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Post by ThatDenver on Dec 20, 2019 10:51:00 GMT -6
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!
- Have fun! Even if your pony isn't. 8'D
Prompt: The highly unusual behavior of the Thunderbirds has drawn plenty of attention, and for good reason: never before have you felt quite so threatened by your avian neighbors. Just days ago a small but highly aggressive clan attacked Osulas, and although they were repelled, the evidence of their raid is still visible in the torn rooves, scattered feathers and wounds upon the bodies of your brave defenders.
A number of concerned citizens have gathered together to discuss what to do - and how to keep yourselves safe.
Location: Osulas lakeside
Time of Day: Afternoon
Current Weather: Stormy and cold for Serora (about 60°F); overcast with a chance of rain
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Post by redspaceboyy on Dec 20, 2019 16:44:22 GMT -6
 Casanova
Seroran Screamer Her eyes were lifted to the skies for a majority of the day, her heart racing as she walked in the direction of the lake, the direction of this meeting of importance. Casanova pushed through the mud, her small and nimble body struggling through the slippery soil. She was unaccustomed to the new terrain, and a small squeal passed her lips as she miss-stepped, foot sliding forward and nearly sending the mare tumbling to the ground.
She walked a little more carefully, wishing now more than ever she had wings to fly over this unforgiving soil. But she soon made her way to the bank of the lake, feet sinking into the soft sand as it gave way to her weight.
The Thunderbirds. What was she to do about the Thunderbirds, creatures she once saw as friends, and if not friends, allies? Her heart ached as she stood alone by the water, head raised and eyes still cast upward. She didn't want to attack back, she was a pacifist at heart. But what was she to do about this sudden change, this chaos that had claimed her lands? She was just a Screamer, just a lone little filly. Her fathers were gone and she had no one to guide her.
She searched first for the Sultan, Jibriel, seeing where his known figure may be. When she couldn't find him, she listened, large ears lifted forward as she waited for others to arrive. This was a gathering she did not want to miss.
wc: 251 | post #1 |
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Post by Artistic Pineapple on Dec 20, 2019 20:34:46 GMT -6
Zasha & Rook Serora Fledgling & Quetzalcoatl Familiar
The filly held tightly to the cloak around her shoulders and landed lightly on the bank. She tucked her wings close to her sides to keep the cool breeze from chilling through them and watched as Rook passed by overhead.
The domestic thunderbird glided over the lake, trailing a taloned toe across the surface before beating his wings and gaining altitude. Her giant familiar scouted the perimeter in a wide sweep, every beat of his great wings mimicking the thunder threatening to break through the clouded skies. When his keen eyes perceived no threat or dangers, an avian whistle sounded from his distant form and he circled back toward Zasha.
Rook landed above the filly, his hind legs meeting the wet earth before his winged forelegs landed on either side of Zasha's small form. Lowering his head to meet her eyes, Rook let out a low rumble of affection. This place was safe, for now.
The pair had arrived in Osulas just before the Thunderbird attack and they both still bore some evidence of the scuffle. There was no warm welcome quite like being thrown into a raid. Zasha had lost her knife in her efforts to deter the hostile creatures and Rook had lost a beakful of tail feathers. His more serious wounds had been sustained in the battle with the thunderbird at the Oasis three months ago and were all but completely healed.
As the pair made their way toward the gathering group of serorians, they exchanged a hopeful glance. Something was definitely going on and maybe, just maybe, they would help get to the bottom of it.
WC: 282 | Post #1
Header by Queerly
Please feel free to interact with these two goons! |
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Post by kajeayn on Jan 1, 2020 11:20:32 GMT -6
Her tail whipped behind her, caught in a playful, cold wind, and once the sound of her own accessories and hair being toyed with in Alya’s breeze would have filled her with delight, but now only a vague sense of unease pooled in her chest like ice water. She drew her scarf closer around her neck in a flash of teke, glancing worriedly at the churning sky. Her shrine had not been here long, but she had been checking anxiously on it sometimes even twice a day with the heavy rains and winds threatening to tear it down. She’d regretfully put away the more fragile objects, waiting for the winter storms to end, but for now she worried the lake might flood and wash everyone’s hard work away. And, of course, there were more than the storms to worry about. A huge shadow overhead made her bristle and dance closer to Bellona’s protective silhouette, glancing fearfully towards the large thunderbird gliding down over the water, trailing a claw over the surface. She watched, fearful and fascinated, relieved as she realized it was a familiar. The huge creatures as familiars didn’t quite sit well with her still, Bellona’s charges doing little to ease her anxieties. She knew they were harmless, to her at least, but their hulking shapes always sent her heart pounding. She had arrived with her bodyguard and hopefully would meet her Prophet here, coming together to discuss the danger looming in the skies, behind the seething, boiling clouds. She wasn’t certain what conclusion they would all come to, but she had some hopeful ideas to put forward she could only pray others would listen to. “Wind beneath your wings, my friends!” She called, spotting a few early arrivals, one very small and her heart beat faster at the sight of them with the thunderbird she had spotted earlier. What was such a small filly doing with such a dangerous familiar? Her ears flicked nervously even as she gave the pegasus a gentle smile of greeting, halting nearby as she lifted her head, looking around hopefully for the painted form of Nero.
