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Post by kajeayn on Aug 31, 2019 2:00:24 GMT -6
Mentioned here, Esin has arrived at the new lake of Osulas to build a shine honoring Alya, with at least a small nod to Cascade for her role here. She is joined by Danae and Bellona, but anyone is welcome to arrive to help!
SETTING: Lake of Osulas, rocky outcropping beside it.
TIME OF DAY: Mid morning, clear, sunny weather.
CURRENT PARTICIPANTS: Esin, Danae, Bellona.
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Post by kajeayn on Aug 31, 2019 3:33:37 GMT -6
The sun burned down, bright and searing as ever, and Esin lifted her head, three eyes closing as she briefly allowed herself to savor the warmth pressing against her like a fond wing. She smiled to herself, eyes opening as she lowered her head, regarding the scene before her in thoughtful silence a long moment. Before her, rocks curved and rose in fiery streaks of orange and red, forming a natural archway that had sparked the first idea, framing the newly formed lake of Osulas between the stone like a painting. The rocky outcropping provided a respite from the sun, the sand cooler under her hooves here, casting its shadow over them as she stepped closer. Her eyes travelled over the sweeping rock shapes, one hoof lightly scraping at the sandy earth beneath her before she reared up to place her front hooves on the stone, gazing out at the lake not very far away, glittering like jewelry in the relentless sun. A cool breeze blew off the water, gently ruffling her scarf. “Here,” She said brightly, beads chiming as she turned her head to gaze at Danae and Bellona, eyes shining as she smiled. Kind Danae, who had come at her request, and faithful Bellona, always at her side. Her chest warmed at the sight of them, here where she had seen Alya, here where she would build her first shrine. Excitement flooded through her as her smile grew a little wider, a little brighter. “This is where I’d like to start!”
post: #1 WC: #253 |
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Post by kajeayn on Aug 31, 2019 3:39:19 GMT -6
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Post by sunibath on Aug 31, 2019 5:00:50 GMT -6
 Tiny pebbles of small rocks skidded across the desert sand and dirt, heavy hooves making down to Osulas-- or what Osulas was now; a lake. Acuna had been happy on her way home from Sterling, as much as she hadn't wanted to leave. In a way, the Kawaru of Vasall was her home. The people had been rather hospitable to her, which made her heart hurt even more. With a heavy heart, she had to go back after receiving a letter of urgency from Danae; requesting her to come home as things had 'changed'. Of course, she had promised Nuriko and Marion that she'd come back to see their little newborn once they arrived.
But now, the desert sands had seeped into her skin like they had done when she was born; the land of Ayla. The land where she had run from weeks ago, and now, she was walking back into it; with a change of style, of course. The reckless, troubled child had become a respectable... troubled child. With her updated persona of Kawaru influence, the female equine had made her way to a rocky cliff overlooking the view below her.
The lake was as blue as the letter had described.
There was no expression of gratitude of the amount of water granted by Cascade or even the thought of Ayla's presence. It only just angered her. Her heart strings pulled, like the wind's gentle breeze in her mane. It was like Ayla had been there with her, trying to numb her jealousy, but it just hurt even more. Acuna brushed it off, sky mother had more worthier children to cast her gaze upon. Acuna was a common horse, she probably wasn't interested.
Slowly and carefully, the Haflinger mix made her way into the basin to where Danae had mentioned where they'd meet up. As much as Acuna had not wanted to be there, she had bought some silk scarves, with patterns of Ayla's sky and clouds covering them. All various different cycles of the day, whether day or night. Even if she tried to look prideful and grateful for Ayla's presence, it just didn't feel the same. Not being able to witness the presence of her god felt worse than her life at home. It made Acuna think, maybe she was cursed devout? Maybe Ayla thought of her as a nothing? Maybe being not born with wings had been a sin in Ayla's eyes? Maybe Ayla didn't care? The thoughts were louder than usual this time, and it was starting to get to her.
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Post by Maelorom on Aug 31, 2019 5:32:09 GMT -6
Bellona // Skirmisher
The young mare smiled warmly at the Mullah's excitement. It was a beautiful day, perfect for scouting the new lake in search of the perfect spot for Esin's shrine. The way the rock formations swept up like the strokes of some divine brush and the way the wind played with her wings, picking up the sand gently and tossing it with Esin's sash enchanted Belle. Esin was right, there was certainly something truly divine about this place, and she was proud to be a part of this. "Here," Esin's melodic voice caught Belle's attention.
The Mullah had found a strange formation "Its beautiful, like a window to the sky and the water..". Walking up for a closer inspection Belle summoned a small orb of light. As the shadows dissapeared from around a small portion of the stone she could see it was made up of beautiful, marbles hues of red, orange, yellow and white. "This stone is so lovely.." she turned to Esin "I'm not sure if it would be wrong to alter this formation.. but maybe we should expose more of this stone to the light? Maybe if we just smoothed the edges a little".
Something about this all seemed utterly unreal. Here she was in Serora, with a satchel of tools and a Mullah about to create a shrine on the shores of a sacred lake.
post: #1
WC: 228
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Post by seechem on Sept 2, 2019 12:15:04 GMT -6
M A D D E N & N E R O
A Mercenary and a Saviour
'why don't we rewrite the stars, say you were made to be mine'
... ...
Nero led the reluctant Madden closer to the water's edge. "And what? The water just appeared here?" Madden balked, playfully splashing at the water with a hoof.
