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Post by Rhaenera on Jan 25, 2019 21:11:42 GMT -6
Damianus;Vindicator Soldier
Let's have a Toast to the Incompetence of our Enemies.
"They took all the food." First it was Abel, one of the kirins with them. He looked just as disturbed about everything here as Damianus himself was. Food being taken wasn't completely out of odds, but the dead told their stories one way or another- most of the time. "Then this wasn't a just fun or revenge kill, they needed it. Mouths to feed, probably a lot." Well, maybe partially a fun kill. A simple raid wouldn't call for the murder of everyone in the now dead group, not normally.
The second Kirin with them, Cecilia, was next. ”They stole their armour?” It was true, something Damianus hadn't quite noticed before now. Wasn't anything particularly uncommon. If you didn't wear it yourself it could be melted down into other things or even sold, but something told him horses capable of this kind of slaughter probably didn't find the need for Shards.
Cecilia's troubled disposition caught his attention much like everyone else's. It was intriguing that she was so taken back now despite being virtually unaffected by the colt. "Kirins did this," Adari caught his attention more than anything else said so far. Sure that mare said some odd things but this was crazy even for her, what was crazier is he didn't find it that hard to believe. "No. Kirins don't burn, course they wouldn't be in a pyre." He knew enough from his days in Aodh, ironically the child he was was still just as mesmerized by the tales of Horses with the scales of Dragons as any other foal growing up in Aodh. "I've not seen many Kirins other than our two friends here." He met the rest of them beside the tracks of cloven hooves. They definitely weren't trying to hide, this was deliberate. Out of the corner of his eye, he noticed drag marks much like the ones near the pyre. "If there were any here, looks like they might have taken them."
"My King" Damianus didn't understand at first. They had Amadeus, that kid wasn't capable of anything like this and Isador, well, He didn't know much about him but Aodh wouldn't do this. Not their own people. Not precious slaves they were so desperate for now. Then it hit him. Talk of Kirins, the Kirin talking about her king. "Soleil?" A little wide eyes he spoke in a bit of shock. The Kirin King so Holy to Aodh, a legend the Royal name descended from. It was impossible, It had to be. Sure Kirins were popping up out of nowhere, so they heard, but Soleil? "Are you sure you're thinking right. Soleil has been dead for hundreds of years."
For one of those rare times, he agreed with Adari. They needed as much information as they could get. He wanted that information. If Soleil was alive, by the looks of it, Aodh had a lot more to worry about than the Vindicators and the war combined. He wanted to see it but it scared him too, the scene before them was enough testimony to that.
"What?" In was barely a second after Adari recommended taking what the killers had piled up and obviously meant to come back for."And do what with it? Lead them back to the bunker? Are you Insane? Look what they did here, you think taking their things is a good idea?" Damianus was never one to back down from a fight, but this was different. This didn't just involve them, it was bigger. "Aodh is one thing, but this? We don't have the right to start a fight this big without telling the rest back at home about it. We take their shit they won't stop at getting it back they will find out who took it. That's what we'd do, right? You want the cadets to end up in a pyre like that?" They didn't fight all this time for freedom just to die in a fight they weren't ready to get involved in.
WC: 665 | Post #5 |
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Post by galekxy on Jan 25, 2019 21:37:44 GMT -6
A B E L
Vindicator Soldier
... ...
Cloven hooves? He looked at the tracks as Cecilia had, and noticed she was right. Could be unicorns then, that was a common trait among them. Some new group set on destroying Aodh? But then, "My King." Abel's brows furrowed. Her king? "But- you don't have a king, Ce. We're vagabonds... we don't.." He couldn't possibly imagine what she meant by that. Or didn't want to imagine. But then Adari's words caught his interest, and he immediately bristled in defence. "Hey!" Turning to Adari, he took a few steps towards her, putting himself between her and Cecilia.
"Why do you think you can just demand that of her? She likely doesn't know anything, and you sound as if you're accusing her of being involved." He didn't like the look in Adari's eye, and he didn't like the way she had approached the other kirin. "She's also not required to tell you anything, so I suggest you lay off." Abel didn't know much about Cecilia's past. He knew she had not remembered any of it, but then the memories had come back. Suddenly, and with an obvious force. They didn't seem easy for her to handle, and Abel had been- still was- worried. Whatever she remembered wasn't good, but no horse could demand she tell them about her past, whether it could help or not. "We have no idea who did this. You jumping to conclusions that it could be kirins is foolish." And almost a little telling. He knew there was distrust surrounding kirins- he had seen the way his family had reacted to Cecilia. Joining the Vindicators had been a risk for the two kirins, but Abel had assumed they were all in the same fight. All former weariness and fright in him seemed to vanish. He came into himself, a hard look came upon his face.
The kirin appreciated that Damianus didn't also add to Adari's words. Cecilia owed these horses nothing, even if they were unified in their fight against Aodh. If Cecilia's knowledge did not give them a better fighting chance against Aodh, then there was no reason to share it. Whoever had caused the destruction here was not their point of focus. Abel leveled his gaze with Adari again before speaking to Damianus, some of the muster leaving his voice, "I don't like this situation, but I think it could still be beneficial to continue scouting. If we can remain hidden we might be able to figure out exactly who did this. Our fight is against Aodh, but these horses seem to be against Aodh also." The kirin figured this was a better alternative than interrogating Cecilia for answers.
