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Post by posy-punch on Jul 5, 2019 2:57:24 GMT -6
Mainland Talori Open Faction Thread Please keep the following in mind!- Posts must be a minimum of 175 words. There is no maximum!- 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: For a month or so, everything seemed fine and very few were aware of the situation off of the Coast, however, as time drags on, problems have been made abundantly clear. In the capital, luxury items first reduced to a trickle, and now, they have stopped appearing completely. Even some of Talori's home industries have begun to suffer, as sea-transportation stalls, captains too worried of a looming threat to risk large loads. The Rogue Alliance and Flight blockade has been working, and while Talori does not lack many essentials, some of the finer things in life have disappeared almost completely. You find yourself in the market, both to lament with others as well as look for any hidden gems amongst the wares. Time of Day: Early afternoon Weather: Sunny Location: Inaria, the Market This thread is open to all characters in the Mainland Talori Faction!
You don't have to register to join in, but your character must be an accepted character in the group gallery!
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Post by Zookcan on Jul 5, 2019 18:08:33 GMT -6
JALA
"Oh, oh, oh, where did the time go?" For the first time in months, anxiety and nervousness burdens him like a brick in his stomach. Jala had his lips pursed in a crooked, thoughtful frown, while his bright amber eyes, slightly obscured from sight, were burdened with confusion and slight irritation. With another quiet groan between his lips, the befuddled young stallion stepped away from the stand. He bowed his head to the equally distraught clerk and hooved his way further up the marketplace road.
With Nefertiti busy elsewhere, the stripped equine had decided to take it upon himself and get something nice to surprise her. She was, after all, his caretaker in some way, so with the shards he still had left to spare after purchasing their foodstuffs and necessities today, he was searching long and hard for something she might like -- even if it meant putting up with his own distaste towards perfumes.
Perfumes, perfumes...he swears he remembers delivering perfumes and incense to a cleric once...The memories have been resurfacing slowly but eagerly, so much so that they sometimes overwhelmed him. Jala didn't quite like that.
However there were no perfumes! Many merchants appeared to be without some of their staple products today. How was he going to thank Nefertiti if there was nothing good to give her?
 Post #1
Word Count: 212
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Post by foalish on Jul 5, 2019 19:33:58 GMT -6
Basileios
Despite his rank, most days when it came up, he felt helpless. There was little he, a lone guard commander, could do about a blockade between the Flight and Rogue alliance. It made little sense, when he thought about it. There was no word what or why it was really going on, at least to his own knowledge. News was scarce from that far; it was just clear that something was going on, just not quite why.
He didn’t understand the flight at all. What they wanted - other than some kind of change or fear. Last time it had been for the Pegasi, but they had uprooted a whole city for revenge. There had been casualties - ones of all ages, that had no business being brought into a fight they never signed up for. Now it just seemed like they wanted fear and suffering. And the Rogues, who knows what they wanted.
He didn’t understand why horses supported them - maybe there was something he was missing, but truly thay didn’t matter; what did was their actions. Perhaps they wouldn’t suffer from missing luxuries; but who knows how far it would spread.
He stood at the edge of the market; there wasn’t any reason to return home early, so he found himself stalling. Off to the side, watching others search about, feeling the strain of the forcefully closed borders.
WC: 228 | Post 1 |
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Post by foalish on Jul 5, 2019 19:49:17 GMT -6
Lydia
Despite the wealth she currently wore on her, and perhaps openly flaunted, she was pretty indifferent on the whole lack-of-luxuries thing going on. She had her own, but she didn’t truly care about acquiring more. What did matter to her was the tension she felt around the palace especially. It was political - and that was the heart of politics. It was almost impossible to escape in there. So most days, the street markets were an escape; it was different - frowns and annoyed looks, not debates and worry clear on faces.
So she would wander the streets like this, when she had the time and browse the stores, for nothing she planned to ever purchase. It was about the escape and the curiosity more than anything else to her. While her ears would turn away from conversations from an aggravated horse or two whenever prices of wares came up. She was not a shop keeper and she could care less about such things. And sometimes it was better to mind her own business.