"Virgil was not exactly clear about how it appeared," Nero admitted, looking ahead to the dark pegasus, "But they said it was filled with Alya's divine presence." Madden simply rolled his eyes as he followed the lithe blue stallion along the waters edge.
Nero had heard about Esin's plans through Virgil and the idea of a new shrine to the Sky Mother filled the Saviour with hope for the future. The lake itself even encouraging a confidence in the Goddess' presence in the herd. The blue roan had faced some difficult days following the attack by the water bandits, and subsequent takeover of the Oasis, but travelling north to Osulas to see the lake brought some welcome perspective. Ahead, Virgil picked up their pace and made for a rocky area close to the shore. "Virgil wait, be careful!" Nero called, trotting to catch up. The sun was baking the sand beneath his hooves, and even the hot blooded Madden was picking his hooves up to avoid scorching himself.
The mercenary just wanted to keep track of his boyfriend after everything that had happened, and so diligently, if reluctantly, kept up with the excited saviour. Light flared at his eyes briefly as he scanned the area, clocking a Seroran Mullah, likely Esin, and another mare beside her. Someone else was approaching along the shoreline, and Madden hastened his step so that he was beside Nero again.
The two stallions reached the rocks, not catching what was said but seeing Esin at a window like hole in the rocky structure. Nero recognised Danae instantly, and gave her a soft smile and nod of greeting while Virgil went to inspect whatever Esin was looking at.
"Wind beneath your wings, my friends," Nero said lightly, "we have come to offer our assistance in the construction of a shrine for Alya." Madden nudged Nero carefully before speaking up.
"I can help with heavy lifting, but not much more." He snorted, not wanting to be too involved in the construction of another gods shrine. Nero cleared his throat.
"But Virgil would love to help out." The youngster looked over their shoulder from their position near Esin and nodded firmly, their ears pricked towards the lake.
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Post by buffyandbramble on Sept 2, 2019 13:57:56 GMT -6
Acorro had never been in the habit of questioning fortuitous circumstances, and the appearance of a giant lake was definitely something fortuitous. He was perfectly happy to just enjoy it for what it was and had taken to it quickly on his return from Alhaj, enjoying to spend time near the water's edge when he wasn't patrolling or engaged in some other work. Alya had good taste in ruin remodelling if you asked him.
Speaking of remodelling, he'd been recruited more than he had volunteered to help in some other kind of modelling project, not that he particularly minded. He would most probably have volunteered anyway once he understood what exactly it was they were doing. He wasn't exactly the most creative of his siblings, unless you counted ways of getting into trouble, but there was generally always something to lend a hand with even if it was as simple as fetching and carrying and besides, the socialisation was always nice. It sounded like there was going to be quite a few getting involved in the project.
The growing gathering of horses at a point on the shore was a pretty sure indicator that the whole thing was getting underway and he was on his way to join them. In a fit of maturity he'd opted to take the unconventional route across the tops of whatever rocks he could find, as opposed to just walking along the shore like any normal horse would do, or his familiar for that matter and who seemed to be doing an excellent impression of not knowing him. A worried ear that was permanently fixed on his position betrayed her, as did the worried flinch every time she heard him scrabble for purchase. In her defence, she was the first one that would have to deal with him if he slipped and broke something.
It took decidedly longer than it needed for them to reach the main group and Lailah's sigh of relief was almost audible when Acorro finally hopped down from the tops of the rocks to trot the remainder of the way to the group. The painted wolf came to a halt a little way back from the gathering, clearly anxious about being around so many horses she wasn't familiar with and preferring to keep some space between her and them. Her master had absolutely no such qualms about strangers, though to him not many were strangers.
"Morning everyone," he greeted cheerfully with a swish of his tail and a nod of his head to those he knew. "Wind beneath your wings. Acorro, reporting for duty ma'am," he added playfully to Esin whilst standing to attention, though the easy grin on his face belied any seriousness. He was also assuming that was Esin - she looked the most mullah like of the group if he was going to stereotype.
Post #1
WC: 475
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Post by Luneby on Sept 3, 2019 7:58:32 GMT -6
 D A N A Ë"Of fire and gold."
Red hair flowed under the sun as Danaë made her way among the group who had gathered around the soon to be shrine, Lucie trotting eagerly by her side, soon followed by an older horse of elegant presentation that some knew as her grandparent, Alizeh. Lastly, Vesta appeared with her Savior gear, fiery eyes lingering on her past apprentice and the stallion she almost raised with amusement. Danaë’s expert eyes dwelled along the lines running through the rock formation, before getting lost in the sparkling, blue immensity the Sisters had brought into Osulas. Her mind was already evaluating the work that needed to be done – how her fire and the tools she made would carve these rocks into the perfect circle shape Esin envisioned. She greeted everyone as she passed, smiling in complicity to the numerous friends who had agreed meet her here and help. “ This is lovely, Morning Breeze.” She signs to the Mullah’s attention, smiling fondly as she reaches up to her. “T hank you for the opportunity.” Glancing towards the assembly, she started signing rhythmically; bells chanting in her wake as her coat glittered in the sunlight. “ Thank you, everyone, for coming so fast. Before we get started, I will need you to tell me what you feel capable of doing,I don't want anyone to get hurt. I brought plans according to Esin’s vision." she takes a deep breath as she observes every single one of them. “ Firstly, we will need to take down the arch as it is now. This will require physical prowess – Those of you who are used to heavy lifting or have helpful blessings for that matter may join in the task.” Her eyes drift towards Acorro, Bellona and Madden – knowing them for being powerful equines. “ I will then draw on the stones where it needs craving – this will be delicate work, and I will need careful minds on the job.”She smiles towards Acuna, Nero, her own mother and Esin herself as she speaks, trusting them for that matter. “ We will also need to carve a canal from the lake to the shrine – anyone can help to do that, it shall be the simpler part of the plan. Lastly, the young ones will help Grandwa decorating the shrine. I will explain the rest of the plan as we go Esin will direct us all throughout everything. Are we all set?” At these words, Lucie leaves her mother's side to trot towards the group formed by Madden, Nero and her beloved Virgil. Smiling shyly towards the young Pegasus, she greeted them with a blushing face. Alizeh, the elder of the group, had made their way near Esin, eyes set on their granddaughter – they were proud at last. “ I’m very impressed, Esin, She will be delighted, I’m certain of that.” They whisper to the young Mullah’s intention. Their coat shone gently under the sun as they smiled peacefully – this scene brought them joy and they were glad to finally be on the same page as their grandchildren while enjoying some time with Esin.