... ... Word Count: 444 Post 5 |
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Post by foalish on Jan 25, 2019 23:32:19 GMT -6
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Post by NorthernMyth on Jan 27, 2019 20:10:48 GMT -6
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Blair | TheifPost 4
Word Count: 552
Blair stood at the edge of the carnage. Ears back with a flash of anger in her face. Unaware of the spat that took place behind her between the Kirin and Damianus. Who on Hireath would do this? This was despicable. Disgusting. The filly passed through the bodies. She wouldn’t admit it to the others, but she was looking for trinkets or a shard purse. Blair knew it was a horrible thing to think about but she had to get by somehow. She had quickly put the dead foal out of her mind. Or at least the best she could. An Iron stench filled her nose. Deterring her a little. She moved away from the bodies and stood at the base of the slope. She followed by her old mentor's side as the group followed the trail. Taking a step ahead as her walk turned into a lope as they breached the top of the hill.
A shock jolted through her entire body as her steps faltered. Her eyes went wide but she kept herself silent, her breathing wavering. The shock from both the view and stench reached her as the others came up behind her. She stepped back to Adari’s side, not taking her eyes off the chaos in front of her. She grabbed her mask from her saddlebags again. Thankfully the cloth accessory kept most smells out. It was both a good and bad thing as she can easily miss certain scents but it was good for this sort of thing. It didn’t block out all the smells, however. Only dampened them so it wasn’t as strong. It gave her a headache.
She followed the others down. Saying nothing and made her way over to one of the carts. Poking around at the remanence of the field. Taking note about the amount of blood that soaked the soil. A few moments went by. Everyone investigating things here and there. Adari’s voice brought Blair back as she confronted Cecilia. But of what, the filly wasn't sure. She stepped away from the what she was doing. Making her way across the battlefield to meet with the Vindicators.
She met Adari’s side once more as the mare mentioned the gear that sat vacantly. Her bright pink eye’s glanced over it. “Are you guys going to be able to carry all of that?” She quizzed. “I don’t know about you guys but whoever did this will be back sooner or later. Do you think you’ll be able to carry a bunch of that armor and take all the weapons? It's going to take you at least 2 trips to the bunker. Whoever did this will be back and they will be pissed..” Blair took a breath wondering if she should continue. “I have to agree with Damianus. I hate to say it like this but… these. These are Aodhian’s. I know every life is precious to you Adari but I’d rather we got out of here now, rather than see you all get caught and killed or taken prisoner. We are too late for these horses.”
Her eyes shaped with sadness and concern before turning to the others. “These horses put up a good fight. It seems there's more blood than bodies here. So perhaps the attackers took their dead and injured with them.”
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Post by ThatDenver on Jan 30, 2019 15:56:01 GMT -6
A pygmy dragon swoops above you. A shriek.
The sound of a horn gives a resounding reply.
Confident.
There is no need to hide anymore.
Well, there isn’t for them.
Looking to the sound of the horn, the same direction to which the cloven hooves led, you see three equine forms quickly approaching.
From a distance they pass for unicorns, but as they get closer, the sun glinting off their scales, and the crown of their antlers.
As they get closer yet, you see the weapons strapped to their sides. Sheathed. For now.
Kirins.
There’s still distance between your two parties.
Do you want answers enough to stand your ground?
Characters may now choose whether to stand their ground and find out more about these savage kirins; or whether to run/hide and let the carnage speak for itself.
Characters can choose as individuals. The team does not need to agree on what to do.
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Post by galekxy on Jan 30, 2019 17:09:39 GMT -6
A B E L
Vindicator Soldier
......
Abel pressed back against Cecilia when she pressed into him, his stare, filled with accusation, penetrating those around him for daring to make Ce like this. He wouldn't stand for it anymore. He listened closely when she started talking again, shock going through his body. She sounded different, but she also spoke of her past. She spoke of a call, her king- Soleil.
Abel touched his nose to her shoulder, wishing he could do more to comfort her. She seemed so unlike herself, and the kirin hated that she was being made to say this stuff when it so obviously unsettled her. "Shhh, it's okay Ce. It's fine." He didn't know what to do. This was so beyond him, but his heart went out to his dearest friend. He couldn't acknowledge Blair when she spoke, agreeing with Damianus that whoever did this would be back for the gear.
But then, a shriek. Abel's head snapped up- he had never seen a pygmy dragon before and he gaped at the sight of it. Then there was the horn, and the young horse's eyes went wide. They didn't have time to hide, they couldn't do anything. "O-oh no." He spoke quietly, mainly just to himself at what was coming towards them.
Three horses- no, kirins- were coming towards them. It seemed to be only the three, and Abel at first took a few stumbling steps back, but quickly enough he jumped back to Cecilia's side. He wouldn't leave her, but panic was setting in.
They could try to run, that would be a good idea. Every muscle in Abel's body was screaming at him to do just that. But he wasn't sure if Cecilia could handle that, in her current state. He surely felt she did not want to encounter these horses though. During the Wordsmith Gathering she had been interested in the other kirins, to learn more. But this was not the same situation. These kirins had murdered, and Cecilia already seemed shaken up by the thought that it was her people that had done this.
So, he stepped forward, body once again going in front of Cecilia's. He was shaking, but he would do what he could to protect her if she chose to make a run for it. He'd hold them off for as long as he could. He didn't know what the others would do, but he wasn't thinking about them right now. Frankly, at this moment, he didn't really care. Protecting Ce was all that was on his mind (though Cecilia could probably do a better job of protecting herself), and she was worth it.
Abel has chosen to stand his ground!