So she trotted along the market street, pausing at one moment. She found herself dusting, what she could only assume was a layer of dust, of an old tattered book. She winced when it creaked as she opened it, even more so as the pages were unnaturally stiff and hard to turn. It was a topic about little interest to her, but it was something to waste time on, so she continued carefully turning the pages, browsing the pictures that decorated the book.
WC: 257 | Post 1 |
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Post by Jennycallie on Jul 7, 2019 16:13:45 GMT -6
 Taishen
Guardian
Look how far you've come.
The words echoed sarcastically in Taishen's head as the Guardian moved his way through the crowds. He walked deliberately, neither hurrying nor dragging his hooves; it was the walk of a Guardian on duty, and Taishen had almost perfected it... again. He still over-compensated for his heavy prosthetic, and he knew it.
From personal security to the Divine to law-enforcement among the markets, what a meteoric rise. Taishen paused to allow a heavily laden group to pass him by, and resisted the urge to curl his lips. Not at them, but at himself, at his own self-pity. He was lucky to even still be a Guardian, and should not be lamenting his diminished role.
Oh, they'd said it was not punitive, said that he "needed time" to recover, to become used to the work again, and moving with his prosthetic. But he knew the truth. He knew. He saw it in the Empress' eyes, in his parent's, even his brother's.
He had failed his nation.
Taishen shook his head. Focus. Focus on the job you still have. Blinking, the Guardian looked around, and was startled to see a familiar face. Basileios
lurked on the fringes of the market, and looked about as happy to be there as Taishen felt. Not wishing to meet yet another pair of knowing, judging eyes, Tai looked away, and noted Jala. The little equine looked frustrated, and a touch overwhelmed. Well. That at least was something Taishen not only understood, but possibly could even help. He moved towards the young stallion.
"Are you in need of any assistance?"
Post 1 | 268 words
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Post by Zookcan on Jul 7, 2019 17:58:32 GMT -6
JALA
"Oh, oh, oh, where did the time go?" Long, flat ears and the puzzled look on his snout easily gave away his frustrations to the wandering eye. With a silent huff from his nostrils, the little commoner pony had wandered to another stand just a few steps ahead of the last one, his amber eyes briefly searching its wares. The stallion managing it looked proud and hopeful, if not a bit nervous. Aren't they all though? The true gravity of the Talori's situation still practically flew over Jala's head (as things often did,) but shopkeepers still possessed some sort of optimism. They were surviving, or so they hoped.
Another snort leaves him. These wares are too highly priced for him to afford, so he dips his head and continues down the path. It is only then that another horse, older and taller looking him, addresses him. Jala offers a glance of acknowledgement, and dips his head again in greeting. Although flustered, he manages to get out an answer. "A ah. I'm all right, sir. Jus'...lookin' for something affordable that I could use as a gift."
This horse had an authoritative gait that only a guardian could carry, so Jala doesn't think he was in the mood for any small talk. Nonetheless, more words slip out. He turns his head to look behind him, glancing at the stalls he had passed, and other horses mingling about, either gazing at wares or standing idly by. "Why is the market so empty today? Usually I find this place bustling, yet half the stalls aren't even open. An' anythin' nice lookin is much too nice for small coin."
Post #2
Word Count: 237
Tagging: jennycallie
Note(s): He's talking with Taishen right now but anyone is free to hop in the conversation~ |
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Post by DawnsComing on Jul 8, 2019 18:11:39 GMT -6
 Arianna | ShoalThe market seemed quieter than usual, the hustle and bustle of busy hooves and moving goods silenced by lack of bodies and eager tones. The girl did not often get the chance to attend the market, her job working the crops of seaweed and tending to her own plants kept her busy enough. But today was special. The farmers she apprenticed under had told Arianna to take the day off and gave her a small handful of shards to thank her for her extra hard work these past few weeks. The girl enjoyed her job immensely but the thought of taking a day to herself overwhelmed her with giddiness and she knew exactly where she was headed.