post: 1 WC: 353 |
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Post by Maelorom on Jan 1, 2020 17:10:16 GMT -6
Bellona // Skirmisher
The destruction that had been wreaked on Osulas was clear. Belle's brow wrinkled with concern, they had encountered a couple of stray thunderbirds but a while clan attacking was a horrifying thought. Why on earth had they suddenly become so vicious? She hadn't been in Serora all that long, maybe something like this had happened before, a long time ago. She was snapped from her thoughts as Esin was startled. She stretched her wing out a little, almost subconsciously. Her sharp eyes searching keenly for what had scared Essie. Another thunderbird? She quickly made the connection that it was a familiar.
Belle's own two thunderbirds trailed in the sky some distance behind her. She knew Esin wasn't totally comfortable with the beasts, and honestly at times, like when they wanted her dinner instead if their own, she wasn't to comfy either. Her own two thunderbirds began to drop and landed a few metres behind Belle and Essie, Chicken stumbling a bit with his less than graceful landing. She hadn't been sure whether or not to bring them but she thought they might have been helpful. Chicken clicked his beak at Rook curiously while his brother, Fish, looked on sullenly.
Belle gave them a sharp look, they were expected to be on their best behaviour. She then turned to nod in greeting to the other equines who had gathered and stand protectively next to Essie. She couldn't deny she was nervous with all these Seroran eyes on her, she still felt as if her Aodhian heritage was burnt into her pelt like a brand, but she could hide it.
WC: 270
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Post by seechem on Jan 2, 2020 8:23:58 GMT -6
N E R O
the Prophet of Serora
'writing my poems for the few that look to me, took to me, shook to me, feeling me'
... ...
Persuading Madden to let him leave had been a struggle. The mercenary was rightly concerned for the young Prophet's safety, and had initially insisted on accompanying him. "I promise," Nero had placated, gathering his supplies and pulling his cloak around his shoulders, "I will be perfectly fine. And besides, I am meeting Esin and Bellona there, so I won't be entirely alone." He still hadn't liked it, but had eventually relented, in the excuse of staying to keep his sister and Virgil safe.
The wind had whipped past Nero, bringing a chill to his coat that he had never felt the likes of. His orange glazed goggles ensured his eyes were not lashed by the sand, and he used his teke to hold tightly to his billowing cloak. The sky was dark and threatening to rain at any moment, the overcast light making the surrounding desert seem morose and vacuous. Without a clear view of Alya's sky, Nero felt even more unnerved about the meeting. But it was important that he attend, to reassure those who were afraid that Alya was always there, whether Her sky were visible or not.
He made his way through the sand, using his blessing to move at a faster-than-possible canter and glide across the dunes. The stars in his mane trailed behind him, a few sparkles catching in the breeze so that he left a shimmering trail of starlight in his wake. It was as he crested a set of rocks near the lake that he heard it; the beating of large wings. Nero froze as he surveyed the scene. Three thunderbirds, the number alone made him gulp fearfully. But once he actually looked at those there he recognised the little filly standing beneath one of the creatures; Zasha. Nero smiled to himself, relieved that not only the child was okay, but also her brave companion Rook. Once he was assured that these thunderbirds must be familiars, he turned his attention to the other two, delighted to see Bellona and Esin stood in their shadows.
Nero worked his way down to the lake, unbuckling his goggles from his face. He had hardly heard Esin's little call of welcome to the others before her eyes finally found him. The Prophet picked his way along the storm-battered lake to greet her and her companion.
"Esin, Bellona. Wind beneath your wings." He nodded to them both even as his dark mane curled and whipped around his face. "I am so glad you are both well," he tried to not look up at the looming thunderbirds, and instead concerntrated on remaining composed, "and I am increasingly looking forward to getting this meeting started. It is so good to see so many have turned up to discuss what we should do." He lowered his head a little, trying to accept the presence of the familiars.