... ... Word Count: 438 Post 6 |
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Post by foalish on Jan 30, 2019 17:27:57 GMT -6
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savorda
Dwarf Star
avatar by posy-punch
Posts: 61
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Post by savorda on Feb 3, 2019 1:40:54 GMT -6
| eon you have suffered enough it's time that you won |
Eon took a step back from the confrontation. They were making too much noise, he needed to keep watch. The way the armor was piled up only meant it was only a matter of time before whoever did this, kirin or otherwise, returned for the rest of their spoils. As much as he wanted to tuck tail and run to avoid joining these poor souls, that wasn't his decision to make. They still had a job to do, but whether that job included any of this was up for debate. With the weight of their precarious situation settled in the pit of his stomach, Eon began to patrol the surrounding forest. They were vulnerable out here, especially arguing like this. The stallion was just about to try and hurry everyone along when the pygmy dragon's shriek nearly made him jump out of his skin. The horn only confirmed his fears, and one glance in the direction it came from confirmed Adari's. The kirins had returned, and they knew they were here. Eon called Void down from the sky before hurrying back to the rest of the group, hoping they were ready to run. Instead, Abel and Cecilia were standing their ground. Eon groaned. He wasn't about to leave them to fend for themselves.
"This is a bad idea." he murmured to himself as he stood beside the two kirins.
229 words | post 3 |
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Post by kerarose on Feb 3, 2019 14:34:43 GMT -6
ADARIVindicator Specialist (Spy)Interacting with: Everyone Adari pinned her ears, ready to spit back a response at those who doubted her plan. She didn't necessarily mean that they should keep the gear, just get it away from whoever did this in order to keep them from harming others. Maybe they should split it up, hide it in multiple places to keep them occupied while they came up with a plan to prevent future casualties. Yes, she longingly glanced at some of the weapons and armor, wishing they were hers, but she wasn't going to actually act on it.
But before she could, a horn sounded, directly ahead of her, where the organized trail of hoofsteps led. Adari's head shot up, ears pricking forward as fear gripped her heart in its fist. This was bad, this was very bad, and the snarling of the pygmy dragon only served to increase her fears. For the first time ever, Adari froze in place, unable to make a decision. Thundering hooves erupted from the trail ahead, and Adari, flanked by her friends and comrades-in-arms, knew they would not be able to flee. There was not enough time to make a clean getaway- one or more equines would no doubt fall behind and be captured. And besides, running away would show these monsters that they believed themselves to be in the wrong, and would open themselves up to attacks as they fled.
So, really, was there any choice but to stay?
Adari stood as tall as she could, making use of her full height. She could not currently see the equines who did this, but hopefully she might intimidate them enough into not messing with her and the group of Vindicators with her. The thunder of hooves reached a crescendo, and finally Adari could see who did this.
Her guess was right. Three proud-looking kirins, Ignacio's own, thundered down the hill. Adari was furious. How could someone who loved the Sun so brutally murder those who also believed in Him? Adari quickly covered up her anger, adopting her well-worn mask of cool smug and slight swagger. Her dagger glinted at her side, and though she longed to reach her royal-blue teke towards it, she knew she could not, and regrettably brushed away the idea. As the three grew closer, Adari whispered, just loud enough to be heard by those close to her. "Keep your chins up, we'll get out of this. You should probably let the spies do the talking. And no matter what you do, do not make them think that they are in the wrong. These equines are clearly killers, and we may be no match for them. I'd much prefer to keep my head today, thanks."
She smiled then, looking at her companions, hoping to reassure, before facing the upcoming group, and letting her mask of cool indifference and smug assurance slip over her face, blocking out the emotions that lurked beneath. Because, for the first time in her adult life, Adari feared that she might not see tomorrow, and that terrified her.
Post #5 // WC: 512
Adari is standing her ground! |
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Post by Rhaenera on Feb 3, 2019 23:17:34 GMT -6
Damianus;Vindicator Soldier
Let's have a Toast to the Incompetence of our Enemies.
Jumping to Conclusions. Damianus gave the Kirin an odd look he may or may not have noticed in all the commotion. What conclusions could they jump to when the evidence wasn't exactly inquisitive, Fire, Cloven hooves. It seemed like it was easy enough to recognize the two's own Kind, only other horse to have cloven hooves were unicorns and a giant herd of rogue unicorns with a vegeance just didn't seem the most plausible explanation. Although, a herd of homicidal kirins didn't sit right either. It was even stranger that they, in fact, did seem to be against Aodh, But why. It was all strange. "Our fight is Against Aodh, Abel, but these horses, whoever they are, don't look like they share the Vindicator values. Friends or not, I don't want to be around when it turns out we're not."
Listening to Cecilia after the lot of them bombarding her with questions left him more uncertain than before. Something about the Kirin King returning, calling out to one of their own- all kirins? The vindicators had heard of Kirins popping up at random around Hireath but had that many really spawned out of thin air? He wanted to ask her more, to ask what Soleil had said when she had called out to them or just her, but it seemed wrong to ask now. Celilia looked and sounded just as uncertain as the rest of them, terrified even. He supposed it wouldn't be all that comfortable facing the carnage that may be at the hooves of your entire race, especially when the half of the world already looked cautiously on them.
Damianus wanted to comfort her but he didn't really know how when it came to something like this. His cheering up always came up as wisecracks and charismatic jokes but this was no place for that, what could he even say? He knew nothing about the Kirins return. For now, he figured the best interest was to back off a bit, they could always ask her these questions later when everything was calmer, right?
"At least someone else here has some self-preservation." He passed a playful smile in Blair's direction. Blair didn't necessarily have the fear of putting someone else in danger, the life of a loner was free, lighter than any other profession in the world. Where the only life you had to worry about was your own. It made things simple, he almost envied her for that ultimate freedom. Still, the young mare continued to care about them and their fates, remaining loyal to the vindicators even after leaving their ranks. Perhaps it was why he liked her so much.
A shriek pierced his ears, a pygmy dragon, he'd recognized the call faintly from what little time he had spent in Aodh over the past few years. The crucible was like a symphony of them when it fell. Before he could wonder what one was doing so far out here, a horn sounded loud and clear. A war horn, a signal.