***
WC: 507| Post # 1
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Post by kajeayn on Sept 3, 2019 9:10:04 GMT -6
Her curved ears flicked forward, thoughts distracted by the appearance of the light Belle summoned, watching the way the light played over the rocks. The presence of an Ignacio blessing made her hair stand on end, but she would have to swallow her instincts about it. She trusted Bellona, even if she didn’t trust her god. She didn’t like the fire god’s presence here, but she tamped her feelings down, taking a deep breath. Trust. She trusted Danae, and she had told her about her blessing, too. She would have to just deal with it. She flashed Bellona a smile, agreeing with her- the stone was beautiful, and she was hoping to smooth it out into a great circle, like the sun, the moon. “Greetings, everyone! Thank you all so much for coming,” She said brightly, sincere as she looked over the approaching equines, eyes crinkling up in delight as Acorro stood to attention, Virgil coming to investigate the rock beside her. She lowered her head, touching her nose briefly to the top of the pegasus’s head in gentle greeting, eyes shining. “It’s good to see you again,” She whispered, flashing them a smile as she looked up again, regarding the crowd. She hadn’t expected so much help, but her heart swelled until near bursting, gazing at them each in turn. Sweet Acuna, bearing beautiful scarves, kind Nero and Madden, and what appeared to be Danae’s entire family. She huffed a laugh, lifting her head to look up at the clear sky, sending up a quick prayer of gratitude that Alya had sent them all here. Her ears swiveled to point at Alizeh, surprise flickering over her face until her eyes welled up, blinking hard as she shook herself. The warm approval filled her, and she wondered, briefly, if this was what having a grandparent would be like. “Thank you,” She breathed, voice hushed as she looked up at them, eyes wide and gleaming with unshed tears. She smiled, ducking her head as she looked back to Danae, glancing briefly down at little Lucie, glad to see her here as well. “Danae is the Crafter, here.” She chuckled, looking at her fondly. “She knows what needs to be done! I for one will be helping anywhere I can, though strength is not one of my gifts,” She admitted a little sheepishly. “I’ll also be going down to the lake to gather some rocks, if anyone would like to join me for that!”
post: #2 WC: 412 |
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Post by seechem on Sept 9, 2019 13:47:56 GMT -6
M A D D E N & N E R O
A Mercenary and a Saviour
'why don't we rewrite the stars, say you were made to be mine'
......
Madden initially bristled as someone jumped down from the rocks in his peripheral, but relaxed when he realised it was Acorro. "Morning slowpoke." He snorted tensely, before smirking. "Thought you drowned or something." Nero gave the mercenary a shove, ignoring the two of them as the jingle of Danae's bells attracted his attention.
Madden rested his head on top of Nero's as the fiery mare signed her suggestions and plans for the shrine, and the request for his muscles. Nero listened intently, on the other hand, and smiled as his friend nodded his way in regards to helping to shape the stone. He could do calculations.
"Got it." Madden winked at her, before playfully biting Nero's ear. Nero rolling his eyes as though this was the least of his worries.
Esin was suggesting the waters edge, and Nero looked around for Virgil to find the dark Pegasus standing beside Danae's daughter Lucie. The Saviour's face crinkled into a soft smile as he watched the two children, clearly too young to understand their own emotions, but evidently too attached to each other to really mind.
"I'd be delighted to help out, Danae." Nero said with a smile, approaching and nuzzling her in greeting and affection. He looked to Acuna and Esin, before briefly looking to Vesta. It had been a while since he had seen his former mentor, and his hairs stood on end a little at the prospect.
Madden, meanwhile, having nudged Nero's flank cheekily, trotted over to Acorro and Bellona, seeming to size them up. "Yeah we can probably do this." He said cocking his head, "Though, by the looks of things, I'll probably be carrying this team." Why they all felt so inclined to put their backs out for Alya was beyond him, but it would at least be a fun means of exercise. Especially if it meant he could outshine Acorro, whom he winked at playfully, just to insight a little competition. Of course, all friendly.
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Post by seechem on Sept 9, 2019 14:04:27 GMT -6
V I R G I L
a child of the folk
'blind with Sixth Sense - mute but uses sign'
'I am not afraid to keep on living, I am not afraid to walk this world alone'
......
Virgil felt their sense prickling, and the familiar shape of Esin's aura drew nearer. She lowered her head to them, and Virgil looked away a little as they felt her muzzle gently touch their head. Her kind sentiments made Virgil squirm a little as they forced a slight blush from their cheeks. All these Serorans with their gooey, excessive feelings.
