable to hold in her excitement. “You’re here, too!”
"She must be very happy with everything you've done since the last time we were there."
“Yeah, I… guess she is. I really hope so! I’m glad you’re here, too, Seven! I knew I couldn’t ignore the dreams--”
Another voice spoke, then, and the tenderfoot’s ears perked up. It wasn’t often that she met anyone as shy as her, and she suddenly felt the need to help the older girl feel better. Following Seven’s lead, she approached her, too.
“Um… hi, Kersal, my name’s Belle. We’ve been having dreams, too, so we’re going to find out what Cascade wants to tell us. You’re going to come with us, right? I… I think it’ll be fun. And my dinosaur’s gonna keep us all safe.”
Bambi exhaled in the background with a soft rumble. It was hard to tell whether he was impatient to get going or exasperated by Belle’s insistence of his might.
Post #2 | Word Count: 391
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Post by TinyMinou on Jul 2, 2018 13:44:47 GMT -6
Meredith Talori - Agriculturalist
Meredith laid down on her bed, just wokeen up by the same continious dream she had for days. She couldn't figure out what it meant. She had an urge to go the the forbidden wilds. She knew it was a dangerous place, but the urge was too strong to control. She needed to see why these dreams want her to go to there. She stood up and packed her cloack and saddlebags. Filling them with some rations and a dagger for safety cause you never know what will hit you in the wilds. She might be used to the danger due to her excessive scavening, but you can never be too sure. She gave a quick little kiss on the head of her sleeping otter before heading off to the wilds.
Soon, she approached the edge of the wilds. In the distance she grew a little group of other equines stand at the edge of the wild. Cautiously she approached them. The faces weren't all too familair too her. "Greetings. My name is Meredith." She smiled while looking at the others. "I've had some dreams about the wild. There was this gnawing urge at the bottom of my heart that i couldn't just ignore anymore. I just wanted to find out what these dreamings mean." She felt a tad nervous. These faces were unfamiliar but kind looking. But she wondered why some tenderfoot where here. The wilds are a dangerous place nonetheless.
post: #1 | Word Count: 242 |
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Post by fynli on Jul 2, 2018 21:19:28 GMT -6
= Luna =
1 | 215Luna wanted to cry when the dreams came back. She thought Cascade would maybe leave her alone after she’d been gifted with fins. How naive she was. Was she that stupid to believe that her goddess would truly leave her be to live her life peacefully?
She wasn’t bitter however, just numb. Silent as she walked beside Sinclair, a mare she’d met the first time Cascade had directed them into the Wilds. Pale eyes looked warily at the small group already forming at the edge of the jungle, relief washing through her as she spotted some familiar faces. Laurens was a much needed friend during this time of trouble.
“How’s Thadeus?” she murmured as she stepped closer to Laurens, a gentle smile lifting her worried expression.
The children of the group made her heart ache as she observed them, knowing from experience just how dangerous the jungle was. Why would Cascade send children here? She bit the inside of her cheek, a sharp pang of guilt shooting through her chest at the moment of faltering to her doubt. Cascade worked in mysterious ways, she just had to trust Her.
“Why does Cascade want us to go here again?” the mare’s voice fluttered nervously, the soft volume lost to the distant storm hanging over the canopy.
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Post by llostsoulss on Jul 3, 2018 4:40:12 GMT -6
Kersal | Cleric
"It means that Cascade wants to speak with you. Or, that's why she has called us here before anyway." The young flea bitten palomino replied. She was a bit confused still. But this made her a little more excited about everything. Her god that she looked up to that made her be what she now wants to speak with her? It didn't make much sense with why she wanted to but she was glad. This was new to her, she doesn't really go and do things like this nor did she think that cascade would actually want to speak to her? Hopefully, on this journey, she'll be able to make some friends, although Ker adventures a lot she never really runs into anyone else. “Um… hi, Kersal, my name’s Belle. We’ve been having dreams, too, so we’re going to find out what Cascade wants to tell us. You’re going to come with us, right? I… I think it’ll be fun. And my dinosaur’s gonna keep us all safe.” Another tenderfoot replied, also pale tan. She seemed nice, so did seven. "Oh.. thank you Seven, and Belle. I've never s..seen a dinosaur like yours before. He looks very pretty. B..But I will come with you, I..It would be nice and I also think it'd be fun. "
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Post by Svantanon on Jul 11, 2018 21:26:53 GMT -6
Belle decided that she liked Kersal. She was a lot like her. Nervous, and shy, but… trying to be brave. The grown-ups were already beginning to talk amongst themselves, and Seven didn’t seem nervous at all (something Belle sincerely admired) but the thought that she and Kersal would be taking the same strides together was comforting. Encouraging, even.