Shit, he thought. His heart pounding in his chest. They'd returned for their weapons to see intruders. It's all he could think of now. Damianus was never afraid of dying, but he never wanted to go out like this. Slaughtered and Burned, probably thrown in the same pyre as the bodies that lead them here. Had this been a trap? Had these infiltrators aimed to lure in curious travelers that passed through the path the trail began? Had some of these bodies been just.. travelers?
In the seconds that felt like hours or eternity, Damianus was finally able to pull himself together to think. They could no longer run home, they had to fight, they had to be willing to die for the greater good of the Vindicators. So he stood, stood with his companions that had also decided to stand their ground as suicidal was it was. "Well, if this doesn't end well, It was an honor fighting by your sides. Tell your Gods about me." despite facing death, he had the same witty tone as ever.
WC: 682 | Post #6
Damianus has Stood his ground.
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Post by ThatDenver on Feb 5, 2019 20:13:44 GMT -6
THE KIRINS
The kirins, inevitably, reach your position.
Pygmy dragons fly above their heads, shrieking and puffing out harmless embers.
There are three kirins.
The oldest amongst them is a flaxen chestnut, with ruby red scales on her face and neck, and antlers like a pierced moon.
The tallest, a brute of a woman, towers above you – even Damianus and Adari are dwarfed by her frame. She has the antlers of a roe deer, polished into sharp points and capped by metal; her coat is a stark black, her scales and antlers a murky green.
The one who is clearly youngest doesn’t look so different from Cecilia: he is petite, but muscular, with golden scales and moose antlers. Scales cover his spine and legs, and his grey dapple coat still has blood on it.
They are clearly warriors, but from their confidence, comparing your numbers to theirs, you realize they must be mere outriders.
“Hail, children of the Sun”, the oldest greets Cecilia and Abel.
She gives a dismissive glance at the Vindicators.
“I assume you have come to join us?” she asks, and even smiles slightly. When she does, you notice her mouth is stained with blood.
“I’m afraid the rabble can’t come further than this”, the youngest one adds venomously.
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Post by NorthernMyth on Feb 6, 2019 20:26:04 GMT -6
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Blair | TheifPost 5
Word Count: 270
Blair heard the beating of wings first. A pygmy fluttered above them, its shrill shriek went right through her. She gave an annoyed snort. Kicking the dirt with a hoof. Her heart leaped from her chest at the sound of the horn. Her ears fell flat. “I-I don’t like this one bit. I think we should go before we end up as dragon food” She didn’t say it to anyone in particular. Just loud enough so everyone could hear.
She began backing up before Adari spoke again. “What?! Are you mad? Look at the carnage here. They’ll tear us apart if they see fit.” Everyone else didn’t seem to budge. Blair trusted Adari but was it worth her life? Biting her lip. She made her decision quickly. The filly stood amongst the group as the Kirin’s drew near. Positioning herself in such a way that she wouldn’t be an easy target.
They were magnificent but daunting. These were Ignacio’s children? Blair watched carefully as they approached. Completely ignoring everyone but the two young kirin’s. Blair raised an eyebrow. It was apparent they were apart of the carnage. Blood stained coats and teeth. Disgusting. They spoke as if they were one body. Just with three heads. A three-headed snake. “Rabble?!” Blair yelped questionably. Perhaps a little too aggressively. “I’ll have you know this... rabble are also Children of the sun. Ignacio is as much as our god as he is yours.” Her mask was covering most of her face but just from her brow line, it was apparent she was frowning. “Smoldering flame.” She cursed. Giving her tail a swish.
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Post by foalish on Feb 7, 2019 17:37:18 GMT -6
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Post by galekxy on Feb 7, 2019 19:13:09 GMT -6
A B E L
Vindicator Soldier
......
The kirins came forward, and Abel seemed to lose all his nerve. At the sound of their voices, he flinched and truthfully just wanted to turn tail and run. But they addressed him. Him and Cecilia. Children of the Sun. The words sent a shiver down his spine, and it sounded so right to him. He often awoke forgetting what had happened, how Ignacio (was it Ignacio?) had changed him. But it being confirmed by others who were adorned with crowns of antlers as well made it all feel right. He almost forgot his terror for a moment.
But he spotted the blood on their mouths, and the awe faded from him (not completely, he felt pretty awestruck to be seen as one of them- a kirin, not a murderer). Luckily, Abel did not know how to reply to the other kirins. They did not seem interested in the other Vindicators, and figured Abel and Cecilia would be joining them. The question honestly confused Abel, as he wasn't sure what they would be joining them for, or where they would be going.
But Blair didn't seem to have the same reaction, and Abel cringed at the words she spoke. Judging by the blood, these horses weren't afraid to get dirty, and Blair just put a spotlight on herself. He would have said something then, if it wasn't for the look Cecilia shot him. Terror slid over him again as Cecilia stepped forward and greeted the kirins as if they were old friends. He would have felt betrayed if he didn't know Cecilia, though a part of him still feared that she would leave without him as well.
She seemed to say as much about her past to these strangers as she's told him. He didn't know what to say- how to react, so he watched wide-eyed and hoped nothing bad happened.
... ... Word Count: 311 Post 7 |
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Post by kerarose on Feb 7, 2019 21:04:42 GMT -6
ADARIVindicator Specialist (Spy)Interacting with: Blair, Kirins The kirins were a sight to behold, the touch of their creator evident. They were beautiful, these sun-kissed equines, and Adari felt a pang of longing deep down inside. She wished that she had been born a Kirin, too- how she longed to be one of her God's own. But their beauty contrasted with the blood staining their coats and mouths. Their cruel gazes passed briefly over the non-kirin members of their group before settling on the two kirins at the group's head, and Adari knew immediately that these kirins thought the Vindicators beneath them. To them, unless you were born with a pair of antlers on your head, you were nothing. Swallowing her pride, and hoping that the rest of the group would keep quiet and forgive what she had to say to keep them safe, she bowed before these barbaric children of Ignacio, and spoke. She forced strength into her voice, and made it sound as regal as she possibly could. "Hail, children of Ignacio," she said, rising then to her full height. "May his sun bless you today." She nodded at each of them in turn. "I would assume that you did this? We also detest Aodh, and thank you for reducing the number of Chevaliers available to hunt us down."
