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Post by GingerBlues on Dec 29, 2018 8:43:40 GMT -6
Hello Starborn, and welcome to Breim Plot 704: Scratching the Surface Team Leaders: Reid and Diana Breim Participants: Oriole, Conner Seroran Participants: Acheron,, Flynn, Asher 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'D
Prompt: Food has been even more scarce in the months following the mass of cave ins, and as such, the Kawaru have started looking for alternative sources. After attempts to sway the Umare Providers into turning their backs on the main body of the herd failed miserably, a few volunteers have decided to go along with the Arisen, Reid, in a mission to try to get the Serorans residing in the southern encampment to aid them instead. That said, the Serorans are tired of flimsy alliances and unreliable aid themselves, and swaying them may be more difficult than the little Kawaru party is anticipating. After almost two and a half weeks of traveling Sirith's surface, you finally reach the small Seroran camp. Location: Seroran farming camp in southern Sirith Time of Day: Mid-Morning Current Weather: Warm, Blue skies filled with big fluffy clouds You do not have to wait for your leader to post!
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Post by TinyMinou on Jan 3, 2019 19:54:48 GMT -6
Flynn
Serora - Windracer
... ...
The spotted mare was helping carying some vegetable crates for an old mare at a seroran farming camp near southern Sirith. She had traveled to here a couple of days ago as she had to deliver some crates and other stuff to this seroran camp. Sinc then, Flynn has stayed as she wanted to help a bit before leaving again to the next mission. The mare grabbed with her yellow teke the bronzen goggles of her face. The old lady thanked her and so the mare walked off, laying herself in the shade under a tree. She grabbed a small pouch of dried nuts that she brought from home to snack on as she rested for a bit and maybe calm her nerves a bit.
Times are tough. With a war currently going on, Flynn felt uneasy and restless. She wanted to go help her herd mates, but the feeling off just walking infront of her hooves grew on her. So she did what she could, whenever she went to a new settlement, she would stay for a bit to help anyway she could. Everyday she was afraid that she was going to get caught by Aodhians anyday, so she often only traveled at night or during the hottest of the day as she suspected that is when the Aodhians would travel the least or even not.
She stood up and began to walk back and forth nervously. Still eating her dried nuts and fruit, she began to overthink. She hasn't heard anymore of her bestie Lexi, and was unsure that she was safe. Holding back her tears, the spotted mare began to start helping the other herdmates again to keep her mind busy.
... ... Word Count: 284 Post #1 |
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Post by leukristic on Jan 3, 2019 20:32:05 GMT -6
 The journey to the Breimian camp was one that the Savior was used to, taken every handful of months in order to restock his precious medical supplies. Usually, it was Gladio who made the journey with him, a sort of father-son bonding ritual spanning back to Acheron’s late teens, but with the rest of his family in the Oasis, he’d started out the journey alone. With war on the horizon, it hadn’t been the smartest of choices, but the option of not resupplying had never crossed his mind.
Luckily, he’d run into a small group heading towards the camp as well -- even better, there’d been a Windracer and a Skirmisher in the group who could keep the two Saviors safe during their journey, along with the two young children tagging along. Now within the bustling camp, his saddlebags far heavier with his hard-bargained supplies, he caught the sight of the spotted Windracer pacing back-and-forth near the edge of the camp.
“It’s a lovely day, isn’t it?” He offers to the mare as he sidles up beside her, his gaze turned towards Sedo and thoughtful. “Alya is smiling upon us all today, and I’m sure she smiles upon those in the Oasis as well.”
[205]
picture by warped-casual
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Post by redspaceboyy on Jan 4, 2019 0:41:42 GMT -6
 The band of sun-deprived cave folk had managed to make their way beyond the dark tunnels of the Labyrinth and had attempted to make negotiations with the Providers up north. But with times already roughened by the happenings in Nariah, the farmers turned a brutal shoulder to the desperate Kawaru. Disheartened, Reid had turned to the last thing he could think of in terms of finding a source to aid his blooming herd.
With the morning sun warm on his back, the Arisen took awhile to enjoy the scenery around them. He hadn't traveled to the surface much since he was a colt and his mother could carry him between her broad wings up through the skylight. But whilst he soaked up the nostalgia alongside the rays of sunlight at the rear of the small party, the telltale signs of the encampment they searched for came into view. His attention drew to the gathering of makeshift huts and tents, boxes crowding the hoofbeaten paths and signs of Alya's children moving in the pleasant morning. Though excitement fluttered to his chest, he couldn't help but tug nervously on the modest cloak over his shoulders, teke shifting the drawstrings with timid thought.
But it was now, or never.
Clearing his throat, he extended his stride to a quiet trot to push to the front of the group. He wanted to make a somewhat-reasonable first impression, especially to a herd he had little interaction with. After all, this could be their first meeting with the Kawaru of Breim, and nothing was more important to him than to get them on their side.
wc: 268 | post #1 |
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Post by galekxy on Jan 4, 2019 10:04:51 GMT -6
= A S H E R =
Serora Skirmisher
WC: 252 | Post 1 Being stuck outside the Oasis had been hard at first. When she heard the news, shock coursed through her. The majority of the herd was safe though, and that was a relief. And now she was here, on Sirith soil, looking for aid. There was still a war going on, and trouble could be around the corner. Asher had heard of how Aodhian's were capturing Serora herd members, and so she had to be careful with the small group she had found herself travelling with.
She walked over to where two of her companions were, hearing the last of Acheron's words, "-she smiles upon those in the Oasis as well." Her own mind flitted to Ignacio, the god she found herself praying to in these times. Even though she fled Aodh didn't mean she thought of the fire god any less. She had grown up with him, and her parents had portrayed the god as compassionate, and over time she doubted that he would approve of everything that was happening. But she kept quiet apart her faith, knowing her new herd members would not appreciate it.
Her eyes flickered to where an unknown horse travelled towards them. She stiffened, distrust coursing through her. Any horse could be an enemy at this point- but they could also be potential allies. She couldn't make any rash moves, at least until she found out any motives. "Be aware. We're going to have company." She spoke to her herdmates quietly, eyes never leaving the approaching horses.