But then again, the sound of bells, and a bright and familiar aura made their heart soar. Virgil quickly returned to his Da and Patre's side, placing themself a little behind them, so that they could see Lucie.
A soon as Danae's bells fell silent, Lucie made her way to Virgil, and the dark Pegasus moved gently to meet her half way. The brightness of her aura around her cheeks suggested she was blushing, and Virgil was almost certain they were too.
"Hello again," they signed softly, casting their purple eyes up to meet her face, before continuing, "It sounds like your mother has quite the plan. Decorating should be...interesting" they signed a little sceptically. Virgil felt a wave of reluctance to meet these new horses. They were already surrounded by so many new, vibrant individuals whose auras cast light everywhere so that Virgil could almost 'see' properly.
They carefully touched a wing to Lucie's side, just to show they were willing to follow her, absolutely nothing more! Virgil thought to themself assuredly. They were just a little unsure, not nervous or needing her support, or anything like that. Virgil just hated the inevitability and necessity of meeting everyone, and just wanted to decorate and get a chance to talk to Lucie.
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Post by buffyandbramble on Sept 15, 2019 15:52:26 GMT -6
Acorro didn't have enough natural wit to come up with a comeback for Madden on the fly, but he could pull a cheeky face at the unicorn, as well as rear up onto his hind legs box playfully at the mercenary. The jingle of Danaë's bells rang about before he could do anything else, which was probably fortunate, and he turned his attention to the flame dun mare. He knew better than to ignore her when she had something to say, never mind the fact that she and Essin were the ones that knew what was going on. He'd kind of just turned up on request, he wasn't actually sure what he was supposed to be useful for. Asides from charming and cheerful company of course.
Ah, physical prowess. He could lend some muscle. For an awful second he'd been starting to worry they were going to expect something artistic from him or something, perhaps somehow confusing him with his other family members. Acorro's creativity seemed to be limited to ways to get into trouble, which probably wasn't the most helpful thing in the world here. He assembled with his team, putting his ears back at Madden's comment though his smile belied any perception of hostility. Acorro wasn't a hostile creature by nature, and he actually quite enjoyed a little friendly competition with Madden.
"Oh, well if you're volunteering," he grinned, and making to lean all of his weight on the other and make his statement literal.
Turning semi-serious for a moment, seeing as they were here to do an actual task, he turned to look for Danaë.
"Hey Danaë," he called, spying the fiery mare. "Were you wanting us to break stuff? Which stuff?" He figured it was probably better to ask rather than jumping right in, which was a remarkable amount of foresight for him, all things considered.
Post #2
WC: 311
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Post by sunibath on Sept 16, 2019 1:49:31 GMT -6
Acuna felt awkward standing there, the sunlight almost burning into her fur. The young mare knew it was important to be there for her family, and for their friends but it felt wrong to be there with them.
She hadn't met 'the' Ayla. She hadn't spoken to her or hear her words. No, she had to help her friends in the Kawaru, for the benefit of a stronger and more professional friendship with Kawaru in general. Serora had the knowledge of plants while the Kawaru had the knowledge of technologies. Sure, Acuna was there bearing scarves but she had nothing else to give. She didn't have feathers like the fellow pegasi there, or was able to swim like a hippocampus. It was useless, she was useless.
"Here Danae, Esin says you know where to put this so i'll leave it up to you." The mare spoke to her direct cousin, the mare as silent but yet talkative in hoof gestures. Acuna gently placed the scarves against the rock formation, even if she wanted nothing to do with it in that moment. Her golden orbs looked towards the group of equines, who seemed busy with the stories of Ayla or even, getting started on the new shine for Ayla. Acuna believed she could slip out quietly, without anyone noticing. Maybe going back to the Kawaru was a good idea.. but again, it would be rude without saying goodbye. With a snort, Acuna made her way around the rock formation and towards the blue liquid which was now known as the lake. It seemed clear and beautiful, but it also seemed like another infinite sky.
"Stupid Acuna, stupid, stupid." The mare whispered, sitting at the water's edge with her hooves slightly dipping into the water. There was not much the mare could do - she believed so anyway. With a gentle look towards her hoof, she noticed the bracelet she managed to gain on her travels. One that spoke of her god, the sky mother and her sky, her creation. With a gentle sigh, she mumbled gently.
"Is it worth entrusting my faith into you anymore..?"
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Post by Luneby on Sept 18, 2019 1:00:11 GMT -6
D A N A Ë"Of fire and gold."
With everything settled, Danaë let Esin to her duty as she walked among the others, her friends quickly reaching to her. She nuzzled Nero and Madden back, thanking them silently for their help. Acorro immediately made his way towards her. “ The arch there needs to be taken down. So long as you don’t break the stones themselves you’re good, break it whichever way you want.” She signs, with a wink as she moves past him, making sure everyone is settling into their respective tasks. Her cousin, Acuna, briefly appeared before her – she couldn’t help but notice her brooding aura and teary eyes. Before she could get away, Danaë reached out to her, concerned. “ Are you alright?” her bells rang from behind the teenager. Vesta quietly made her way towards her former student, an amused smile curling her lips as she noticed that, to this day, she still made him nervous. Good, she thought, giggling to herself. “ It has been a while, Nero. You look well.”, she says in his intention, eyes warming up ever so slightly. Her stare shifted towards Madden who was leaving to meet with Acorro and Bellona, now she would need to have a word with this stallion sometimes – she had heard of the rumors he entertained. Although they amused her, there was nothing that made for a fun time quite like scaring young stallions to death. Lucie beamed as she reached Virgil. As the foal expressed their concerns, she signed gently, exuding with joy as her eyes met theirs. “Don’t worry, you’ll be fine! Grandwa is very nice, I promise. Despite, we’ll get to do this together, isn’t this fun?”. Her tail swished excitedly, brushing softly against Virgil’s wing. Soon, Alizeh joined them, gentle voice rising from the sand. “I hope you children are ready – this is a work of utmost importance. If you succeed, Alya – and Esin- will be very pleased.” They tease, inviting the foals to follow them. Danaë had set a tent away from the noise for them, where they had brought many feathers, ribbons and other various materials in order to complete their craft. They had promised Lucie they would let her create her own windchime for years – the time had finally come.