Her gate pranced a bit at the thought of adding another orchid to her ever growing collection. She had been saving her extra earnings, a shard here or there, hoping to finally add a vanilla-bean orchid to the green house. She could smell it already, the warm sweet sent of the pods filling up the small room. Yet as she rounded the market streets, she noticed an empty space where here favorite vendor sold. The empty wood tables made her heart drop a bit, and her saddlebag weighed a bit heavier on her shoulders. Perhaps he was out of the city on business. She did, after all, not get here very often. Farm life kept her busy and tending to the plants gave her little time (and interest) in keeping up with the world outside the sunny hillside.
A heavy sigh left her lips as Arianna strolled doley through the rest of the stands. If she was lucky, she might find another vendor who sold the exotic flowers but she was not hopeful. Disappointment could not be pushed from her mind as she thought about her next move. So much so, the filly had not bothered to watch where she walked and bumped strait into the back of a pale stripped equine.
"Opps," the words stumbled out of her mouth as her legs fumbled backwards. "Sorry! I wasn't paying attention."
WC: 350 | Post #1 |
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Post by Jennycallie on Jul 12, 2019 15:27:19 GMT -6
Taishen
Guardian
Although at one time Tai would have found the obvious deference and and slightly flustered air projected by Jala to be gratifying, now the Guardian felt only... shame. Faint shame, to be fair, but it was added to the already crushing pile. I am not worth your respect, Taishen thought as he looked down at the smaller stallion. But he would try to be.
He followed Jala's gaze, looking out at the lackluster market. Taishen had always liked the vivacious, bustling crowds of markets and cities. The press of equines, voices raised and intermingling to create a familiar backdrop of white noise... Taishen had loved it. So to look at now upon such a washed-out version of that... it made his heart hurt. He blinked rapidly, then swallowed and looked back at Jala.
"I don't entirely know," he answered. Partially true. He had some ideas, some suspicions... and he had seen some things up close and very personal. But he was far from being a trusted confidante of the higher ups anymore; instead of lending an ear to the Divine, he now assisted anxious shoppers. Why should he need to know the finer nuances of politics? Without conscious choice, Tai glanced back the way he had come, towards Basileios.
"The Rogues are angry, and seek to force our hooves." Taishen's face tightened as he spoke, lips skimming up just slightly, , enough to show a sliver of teeth. He still remembered the way that Captain had stood there, beneath the gaze of the Trinity... and how she had laughed.
Post 2 | 259 words
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Post by Zookcan on Jul 15, 2019 15:00:05 GMT -6
JALA
"Oh, oh, oh, where did the time go?" He's partially expecting for a guardian to pay him little mind, especially when he was never one to cause trouble, so when their small conversation begins, Jala's ears perk up with interest and he feels more inclined to speak. This one was friendly, or at least, content to part-take in local gossip. The young quagga offers Taishen another curious look, and he sways his head into a tilt, those large ears of his following with it. "Rogues?"
He knew very little about the Rogue Alliance. Poranthes would sass about them; he'd say that they lived on the edges of the Isles of the Dead, and bend the laws to their whims. He'd complain about them, despite hardly ever coming across them. With another flick of the ear, Jala keeps his head cocked to the side. "I don't think I've really heard about those. I know they're around, but I don't think I've ever met one." He rambles aloud, typical of him. "How so?"Post #3
Word Count: 163
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Post by foalish on Jul 21, 2019 23:16:18 GMT -6
Lydia
Her nose almost pressed into the book, only enough space for the pages to turn without brushing her nose, she ignored the merchant’s mildly annoyed stare that she knew was there, but choose to ignore. Probably something like “buy, don’t browse” on their mind. Perhaps it was impolite to buy rather than read the whole book - or, well, look at al the pictures. But it was ratty and dusty and she didn’t want to pay for such a thing; so ignoring them was the obvious choice. Of course.