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Post by Artistic Pineapple on Jan 2, 2020 16:40:55 GMT -6
Zasha & Rook Serora Fledgling & Quetzalcoatl Familiar
"Wind beneath your wings!" Zasha greets her fellow serorians with a grin while Rook eyes the new pair of thunderbirds sharply. The filly bounds into a lofty trot, joining the group with her makeshift cloak still wrapped tightly around her shoulders. She pauses for a moment to greet the other two thunderbirds, her eyes sparkling at the sight of the rare creatures and her talent allowing her to speak freely with them.
At the sound of a familiar voice, the fan of feathers atop her head rise in excitement. "Nero!" she trills at sight of his familiar face. Serora's newest prophet glows among those gathered, stardust trailing in his mane as a gift from the sky goddess herself. The filly rushes to greet him, moving to bump her forehead against his in greeting. "Congratulations, from both of us --" she gestures to Rook, who towers above her but lowers his head in greeting. "You're going to be the best prophet Serora has ever known!"
Rook offers a respectful nod, blinking slowly with a purr-like rumble of praise. Out of all the equines the thunderbird has ever known, Nero was one he couldn't help but respect. Rook's keen eyes flash across the young horse's hide, realizing that he still bears a mark of the blade that pierced his chest. He's reminded of the selflessness this horse showed on the day the Oasis cracked open. A strange feeling swells in the thunderbird's gut; Rook swallows it before it rises any higher. Zasha's voice grounds him back in the present.
"Rook and I are here to help figure out what to do about the thunderbird raids," Zasha told the blue roan. "We were in Osulas for the last attack and we've seen the wastelands," She paused to look down at her feet, unable to shake what they had found there. "Something is wrong."
Though the child doesn't know exactly what, she has a hunch that something is driving them. Rook had told her about the way animals react before natural disasters and the filly wondered if the tribes of thunderbirds knew something Serora did not.
WC: 382 | Post #2
Header by Queerly
(Zasha is maxed on her Familiar Whisperer talent and thinks Fish and Chicken are absolutely lovely. Also, hello Nero!) |
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Post by buffyandbramble on Jan 3, 2020 8:01:08 GMT -6
Acorro & Altan The steady 'shing' of a whetstone on metal was a telling noise, and Altan twitched his ears and followed the noise until he found Acorro lying a little way away from the lake, the roan stallion's attention almost solely on the horizon whilst he let habit and long practise take care of sharpening his sword. His familiar, a now permanent presence around him, was lying close to him, her large ears likewise trained away from the city though she tensed as they swivelled to focus on Altan as he got closer. Upon recognising him she visibly relaxed and returned to watching the sky. "There's quite a few starting to gather down by the lake," Altan said after a moment, when Acorro didn't break his vigil to acknowledge him. Acorro huffed non-committally and offered nothing more, though after a moment he paused in his watch to inspect his efforts on the sword and, apparently satisfied, sheathed it and tucked the whetstone back into his nearby pack. Only then did he actually turn to look at Altan, who has been stood patiently awaiting a slightly more detailed response. "What?" he asked, almost petulant. "Are you coming?" Altan asked in a tone that was less a suggestion, and more an instruction. "No, it sounds politic-y," Acorro answered flatly. "It's a discussion on what to about the thunderbirds, that's hardly political." "It's a discussion," Acorro affirmed, pulling something of a face. "That makes it politic-y." There were many things wrong with that statement, but Altan ignored them. He knew Acorro too well to try and debate anything philosophically. "You're a skirmisher, you're on the front lines of defence against them. Your insight would be helpful," he pressed instead and Acorro snorted loudly. "They aren't going to want my input. I get told to kick things and I kick them, I've not got more to offer than that. Strategy isn't my thing, you know that," Acorro said, almost accusingly and green eyes narrowed slightly as he looked at his brother. Altan found himself surprised at the underlying edge to his brother's words but he wasn't alone; Acorro looked surprised as well and softened with a sigh. The roan gathered his hooves underneath him and hauled himself to his feet and stretched. "My contribution is going to be 'kick them harder', but I suppose I still have to come," he grumbled but it was mostly good-natured. The skirmisher knew full well that Altan wasn't going to let him off the hook. Now that he was stood, Altan couldn't help but notice the coating of mud up Acorro's legs and over his bracers, which didn't look like they'd been removed sine yesterday. The bright paint of the meteors he often wore was little more than a streaked orange smear, and splatters of mud could be seen higher up his sides, obvious against the pale coat. The signs of close combat scuffles were evident across his back and flanks though thankfully the injuries he bore were minor, as getting Acorro to submit to medical attention could be a challenge. Altan could hold little doubt that part of his brother's escape from serious injury was down to his force fields blessing, which had been on display yesterday and suddenly he could understand his reluctance