She was about to say that, too—something rallying like ‘let’s be brave together’—when her dinosaur suddenly let out an uncomfortable huff. With a stamp of his foot he headed straight through the forest, tail tip rustling leaves as it continued to wave back and forth behind him.
The tenderfoot’s warm smile quickly gave way to wide-eyed dismay as she ran after the raptor, nearly tripping over herself to catch up. “No, wait! Bambi! We have to wait for the others, we can’t be rude! Bambi don’t be…”
The pair weren’t traveling much faster than at a grown equine's trot, but in the bleak fog and drizzle, their forms were quickly swallowed up by the jungle. Belle’s voice grew slightly muffled by the pitter-pat of rain and the nervous calls of weather-wary birds.
OOC: (( Dino's got a little social anxiety don't mind him LOL )) Post #3 | Word Count: 190
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Post by sansatine on Jul 14, 2018 23:19:05 GMT -6
Laurens | 3
“How’s Thadeus?” Luna asked Laurens as she stepped closer. The brown mare gave her a warm smile, sensing her unease. "He's more than fine! He's grown so quickly, but he was less than content to stay home today. Still, he's lovely! How are you?" Laurens chattered. She was happy to be able to share her family with another. Just as she asked of others of any other arrivals, a loud and bounding colt came upon them, calling their names. Seven had been called again, leeching Belle from her side in happy excitement at the sight of a tenderfoot. Then another wayward traveler came their way. Their party grew with the addition of Kersal, but Laurens grew quieter. Until now, she had come to know the others through their previous journies, but a stranger was amidst them and she shrunk again. The tenderfeet, though, made sure to welcome Kersal with ignorant bliss, too trusting for their own good. Another, this one named Meredith, joined them, sharing the dreams the others had. Their group had grown into quite the party as the rain began the come down harder. Laurens was unsettled at the storm, but nodded a small hello to Meredith. Those around her broke into scattered conversations. They were all drawn together again by Belle's call to her raptor. Laurens lurched after her, not even realizing as her name came from her throat. "Belle! No! Come back!!!" she called as her feet sent mud flying. Laurens' mom-sense had grown since watching Thadeus, and this mindless pursuit was no doubt a reaction to that. Belle continued to talk to Bambi, but the foliage around them ate her words until they sounded no more. Luckily, Belle's coat stood out against the dark greens of the wilds. Laurens threw caution to the wind in pursuit. The foal within earshot and seemingly stopped. "Belle!! You can't run off like that... Bambi! You can't leave us behind, you're much too fast for Belle and I!" The mare shifted the blame to the familiar, not the young filly. Broken feelings had no place in the wilds."Promise me that you'll stay close to me, okay? It's dangerous in the wilds"The mare demanded, feeling eyes around her, even where there were none. 375 |
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Post by mariahwhy on Jul 14, 2018 23:53:40 GMT -6
Seven | Tenderfoot
The colt bobbed his head fervently as Belle spoke to Kersal, agreeing whole-heartedly with everything she said. Until she said "dinosaur" at which point his head immediately whipped around. Of course he had noticed the raptor before, but the intrigue had been clouded by the excitement of seeing the other equines. Now he stared at the creature, eyes laser focused. If it hadn't been for Meredith's arrival he might have even tried to begin introductions with the familiar. He smiled up at the grey mare, ready to repeat the same sales pitch that he had given the young donkey about what the dreams meant, when his attention was, once more, shifted. Luna's question peaked his interest. It seemed like a question for adults, but he was so engrossed in being part of the group at the moment that he did not differentiate. "Maybe she forgot to tell us something," he piped up innocently, "and she needs us to come back to the temple so she can tell us." Mind now placed on the track of "why?" it steamed forward, ideas bubbling to the surface. "Maybe-!"Before he could really get started spilling out theories a call from Belle distracted him. He turned, immediately distracted again. Seeing another foal, particularly one chasing a raptor and being chased herself by an adult, bolt off into the wilds was too much for him to resist. Seven immediately gave chase as well, mistaking the dinosaur's retreat as a start to their journey. He gave one wide-mouthed grin back to the rest of the group over his shoulder before disappearing into the jungle behind Belle and Laurens. "Well! Come on!"He pushed through large leaves and under vines, unaware of the way they tugged at him. His hooves sank into the squishy undergrowth, and he blissfully ignored the sudden sheets of rain that fell over them. With such a quick response to their departure he caught up to them quickly, but the brush was too thick to run alongside them. Instead he trailed right behind, and the sky grew increasingly dark as they ran. If he noticed the storm overhead, he didn't show it other than having to shout to talk when the two equines in front of him finally drew to a stop. "Maybe Bambi knows the way! Cascade might be calling him to lead us." Thunder boomed overhead. (Post 2: 395 words) |
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Post by TinyMinou on Jul 15, 2018 5:56:22 GMT -6
Meredith
Talori - Agriculturalist
... ...