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Post by buffyandbramble on Jan 4, 2019 13:24:29 GMT -6
Oriole had been apprehensive when she’d first stepped outside the caves she’d always known to stand on the surface. She remembered her father’s stories from his life on the surface and had expected it to be vast, greater than anything she had ever known, but she had still been unprepared for the scale of it all. The section of sky that could be seen from Sterling was large enough, but to be stood under the sun and with no walls was humbling to say the least, and almost overwhelming in its expanse. She hadn’t spoken for quite a while when they’d very first left. She had known that it would be a lot to take in, a lot to get used to. She had, however, expected that the feeling would wear off once she’d spent some time on the surface. She was quietly frustrated to find that it hadn’t – this awe at the great scale of the land was starting to become exhausting. There were times that she caught herself missing the soft dark of the caves and tunnels she had always known, and the peaceful glow of arcane crystals. The light up here was harsher, and almost constant. It all had a strange kind of beauty to it all, but it was strange nonetheless. She wasn't sure that she liked it, and even less sure how much it was nostalgia and habit shaping that opinion. Two and a half weeks of travelling with limited company had been an …interesting experience, to say the least. When she'd volunteered she certainly hadn't expected that their rag tag clearly professional band of negotiators would include a kirin. She hadn't been sure of what to make of Conner to begin with, but it would be a wasted opportunity not to try and learn a little more about him, his culture, his people. Knowledge was the greatest power after all, and it was remarkable what you could glean from casual conversations, even those with intentionally neutral topics. She might have spent portions of their journey making an effort to know her two companions, but she'd spent more quietly listening and observing. People didn't have to talk in order to say things. Plus, there was no retreat out here and maintaining the polite and social magi-mask was mentally exhausting, which went nicely with the physically exhausting task of continual travel with horses whose strides were naturally much longer than hers. She’d be lying if she said she wasn’t slightly relieved to see their destination finally in sight. Finally, civilisation. As much as a ramshackle farming camp could be considered civilisation anyway. Reid trotted on ahead and after a moment Rori picked up her pace to follow him, making sure she was a respectable distance behind him. She took a deep breath in as they approached and let her old magi-facade settle into place once more - serene and patient, willing to listen and to guide, here to help. It didn't take a genius to see that these horses were unsettled, even from a distance. She could only hope that their young Arisen was up to this challenge, that they all were. "You'll do fine," she called forward softly to him, the anxious tick of before not unnoticed.
Post #1 550 words |
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Post by Spectre on Jan 4, 2019 17:08:47 GMT -6
Diana had never travelled this far north before- especially not with two children or for supplies. This encampment was one of the few who still had a steady stream of herbs. She honestly would have left her children at the encampment just outside the Oasis, but something in her quivered at the thought of leaving her two foals in the care of strangers. She loved her herd, she truly did, but the sharp tang of loss was too fresh on her tongue.
So that's how Diana ended up traveling with her two children and a Skirmisher- meeting a Windracer and a fellow Savior along the way. It was a comfort for a time, the simple monotony of travel, regardless of the constant threat of Adohian attack. Only Ignacio knows how much Diana needed the breather.
Diana was suddenly pulled from her musings at the surprised whinny of her "eldest" foal- Soleria. She rose to her feet and trotted over only to see the startled foal staring wide eyed at... a lizard. Tapioca wasn't far behind, the colt peering over his twin's shoulder at the strange new creature. Diana couldn't help but laugh, she walked over and plucked the scaly creature of it's perch. She ran her teke down it's back as she kneeled down and showed it to the twins- who immediately started to burble and coo at it.
The moment was shattered at the call of the Skirmisher. Diana snapped back up to her feet as the lizard dropped from her hold and scurried away. Her crimson eyes immediately zeroed in on the group coming her group's way.
With a grunt Diana ushered the twins closer to her other three companions, making a point of putting the two them behind the scary Skirmisher. She shared a look with the first two that got her message across- Do not engage, be prepared, remain diligent yet pacified. But also- be safe. Even though she had only known them for a short while, Diana still cared for the small band she had joined. She then stepped forward and brushed her shoulder against the Skirmisher as she passed, hoping to put her fellow Seroran at ease.
Diana walked forward and made a point of leveling the seeming leader of the group with a pointed stare. Her crimson eyes boring into his own. She stopped a few feet away from her fellow Serorans, she raised her voice and asked, "What brings you here?"
WC:408 | Post #1 |
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Post by redspaceboyy on Jan 5, 2019 18:42:22 GMT -6
With a weary sigh the Arisen lifted his gaze, fear of confrontation having been obliterated in his time as a leader and he easily addressed the other with a tired smile. "Hello-- I'm Reid of the Kawaru in Breim." He kept the initial greeting brief and clipped, seeing the defensive display from the Seroran's. After all, he was no messenger for the King, but a mere horse looking for some help from a fighting and desperate herd. But within a few moments of observation, he soon picked up that the foreigners were in the same crowded boat. "We've come in hopes of aid. The people of Sterling, fellow Breimians to the Umare, have been neglected by the King and her family."
He swallowed the anxious lump growing in his throat with another meek smile. The journey was leaving him more exhausted than he expected, nerves from leaving behind his people to find a solution for them piling over his weary hooves left him with little energy for the final meeting.
"I understand that your people have undergone similar struggles. Our own families have turned their backs on us. The only reason I could think of is because they are starving us out, and we can do nothing about it." Reid's gentle amber gaze flickered to the young pair of foals huddled together behind the roan, a slight nod of his head being the only thing indicating the minute interaction. "I'm here with Oriole and Conner, both my people and my friends. Despite our varied histories we come for the same reason; to help our own." The flaxen tilted his head, addressing each of the accompanying Breimians. Then he turned back, looking between each of the Serorans who had turned their curious gazes toward them.
wc: 293 | post #2 |
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Post by galekxy on Jan 5, 2019 19:19:42 GMT -6
= A S H E R =Serora Skirmisher
WC: 355 | Post 2 Asher eyed the strangers with distrust. She wasn't Seroran born- she didn't hold their naivety and trustworthiness towards others. For all she knew, these could be horses employed by Aodh (as they didn't look Aodhian). The unicorn was also the only one with any combat knowledge (most likely, she was just assuming based off of her companions ranks), and so she felt responsible for their safety. That was why she had come to Serora afterall, and sought out the position of Skirmisher. In a past life she had been a Chevalier, and the need to protect ran through her blood.