to join the gathering. Acorro wasn't apologetic for bearing the blessing from Ignacio, but he'd kept it under the radar for the most part. That it had gone unnoticed yesterday was extremely unlikely, and Acorro clearly had more important matters on his mind than fighting his corner over it. "Well, are we going?" Acorro asked once he had clipped his equipment and weapons, which gleamed with recent cleaning, back to his harness. Without waiting for an answer he started towards the lake, metal shoes ringing on the rocks and Lailah trotting faithfully at his heels. Like his equipment, she didn't look like she'd been in the thick of the yesterday's trouble along with everyone else, asides from a clean bandage around one of her legs. Her coat had been immaculately groomed and the bandana around her neck was looking slightly worse for wear, but was clean and freshly tied. It was evident where Acorro's priorities had been, but then again, he had always been scruffy as a child so it was hardly surprisingly that his own appearance didn't rank highly on his to do list. Altan picked up the pace to catch up, falling into step beside Acorro as they made their way down to the lake in a companionable silence. Altan looked over the gathered group, specifically its avian members, with a well disguised sense of unease and a brief flash of orange teke on the shaft of his glaive betrayed Acorro's reaction before he settled again. "The sooner you move your family to Alhaj, the better," Acorro grumbled quietly to his brother, then kicked up his heels and broke into a canter to leave Altan behind before he could respond. "Wind beneath your wings!" the skirmisher called, nodding to those he recognised in the group, and in an excellent display of maturity and respect stuck his tongue out playfully at Nero. For all intents and purposes he looked to be in cheerfully high spirits, but his frequent glances towards the sky and the fact that he opted to pace around the edges of the group instead of standing quietly belied some his anxiety around another attack, even if such an eventuality was unlikely so soon after the last. Altan was more sedate in his approach and silent in his greeting, dipping his head respectfully towards Nero and the rest of the group as he cast his eyes about, assessing. The feeling of malaise was clear, though how much was about the present situation and how much was because of the lurking thunderbird familiar was difficult to tell. He didn't think that it was uncommon knowledge that not all clans were turning against them and if the creatures had insight that was information they would be ill-advised to pass up, but it didn't make it any easier to be in their presence when the effects of the previous night's raid were still so raw and plain to see. "There were no serious casualties last night, I hope?" Post #1 1041 words (Sorry for the length, got carried away!) |
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Post by kajeayn on Jan 3, 2020 10:59:46 GMT -6
Bellona’s brief wing touch made her muscles uncoil, just a fraction, and she flashed a tired, grateful smile at her friend as she stood beside her, curved ears pointing towards the approach of the Prophet as he approached. “Nero!” She greeted joyfully, stepping forward to touch her nose briefly to his, eyes shining. Before she could say any more, or express her relief that he was all right, the foal she had spotted earlier came bounding up to greet the prophet as well, and Esin took a delicate step aside to allow them their moment. For a brief, blessed moment, her anxieties quieted as she observed the touching interaction, her heart warming as the filly bumped her forehead against Nero’s, congratulating him. The moment was short, a brief glimpse of the sun between clouds before the wind kicked up once more, her ears tilting back as the filly’s thunderbird companion came closer, rumbling low in his chest. She had little understanding of how familiars communicated, especially thunderbirds, but she could only assume there was nothing threatening about it- still, the presence of three of the hulking animals made her hair stand on end, her smile a little frayed as she directed it down to the foal.
“My, Nero, you seem to have your first fan.” Her voice edged on teasing, shooting him a playful glance. “I don’t believe we’ve met! I am Esin, a fellow fan of our Prophet.” Her eyes glittered as she dipped her head in greeting, nodding her head towards Bellona at her side. “And this is Bellona!” She added, straightening up once more. She sobered, glancing once at the thunderbird- Rook, apparently- as she mulled over the filly’s more serious words. “Well, that’s what we’re all here to discuss,” She said kindly. “Hopefully we can all put our heads together and discover what’s wrong.” Still, the foal’s words had deepened her anxiety, and she shot another nervous glance at the skies, feeling the cold wind blow sharply over them all once more. The arrival of Altan and Acorro made her heart leap in her throat, grateful for her friends but Acorro’s restless pacing and bedraggled appearance set her further on edge, smile frozen on her face as she greeted them both. “Wind beneath your wings!” She said lightly, dipping her head in return to Altan. “I was not here last night, I’m not sure about any casualties.” She admitted, glancing towards Acorro nervously. She was grateful she hadn’t been here, unsure how she would have handled seeing an attack in person- she only had memories of childhood scuffles with thunderbirds, flashing in her mind like lightning on the horizon, foreboding.