Meredith stood alongside the group, looking curiously at the others. She tried to see if she recognized the others, but her memory failed her. Maybe if she spent more time socializing instead of sailing all the time, maybe she knew them. She smiled at the little flea bitten tenderfoot named Seven. It made sense what he said. But before she could say anything she suddenly saw Belle's familair sprint away into the Wild. Laurens followed her quickly and so did Seven. She looked at the rest of the group before following the tenderfoot. This was a terrible diea, but it's better than just standing around.
She pushed through the thick vines and leaves, trying to not to lose Seven. She looked around, the sky was getting darker, suddenly raining upon the grey mare. Soon she stood alongside Lauren and the little tenderfoot Belle again alongside her raptor. She glanced over at the talorian familiar and then back over to the group. "I doubt that Cascade would use a raptor to show us the way." She said with a smile. The little tenderfoot could be right, but a raptor seems a bit strange to show the way.
... ... Word Count: 196 Post #2 |
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Post by posy-punch on Jul 16, 2018 14:34:37 GMT -6
Sinclair was quick to follow the tenderfeet and Laurens, falling into step behind Meredith. The mare was quick to look around at their surroundings. She didn't necessarily believe their Mother would lead them into danger, but she also knew that for gods, the creatures of the mortal plane were sometimes easy to overlook. Like the cassowary the first time she had been called into the Wilds alongside many of those returning today.
"I wouldn't put it past her; a raptor seems like just her style," Sinclair commented lightly, winking at both Meredith and Seven. "I'm sure Bambi heard her calling and couldn't help but to run off." She quickly backed up Laurens, "But Laurens is right, Bambi needs to stay close for a bit. The storm is growing thicker."
And thicker the storm had grown. The clouds had that odd discoloration to them, and the wind and rain ripped at the trees around them. The groaning and splintering of branches were quickly becoming familiar, a white noise that constantly droned on in the background. Sinclair almost reflexively moved to shield Kersal, Seven, and Belle from the brunt of the gale. "We should keep moving, and quickly. The Temple has always been a safe haven amongst the jungle. I'm sure it will be the same this time!" She called out, louder now that the storm had picked up, worried that the wind would grab her words and the rain swallow them up.
"Who knows what will be attempting to flee the storm." She said softly, already ushering the children into step. As she did so a crack! split through the air. A tree falling? Or perhaps, something else?
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Post by posy-punch on Jul 16, 2018 14:48:10 GMT -6
Crack! It sounded like the splitting of a tree trunk, be it from lightning or from the force of the wind. Something told you that despite what it sounded like, it was much worse. Despite the call to hurry along, for the Temple has always offered a refuge (and you hope it will be the same in shielding you from the storm), you freeze. The sound of the storm seems to disappear as, in the near distance, only a dozen or so feet away, four ugly heads rear up from the jungle plants.
Perhaps it existed outside of the stories entertainers exaggerated on the streets. A hydra, and it is just as terrifying as the stories told. For a moment everyone is still, hoping that, perhaps it is too preoccupied with lumbering through the thick foliage to pay them any mind.
Unfortunately, you are not that lucky. The first head seems to spot you, and in a mere second the remaining three have also zeroed in on the group. Now it's time to fight or flight.
Cascade, help us.
___
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Post by Svantanon on Jul 17, 2018 12:29:35 GMT -6
It wasn’t too long before Belle and Bambi’s trek was cut short by Laurens and company, who managed to catch up with the two. It also wasn’t long before the both of them got a mild scolding for it.
“S-sorry,” the filly squeaked as she moved to brush against her antsy raptor. “He’s… kind of shy. He gets nervous around a lot of people, but he’s actually doing better than he used to. And these are our friends,” she added pointedly as she glanced up at him. “So we don’t have to be scared of anyone here. Okay? We’re gonna stay close to Ms. Laurens, just like she asked… right?”
