|
|
Post by SkyOfNewMoon on Jul 23, 2019 1:32:35 GMT -6
 Aiolos;Vagabond | Missionary
Prove her worth.After his words of peace were spoken, all Aiolos received was hostile questions. Giving a great big teenage huff, teleporting in frustration, he appeared above the group a big scowl on his face. He had been nothing but nice to these weird equines!!
Aiolos was more than glad when Fletcher 'interpreted' his words to the stupid horses, so glad in fact he didn't even care that the large horse blamed their fear on Aiolos being young. He was old enough to have survived basically by himself to get to this point in his life. He laughed to himself as he looked at the faces of confusion, anger and fear. They had no idea what fear really was.
As Fletcher gave their story Aiolos couldn't help it, he had to yell at their stupidity, the crest on his head raised in full feathery fury. "THAT'S WHAT I SAID!" He yelled in a teenage pitchy voice. WE UUUUUUSSSSSSEEEEDDDD TO BE in the Cult! I was still a foal when I was taken from my family to be raised by pure bloodthirsty chaos. I wanted out the moment I was forced in, but I wasn't going to die for it. Digend gave me my way out, finally a chance to live life peacefully." Taking a deep breath Aiolos tried to reign himself in, but found his just couldn't. "I look at the fear and confusion on your faces." He said with deathly chill, particularly looking at the Ranger's raised bow. "You don't know real fear until you're looking it deep within her eyes every. single. day. Never knowing if you're going to make it through that day and maybe even just because you uttered a few words like can I have some food to someone you shouldn't have." He finished, glaring at the pathetic unworthy fools. Energy on anger spent, Aiolos teleported back to beside Fletcher, crest dropping along with his wings. "We're just here to see the desert." He mumbled in a final word.
WC: 332 | Post #4 |
|
|
|
Post by PennthePony on Jul 23, 2019 19:26:54 GMT -6
SELORA
its complicated
... ...
Concern knit her eyebrows together, the talk of cultists made her stomach turn. Her mother had been murdered by those who called themselves cultists, there was little that could be said to make her trust these two. But the child was little more than that, and Fletcher seemed… well, definitely not harmless, but less threatening now that the striped Ranger had brought out his bow, his eyes clearly trained on the self-proclaimed missionary.
She moved quickly to stand closer to the child who accompanied the hybrid missionary, raising a wing to cover the child’s shoulders, who stood a few inches higher than her own. The child’s fallen crest and slumped posture showed he needed more than a whack over the head brandished by his companion, but instead a kind word and a mother’s embrace. She couldn’t be the one who was quick to judge -- she too had been judged too quickly, and it had nearly cost her her family. “Come now, love. Come and tell me more about what you’d like to see here among the Serorans.” She put herself between him and his companion, listening intently to what the child dreamed of among the sands, canyons, and wide open skies, trying her best to put aside the thoughts of her mother's brutal murder by the hands of his former comrades.
......
Word Count: 229
Post 3 |
|
|
|
Post by Zookcan on Jul 23, 2019 20:59:40 GMT -6
ASHITASH
"Sometimes we need to be reminded of where we're at in the world."
___________________________________________________
 She had listened to their intentions. When the young pegasus hybrid had spoken up of the 'cult' Ashitash's ears had immediately perked up in alert. The black mare, whose temper was already teetering on the precipice of exploding, immediately fixed her gaze onto Fletcher again. Even she, who was not in the mood to tolerate their reasoning, was never one to directly accuse a young teenager. She was more interested in what his older companion had to say.
Ashitash has heard of cultists before. They were scarce in these lands, and any few who managed to make it past the border were pursued by furies. They were bloodthirsty, sadistic individuals, who never seemed to satisfy their taste for death. For what reason, she never quite knew. Whatever she had learned were from rumors thrown to the wind.
She turns toward Danae and translates the young mother's signing. Of the group, she and Selora had the greatest right to be concerned, after all they were both mothers with young children to look after. With a nod of acknowledgement towards the former, Ashitash steps around and faces Fletcher with a heavy deadpan. She would not stop Slate, nor Aconite if they drew their weapons or asked questions. She calmly let the others do the talking but the scowl on her face was unwavering. She wanted answers.
Despite his efforts to explain things, the scaly colt's words practically fell on deaf ears. The boy had said enough, now she was waiting for what his older companion had to say. She allows Selora to humor him, and quietly listens to the other's explanation. Grault crawls down from her back to fetch the snuffed out matchstick without so much as a thought, perhaps curious, perhaps hungry. The monitor seems careless about the strangers around him, but he combs at the dirt around it, engrossed.
There's a thoughtful hum, mixed in with a groan as she ponders the situation. Ashitash sucks in a deep breath, and tries to keep her anger contained. "The ways of the cult aren't unknown to us, you know. Horses have disappeared now and again even before the war with Aodh began." She does not hesitate to look into his eyes with scrutiny, seeking for some sort of signs of a lie, or perhaps even if she didn't want to believe it, honesty.
"And frankly, even if your words have some truth, I can't be convinced to believe every one of them when you speak at the tip of a weapon," She briefly glimpses at Slate's bow. "I don't care about others beliefs as much as the safety of the individual. So, again, and with more emphasis this time How do we know your words are worth trusting?" Her tone is surprisingly calm, but venomous.
Certainly, regardless of their ultimate decision, she wanted to approach the council about this.
_________________________________________________________
Post #5
Word Count: 478
|
|
|
|
Post by marinedoq on Jul 24, 2019 8:13:36 GMT -6
M O R D E K A I
serora
......
Mordekai watched in silence, as things unfolded. He'd questioned them, and they tried to defend themselves. He didn't appreciate this turn of events very much, but felt a small wave of relief, as one of the rangers, the zebra known as Slate 017, seemed to arm himself, stating that, should it come thus far, they wouldn't protect those vagabonds anymore. He could perfectly well see, that the younger one was but a child still, but that did not mean he wanted to protect him. No, Mordekai toughened his heart today, there was no mercy to be found.
Who knew if they told the truth? For all he knew, it might as well be a lie, carefully crafted so as to not raise suspicions. Looking to Selora, who held a protective wing over the young hybrid, Mordekai turned his head away. He understood why, he was a parent too, ever since Pangolin lost her parents and needed to be taken in by him and Eyrin. But by no means could he look past all this information just yet. And it seemed Ashitash shared this view, as she questioned them again, wanting to be sure of their purposes. "If your goddess is so great, why doesn't she come to save you now and prove your innocence", he said lowly, followed by a snort, before looking to the more silent of the vagabonds, who seemingly wasn't affiliated with them. She seemed uncomfortable, but weren't they all tense now?
He didn't know how to resolve this. He was a screamer now, he could navigate Sedo and fight if necessary. It seemed Ashitash knew what to say, so he refrained from saying more at the moment.
... ... Word Count: 282 Post #4 |
|
|
|
Post by ThatDenver on Jul 27, 2019 14:51:09 GMT -6
A crack of thunder drowns out all voices.
Then, the fall of rain, hard and sharp.
The sky above is dark now, dark with great big clouds that seem to spiral around right above. Looking at any horizon, you see more clouds drawn in, and the wind…
The wind is harsh, like a brewing tornado. It’s picked up quickly – just moments ago there was barely a breeze to speak off, but now it howls angrily, whipping about the oasis and the surrounding grassland with veritable violence.
The thunderstorm ends as abruptly as it began, but you can see another cloud wetting the ground just a hundred or so yards away.
The wind is yet growing as the sky fills to the brim with clouds, drawn from across the horizon to where you are.
|
|
|
|
Post by Artistic Pineapple on Jul 28, 2019 10:14:13 GMT -6
BIX Ranger | Slate 017
As tensions continued to rise, Bix drew in another breath and kept still. He flexed the fingers of his teke along the grip of his longbow and met the green gaze of Fletcher's triple eyes. Something about the hybrid's look - from Bix's form to his longbow - coupled with the slight swing of the clubbed tail, made the zebra feel as though he was being sized up. He had made Fletcher feel threatened, even if only slightly.
Good. Bix thought smugly. He hadn't even drawn an arrow yet.