Adari winced slightly, quickly hiding her reaction at being called "rabble". Adari listened in horror as the young Blair immediately disregarded her warning to keep mer mouth shut, baiting the kirins who posed a very real threat. She pinned her ears at the young mare, giving her a glance that warned her to shut up, before hiding the young mare behind her form. For extra measure, she picked up a nearby potato with her royal blue teke and shoved it into the mare's mouth, holding it there. She would not be able to speak again so soon. "Pardon the mare, sun-children, she has a bit of a temper." She nodded her head again. "But what she said might be echoed by many of us. We might not be kirin-born, but many of us here worship Ignacio. Some of us have His blessings, as well. Does that not make us His children, too?"
Adari shook her head, as if she were dismissing the thought. "At the moment, however, that does not matter. You clearly dislike Aodh as much as we do, although perhaps for different reasons. Maybe we can help each other, if you are willing? She smiled cruelly, hating the expression on her face. "We wish to see Aodh crumble, as it was built on the backs of slaves. We have explosions specialists, and spies that could get you information, and allow you to be as efficient as possible in bringing their downfall. We would only ask that you not harm those who wear a dragon brand- they are slaves of Aodh, and they do not deserve to suffer amongst their captors, since many belong to the other herds of Hireath." She chuckled, a dark-sounding laugh. "Of course, we would have to speak with our leader in order to solidify such an alliance, if your King would wish it. Once Aodh crumbles, perhaps all of Eithne can be yours."
As she spoke, she started to subtly gesture to the others. She had no idea how these kirins would react to her proposition, and as it was, she was mostly trying to buy time. She hoped that the other Vindicators understood that she wished them to be ready to bolt- to flee as fast as their legs could carry them. She could not guarantee that everyone would make it away safely- so she would distract the kirins as well as she could so that the others might get away.
Post #6 // WC: 630 |
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Post by Rhaenera on Feb 7, 2019 23:13:26 GMT -6
Damianus;Vindicator Soldier
Let's have a Toast to the Incompetence of our Enemies.
Legend stood before him, a wide eyed pounding heart spoke more than words ever could. Kirins weren't new to him but these kirins- Soleil's Kirins- who had obviously just slaughtered a small town slaves and all, were. These battle ready kirins standing before them that would decide their fate.
They were magnificent. Powerful and Proud, just like the history of Aodh had it. Still wearing the blood of the massacre their group stood in the middle of. The black mare was the most intimidating of all of them. Damianus was used to being the biggest body in the room but the kirin stood like a mountain, staring up at her made him feel even smaller than what the size gap really was. They were different than the two kirins with them, Cecelia and Abel. Which, were the only two given a proper greeting.
“Hail, children of the Sun” Their eyes set directly on the two Kirins as if the est weren't eligible children of Ignacio. So that's how it is. He thought with a roll of his eyes he was sure (hoped) they didn't see. Was about like Aodhians to look at themselves as something holier than life, traditional Aodhians or Ancient Ones. Even if it was the case Damianus didn't dare to say a word against them, they were insane- homicidal with the power to act on it. A child of the Sun he was but he didn't want to join Him so soon.
So he watched as the three still spoke to only the Kirins beside them. If only the rest of Aodh could treat us this Invisible he mused himself. The chestnut's smile would have almost been comforting if it weren't caked in the blood of their victims. Not that he blamed them. It reminded him of the time he went off on his own, been a while since he's tasted the blood of another; Not particularly something he missed.
Then the little grey one spoke, golden scales glistening brilliantly in the morning sun. All with a side of Venom. Rabble? He barely had time to think about how he felt about it before Blair did the kind gesture of putting it all into spoken words. Being sure to add the cherry to the top of their imminent death with a well-timed curse.
Adari was quick to dismiss her behavior but he wasn't sure if it mattered now, the words were said. Of course, it didn't take her long to try and break out some beneficial deal between them.
The situation got, even more, confusing the second Damianus couldn't figure out if Cecilia was actually Serious at this point. She looked just as disturbed at the rest of them when they came across what these kirins had done- but- she also said she'd heard Soleil's call. Was this it? The call for Murder, massacre. How did they know she didn't mean to find this place. Had the vindicators been used as a pawn to get her here safely? He figured they may well never get the truth to those questions depending on what went on today, even then, would she tell them.
Adari had descended into speaking on behalf of what the vindicators could give in place for the Slaves not to be more bodies caught in the cross fire. Horses that had no choice being there and would gladly leave if given the chance. Yeah. He'd like to see them freed instead of Burned too. "Yeah, you can have Eithne. We just want the slaves." Damianus added, friendly. "They don't want to be there. They'd hand it to you on a whim and leave. Trust me, they don't want to die for it."
Aodh's slaves freed, Vagabonds safe from capture, Families safe from Cullings, the thought brought a genuine smile to him, a warm feeling in the heart. A reality he'd never thought possible, their never-ending battle coming to an end. Winning. Could these Kirins really be the answer. "Hireath would do better with you guys ruling Aodh anyway." His words were true, full of pure belief. Perhaps to the horror of a few of his fellow vindicators.
WC: 692 | Post #7
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Post by ThatDenver on Feb 10, 2019 21:52:47 GMT -6
THE KIRINS
The kirins ignore Blair’s outburst, although the youngest one’s ears turn towards her momentarily, before returning to listen to his companions.
“Eudes”, the youngest one nods.
