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Post by ThatDenver on Jul 2, 2019 13:04:15 GMT -6
Hello Starborn, and welcome to Serora Plot 805: Whispering Sands Team Leaders: Ashitash and Fletcher Participants: Danae, Mordekai, Selora, Aiolos, Dalach, Bix, Blair Please keep the following in mind!- Posts must be a minimum of 175 words. There is no maximum!- Be sure to add your post count to each post for easy tallying of rewards!- You must post a minimum of 3 times and complete your plot to get full rewards. - Additional posts past the initial 3 will gain 1 AP per post!- No strict order is enforced, but there must be at least two posts between your own character's.- No god-moding or reading characters' minds (unless your pony is a literal telepath, anyway)
- Always get consent before harming another character!- Your team is precious. Try to interact with everyone. <3- Have fun! Even if your pony isn't. 8'D
Prompt: Serora: The war is over, and that means opportunities. Your Sultan has sent you to a meeting place near the Sedo border where you are supposed to meet up with two rangers the government has summoned. You are then to escort them to the Sultan’s temporary home in the Osulas where they’ll wait for his return. What you were not expecting is for the Rangers to have a few tag-alongs with them. Vagabonds: The Rangers have been summoned to Sedo to perform a task on their behalf. On the way to their goal, they are joined by two Missionaries and a young thief looking for safety in numbers - and perhaps some conversion opportunities. The waiting Serorans are less than excited about these strange Vagabonds, but don’t let that distract you from your mission. Date: October 1st Time of Day: Afternoon Weather: Clear, cloudless sky with hardly any wind. Warm and pleasant. Location: Some miles north of Osulas, near Sedo border. Serorans are waiting in a small oasis. Your leaders are posted!
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Post by ThatDenver on Jul 4, 2019 21:22:06 GMT -6
ASHITASH
Alya's harsh winds relented this day. The Mother of the Sky herself seems to have granted her children respite after the banners of war finally fell. They needed it, especially when distrust still hung over so many of her herdmates' heads. Gone was the paranoia that her patients had suffered, but anew was anxiety and hesitation towards the road ahead. Many of them knew it would not be an easy one, especially since it was paved by Aodhian hooves.
She herself still felt a little bit of boiling ire towards her superiors for this. Moreso toward Baram than anyone else. The treaty had been skewed in the enemy's favor, and worded as though her people were the ones who declared war. Well, Ashitash was not going to sit and mope about it. Her herd had held together, but it was fractured as an effect. When Jibriel had sent requests for able horses to escort Rangers near Sedo's north border -- the mare readily volunteered.
Once a small group had been rallied, she gathered up her saddlebags, her cloak, and Grault for company, and lead the small troop towards the northern border.
Even standing out in the sunlight, the air felt pleasantly warm, this early autumn. Her figure shaded by a massive palm, Ashitash looks like a silhouette. Her backleg is resting and her head is low, large ears swivelling on occasion in search of any notable sounds. "...Any sign?
Word count: 239
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Post by ThatDenver on Jul 5, 2019 16:29:40 GMT -6
FLETCHER
A vision had startled Fletcher weeks ago with its brilliance and clarity, urging him towards Sedo, a place he’d usually avoid at all cost. He did not enjoy the heat and he had terrible memories of the unforgivable desert and barely surviving the rolling sand dunes, so it was a pleasant surprise when his back wasn’t being cooked. He did miss a cool breeze every now and then, but after rolling up his lion skin the temperature improved dramatically.
Fletcher had enlisted Aiolos, sharing his vision with the young Missionary; A towering structure in the blazing desert. Whatever it was, Fletcher made it clear that Digend was guiding them, and Aiolos should feel privileged for joining the senior hybrid on this quest.
Some would claim the duo was lucky to join up with Rangers and a third wandered, but Fletcher knew in his heart that this was all part of Digend’s evolving plan. Ever since he had been chosen as a Missionary and been gifted with the bone pendant that still hung around his neck, he’d been lucky, inexplicably so, and it made it more than happy for the safety in numbers. The more targets for misdirection the better. Not once did his speak of his vision and made it very clear Aiolos shouldn’t do so either. Instead, he made quite simple small talk during their travels, providing to be pleasant company despite his somewhat unpleasant look and had stories aplenty to share in the nights before they settled down.
Their destination came into view slowly, a small oasis which on any other occasion might have drawn Fletcher's attention, but he was far more interested in the waiting Serorans and catching any minute insight into what the Ranger’s had been called for. The three tagalongs, himself, Aiolos and Blair had to be a surprise to the sand horses, so the greying kirin picked up his pace, held his head high and smiled brightly at the strangers.
“Greetings friends! My name is Fletcher and I want to be the first to thank you for your hospitality. What a truly amazing, erh, land you have here! “ His smoke-rough voice did not betray the excitement at being so close to his goal but held nothing put honeyed pleasantry, matching the calm smile on his face.
Word count: 382
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Post by Artistic Pineapple on Jul 5, 2019 21:25:46 GMT -6
BIX Ranger | Slate 017
This was Bix in the desert yet again.
His face the usual scowl and wide zebra ears flipped backward as stumpy striped legs carried him across the sands of Serora once again. Saddle packs swayed gently with his ambling gait and Mutt snoozed in one of his larger bags. His bow and lantern cane hung on either side of the get-up, their weight going unnoticed in the pace Bix always set when walking anywhere.
The hyena pup didn't seem to mind the heat any more than the zebra did, which was a good sign. The two were still getting acquainted, but she seemed to have the makings of a loyal companion (when she wasn't chewing on something she shouldn't be).
Bix shot a sideways glance to his partner when the Missionary greeted their serorian escorts - Aconite 013. Bix usually just called him Wolf's Bane. It was the same thing, really. The tall hybrid held an air of something else, the zebra had decided on their journey here. He moved with an air of duty most other rangers would only dream of, and he was genuinely intelligent. Needless to say, Aconite had earned the strict zebra's favor despite Bix's best efforts.
In the back of his mind however, paranoia prickled slightly. After his experience at the Bone Tower and the sight of the Ungod, it was hard not to be paranoid.
His feet came to a halt in the shade, just before where the serorians were patiently waiting. Eyes the color of wet earth took them in as he waited for the kirin to finish spouting off in greeting. He hadn't wanted anyone else to join them on their mission, but the presence of rangers promised safety to all of Hireath. It had come down to the principal of it. The zebra stifled an even larger scowl at the thought of their mission going awry. He righted himself before addressing the serorians.
"Wind beneath your wings," he said after the kirin, tipping his ears forward in a more friendly greeting. "We are the rangers your herd summoned. I am Slate 017 and this is Aconite 013. These vagabonds have joined us in search of safe passage." He was very no-nonsense when it came to matters like these. Bix didn't know what it meant to beat around a bush because he was so used to just walking through them.
WC: 404 | Post #1 |
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Post by Luneby on Jul 6, 2019 2:51:17 GMT -6
D A N A Ë
"Of fire and gold."