post: 2 WC: 444 (Essie is Very Nervous about the thunderbirds don't mind her pfff, but she thinks Zasha is super cute and wants to make friends!) |
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Post by hiddenbubbles on Jan 3, 2020 21:43:15 GMT -6
SandPiper
Post One | 234 Words
It was quiet conversation that let Piper know they were headed in the right direction. Her hooves dragged as the crowd came into sight, her head held lower than usual and her legs coated in mud and debris from the storms. Fatigue dogged at her heels as she slipped into the clearing with Whirlwind, flicking her ears to catch up on the conversation.
Screamers weren't supposed to be front line combatants, but she couldn't turn away those asking for her help. It was all hands on deck with the constant havoc the thunderbirds were wreaking. She and Whirl had been working near constantly, offering assistance to those that they could. The fleabitten gray was exhausted, bruised, and frankly lucky that she wasn't more seriously injured.
Even now, among her herd mates, she couldn't help but glance up towards the gloomy skies. There may have been a crowd, but she wasn't entirely convinced that they were entirely safe. The surrounding area was littered with the signs of an attack that had occurred. Who was to say it wouldn't happen again?
A cheerful voice caught her attention as she listened to Esin introduce herself and her companions to the others. "Wind beneath your wings," she mumbled to her and the others who were listening, dipping her head. Well, if they were still on the introductions, maybe they weren't late after all.
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Post by Maelorom on Jan 4, 2020 3:39:44 GMT -6
Bellona // Skirmisher
Belle smiled warmly at the prophet, she couldn't help but gaze wide-eyes at the stars scattered through his mane. She had seen him once or twice before, but Alya's gift never ceased to amaze her, a constant reminder of the proximity of Alya to her people. But she was distracted by the little filly who they had greeted earlier. She was greeting Fish and Chicken in their own tongue. She chuckled, it was nice to see another familiar whisperer. But as she looked back at Fish and Chicken she noticed the unease of many of the gathered at the presence of the birds. She turned to the prophet "I hope my familiars aren't making you uncomfortable.." It was difficult to bite back the instinctive 'Emin' or 'm'lord/m'lady' used to address the high ranking in Aodh. "I brought them in case they might have been some help".
As she glanced toward them again Chicken puffed himself up proudly, showing off to the gathering crowd. Belle snappishly told him off, to no effect, the last thing she wanted was to upset anyone more than they already were. She suspected the third thunderbird gathered, Rook did the filly say? was older than Fish and Chicken, certainly he seemed more mature than the mischievous brothers. "Please don't mind them" she said to Rook, taking advantage of her ability to talk to familiars "They're still young and a bit immature". She had hoped if she could find some wild thunderbirds that her pair could have acted as translators, but none of the wild thunderbirds seem interested in chatting. Maybe Rook had heard something instead.
WC: 272
Post: #2
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Post by lightningwolf913 on Jan 4, 2020 13:29:54 GMT -6
= W H I R L W I N D =
"-"
WC: 316 | Post: 1Things had been difficult for Whirlwind and SandPiper alike, since these thunderbird attacks had begun. He was always on edge, his ears never still and his muscles always coiled up like springs should he be prepared to defend himself or those around him. He'd ever so reluctantly left their caravan with two other screamers. It had not taken much convincing to drag his companion here. Maybe given a second chance, he'd have been a skirmisher or heavy hoof rather than a screamer. He was quick to put himself in the middle of things, he was quick to draw his blade and fight in a way that many screamers typically were not. It was a shock he'd managed to sustain this position for as long as he had at this point.
He didn't have much trouble over the challenging terrain, impressively enough. In Piper's weariness, he'd picked up the slack and steeled himself further. There was no warm, Seroran greeting from the little stallion. His companion had thankfully taken care of that for him. His eyes scoured the horses about, all faces that he had never seen, all except one that he only distantly recalled from well before the war. Nero. He looked different, but not in a bad way. He supposed that everyone looked different now, as he'd even earned extra dark circles under his eyes and a few stitches in his cloak from the recent attacks.
