|
|
Post by kerarose on May 16, 2019 18:14:22 GMT -6
Beep boop beep (i hate writing these things)
It's love!!
|
|
|
|
Post by kerarose on May 16, 2019 19:21:21 GMT -6
It was Kelby's third Flower Festival, and the wonder of the festivities never grew old for them. The buds were blooming, the snow had finally melted, and it was clear that spring had finally arrived on Kaia's slopes. Kelby had spared no expense today- they had braided their mane, the intricate designs falling gracefully against their neck, and they had even made themself a little flower crown of the early-blooming flowers, perched on their forehead. They felt feminine today, and they loved it.
Kelby had already bought a few little trinkets to send home to Mama, Mom, and her youngest siblings: little toys for Matin, Nula, and Sara, a leather-bound journal for Mama, to keep the recipes for her remedies and potions, and a small apple seedling for Mom to plant on Caelan's farm. Those things had been sent back to the Barracks with another Valkyrie, and Kelby now wandered among the equines at the festival.
Several equines caught her eye, but none had inspired her enough to go and say hello, although many stallions had tried to say hello to her. Yes, she might like romance, but the sheer difference in ideals between her and the vast majority of stallions in War Forged made it difficult to see the ingredients for love beyond the cavernous gap. A few mares here and there also said hello, and she had nodded, but had not let it go any further. She had just started to turn away, deciding to not try for romance this year, but then she saw them.
A striking mare, the red roan shining in the sunlight. Their mane and tail fell in thick dreads, and a prosthetic leg gleamed in the light. They were so stunning that Kelby simply stood, slack-jawed, for a minute before gathering her wits around her. With as much confidence as she could muster, she walked forward, reaching the other mare. She gave both a head nod and a sharp rap of her hoof against the ground as she greeted the other mare. "Hello," she said with a smile. "I know that I've seen you around before, but I don't think that I know your name. I'm Kelby, it's a pleasure to meet you."
Butterflies danced in their stomach. Kelby sent prayers to their goddesses, hoping that one of them would look down upon them and smile. They did not want to mess this up- not with a mare this gorgeous.
|
|
|
|
Post by notfromthisgalaxy on May 16, 2019 20:15:37 GMT -6
Hawke
Stone Circle | War-Forged
"Do not cry wolf cub.
For when the light leaves, the dark fears you."
Hawke has been here many, many times before. Always finding themselves standing among the crowd, watching everyone shift and move around them. It was safe to say that they were "seasoned" when it came to Flower Festivals; always being among the growing masses, though their appearance became more and more prominent with their (not too long ago) rise to the Stone Circle.
They had been minding their own business for the most part of the day; save for the handful of others that sought them out. Father and mother had chosen to stay home for the day, as well as their sister. Their brothers were lost somewhere among the crowd, screaming over their shoulders about how they would catch up with their sibling later. And, to be frank, Hawke was more than certain they would find their brothers at the tavern later on, drowning themselves in liquor. (And Hawke would, perhaps, join them.)
Hawke, for the most part, had already made their general rounds for the day; collecting some things for their mother, small little trinkets made of gems and string. That would be the only person they would buy for; if their brothers wanted something, they could get it for themselves. And father... He never wanted anything.
So, now, it was time for them to spend a little bit on themselves. Hovering over a stall with various shapes and sizes of cloths, the Stone Circle member eyes the selection of color, searching for something to spice up the nub of a leg they kept wrapped tightly in fabric. As they think over the green or burnt red cloth, Hawke lets their weight sink back onto their metal limb.
Perhaps that had heard them approaching before they spoke. But Hawke had been too enamored by their one and only chance at a "shopping" spree that they hadn't been paying too much attention to their surroundings.
Or maybe part of them just assumed it was someone seeking their elected official out.
"Hmm?" Their head swivels, slashed through brows jutting up in question. Their gaze doesn't miss the harsher greeting of hooves against the ground, but Hawke shows no real reaction. "Oh, hello.
"Kelby, is it? A pleasure to meet you as well." They hum out, finally giving their full attention towards the mare standing next to them, "Forgive me, I am a little scattered brained today... I'm Hawke."