“Atalyah”, the great one grunts, and finally, the oldest one introduces herself: “Noya.”
“Yes, this was us. And a number of others”, Eudes replies, almost disturbingly eager and proud. Noya gives him an unapproving look and answers the other question: “King Soleil wants Eithne purged heretics. A noble goal for its own sake.”
Atalyah gives the assembled company a dark look.
The kirins listen as the Vindicators, each in turn, voice their ideas. Their faces are expressionless – well, Noya and Atalyah’s are, Eudes’ face shows open dislike, which only seems to increase as more voices join in.
“These people also claimed Ignacio as their God, but they were not true believers”, Noya says when everyone is finished.
“You are heretics, just as good as them. The Sun is our God, not yours; if he has settled for less in our absence, we are here to reclaim this land, and him”, she goes on, stepping half a step forward.
“Slavery is abhorrent, yes. There will be an end to it”, Noya says, voicing a clear agreement. But if this raises your spirits, they soon fall: “All who do not leave Eithne will die, and their gods may sort out their souls, master and slave alike. It matters not to us. Our King speaks of no exception. Eithne belongs to us alone, and we will burn away the last of the taint on her surface.”
Atalyah, so silent so far, laughs. It’s a dark, humorless laugh. Her words are mocking, and full of gleeful pride: “We number by the thousands. All of Eithne will burn, all who have blasphemed the name of Aodh will burn. This is the will of our King and our God.”
“You are not from here. Leave. Don’t come back. We will not spare your kind again”, Atalyah ends her speech, and smiles is the unfriendliest of ways, sharp canines and cold eyes.
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savorda
Dwarf Star
avatar by posy-punch
Posts: 61
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Post by savorda on Feb 12, 2019 2:24:25 GMT -6
| eon you have suffered enough it's time that you won |
Eon didn't like this. No, he didn't like this at all. They were asking for trouble, sticking around here like this. While they absolutely outnumbered the approaching kirins, that's all they had on them. Their reinforcements were surely close by. They should have run, ran and never looked back. It was too late for second guessing now.
The trio of kirins were a terrifying sight, still covered with their previous victims' blood. Were they next? If anyone stepped out of line, they surely would be. Eon only took a small offense from the youngest kirin's jab, unlike Blair. While he was thankful for Adari silencing Blair, it was all he could do to silence the laugh that threatened to bubble up in response to Blair's argument. What would these strangers do if they knew he hated Ignacio as much as any slaver they worked to undermine? Nothing short of torturous, surely, but now was not the time for sarcastic remarks. They still needed to get out of here alive.
As much as Eon wanted to hope Adari's attempt at negotiating their continued work in Ethine would sway these kirins, the carnage they all discovered nearly minutes before was a definite no. The threat of their certain death was the final nail in the coffin. The stallion stepped towards Adrai, keeping his head close.
"Adari, we should go. Now. While we still have the chance." he murmured. "We're no match for them. You know it. We should head back to the Bunker, regroup, come up with a plan then."
258 words | post 4 |
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Post by kerarose on Feb 13, 2019 17:00:52 GMT -6
ADARIVindicator Specialist (Spy)Interacting with: Kirins, Eon, Vindicators
Adari couldn't believe her ears. Her offer of friendship, of alliance, rejected. The agreement that slavery was abhorrent- but that the slaves in Eithne would be killed alongside their masters. What did they think they were doing? The slaves weren't allowed to leave, they wouldn't be able to make that choice for themselves! They would be killed, butchered, because they had no free will. Who did these kirins think they were? That they could decide between life and death for thousands-
Adari's heart stopped beating then. She stopped breathing.
For there were three souls trapped in Eithne who would be killed.
Her children.
Eon's warning fell on deaf ears. Her children, her babies were among the souls that the kirins aimed to kill. And that was absolutely unacceptable.
Her ears flicked briefly to Eon. "I hear you. Go, get everyone home. Fast as you can. I'll follow when I am able to." A small, sad smile to her fellow spy. "Tell the Paladin everything you saw today. Warn her to stay out of Eithne until we have a plan." She nodded at each of them in turn, then whispered to her comrades-in-arms. "What I'm about to do might be very stupid, but I can't let my children die in Aodh. I promised I would get them out, or I would die trying. Get out of here. If I can follow, I will. Please, be safe." She then turned from them, committing their faces to memory, just in case she was being incredibly stupid. Taking a few steps towards the kirins, she bowed to them in turn. She took a deep breath, and spoke.
"The words I will say next are my own. Do not judge my comrades for what I say, and if you find punishment to be necessary, do it solely to me, and not to them." She met their eyes, her fierce composure starting to crack, ever so slightly. "I stand before you as a former slave. By Ignacio's grace, I was able to escape. But my three children are still trapped there. They are still in chains, and cannot make the decision to leave, because their masters will not let them." A tear slid down her cheek. "I swore on Ignacio's good name that I would free them from the hell that is the modern Aodh herd, or die trying. Certainly some of you are parents, or know those who are. And you probably know that there is nothing a parent wouldn't do for their child."
She smiled then. "My children cannot leave, and I refuse to let them die. I know that they would gladly leave Aodh, given the opportunity, as would many of the other slaves. But they are not allowed to make that choice. Give us a chance to help those that do not want to be in Aodh to begin with. Let us free them, and then you can smite the masters and those that do choose to stay. But don't take the choice away from those that can't make it themselves. Please."
She knelt then, her head nearly touching the ground. "Please do not make me break a vow I swore. If I- if we- cannot save all of the slaves, then let me please save my children. Give us time to come up with a plan, and let me get my babies out. I will do anything to ensure that they live."
She sobbed then, her composure almost gone. "Please, listen to the words of a mother. I just want my children home, safe, with me. Anything you wish me to do, I will do. But I will not let my children die."