She stepped forward also, eyes narrowing. They seemed harmless enough, but anyone could be carrying a concealed weapon. "Don't get too close to their physical range. They might be dangerous." Her eyes flicked to the two young foals travelling with them, and the mare positioned herself so that she could get to them first if there was any trouble. They were the most vulnerable.
But the horses introduced themselves as being from Breim, something Asher nearly scoffed at. But she listened to his tale, and her heart went out to them- just barely. He spoke of aid though, and she stomped a hoof on the earth. He wanted aid? From who exactly? What did he think they could possibly give him when they themselves had so little. She bit her tongue, but pinned her ears. She wasn't happy about this exchange already.
"And what would you offer us? My herd needs aid just as much, if not more." She didn't like these Breim horses- marching into their camp and looking for help. She wasn't too keen on giving any of their valuable supplies over. She could tell they were tired though, the same look shared on her own face from time spent travelling. The stress was almost too much at times, but she had kept her hooves under her. These horses probably didn't have anything more to offer than others had. It wouldn't be worth it for the Seroran's to spend time and energy on a measly group from Breim with no support behind them.
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Post by leukristic on Jan 5, 2019 19:42:31 GMT -6
It has been a harsh few months, between the war and the separation between the herd, and the stress has taken a toll on everyone. There is no mistaking the ripple of tension across the small group when they notice the strangers approaching, the way they instinctively shift to protect the two young children in their midst and begin to mentally prepare for a fight. The man’s introduction takes him by surprise -- Breimians, this far south?
“Kah-wah-roo?” He repeats after the stranger curiously, the foreign word rolling around on his tongue. He couldn’t help but wonder if it was perhaps the name of some small town, except that Reid had mentioned Sterling as their place of origin -- was it perhaps some strange word for an ambassador or some sort of government official?
He frowns, turning the puzzle over in his head, even as Delta pokes her head out from beneath his forelock in order to give the newcomers an appraising glare. The leopard gecko is quick to make her way down to the tip of his muzzle, stretching out towards the strangers -- Oriole, in particular -- in order to get a better look at them.
“I think that we may have a lot to talk about,” He voices finally, his tones slow and thoughtful as he regards the strangers carefully over the gecko currently situated on his muzzle, shooting a quick glance towards Asher.
“Breim has long been a trusted ally, and has supplied us with much-needed medications even before the war. I am sure that if Reid and his fellows have come seeking out another trade, they will have something to offer us in return.”
[275]
picture by warped-casual
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Post by TinyMinou on Jan 6, 2019 5:41:07 GMT -6
Flynn
Serora - Windracer
......
The spotted mare looked up to Acheron as a few tears rolled down her cheek. normally the mare was strong, not used to showing her emotional side. But it was just too much for her. She was unsure if her little sister Mimi or her best friend Lexi were safe. But the grey stallion who said that alya would smile upon those who were in the oasis or outside of it.With a quick smile and nod she thanked him before turning her attention to the group of equines approaching the seroran settlement.
With a quick trot, she joined the rest of the group she had traveled with to this settlement. The atmosphere around them rose as the group arrived. Her eyes curiously inspected the group. It was a strange bunch; A pegasus, common horse and a kirin? It couldn't get weirder.
"The Kawaru?" Her eyes curiously kept looking at Reid who seemed the leader of this odd band. As Flynn thought about it, she maybe had heard it one or two times, but thats it. She glanced at Acheron. He did have a point. Breim and Serora were close allies, even trading with eachother.
"I agree. Serora and Breim have been allies for a long time. But currently there is too much at stake. We're in war."
... ... Word Count: Post #2 |
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Post by buffyandbramble on Jan 6, 2019 6:37:50 GMT -6
"Kawaru," Rori confirmed, stepping forwards a little and bowing her head respectfully to the desert group. It hadn't occurred to her that they may not know of the Kawaru which in retrospect seemed foolish - of course they would not know. The Umare were not prone to chatter to begin with, so they were hardly going to bring up their so-called dissident Kawaru cousins in conversation with foreign powers. "The Breimian herd has two factions, the Umare and the Kawaru. Your previous interactions with Breim would have been with the Umare - they are the main body of the herd, if somewhat..." She paused for a moment, carefully choosing her next words. " Conservative in nature." Speaking too ill of Serora's existing allies would stand them in no good stead - if they had positive relationships with the Umare, they needed to try and use those to their advantage. Of course, only so much could be done to deflect from the unrest between the two Breimian factions - it was after all the main reason that they were here, but the internal politics of Breim wasn't something she felt the need to lay out before another herd. She lifted her head only slightly as she observed the others, watching quietly and assessing their reactions. There was no shortage of tension for certain, but now was a crucial point to be identifying the members in that group that would be most beneficial to target - the leaders, or those most likely to speak positively on their behalf to those leaders. The roan with the... creature (what in the world was that?), on his nose, certainly seemed to be a good candidate for that regard. A spotted mare spoke now and Oriole saw an opportunity. "All the more reason to forge new alliances," she said, jumping on the potential argument in their favour. "The Kawaru are pioneers of technology and progress - some of which you may already be familiar with." She glanced now to the unicorn mare, before looking back to Acheron. "Many of the medicines commonly used by the Umare were first developed in Sterling by the Kawaru. They also create revolutionary prosthetics - I know pegasi that have had their flight restored by Kawaru work." Maybe not personally, but she did know of them which was all that mattered right now. "Such medical knowledge would be invaluable to injured soldiers and civilians alike, for both saving and restoring their lives." She let a little emotion colour her voice as she spoke the last sentence with full intent of driving home the emotional hook - after all, how could they reject possible aid that may help their injured? "And I see no reason that Kawaru inventors cannot be tasked with creating new technology that would aid your victory." She might have been overstepping her bounds here, but she was determined to push this. Besides, she was sure that plenty of Kawaru inventors would love to have a need to think up a solution for, there bound to be many that would jump at the chance to invent something entirely new.
Post #2 511 words |
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Post by Spectre on Jan 6, 2019 8:28:19 GMT -6
Diana merely stayed silent, her face staying placid and her body betraying nothing. As her her members rattled off concerns and the "Kawaru" expertly parried with their own words, she couldn't help but internally scoff. These were horses from the very same herd who offered very little aid- and that was from the section of the herd that had food (according to these three at least). A small tendril of doubt circled around her throat, making her twitch.