The dino in question scratched his head sheepishly as Seven, Meredith, and Sinclair discussed the divinity of his flight into the jungle, having definitely not intended for it to become a center topic. Belle, however, was humored more than anything. “Maybe,” was all she could offer with a giggle.
"We should keep moving, and quickly. The Temple has always been a safe haven amongst the jungle. I'm sure it will be the same this time!"
Both Sinclair and Seven had to raise their voices as the storm grew in power overhead, but a particularly loud clash of thunder sent Belle ducking under Lauren’s cloak. She almost immediately felt embarrassed by this and her ears wavered back. There was a time when she wasn’t scared of loud storms, and she wished this was one fear she could just forget about, already.
“Um… moving fast sounds… like a good idea.”
And then came the crack in the woods.
Bambi’s head snapped up as he took in his surroundings, inching closer to Belle and Laurens. A guttural, hissing snarl was already rumbling from his throat moments before the multi-headed beast finally came into view.
Belle’s legs went rigid, breath catching in her throat. She didn’t…. she didn’t…
She didn’t know they were so big.
She didn’t know they were so frightening.
She didn’t… know they were real.
“L-Laurens…” the tenderfoot’s voice cracked as Bambi’s challenging snarl grew louder. The raptor’s eyes were wide as the feathers on his back rose and he opened his maw to reveal rows of needle-sharp fangs. His legs crouched, seemingly gathering power for a sprinting charge.
OOC: TL;DR, if the adults choose to fight instead of run, you can assume Dino attacks too if we run instead though yeah, he’s running too he's not THAT keen on dying today Post #4 | Word Count: 376
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Post by fynli on Jul 17, 2018 17:04:49 GMT -6
= Luna =
2 | 208Seeing the child’s familiar run off reminded her just exactly why she left her own at home. The thought made her smile, only for it to fade away as everyone else wandered into the trees.
Luna was slow to follow the others in, sighing dejectedly and shrugging her shawl over her head. She liked water as much as any other Talorian did but being in the midst of a typhoon certainly wasn’t on her list. The eerie feeling that the Wilds gave off didn’t help to ease her anxieties, especially when there were children involved. Oh Cascade, why did you have to send children?
A loud crash brought the group to a standstill. Luna stared in horror as one, no four, massive heads poked through the bushes. She wanted to run, wanted to flee all the way back to the safety of Inaria and out of this awful jungle. Logic told her to freeze, hoping that it would just pass by and ignore the group of horses. It didn’t.
“Run.” Luna’s voice came out as a hoarse whisper, barely heard over the distant downpour. She looked at the children, suddenly fearing for their safety if they stayed put. The Temple was their only hope of salvation now.
“Run!”
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Post by mariahwhy on Jul 20, 2018 20:45:52 GMT -6
Seven | Tenderfoot
Now that they were standing still the rain seeped into Seven's coat, and in only moments he was thoroughly soaked. He blinked water from his eyes, and shook his forelock, instinctively sidling into Sinclair as she attempted to shield them from the deluge. It was little respite from the rain, but the closeness was always a comfort to a child. Despite the storm he smiled up at her, grinning and nodding along as she talked. The patter of the rain on the leaves was growing more deafening by the second, and the others' words were being drowned out even at such close range. And yet... the crack was so clear. He flinched, the sound similar to that of the close range bombs of the flight attack. Whipping his head around he expected to see a pegasus flying over, but instead he found serpent-like heads. Four heads. Four very large heads. He hated monster stories. He had always told Five that, but his bookworm brother had told him about them at great length anyway. He loved all the stories of mythical creatures, and recounted them to Seven at length as they lay in the dark trying to fall asleep. His brother always followed it up with, "of course they aren't real, but wouldn't it be cool if they were?" It wasn't. It wasn't cool. Seven was terrified. He couldn't remember what Five had called the multi-headed beast, but he really didn't care right now. He could just remember the parts about all of it's teeth and claws. He backed into Meredith, the adults' presence only mildly comforting now. He could feel every hair on his body trying to stand on end despite being weighed down by rain, and his eyes grew wide. "Run." he heard. Just barely. Just enough. His head turned slowly to Luna, afraid to take his eyes from the monster, but wanting to seek the comfort of an adult's gaze. But she looked just as afraid as he felt. "Run!" A high-pitched squeal escaped his throat, the terror too much to contain, and he ran. The foal didn't even think about where he was going, or where the others were. His hooves moved completely from the involuntary desire for self-preservation. Foliage ripped at him and branches tore at his hide, but he didn't stop.