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WC: 371| Post # 2
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Post by kajeayn on Sept 19, 2019 2:08:39 GMT -6
PSST: Acuna and Esin will be having a conversation over in this thread now! If you wanted to join Acuna feel free to pop over, otherwise Esin will be right back! <3 |
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Post by seechem on Oct 19, 2019 7:20:05 GMT -6
M A D D E N & N E R O
A Mercenary and the Prophet
'why don't we rewrite the stars, say you were made to be mine'
......
Madden smirked at Acorro, "Well someone needs to volunteer, or poor Esin won't have a shrine till the next season." Acorro began to lean against Madden, who simply puffed out his chest and raised an eyebrow. But Acorro was trying to take his job seriously, making the mercenary physically deflate, as well as sigh loudly.
But the proposal of destroying stuff did brighten his mood. The dark shadow that had been following him like a pale fog in the sun began to materialise between his hooves, "Hear that, Ibiz, we get to break stuff." The gytrash snuffled and rubbed his head on Madden's legs. "Well if you're going to be like that, then go and follow Nero or Virgil." The gytrash snorted loudly before flowing away from Madden like an ominous cloud towards Nero.
Madden turned back to look at Acorro and Bellona, "Well, hot head said we get to break stuff, so what are we thinking?" He summoned two rods of pale red light that shone brightly either side of him, "I can carve into them a bit so you two can kick the crap out them more easily?" He beamed, both in smile and by virtue of being illuminated.
Nero's ears flattened back as his former mentor approached. "Thank you, as do you." The roan followed her gaze towards Madden, and he blushed. "Oh, that's Madden, I'm sure Danae has told you all about him." He noted the look in her eye, a look he had seen before, "I can introduce you later, if you like?"
Nero felt the cold breeze against his hind leg before he noticed Ibiz, the red eyed, black fog materialising into a gytrash before taking up a stoic position beside him. The blue roan rolled his eyes, and looked back to his mentor, "Shall we go an assist Danae?" He struggled to keep the waver from his voice. The past and present were colliding, and he couldn't tell whether he was happy about it or not yet.
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Post by seechem on Oct 19, 2019 7:29:14 GMT -6
V I R G I L
a child of the folk
'blind with Sixth Sense - mute but uses sign'
'I am not afraid to keep on living, I am not afraid to walk this world alone'
......
Lucie's aura was practically exploding with joy, and Virgil would have squinted if the light were real. She was so excited to see them, and the dark foal blushed a little. She was right, at least they were doing this together. 'Better than hanging out with the adults again.' They grumbled to themself. Virgil tensed a little as Lucie's tail brushed their wing, but let their wing remain a little outstretched towards her.
Another aura approached, Alizeh. She was saying something about Alya and Esin being very pleased. Well, thought Virgil, if they were able to please Esin that was something. They weren't sure if they cared whether Alya was happy with it or not. The mare began to lead them away from the bustle of the adults to a quieter spot. As they got closer, Lucie and Alizeh's aura's revealed a tent like structure set up to protect them from the sun. There must have been all sorts of crafting supplies, because as Virgil nudged the floor, it met smooth ribbon and the tinkling of little metal rods.
Virgil turned to Lucie, who was still positively shimmering, and signed, "So what are we making? I can offer my feathers, though I don't know how decorative they'll be." They looked down, using their own teke to light up some of the objects, "Maybe a dream catcher or a windchime?" They signed, holding up some ribbon and some baubles. "You'll have to help me, I'm not great with colours."
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Post by ThatDenver on Dec 16, 2019 20:08:13 GMT -6
JIBRIEL
A pack of soft clouds drifted over as Jibriel stepped out of his tent on the other side of the newly formed lake. He had not been here to see it made – for he had still been on the other side of Sedo – but he could sense the divine intervention in its very existence. It gave the Sultan something akin to hope, a certain levity and trust that perhaps things would turn out fine after all.
That despite everything, Alya was with them. Watching, guiding them with an invisible wing.
Jibriel spied the gathered party on the other side of the lake and squinted to see what they were doing. The group seemed to be gathered around a natural rock formation, and while he wasn’t absolutely sure what they were doing, he could see some movements that implied they were decorating.
Hadn’t someone mentioned to him in passing that a Mullah wanted to build a shrine here?
Jibriel returned to his tent, picking up a few strings of leather, and some worn, rounded pieces of copper and silver that he had found lying in the desert one day after a storm; probably items carried out from the city ruins by the weather.
Pleased with his offerings, he crossed the lake in a swift, blessing enhanced gallop, crossing to the other side and then slowing down to approach those gathered.