And a second later, she was juggling the book in her teke for half a second before she caught it, giving it a shocked stare, then promptly closing it and putting it back on the table where it was safe.
She turned her head around, only to be met by the culprit that had caused her clumsiness. A younger looking koi fish hippocampus, who was now excusing their actions.
Closing her slack jaw, she was quick to shake her head and dip it slightly at the stranger. ”It’s alright, I’m perfectly fine, there was no casualties involved.” She looked them over again, eyebrow creasing lightly. ”You ok though? Hopefully I didn’t interrupt your wander.” A grin split her smile, her tone more light-hearted near the end of her sentence.
WC: 222 | Post 2 |
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Post by kerarose on Jul 22, 2019 16:45:25 GMT -6
In the days since the blockade, Kaimana had grown nervous. She had trained harder than ever before, sure that the Rogues wanted to harm her Empress. She had checked and double-checked her fin props, laid out her paint, and had meticulously cleaned her weaponry every night before going to bed.
But nothing had happened, other than goods becoming scarcer.
Although it was difficult to focus on anything other than her worry over her Empress' safety, her mother's birthday would soon be here. Kaimana had found it necessary to try and focus on the mundane long enough to buy something for her. She had tried baking, painting, and crafting jewelry, since she wanted to make her something special, but it was clear that her skills lay simply in acting and fighting, nothing else.
Walking into the market, she knew she should not be shocked with how little lay there, but it was shocking all the same. So many stalls lay empty, dust piling up on unused counters. The ones that did have wares to sell were not fully stocked, and the cost was incredibly high. She gulped, worried for once that she might not find something for her mother.
But, there- a pair of earrings, crafted with small beads and coral pieces. While less extravagant, they were still pretty, and since they weren't made with imported materials, they weren't too expensive, either. She made the purchase, wrapping up the jewelry and placing it in her bags.
Her mission accomplished, she turned to go back to the palace- but it had been such a long day already, surely she could talk to a few equines while she was here? Turning to look over her shoulder, she saw a hippocampus stallion she recognized- Basileios, a Guard Commander. She smiled and sashayed over- maybe he would have something interesting to talk about.
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Post by Jennycallie on Aug 9, 2019 20:23:06 GMT -6
Taishen
Guardian
Taishen's gaze had turned briefly towards Basileios, and so he noticed Kaimana as the mare strutted towards the Guard Commander. Something unreadable flickered in Tai's eyes, then he was looking down at Jala again. This time the emotion that rippled over his face was less obtuse. Tai felt an irrational surge of protectiveness, that this young one might never need to know a Rogue, might never have their life torn to shreds. Might not be laughed at.
Taishen inhaled. Exhaled.
"It's not something you'd be like to forget," Taishen said a touch ruefully. "And not something I'd advocate for. They are degenerates, leeches on our society." Killers, thieves, monsters.
He exhaled again, considering Jala's question and how best to answer it.
"They do not live by our rules and think themselves above us. And when the Crown tries to treat with them, they rebel like children who think that if they throw a large enough tantrum, they will get what they wish." Contempt dripped from the Guardian's words, though he kept his tone controlled, quiet. He was not yet so far lost to himself that he would frighten a citizen. Taishen shook his head, short mane flopping over his neck.
"So they blockade our ports and deny us our goods. Leeches, who have perhaps been tolerated for too long."
Post 3 | 219 words
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Post by posy-punch on Aug 10, 2019 23:46:34 GMT -6
...
Near you, an argument arises. It is a group of younger, wealthier horses. Those not accustomed to the sudden cessation of goods. They blame the shopkeeper for not having the items in stock despite their frequent explanations that it is out of their control.
When one of the group pushes forward, scattering the poor shopkeeper's wares from their market booth, you decide perhaps it would be in order to step in—and to help keep order amongst the crowd. You have no idea whether or not the sudden argument will cause any other tension to boil over.
You don't want a riot on your hands.