(Post 3: 386 words)
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Post by sansatine on Jul 21, 2018 20:20:58 GMT -6
A. Laurens | 4
As the others found her and Belle in the woods, her actions came to consciousness . She'd run into the woods, not knowing where the edge of the wilds ended and civilization began. Those around her continued to congregate, Seven throwing in the idea of Bambi acting upon divine will. Laurens laughed and looked kindly onto Seven, instinctively trying to cover him at the crack of thunder. Sinclair was quick to redirect, a skill Laurens lacked, resulting in many a failed task at Thadeus's derailing. Laurens nodded, and guided Belle and Bambi back into line when an earth shattering crack sounded. Belle muttered her name in fear as she cowered deeper into her cloak. The mare gently pressed her muzzle into her poll. "Everything is okay, Belle," but as the words left her mouth, dread filled her heart. Laurens felt all of the wind being pulled from her. A hydra's head met eyes with her, followed by many other heads. Laurens put a sturdy leg between the beast and Belle. "RUN" a sound idea. Laurens has been training lightly with Klaudius, trying to prepare herself for a trip to the isles in search of her brother, but none of her preparation could possibly amount to the grandure of a Hydra. "Go, Belle. Go! Towards the temple! Find cover there! I'll meet you! I'll be okay!" Laurens called to the others, trying to send them away. Laurens ran closer to the Hydra, calling to it, gaining the attention of two heads. She tried to lure it away from the others, knowing Cascade had helped her hone her blessing. Small scratches dissappeared within moments of appearing. Laurens was scared, but the need to save the others elicited a strength she didn't know she had. Just as she looked to see if the others had escaped, but her attention was drawn by one of the heads. A head had taken hold of her shoulder, ripping a large part from her body. She screamed, no doubt loud enough for those still in the city to hear. Tears rolled down her face as she tried to heal herself enough to get away. She was unaware if any had stayed to fight the hydra, and had hope none did, but she tried to call the hydra's attention again. "HEY!" she yelled, stumbling backwards, her shoulder slowly regenerating, "Oh Cascade, please help me, give me the strength I need. Make sure they get there safe and unharmed, please, oh please watch over them.... HEY! Over here!" 420 |
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Post by Svantanon on Jul 27, 2018 11:16:39 GMT -6
“Run.”
“RUN!”
It was quiet, now. Dull. Like swimming with Dawson in the ocean.
Belle was scarcely aware of what was happening around her. Luna’s panic, Seven’s scream, it all seemed so distant in the bask of the hydra’s amplified stare. Eight eyes glistened hungrily in turn under the foggy half-light.
It was Laurens who brought the world crashing again on the tenderfoot’s senses, urging her to find the temple, to hide. Belle was gasping for the breath to speak back. It didn’t sound like Laurens was going to go with her, and in spite of everything, in spite of having sneaked here with the full intention of finding the temple alone, the foal was really trying not to cry.
“But… H-hydra—”
“I’ll be okay!”
Laurens moved away from her, trying to catch the attention of the monster looming over them, and the gaping absence of her reassuring presence was what finally urged Belle to do as the mare had said. She pelted through the forest, far, far away from the hydra as she could possibly get, her raptor sprinting close behind.
She wasn’t sure how long they’d been running by the time coherent thought returned to her—only that the rain was pelting now, nearly to the point of stinging, and that the ground beneath her had gradually transitioned from black and squelchy to damp and densely-packed. Her hoofbeats were a little louder now, too, even with the storm’s rumbling noises overhead.
And that big rock, next to the log. That seemed familiar?
This was…
The hasty footsteps racing off of to the side caught both their attention, and as Bambi drew close to shield her, Belle caught sight of Seven. He had run, too! But where were the other grown ups? Had any of them run? Were they close behind? Was Ms. Laurens…
“Seven!!!” Belle stamped her hooves empathetically, trying to get his attention. “Seven, the temple! I-I think this was the trail! It’s this way! We have to go!” The cracked hoarseness in her own voice startled her. She had been crying, after all. Why did she have to be such a baby? Cascade had called her here! Sh-she’d… called all of them.
Cascade wouldn’t put them into danger if they couldn’t handle it. She must have known about the hydra, right…? So… Laurens would have to be okay, right? Cascade had told them to come here. Of course she would keep them all safe.
