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Post by Artistic Pineapple on Aug 15, 2019 14:07:47 GMT -6
BIX Ranger | Slate 017
Then all at once where they once were, they are no longer. The zebra lands solidly on all fours, stumpy legs splayed to steady himself as his mid catches up with where Alya had placed them. Osulas hadn't always been this flooded... right?
"Alya sure has been busy today," He muses with a glance to the serorians tasked with visiting the ruined city. His gaze catches on where his fellow ranger should be standing. Aconite isn't with them. "Looks like she had other plans for Aconite..." His voice trails off as Bix tries to piece together why the sky goddess wouldn't have placed the other ranger here, too.
Could she have sent him somewhere else? But then, why would she do that..? A thought prickled at the back of the zebra's mind but he chose not to dig into it quite yet. A mystery was beginning to rear itself but he wouldn't pursue it until after this mission. These were strange times, indeed.
"I am still here to await the arrival of your new Sultan," Bix is back to business once again. "If you'd like to show me where to expect him, I'd be grateful."
WC: 202 | Post #9
Hello Serora Faction Thread! |
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Post by seechem on Aug 15, 2019 14:29:18 GMT -6
V I R G I L
a child of the folk
'blind with Sixth Sense - mute but uses sign'
'I am not afraid to keep on living, I am not afraid to walk this world alone'
... ...
Helios' words vibrated through Virgil, like a tangible force. The pegasus then gently placed his muzzle to Virgil's chest and the foal blinked thoughtfully. Did he mean love? Their heart...their soul? Whatever it was, Helios was right. Virgil could feel an odd, new, powerful sensation spreading through their chest. Even as Helios straightened up, Virgil leaned against him in comfort. Then there was a splash. Too deep in the void of their feelings, Virgil was startled by Esin as she waded out into the water and gleefully tackled her friend.
Virgil recoiled as the two began to play in the water, lifting their wings from the newly formed river. They watched the two auras splash at the water and illuminate the surface like glass.
Something was wrong. They weren't sure if it was caused by the two equines swimming in Alya's river, or something else. But the hairs along their spine stood up, and their feathers puffed up as they took a step away from Helios and towards Hanani. The world around them felt like it was electrified, and Virgil's ears swivelled back and forth anxiously. It felt similar to before Alya's arrival, but not quite. Frantically, Virgil tapped their hoof as a signal for Hanani to come and take shelter beneath their wing.
Something sparked, and what to Virgil looked like a flashing beam of energy suddenly shone from the river bank. Four shapes that had not been there before now stood present and tangible. Three they did not know, but one they knew as Danaë. Virgil tensed, and watched them slowly, trying to keep themself close to Hanani, but also to Helios as whispers of fear and suspicion wafted over them.
An equine with a russet-y aura and a zebra build was the first to speak, musing about the river's creation. Virgil tensed, and watched the aura turn to look to the group already assembled. Something about the new sultan arriving.
Immediately, the dark pegasus looked to the adults, half expectantly and half accusingly. Virgil remained solidly beside the kirin foal, partially guarding her bright aura with their wing. They still weren't sure if these apparitions were genuine or not...and wondered if they were temporary, like Alya's presence had been.
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Post by Zookcan on Aug 15, 2019 14:43:36 GMT -6
ASHITASH
"Sometimes we need to be reminded of where we're at in the world."
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 "Wow, that was some wild sh " Adrenaline from their divine encounter still coursed through her veins. Ashitash found herself shaking a little, both from excitement and from sheer drive of having to deliver a colt. But as the winds picked up and the Sky Mother departed, the zebra mare quickly found that they were suddenly no longer where they once were. She sucked in a breath, bigger than before ( Now with her new-fangled blessing, ) at the sight of the Osulas' ruins flooded with water! "HOLY FUCKING SHIT!"
Having witnessed Cascade herself in the sky, she could have only guessed where it came from. It's an alarming yet heartwarming moment; she saw young foals and adults alike playing and testing the new waters, laughing as they splashed. Ashitash took a few moments to soak everything in, and digest the sight of the new river. "I guess they really meant business, huh?" She cocks a brow and a smirk at the other zebra. "I wasn't lying when I said the city was a crater but this is new."
She feels Grault, her nile monitor, climb up onto her back. Based on the rabbit foot sticking out of his mouth, Danae had done a good job of distracting him. "Good job handling Graulty, Danae. Wha " And that's when she had realized that Selora, her new foal, that painted filly and the hybrids were nowhere to be seen. "Where'd they go." Ashitash keens her ears side to side, head turning and searching for any sign of her rag-tag group. "Oooh, fuck, I'm gonna have to find that girl and make sure she and her new kid turned out okay." 