Large, round ears swiveled to listen to the words exchanged by the group and he fought the urge to roll his eyes when Aiolos' outburst started, but grew increasingly aggravated when the child eyed him with deathly seriousness. He returned the wild-eyed stare with a look of his own: brows knitted in a condescending stare of disapproval. This child didn't know what he had seen. But Bix wasn't about to tell him, either. All the boy would get was a disapproving snort from the zebra as the very pregnant pegasus sidled over to comfort him. He did not pity the child.
It was when Ashitash glanced at his bow that Bix slowly hooked it back to its place on his pack. He had done with it what he needed to and the venom in her words was more dangerous than his weapon was, anyway. He decided, absentmindedly, that he quite liked the desert zebra mare. She would make a good ranger, surely.
But then the screamer evoked the goddess of chaos and the world shifted with a crack of thunder.
The vultures above Bix left without a sound as clouds materialized and the wind picked up. Dust and rain began to stick to his coat and Mutt sank deeper into her pack, clearly unsettled by the sudden change of weather as the storm pelted their small group suddenly. Fear begins to crawl up Bix's spine, despite his best interests. He instantly remembers the massive storm that erupted from the Bone Tower not long ago.
The rain suddenly stops but the wind continues and Bix watches the isolated storm not far from where they are. It's calling them closer. Begging to be followed. Above, the clouds continue to churn and whip the winds around the group with violent force. This cannot possibly be the work of the sky goddess.
"Not again," Bix mumbles.
WC: 403 | Post #5 |
|
|
|
Post by Luneby on Jul 29, 2019 10:58:25 GMT -6
D A N A Ë
"Of fire and gold."
WC: 476| Post # 5 Danaë’s uneasiness only came to grow. She was a fiercely protective mother – she had compassion for children, a natural urge to protect them and could not believe them as anything but fundamentally innocent. Yet the words of little Aiolos planted the seeds of doubt within her brain. She was torn between compassion and fear. She could fully accept the idea that this child was brought into something he could never fully grasp at such a young age, very likely under the influence of someone else and partook in unnameable things out of ignorance. He did speak with shame, in an outburst of emotions, suddenly sharing much more than she would have expected him to out of childlike innocence. The way he spoke, however, was nothing childlike.
"I look at the fear and confusion on your faces."
Those words spread silence into the golden mare’s mind as she stared at the child in sheer incomprehension. As he described his experience within the cult, she couldn’t help but shiver: these were not the words of a child. Whether these were his own or were planted in his brain by someone else, they raised concerns and mistrust. Why would anyone so deeply aware of the horror that was an active part of stay anywhere near the source of it all? Why remaining by Digend’s side? As for his attitude… She couldn’t help apprehending what would happen to Aiolos once the two of them would be left alone.
This question was to be addressed to the adults who were a part of the Cult as well and only rose Danaë’s defiance towards Fletcher: why would a grown stallion in his right mind, having been a part of something atrocious remain by Digend’s side, allying with other former cultist only to spread more chaos? Danaë could clearly see how chaos-inducing his question was and how he attempted to bring discord among the group. She was thankful for Ashitash and her talent with words – she could only wait and follow her orders for now, unwilling to partake in an argument that would only make the situation worse.
Ears pinned, Danaë walked towards Blair, wordlessly shielding her as the others were talking. It appeared her little companion had sensed the tension, as he was now fully awake. Poking his pale little head out of the saddlebag, snorting anxiously. The mare softly reassured him and eased him back inside the bag, hoping he’d stay quiet for a little longer. She smiled towards the filly – she could not talk to her, but she would make sure she traveled the desert safely.
Despite standing still, the bells at her ankles started ringing. She felt the biting wind brushing against her coat. Surprised, she looked up to the sky, only to witness one of the strangest meteorological happenings she had ever seen. What could be possibly happening?
|
|
|
|
Post by NorthernMyth on Jul 29, 2019 16:56:20 GMT -6
Blair || Theif
Undesired thoughts entered Blair's head as the two other vagabonds tried to rectify themselves. With her ears pinned she squinted at Aiolos. The over-exaggerated tone only set her off more. She knew the traits of lying. She did her best to try and avoid them within her line of work. Its what got her here in the first place. She watched as the pregnant pegasus wrapped her wing around the colt. Lulling them into saftey.
The fillies brow knitted angrily as the striped Seroran spoke up. She was siding with the Serorans on this one. Something didn’t add up and Blair felt it. Her eyes darted to Mordekai as they tried to deem their god fake. To the filly, it was a decent idea.
It was then, the palomino mare crossed Blair's path to stand protectively in front of her. She looked up, her expression changing from anger to concern. Blair's eyes darted to the bag on the mare's side as it seemed to move before returning to look up at Danae. A small comforting smile painted itself on the mare's face and Blair couldn’t help but softly smile back.
At that, a drop of rain smacked the top of the fillies nose. A deep rumble echoed across the desert as if it was yawning awake. Blair looked to the sky. Confusion and concern beamed from her face as her ears sat forward. Rain soaking her face and back. The wind playing with her hair. Had those clouds always been looming overhead? Before she could ask the clouds seemed to dissipate. The rain dancing further into the sands as if creating a trail to follow. It piqued Blair’s interest. The urge to follow itched at her. She took a few steps in its direction. Head lowered with caution.
Post 4 || 302 |
|
|
|
Post by ThatDenver on Jul 30, 2019 20:29:10 GMT -6
The storm swells to a crescendo right above your heads. Branches are torn off trees, sand and dry debris is swept into small trombi that dance across the open plains around you.
You feel a shift in the earth, but it is unlike any earthquake - it is more akin to the very earth bones being pushed, swept aside. In the distance you can see the shape of the earth twist and change, as if molded by invisible hooves.
The storm breaks and turns to song. The ripping winds howl and yowl and cry out, a cacophony of voices. Voices soon molded into a single, triumphant tune. A tune that rings in your very soul.
SISTER!
A voice sounds from the heavens above, louder than the rains, louder than the wind. A voice like the storm itself, only greater. For she is the storm, and today the storm carries her will with it.
COME. FLY WITH ME AS WE ONCE DID. MOLD HIREATH AS WE ONCE DID.
There is silence. The storm itself stands silent, waiting. Expectant.
HELP ME, SISTER.
Another presence. For a moment, a glimpse of a hippocampi of opalescent scale can be seen against the clouds.
I SHALL.
A different voice. It sounds like the waves of the ocean.
You don’t so much see the change as you hear it.
The rushing of water.
The storm breaks away, clouds clearing as if blinders being torn away. The sky is clear and bright and the wind, while still strong, is no longer a storm. The small oasis stands quiet for a moment, and you watch as the maelstrom in the sky rides across Sedo and out of your view.
Then, the earth rumbles once more.
From the sands near where you stand, a monolith rises like a terrible tree. Just as it pierces the crust, a new stream breaks through from the distance, spilling right where the tower is rising.
The tower swallows the stream, bends it, twists it.
Up, up and up it goes. The monolith, the tower looks as if made of glass. It cuts the sunlight as it rises, throwing wild reflections and shadows upon the ground.
It takes a shape akin to a rock formation, like any of the great natural monuments found in this very desert, yet it is far too perfect. A prism of glass and sand, not quite see through. A mirror, yet transparent.
An anomaly, a contradiction.
The stream it swallowed flows through its very shape, up towards the skies.
The shaking stops.
The monument stands, foreign and familiar.
You feel another presence.
|
|
|
|
Post by SkyOfNewMoon on Jul 31, 2019 1:24:26 GMT -6
Aiolos;Vagabond | Nothing
Keep your head down, say nothing. The most unusual thing happened to Aiolos after his outburst...
He went back to his spot beside Fletcher after his moment in the air, then he heard the most unusual sound. It took him a moment to work it out but he had one tiny flashback to camp life with his real family. Before they were murdered. A soft, gentle voice and soothing words. It was Kindness! That's what he couldn't work out! A soft wing then covered his back and Aiolos felt so strange. It made him feel warm and, and comforted? Aiolos was just about to decide between moving away for fear of not understanding and just giving in to the unfamiliar feeling when the sand horse questioned their Goddess' will. Feeling a retort rumbling in his throat, Aiolos was cut off by great booming thunder. Someone was intervening it seemed.