WC: 426| Post # 1 She had followed Ashitash deep into the sands of Sedo, heart tight as her eyes got lost in the golden immensity that was her native desert for the first time since the war had come to an end. She slowly breathed in smells that she had forgotten, unusually quiet, shaken as her hooves sunk into the soft sand each step she took. Freedom retrieved had made her emotional for the past days, and Alya was to thank for blessing them with quiet weather. Her young pecari was asleep, lulled by the steady pace of her walk and the light ringing of the bells around her ankles, pale little head poking through the saddlebag she was carrying. She did not pay much attention to the familiar figures walking alongside her, colourful gaze resting on the horizon.
Despite the uplifting feeling of freedom retrieved, she was anxious. Danaë was well acquainted with Vagabonds to say the least – maybe this was why she was assigned to this mission. It had been a long time since she had dealt with Vagabonds, rangers and thieves specifically, one of them leaving her with a child. She expected a lot of things, but certainly not what she saw as they made it to the oasis. Carefully standing by Ashitash, her ears rose as unfamiliar figures grew closer.
She had never seen anything quite like these equines. Firstly, They were much more numerous than they were supposed to be. Secondly, three of them sported traits unlike anything she had ever seen – belonging to various species, horns, wings and glittering scales gracing the same body. Never had she met a kirin nor a hybrid– in the light of being blessed by the kirin god himself recently, the view of the silver stallion who introduced himself as Fletcher deeply shook her. She took a step back, watching silently the newcomers, somewhat tense. There was not much else she could do- watch, unable to speak, confident only her herd mates would be able to understand her if she was to attempt communicating – which was good news.
Although she didn’t trust much those who had unexpectedly joined their group, she felt relief as the zebra known as Slate 017 explained the situation. There was something down to earth to this stallion and Danaë felt he could be trusted. Still, she couldn’t shake off the strange feeling she had as she witnessed the otherworldly creatures that she would escort to Osulas. She waited silently for her orders, shooting a glance in Mordekai’s direction, wondering what he could be thinking.
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Post by SkyOfNewMoon on Jul 7, 2019 0:27:33 GMT -6
 Aiolos;Vagabond | Missionary
Keep your head down, say nothing.Excitement coursed through the young Hybrids veins. His life had changed so dramatically in the past few months and he was loving every moment of his new role.
So far Aiolos had definitely managed to sway at least five rabbits, two deer and at least a hundred different kinds of bugs to follow in the steps of Digend, but in the way of equines, he was yet to be successful. After following the Cult for all of his life, the young hybrid was finding it more difficult than expected to change his ways and not get mad at everyone he came across who didn't want to hear his stories of the wonderful Digend. A couple of times he had accidentally got too mad and fired his slingshot at the rumps of those who walked away from him. Thankfully he had got a little more control on his Teleporting and had gotten away safely during said moments of his emotional lack of restraint.
So when Fletcher had told him he was to accompany him on a special mission sent by Digend herself, Aiolos couldn't stop loop-de-looping in the air for five minutes straight. Much to the strong irritation from Fletcher... But when Fletcher began telling him about the vision he had been sent by their Goddess, Aiolos sat rigid, the only movement coming from his scales twinkling in the sunshine.
The one good thing about Aiolos' youth was that he was still very accustomed to following orders. So when Fletcher told him he wasn't allowed to share any plans with anyone else they came across, Aiolos kept his mouth shut, no matter how difficult it was, particularly when the Rangers asked what possible reason the two would want to follow them to Sedo for.
On the trip, Aiolos found great joy in pestering all who they joined with about their lives. The Rangers had travelled to such crazy places! For one instance the young Missionary noted the irritation that flicked with the zebra's ears, but it was just as easily forgotten. All of the adults audibly sighed when he moved his attention from them to the young Vagabond who was tagging along too. Just as quickly asking for details about every aspect of her life.
But as their hooves hit sand, Aiolos' pestering came to a close as exhaustion crept up after his bountiful teleporting to keep up with the adults and more often he found himself lagging a few paces behind and lazily flapped his wings to get closer again.
He audibly groaned with relief when they met with the equines that lived in the sand. The first thing that came to his mind was the first thing that came out of his mouth, "Hey look, you're both covered in stripes!" He said with a grin, a trickle of energy slipping back into his veins now that they had stopped.
WC: 481 | Post #1 |
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Post by marinedoq on Jul 7, 2019 7:33:56 GMT -6
M O R D E K A I
serora
... ...
Mordekai had seen and experienced a lot, while stuck in an Oasis with over half the population of Serora. However, stuck by Danaë and Ashitash' sides, he hadn't expected to see more... hybrids. Kirin hybrids, to be specific. He didn't mind them. He knew the stories, but also knew that they didn't remember - it hadn't seemed that way, with those he had met during his time. Amaranthe and the hybrid he met in the Oasis.
Amaranthe, a pure kirin, had been snarky. They two had never become friends as such, but he'd sparred with her a couple of times. It had helped him, as he became a Screamer and learned more about fighting, tracking and getting around Sedo. She was gone now, he hadn't seen her in months. This wasn't unusual for serorans, so he hadn't wondered more about it. Mordekai had met the hybrid in the Oasis, where it'd seemed to feel very uncomfortable amongst all these other horses. He didn't know much about the hybrid.
He looked to Ashitash, following her gaze into the horizon. ""No sight yet, but can't be long", he replied, anxiously looking for any sign of the Rangers. What met his gaze was far more than two rangers, which both scared and surprised him. Having just ended a war with Aodh, he didn't really appreciate this many strangers coming. Vagabonds weren't a problem as such, but these seemed different. Not one, but two kirin hybrids. He couldn't decide between it being beautiful and it being scary. He didn't say that out loud of course. Looking to Danaë, as one of the hybrids greeted them, he could understand why she was lost for words. Looking to the ranger, Mordekai decided to ignore the kirin hybrid for now. He didn't seem excited to be here anyways.
"We're only supposed to escort Slate 017 and Aconite 013 to the Sultan's home." He spoke up, looking to Danaë and Ashitash for backup. He wasn't really sure whether to bring the vagabonds along or not, they couldn't just come with them all the way, could they?
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Post by NorthernMyth on Jul 7, 2019 12:51:09 GMT -6
Blair | Theif
Blair had come across the group by chance. Separating herself from her usual gang of bandits wasn’t something un-usal and Rousine often implored it. She wanted the girl to see the world and experience it how she wished. But with the Kirin army looming, Eithne was out of the question. Most of the good steals came from Nobles when they traveled on foot. Or traveling merchants who had a decent haul.
Her intentions were hidden when she first came face to face with the group. She had been scouting them for a short while, intending to steal some of their items or any shard they carried. Her story had been that she’d got separated from her traveling group and didn’t feel safe on her own. Of course asking if she could follow the small band to wherever their destination was.