She had to be…
Post #5 | Word Count: 408
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Post by posy-punch on Jul 29, 2018 14:24:08 GMT -6
She did not think twice about bolting behind all of the children with them. Belle was the first to recognize the path towards the temple, and with that Sinclair slid to a stop. "Belle! Get to the Temple, that's the right way!" She confirmed, blue eyes wide with distress. As soon as she'd commanded the tenderfoot, she was turning around and galloping back in the direction from whence she came.
"Laurens, Meredith! Luna!" She yelled, blonde mane swinging, mud coating her legs. The storm howled, the trees groaning in their places. She caught sight of the hydra once more, and Laurens respectively. She gasped, picking up a stray rock with her teke, hefting it up beside her, and lobbing it in the direction of the beast. It thumped dully against the creature's side, but all four heads swung around, if only momentarily. The beast stopped in its tracks, clearly weighing which horse to follow. "Laurens, the children are near the Temple! You too now!" Sinclair shouted.
Then she noticed Meredith, who had not bolted like the rest of them, it appeared. "Let's spread out; keep antagonizing it." She yelled at the other. "If we're lucky it'll give up before we get to the Temple."
"If we're not, we can only pray."
3 | 213
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Post by mariahwhy on Aug 4, 2018 12:09:24 GMT -6
Seven | Tenderfoot
The rain and ripping foliage around him had become nothing but white noise. Adrenaline was pumping too hard for the foal to focus on any one physical thing. Instead, his mind simply kept repeating the phrase, "Mother, please." It was a plea to Cascade. A prayer. A question. No one led him now but she, and he never even considered that his hooves might be running in the wrong direction. The safety ahead of him was as sure as his goddess's love for her children. If only he could reach the temple before the hydra caught up to him. A different sound broke out of the roar of the jungle around him and pulled him from his invocation. A shrill, cracking, familiar sound. Belle?! He looked around wildly, finally spotting the filly running parallel to him. Her figure disappeared in and out between the plants as they ran. Now pulled from his thoughts and aware of his surroundings he picked up another set of hooves behind him as well - Sinclair. A small wave of relief washed through him to know he wasn't alone, but many of their group was missing. Seven gave the adult an imploring look over his shoulder before tripping over a small branch. He stumbled to catch himself, just in time to hear Sinclair's affirmation of the temple's nearness. And then she disappeared again. It was just Belle, Bambi, and him. "Belle!" he called back, the word a tether between them. At the next opportunity he leapt between two large ferns so that he was now running alongside her. He watched the surroundings now, and realized they were right. Cascade had heard him. She had led them home. "You're right," he said, still having to yell over the storm despite their closeness. "We're on the right path! Not much further!" The words were as much to comfort himself as his friend. He wasn't crying, but his voice still broke with stress. His breath was coming in gasps by the time they finally reached the temple. His ribs, always too visible, heaved, and his legs shook from tiredness, fear, and the shock of the waning adrenaline. As soon as hooves touched stone a comforting warmth seemed to spread up his leg, and he stopped just short of the overhang of the temple exterior. He spun around, looking back out into the wilds. "Sinclair?" he breathed. "Where'd she go? Where are the adults?" The colt turned to Belle, suddenly very aware of everything that had - and hadn't - happened. "Did you see any of them run? Surely they know their way here, right?" He suddenly felt ashamed of how afraid he had been. How he had simply run away without waiting on anyone. He felt selfish. Cascade had told him last time he was here to do better, and continuing to forget the others around him certainly wasn't doing better. Tears began to stream down his face now, but were unnoticeable on his already soaked fur. He paced in a circle, eyes locked on the trees, mind racing as he tried to recall if he had seen anyone other than Belle and Sinclair escape the hydra. As he began to pass Belle again his mind came back to her, and he looked up. "Are you ok?"
(Post 4: 546 words)
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Post by Svantanon on Aug 4, 2018 23:12:36 GMT -6
“Belle! Get to the temple, that’s the right way!”
Sinclair’s voice startled her so terribly that the tenderfoot nearly made her raptor lose balance. She hadn’t realized that one of the adults had run with them, but she scarcely had the chance to take comfort in Sinclair’s presence before the mare took off, returning from where they’d fled. “P-Please, help Laurens!!!” Belle cried after her, not knowing what else to say. Seven was rushing to close the distance between them, and the Temple was so close, and both Sinclair and Ms. Laurens wanted them to go there. There was nothing left to do but to run once again, and pray for Cascade to bring the grown-ups after them soon. The hydra’s eyes still haunted her, still burned on her back even with it being so far out of sight.