Ears fell flat back as the pelting rain drenched them all. Although Aiolos did thank Digend aloud for his new scales that held off most of the rain letting it roll over his body instead of chilling him to the bone. Then Aiolos looked up at the sky and saw the darkness sweeping in. "Something incredible is about to happen!" He yelled out into the world, not caring if anyone could even hear him.
Then it did. The Sky crying out for the Ocean, then the Ocean came with aid. Aiolos looked on at the chaos rising in the distance, feeling a million miles away yet right on its doorstep all in one moment. Then it passes. The God's auras dissipating just as quickly and devastatingly as they arrived.
Standing in mild shock Aiolos attempted to assess what had just happened and looking around the other's faces, they were feeling the same way. Just as he was about to open his mouth to question everything, he felt a tingle in his hooves. Looking at his hooves, his crest flew up in question, what's wrong feet? Just as he was about to get an answer another rumble came from deep within the earth. Only this one didn't split the entire land, no, instead it gave birth. To a great structure that only one magnificent ethereal being could be capable of. His Goddess. Mouth dropped open in awestruck, Aiolos turned his head to Fletcher. "Well, that was an easy mission." He said a grin now glued to his face. The mission to find the great towering structure in the desert. And she had planted it right in front of where they stood, AND it sucked up the water flow that was about to head towards them.
Joy fluttering in his heart, Aiolos tore his gaze away from the dancing reflections and shadows to look the sand stallion dead in his eyes, "Here she is."
WC: 465 | Post #5 |
|
|
|
Post by SagaWolf on Jul 31, 2019 7:51:48 GMT -6
Fletcher
Missionary
......
The older Missionary struggled to keep his eyes from rolling at Aiolos' outburst and angry flareup. It didn't offer anything useful to the conversation, but at least Fletcher could write it off as just a teenager thing. In time the young hybrid would learn to control his temper, hopefully. With the young one back at his side, Fletcher nodded softly to the kid's statement. Sightseeing was all they were doing, really!
As the pregnant mare, Selora, approached and draped a wing over Aiolos, as if to shield the youngster from Fletcher, he had to snort smoke and shake his head lightly. He wasn't a threat to Aiolos, far from it, and if she wanted to play mother hen and try to protect the young hybrid, Fletcher was more than happy to let her. He had no reason to worry that some possibly misplaced kindness would make the kid forget his calling, he was too dedicated to the Mother of Chaos.
His attention swung back to Ashitash as she spoke, staring Fletcher straight in the eyes. Nothing in those calm eyes revealed any sort of deceit, although the vertical slit pupil did lend an eerie touch to his gaze. There was perhaps a touch of sadness at being scrutinized so, always having to struggle to prove his innocence. Oh, Fletcher was a born actor. The Changeling blessing
was already in his blood at birth, and every waking hour had been some sort of training to utilize the skill, to slip with ease from character to character and emotion to emotion. Projecting false feelings were as easy as breathing.
Fletcher sighed softly at Ashitash, ready to debate her words, to offer some reassurance, but Mordekai challenged his Goddess before the Missionary could speak. Fletcher looked at him with a wrinkle on his brow and a somewhat amused smile on his lips. "You shouldn't invoke Chaos unless you're ready to face it, " he huffed with a slight laugh, and that was all he managed before thunder cracked and hard, angry rain pelted them all. Fletcher braced himself against the angry wind, his poor smoldering tobacco murdered by the sudden rain, and then they were given a moments relief, thunderstorm passing but clouds remaining.
It was a display he would never forget, those divine voices cutting through his being, burrowing deep into his soul. It was beautiful, but not as beautiful as what followed. The rumbling earth, the monolith rising, clawing at the sky, sucking water up with it, reversing the flow.
"It's beautiful! " he exhaled, reverence vibrating his deep voice. His glowing green teke grasped the pendant which hung from a bone chain around his neck, caressing the tiny storm it held within. This was what his Goddess had made him come and bear witness to, this was the structure from his dream vision and it was magnificent! The sand horses and rangers were ignored still as he took a few slow steps towards the prism. He caught Aiolos' surprise at the shortness of their mission and he had to laugh heartily.
"Change occurs in the most random of places. Your desert wasteland has truly been blessed. "
......
Note: Fletcher's Cunning is maxed (10 extra SP from being a Missionary, so technically 110 if that's even possible?) as well as his talent Mimic, which is what I've based his ability to lie so convincingly on <3
Word Count: 525
Post #5 |
|
|
|
Post by Artistic Pineapple on Jul 31, 2019 9:26:28 GMT -6
BIX Ranger | Slate 017
The ranger draws his scarf up over his nose, shielding his nostrils from the sand in the wind. He squints forward, eyes nearly closed as round ears shift to the sounds of a rising ethereal song. When the singing voices become the voice of a god, however, his eyes snap open.
The only god's voice the zebra has ever heard is his earth mother's. Now, just above his head, the melody of Alya's voice radiates from around the clouds. And Cascade answers her.
Bix watches - unmoving and with wide eyes - as the desert is molded into a new structure. He pays little mind to the horses around him, only flicking an ear toward his companion. The multifaceted shadows of the new monument land across his stumpy stature and he blinks away water in his eyes. It's impossible not to be moved when the gods themselves speak.
The tower isn't unlike the bone structure of Sirith... but this one fits in the desert. It feels like a missing piece has been placed back where it belongs, though it was impossible to know it was missing before. The water flowing upward from within the structure - against gravity - sounds like a far-off stream. It doesn't babble, but it invites. The zebra takes a single pace forward before he feels Her.
The third presence, the ungod, Digend.
His feet immediately stop.
Why would Alya and Cascade help this new god make a monument? Did they know of her, too? Was she trustworthy if the other gods approved of her? Questions raced around his head before he shook them out. Dry sand fell from his striped mohawk and Bix righted himself with a shake of his head and neck.
He still has a mission to accomplish.
His ears picked up Fletcher's comment, but he doesn't look at the missionary. Instead, he turns to eye the serorians with his brows back in their usual place.
"Yes, alright then," His tone is surprisingly even, in spite of the circumstances. "Probably time to head to Osuals."
He didn't want to be here when Digend showed up. The last time he had laid eyes on her featureless face still woke him up in a cold sweat on some nights. He wasn't about to stand around and wait for her to look into his soul with eyes she didn't have. Not without his permission, not again.
It was time to go.
WC: 416 | Post #6
Bix: The NOPE train is leaving the station |
|
|
|
Post by Zookcan on Jul 31, 2019 22:06:42 GMT -6
ASHITASH
"Sometimes we need to be reminded of where we're at in the world."
___________________________________________________
Her gaze had remained unwavering, almost as though she was daring him, fiery orange eyes searching for any sign of a lie. She is not as cunning or sly as he is, but she is intelligent, often more than she lets on ( her often crude language and cusses played a part in that. ) Those charcoal ears of hers perked when he opened his mouth to speak, but the answers she wanted never came. Ashitash did not want this to become a debate over religious beliefs; she did not challenge them as long as those beliefs did not involve harming others, but it seems that was what this was quickly becoming.
"That " So she opens her own mouth to speak, but that is when the earth begins the quake, and the sky begins to rumble. The sudden ruckus was so unnatural that even she would have questioned it outright, but Ashitash's mind is thinking too fast to consider it right now. Instead, her survival instincts are kicking in. "Fucking shit Everyone keep your hooves grounded! Tuck your wings in!" In the event of a storm as violent as a dust devil she was told to look for a low ditch and huddle as close to the ground as possible. Grault, though normally dumb and oblivious, was quick to scurry back to her and dig into the sand.
What happens next rattles her core, which is something only the gods or death itself can claim to have done. The sky itself thunders with a voice, a voice that she could only recognize as Alya's, all too scarily real after having just encountered her only three months before. Ashitash's mind ran with all sorts of swears and shouts in excitement, but she doesn't voice a single one. Her mouth just hung open instead.
And then what follows, also shakes her! Just as she had felt the raging, glorious Wing Mother's energy storm her soul, she could feel Cascade's waves and oceans sweep over her, ebbing and flowing with her voice. "Oh, holy--god! Praise the gods!" With fear and bewilderment came her excitement, her awe as she witnessed her two patrons grace the sky, and then take elsewhere, further south towards the rest of Sedo. "Wooow " Yes, though she had not wanted this to turn into religious debate, it had become inevitable by now.