She prayed that she was making the right decision.
Post #7 // WC: 630
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Post by galekxy on Feb 13, 2019 18:02:36 GMT -6
A B E L
Vindicator Soldier
......
He was still stuck to the spot, unsure of what to do. The kirins did not seem to be taking in anything the other Vindicators were saying. But they spoke of murder. Spoke of wiping out the population of Aodh, smearing them under their hooves.
Is this what happened before? Was Cecilia apart of this? He glanced at her, moving his feet to stand next to her side. But the next moment, Adari spoke, and his mouth opened a little at her words. Was she begging? Could she not see the lack of remorse in these kirins eyes? Words tumbled out of her mouth, all of which just stunned Abel more and more. His gaze flicked to the kirins, feeling they would end her on the spot for speaking this way, for assuming they cared.
And then she knelt, and Abel quickly turned back to Ce, bringing his mouth to her ear to whisper, "What are you doing? What are you planning?" He looked back to the kirins, then to the Vindicators. "Whatever you do, I'm with you." But he looked at Ce with a troubled gaze. He would follow her to the ends of the earth, and that much was true. He also trusted her to do the right thing.
... ... Word Count: 211 Post 8 |
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Post by NorthernMyth on Feb 13, 2019 18:07:17 GMT -6
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Blair | TheifPost 6
Word Count: 357
Blair scowled at the Kirin’s and then Adari. The mare giving her a swift nudge with her leg. She was about to protest but Adari kept talking over her. She scoffed with annoyance. “Temper?... I do not have a temper.” She muttered behind the mare. She listened to the proposal. Which seemed like a pretty sweet deal to her. The slaves go free and they get the hell out of Eithne. A win for both parties right?
The fillies ears fell flat as the Kirin denied the deal. Many things ran through the fillies head. Many thoughts were anger. Some perhaps fear or panic for her family that still lived in Valore. “Mother, Alarik. Oh sweet brother” Adari began to speak to the equine standing of the side of her. Eon she believed his name was before turning back to face the kirins. Blair didn’t move. Still standing beside her old mentor. She wasn’t sure if the mare knew she was still there or not. She didn’t care. Blair wanted to swear outrage but Adari’s words were… calm with perhaps a hint of sadness. The mare bowed. Blair looked at her in surprise.
The fillies eyes followed up to face the red and chestnut mare. Peering right into her eyes. “She’s right you know. These slaves cannot leave, otherwise, they will be burned alive. Slaughtered like cattle.” Her voice was wavering. Trying to hold what anger she had. “They don't deserve to die without being given a chance. Times have changed Kirins, this world has... gone on to change without your kind.” Her eyes squinted and her brow furrowed. “We may follow the same god but we may have different images of who they are. Allow the Vindicators to do what they can. Save who they can. And after that, for those who are stupid enough not to leave, you can do as you wish.” The palomino filly gritted her teeth. Her stance tall but jittery in case she needed to flee. She wished she had a weapon on her in case it got to that. She took a breath. Shutting her mouth. Ears still sitting back.
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Post by foalish on Feb 13, 2019 22:22:51 GMT -6
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Post by Rhaenera on Feb 14, 2019 1:56:49 GMT -6
Damianus;Vindicator Soldier
Let's have a Toast to the Incompetence of our Enemies.
King Soleil. So the Kirin King really had returned. Walking on the same ground they all did all these years later. Aodh's precious Kirin had returned alongside their precious Ancient King, and they wanted to destroy everything Hireath knew as Aodh today.
It felt like a fever dream to him, the world felt out of place and the ground unstable, But was it really that unbelievable?
Aodh was always so sure of everything again and again. Proven wrong, again and again. They had always idolized kirins, holy creatures to Aodh that shared their every belief. They didn't know any different, until now, he didn't either. So the truth came out. Aodh had never been the way it is today and Ignacio sent his blessing to fix it. Finally the God he believed in had enough.
However, everything he thought he knew shattered when the Kirins shot down their attempts of striking a simple alliance. Not even alliance, Agreement. Spouting off statements as insolent as they and the horses that lay dead at their feet were heretics or something Ignacio had settled for. The very type that they sought to purge. Damianus furrowed his brows and squinted at the notion, but he said nothing yet.
Not until she, Noya, continued in response to their requests. A gentle light fluttered through his chest, for all he knew it was equivalent to how others described a god in their presence. A God couldn't do everything he supposed, his kirins had to be like this to save his legacy as they would. At least the children of their respective gods- the Slaves, would be safe. He wanted to believe Ignacio would be so kind, and then he wanted to believe Ignacio had no part in this at all.
"master and slave alike" They were the only words he had to hear clearly for his heart to shatter. These Kirins had understood nothing, knew nothing. They hadn't listened to a word the Vindicators had said. The slaves would leave if given a chance but if the Kirins waited for their choice they'd all be slaughtered. He felt like the scared child in a damp, dark stall again, but rage filled his heart all the same now. He'd broken those chains with the help of who he is now. He'd be damned if they took that hope from any other slave wishing on a star.
He braced to dare oppose them, his passion, panic, too much to stay silent. His conviction deeply embedded into what he'd say, because his heart was doing the talking.
His pounding heart nearly stopped when Atalyah's laugh filled the air. He braced for impact, for death, the scream of fire on his skin. He could have sworn he'd seen Ignacio beckoning him into the stars. He no longer knew if the smell of burning bodies was his own or the piles. This was it, the Large one had somehow read his mind and smited him for it. Then he heard her voice, and he was ok. Still standing where he was seconds before he had thought he saw his end.
“You are not from here. Leave. Don’t come back. We will not spare your kind again” He swallowed hard at the end of the warning, Bloodthirsty eyes staring into the soul of every one of them. He knew their welcome was a small window of time, that they were lucky they weren't already dead. Apart of him wondered why they were spared in the first place, but he didn't care to ask in case they wondered the same thing.