Spending some time with them slowly deterred her. Finding that two were in fact rangers pushed her against it more so. Aiolos seemed to take to the filly pretty will, if not a little less mature than Blair was. But she was happy to amuse the colt and have a good time out of it herself.
She told lies of who she was in her life as her Uncle had told her to do. It was hard for her to disguise her Aodhian accent so instead said she was born a slave who escaped before the branding. There was some truth to the lies she told. But not outlandish enough for someone to call her out.
Learning of their destination quickly excited her. She hadn’t been near Sedo and only heard stories. Both good and bad. Valore had a different teaching of the Seroran’s of what she had been told by Vindicators and Vagabonds alike. So wasn’t sure of what to believe. She had known about the war between Serora and Aodh. A big part of why she avoided it. But also decided to keep pretty much quiet when they came face to face with the herds greeting party.
The ground slowly changed from dirt and rock to a more sandier base and it felt weird under the mares hooves. It was harder to walk but it didn’t slow her down. And she trekked on with the group. Slowly they reached their destination. It felt nice to be in a warmer climate. A breeze tickled her forelock as they grew closer to the oasis and the group waiting for them. As they met. Fletcher stepped forward. To speak, as did Slate 017. Blair stood behind the other ranger. Pretending to be shy but also so she could get a better look at the group. It was her first instinct. But she wished to be cautious on meeting theses new horses. After all, she didn’t know what Serorans were really like.
Post 1 | Word Count: 478 |
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Post by Zookcan on Jul 7, 2019 22:01:58 GMT -6
ASHITASH
"Sometimes we need to be reminded of where we're at in the world."
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 Round ears swiveled around and forwards, flicking with the sway and creak of the palm tree she was camped underneath. She could feel Grault's weight shifting against her back, and that's when she could tell that something was worth looking up for. Expression forever stuck in a contemplative frown, Ashitash lifted up her head, and squinted out into the canyon edge beyond the little Oasis to find a collection of small silhouettes growing closer on the horizon. Her ears swivel forward attentively, but her mug remains sour. In the glaring sun, their forms are all a collective amalgamation -- but as they grow closer, she starts to make out their forms. There were supposed to be only two. She sees five.
"Damn." She mutters quietly and harshly under her breath. The mare hadn't exactly been in the best of moods to begin with, but she still carried the situation on her withers with great importance. Explanations would need to be given before she could let her temper loose. Perhaps they were merely escorts?
They grow closer, and it becomes clear to her that some of these are not worthy of being escorts. Ashitash couldn't say that she had come across a hybrid in recent memory. It didn't miff her very much, but clearly there strangers among these horses, and two of them were covered in scales. She turns her neck and glances at Selora, her childhood rival whom had mysteriously gained a pair of wings on her back more recently. The zebra mare cocks a brow, and turns her head back to the group of vagabonds who have now made their way to them.
The third-eye bearing kirin immediately faces her silent disapproval. Something about the optimism in his voice and his marvelous attempt at flattery only makes the heat in her belly grow stronger. 'Amazing,' if a war-torn land, ravaged by greed and petulance is anything worth 'amazing.' Her stare is cold, and no-nonsense. Nonetheless, she nods her head in greeting. Rather than allow the kirin to stir a slowly growing fire, she chooses to focus on another stallion, a zebra like her. "Welcome to Sedo, travelers. I hope you've packed your cloaks, because you'll need them." She addresses calmly.
She is briefly distracted by the younger hybrid, half pegasus, whom excitably notes hers' and Slate 017's physical similarities. Briefly, Ashitash pauses, almost as if to try and humor the young colt after all, political situations and matters of the serious kind often flew over kids' heads. Then she raises her head in a half nod, and taps her tongue to the roof of her mouth while giving Slate a glance. "Right. Anyway," her look hardens again. "Our sultan is expecting you. However " She flicks her ears towards Mordekai and Danae. The former was expecting backup, and she would provide.
"We weren't expecting others to end up accompanying you." Her look steels as it travels to the horse who was hiding behind one of the rangers. "I suppose coincidence is coincidence, and these are some very trying times. That being said, if these vagabonds are to come with us, they are to be escorted properly to a patrol who can help them. Only the Rangers are to meet with the Sultan. What do you think, guys?" She turns to her fellow Serorans. "Does that seem fair or do you have a better suggestion?"
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Post #2
Word Count: 563
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Post by Luneby on Jul 7, 2019 22:35:21 GMT -6
[/div]
D A N A Ë
"Of fire and gold."
WC: 332| Post # 2 Relief flooded Danaë’s colourful eyes as she heard her companions emitting doubt as well. Her stare grazed along the figure of the strangers, analysing them in suspicion. No useless risk shall be taken – it was unlike serorans to show so much distrust, but who could blame them after what they came through? Danaë did not want to bring any form of danger near Osulas, it was where her home was rebuilt and where her daughter would meet her in a few days. She and her herd needed Osulas to be a safe place more than ever. But she couldn’t go against her herd’s very values.
There were two children within the group, however – the little hybrid and a young horse. Those children deserved to travel safely. These two were innocent to her eyes by the sole fact that they were children and she knew the scaled threat was roaming through Eithne, which is why part of her understood why these strangers desired safe passage within Sedo. She didn’t want to picture children meeting the kirin army – for she knew what fire could do.
She nodded as Ashitash spoke. Hesitant, she looked around her, facing each of her fellow serorans. Hesitantly, she started moving. There was very little chance any of the Vagabonds understood seroran sign language, or so she hoped.
“I agree with you.” Her body speaks through an eloquent bow of her neck. Only the two rangers were to meet the Sultan indeed. “But what do we do if the travelers turn out to be a threat?” A much more complex choreography was involved in any type of question, the bells at her ankles ringing rhythmically as she moved. She shot a glance at the three-eyed kirin, quickly moving her eyes back to her companions. Who knew what kind of blessings they might have – one blessing alone was enough to blow up Osulas after all. Fighting off any of them if things went sour would prove to be a difficult task.
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Post by Artistic Pineapple on Jul 8, 2019 7:27:53 GMT -6
BIX Ranger | Slate 017
Bix meets the zebra mare's glance briefly at the young pegasus' comment, one eyebrow cocked slightly in silent amusement.
He listened as the serorians discussed the unwanted company and fought the urge to meet his fellow ranger's eyes. He knew this was going to be a hold-up on their mission, tail swishing over his hindquarters in irritation. An ear stayed cocked on the conversation at hand, reading the sigh-language as well as hearing the verbal communication. Serora was the most welcoming and hospitable of all the herds by far, but that kindness had lost them a war.... or at least caused an obtrusive stalemate. Now here stood an overly-friendly member of Aodh's ancient people and three other strangers, asking for safe passage through a place war had just ravaged. The serorians were right for being uneasy.
But if they thought these vagabonds could endanger them with him here, they were wrong.
What do we do if the travelers turn out to be a threat?