Soon she and Seven were running side by side, Bambi keeping in pace with them. He recognized the path, too, and they journeyed the rest of its length together as great sheets of rain began to sweep over them.
She was no longer aware of how long they’d been running, and she didn’t care. The tenderfoot let herself go to the simple, furious rhythm of her legs, thinking only of the place she’d once called home.
Something soared in Belle’s heart as the Temple finally came into view, even with her burning lungs and ragged breath. She slowed to a stop more clumsily than her friend did, skidding on the stone and stumbling over her legs before finally regaining her balance. They were here. They were safe now, they were here again. A rush of memories flooded Belle’s mind, but they crashed and echoed just at the shore. Belle could still see the Hydra in her mind’s eye, and Luna’s frightened stare…
“Sinclair? Where’d she go?”
“Sh-she went back, to help Laurens!”
“Where are the adults?”
“I-I think Meredith is helping too. Laurens wanted to fight it! I-I wanted us all to go but she… sh-she…”
“Did you see any of them run?”
“I don’t know who ran,” Belle panted, her voice cracking again. “I don’t know where Luna is, o-or Kersal, but maybe they’re behind us like Sinclair was—”
“Surely they know their way here, right?”
At this, Belle could only gulp and nod shakily, wanting to believe that, refusing to think the opposite. It was Cascade who led them here. She wouldn’t leave anyone lost halfway!
“C-Cascade… Cascade will help them… Sh-she helped us…”
As Seven paced, Belle glanced about their surroundings. No one had appeared yet, but…
“Are you okay?”
The question took her by surprise. They were both so worried about the grown-ups, she’d…
Belle looked over herself the way Mama would tell her to after a bad fall. Nothing. “I-I’m fine. I’m not hurt anywhere. Are you okay, Seven?”
She shrank at the sound of thunder, the loudest crack she’d ever heard. “W-we need to go inside… Sinclair, and Laurens… they’ll know where we are. They told us to go without them. We have to go in.”
Post #6 | Word Count: 400
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Post by posy-punch on Aug 8, 2018 9:52:21 GMT -6
THE CURSE HAS BEEN LIFTED As quickly as the storms had rolled over the Wilds, they stop. You hear Her voice. The Wilds seem to release a breath, as if something overgrown has been removed from its soil. As if something poisonous has disappeared from the jungle.
The hydra reared back its head at the sound of the voice. The Jungle seems to recognize it as one of the few creatures that did not flee the storm. A tree creaks in its place before snapping, falling, crushing the hydra underneath it. For a moment, time seems to have stopped. She has intervened, but whether or not She had noticed the situation for being as dire as it was, you don't know.
Regardless. Your prayers were answered. She has helped you. You are safe.
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Post by sansatine on Aug 10, 2018 13:52:45 GMT -6
A. Laurens | 5
She didn't know who had stayed behind against her wishes, but she hoped it was just one. She couldn't say how horrible the pain was in her shoulder, but she couldn't give it the attention she needed to heal it on account of the hydra reeking havoc across the wilds. Other voices and actions drew the heads. Laurens followed the hydra's eyeline to a white body painted with mud and rain. Sinclair had thrown a rock, pulling attention her way. She said... something, but laurens couldn't hear her. SHe saw other bodies through the rain. Her breath was shaky, but the Hydra gave them no time to stand stil. She began to run step back, her body mindlessly trying to flee. A soft no fell from her mouth as she regained herself. She could not flee, she had to stay. Then, Cascade spoke, but not in so many words. The skies opened suddenly, clearing the rain without leaving a small drizzle. A tree creaked and then cracked. The world slowed as it fell, the hydra turning to run Laurens' way to escape the tree, but it was not fast enough. A small branch sliced her face, but it barely won her attention as she saw a head land at her feet, dead almost instantly. She started to shake, pain and fear finally setting in. SHe looked up to Sinclair, hoping to find comfort, but only felt pain. Her breath was shaky as she looked down to her shoulder. blood streamed all the way down her leg. Her soft green cloak was now crimson and ripped. The strap of her pack was ripped with the bite. She weakly began to heal her shoulder. She urged it to a point of walking. Laurens draped what was left of her cloak over the mauled shoulder and rejoined the others silently. She walked back slowest of them all, trying to conserve the energy she had. She would need it for any wounds the others had. Her mouth was dry as she looked up to see the edge of the ruins through the foliage. Her footsteps were crisp on the stone floor. She went in the temple further, finding a spot closed off and dry. She laid down, tired from the day and trying to heal herself. She heard Belle and Seven as she drifted off to sleep. "Sinclair," she managed to say through closed eyes, "I need to rest for a moment, but please wake me soon so I can... so I... so I can help... heal" she finished between snoozes. 430 |
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Post by TinyMinou on Aug 11, 2018 10:30:31 GMT -6
Meredith
Talori - Agriculturalist
......