Alas, she thought their spiritual experience was well over, but the doubt came and went with the rumbling of earth again. The charcoal mare's iron horseshoes sank briefly into the sand, and she lifted one hoof up, watching as the ground beneath continued to shift. When a glassy pillar began to rise from the earth, its body reflecting each ray of the sun's light, she could only stare, bewildered, pondering the monolith's presence and meaning. She had never seen something so perfect and unnatural.
As the earth finally settles, the zebra stands and continues to ponder. She allows everyone else's words to pass through one ear and out the other, and decides this hasn't answered her question. "...This is just about the weirdest shit that I've witnessed and I've seen some shit." Her lips pursed in a frown, Ashitash turns to Fletcher again. "But I'm still wondering "
Wait. Something is still here. She can sense another presence, but it is not the same as Cascade's waves or Alya's winds. She suspected it might be Argus or Kaia, but the fact that she could not feel her soul rattle the same way her patrons had made it felt makes her feel alienated. It's only when Fletcher and Aiolos speak up that it clicks. "Don't fucking tell me " She won't admit it, but the strangeness of this situation frightens her a little.
_________________________________________________________
Post #6
Word Count: 620
|
|
|
|
Post by marinedoq on Aug 4, 2019 13:34:40 GMT -6
M O R D E K A I
serora
......
He had royally fucked up. As soon as the words left his mouth, the earth and wind seemed to challenge him, picking up a storm and settling as quickly as it had come. The rumbling ground shook his body, and he saw as the other's tried to find their footing again, no one seemingly at ease with what was happening. A raincloud danced in the distance, beckoning them closer, but Mordekai stood his ground and gave the vagabonds a bewildered stare. None of this made sense, and he wondered: would he like what he found, if it suddenly made sense? Looking to the other's no one seemed quite certain of what had just happened. Then, sooner than anticipated, the sky broke once more. Mordekai found himself frozen in place, the earth shaking once more as if broken and voices crying out. However, the voices weren't those of his herdmates nor the vagabonds or rangers - no, the voices shatter all boundaries, they can be felt inside his very being.
He looks to the sky, covering his whole face except his eyes, and observes the Gods themselves. Alya and Cascade, he assumes. The wind picks up and the rain beats down hard on his body, yet he doesn't quiver. No, he does not feel fear or cold, only anticipation of what's to come. That's when ground groans beneath him, dissatisfied with what's going on. A tower shoots up, so unnatural it almost hurts to look at, yet a work done by the Gods, so he can't just look away. Fletcher and Aiolos look especially ecstatic, when seeing the tower, while Slate, the ranger, and Ashitash look equally worried. Ashitash seems to sense that something is wrong, and Mordekai nods along with Slate's words. He'd rather move along to Osulas, than go to this tower to investigate. This... whatever it is, is no mission of his, and he's not even sure it's a work of only Alya and Cascade, as he senses something else near them, when his Goddesses disappeared. "We should go. Perhaps challenging your goddess was wrong, yet, it was still ours that responded as well. Whatever this thing is, I'm not about to investigate it. We should move along, as Slate suggests."
... ... Word Count: 373 Post #5 |
|
|
|
Post by NorthernMyth on Aug 5, 2019 17:27:51 GMT -6
Blair || Thief The storm broke again. It sounded like the clouds were stone and they were angrily rubbing together. And then… Those voices. Quiet but booming at the same time. Blair looked up. Holding one eye closed attempting to shield her face for sand and rain. Catching a glimpse of figures moving within the clouds above. And just like that, it stopped again. The sun began pulling away the clouds. Soaking the sand with warm rays. Soaking Blairs back again. “What was that?” Blair asked the open air The ground shook beneath the fillies hooves and she took a few steps back. Ears flat back. The palomino filly accidently backed up right into Danae causing Blair to squeak in surprise. And then she saw it. The tower. Seemingly breaking the world in half. Her heart raced in panic. And then there it sat. Like it had been there all along. Peacefully casting a shadow across the sand and over the group. Blair became transfixed on the water as it flowed backward up the tower. Devoid of logic or reality. She stepped forward again, but this time feeling another. One she could not see. Not yet. She swallowed hard but took another step. An ear forward, an ear back. The presence didn’t stop her or hinder her. It didn’t scare the filly. It made her feel welcomed. She heard the Ranger and Seroran say something about moving on. But she felt the overwhelming feeling of curiosity pulling at her. Like it had done so many times before. She walked forward with purpose now. Towards the tower of shimmering glass. Post 5|| 268 |
|
|
|
Post by Luneby on Aug 6, 2019 12:04:13 GMT -6
D A N A Ë
"Of fire and gold."
WC: 542| Post # 6 Danaë had heard the sky roaring and the sand whispering. Eyes flooded with tears, she stood on the shaking earth, ears flattening under her Goddess’ terrible voice.
It was so much to process, too much to analyse. She had met fire within her veins, and now her entire being breathed His flames. But the wind… It had been so long not feeling the wind within her heart.
She had prayed so desperately to hear Alya again – for her heart to beat with Her winds, for her restless mind to be put to sleep by the lullabies She sang in the canyons at night. But she had felt lonely, oh so lonely for so many years – for the longest time, she couldn’t feel any connection to the goddess who had raised her under Her skies anymore. For the longest time, her own herd felt like a place where she did not belong, as she looked like she had been forged by hellfire, as everything she ever created was created with destructive flames. She felt as though she had betrayed her, the mighty Sky Mother, the one that was so kind to her people, the one that kept her and her daughter safe inside the Oasis while the war raged. Her relationship with the goddess was complex: tender, hopeful but plagued with fear and guilt.
But on this fateful day, she had heard her. The music of her voice had wrapped around her heart. As impressive as Cascade’s work was, Danaë only had eyes for the Storm. Her bells rang alongside the goddess’ winds, uncontrollable smile growing on her face as burning tears ran alongside her cheeks.
What the group had just witnessed was truly a miracle.
Or was it?
Danaë might have been swayed by the apparition, there was no holding back her curiosity. Her desire to know was stronger than her fear. She could feel it too. Something else. Something that she couldn’t quite fathom. But it was there. And she needed to know what exactly it was. The tower that had risen from the sand was a mystery, and mysteries were meant to be solved. She was a scientist at heart, solving mysteries was what she did. The tower was substantially more intriguing than the Cultists – possibly even more of a threat. It needed investigation. She looked hesitantly towards the shimmering tower, eyes lost in its many reflections, reluctantly withholding from investigating on her own. Her eyes followed the trail of light that it left on the golden sand under the sunlight – a truly remarkable sight. Gods sure had remarkable ways of… having fun, she thought. The horror she felt moments ago had vanished instantly, now her attention only focused on the strange structure.
… And on Blair, who had just bumped into her, making her snap out of her contemplative state. Looking back at her companions, she signed quickly as her bells rang frantically: “We need to figure out what this is, it could be dangerous. What do the Cultists know?”, before leaping towards the filly, catching up with her, preventing her from going any farther. She had not listened to a single word of what was said before this point – racing thoughts covering any other sound, clouding her brain.
|
|
Deleted
Deleted Member
Posts: 0
|
Post by Deleted on Aug 6, 2019 14:57:12 GMT -6
Aconite 013
It was hard not to smile, it really was. But Dalach kept his stern look, standing square and ready. His eyes were momentarily understanding when Fletcher and Aiolos mentioned of the brutal ways of the Cult, but his body language mirrored those around him. Of course, of course, they were here to keep guard. To make sure things went down just like they were supposed to. And it was looking just like they were.
And the storm rippled in the horizon; a natural storm. Dalach shared Slate’s worried look, but for a different reason. There wasn’t much time to seek cover, not until the storm changed; shifted the earth around them and sung, even.
Dalach felt shivers run down his spine as he stared above, but held his feet steady. There was a sense of anticipation in the air, and he thought it wasn’t all his.
His feet stayed unmoving, even when the two goddesses departed, and the earth started rumbling again. He gasped, barely masking his delight as the formation sprung from the ground, trapping the water inside. Marvelous.