As her amber eyes keep searching, Ashitash's gaze finally finds Virgil, who warily stared at her and Slate suspiciously. She deadpanned, swatted the air with her tail and took a few steps forward into the shallow water. "What? Ya don't recognize a savior when you see one? Sheesh." She flicked her head towards Slate and gestured for him and Danae to follow. "Yeah, I'll show you where he stays. Provided its not flooded. I hope its not flooded." She mumbles those last few words under her breath. "You kids play nice, aight? No drowning each other!" She shouts to the younger horses as she begins to step past.
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Post #10
Word Count: 383
Notes: for those who hadn't been keeping up with the plot they were in,
Bix is referred to by his ranger name "Slate" |
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Post by kajeayn on Aug 15, 2019 23:10:03 GMT -6
She had no idea what an octopus was, but if Bellona looked like one, her hair streaming wet and glittering in the sun, then it could not be such a bad thing, right? She threw back her head and laughed, and for a moment, all was well. The water embraced her and her hooves left the sandy bottom, and just for a moment, she felt like she was flying. Her eyes closed, savoring the weightless feeling a moment before her coat stood on end. Her blessing. She knew it at once, passing through her without a sound. Her eyes flew open in alarm, wondering where she had been taken to- not again, not again- but the water still held her gently, Bellona still smiled nearby, and their group was still here on the banks and in the shallows. As… well as a new group. Her ears pricked up in alarm, eyes wide as she froze, hooves slamming down to land on the bottom once more. Her eyes flickered over the group, recognizing dear Danae- whose face was streaked with tears?- but the others she didn’t know. She listened to the zebras speak, and tensed up when she realized they were leaving, just like that. You kids. Calling her a kid made her cheeks burn in sudden embarrassment. She was a mullah, not a child... even though she was playing around in the water like one. “W-wait! Please!” She called, and felt a wave of regret that of course she chose to set aside her mullah appearances to play in the shallows. She sent a brief glance at Bellona, a tentative smile before she leaped towards the banks, long legs dancing through the shallow water as she splashed lightly up towards the new group. She hopped up onto the bank, sand warm beneath her feet as she drew herself up to her full, unimpressive height, scarves soaked and tail streaming water behind her. What a respectable sight she must make! But she lifted her head proudly, three eyes sweeping over the group. “I am Esin, a mullah.” She dipped her head in a polite greeting. Her appearance was lost, mostly, but she could at least show proper manners. “Wind beneath your wings! But please, tell me, what happened? Is it the work of Alya once more?” She gestured behind her with a nod, and her face lit up in a sudden smile. “She was just here, after all!”
post: #5 WC: 407 |
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Post by Luneby on Aug 16, 2019 3:20:38 GMT -6
D A N A Ë
"Of fire and gold."
WC: 314| Post # 1Brave Danaë. These were the last words she heard from the goddess before being engulfed into nothingness. The light struck her again as she was still wide-eyed, cheeks flushed and heart warm from those tender words. It took her a moment to snap out of it and realize what had just happened. She noticed her partners were all around her, visibly confused as well. Shiny, tearful eyes drifted along the scene, barely making any sense out of it. This was Osulas…but why were there so much water? … Oh, guess that must have been why Cascade payed them a visit. It seemed to have brought life back into the city that was only ash – crowds of equines gathered inside the fresh water, visibly joyful. Among them were familiar faces.
Ashitash’s voice reminded her that they were still on a diplomatic mission. She smiled weakly as Ashitash congratulated her. Shaking some sense back into her confused brain, she started following the zebra when a familiar voice had her ear twitch.
“W-wait! Please!”
Her head turned as she heard Essie’s fluted voice. She smiled as she noticed her young friend’s embarrassment, she really would never change. To her questions she only nodded, feeling a rush of exhaustion grow within her body. It was only then that she noticed the distressed noises of her Familiar, whose head was poking out of her saddlebag once again. “Oh you poor thing…I’m sorry I forgot about you.” She thought, glittering telekinesis lifting the little pecari.
“Morning Breeze.” She signed towards the Mullah. “We are on a mission for the Sultan, we have to hurry. Can you please take Charlie? I will be back soon, I will tell you everything that has happened.”
Without further ado, she placed the young animal before her. He looked up at her, still visibly shaken, which he expressed through the typically… piglike noises he produced.
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Post by tarriedsea on Aug 16, 2019 19:36:53 GMT -6
 Even at the splashing of water and cheerful sounds of his party, Augustine remained prostrate on the ground, though he lifted his head heavily to stare at the ground below him. He watched his tears drip off his cheek into the sand. He breathed slowly, intentionally. Pulling him back to earth. Grounding him in the present again.
Alya was gone- though she may have been only a dream. Sometimes August lost track of what was real and what was metaphysical. More than once he confused his dreams with his waking life.
The appearance of the four others didn't surprise him, and he only flicked an ear in their direction. Everything was dreamlike now.