"A friend of yours?" Whirlwind asked Piper under his breath, flicking an ear towards Esin and those that had gathered with her. At least there was one familiar face amongst them. He didn't feel entirely out of place, at his companion's side and surrounded by others that she at least knew, or knew of. As was typical of him, he hung back and listened more than spoke. He'd pipe up when and if he had something important to say. |
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Post by hiddenbubbles on Jan 4, 2020 15:45:36 GMT -6
SandPiper
Post Two | 198 Words
Piper tipped an ear towards her companion as he spoke, listening as she regarded the crowd before them. "Not really. I've heard of them, but never met before now," she hummed in response. "It might be good to share our maps with any skirmishers here," She mumbled, noting there were a few more combat oriented ranks among the crowd.
It was the thunder birds that were in the growing group that drew her attention. They were obviously domesticated, but she couldn't help but gaze at them suspiciously. Shouldn't they know what was going on? Something clearly wasn't right and it seemed that these familiars might be their best insight into what was happening with their wild counterparts.
"Does anyone have any ideas on what might be setting them off?" she asked the group, flicking her gaze across the faces of the gathered equines. "Whirlwind and I haven't found anything obvious that could be disturbing the flocks," she added, tilting her head towards the shorter stallion. She wished she could give them some useful information, anything, but she couldn't. She swept her gaze around, hoping someone might have some information - or even a guess.
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Post by seechem on Jan 5, 2020 5:28:00 GMT -6
N E R O
the Prophet of Serora
'writing my poems for the few that look to me, took to me, shook to me, feeling me'
......
The sound of his name made him look up, and Nero's mane shone a little brighter at the sight of Zasha. He softly closed his eyes as he pressed his forehead to hers. It was so good to see her again, and in such good spirits, it made his heart soar.
"Thank you Zasha, I appreciate both your, and Rook's support." He tried to stifle the contagious smile the filly had sparked in him, and listened attentively. For a moment he looked up to Rook with a kind smile, grateful that the Quetzalcoatl had kept Zasha safe all this time. His attention snagged on her admittance that she had been in Osulas during the attack, and he looked her and Rook over again, this time with concern.
"You were both very brave, then," Nero said, using his teke to gently lift the filly's head, "and no doubt have a very valuable insight into what may be going on." The roan felt the urge to solve this matter quicken in his blood, if children such as Zasha were being exposed to such dangers, then something must change soon. "I am just relieved you are both alright." Esin's quip made Nero snort, he rolled his eyes playfully at her while she introduced herself and her friend to the filly and her familiar. Before he could make a retort, however, Esin noticed Altan and Acorro. Nero looked around, catching Acorro's eye just in time for the Skirmisher to stick his tongue out.
"Very mature." Nero quipped, but he nodded back to Altan, relieved that one of his friends was taking his position seriously. "Wind beneath your wings, Altan." He said. At the sound of her voice, Nero turned to Bellona, his eyes once more having to adjust to the size of the two, young, thunderbirds stood behind her. "Not at all." Nero tore his eyes from them to address the pegasus. "I have no doubt that they may be useful, and like Rook, be able to offer a unique perspective on what is happening here." The roan finally noticed his slight quaking, and steeled himself firmly. "They do not bother me, especially as they are your companions."Nero listened quietly for a moment, musing on what had happened and trying to think of a course of action. He maintained his position near Zasha, occasionally looking her way as though any moment she might evaporate. He could hardly fathom how scary these past few months must have been for her, but that made him doubly glad Rook was by her side. His friends, meanwhile, seemed a little worse for wear. Acorro's pacing was beginning to become unnerving, and the blue roan had to suck in a few breaths to steady his racing heart. Another voice carried across to him, and he looked up to see new arrivals. Whirlwind, and someone he did not know. It had been an age since the Prophet had seen the Screamer, but he looked well, a little tired, but mostly unharmed. He and his companion came to join the group, and Nero nodded politely to them both. Everyone seemed uncertain about what was causing this spike in violence, so Nero kept quiet, knowing he had no information on the matter that could be useful. Instead, he stepped a little closer to the forming group, listening attentively to what everyone had to say.    Word Count: 551 Post #2 (Hello Zasha! Nero is basically just a nervous wreck, he's had some pretty bad run ins with Thunderbirds in the past, so is weary but trying to be a #politegent and be accommodating. Also hello Whirlwind!) |
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Post by Artistic Pineapple on Jan 5, 2020 17:23:45 GMT -6
Zasha & Rook Serora Fledgling & Quetzalcoatl Familiar
The filly grinned at Nero as he commemorated her bravery, then extended the smile to the gathering group of horses. Some faces she had recognized but others were new to her.
"Your tattoos are so pretty!" She offered to Esin, bright eyes taking in the mare's glorious style.