WC: 401 | Post #1 |
|
|
|
Post by kerarose on May 16, 2019 20:42:10 GMT -6
"No need to apologize," Kelby said, a smile lighting up her face. "There are a lot of things going on today. I'm sorry for interrupting you, but I simply had to say hello." She smiled, doing a little bit of a bow as well. "You're part of the Stone Circle, right? It's wonderful to see mares in high positions."
She smiled at the other mare, pulling a blossom from her flower crown with her forest-green teke, and holding it out to them. "Pardon me if I'm too forward, but this is the prettiest blossom in my crown, and it should go to the most beautiful mare at the Festival."
Kelby looked over at the other equine. It appeared that they had been in the middle of looking at some beautiful fabrics. Perhaps for the prosthetic? They did not know for sure. "Would you mind if I talked with you for a little while, maybe got something to eat and drink, or perhaps danced? I haven't seen the Flower Festival alongside a partner before." They looked to the sky- it was still early in the afternoon, and Kelby would not have to think about going back to the Barracks for some time. They met the eyes of Hawke again, and all of a sudden the butterflies in their stomach danced around ever more fervently. "Of course," they said, beginning to ramble, "if you do not have the time, or don't want to spend the day with a Valkyrie by your side, that is one hundred percent fine as well, I wouldn't want to pressure you..."
She pulled back then, a bright blush spreading across her cheeks. She knew she was rambling, and that wasn't going to make her look good to this high-ranking mare. She loosed a breath, looking away and pinning her ears for a split second, uncertainty playing over her features. "Sorry for rambling," she said, looking up at Hawke. "Just say the word, and I can go, if you don't want me here."
|
|
|
|
Post by notfromthisgalaxy on May 17, 2019 20:33:35 GMT -6
Hawke
Stone Circle | War-Forged
"Do not cry wolf cub.
For when the light leaves, the dark fears you."
  
A rather small smile tugs up the corners of their lips. "Ah, you got me. Yes, I'm a part of them." Hawke's expression falls for a moment, "And, frankly, I'm the only mare... But I suppose we have to start somewhere."
Feeling as if their mood had been dampened by just a little, Hawke straightens themselves up a bit. Now what kind of example were they setting by complaining about the current state of the Circle? Probably not a good example... But, what were they to do?
Hawke's gaze flatters slight, one brow cocking up even higher in wonder. They seem to mull if over for a few moments, wondering if they should take it or not... But, they supposed they were at the Flower Festival, and so far, they hadn't adorned themselves with any brightly colored flora. So, eventually, their own dark teke reaches out to grab the flower.
As they tuck the flower between some dreads, the compliment completely soars right over their head.
"Ah, well, thank you."
Shifting their gaze back down to the variety of fabrics, long ears swivel towards the voice. They seem to not really be listening too intently at first; perhaps so used to being aimlessly spoken too that they don't really tune in till something manages to catch their attention.
"No, I don't mind at all. Stay as long as you would like." Moving about their business as if it were clock work, Hawke eventually settles on the burn red fabric. Swapping their currency for the fabric, they're so enamored by the simple exchange of money that they don't really seem to notice the questions or the words.
Till they finally do notice, their head swiveling towards the Valkyrie, a look of utter bewilderment stretching across their face.
I would not mind a drink. I had planned to catch up with my brothers... But you seem to be more enjoyable company."
WC: 368 | Post #2 |
|
|
|
Post by kerarose on May 21, 2019 19:10:44 GMT -6
Kelby blushed at the other mare's praise. "Well, I have not seen much actual battle, but I would consider it an honor to fight for the behalf of my War Lord. Hira is a good leader, and I gratefully serve her." She smiled, mirth showing on her face. She found it easy to relax around Hakwe, her calm and easy going manner a balm to her stressed and worried soul. "You are definitely right about Raiders, though- when they aren't trying to hit on me, or not taking 'no' for an answer, they're putting down me and other mares. It has taken my Shield Sisters to... restrain me at times. Especially when they insult my or the other Valkyries' skills on the battlefield."
Kelby's ears perked up at the mention of Hawke's brothers. They hoped that they weren't like their own, the majority of whom wanted nothing more than to marry multiple mares and hunt and battle and, sometimes, kill. "You have brothers?" they asked, curiosity coloring their tone. "How many? What are they like?"