At that moment he thought he had never felt more alive. He reveled in the presence, even if he nodded to Slate dutifully. He was in no hurry, but it was okay for the others to understand he was.
His gaze flicked towards Blair then, intrigued. Ah, young open hearts.
It was a shame it worried Danaë so much, he thought, and hurried forward to catch up with them. He, however, did not try to stop them, only smiled shortly, reassuringly; he would protect them.
His gaze moved to Fletcher: “You call this a blessing?”
Word count: 275 | Post 3
[/font][/div][/div] |
|
|
|
Post by ThatDenver on Aug 6, 2019 15:46:45 GMT -6
The great crystalline tower stands still, a quiet humm running through it.
The presence shifts. Becomes more tangible.
Out of thin air, Digend stands at the foot of the tower. She is taller than any of you, but wears the body of a youth, with long gangly legs and the proportions that come with being a teenager.
Still, she is impressive, and strange, and her existence vibrates through the very souls of her True Believers.
She is very much here, with you. Her presence even stronger than that of Alya and Cascade moments earlier.
She regards her two Missionaries fondly.
Fletcher. Aiolos. You have done well. By sowing discord you have given root to my power.
Her voice rings only in their minds, gentle and proud.
She then regards those gathered.
This Tower shall be a roadmap. A Shrine.
Tell your people that I will welcome them.
I will lift you above the dangers that threaten you. Be mine, and I shall be yours.
Find my city, and I will stand with you till the end of time.
Her voice, booming, rings in your very souls, to your deepest cores. Her presence is so powerful, so blazing, that you can see her there with your eyes closed.
Tell them Digend is real.
I am real.
She stops. Listens.
The wind is growing.
It is too early.
Her voice rings only in the minds of Fletcher and Aiolos again.
I must leave.
I am a danger to you if she finds me here.
Digend’s voice is clear again, heard by all.
Find me in our city.
Final words are given only to Fletcher, Aiolos and Selora.
Then, she is gone.
Moments later, the sky bursts open. A storm howls as Alya, now in the flesh, descends from among the clouds.
Her four great wings beat harshly as she approaches the tower.
A tower that emanates energy completely foreign to her, and she recoils in anger and confusion.
It is the creation of another god, a god she does not know. A perversion of her own energy runs through it, called her here.
She notices you at the foot of the tower, and without a sound, lands in your midst.
WHAT IS THIS?
MY CHILDREN, ARE YOU HURT?
Her voice is almost frantic as she looks at her Serorans.
|
|
|
|
Post by Artistic Pineapple on Aug 6, 2019 16:31:40 GMT -6
BIX Ranger | Slate 017
Bix has to stifle the smile threatening to creep over his features at Ashi's words. "The stories I could tell you..." he mumbles in response, mostly to himself. In her saddlebag, Mutt dares to poke her head out. The hyena pup's nose twitches as it hits fresh and strange smells, but she doesn't make a sound or wriggle to get down. Something about the pack feels much safer than the outside world right now.
Bix did not want to stand around gazing at the Tower any longer than absolutely necessary and yet here they were, watching as members of their group took off to inspect it.
"It's not going anywhere," he calls after them, annoyance masking the unease creeping up from his hooves.
But then it's too late and She is there again.
The ungod looks just as she did the last time Bix saw her, even from more of a distance. Her gangly form appears adolescent, still growing, but very much tangible. Her voice is too loud in his ears, too present in his soul. Bix's ears pin in defense, but he cannot look away from Digend. When she finally fades, the ranger remembers to breath. His legs are trembling, but his expression is no different.
As the sky cracks apart and Alya descends in the flesh, Bix takes a large breath to steady himself. He dips his head to the sky goddess as a visitor of her lands, but her frantic words cause his head to snap back up.
WHAT IS THIS?
One thing becomes shockingly clear to the zebra: Alya and Cascade were not present when the tower had been constructed.
That power had all been Digend.
WC: 287 | Post #6 |
|
|
|
Post by PennthePony on Aug 6, 2019 22:33:52 GMT -6
SELORA
its complicated
......
Her wings fell away from Aiolos as she fell to her knees in a mixture of childlike wonderment and the ground’s sudden labors, casting her now tearful eyes upon the brilliance of the great river which turned against the current of gravity so understood by science. A whisper to herself was lost in the rumble of the birth of the mighty sight to be beheld, and the roar of the rushing waters, “Mother Digend, you grace us with your presence. Humble us, dear mother, for you see the distress we have endured…”
And then, voices, louder than any thunder she had ever heard, like a choir of a multitude of storms over wind.
SISTER.
FLY WITH ME AS WE ONCE DID. MOLD HIREATH AS WE ONCE DID.
HELP ME, SISTER.
It was commanding, and frightening. Like an army’s beckoning call to arms.
And another choir joined in, like the crash of violent waves, uttering one simple phrase.
I SHALL.
The river turned to opalescent glass, as if a million winds had carved the very sand the stood upon. A tower erected in a forceful earthquake, bringing Selora to lose her balance, falling onto her enlarged side in a wild groan of sharp pain. A ripple within her belly stole the breath from her lungs, swallowing her awe and spitting it out in the form of a scream. “MY BABY!” Yet the rupturing earth overturned her screams, limiting them to a sound no louder than a small yelp.
And then, silence. Some of the group headed towards the tower, whilst she struggled to her feet, the ripples in her belly having ceased. Perhaps a false alarm, but she had little time to speculate. The labors has ceased, it seemed, by some divine chance.
When she had found her feet, her knees trembling under her weight, Selora looked up to see a brilliant sight. A child in pure white, with sightless eyes and features of all the equines that roamed Hireath. Tears welled in her eyes, perhaps from awe or pain, it was hard to tell.
“Mother.” She uttered the single word within a breath, the wetness from her icy eyes spilling over to stain her cheeks. A voice echoes within her own thoughts, invading her mind with a soft gentleness she had only ever felt from her father’s Telepathy as a child. At first, she was afraid.
This Tower shall be a roadmap. A Shrine.
Tell your people that I will welcome them.
I will lift you above the dangers that threaten you. Be mine, and I shall be yours.
Find my city, and I will stand with you till the end of time.
Her beauty was blinding, her oddities strangely welcoming.
Her voice comes again, and this time, Selora wasn’t afraid.
TELL THEM DIGEND IS REAL. I AM REAL.
The wind overtakes the voice within her thoughts, howling louder and louder, threatening to knock the small statured mare back to her knees. She hears nothing for several heartbeats; she holds her breath, watching, waiting.
And then, Digend’s pale eyes turn to see her, Aiolos, and Fletcher, or so it seems. With the sand flowing in her eyes, it is hard to tell. Yet the voice comes again, this time urgent, not as gentle as before. A howl of wind spits sand into her eyes, and she must look away, using her wing to wipe the grit from her face.
FIND ME IN OUR CITY.
When she looks up again, the Mother of Change is gone. Not seconds later, the clouds part in a violent rage of bright light, and a quad-winged Pegasus appears, the sun radiating behind her in a show of worship. Her voice rings out in a gust of wind, harsh and strong.
WHAT IS THIS?
MY CHILDREN, ARE YOU HURT?
Selora turns her face away to look at the others, who stand awestruck of the goddess. She cannot bring herself to lift her eyes, refusing to look at the goddess directly. She must not reveal what she had just seen, what she had just heard. She owed this god nothing, Alya had never done her nor her family anything more than hurt and destruction. It had been her winds that had caused the buildings to crash down around her in the Flight’s assault on the Inarian city, it had been her that could have used her great winds to sweep the rubble away from her precious children - her who could have saved her pain and suffering. She who countless counted on whilst she stay silent, she who the masses called upon while they cried over their lost loved ones, she who had done nothing about her hurting children among so many nations, among her precious Serorans as they were left to the hands of the fire-worshipers. And Cascade had been no better, her waves calm while carnage raged on her children among the Seroran nation.
Children had been taken from parents, fathers slaughtered, mothers vulnerable, families split apart -- and they had done nothing. She had considered the revealing of the Oasis an act unveiled all too late, so many had died already. Why had they not stopped the war altogether, if they cared so much?
No, Selora cast her face away, keeping her face clear of emotion. Digend had saved her people, not the Others. That she was sure of.