Towering above, Rook's gaze flashed to the words addressed to him from a non-avian mouth. His eyes landed on the red-winged skirmisher, curiosity prickling at the thought of two of his kind imprinting so strongly on an equine. From her tone and stature, he could tell that the mare was older than Zasha. His eyes flickered between her and the other thunderbirds for a brief moment in an attempt to unlock the secret of their alliance. When no answer could be deciphered, Rook gave up and instead offered the mare a slow nod to show that he heard her.
Meanwhile, his long-eared filly was working out an solution to the issue at hand. Between Rook's front appendages, she shifted her weight while her mind raced with questions and possible answers.
She blurts the questions out in a confident sing-song of uncertainty: "Animals act strangely before dangerous weather and natural disasters, right? So what if there's something going on that we don't know about? Could it be the Glass Tower of the north? Or the Sandhawks near Alhaj? Are they driving the Thunderbird clans away and making them angry?"
At the mention of Sandhawks, Rook visibly tenses. The pair had done their best to completely avoid the Seer after hearing about the threat from an allied Thunderbird clan. Before now, even he hadn't known what the ancient predators were. Clan members had described them as dark and massive, possessing teeth and control over the air around them. Rook silently feared a run-in with one of the beasts. But the child had a point, their rise from extinction could mean strange behavior from thunderbird clans.
WC: 347 | Post #3
Header by Queerly
(Hello to everyone! Zasha doesn't know what she's talking about but is going to give it her best shot and Rook fears for the truth.) |
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Post by kajeayn on Jan 5, 2020 21:37:43 GMT -6
Her curved ears flicked up and pointed towards Zasha in surprise a moment, then a wide smile split her face as she looked down at the pegasus, eyes crinkling up as she beamed in response. “Why thank you! You’re very kind,” She laughed lightly, beads clinking and clicking musically as she shifted her weight, turning to regard the filly with a grin. “And clever too. The Sandhawks are something I had not considered,” She admitted, ears tilting back as she thought of the strange glass tower, the water rushing beneath, unnaturally smooth reflections that seemed to move on their own. She suppressed a shudder, willing thoughts of the tower away as she forcibly cleared her expression into neutral interest. “I haven’t seen a Sandhawk yet, I’ve only heard the rumors,” She confessed, ears twitching. “And the skeleton in Alhaj, but I imagine it can’t compete with the real thing.” She grimaced for just a moment, a shiver running through her skin as she thought of the massive bones hanging suspended in the library, great toothed maw leering down at her as she scurried among the books and tried not to look at the ghoulish thing. “But I believe that may be a very good guess. Perhaps…” She hesitated, uncertainty flickering over her face. “Perhaps, we could… ask?” She said meekly. “I-I don’t know how receptive a clan would be to anyone asking them but… with two whisperers here, it almost seems like fate.” She stepped back, looking between Zasha and Bellona, and their thunderbird familiars. “Perhaps Alya brought us all here today, because we have the tools we need to solve this problem.” Her voice grew more confident as she spoke, eyes shining as she straightened up, shooting Bellona a secret, nervous edged smile.
post: 3 WC: 294 yeah suggest the child talk to some hostile thunderbirds, essie (she is crying inside at how cute zasha is i s2g agliduh) |
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Post by ThatDenver on Jan 8, 2020 8:21:41 GMT -6
JIBRIEL
The Sultan could hear the gathering outside, and he had longed to go ever since the first words were spoken – but the Savior tending to him had pulled him back down by the tail, telling him not too gently to sit his ass back down before they got really mad at him.
In all fairness, Jibriel had caused them some unexpected work. The Thunderbird attack was one thing, but as Osulas was hardly a city anymore, and not terribly prepared for any kind of aerial assault.
The Thunderbirds had never attacked a large settlement before. Never. Yes, they occasionally raided small campsites, but to attack this many equine seemed wildly out of character for them, even during difficult weather as they were having now.
“Fine. You can go. But come back if it starts to hurt. I’m not finished”, the Savior said as the soft, watery glow of their healing magic faded. Jibriel rose to his feet and brushed aside the tent flap.
Only a few yards away he could see the gathered crowd. A number of equines, including the new Prophet, were already there, as were three Thunderbird familiars. Jibriel had never been particularly fond of them, and had to admit that after yesterday, a slight shiver went through him at the sight of them.
It was his own fault, of course. Jibriel would never have made it as a Fury. Not with his wing.
The Sultan approached the crowd with a slight, but visible limp. There was a new scar running down his left front leg – an ugly thing from shoulder to knee. It had been healed to scar over, but the white streak was visible and obvious as a hairless spot against his pale coat.