“I bring my own offerings”, he said, laying down his items on a large rock so others might make use of them. Jibriel eyed the shrine-in-making and then the gathered crowd, smiling wide and gentle.
“Wind beneath your wings. All of you.”
Word count: 271
Post #1
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Post by kerarose on Dec 16, 2019 20:34:00 GMT -6
AvaniSeroran AdvocateFeat. KilaniIW: Y'all The air around them was cool, but the sun above them was warm as Avani and Kilani moved closer to the group by Osulas' lake. It was a marvel, seeing so much water burst into the ruins of their town, the lifeblood of Serora flowing again at last. Above her, Kilani stretched her dark, multicolored wings, gently taking flight above her mother, all while the land-bound Avani watched. "Be careful now, sunshine," she called, her green eyes ever watchful over her only child. "You know Papa Lux didn't teach you everything about flying yet, so you need to be extra-safe with your maneuvers, ok?"
A pang stabbed her heart as thoughts of her partner, who was still missing following the war's end. She missed his laugh, his smile, the way his eyes lit up when he took Kilani flying, of his energetic way of signing, as if every word he motioned into being was precious. To her, they always would be. She just prayed that he had only gotten lost, that he hadn't been captured by Aodh or eaten by Sandhawks. Most of the time, the sheer amount of work she had to do kept her mind off of thoughts of him, but in moments like these, where she remembered that he would not be home to greet her or his beautiful daughter when they finished with their work for the day.
"Don't worry, mama!" came the cry from above, as Kilani flew, albeit with a few wobbles, overhead. "I'm staying extra steady, just like Papa Lux taught me!"
Such words, carried in the sweet soprano of her daughter's voice, always cheered Avani up. She watched as Kilani slowly came down to the earth, landing next to Avani for the final few steps over to the assembled crowd.
"Now," Avani said, capturing Kilani's attention, "have you been practicing your sign?"
"Yes, mama," said the filly. "I can say a lot of things now! Like house and lake and water and Alya!" The tips of her wings fluttered with the last word, as if the mark of Alya's creation were stirred into motion by the filly's excitement.
"Good work, Kilani," she said, smiling down at her daughter and brushing some curls away from the child's face. "Now, best behavior, alright? Do Mama and Papas proud."
With a smile from the young filly, the pair stepped forward. "Sorry we're late!" Avani cried, a smile on her face as she signed wind beneath your wings to Danae and Virgil. "Kilani was off with Papa Adoremus's goats and I couldn't find her this morning." Seeing Acuna in the distance, she smiled and nodded to her as she passed. "How's my girl today, Acuna?" she said, giving her a swift hug.
She stepped close to Esin, a smile and a nod greeting the young Mullah. "Wind beneath your wings, Esin," she said, eyes squinting in the strengthening light. "We've come to help! Where would you like us to be?"
"W-wind beneath your wings!" came Kilani's cry, her blood bay dun form partially hidden by her starling's wings. Avani had been working with her on her shyness, and while she had been making big steps forward, she still reverted back to hiding when she met new people. "C-can I offer some of my feathers, Miss Mullah Esin?" Her voice was still delightfully squeaky, her big, bright eyes meeting the other's gaze. "I know they're little, but I still think Alya would like them! Maybe!"
Avani smiled at her daughter, dropping a swift kiss on her forehead. "Thank you, Kilani, for being brave," she said. "I'm so proud of you."
She smiled at the Mullah. This was going to be a good day.
Post #1 // WC: 626 |
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Post by kajeayn on Dec 24, 2019 0:17:35 GMT -6
Heart a little heavier, a little lighter from her talk with Acuna, Esin had dried both their eyes and washed their faces in the lake. She pricked up her ears at the sound of splashing, looking up just in time to see a red cloaked figure blur past, so quickly that the water barely rippled in their wake. She gaped a moment, fur standing on end as she realized what she had just seen- a super speed blessing, a figure in red? Her eyes lit up in shocked delight, giving Acuna a surprised smile and a friendly, encouraging nudge as she led the way back to the group. In her brief absence, the group had flourished. The tent set up with crafting supplies had been erected and there was already a small collection of equines there at work, others collected around the arch as the flash of gold that was Danae gestured and jingled, directing them. For a moment she was silent, gazing in speechless pride and adoration at her friends and fellow Serorans, all working together to help bring her dream into reality. Her eyes crinkled up, closing as she simply basked in the bright light of the moment, before she turned to gaze at the newcomer, cheeks still flushed with delight. “Wind beneath your wings, my Sultan.” She breathed, voice tinged with shyness but pride and excitement glittered in her eyes. The Sultan himself, here at her shrine? This had to be to a sign, maybe to even counteract Ignacio’s lingering presence here. She grinned, hope blooming in her chest as she let out a long breath. She had spotted the items he’d brought with him, and beamed up at him. “Thank you for coming, and for the gifts! It’s an honor,” She said, wincing internally at her own breathlessness- she could speak to the Prophet without getting starry-eyed, he was her friend, the Sultan should be not much different. He didn’t need people fawning over him, so she settled for a nervous smile and turned her head when another voice called out to her, ears pricking up when she recognized the advocate and her daughter. The foal’s greeting melted her heart and she giggled, settling down very carefully onto her knees and stomach to put herself at eye level with the filly, if not a little below. She beamed at her, flashing a smile up at her mother- Avanni, she recalled. “Wind beneath your wings! Thank you for coming, both of you! Oh, little one, Alya will love it. Perhaps you can work with Lucie and Virgil, they’re going to be making windchimes and I’m sure they could use your assistance!” She said, gesturing with her head towards the tent, colorful feathers and beads strung up and waiting to be assembled, glittering in the sunlight.
post: #3 WC: #468 |
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Post by ThatDenver on Jan 8, 2020 8:41:16 GMT -6
JIBRIEL
“The honor is all mine”, he said, looking at the wholly unfinished but already quite beautiful little shrine. It felt good to build something new in the ruins of what had once been a flourishing ancient city. Now the area was so damaged that it was hard to believe that thousands of horses once called this home. There was simply nothing left, and it was devastating to see.