......
Word Count: 893
Post 4 |
|
|
|
Post by marinedoq on Aug 7, 2019 16:36:20 GMT -6
M O R D E K A I
serora
......
So many things happened at once, and Mordekai was left for words. A goddess, right there in front of him. And yet, he did not feel awestruck as much as he felt horrified. Horrified at the sight of the goddess and her words. He had wished to be proven that she was real, but this seemed absurd. While his goddess represented the herd he was born and raised in, this goddess... God... Whatever it was, it resembled a mess of features, like a child who wanted it all. And that's what struck him: it was nothing but a young god. Like a child, wanting to prove something, be something. Messing with the lands of Alya, of his... Sculpting them and ruining what Alya had created, just to make a point and say "look at me, come to me"? He wanted none of it.
He refused to look her in the eye, an angry scowl painted on his face. No, let those vagabonds have her, he didn't want this. As quickly as she had come, as quickly she took off again. She'd felt threatened by something. Alya... She was here, in the flesh, making sure her people was okay. Mordekai looked at her in awe, bowing slightly, unsure of how to react. This is what a Goddess should do. Have faith in her people, knowing they can handle themselves, but step in, when they need her the most, he thought to himself.
"Alya.." He spoke up, softly, unsure of how to proceed. "This.. Digend... It was their work. A way of making herself known, wanting to prove herself and show what she can do. It seems at least three of us gathered here, are part of her following" He said, nodding in the direction of Aiolos and Fletcher, then to Selora, who he now noticed, wasn't looking all too well. "What can I do, to help you, Alya? I have no weapons and no blessings, but I will do anything you ask." Something surely had to be done, but he wasn't sure what. He needed his goddess' guidance.
... ... Word Count: 352 Post #6 |
|
|
|
Post by Zookcan on Aug 8, 2019 0:58:39 GMT -6
ASHITASH
"Sometimes we need to be reminded of where we're at in the world."
___________________________________________________
Her notched, large ears swiveled around intently, as though she is searching for something to hear. Grault claws up onto her back again, tasting the air, raising his head high as if in alert. But when Ashitash opens her eyes again, the first thing she sees is the filly making her way towards that pillar. "Don't touch it!" She snaps, her normally harsh tone bearing a sense of earnestness. "Kid, we don't know what it is " But they would get an explanation soon enough. The charcoal mare's gaze flickered onto Danae and her brows furrowed at the younger's suspicions.
A part of her wants to turn to the alleged Cultists for an answer, but frankly, she doesn't know what to think of it. Her patron gods had just appeared before her, and up until this point she assumed that this tower was conjured by them. It had to be, but then why did it feel so alien to her? Orange eyes glowered heavily at the obelisk, while the rest of her body prickled in hostility and uncertainty.
Then this alien presence that befuddled her finally made itself known. Ashitash craned her neck up to the brilliant light of a child who stood at least twice as tall as her. She squeezed her eyes shut flinchingly, but still the new god's image burned fiercely into her mind, so much that she could make out every detail. Frozen in shock and gripped by utter confusion, the mare stood silent, hearing her words, feeling her blazing energy. Gods it was terrifying.
This Tower shall be a roadmap. A Shrine.
Tell your people that I will welcome them.
I will lift you above the dangers that threaten you.
Be mine, and I shall be yours.
Find my city, and I will stand with you till the end of time.
'Who are you?!' Her thoughts screamed, but she would never get an answer. Just like she had appeared, the amalgamation of shapes and parts that was this mysterious young figure vanished, her light and energy with her. Mind and heart racing, Ashitash continued to remain silent, uttering nothing but a shaken breath moments after.
"I'm tired of this sh " The savior's train of thought was derailed completely, and her brain was done in. The image of the amalgamate foal remained burned in the back of her mind and she doubts that it would be leaving any time soon. The mare was trying to find words, trying to remember why this had all begun in the first place. The situation had gone from a simple meeting to a competition among gods. Normally she would have the fire in her to keep yelling, but witnessing two gods and then ... whatever the hell that was is heavy on her.
But, just as she had found the mouth to speak, the familiar, and at this rate comforting return of Alya silences her. One of her goddesses, among the very few that could keep the mare from speaking out of line. She almost has the guts to throw the older kirin hybrid under the bus and ask if he is worth trusting, but the details of what she has just witnessed are far more curious. She wonders why now Alya has come down.
Perhaps...it had something to do with the pillar? "Sky Mother," Ashitash begins, maintaining her serious tone. "We're all well, we're all well, I think. What is this pillar? Who erected it? Was it you and the sea Cascade? Or was it...?"
A roadmap. A shrine. "...So that was Digend, huh?"
_________________________________________________________
Post #7
Word Count: 593
|
|
|
|
Post by ThatDenver on Aug 9, 2019 0:02:36 GMT -6
ALYA
She looks at them, her great wings beating quietly behind her. The first soul she notices is that of Bix – her sister’s mortal, she can tell from the blessing weaved in his soul. The zebra bows to her, and she smiles gently.
But her people address her, now. She looks at Mordekai, eyes stormy with worry.
Digend?
She sounds… Confused. As if she is looking at something she can not understand, something that should not be, can not be.
Her eyes return to the tower, and her rage unfurls in the skies. Winds, localized into a vortex around the tower rip at the edges of it. Water splashes wildly where the stream is exposed, but the tower stands strong. Defiant.
No. It is not my doing, nor that of my sister’s.
The storm ceases as she calms the whirlwind within. Alya turns to regard the tower.
It is of me but not mine.
It should not be.
Yet it is.
Her eyes travel over the party.
I remember you.
Her voice is calm, but it hides a storm. She steps up to Dalach, towering above the hybrid.
Hybrid. Another thing that should not be, yet here she sees three. Two bear her wings but also crowns from other gods.
You asked for my gift, once.
Her brows furrow. Confusion turns to realization.
Then, anger.
She whirls around and looks at those gathered again. Even Selora, bent over in her pain, is not safe from Alya’s soul-piercing eyes.
And what she sees, horrifies her.
Brother. Sisters. Do you see? Do you see what has been done to your gifts?
She calls out to the Starscape, beckoning her siblings to respond.
Alya looks at Fletcher and Selora, around whom the sour taste of wrongness hangs heaviest.
What have you done?
Sedo rumbles beneath her presence.
|
|
|
|
Post by SagaWolf on Aug 9, 2019 20:14:35 GMT -6
Fletcher
Missionary
......
The old missionary had no wish to return to Ashitash's conversation and as luck would have it, events were happy to distract the lot of them. Mordekai mumbled some worry about challenging the chaotic goddess, leaving Fletcher chuckling heartily. "Did you truly challenge her? Or did your curiosity simply summon her? She's done nothing but prove her presence to you, granting you a gift in the process! No violence as so many of you expected, but a work of art, " he argued, gesturing with a toss of his head at the impossible-possible glass tower. All three of his eyes shifted to Blair as she so gently and curiously moved towards the spire and he smiled softly, almost like a proud father, expression entirely too soft for his previous displays of arrogance. But that smile faded as Danaë bolted forward in an attempt to block the filly's path. "You are not her mother, " he rumbled softly though obviously disagreeing with her actions. "Let the child investigate if she so wishes. Digend would never harm her. "
“You call this a blessing?” Aconite questioned him, and Fletcher turned towards him fully, nothing how the ranger extended his protection to the mares. They wouldn't need it. The Digend that craved blood and sacrifices had died with her birth. This was a new Digend, a evolved Digend.
Fletcher's eyes glittered as he smiled warmly at Aconite, smile splitting into a grin as he could not longer contain his joy. "Yes of course, don't you see? This land has been gifted the greatest of statues, a sign that... Change is coming to us all. " He had more on his mind as indicated by the intake of air, but the appearance of his goddess changed it all. He wouldn't have to explain, they would all see!
He turned fully to the tower and Digend, exhaling shakily as her presence vibrated through him, and then she spoke his name and he wasn't ashamed by the water building in his eyes. She was proud of him! Her blessed and changed and chosen Missionary! His breath shuddered as he listened to her words, knew that the none-believers could no longer continue to hide from the truth. Then she spoke a warning in his mind and he grew alert, pushing his reverence down and saving his joy for later, steeling himself for whatever had chased his Goddess away.