Diana was snapped from her thoughts as one of the delegation stepped forward -only a bit- but Diana tensed all the same. She curled her lip ever so slightly and moved just a bit closer to her companions. She was tired, done and so ready to kick someone in the face if they even looked at her group funny. As quickly as it came, her hostility subsided and she relaxed, though not before leveling a look at Oriole.
Diana then mulled over their words. Prosthetics, medicine maybe even weapons? It was too good to be true, but the fact that these horses seemed separate put her on edge. They had to be new, a fledgeling society at the very least, because apparently no one in her herd knew of them. Diana merely shook her head slightly before speaking.
"You make it sound as though you are separate from your fellow Breimians, you also make it sound as if you want us to spread our already thinned resources to help support another whole faction. We just simply don't have the resources or the man power to get resources to you. And even if you offered to be at the border to meet the supply trains, I highly doubt you want to risk your own in the face of being enslaved. Adoh and War-Forged care not who they find, if they are not in their armies, they are either enslaved or slaughtered. I have seen the scorched bodies myself." Diana sighed, "New technology and medicine for our injured are good offers and I thank you for keeping them in mind, but what would you have us give you in return? Food, water, supplies? At the most my herd could send slim army rations. And another thing, if we did supply aid, how do you not know this act would drive a wedge between the two factions. Do you not want to mend relations?"
She then leveled them with a questioning look, "And through out this whole war the Briemians -our so called 'Longest allies"- have only sent us stingy supplies and flimsy promises. And how can we know you will not do the same?"
WC: 439 | Post #2 |
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Post by Silverfallingstar on Jan 6, 2019 9:44:57 GMT -6
Conner|Kuwaru Outcast
The fact that Conner had been brought along on this expedition in the first place baffled him. He was an outsider in their society, a relic of a time in Briem's past that haunted them all to this day. And yet, here he was, accompanying a citizen and leader of the Kuwaru on a diplomatic mission of all things. The tiny pegasus had been pestering him with questions every so often, some he offered answers too, others he felt fine just leaving as questions. The kirin's memories might have returned to him, but now that he had them, he wasn't so sure he wanted them anymore. Sure, the memories of a time before he went on a murderous rampage were nice, he liked those and it would be a shame to lose them, but it was the last memories that made him want them all gone. Why had he and the rest of his kind become perfectly happy to leave their jobs on a genocidal rampage across the lands? In truth, that was one answer he hoped he never learned, he doubted it would bring him any closure.
But thankfully, he had other things to occupy his time with. Namely, taking in the sights of a surface several hundred years removed from the last time he set hoof above ground. With the sun on his scales, at least in places not hidden by his cloak, helped make him feel more at ease. Maybe this wouldn't be so bad after all, maybe this would be his first steps into being accepted into society. He had decided to hold off on answering his king's call until he found out why Ignacio had placed him here. As the group approached the Seroran encampment, the kirin pulled the hood of his cloak up over his face, having no idea what the sand herd's views on kirins were, he didn't want to set them off by his mere existence. He cursed his early experiences with the briemians for making him this way, he was a kirin damnit, and didn't deserve to hide his scales.
He'd stayed quiet while the other two had stated their case to the sand equine, and was met with a surprising amount of backlash. Conner made note to write down the information he was learning when they got back, because it sure as hell contradicted some of the things he had read down in the caves. Dark brown eyes flashed between the two other bremians, then back at the serorans. As much as he didn't want to fuck things up, the serorans clearly didn't understand much of the Breimians, and he had a perspective the others might not, at least, he thought as much.
He stepped forward, not far enough to pass up Reid, but enough to show he was about to speak. "I don't know what kind of reputation the Umare have presented, but if my experience with them is anything, it's inaccurate. They might be the main body of the Briemian people, but they are, as my companion said, conservative. They fear change, nay they fear anything that does not fall into their narrow minded ideals. They have been stingy with you? That is just how they are with people outside of their group. The Kuwaru are a group that seek to improve the lives of our people, and in response the Umare shun us like the plague, refuse us aid in times of need, and even steal our inventions for their own purposes when we would happily share if they were even open to the concept of change. If they wanted to mend relations, they've been doing a piss poor job of showing it. And in light of recent events, I highly doubt that the equine you made deals with will be sending you much anytime soon. If they are so quick as to starve their own people, do you not think they would do it to your families as well, because you have no ties to them?"
The kirin stomped his hoof on the ground, sending up a small puff of dust. "The Kuwaru are far from perfect I must admit, but I'd like to think we are a far cry from the change fearing equine that hide away in Nariah."
Post 1|WC: 714
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Post by redspaceboyy on Jan 7, 2019 20:49:53 GMT -6
He allowed both parties to speak, his companions to step forward and make their offers and the Serorans to make theirs. When tense silence settled again, Reid cleared his throat.
"We have had family and friends turn cold shoulders on us when we were sick and dying, solely because we chose to make change." He looked over his shoulder, flickering an ear toward Oriole. "The city of Nariah keeps us as locked away from the outside world because they are too afraid to admit that we are right. We have created things that have changed Breim forever."
Reid's tired eyes faltered, dropping to the ground. With a dip of his head, he gave the Serorans a standard Kawaru bow, gaze tilted upright but unfocused. Within this bow he continued.
"Teleportation pads. Resources to flourish crop growth. Water to keep you refreshed, energy to keep you warm and to light your path. We will send our own people up beside you to help." He began to list these things off, before straightening. With a nod of his head toward Diana, he looked back to look over the encampment. "I haven't heard of your war, but what we lack with fighting skills we have alternative ways to aid your progression. We will happily house your ill, set up teleportation pads within your camp so you and your friends and families may have access to Sterling and its resources," he said. His softened voice had grown strong as he spoke, ringing crisp over the camp.
He then turned to Conner, the being he would have once feared just a year ago that he now considered his own. Granted, housing a handful of kirins for several months would get anyone warmed up to the idea of them.