Rangers are trained in sign language and Bix doesn't skip a beat, letting loose an exasperated sigh. He's not happy for what he's about to say.
"If these travelers do indeed turn out to be a threat despite their promise of peaceful passage---" he glances at the vagabond tag-alongs with an edge to his eyes, "---we will enact justice and ensure your safety, as well as the safety of your sultan. If they only desire to travel to Osulas, then we will leave them at the edge of the city at most."
As much as he hated this course of action, his duty as a Ranger was to protect all of Hireath. That meant not leaving a handful of seemingly-peaceful vagabonds alone in the desert. Bix shifted his weight slightly, readjusting his longbow and glancing upward at a circling buzzard. If need be, their escort party could be joined by the desert's creatures. He only needed to call them closer.
WC: 331 | Post #2
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Jul 10, 2019 16:32:14 GMT -6
Aconite 013
Dalach had kept an eye on Fletcher for the duration of their joined journey, just like he would have on any capable adult tagging along. The younger equines he met with patience, not looking bothered by their antics. He participated in small talk during the walk, smoothly covering any topic without bringing that many actual opinions on the table.
To Dalach it didn’t seem like too bad of a hinderance on their way; he had to slow his natural pace down for Bix regardless – if not for the size difference alone, certainly for the lack of wings. He seemed unbothered by it – they were on a ranger mission, after all, and right now Bix was his partner.
One raised eyebrow was his response to Fletcher so quickly jumping into a greeting, and one could have seen a fleeting smile tug at the corners of his mouth when Bix went on, so very matter-of-factly. He followed the conversation with keen eyes and calm composure.
“Yes, it is our duty to ensure protection. Surely you would understand why that means we couldn’t leave these Vagabonds to fend on their own in the sands of Sedo? But just like we have promised to escort them safely, as Slate said, we will be there for your protection should the need arise. I do not think they are looking for an audience with the Sultan, so I’m sure they will be fine once seen to someone who can assist them instead.”
Word count: 246 | Post 1
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Post by PennthePony on Jul 10, 2019 22:01:32 GMT -6
SELORA
its complicated
......
Ashitash had asked her, if not dragged her, to come with her on this mission to escort two Rangers to the Sultan on important business. Her reasoning had been simple: “You want a reason for them to let you back in the herd? Give them a damn reason. Make it known that you’re still an asset to this herd…” It had been said with a not so subtle warning, “Just don’t fuck this up.”
“Don’t fuck this up.” That was enough to push Selora’s feet to leave her children with Alcaeus and begin the trudge through the sands of Sedo to meet these Vagabond Rangers… Although she had not been expecting there to be more than two, it seemed they had picked up a few stragglers along the way. There was a hybrid, adorned with intricate antlers and a third eye, a Pegasus with a gorgeous crest of feathers atop their head, and a quiet commonhorse who wore bells around her ankles.
Selora had kept quiet, silently fluffing her newfound feathers against her sides and back, trying to make herself seem larger among all of these tall equines. She felt incredibly tiny compared to everyone, and vulnerable. To serve a true purpose for her former people had been a foremost thought for so long, she had long since forgotten what it had felt like to actually have a purpose. But she was content, despite the vulnerability of the situation.
Once everyone had made their introductions, some more forthcoming with information than others, she had begun to feel more settled — like her old self, amongst diplomats of other countries. Yet there was an apparent change — the selfish ambition of her former self was lost to oblivion, a good thing, she had decided.
Others were asking about the Tagalongs, the one called Slate talking of enacting justice if anyone were to turn out of line. She had nodded at this, happy to have at least one equine there with some sense. Outsiders to her were frightening, as being one she understood the dangers of being a loose end. Once everyone seemed to say their piece, she had decided now was the time to speak up. She addressed Ashitash in a subtle, direct tone. “I suggest we move on, I am certain the sun and sands will be no more forgiving the longer we stand here debating the trustworthiness of a few peaceful travelers.” She turned to the one named Fletcher, giving a friendly nod. “Walk with me, if you would grant me the pleasure.” He seemed the friendliest of all the strangers, so she figured he’d be the simplest to converse with.
......
Word Count: 442
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Post by SkyOfNewMoon on Jul 11, 2019 3:38:01 GMT -6
 Aiolos;Vagabond | Nothing
Keep your head down, say nothing.Aiolos found himself fascinated by all of the talk going on between the adults. He guessed there were many things he was yet to learn about life outside of the cult. Normally a scrap would have ensued after a chat this lengthy, unless there was something to be gained, of course.
As the adults conversed he found himself getting particularly bored. Barely thinking about it, waiting for the adults to make a decision to get them through, Aiolos teleported into the sky, looking beyond the strangers out into the desert. "Woooow." The teenager commented, "I can barely see anything out there!" From where he was hovering, Aiolos could only see heatwaves and streaks of orange. "How does anyone survive out there." He remarked to himself. Floating back down to the group, he only caught the last bit of what the pale ranger was saying, " I do not think they are looking for an audience with the Sultan, so I’m sure they will be fine once seen to someone who can assist them instead.” Feeling proud that he knew the answer to this one, Aiolos piped his small voice in, "Oh no, we're here for something much more important." He said cheerily. Not even slightly aware that Fletcher would be pissed that he let onto any reason they were there, particularly after the strict warning he was given.
When the strange pegasus invited Fletcher along to walk with her, Aiolos took that as an invitation for himself too. "Hey look Miss, I've got wings too! Aren't they great! Don't you wish you had wings too, Fletcher?" He asked the Hybrid genuinely. Digend really should have given him wings. He thought to himself.
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Post by Luneby on Jul 12, 2019 3:20:55 GMT -6
D A N A Ë
"Of fire and gold."
WC: 219| Post # 3 The Rangers’ answer put Danaë somewhat at ease. It was decided then, everyone would travel to Osulas – she hoped for the best. Her reaction had been visceral, kept by recent events, the fear to bring any kind of danger into the home to her herd, but it was also the reaction of a concerned mother terrified of seeing anything happening near her child or to herself – as she was responsible for a life. But she wouldn’t fight furthermore, the point had been made and she didn’t want to prevent the travellers from coming with them – all she wanted was to raise caution and make sure the journey would go smoothly, the arrival of unexpected tagalongs cramping their initial plan. She was soon distracted as she walked though, staying near Mordekai as she kept an eye on the two young foals with a benevolent eye, especially the little filly who was nowhere as talkative as the hybrid colt. She didn’t miss what the colt said though: “We’re here for something much more important.” Her ear twitched at those words, and she glanced towards Ashitash. It was very likely the foal made a major case of something that was futile to adults, but you never know. She didn’t say anything however – they would have to find out what the colt meant.
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Post by SagaWolf on Jul 12, 2019 10:07:05 GMT -6
Fletcher
Missionary
......
Aiolos's words had Fletcher chuckle heartily, much like a father dismissing his child's silly ideas! The broadside of his tail gave the young excited hybrid a slight smack on the side, a reminder of what he had told him earlier, but which might look like a simple loving pat to others. Rough parental figure travelling with an excited child; that was the picture Fletcher was trying to paint.