He wasn’t sure if he would ever truly get used to it; to seeing a place he used to know rendered so foreign and barren.
They couldn’t even really blame the Aodhians – it had been the Council’s choice to level Osulas to the ground. He understood the decision, but he was also fairly sure that whatever damage the Aodhians might have done to the city in stripping it of resources would have paled in comparison to what they had done to their own home.
Jibriel chased himself away from such thoughts, and instead turned to look at the other new arrivals. The Sultan smiled at them, and greeted the Advocate politely.
Word count: 179
Post #2
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Post by ThatDenver on Jan 13, 2020 16:19:23 GMT -6
The sky above is bright. The sun shines and small birds warble somewhere in the surrounding thicket of dry and hardy bushes.
Somewhere in the distance a goat is making its opinions known, and a lazy camel meanders past the shrine, chewing on plants that look suspiciously like someone’s potted flowers.
It’s idyllic.
You can almost forget that little more than ruins and tents remain of your once beautiful city.
Suddenly, the world shifts. Ever so slightly.
A constellation appears in the bright, sunlit sky.
Two feathers float down.
Gentle and silent, they seem to place themselves on the rocks of the shrine.
Two feathers twirling with all the colors of the night sky.
The constellation fades.
And a gentle wind blows. |
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Post by kajeayn on Jan 14, 2020 5:02:37 GMT -6
Her mouth opens. Closes. She cannot speak. For a few wonderful moments, the world holds very still. Above her, the bright day sky glitters as stars inexplicably fade into view, winking down at her like a shared secret. Her friends, the stars, her most stalwart companions, blinking into existence in an expanse of blue, an unexpected wash of comfort and joy rushing over her at the sight. The stars greet her in turn, two feathers drifting down, twirling like leaves in the wind, glittering with every color and star the night sky holds. They settle quietly at the base of her shrine-to-be, and the world shifts once again. Her vision blurs with tears as the stars fade away, a brief smile, gone as quickly as they came, but the memory is burned into her mind and she knows in that moment she will treasure it the rest of her life. She tucks it into her heart, holds it close as she inhales deeply, acutely aware of tears trickling over her cheeks, down her forehead. She steps forward on trembling legs, feeling like a newborn foal as she moves unsteadily, standing at the base of the rocks and lifting the feathers in quivering teke. They are too precious to even hold, glittering at her with all the secrets of the night sky, and she presses them to her face, closing her eyes as she breathes in. “Thank you,” She whispers against them, so soft they don’t even register, a bare caress, and she opens her eyes to gaze wonderingly at them before gently setting them back where they had fallen. The crowning feature of her shrine, and she has never felt more honored in her life, not even when Alya returned to bring water to Osulas. She hops up onto the rocks, feathers at her feet as she turns to gaze out over the assembled crowd, and her face splits into a smile so wide it hurts. She loves them, her people, every single person who has come simply to help her. Who all witnessed this event alongside her.
“Did you all see?” She calls out, the gentle wind drifting through her tail like a caress, her scarf lifting and billowing. “Alya herself has given her blessing to this place!” Her eyes are shining, wet and full of stars. “She is here, with us, even now. Smiling down upon us, and what we do here. Osulas has been blessed once more.” She closed her eyes, head tilted back. “I’m so glad I could share this moment with you all,” She says, softer, but her smile is no less wide, tears trickling down over her cheek.
post: 4 WC: 444 |
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Post by seechem on Feb 3, 2020 10:23:37 GMT -6
M A D D E N & N E R O
A Mercenary and the Prophet
'why don't we rewrite the stars, say you were made to be mine'
......
From his peripheral Nero caught the red flash of fabric darting across the lake. He had brought items for the shrine, and Nero looked to Esin with a beam. What an honour for the mullah! At the general greeting Nero dipped his head to the Sultan, "Wind beneath your wings." He replied politely. Another figure, this time accompanied by a child, approached the group, and were welcomed by Esin. Nero was overjoyed for her, such a turnout was exceptional, and the roan had to force himself to concentrate on what he was doing.
A soft warmth had begun to beat into Nero's back, soothing him while he worked. A piece of chalk hovered in his teke as he eyed up the stone. He had begun measuring the stone and calculating the possible dimensions of a circle when it happened. The rustle of tent flaps fell away for a moment, and the world around him seemed to tilt a little. The sky rippled for an instant, bright sparks of light hovering over their heads, stars mirroring those pinned into his own mane. The chalk fell from his grasp as he looked up at them. Something emerged from them, soft and delicate, two shapes floating down to the rocks. Feathers. They settle on the shrine, not far from where Nero, Vesta and Danae stood. They almost seemed to shimmer with navy and purple, like the night sky itself. Before he even realised it, the stars were gone, and the gentle sounds of the world returned.