He swept his wings across the ground and pulled himself up on his forelegs, tears now dry & stained on his face. He bent to scratch his nose on his leg. Normally he would leave now- leave the younger ones to their speculations and camaraderie. Disappearing into the landscape was his preferred way of socializing, and he felt the itch of spending too much time here, seeing too much...
The chatty singsong voice of Ashitash made him smile, and he finally looked over to the new figures. Danae's face was stained with tears. A zebra stood squarely, anticipatory.
He'd stay a few more minutes.
August ambled to the water and lowered himself in slowly, fanning his wings out. The tips of his feathers dipped lightly onto the surface. Dust from his pelt floated away from him in ripples. He closed his eyes. |
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Post by seechem on Aug 17, 2019 18:18:16 GMT -6
V I R G I L
a child of the folk
'blind with Sixth Sense - mute but uses sign'
'I am not afraid to keep on living, I am not afraid to walk this world alone'
......
One of the auras, amber and also zebra shaped, looked directly at them. Virgil tensed, upon hearing her words. Another saviour, like their patre? Who did SHE think SHE was! Virgil snarled to themselves and pulled their lip up, maintaining eye contact to the best of their ability. They knew it was an insult and, though childish, did not resist the urge to stick their tongue out at her and pin their ears. With a sharp hoof drag and tail flick they signed a sharp warning, "Watch yourself." They looked to the others and brushed off the encounter with a flick of their wings and lift of the head. Even as the aura walked passed.
The kind mare, Esin, raced from the water to greet the group, and Virgil fought against rolling their eyes. The adults were stumbling over themselves at the strange occurrences, and Virgil simply found it amusing. But then Danae seemed to know the Mullah, and Virgil watched their exchange with pricked ears. Interesting. Yet their general conversation seemed dull and friendly so Virgil looked about, seeing Augustine approach.
The older horse's soft blue aura flared out in the water, like ink on wet paper, and Virgil looked to Hanani encouragingly before approaching the older horse. Perhaps the pegasus would know what to make of all this, as he seemed as nonchalant as Virgil. The dark pegasus only went up to their ankles, before signing to the other horse, with a few splashes, "What do you make of all this?" They gestured to the newly arrived band before continuing, "I don't like all this noise." 'Noise' being the closest sign Virgil knew, and the foal looked between the frantic adults and Augustine a few times before finishing, "It's all a bit overwhelming."
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Post by tarriedsea on Aug 17, 2019 20:54:24 GMT -6
A few small splashes piqued his attention, and he turned to see the tiny dark fledgling approaching him.
He wondered how they sensed him, what visage Augustine represented in their head. He had no point of reference for existing in a sightless world. They were able to differentiate between people easily- August suspected their focus on the invisible instead of the physical fed their virtue of trust, as they approached him without hesitation.
That, and they were a child.
He smiled sadly at Virgil, and folded his wings in. He waited a moment to stare out into the expanse of water.
"She said... we'd suffer no more. But we know that's not true. She can't promise utopia as long as we're all left to our own wills."
He paused.
"But I think.... she can promise a cosmic peace. We carry her wings. Heavy, at times, but we bear her image. There's hope for you. For Serora."
A wind caught the surface of the water, rippling it into tiny waves. A thunderbird soared overhead. He didn't expect Virgil to understand everything he said.
But now he looked them in the eye. There'd be no gaze back, but he could at least honor them by addressing them with dignity. August swept a giant wing forward until his feathertips brushed over the young one's back.
"Strange things are happening, Virgil. Do not lose her. Do not forsake her."
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Post by Zookcan on Aug 17, 2019 21:45:08 GMT -6
ASHITASH
"Sometimes we need to be reminded of where we're at in the world."
___________________________________________________
"Ey, kiddo'." Ashitash flashed a small smirk in Esin's direction as the young mullah rushed up to greet her and her companion. Her monitor lizard had begun to taste the air with his tongue. Even after a pair of rabbit feet as a snack, it seems he is still hungry. "Oh, exciting, if what I'm picking up what this place is puttin' down then that must be some big stuff for you." The mare speaks casually, turning her head skyward toward the clouds.
"It was Alya." She states clearly so that others might hear. "I won't deny it. But Alya alone wouldn't just bring a flood." The mare flashes a mischievous smile in Esin's direction, in an attempt to create suspense. "So did we also see Cascade."
Ashitash lifts a hoof proudly and swats the air with her tail, before continuing to proceed through the new shallow waters. "I'm sure one of us would be glad to fill ya in on the details later. For now, the three of us have important business to finish. And then I gotta go find a lady and her new foal. It's been a long day Ey, stay up there and away from the pig, ya' dumb lizard. " While she had kept on walking, Grault seemed newly interested in Danae's familiar. Of course, Ashitash wasn't about to let him get close.