"Aiolos gets excited easily by the most minor of sightseeing, " he purred softly, and then addressed said excited kid: "You saw nothing at all? No towering structures reaching for the sky? You'd think the children of Alya would reach for her skies, " he mused, before being joined by the winged Selora. Her scars caught is attention immediately but... he had more important things to... attend. Her invitation got a gracious dip of his head in return.
"Thank you kindly miss...? " he waited just long enough to get a name. "You can show us all the glories of your people. But tell me... " he trailed off, an odd glint in his eyes as he stood firm, cloven hooves planted in the sand. "Has the good word of Digend reached these lands yet? "
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Word Count: 199
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Post by Artistic Pineapple on Jul 12, 2019 11:56:00 GMT -6
BIX Ranger | Slate 017
He had started walking when the child said something that made the zebra's metaphorical hackles rise. From her place in his saddlebag, Mutt stirred awake, her attention caught by Bix's sudden unease. The hyena pup poked her head out and wined, causing the zebra to look her way before his eyes fell to the hybrid colt a few paces behind them.
Bix watched in silence as the hybrids conversed briefly. The way Fletcher corrected the boy wasn't out of the ordinary, but what he said next was.
"No towering structures reaching for the sky?"
Suddenly, the memory of the massive white tower was awake within Bix's mind. The forest of bone that surrounded it... the small form of Digend and her mouthless voice within his head. He remembered the Ursas and the darkness that guided them, no, forced them forward. It was as if he hadn't had a choice. He hadn't been guided, he had been herded. The once living landscape that had metamorphosed into a grotesque and silent wasteland. The way the tower had swelled, as if it breathed, as if it was alive... a structure without creases or edges, one that hadn't been crafted so much as birthed.... and then the Bremian had touched it ---
Bix snorted to right himself and turned his head back forward, almost stumbling from being so lost in his thoughts. Mutt let loose another authentic hyena pup whine, begging to be let down and stretch her legs. Bix did as she so desired and Mutt bounded along happily, staying obediently close to his right side. His ears remained back, picking up any words spoken by their party. It was hard not to be uneasy at any mention of towers...
"Has the good word of Digend reached these lands yet?"
Now Bix's mind raced, piecing together what the child had said and the words of the scaled hybrid missionary.
What are they here to do, erect a tower in Sedo? Cause some kind of million-colored, unnatural storm over the desert? Are they a threat?
He didn't turn to glance back this time and instead stared out across the sands before them, focused on the horizon line wavering in the heat. His teke came to rest at the hilt of his bow and his blessing reached out over the sand at his uneasiness. The buzzards began to circle lower and a small group of addax antelope came within eyesight, far to the left of where the party walked.
As a buzzard landed calmly on the zebra's back, talons resting among his packs and harness, the zebra spared a glance to Aconite. What did his partner think of what the missionaries had to say?
WC: 455 | Post #3
tl;dr any talk of Digend makes Bix agitated,
his agitation tends to enhance his blessing |
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Post by Zookcan on Jul 12, 2019 12:41:36 GMT -6
ASHITASH
"Sometimes we need to be reminded of where we're at in the world."
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"At times like these, it's valid to be wary." She assures to Danae, having turned her gaze to the younger mare. Then the zebra turns back to face their little group of visitors, her ear still flicked towards her. "But we shouldn't just deny entry based on assumption, unless there's valid proof. Especially since we've got rangers with us. Come on. " Ashitash swishes her tail and turns toward the south. Her monitor lizard, who was stretched out on her back, sticks his tongue out and stares at the new group curiously. "We'll at least be able to take these stragglers to the edge of the city ruins."
Since Selora was busy entertaining the kirin hybrids, Ashitash felt more drawn towards the two rangers themselves. Slate had already seemed to be a more grounded, trustworthy fellow, and she gravitated toward him moreso. She lingers close to him and Aconite, though one large ear remained turned toward Selora and the other stragglers, in order to catch some of their conversation. The mare paid little attention to Aiolos and his enthusiasm; children, even a young teen like him, could be prone to such optimism, and she wrote his words off as that. It wasn't until the larger kirin spoke up that she began to wonder if the younger's words had any gravity to them.
She felt another red flag go up. Fletcher had already struck her as overly-friendly, but now she could add arrogant to that list as well. Already the stallion sounded like he was spitting on her culture, her very people and their ways, when she doubts he had ever seen Osulas while it was still standing. They had just come out of a war -- a war that frankly, ended unfairly for her people. How dare he judge them now, when their land has just been raided?
"Oh, and by the by," The mare's voice holds a certain stark coldness, and an earnestness that she didn't usually maintain. Her glare is fixed to the horizon ahead, and towards no one in particular. "I don't know if any of you are aware of this, especially our em -- new friends here. But just so you know, Osulas is no more." There's a pause adding to the weight of her sentence, before she continues. "We're steadily rebuilding, but if you are expecting to find a city, those expectations end here. The place is little more than a flat, fat crater now. I'm sure an able horse will do the best they can to help you bunk for the night."
She finds herself slightly miffed by her own statement. Her people are in shambles, for their own virtues had been used against them by a herd that had a thousand vices. Their own kindness got them here, and yet here they were once again; offering what little they had to strangers, some of whom frankly treated them like dirt. She would not want Serora to abandon their kindness -- but she only wished they grew a bigger backbone.
"Uhhh. Digery-what?" Despite her distaste for him, she still humors the kirin hybrid out of sheer curiosity. "Sorry, I don't know this horse."
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Post #3
Word Count: 525
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Post by PennthePony on Jul 12, 2019 12:48:08 GMT -6
SELORA
its complicated
......
.
The child’s eagerness to fly about and explore, and the mention of important things, made Selora smile in remembrance of her own children, whom she had left at home with their father. She had only recently had her son, Emerson, her belly was still slightly distended from the weight she had gained. Aiolos’ excitement brought a chuckle to her lips. “Yes, they quite are, though I am not quite used to them yet. Mine were a gift from a God not many know yet.”
She looked to Fletcher, noticing his third eye watching her closely — although she was unsure if it were truly watching her, or looking past her. Brushing the chill ebbing into her bones despite the heat, she tucked her wings tighter to her sides and shoulders, hiding away the scar that called out her previous sins. “Children will be children, I suppose. Your scales are beautiful in their own right, as are his wings, and mine. Differences are what make this world beautiful.” She mused, half to herself and half to Fletcher. Then the realization she had not introduced herself brought an embarrassed expression to her face. “Selora.” He has continued speaking after she had spoken her name, his voice crisp and even.
“Has the good word of Digend reached these lands yet?”