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Post by foalish on Aug 12, 2019 14:08:54 GMT -6
Lydia
Lydia tilted her head for a second, staring at the younger horse, her gaze then traveling around the surroundings and the groups of horses she’d zoned out in while reading - or well, browsing, the book. Her gaze flicked back to her company for only a second, about to bid them farewell, perhaps, before a very sudden commotion broke out - almost like clockwork.
She turned back to the horse, dipping her head politely as she left, attention on them now forgotten as she went to search for the commotion and it’s cause.
It wasn’t hard to find the cause of the voices; a few horses with and argument that had gotten out of hands. A second later, one of the commotion causes was now out, adding chaos to the seller’s stand. Things only seemed to escalate a second later, with things growing more out of hand, the longer things were passed between horses that couldn’t be appeased.
Lydia gave a glance around her, blinking trying to figure out what to do - she wasn’t a guardian, and she could see plenty of them in the area. And so she hesitated, for a second.
WC: 191 | Post 3 |
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Post by foalish on Aug 12, 2019 14:18:26 GMT -6
Basileios
His gaze traveled over the other horses, almost like he was on duty; perhaps a side effect from all his years of his guardian title, and now guard commander. But all of it was rather quiet - some unhappy horses, harsh words that he could just make out in earshot, but nothing that was important or severe enough to garner a reaction from him.
He rose his head almost a bit too quickly when he saw a familiar face approach him - a Talori Geminus; a familiar face for anyone who passed through the halls, and more.
Basil dipped his head, his posture relaxing a bit, a smile grazing his lips as he dipped his head in greeting. ”Hello Kaimana,” he started, ”How are you?” He tilted his head, ever so slightly, his gaze travelling momentarily to the horses around them. ”Nice to get out, once and awhile,” he spoke offhandedly.
And a second later, he was raising his head, eyebrows creased, as he heard a very obvious commotion, just past them.
He turned back to the Geminus for a second, before he moved from his spot, and took a few steps past her, ”that doesn’t sound good,” he muttered, perhaps to her, if she was following, as he went to go check on exactly what was going on.
WC: 225 | Post 2
(Ps: sorry I missed your reply! Sorry I’m so late! Shouldn’t happen again ha) |
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Post by Zookcan on Aug 12, 2019 15:02:55 GMT -6
JALA
"Oh, oh, oh, where did the time go?" "Well, I swear I may have heard of' em, but..." For once, having little memory with which to recall these supposed fiends gives no comfort. His lips pursed in an apologetic, yet befuddled way. Being a simple commoner boy, he doesn't believe he has anything that can fix this. At least he felt empathy for the guardian's own dismays. "They sound real rotten! Why would they blockade us, anyway? Isn't that pretty arrogant of them?"
He does not know the conflict, or the struggles both factions had been put through. These past nine months have rolled on like a blur, and the teen had been stuck inside his own little world, tending to Poranthes' farm and joining Nefertiti on walks. Even the ancient relic that he and others had found in the Temple of Time was of little interest to him. Perhaps it was time he begin to open his eyes.
The clatter of something spilling to the ground catches Jala's ear. He turns his head towards the source of the noise and sees a shopkeeper nearby, with their wares knocked onto the street by angered horses. "What's goin' on over there?" He had heard of the riots before, but had thought little of them. This was the first he might witness. The quagga stared for a few moments, but the angered group does little to deter him from the good in his heart. Without hesitation, the young stallion begins to make his way toward the stall and pick up some of the toppled wares.
He does not want to argue, only help that poor shopkeeper recollect some of his items.
Post #4
Word Count: 271
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Post by foalish on Aug 15, 2019 23:57:25 GMT -6
Basileios
It wasn’t a far walk, weaving his way trough a small crowd that was now starting to gather. A horse or two paused mid stride, some coming to look to see what was going on, even one coming along, trying to help the shop keeper, before Basil even got their.
A deep dark part of him managed to get enough control of his mind to let out a long sigh under breath; days off seemed to sometimes only be achieved when he locked himself inside and never left. But that was more because of his own nature and duty than anything more.