At this point, they had ventured over to a small stand selling spring mead, and Kelby laid down a few shards for two mugs, holding one out with forest green teke for Hawke to take. She then took a sip, the sweetness contrasting the slight burn of the alcohol. Kelby greatly enjoyed the spring, for not only did flowers and crops begin to grow again, but it was the perfect time to brew up a fancy drink. She took one more sip, and waited for Hawke's answer.
|
|
|
|
Post by notfromthisgalaxy on May 25, 2019 17:38:10 GMT -6
Hawke
Stone Circle | War-Forged
"Do not cry wolf cub.
For when the light leaves, the dark fears you."
Following in Kebly's wake, Hawke prods at the missing flesh at the end of their lips. A form of a nervous habit they have seemed to develop over time.
At the Valkyrie's words, a deep chuckle pulls itself from the back of Hawke's throat. "You're telling me. Tending to the Raiders had always been the worst part of being a Medic." Snorting, the Stone Circle member halts for just a split second, pausing to flex their prosthetic as the joints and screws stick together.
"The Valkyrie always were a bit more tolerable when it came to healing. But I suppose no one likes to be poked with a needle."
They let out a grateful sigh when the pair finally reach their destionation, Hawke slumps a little, feeling as if they could let their body relax. The loss of their leg seems to take a bigger and bigger toll the older they get. Dark teke reaches out for the mug, a silent nod of their head is the only real sign of thanks Hawke gives.
"My brothers?" Hawke hums, eyeing their drink carefully before taking a few quick sips. They hadn't meant to dink as much as they did in one go, but almost half of their drink is gone by the time they finish. "I have two older brothers. And I suppose they're like any other man. Raiders. We were going to spend the festival together... But one mentioned drinks and they disappeared.
They are good men though --" as if on cue, their prosthetic groans slightly " -- I'd be dead without them."
Their eyes seem to droop a little; the third looking at nothing in particular as they think over what to say next. Eventually, the third eye does flicker over towards Kelby, though it doesn't really see her... But it was a nifty trick to have in order to convince others that it was watching.
"I have a sister too. She and my mother are herders. Most of the women in my family are. I never quite took to it though." They chuckle. Though, it sounds quite bitter. Somewhere in the back of their mind, their thoughts have been pulled back to the day their leg had been torn from their body.
Clearing their throat, they finally turn to face Kelby, a lopsided smile pulling on their lips. "Enough about me. What about you? Got any siblings tormenting your life?"
|
|
|
|
Post by kerarose on May 28, 2019 9:23:33 GMT -6
Kelby stiffened slightly at the mention of her family, and hoped that the other mare would not notice. "I have a very big family," she said, choosing her words carefully. She tried not to let her true feelings escape through her choice of words. "My father is apparently a well-known Raider. His name is Brandr. He took four wives- my mother Helenne, who was betrothed to him, along with Feray, Mellony, and Rain, who weren't. He picked them up as he gained notoriety. To say that he is traditional is, well, an understatement."
She thought for a moment, adding up the numbers in her head. "I am one of twelve, somewhat near the beginning, and there are rumors that a thirteenth is on the way. I haven't heard anything for sure, though." She thought on her brothers, especially the older ones. "I have four older brothers, all of them Raiders: Chase, Justin, Kerrin, and Skandr. They are- or, were- playmates of mine before Father sent them into training. Now we barely speak."
"After me are Caelan and Loren, and we are the 'disappointments.' A daughter, his first, who identifies as a demi-mare and enjoys fighting, a brother who doesn't like fighting, and a nonbinary sibling. Then it's Emira and Estia, the twins, Matin, who also wasn't made for Raiding, and my two youngest sisters, Nula and Sara. And then the potential other baby on the way."
Kelby straightened. They refused to show Hawke what Father had done to his family. "I get along better with my younger siblings than my older, and the older mothers than the younger." Forest-green teke pulled the things they had bought from their saddlebags. "I like to send them gifts from time to time. It's not their fault that I left, and that I can't really go home. I hope I'll be able to meet the newest one, if they really do exist."
They straightened. They had been talking about themself for far too long, and desperately wanted the attention to be off of them for a bit. "So, what's the Stone Circle like?" they asked, a smile brightening up their face. "Do the stallions listen to you? Because if they don't, I'm more than willing to bash a few skulls around."
|
|