"With our help and our Driven working to aid you, your crop outcome could triple in size. We've already seen improvement in our own farming, but we were never shared the ability to grow plentifully. We've lacked Cascade's rains, Kaia's lands, Ignacio's sun, and Alya's winds." Reid turned, stepping away from the grouping to examine the vast farmlands that surrounded the tents. "Let us bring you Argus' will and intellect. For all this we ask for at least enough food to feed the sick and young, to teach us. If that is all you are willing to offer then I will understand."
As the wind sifted his mane, which he had left loose wild, he turned back to the gathering with a warm expression.
"Let us be your ally, and your friend."
wc: 417 | post #3 |
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Post by buffyandbramble on Jan 9, 2019 13:15:45 GMT -6
Oriole flicked an ear in Conner’s direction as he too began to chip in, having been quiet up until now. She found herself rather surprised by the strength of his vitriol, glancing in his direction as he continued to speak out. A part of her rallied against some of his comments, crying out that he was too harsh or prejudiced – Breim did want good relationships, they just had a different way of showing it and this was being misunderstood. She quickly stuffed that voice back into its box and labelled it as naïve, sentimental prejudice. Conner’s comments were justified. Not particularly politically correct or diplomatic, but justified. It still didn’t mean it wasn’t painful to hear such opinions on Umare vocalised by another, even if she did share some of those opinions. You didn’t escape over 30 years of sentiment in a matter of months, and maybe she still harboured some hope that Umare could yet change. Reid picked up after the kirin, listing off advantage after advantage of an alliance with the Kawaru to the Serorans. To her ears it sounded like an excellent proposal, but she wondered if to the Serorans it might come across as too good to be true – particularly if they had been let down by the Umare in the past. She knew that were she in their position she would be viewing the offer with a healthy dose of scepticism. Also, sweet Argus was that pretty pretty language at the end from Reid corny. Not that she'd say that of course - her serene and calm facade never flickered. She could think it though, it wasn't like Reid was a telepath and even if he was he needed to mind his own business and keep out of her head. "Perhaps there's somewhere we could go where we could discuss things in greater detail?" she suggested with the proposal out in the air. They'd been travelling for two and a half weeks and she didn't much care to stand on the edge of an encampment and try to negotiate trade deals - they could be here a while.
Post #3 WC: 357 |
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Post by leukristic on Jan 11, 2019 21:50:49 GMT -6
He and Delta both regard the strangers with pointed interest, the gecko perhaps more obviously -- she strains forward towards Oriole until she goes tumbling from his muzzle, only a quick reflex of his teke catching the gecko before she hits the ground. “Sorry,” He sighs in resignation as he sets the gecko back onto his withers, a loud and scolding chirp coming from her. She settles onto his back for the moment, though, so he takes it as a victory. “She’s very…. Curious.”
A hooded man stepped forward to speak, quite vehemently, and it only seemed to piggyback off what the others said. They offered them help with crop resources, the sort that could help provide for their herd, offered up help for the sick and the injured -- and what kind of Savior would he be if he couldn’t say that he was tempted, so dearly tempted to just accept and damn the consequences if it meant he could help his herd.
“These things usually go through the Council for discussion,” The council wasn’t there, however -- they were on the run with Baram, out of touch for the moment, and none of the horses gathered likely had the ability to reach out to them. “So… I guess we’re the Council, for right now.” The words are only muttered, the roan mostly thinking to himself as the two factions debate between themselves momentarily, and he glances between all of them with bright blue eyes as the pegasus suggests finding somewhere else to talk.
“The mess tent should be large enough to fit all of us -- and I’m sure our guests are parched,” He offers up the idea, a neutral ground where if the Kawaru were there to cause trouble, they wouldn’t be able to cause much of it -- and if they were there for an alliance as they said, they stood to lose nothing by being polite. So far, everything Reid said had made sense to him -- well, disregarding the whole Kawaru and Umare divide, he still didn’t quite get how a herd could turn against each other like that -- and he was willing to believe, at least for the moment, that the travelers came in peace.
[368]
picture by warped-casual
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Post by galekxy on Jan 12, 2019 17:25:37 GMT -6
= A S H E R =Serora Skirmisher
WC: 218 | Post 3
This time a snort did escape her, and she shook her head. It all sounded much too good to be true. "That's a lot to offer for some horses who claim to need aid too. Why would you need any help when you seem so set and well off?" Asher especially didn't trust them now. Why would they possibly need any sort of help, if they had so much to offer. "Or is this another false offer? You tempt us with many things, but yet won't follow through with your promises. How many of you even are there?" Her final words came sharp, her Aodhian accent stronger. She wasn't used to trusting easily- at least not outsides. Seroran's were different, but she had no reason to like the Kawaru residents before her.
She looked to Acheron. She didn't particularly want to give these horses the time of day. They had their own issues to sort through without trying to help others. But he was right when he said this was usually the Council's duty.
Maybe that was one reason why Asher didn't feel comfortable talking about this. They had no right to decide this, so why even bother. She gave a grunt at the tent Acheron offered. If they insisted on talking elsewhere, that would probably be best.
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Post by redspaceboyy on Jan 15, 2019 0:15:53 GMT -6
Though Reid was growing a bit disheartened, he could understand their hostility. These Serorans hadn't a clue of who this band was, and with a careful nod he awaits to continue.
"We don't want to take your resources. They are valuable to you and I understand," he breathed out. "Sterling is small. About 80,000 residents. We seek knowledge. We want to learn how to sustain ourselves, to not rely on the others to feed us."
Reid took another step forward, head dipped low and tired. "I've brought with me my medicines journal-" He reached over to his saddlebag on his hip, undoing the buckle and pulling out a worn leather and papyrus book. It was bulging with information, notes written down by the healer and doctor of Sterling, Reid's mother herself. "-to give to you as an offering. It was given to me before my mother passed. I don't need it anymore." He grasped it in his teke, passing it forward for any who wanted to look at it.
"We don't know how to grow food, or how to sustain it. We're from the darkness of the caves. But with your help we could feed the entirety of Sirith and Sedo!" He sent a gentle, passing smile to the one who spoke of inviting the weary Kawaru into the camp.
wc: 220 | post #4 |
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Post by buffyandbramble on Jan 21, 2019 15:00:43 GMT -6
She really didn't know what to make of the tiny creature that she was keeping an eye on out of the corner of her eye - it would be rude to stare but she wasn't overly keen on the idea of not knowing where it was. She doubted that it was dangerous, given it was almost certainly a familiar, but one should never assume. She'd come across horses that thought their ugly, vicious little pet was nothing but the sweetest creature alive, as well as those absolutely petrified of creatures that could clearly do nothing to hurt them. To assume rationality of thought was an easily made but foolish mistake.