Alya burst into existence, the temperamental Goddess of wind and skies, not the kind of attention Fletcher wanted. He gave her one simple glance, a small scoff of air escaping from him, and then he turned to Selora, having felt how his Goddess had favored the pregnant mare. He walked to her side, dipping his head low while his brow was furrowed and worried of her state. "You believe, " he whispered softly to her and only her; "you know the truth. " He straightened and placed himself between Alya and the mare, a small gesture of... protection?
Fletcher bristled some when Mordekai outed himself, Aiolis and Selora. Like a child looking for teacher's favor, and of course Alya responds in kind. Throwing a tantrum, ripping the sky and letting her winds claw at the magnificent tower. 'Useless, ' he thought with a soft smirk. His brow quirked curiously when the Goddess turned her attention to the one ranger, sowing curiosity in his mind, logging that away for later. If... there was a later.
The Goddess set her burning eyes on Fletcher and Selora, twisting the Missionary's gut as the world rumbled beneath his hooves. For just a few heartbeats he managed to stare straight at the fury, her winds whipping in his face and stinging him with sand and then... he turned away from her silently, turning his back on the mighty Alya, not even wasting breath to answer her question. Foolish? Perhaps, but he owed this creature nothing. And as he stood there in defiance he sought Selora's eyes, giving her a reassuring smile, a silent promise that Digend's believers stood together.
......
Word Count: 670
Post #6 |
|
|
|
Post by PennthePony on Aug 9, 2019 20:50:44 GMT -6
SELORA
its complicated
......
.
As Alya’s bold, dramatic entrance rumbled through the earth, reverberating through the hooves of the mass of horses now staring up at her in awe, while Selora had fallen back to her knees. A rippling pain had struck her sides again, stronger than before. Wincing as her wings flared out, feathers ruffling to their greatest height, she bared her teeth, clenching them so hard that she feared they might break. “Ashitash…” The strained whimper was lost to the winds, and Alya had turned her wrath upon the laboring mare.
WHAT HAVE YOU DONE?
Selora hissed in reply, her eyebrows knit close as she strained to find her footing. Her knees trembled, she couldn’t reach her hooves before falling onto her side, which knocked the breath out of her. Shaking as she sunk into the sand, she felt a sudden gush come through her. Her water had broken.
And Fletcher was now above her, stars in his eyes. “You believe… you know the truth.” Selora met his eyes, trying with great difficulty to reply. “Yes… yes.” She hissed, her reply strained. “Digend, help me.” Were her next words, another ripple of pain coursing through her. She groaned, her feathered tails curling up against her body. In between heavy breaths, she found Fletcher’s eyes, who watched her with a soft comfort she hadn’t expected to see from such an abrasive, arrogant… yet he was the only one here now, shielding her with his body. “Fletcher… Fletcher… my baby—” Another contraction broke off her voice in a strained cry.
She pleaded with her eyes, tears welling, one escaping down her cheek. “He’s coming… Praise Digend, he’s coming…”
The wind rushing around her, sand flying about, she could hardly breathe. “Enough… enough…!” Her demand was nearly silent, but she hoped with every fiber of her being that someone would hear. “I can’t… not here… Mother, PLEASE… not here…”
......
Word Count: 314
Post 5 |
|
|
|
Post by Artistic Pineapple on Aug 9, 2019 21:07:16 GMT -6
BIX Ranger | Slate 017
Being in the presence of a god is one thing. But two gods in one day is really something. Bix could feel reality slipping sideways as his mind tried to wrap itself around the fact that Alya had nodded to him.
He straightened up, only to catch the very pregnant Selora crumbled uncomfortably nearby. Her water had broken and it appeared that her conrtactions were aggressively increasing. His training in the Onean Midwives Guild kicked in immediately and the striped ranger was at her side almost instantly. Digend worshiper or not, her foal may soon be coming into the world.
"Breathe, easy. You are going to be alright," His words were gruff and orderly to the mare, heavy with his sense of duty. Bix couldn't help but spare a glance at the one equine among them that had won his favor today: Ashitash. He rose his voice above the growing wind. "Her foal is coming."
Eyes the color of wet earth washed over Selora, checking for injury to find nothing. Bix reassured her again and coaxed her to steady her breathing. He glanced back up at the goddess, unable to shake the pull of her from his mind.
A wave of relief rose in his gut when her piercing gaze landed not on him, but the snarky hybrid and the pregnant mare. Her words to them made the hair along his spine rise, especially when Fletcher so nonchalantly disrespected her and turned away. Did he trust his new god to protect him from the ancient might of Alya?
More horses were beginning to surround Selora, looking to help. Bix took a careful step forward, glancing to Aconite and clearing his throat before addressing the sky goddess.
"The tower is the work of a new deity, oh Sky Mother," His words fell like stone from the side of a cliff, unapologetic and hard to avoid. "She is the very same that rose the Bone Tower of Sirith. I saw her only once before, when she was more like a child than she is now..." His voice began to trail off under Alya's intense gaze, but Bix righted himself shakily and plunged onward with his report. "...I believe her power is growing, as now she appeared to be more mature in appearance. She speaks of gifts and beacons but doesn't embody new growth, only changes what already is."
He swallowed hard, not wanting to break his contact with her ferocious eyes, but concerned about the winged mare laying in the sand. Something about the birthing was making him uneasy. It was as if the child she bore was too large for her small form. His stomach lurched as he noticed a look of worry on Ashitash's face.
Selora wasn't going to be alright.
WC: 468 | Post #7 |
|
|
|
Post by Zookcan on Aug 9, 2019 21:54:28 GMT -6
ASHITASH
"Sometimes we need to be reminded of where we're at in the world."
___________________________________________________
She could feel her goddess's anger twist her gut. Alya is a raging, motherly, ruthless, protective god, the fiercest among her siblings, so it has been told, and Ashitash's parents often joked that their daughter got her rough, wild streak from her. To be wild is invigorating, but to see anger in the Wing Mother's face is something different; admittedly its a little frightening to feel Sedo rumble with her voice, and feel her ire in her soul. The charcoal mare squeezes her eyes shut and bears it, remaining stoically calm. But Ashitash is Seroran, and a follower of the wind and water like her parents. Hence, she feels that anger, and she is angry, too. Her muzzle wrinkles with disgust.
Her eyes open, orange irises burning like fire, and she whips her head around to shoot a venomous glare in Fletcher's direction. She is about to speak, but then Ashitash finally realizes Selora's crippled state and the blood that had spurted from her womb. Immediately, the savior's instincts kicked into gear and adrenaline soared into her blood. "Oh, shit, Selora "
All she gives is one fast look towards Slate, whom in this situation was the only stranger ( next to Aconite ) that she felt was worth trusting. "Don't panic." Her voice is sharp, quick, and quiet, but it wasn't fired at him so much as everyone else. Deep inside, the mare was already growing frustrated; she had only packed her basic medical supply kit for the travel; salves, herbal powders and leaves, canisters for water and wraps. Her blankets, potent painkillers and other necessities for foaling were all still back at home.
She would have to make do with what she had. Almost immediately, Ashitash throws off her saddlebags and cloak, and she spreads the latter over Selora hastily. "Easy, girl, easy. Breathe. You've had three kids before, you can do this." The next thing Ashitash does is shoo Grault away. She reaches into her saddlebag and fishes out a pair of severed rabbits' feet, which she chucks in Danae's direction. The monitor darts for them immediately. "Danae! Do me a favor, keep Graulty away from Selora. I don't need him biting the baby's head off as soon as it comes out. Don't worry! He won't bite'cha as long as he's got his rabbit feets."
Then she pulls out a half-empty canister. One glance in Aiolos's direction and she decides that she doesn't want him near the birthing mother, but he looked like a capable young colt, so she figured he'd be useful. "You, kid! With the wings! Do me a favor and fill this up with water from that there oasis, for the mother's sake." She offers it to Aiolos.