He couldn't bring himself to move, to break the divine trance he had been put in. Eventually he casts his copper eyes to the sky, leaning his head back to feel the wind comb gently through his mane, scattering the stars from his dark locks. The Sky Mother had blessed Esin's Shrine, and his heart sung with joy. "Thank you, Sky Mother," he breathed, inaudibly into the air. What an honour to witness such a thing, to be in the presence of such an event. He watches Esin hold the feathers, bowing her head over them reverently, and he smiles. She steps up onto the stone, and the beaming face that meets him is beautiful, touched by Alya and showering pure joy and love over them. He could feel it. "Congratulations, Esin." Nero said, approaching the rocks, "Alya has smiled on your creation, on your compassion for our people." He was welling up, warm tears tickling his cheeks, "I am so proud of you, you deserve The Mother's blessing." Nero dipped his head to the mullah, his mentor in the spiritual. He felt so honoured to have witnessed this blessing, this beautiful display of solidarity from their goddess.
Madden, meanwhile, had moved as far back as he could. He had heard the addresses to the Sultan, and kept himself well out of the way. He did not want to draw any more attention to himself and risk being sent out. Then the stars...the feathers. Alya was certainly present, and it sent an itch up his skin. He kept his eyes firmly, blazingly, fixed on the back of Nero's head, watching as his young love wept and pressed his forehead to the stone upon which Esin stood. The tears rolled down his check joyfully, but Madden bristled with the wrongness of his presence at a blessed site of Alya. He eyed Virgil, who was still beside Lucie, seemingly indifferent to it all, and to those that surrounded him. He didn't like it, and he felt like an intruder on the scene. Carefully he stepped back, giving the Alya worshippers some space to marvel while he occupied himself with observing it all.
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Post by kajeayn on Feb 29, 2020 20:02:55 GMT -6
She hops down, eyes shining bright as she nuzzles her nose against Nero’s neck, burying her face briefly in the shining stars of his mane. She hiccups a watery laugh, blinking hard against the tears burning her eyes as she gives him a friendly embrace. “Thank you,” She whispers, bumping her nose against his cheek before pulling away. She smiles at him, at the gathered group, and with a lightness in her heart like she’s never felt, she turns back to the building of her shrine. --- LATER --- The sun is just beginning to set, casting dying rays over the area and turning the rocks crimson in the light, the water sparkling in the last glimpses of the sun. It catches off delicate glass chimes, glittering in a myriad of colors, tinkling in a gentle breeze with a sound like music. Feathers, trinkets, windchimes and bells hang from the curved top of a moon gate, the rock shaped into a circle, smoothed down. At its center, a stack of rocks rests, fetched from all parts of the lake, dried from sitting in the sun. A few more trinkets found in the lake lay beside them, left out in offering. A few natural rock steps slope gently down from the cairn, leading to a basin in the ground, filled with water from the lake. Very carefully, Esin hangs the last piece of the shrine, at the center of the top arch. Her teke gleams blue and gold as she delicately ties gold chains, secures them in place. Two dark feathers twirl at their ends, gleaming with all the colors of the night sky, untouched by the sun. “There,” She breathes, stepping back, staring up at the shrine. “It’s done!” She turns to look at the gathered equines, her face lit up in a wide smile. She’s exhausted, her coat darkened with sweat, but she’s never been happier. She beams, standing up tall, her tail waving behind her like a banner. “I can’t begin to thank you all enough for coming, and helping me with this. Alya has blessed this shrine, but she has blessed me with you all as well. I can’t imagine a luckier person in all of Sedo.” Her eyes linger on Bellona a moment, and her smile softens before she glances back to the others. “I know I have thanked you all so many times today, and that you’re all no doubt sick of hearing it-” She breaks off, curved ear flicking and turning as the sound of a pebble being dislodged echoes, cracking against rock. She turns her head, blinking as she watches the stone fall down the steps of the shrine, eyes trailing up to see a mottled paw. She watches in stunned silence as the paw bats at another of the smallest lake rocks, sending it skittering down over the steps. A zesla sits at the top step, like it had been here all along, curiously batting at the rocks piled there. Its cat body is mottled black and brown in patches like clouds on its fur, its neck rippling in chestnut feathers that blend upwards into a barn owl’s face, but it’s dark, browns and russets. “...Hello?” She blinks, unsure how to even respond to this. She’s seen zeslas before, has fed them from her own food storages, but this one is currently curiously sniffing at the dangling feathers and trinkets. It looks at her, blinking at her with eyes all the colors of the night sky. She freezes, ears flattening in shock as she gawks at the zesla looking towards her, tilting its head to the side, blues and blacks shimmering in its pupil-less eyes. She remembers the constellation in the day sky, stars bright against blue. The zesla constellation. Teke glowing, she lifts her scarf, giving her beads a gentle shake, clicking and clinking from the movement. The zesla tilts its head again with a soft, inquisitive trill at the sound, and hops lightly down the stairs, nimble for a doubtlessly blind creature, making its way towards her. It lifts its dark head, sniffing at her scarf before gently butting its head against her chest. Her teke drifts over the zesla’s soft pelt, her touch reverent, and it purrs a soft, rumbling response as its back arches, winding around her front legs before immediately going to go sniff the nearest equine. She thinks about its eyes, the feathers that dangle at the heart of her shrine, the constellation in the sky. She smiles.
post: #5 WC: 749
Thank you to everyone who came!!! I'm giving it a few more days before submitting for AP so if you'd like to do a closing post, feel free. You all made this so fun and welcoming, and I'm so glad this could have happened and that so many people were willing to help Essie out <3 Thank you all once more!!! |
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