The commotion wasn’t serious by the sounds of it, at least not now - some frustrated customers who were being unpolite and taking out their frustrations on the shop keeper, going so far as to ruin their display.
Basil didn’t hesitate, moving with gentle ease, pushing the frustrated customer back, as he came between the horse who had scattered the items and the display.
He didn’t use any words at first, just a stern look and direct eye contact, gently urging the stranger back, away from what was frustrating them enough to act out.
After there was at least some distance between them, only then did he raise his voice, gentle, yet stern and commanding to the horse, ”it’s alright, there’s no need to be frustrated, can you tell me what’s wrong?”
WC: 235 | Post 3 |
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Post by Jennycallie on Aug 16, 2019 15:55:57 GMT -6
Taishen
Guardian
"Arrogance doesn't begin to describe it," Taishen muttered, and knew instantly that his voice was too bitter to be proper, not for an on-duty Guardian. That was bad, but worse was the realization that he didn't entirely care. Some, yes, but the bitterness was so deeply rooted, so entwined that he felt as if it pulsed through his system with every beat of his heart. Sometimes he thought he might choke of it.
Sometimes he even hoped.
The sudden commotion was almost welcome, a reprieve from dark thoughts. Here, at least, was something he could do.
"Careful," Tai chided, shadowing Jala as the young stallion moved to help. Basileios beat them there, and even from a few strides out Taishen could feel the change in the atmosphere, the way everyone was suddenly looking at the Guard Commander. He had an undeniable presence, and it was clear that his quiet, calm demeanor lay thinly over a latent strength and force of will.
There were still mutters and shifting in the crowd, though. Taishen's eyes darted around, and he pivoted slightly so that he faced away from Basileios, tacitly guarding the Commander's blind spot. Just in case.
"We're all feeling the effects of the Blockade," Taishen said to the crowd, and there was still the hint of bitterness in his voice, though he kept it even. "That's not a reason to act like the Rogues who cause it."
Post 4 | words 236
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Post by foalish on Aug 17, 2019 22:27:13 GMT -6
Lydia
Lydia stood in place longer than she’d care to admit, if she ever recounted the scene; long enough for a few more horses to gather. At least two guardian type horses, keeping control of the situation, distracting and putting up a barrier between the horses and the shop keeper. Another was quick to help the shop keeper and pick up some of the supplies that had scattered.
Lydia stood still a few moments longer still, her heart trying to convince her to help, but her feet remaining planted, despite it. A second later, she seemed to jolt up, going to help Jala pick up the rest of the scattered decorations. With a glance at the shop keeper after putting a small pile on their display, and another glance at her feet to make sure everything around them was picked up, she gave a small smile, dipped her head and quickly turned around.
She looked once over her shoulder, as if debating to say or do something further, but one last glance at the other’s and their business, she kept on going, returning back to the palace and home.
WC: 188 | Post 4 |
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Post by foalish on Aug 17, 2019 22:36:01 GMT -6
Basileios
Basileios didn’t have to look at Taishen to feel his presence behind him, almost like a second shadow. He felt some part of him relax at that, that someone else had helped to stop the chaos before it happened and it unfolded. And when he heard the other horse spoke, he knew they were a Guardian at once, still without even looking. All by the way they commanded their words, trying to settle the last of the bumps in the situation.
Basil returned his attention to the horse, who was now busy recounting a still, semi heated story; but who was at least starting to calm down enough that their anger was dissipating, the longer they kept talking. Basil didn’t let his eyes wander, keeping eye contact and a calm demeanour, nodding his head along to let the horse know they were being heard.
They stopped a second later, out of things to tell, which gave Basil the moment to look over at his company and recognize who they were, ”Thank you,” he started, ”can you settle the rest of this situation? I’ll finish calming them down, away from here,” and a second later, he was gently pressuring the horse he’d been talking to away, to a more secluded area, so that things could settle on their own, without an audience.
WC: 225 | Post 4 |
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Post by posy-punch on Aug 25, 2019 20:26:47 GMT -6
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