She wiped the shock from her eyes quickly, as to not offend their new guests, quickly averting her gaze to throw an assuring look at Ashitash, trying her best to tell her she could handle this, and to hide her own concerns. A quick nod to her companion communicated for the others to move on. “I don’t believe Her words have reached anywhere among the Seroran people. Though I credit her with my life, I’ve not been successful in explaining how the rumors of the God of Change are so very wrong. You do know what so many say of Her, do you not?”
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Word Count: 343
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Post by marinedoq on Jul 12, 2019 15:43:18 GMT -6
M O R D E K A I
serora
......
Mordekai felt a wave of relief, as his seroran herdmates voiced their own concerns. He knew that they couldn't just deny travellers, especially not when accompanied by rangers, but after everything. Surely, there was just a slight acceptance of their wariness, scared of whoever had joined them, should they turn out dangerous. He listened silently, as they talked and figured out what to do, eventually settling on leaving the unexpected company at the doorstep of Osulas, or what was left of it. It hurt him to think about Osulas, how it had been destroyed. Mordekai had grown up there, made a living there, before becoming a screamer and living with Eyrin. Now, all was gone and Eyrin's nomadic tribe was all he had left.
Before he could think more about Osulas, the two hybrids caught his attention. First it was the child, with his words of important business, then it was the adult, with the word Digend on his lips. Mordekai froze for a second, before walking a bit faster, to walk beside Danaë. He hadn't exactly heard much about Digend, other than small tidbits and rumours. He wasn't in a hurry to learn more though. "Personally, I have only heard smaller rumours. I follow Alya and the other Gods, but this one... I can't make an opinion yet, but I am not all too keen on knowing who or what Digend can do, unless I can keep Alya close too. I'm not ready to give her up, after all she's done for us. I can't speak for the rest of the group though." He replied, looking Fletcher in the eye, trying not to look too closely at his third eye. By Alya's wings, he wasn't sure he actually wanted to know anything about Digend, but walking in silence was no fun either.
... ... Word Count: 303 Post #2 |
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Post by NorthernMyth on Jul 14, 2019 22:53:15 GMT -6
Blair | Theif
Blair tried to listen. She was slightly distracted as she watched the lighter palomino-ish mare as seemed to move in specific ways that the others could perhaps understand. She unconsciously tried to mimic the movements from behind the Ranger, Aconite. The filly could understand the Serorans concern about these strangers coming into their land. Blair was pleased to hear that they would let them through. Her ears twitched at Aiolos comment. Her eyes watched him. Her ears twitching in his direction. What did he mean? Some of the group began to move. The tobiano filly followed forward. Prancing into a lulled trot near the front of the group. Her tail danced behind her. Held with excitement. She burst into a canter ahead of the group. Bouncing around playfully in the sand. If the Serorans hadn’t seen it before, a sheathed dagger lay quietly against her left flank. The filly overheard what Ashitash announced. She sheepishly looked away realizing how selfish she had been to think she could take their stuff. Or at least what was left. She hadn’t known how bad the war had hit them. When someone mentioned the war she just imagined a small battle if anything. But it was on a much bigger scale than she imagined. She constantly kept ahead of the group for no particular reason. Stopping every now and then to let catch up and to make sure she was going in the right direction. Only to trot off ahead again. Post 2 | Word Count: 247 |
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Post by SagaWolf on Jul 15, 2019 10:30:02 GMT -6
Fletcher
Missionary
......
Fletcher paid little attention to the seemingly random appearance of animals, if he even noticed, and the expression of pity that flitted across his face at Ashitash's words about Osulas was so fake and insincere it would make skin crawl. "How unfortunate, " he drawled, while his eyes jumped from speaker to speaker. He listened, sure, but there was also a slight distance in his eyes, giving the clear impression that he wasn't quite paying attention.
The vision had led him here, and although the structure was missing, he felt such reassurance in his body, in his soul, that there could be no doubt. This was where Digend wanted him.
Eyes blinked as Mordekai spoke, and Fletcher barked a raspy laughter, flicking his tail and stomping a hoof at the ridiculous words.
"Bah hahahahaaarh! All she has done for you? Your goddess, the sky one? " he chuckled, staying still as before, his booming voice easily carrying to the others around him. Fletcher was smirking now, upper lip curling faintly to show a little more fang.
"And what exactly has she done for you, hmm? The stories I've heard said she locked you all in an oasis or some such, then didn't lift a feather any further when your enemies arrived. Tsh, such a wonderful god. How kind of her. "
Fletcher paused to roll his eyes and shake his head sadly. "Now Digend... Digend would have taken care of you. Digend would have provided you with visions and guidance! When was the last time your Alya spoke to you directly, hmm? Digend speaks to her children all the time. "
Fletcher huffed and began rummaging through his bag for his trusty pipe, curious to see if the sand fleas would take his insults lying down, or if he had managed to cause just a wee bit of a stir.
......
Word Count: 306
Post #3 |
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Post by Zookcan on Jul 15, 2019 12:59:29 GMT -6
ASHITASH
"Sometimes we need to be reminded of where we're at in the world."
___________________________________________________
"Oi! Hey!" While the others conversed, the striped mare quickly took notice of the young filly who was quickly getting ahead of the group. "Stay with the group! This is a desert, not a playground!" She snaps. She and her fellow Serorans might have grown up on this terrain, but as far as she knew, the others have not, and this terrain was far more hostile to those who didn't know it. Her temper stoked just a little more, she turns her ears back to the conversation being had. She could feel Grault shifting on her back, raising his head, sticking his tongue out to smell the newcomers more. Goddesses forbid he tries to bite anyone...
Unlike the others, Ashitash had never heard a word of this 'Digend' character. Maybe the name was spoken on a few conversations, but she either never listened to them or was too engrossed in her own work to care. Amazing, considering for the past six months she had consoling paranoid horses who were trapped in the Oasis with her.
With that raspy laugh of the scaly-hide's, Ashitash felt the last of her patience leave. Her temper is something easy to fuel, and hard to keep down. With a visibly disgruntled look on her snout, the zebra mare gives a swish of her tail and stops into the red soil harder than usual. "Gee, I dunno', why are you asking?" She pipes back with a sarcastic tone in her voice. "Ya' know, haven't you heard of maybe keeping your beliefs to yourself instead of spitting on others'? I, sir, could not give two shits about who you worship. You wanna worship someone, go ahead! Fine by me! Just don't go pissing on someone else for not sharing your ideals."
She knows what she saw, and she has no doubt about it. She remembers hearing Alya's voice, and seeing her beautiful wings shine overhead when she and her colleagues attended the group meeting to contact their prophet. Her faith to her goddesses was unwavering, and unfortunately, the kirin hybrid and his constant insults did nothing to persuade her otherwise. If she had any predisposed respect for him, it was all gone by now. "I'm not going to ask you to change your opinion, but if you're going to think like that, then you better fucking hold your tongue. I will not stand for a horse who openly disrespects this herd."
She's not in the mood to get heated today...