"Curiosity is a virtue that should not be discouraged, only guided," she replied in acknowledgement. She was not upset by the creature; perplexed and cautious perhaps, but not upset. Curiosity was the precursor to learning and knowledge - she could hardly fault anyone or anything for taking an interest in the new. Knowledge was Argus' domain, she could not criticise those wishing to broaden their horizons.
Oriole dipped her head once more in silent thanks at the suggestion they could move to the mess tent, the picture of gratuity. She was trying very hard not to judge the fact that she had to suggest them moving somewhere more hospitable instead of it being offered without the prompt, which was only good manners. Actually scratch that. she wasn't trying very hard at all, and she was judging them. Argus smite her - she never claimed to be perfect. She was tired, they'd travelled a long way and her patience wasn't what it usually was. Already it felt like they were getting nowhere and there were voices in the Seroran herd that sounded like they didn't even wish to consider further discussion, maybe even any discussion at all. The unicorn mare in particular stood out as one of them and Rori's ear flicked, picking up on the difference in accent though she did not know to place it as Aodhian - to her it was simply a regional accent of Serora. This mare was a decidedly unhelpful influence.
"We have made you no false offers," she stated firmly, levelly. She had never cared for the Breimian custom of not correcting another to begin with, and she certainly wasn't going to brook false accusations now, especially from those that seemed to have no interest in learning otherwise. She wasn't about to let themselves be tarred with the same brush as the Umare so easily.
"The food that Breim does grow is done so by the Umare - it is then distributed amongst the population as per the instruction of the Royal Overseers. As with all of Breim's cities, Sterling is dependent on receiving its quota but is often short-changed and always the last to receive. We have tried going directly to the growers, but they either cannot or will not supply us directly." She may as well try and anticipate some of their questions or objections. Coming here had not been their first choice of action, and wasn't a decision that had been reached lightly.
Post #4
WC: 517
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Post by galekxy on Jan 24, 2019 13:03:29 GMT -6
= A S H E R =Serora Skirmisher
WC: 472 | Post 4 Asher was beginning to dislike these Breim horses even more. They were beginning to get on her nerves, for more reasons than one. They had their own work to do, but yet their precious time was being taken by these strangers. The morning was wasting away. Their reasoning for being here also didn't sound very good, and Asher wasn't inclined to want to help. But she let them talk, eyes settling on Reid as he spoke again.
Ah, so they were incompetent in caring for themselves then? What kind of horses didn't know how to provide for their own welfare. Sounded rather foolish. Of course Asher had been reliant on the markets in Aodh, as she had not grown her own food, but Aodh was different. They were advanced and prosperous. And the country would never split in two as it sounds like Breim had. She chuffed at the thought of how terrible a country like Breim must be. At least they were not looking for actual resources, but knowledge on how to farm was easy enough to give, except for the fact that it would take time. Growing crops didn't just happen over night.
She was about to speak, when Reid took out what appeared to be a book- a journal. Her eyes narrowed, and ears pinned back. 'What a foolish, ignorant horse.' She had been inclined to give the Breimians the benefit of the doubt, but now she stared at the book, anger flaring in her. If these horses had wanted help they should have learned a bit about the herd they were asking.
"A journal about medicines is useless to the majority of the population of Serora." Instead of going to grab the book, she went to knock it from Reid's teke, eyes cutting to Oriole. "For horses who act as if they have knowledge and come here asking for help, you have done a poor job. Maybe you should use your books to learn how to grow food." She stamped a hoof. "Reading is pointless to most citizens in Sedo. So you're wasting our time offering a written language." Even if her companions were not offended by the ignorance before them, Asher was. It was almost an insult to the people of Sedo (or at least she felt that way). "I could read it, but what if I am not here, or there is no one that can read. That information is lost to us then. We can not be dependent-" She looked again to Oriole, using the word that the other mare had- "on a few horses for important knowledge. I think we need better proof of your good will." She was most interested in the teleportation pads, if only because those sounded the most intriguing- and foreign. "What of these teleportation pads that you spoke of?"
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Post by leukristic on Jan 24, 2019 18:03:54 GMT -6
“Alya’s Wings, Asher!” His reaction is immediate, his offense at her rudeness apparent -- he reaches out his own teke to steady the book that Reid offers, staring down the immigrant mare with a scowl. “There is no knowledge that is useless,” He takes a step forward, peering at the book -- even unable to read the written words, the diagrams and sketches are enough to give him a vague idea of the knowledge contained within -- and it was enough to realize there were many things in there he had certainly never learned. “And it is easy enough for written word to be read aloud and then spread by word of mouth! To dismiss their knowledge out of hand is foolish!”
The Savior carefully brought the medical journal towards himself, instead, cradling it in his own bright-teal Teke and flipping through a few more of the carefully-inked pages. “My own family has a farm -- both my father and my sister have a talent for the work. I would be glad to trade our knowledge of farming for your medical knowledge, even if the rest of my companions do not agree.” It was perhaps, the most that the Savior had said in plenty of months -- cheeks growing hot at the realization of how he’d let his temper take over his tongue, he took a step back and focused on the journal instead, unwilling to meet Asher’s eyes.
Delta, of course, saw no such need to be chagrined -- she took advantage of her companion’s silence to sprint down his side and plop onto the ground before racing over to Oriole, making her strange chattering-squeak noise the whole way. Her fixation was on the petite mare’s colorful feathers, and it wasn’t long before she was trying to climb up the mare’s legs herself, intent on reaching them.