But he couldn't leave. Everything he was, everything he stood for was in saving those slaves. If he left now with the knowledge of their untimely, fiery death, what would he have left?
It was a relief when the others around him voiced the same concerns. He wasn't sure how smart continuing a discussion with them was but they had to try for as long as they were entirely chased off these lands. Following Adari and Blair, he was ready to speak. And a little Smarter this time now he wasn't speaking on complete Impulse. This was better. He wasn't known as the emotional guy and he didn't really want to start that now.
"They will leave, but don't expect them to be able to make the choice on their own before you can march into the city. They fear death by treason. You have to hold Aod- The Heretics, by their throats to give those slaves a choice to leave." He stepped closer now, he wasn't intimidating, but he wanted to be closer to Adari in case one of them took the pleasure in slaughtering a lesser being in their vulnerability. "We slaves don't want your God." He gazed over each of them, stopping at Ataylah even if her returning gaze left him terrified. He chose words more carefully. These Kirins believed them Heretics, claiming their God one after another would only anger them. It still stung to say it. "You can keep the Sun. He let us Grovel at the hooves of others for far too long. We helped them leave your God and Land behind. Punished the enablers, the Heretics. We're the only ones that do. But, if you won't let us get the slaves out ourselves. You must. You aren't Unreasonable. You can't say everyone gets a choice if they don't. Otherwise, the Heretics still win. You'll be just like them."
The second he said it he regretted his last sentence. It sounded so much better in his head and perhaps to a non-homicidal bunch, it would have. They'd find out exactly how reasonable they were, now.
He hoped at least some of it made it to their ears and hearts, but he didn't count on it because by now he realized. They didn't care.
WC: 977 | Post #8 |
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Post by ThatDenver on Feb 14, 2019 11:43:52 GMT -6
THE KIRINS
Atalyah and Noya listen to the Vindicators once more, but Eudes has his attention on Cecilia alone. He smiles, a genuine and friendly smile, even if this sister seems to be with these strangers.
“I don’t know your family, but so many have come back. More arrive almost daily, from all corners. Your family, friends, could be among them”, he says, his tail doing a slight excitable swish.
“My fathers just came to us a week or so back. After this is over, we will have our world, our lives, back. The way we deserve”, Eudes goes on, clearly speaking to just Cecilia now. There is something in his tone that tells that he too has struggled with that feeling of loneliness, that amazement of finding out there were so many.
Outside this private conversation, Adari, Blair and Damianus have each said their piece. Atalyah and Noya exchange looks.
Atalyah smiles.
Noya does not.
“There seems to have been a great misunderstanding”, Atalyah says, her deep voice softer now. She steps closer, her great height evident.
“See, you presume that just because we oppose slavery, we care about your cause”, she goes on, and then states decisively, coldly and without any hesitation: “I assure you, we do not.”
Noya looks at Adari, kneeling before them. She looks tired with her, and the conversation as a whole. The patience of the kirins is wearing thin.
“What was it about the pile of corpses we left behind that gave you the impression we care about the plights of mothers and children, ones living in “Aodh” or otherwise? You are not kirin, and as such, what you have promised your brood is none of our concern”, she says, her voice emotionless and cold. Not the slightest bit moved by the pleas.
“You keep speaking the name of our God as if this will impress us. I assure you, it does not. We don’t care a wyvern’s dung pile’s worth of what promises your worthless tongue has sworn in our Gods name”, Noya then says, and it looks as if she barely holds back the impulse to spit at Adari, before her eyes turn to Damianus.
“Indeed, there has been a misunderstanding. You seem to interpret our King’s gracious offer as a true choice – that we would care whether this filth had a chance of choosing their fate. I assure you that we care for this as much as you care for the pebbles of stone you step on. I am sure there are indeed many who would leave but cannot, whether they be slaves, children or infirmary”, her words are cold, but there is a truth to them. Your care is for the slaves, but the dead Aodhian child saddened you. It does not sadden the kirins. The kirins do not care if this child could have left or not.
The child is dead regardless.
“But we do not care for this, for it is not our concern. Our King’s words were a fair warning, not a promise of armistice until a choice is made. We will not wait. We will not tarry. Those who leave will live, those who stay will die. Whether it be their choice, or someone else’s matters not; all flesh not of the Sun burns the same”, Noya speaks with a strange mixture of cold uncaring, and deep passion. A fervent devotion to her King, her god.
“The kirin do not concern themselves with the feelings and choices of lesser breeds. No tears will be shed for the dead. The only reason we have taken the time to speak to you is because you were in the company of our own. A privilege we now see we should not have granted”, Atalyah speaks up again, her voice deep and booming. Between her sharp canines, you see fire.
“Stay and die or run and live. Tarry, and the fire will make the choice for you”, Noya says, fire between her lips as well.
The two breathe out. The heat of their breath scatters embers and sparks into the underbrush. Flames engulf the grass – it has been two days since it last rained. Small islets of fire join into a sea. The kirins are swallowed by the flames, and they stand there, proud and unmoving.
The scene of the battle is eaten away by the fire, one body at a time.
They watch as the fire spreads. Uncaring.
It matters not to them whether you were stubborn enough to add more bodies onto the burned field.
Calmly, they walk away. Their message sent.
Loud, clear, and as hot as the Sun from whom they were born.
The kirins depart.
Congratulations, your plot is complete! Thank you for the chapter.
Now just get out of there before you become extra crispy.
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Deleted
Deleted Member
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Post by Deleted on Feb 18, 2019 14:55:21 GMT -6
COMPLETE 20 AP and 20 CS to Blair, Abel, Cecilia, Damianus, Eon, Adari and your game dm! |
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