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Post #4
Word Count: 413
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Post by SkyOfNewMoon on Jul 15, 2019 20:10:55 GMT -6
Aiolos;Vagabond | Nothing
Keep your head down, say nothing. The young colt took gasped as Fletcher's thick tail made contact with his side. He glared at Fletcher for a brief moment before realising what he had said and quickly made his face neutral again. The older stallion's words came back haunting from before the mission had begun and it made Aiolos' crest flop just slightly, wanting to appear more mature as he got in line with the group to move forward. "There might have been a couple of things out there, but everything just looks orange right now." He mumbled quietly to Fletcher.
However when Selora answered his question his feathers fluffed right back up again and he was back into his prancey mood. "Digend loves to give gifts like that! She gave me my new shiny look! Pointy things and all." He commented attempting to look up at his newly gained antlers.
The mention of the rumors of Digend threw Aiolos back into life with the cult, but before he could speak Fletcher's booming voice was there to shame this ponies with their beliefs. Scowling at the older stallion, Aiolos flew up a little bit so that he was in eye line with the older horses. "We understand the rumors of Digend more than most. Before she came to change our lives in person, we were once a part of the Cult." He expected harsh glances at that one, but hoped that they would not go back on their offer for safe passage. "We lived the way we thought Digend wanted, to bring chaos and destruction in their name. But now we have both met her and she's fantastic! She offered us a new pathway for life, one that spreads the word of her name in a positive light. The way she wants it. She just wants to help." He finished with a beaming smile. Digend was the greatest.
Floating back down to the ground Aiolos followed the gaze of the young vagabond who had begun prancing off into the desert well ahead of the group. He found her energy infectious and was almost torn away from wanting to be more mature in front of Fletcher to join her when the Sand Zebra yelled her warning at her to not stray ahead. Aiolos was very glad he had held back. When he felt her energy begin to boil at Fletcher's clear disregard of Alya, he quickly teleported to the back of the group knowing that was one battle Fletcher had to deal with. Not the battle for a child.
WC: 421 | Post #3 |
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Post by Luneby on Jul 16, 2019 11:20:31 GMT -6
D A N A Ë
"Of fire and gold."
WC: 246| Post # 4 “Digend” was a name that awakened many memories to the golden mare. She knew Vagabonds alright. She had dealt with many of them, fell in love with a wandering witch. The latter had taken her on adventures and told her many tales, including the fearsome stories of the cult. Sirius had told her many times “Beware of those who worship Chaos”, and she would always take his word literally. Years may have passed, but she still couldn’t help but trust with her life the stallion who had left her behind.
Consequently, when Fletcher’s honeyed voice mentioned the name “Digend”, she genuinely disliked it and already glanced at him, ready to bounce at the very first suspicious movement he’d make. But she hated even more his degrading speech towards the Sky Mother and his clearly fanatic discourse, her ears flattened as the bells at her ankles rang an uneven rhythm, usually a sign that the mare was most displeased.
She didn’t expect what would come next, however. A long, painful shiver shook her golden pelt as she felt her heart drop. This child, Aiolos, speaking so candidly such horrifying words, smiling innocently as he mentioned bloodshed he’d been a part of, eyes sparkling as he praised a lifestyle that sounded like slavery. This was what horror was to her. She froze, eyes locked on the child.
Her bells were ringing no more.
After a moment, she weakly signed towards Ashitash: “What do they want with our home?”
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Post by marinedoq on Jul 16, 2019 14:01:38 GMT -6
M O R D E K A I
serora
......
He hadn't intended to insult Digend, especially as he did not really know much about the goddess. But for those vagabonds to insult his own goddess? THat was more than he thought was appropriate. He didn't say anything though, but instead listened to Ashitash talking to them, clearly having had enough of the adult hybrid's belittlement. Alya had done a lot for them. She'd kept them safe within the Oasis. She'd given blessings, so people could defend themselves. She'd come to tell them, that she wasn't gone. Alya had done enough for them. If Fletcher had to belittle them so, didn't that mean, that their own goddess perhaps wasn't all that good? Or needed to prove themself, by being there constantly. At least Alya's people, his people, could handle themselves.
When the younger one spoke, however, Mordekai momentarily froze. The Cult. Nothing good about that and what they'd done throughout time. How could he tell them this, so nonchalantly, as if it was the most normal thing in the world? When he looked to Danaë, he could see how uncomfortable she was, signing to Ashitash out of worry. Slowly, everything started to feel more and more uncomfortable. Like something was off, as Danaë also seemed to tell Ashitash. He looked to her, then back at the Rangers. The Rangers had to go to the Sultan, he knew that. The other vagabond, who hadn't said much yet, he didn't know about. But the hybrids...
"What really are your intentions? All of you? Safe passage to Osulas or something more?" He turned his head around, to glance at the vagabonds, then forth to look at the last one. There was something more to this, which seemed off, but he couldn't go ahead and say anything for sure. He needed to know from them, just to be sure nothing was up, or if he had to worry.
... ... Word Count: 314 Post #3 |
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Post by Artistic Pineapple on Jul 16, 2019 20:40:27 GMT -6
BIX Ranger | Slate 017
Bix took a long breath to steady himself and stopped walking.
From atop his back, the vulture let loose a shriek and flapped hesitantly skyward to join the other two that circled above the zebra in tightening circles.
Mutt was scooped up and placed back in a saddlebag with a teke that trembled.
Slowly, almost painfully so, the zebra turned around to face everyone head-on. Though his expression was probably hard to read under his lowered brows, his longbow had been unstrapped from his side. He now held it, steadily at his side. Ready.
He was trying to focus on the sand below his hooves and not the trail of blood that had led him to a dead end months ago. The rangers had been warned of growing activity of dangerous rogues. Bloodthirsty vagabonds who had seemed to be part of some killing cult were a threat to anyone but especially to those who traveled the roads. Singrunn had been a suspected casualty of their downright gut-wrenching ways. The spirited mare had been an excellent tracker and a steadfast partner - a ranger destined for greatness.... but then she had gone missing and all that was left had been a cooling pool of blood in the night. Bix had been the one to find it in the clearing. Her body was never recovered but it was too obvious what had happened.
A bloodletting. A sacrifice.
She had suffered until her last breath at the hands of the cult, as did an unknown number of other innocent horses... and here stood two "reformed" cultists, pleading for safe passage and insulting other gods in the same breath.
He took another breath to steady himself, fighting every instinct within his bones. Rangers protect all who travel Hireath. As willingly as they are to protect a child, so to do they also offer the same protection to a known killer.
He had taken an oath. Bix glanced to Aconite with a pained expression playing over his features briefly, hoping his partner knew just how hard it was to remain neutral in this moment. He hoped the vagabonds answered the painted arabian's question honestly, but it would be impossible to trust them now.
Known killers walked among them, he knew that much.