[304]
picture by warped-casual
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Post by buffyandbramble on Jan 26, 2019 12:10:25 GMT -6
The veneer of calm and rationality that Oriole had been trying to maintain cracked under the unicorn mare's words, and the moment it did so she threw the rest of it away herself. She threw her head back and her ears pinned back, her wings flaring and the tiny feathers along her face and withers fluffing up to make her that tiny bit bigger, though in the grand scheme of things it didn't make much difference. She was furious. So furious in fact, that she couldn't work out what it was that was the most insulting. Was it the blatant rudeness and rejection of an offer genuinely made? The implication that their knowledge was useless (she hadn't yet worked out that Asher wasn't talking about the knowledge but the medium, and that the Seroran herd was illiterate)? The concept that, in valuing knowledge, they should know everything there was to know, especially about a culture they had hardly ever interacted with? Oh yes one second, they'd just pluck that knowledge out of the air or off the magic knowledge tree! Was it the offence the mare was offering to her own herd, implying that without her they'd never be able to read the book? What made her so important?! Wait, Serorans couldn't read? It was a thought that in other circumstances might have made her stall but in this particular instance it just made her angier on behalf of this mare's companions because she was in essence implying that they couldn't learn to read. How dare she! Was she so petty that she felt the need to disparage the rest of her herd in order to give herself an elevated standing amongst them as the champion of words, capable of doing something so simple that children could do it? All of it was almost enough to render a horse mute. Almost. She opened her mouth to speak, to express an objection and then many more besides, but she was interrupted by the white-capped roan. His own admonishment of the mare, Asher, Oriole noted, gave her enough pause to bite back her own words and calm a little. His words were likely to be far more effective than anything she herself could say, what with him being one of her own. As she slowly began to re-fold her wings, something about that thought naggled for the mare was different in accent and manners. The tiny pegasus cast a narrow, side-eyed glance at the unicorn before turning her attention back to Acheron. The irritation she was still harbouring was quickly shoved completely aside by shock as the little creature from before came charging across the ground towards her. She sat back on her hocks in surprise, wings snapping out again as she fought the urge to rear away from it. It was tiny, this was ridiculous, it couldn't do her any harm! Unless of course it was venomous. Could it be venomous? She leant as far back from it as she could without actually physically moving (yielding ground to such a little thing would be ridiculous she kept telling herself, and possibly insulting to its owner) and made herself keep her feet on the floor. Stomping it would not be good manners, and definitely not diplomatic. The roan was starting to look like their best bet of making some kind of trade, she doubted he'd appreciate her stomping on his pet. Don't stomp on it. She did draw the line at it trying to climb her legs, lifting her hoof away and trying to gently shake it back onto the floor before hesitantly reaching out with her teke to pick up the little familiar and hold it gingerly at wing's length. She wasn't entirely certain how you were supposed to hold one of these things. She glanced over her shoulder, trying to follow its line of gaze and settling on... her back? It had been sat on the other horse's back, did it... want to be on hers? Was that it? She wasn't certain and she glanced back to Delta, eyeing her somewhat warily before slowly and rather reluctantly setting the little creature down on her back between her wings, praying to Argus that she wasn't making a mistake. She had to be accommodating and polite to the pet of their best bet of a deal. ...this was being accommodating and polite, right?
Post #5 WC: 733 |
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Post by redspaceboyy on Jan 26, 2019 19:15:06 GMT -6
His initial reaction was a pained gasp - something he had held so dearly to his heart had just been torn away and flung to the ground. But before he could get emotional, blue teke grabbed the book and cradled it gently to the Seroran beside the furious mare. Reid looked down at his hooves, then back to the others.
"If you don't wish to partake in this conversation, you have every right to move elsewhere or return to your duties. The Kawaru mean no harm nor offense, and I apologize that we have been so poorly educated on the Serorans." His voice was calm and steady, though there was a hint of irritation directed toward Asher that had not been there previously. "We have grown beneath Kaia's earth, where Ignacio's sun does not reach. We have been there for centuries, and what little knowledge we have of farming is useless to us if we do not know how to utilize it."
Reid glanced toward Oriole, gazing at the familiar that had crawled over to the pegasus. He opened his mouth to say something, before what looked to be a silver fox pop up in a plume of vaporizing white mist. A kitsune, lavender eyes fixated on the little chittering creature. It had been possessing Reid's water canteen, rolling out only when they heard the noises. It's tails lashes from side to side as they realized they were surrounded by strangers, and in a flash and loud giggle-like noise they were gone.
Reid was unamused by It's display of tomfoolery, and before he could lose his train of thought he turned to re-address the kinder of the two equine. "It is mostly charts and drawings, but I can teach you the notes in there as well. We can provide an expanse of land by Vasall and help study crop growth with you, creating inventions to help production increase. It will take time, but as we learn from each other I believe we can reach beyond our previously-known limits."
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Post by TinyMinou on Feb 3, 2019 14:56:32 GMT -6
Flynn
Serora - Windracer
......
The spotted mare had been sitting beside the group of her herdmates for a while, listening to the conversation. She had been to nervous to say anything as she wasn't used to these conversations. Usually she would be running around in the desert, not trying to make a political decision between two herds.
But something had to be done. This decision seemed important for both herds. Why would these horses walk all the way to Serora to 'trick' us? It just seemed unreasonable.
"Please Asher, calm your temper. We do not want to start a fight." She looked at the unicorn before looking at all her herd members beside her. A deep sign followed before she spoke; "We are Serora. We are known for for our trustingness and welcoming nature. But yet here we are, almost stomping down on those who are looking for help."
Her voice trembled a bit as she continued. "Yes we have been betrayed by Aodh. They declared war on us. But now is not the time to now snare at anyone who approach us. These equines have shown us that they have no mal intentions."
"We are at war and any help that is offered to us should we take with our teke. They have knowledge we don't have and could help us improve our living conditions."
"So let's take this offer."
... ... Word Count: 277 Post #3 |
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Post by Silverfallingstar on Feb 5, 2019 2:42:06 GMT -6
Conner's hooves stamped on the ground in anger as the Serorans berated his party. Well, to be fair it was just one equine, but one bad apple can spoil the bunch, after all. But the one thing that baffled him the most was the fact that an entire herd seemed to be illiterate. What kind of people didn't teach their young how to read? This was so... so backwards, Conner had trouble wrapping his head around it. He opened his mouth to comment on it, to condemn how stupid it was to not have a system of writing things down for the sake of permanence. but the conversation picked up and the kirin managed to hold his tongue. Besides, the other serorans seemed to be giving that one a proper tongue lashing, and Conner would content himself with that.
After a lull in the conversation happened, he spoke up again.