Once she believes they are well out of earshot of the others, the charcoal mare turns an ear towards Slate, her face turning into something more serious. She keeps her voice low. "...I can't help but feel uneasy after witnessing a 'young god...' Do you think it'll be worth explaining to Jibriel about that pillar...?"
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Post #11
Word Count: 282
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Post by Mad-Manx on Aug 17, 2019 21:52:55 GMT -6
Tahla | Councillor | Stallion
The others exchanged words of excitement, of reassurance, and of awe for the Goddess that had only moments ago graced them with her presence.
A sensation of peace crept across his body, consuming the turmoil and guilt that had run rampant in his mind for some time now. Almost without meaning too, his legs carried him toward the flowing water until he was submerged hock deep, the crystalline liquid rushing past him. It soothed his aching joints, revitalizing the fatigue that had plagued him since the day they had set their terms with Aodh. They had done what they could, and now Alya was here for her people; and her words of promise echoed in his mind.
Perhaps, she was correct. Perhaps they would still be alright.
Taha's brilliant horn curved skyward as he stretched his neck, allowing his eyes to slide closed as he basked in Alya's gift to them. The sun above warmed his grey splashed coat, allowing himself to revel in the joy of the others.
His concentration was only pulled away when the shouts of others alerted him to the sudden appearance of even more individuals. Tahla stood for several long moments, staring at the newcomers, until he slowly began to trudge his way over to greet them- seemingly, for all the world, unfazed.
There were stranger things he had witnessed this day.
________________________________________________________________Post #4 | Word Count: 227
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Post by Artistic Pineapple on Aug 17, 2019 22:58:08 GMT -6
BIX Ranger | Slate 017
He had begun to wade when the stares of those around him became too heavy. "Wind beneath your wings," the ranger called to any who would listen, readjusting his scarf. "I am here to accompany your new sultan. I am Slate 017, a Hireath Ranger."
That usually eased nerves, Bix knew. Rangers were safe in the eyes of most equines. Most rangers, he thought to himself. Aconite's absence was still a weight over his head. Alya would surely have placed his partner here with him... The ranger just hoped he would meet back up with the pegasus at the nearest outpost, unless Aconite found his way to Osulas in time to meet the sultan.
He helped Mutt out of her saddlebag and placed the hyena pup over his back. The water wasn't deep, but the zebra was short. He may have to do more than wade soon.
The group of splashing serorians are well behind them when his ears flick to Ashitash's question, expression hardening carefully.
"Her power is growing," Bix's words are low and tinged with a menacing tone. "She was once smaller, but has now become a contender to the other gods. Using their power, forming her own monuments... these are strange times. Jibriel deserves to know," He shook his head, partially in disbelief in what he was about to say.
"Alya needs all the faith she can get, now."
WC: 243 | Post #10
This will be my last post for Bix.
Thank you all for an amazing chapter! |
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Post by Luneby on Aug 18, 2019 0:12:42 GMT -6
D A N A Ë
"Of fire and gold."
WC:370| Post # 2 Danaë followed the two zebras in thoughtful silence, listening to what they had to say on the matter. She didn’t dare to sign until they were far enough from the crowd – most equines would have been able to read her gesturing. Keeping quiet, she couldn’t help but notice the hyena cub on Slate’s back – one could not help but finding it adorable. She smiled weakly, trying not to lose focus as exhaustion gradually clouded her mind.
Before seeing her in person, all the fiery mare knew about Digend was what Sirius had told her as they travelled: Digend was a young god, still weak but protected by a dangerous cult. Although Sirius had much distaste towards the Cult, he always found a certain charm in the Ungod herself – she was originally the protector of the travellers, the lost, the forsaken. A goddess that welcomed change and had her people strive in uncertainty. She liked that idea too – indulging in embracing the everchanging nature of self, never having to worry about tomorrow, breaking free from the order of things. She really liked that idea. It would allow her to break free from all her issues, from all the self-doubt and never have to hold back her own flowing nature ever again.
But a few months later came Lucie. And as she saw her daughter’s eyes, she knew how bad she needed an order to rule the world.
Seeing Digend in person only reinforced that feeling. She still shivered at the thought of this giant creature who oozed corruption from every pore – she couldn’t forget the way she felt her head buzzing as she saw her eyeless stare. She couldn’t agree more with Bix: danger was coming and Jibriel needed to know.
Her bells rang as she moved, attracting her companions’ attention.
I agree. The tower was created to be a beacon, and it will therefore attract masses around it. They represent a potential danger just like the goddess they are seeking – The Sultan needs to know.
Whoever reached for the beacon would spread the word of Digend, Alya certainly did not need that right now. Not everyone individually was dangerous – but it was important to remember what brought Digend to life.
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Post by ThatDenver on Aug 18, 2019 1:50:32 GMT -6
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