WC: 383 | Post #4 |
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Post by NorthernMyth on Jul 17, 2019 17:04:04 GMT -6
Blair | Theif Blair heard a sharp yell from behind her. Her ears swiveled quickly before the rest of her head followed. Bright pink eyes looked back to the striped Seroran. Blinking for a few seconds at what the mare had said. She trotted herself back to the group before things started to kick off. Her ears dropped solemnly to the side. An apologetic expression lined her face. Dropping her head down a little as if in submission. A soft but almost playful “Sorry” left her mouth, looking up at Ashitash.
Blair quietly rejoined the group. Just in time to hear the Seroran Zebra hiss at Fletcher. The filly raised an eyebrow. What had she missed from the conversation? She heard him bellow a sarcastic laugh but that was about it. She could tell the Serorans were already at their wit's end with the Hybrids. She hoped it wouldn’t interfere with her. After all, she was an outsider here, but she wasn’t with them in the first place.
Blair watched Aiolos as they fluttered above the sand. Speaking gospel of an unknown wonder. The palomino filly’s face changed to concern and maybe fear as the colt mentioned the Cult, not able to keep quiet any longer. “What do you mean you were apart of the cult?!” She said it with almost blasphemy in her tone.
She knew of many horses that had been slaughtered by the cult amongst others. Vindicators that she called friends at the time disappeared while scouting and scrounging what they could. Rouver didn’t tell the filly much. Just that they were bad and never to be trusted. They were something of pure ill-intent. She heard stories but was never really told the full truth of it. Just avoided questions. Eventually, she stopped trying and put it to the back of her head as just something her uncle had told her, to stop her from walking off on her own. She had also tried to ask Rousine about it but she also knew very little and only they were of the a horrible, if not monstrous kind of equine. And knowing she’d just traveled a hoof-full of days with two of them chilled her to the bone.
Danae’s bells jingled again. Taking the fillies attention away for just a second before the bay Seroran put their two shards in. She caught Slate in her peripheral. As if flinching. Moving his familiar back to their resting space. Blair gritted her jaw. Feeling the tension rise within the air.
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Post by Deleted on Jul 19, 2019 22:12:09 GMT -6
Dalach tarried his step, as if planning to take the tail end of the group once everyone had made their minds. He listened to Ashitash talk about the leveled city, and nodded in understanding. They had heard of the war, of course, but Sedo certainly wasn’t the most visited point of communication. If he knew anything else, he certainly didn’t show it.
It took everything he had not to smile at Fletcher’s question, and his feet came to a stop. He merely raised an eyebrow and looked at the horizon, as if looking for said tall structures. He could tell this was upsetting his fellow Ranger greatly, and noticed the change in the animals. Curious, and oh so chaotic.
He looked at Fletcher as if thoughtful, not quite so ready to reach for his weapon as Slate but clearly making a move to look as if he would protect the Serorans if need be. He gave Slate a reassuring gaze back – he’d be here.
His eyes flickered to Selora, then. He tilted his head, questioningly, as if curious. He did glance after Blair, too, but returned to the discussion at hand just as quickly. From Fletcher to Ashitash to Aiolos – and it was so very easy to hide behind the sworn neutrality of a Ranger. Yes, he quite liked his cover. Had the circumstances been more… allowing, he would have found Fletcher rather attractive just then.
As the words grew more heated, he made sure Slate could see his sword being ready to be unhilted and used for protection. So many emotions danced on his partner’s face, and he gave a short, serious nod. They were in this… chaos, together, and they’d make it out like true Rangers did.
“Yes, what do you mean you were a part of the Cult?” Dalach repeated, his words strong and steady. A question that demanded an answer.
Word count: 313 | Post 2
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Post by SagaWolf on Jul 22, 2019 22:51:52 GMT -6
Fletcher
Missionary
......
Ashitash's heated words were honey in Fletcher's ears, a delightful tickle down his spine, and they were met with the hybrid stuffing his pipe silently, striking a match on his worn leather pack and puffing away to ignite the tobacco. Once the embers took hold he tossed the still flaming matchstick aside and eyed the striped Seroran calmly. His mouth opened with all the intentions of bating her further, but sweet little Aiolos' voice cut through first, as the youngster found it necessary to elaborate... and spill secrets Fletcher would rather hold onto tightly.
Although he wanted desperate to beat the young hybrid for his lose tongue, Fletcher knew how to think on his feet and his expression never betrayed the anger inside. Rather, he looked forlorn for a moment or two, before sighing deeply and exhaling a thick cloud of smoke, a pained expression now etched onto his features. He knew he had some form of protection from the Rangers and their sworn neutrality, but he'd rather not push the situation into violence.
"Aiolos is a little young to understand all the details, " he added in a heavy voice, watching the worry on Danae's face and how she signaled to her companions. He thought he got the meaning of it, and if not it wasn't hard to guess that the mare had second thoughts about the two Cultists.
Mordekai questioned their intentions next and Fletcher couldn't blame him at all. "I can only speak for myself and Aiolos and we have no interest in Osulas. You needn't worry at all. We have no ill intentions I assure you. "
Eyes flitted to Slate as soon as Fletcher realized the Ranger had unstrapped his bow, making the silvery hybrid sway his tail slowly. He had faith in his new scales and the club-like weapon at the end of his tail, faith in his trusty dagger too. But he would never underestimate an opponent, especially when arrows could be fired in the blink of an eye. He didn't want to think as any of these equines as opponents, but old habits were hard to shed, and he was losing control of the situation.
Blair, the young loner who had joined the group after the hybrids, brought the whole conversation back to the one thing Fletcher had wished Aiolos never shared; the Cult, and Aconite seconded the question, pressing for an answer. So, Fletcher would give them one, a story spun quickly yet delivered so perfectly it would be hard to see past the lies. This was, after all, what Fletcher did for a living.
"We are not Cultists, " he corrected straight off the bat, his tone soft and conversational. "Yes we were once roped in among those mad stallions and mares, but there was never a choice. You conform and you chant with them and you harden your heart, hoping that one day the guard will be let down and you can make an escape. Not all are as lucky as the two of us. Most who try to escape never make it.
Those cultists are lost in a circle of blood and destruction to a Pagan deity that quite likely never existed. They believe that every life they take, every act of bloody chaos will appease and perhaps even lure out their mysterious god. But that god is not Digend. "
He paused a moment to sigh, as if those old dark memories weighed heavily on his mind and darkened his spirit to even think about. "Digend is chaos, yes, but chaos is just another form of change. When you throw the dice and wish for luck, it is Digend who answers. Where the other gods let us down time and time again, Digend steps in to guide us, to help us see the world for what is truly is; Never ending evolution!
We are not Cultists. We are not murderers and we do not sacrifice life to some Pagan Horror.
But we are are worshipers of Digend, the true Digend, and we are Missionaries. Sent by Digend to spread her words. "
Fletcher took one long deep breath before puffing on his pipe once more, determination etched onto his face and into his eyes, as he let them glide across each of the equines present. He could only pray that Aiolos didn't stick his hoof in his mouth again and ruin everything for the both of them...
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Word Count: 736
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