Lastly she faces Slate from directly across Selora. Judging by how he was already trying to relax the small mare, she reckoned he must have had knowledge worth using. "You ever oversee a' foaling?" She asks dryly, her brows raised with interest. "...Got anything on you that might be of use to us?" Since she was without most of her own supplies, his help would be greatly appreciated. Ashitash turns her head towards Aconite, and it almost seemed as though being watched by the god of the sky herself was merely a whim at the back of her mind. "I need you to keep an eye out for trouble. If anyone is gutsy enough to even consider pulling an attack..." Those last words fell on a mumble.
"Everyone else, stay calm and stay out of my way. Hopefully this won't take too long."
_________________________________________________________
Post #8
Word Count: 582
|
|
|
|
Post by SkyOfNewMoon on Aug 10, 2019 2:38:13 GMT -6
Aiolos;Vagabond | Missionary
Keep your head down, say nothing. Aiolos was vaguely aware of the banter happening behind him, but his main attention was still drawn to the new prismic tower that rose above them all. He was entranced by the logistics of it all, well just the simple way the water kept swirling against gravity. So when the other Vagabond filly began to follow her curiosity to get closer to the tower, Aiolos flew softly overhead. Like a moth to a flame he landed at its base.
Then the air gave off a new wave of energy that ruffled Aiolos' feathers, even his scales felt as though they were rippling along his body. Within the next burst of motion, she was there, in front of him once more. However this time he was a peaceful patron of hers and not a Nothing in the cult.
It was the most glorious day of Aiolos' life! Of course, she had adapted and grown, Aiolos was similar, now that his body adorned scales and antlers on top of feathers and wings. When he looked at Digend's bright glorious-ness, he couldn't hold back the great beaming smile that lit up his face. AND THEN SHE PRAISED HIM AAAANNNDDD SAID HIS NAME!! He couldn't hold back an audibly, childish squeal of delight and flew in the air teleporting rapidly as he loop-de-looped before arriving back at Digend's feet. A small "Thank you, wonderful Digend." Was all the teenager could get out, looking up into her eyeless face.
He took a few steps back to look out over the people gathered with his smile still beaming as Digend broadcast her word, inviting all those around into her embrace. The smile slipped away from his face when Digend's tone shifted, his eyebrows drawing up in concern as she said it wasn't safe for her to remain, for their sakes. "We'll see you soon then." He responded to her with a promise. Aiolos was excited to have a reason to go back to Asylon, he loved the place and always found it an invigorating space before setting off for the day's work spreading her word of change and safety.
Digend's disappearance was soon understood by the young hybrid as another violent storm broke out, however this one would not be countered by Digend as the Sky Mother Alya herself burst into the mortal realm. Aiolos could barely gather any words for the first time in his reborn life as her four great wings beat the sandy desert, sand wafting into every scale crevice on Aiolos' face, making him screw up his nose.
Alya questioning their new surroundings told Aiolos that she did not know of their new Goddess. It somewhat soothed Aiolos' soul, if she did not know about Digend then in spirit and almost completely in appearance, Aiolos was a child of hers. Therefore he was safe from any potential wrath of hers. He was thankful in that moment. At his core, the hybrid was a Vagabond. The main rule being always look out for number one and he was glad as Alya's wrath became apparent. First as she tested Digend's new tower then as she discovered blessings corrupt. Aiolos did not find it his time to speak.
Thankfully a distraction forced all attention from the scrutinising Goddess and instead the focus was on Selora, the one who showed Aiolos some form of motherly love and was now crumpled on the ground. As the yelling began and all attention was forced that way, Aiolos teleported to her side, mostly in curiosity but quickly he teleported further away as vomit threatened to burst forth at the sight of whatever was coming out of the pegasus. "Disgusting." He yelled out. Doing his best not to look, but the curiosity still somewhat there. He was more than grateful when the sand pegasus called him over with a job to do. Just fetch some water? "I can do that." He told her, quickly grabbing the canister and teleporting far away. He trotted over to the oasis and filled the canister, taking his sweet time before heading back to the scene of nasty. He teleported to the group, dropped the canister at Ashi's hooves then teleported much further back. Putting his attention back on the great Alya instead. Boy was she large. He still found he had nothing to say to her in that moment. It was quite alarming.
WC: 729 | Post #6 |
|
|
|
Post by Luneby on Aug 10, 2019 11:40:01 GMT -6
D A N A Ë
"Of fire and gold."
WC: 521| Post # 7 Danaë found herself shook to her core by the vision of the gargantuan child facing them from the tower. Investigating the place didn’t sound like such a good idea anymore. This… This was Digend? Danaë eyes couldn’t focus: there was just too much to her. Too many limbs, too many eyes, wings. A presence too strong and multiple to dare looking up into the void that served as her multiple eyes. Her own limbs struggled not to shake – everything about this felt wrong. She felt dizzy, crushed by the corrupted power the Ungod radiated. Ears flat against her neck, she watched in sheer confusion – and curiosity, the strange creature deliver her speech.
Find my city, and I will stand with you till the end of time.
What did she mean? Sirius had not told her about that.
As she barely returned to her senses – a second apparition crashed through the sky: Alya, now flesh and blood, was landing before them, great wings nearly deafening Danaë as they thundered through the sky. Eyes wide, she looked up at her Mother, thinking to herself that she had never seen anything quite this beautiful.
The others… They spoke to her. They spoke to her as if she was their family, as if they had always known her. She had no voice to speak with and too much shame to even look up to the goddess she wishes she could understand. But she couldn’t help but wonder, could she hear her?
As she heard the Goddess’ lament, she understood the inherent wrong that was Digend. How the power she used was not hers, but was stolen from the other gods – a power she corrupted at will, deeply alienating what was once pure.
It is of me, but not mine.
Those words struck Danaë. The mare imagined with horror what it must be like to lose your child to corruption – somehow she could sympathize with the distress she heard in the Sky Mother’s love. She was herself in power to gift her child with something as beautiful but as dangerous as a weapon: what if she did and Lucie turned out to use it against everything Danaë believed in? What if she used it to cause harm instead of protecting what she loved?
Tears dripped silently from her eyes as she listened, gazing at the pained goddess with a heavy heart. It rained on the soft sand – a storm roaring in her own mind. She was soon distracted away Alya, despite the urge she felt to run into her embrace- Ashitash needed her. By seeing the anguished expression on Selora’s face, she immediately knew what was going on – as she had herself been in the same position once. Not hesitating a second, she took Ashitash’s word and kept an eye on the reptile, who she soon found gazing towards her own familiar, whose little head was anxiously poking out of her saddlebag. She frowned at the animal. “Don’t even think about it.” She thought, glaring at the animal. Waving the rabbit feet at him, the slow reptile started following her as she stepped away.
|
|
Deleted
Deleted Member
Posts: 0
|
Post by Deleted on Aug 11, 2019 4:06:55 GMT -6
Aconite 013
Dalach looked thoughtful when Fletcher turned to him. Hadn’t he needed to hold onto his cover, he would have said something quite different.
But there isn’t more time before he turns to the tower, to Digend. He knows he doesn’t need to say anything, for his goddess knows him by heart. He feigns surprise, of course, and glances at Fletcher and Aiolos. He cannot hear what is said to them, but he supposes something still is.
Then he feels his spine crawling, Digend’s worry turning to his own as the god disappears and not much after, Alya is there. Dalach feels as if his blood runs cold and he simply takes a step back, wishing that Digend’s magic can seal him.
He watches Alya’s power touch the tower, and feels pleased that the tower stands. But there isn’t much time for such thoughts, either, not before the goddess’ gaze is right upon him. He looks up at her, eyes wide. It takes all he has to keep his resolve, to stand his ground. He feels the need to say something, but his mouth runs dry for once in his life. It is for the better, he knows.
His feet stay still, just a mere shiver raising his coat as Alya turns around in her fury.
As if it isn’t bad enough, his attention turns to Selora just then. There couldn’t be better or worse time, simultaneously. His heart soars at the chaos, defiantly, but he does feel the sting of genuine fear as well. Yet he faces Ashitash’s gaze, steady, and nods. He looks at their group, as if he is assessing their threat levels. Alya’s angry presence tingles on his skin but he keeps reminding himself to stay calm. He wants to be about as far from here as Digend is, by now. Yet he refuses to acknowledge any sense of abandonment; it must be simply that his goddess trusts him to hold strong through this.
Word count: 327 | Post 4
|
|