"The teleportation pads run on arcane energy. That energy is able to be channeled and stored through crystals found in our caves. The larger the crystal, the more pads can be powered. They can teleport between any pads within 5 miles of each other. In our city of Sterling we use them to hop between districts." He paused, tilting his head. "However, you will need to be dedicated to upkeep, maintenance on these pads is necessary to keep them all working, and they require quite a bit of it. If you would permit, we could make you some diagrams that you could follow even if you aren't able to read. As for the crystals, that can be part of our agreement for aid, since I am unaware of any that grow above ground."
"We could also, perhaps, teach those of you willing how to read and write. It might not be necessary for information between your heardmates, but the other equine of the continent use it and it would be beneficial in cross herd negotiations. If someone as old as I am can re-learn how to read, then I'm certain you can as well if you wish to."
Post 2|WC: 348
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Post by galekxy on Feb 6, 2019 18:42:44 GMT -6
= A S H E R =Serora Skirmisher
WC: 328 | Post 5 Sometimes, it really grated Asher's nerves how naive the Seroran's could be. They looked at another horse with blind trust, even during this time of war. "We don't have time to teach you how to read. Most horses learn as young foals, when it is easier to absorb information. Even then, it takes years for them to read correctly." It really didn't bother her how her companions talked to her. She wanted to fit into her new herd, but times were stressful right now. If she had to be the voice of reason, then she would be.
She also didn't like the tone Reid adopted. "You came to us, meaning you do not get to exclude me from this conversation. Sorry, if I think you don't have anything useful to offer." She could see her companions wavering to the side of the Breim horses. Their kind nature wishing to help, even if it wasn't the best for them. Trusting too easily could lead them to trouble. It was a nice ideal to have, but not good for diplomacy. "In a war, we need manpower over anything else, something they can't really offer. I feel as if what they can offer could help in the future, but it won't help anything immediately." She kept her voice even, speaking to the Seroran's at her side.
"The teleportation pads seem interesting, but upkeep of them might not be feasible for long. It's something I'm sure others would like to try, however. That's the only part of the offer I feel is good, though it doesn't seem to equal the time we will be giving you. Time is precious. But it seems your offer is intriguing enough." She cut her gaze to the others around her. If she didn't have to personally dedicate her time, then she could accept this offer. It was better than sowing dissension with those she travelled with. She gave a small shrug and said, "Let's take it."
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Post by buffyandbramble on Feb 9, 2019 17:09:19 GMT -6
Rori was staying as still as she could, wings held stiffly at her sides and a yellow eye trained unmovingly on the tiny creature that she'd placed on her back. She was already having second thoughts about this, but the fact that picking the creature up only to put it down again immediately would make her look something of a fool was keeping her from reversing her poorly thought out decision. Hopefully it wasn't going to cause much chaos.
Speaking of chaos, she didn't quite manage to hide the huff of trepidation when Reid's young kitsune popped into existence. The mythical creatures intrigued her, but her intrigue was one that could be sated with plenty of distance between them. She found kitsunes to be... trying, amongst other things, so she was happy to count her blessings when it didn't seem to want to stick around. The last thing they needed right now was a kitsune causing chaos in the camp. One unruly familiar was enough, thank you.
At least she wasn't the only one being irritated by the unicorn mare's obstinance, if both Conner and Reid's voices and body language were anything to go by, though by this point she wasn't even sure what to say and so decided to bite her tongue. There were many things that she could say as a counterpoint, but it was starting to seem like a waste of breath and energy. ...even if it was oh so very infuriating for someone to be so against an idea, only to suddenly go along with it. She didn't make an effort to school her expression as she glanced flatly in Asher's direction. She didn't stare, for that would be rude, but sometimes a look could say a thousand words. Or probably none, in that one's case - she doubted one that obtuse would be able to read into such things. It was fortunate then that other members of the herd, particularly the roan and the spotted mare that had spoken up, were a little more accommodating.
"I would likewise be happy to teach those that wished to learn. I'm afraid I know little of the schooling systems of other herds, but years is a rather long estimate for reading." Nope, she couldn't help herself. She had to make a passive-aggressive comment. Maybe years was true for a predominantly illiterate herd, but she certainly didn't recall it taking that long in her own schooling history. The teaching would have to be very poor for that to be allowed to stand. "I do not think that we will be moving on immediately, so I am sure that we can go through some of the basics before our departure?" she said, throwing a questioning glance towards Conner. She wouldn't like to volunteer him unwillingly.
Post #6
WC: 463
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Post by leukristic on Feb 10, 2019 14:44:38 GMT -6
Delta’s reaction to being placed amongst the colorful feathers was a cheerful chirp and a quick blep before the familiar settled down, nosing against the soft feathers gently. At least he could relax on that front -- Delta seemed like she was perfectly content to nestle down and stay in the warm feathers instead of causing anymore chaos.
He takes a deep breath and looks between his companions, one ear flicking in order to better catch Flynn’s soft voice, before he looks towards the group of Kawaru once more. They’re offering him perhaps the thing he’s desired most since he was a child -- the ability to read and write, the doorway that he’d thought would have been locked unless he had been able to become a Mullah in his later years.
“I also agree that we should take this offer,” He adds his vote into the pot, glancing once more towards his companions before he lifts his head slightly higher, bolstering his confidence for the leap he was about to take. “I would also like to volunteer to be one of those who accompany you to Vasall, and would be glad to accept your offers of lessons. There is much, I feel, that we could learn from each other.”
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picture by warped-casual
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Post by redspaceboyy on Feb 11, 2019 13:54:12 GMT -6
He was relieved to say the least. They had not wandered for over a week for nothing. The Serorans were willing to help.
With an elongated sigh, Reid allowed the tension in his muscles to relax. "Thank you," he said, voice far softer than it had been since he had arrived at the camp. "I promise you we will bring great things for your herd, and help you in any way we can in your war with Aodh. I'm sorry we got off on the wrong hoof." The boy looked back to Oriole, then to Conner, nodding. "And thank you for accompanying me through the tunnels. I will make sure your efforts will not go unnoticed."
It seemed that they had swayed the Serorans on their side, and without having to use less-than-ideal methods of doing so. His tired expression broadened into a smile. This was only the beginning of what felt to be a long road ahead of the Kawaru.
"Now, if you don't mind, would you be willing to host us for the night? We have brought our own rations but it would be a pleasure to learn more about your people."
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