She heard Luna scream, but she couldn't move. She just stood there, breathless. Her whole body was telling her to run away. When Seven bumped into her, she came back to her senses. She looked as the others ran away. She wanted to run with them, but then she saw that Laurens stayed behind together the beast to distract the beast. What should she do, follow the tenderfoots or help them fight the hydra.
Her mind was racing, but it was not the time nor place to think. She decided it's best to follow the tenderfoots, there was someone who needed to stay with them for protection. So she ran. Her hooves quickly sprinted after Belle. The grey mare tried not to lose the foal out of sight, but it was harsh due to the dense flora of the Wilds. Her hooves were getting tired, but her mind told her to keep running.
Run
That's all she could think about. She still didn't understand why she and the others were brought to the wilds. She misses her home and her little otter Evie, but she had to keep going.
Then she stopped as she saw Belle stopping in the distance. She was afraid that the little tenderfoot stumbled upon another creature that wanted them dead, but she couldn't see enough from the distance between them. Then Meredith saw Seven approach Belle. Relief followed through her body, she was glad to see the two tenderfoots.
Quickly she ran towards them, almost falling as she approached them. "Seven! Belle!" She yelled with excitement, but quickly toned down after seeing the tears on the little filly. "I'm glad to see you both! Where's Lauren and Sinclair?" She asked as she looked around, it seemed they are still with the Hydra. "Oh." Escaped her mouth softly, her excitement dissapeared as quickly as snow for the sun. "I'm sure they will be fine". But in reality, she wasn't sure. She send a quick prayer to Cascade for the others safety before following the two tenderfoots.
... ... Word Count: 340 Post #3 |
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Post by posy-punch on Aug 11, 2018 11:16:31 GMT -6
The voice is back. Cascade is here. You can feel her. Everything feels at ease. Something is different, her voice is different from that which was in your dreams. This voice is tired, but gentle. The children and Meredith have reunited with all of the adults, Luna, Sinclair, and Laurens. The voice calls your attention again. I have something to show you.
Her voice is kindly. Motherly. It is a far cry from the wailing of the hurricane that had been roaring just moments ago. Where Laurens lay, a whisper of a touch passes over her wounds, closing them carefully. Sinclair helps the other mare to her feet and you can now follow the voice. You make your way through the halls of the Temple. The Keeper of the Temple is nowhere to be seen. Regardless, you do not need her permission to walk the halls. Those of you that have been within the Temple recognize this passage. It had been overgrown and blocked away from any prying eyes. You had been curious before, but you are in wonder now. The plants remain, but a path seems more visible through the vines and leaves. You push through the overgrowth and find that it opens up to a large, room, open to the sky above. The pool in the center of the room is home to a large statue, an image of Cascade. You can see how ancient it is by the water tracks running down her image. The lines appear like old, long running tears.
The room feels tense. Fake for a moment. You watch in horror as the statue begins to crumble. Is something wrong? You watch but the stone never touches the water, instead it turns into sea-foam as it falls, disappears harmlessly into the pool at the base of the statue. The room is silent.
Then it bursts into song. The water froths, splashes, and like a ribbon a form rises up from the water, curling over itself, rising with its head towards the ceiling. It completes its ascent, sunlight shining onto its glittering foam form, and solidifies into pure white marble. My curse on this jungle has been lifted at great sacrifice.
Do not make it for naught.
The room continues to sing, but you feel her presence leave you, perhaps with more questions than answers.
Well done Plot 601! You have completed your plot and discovered the Shrine of Songs, a central altar in the Temple of Time. Athaliah has appeared, and is now ushering you from the room. She says that it is time for you to return home.
Please wait for admin confirmation to claim any rewards. Congratulations! You are welcome to write wrap-up posts!
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Post by posy-punch on Aug 25, 2018 19:27:23 GMT -6
Your plot is complete! Stay tuned for a wrap-up journal!20 AP and 20 CS to all participants!
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