He only caught the most recent piece of conversation as he arrived and stopped on the edge of the crowd with his leg slightly raised to keep the weight off of it.
“We could reach out to the Matriarch Malaika. She has been open to cooperation before”, the Sultan said, his voice easily carrying over the crowd.
Word count: 345
Post #1
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Post by lightningwolf913 on Jan 8, 2020 11:18:17 GMT -6
= W H I R L W I N D =
"-"
WC: 456 | Post: 2Whirlwind did not once break his silence, not even to greet anyone around him. That was typical form for the screamer. He had nothing useful to contribute to the conversation, so why jumble up the conversation. SandPiper seemed to be just fine doing the talking, and so he'd allow her to keep at it. He'd only add something in if he felt that it was necessary and useful. He was surprised, to see a filly here as small as she was, with a thunderbird for a companion nonetheless. Why couldn't they say anything about what was going on? He considered it for a moment. Well, perhaps they had no idea. They were.... domestic... after all? He blinked up at them, staring in a way that almost may have been considered rude as he and Piper made their way over.
He was snapped back to attention as she spoke to the group before them, and his eye caught Nero just in time to see him acknowledge them. He returned the nod, just dipping his head slightly. The stallion looked very different from when he had last seen him. And was his mane... glowing? Whirlwind had to admit, he had been rather detached from the goings on of the herd, sinking into a self absorbed slump until more recently. In fact, his only focus had been his work, evasion and survival. Now, things were changing again, albeit not for the worse but certainly not for the better with these attacks.
While he'd almost expected they'd not see him, the little screamer's head snapped up upon the emergence of the Sultan. He'd seen the bright red of his outfit flash in the corner of his vision before he'd heard him speak; speak of a Matriarch. He dug through his memory banks for some word of something similar that he'd heard in the past. A matriarch, was not one of the titles that he knew of any of the other herds. So what was it? Some other outside force? After what they'd just dealt with, they'd reach beyond their own herd again for support or words of wisdom? Well, he thought it was ridiculous, the scoff written clearly across his face.
His lack of respect had no boundaries, at least not typically. However, he would not speak out of turn to the Sultan himself. He'd already decided he'd not speak a word unless it was of something useful to contribute, and so he remained quiet, watching from SandPiper's side. He'd very briefly regarded Esin, Zasha, and the others gathered about, but had not paid them much mind thus far, in leu of the fact that there were so many other things that he had on his mind at the moment.
I promise he doesn't mean to be a jerk. He's just quiet XD feel free to pester him. |
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Post by Maelorom on Jan 9, 2020 0:24:40 GMT -6
Bellona // Skirmisher
Belle gave a small sigh of relief when the Prophet assured her that Fish and Chicken were not causing unease. After what these equine might have been through with the recent attacks she didn't want to cause further distress. She glanced at Rook, the solemn nod he had given her gave her some comfort too. At least she knew one of the familiars could be relied to maintain their composure. Then she returned her attention to the conversation at hand, she listened carefully to the little fillies words.
She was reminded of when her mother told her about the wisps, and their mysterious dissapearance shortly before the arrival of the kirins. "I'm not sure that the arrival of Sandhawks would cause this, surely in the face of danger the tribes would seek to unite against this new enemy instead of turn on each other? But you could certainly be right that it could signal some kind of calamitous event. I've heard stories of similar chaos preceding the arrival of the kirins, and there does seem to be a similar instance of resurrection here?" She frowned, everything was so unclear, it was unnerving.. her chest tightened for a moment. But Essie's soothing voice blunted the stab of anxiety.
The way Essie spoke with such confidence and excitement brought a smile to her lips. She returned Essie's smile, softly brushing her wing against the young mullah in a gesture of support, and comfort for the hints of anxiety she could see in her too. She then turned to the gathered. "I'd certainly be more than willing to translate with some help," she glanced at the young filly, wondering if it would be safe for her to do something like this. "But I wouldn't know where to begin to find a wild thunderbird willing to speak to us.." she broke off as she caught a glimpse of movement. She turned her head and saw the Sultan Jibriel emerge from a tent and join the gathering. She listened to his words but didn't quite understand them. "Matriarch Malaika?" She looked at the Sultan quizzically, she had never heard of such a person. But then again, she hadn't been here long, she turned to Essie questioningly, hoping for some sort of explanation from her companion.
WC: 380
Post: #3
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Post by Artistic Pineapple on Jan 9, 2020 8:30:56 GMT -6
Zasha & Rook Serora Fledgling & Quetzalcoatl Familiar
When Jibriel spoke, the filly grew quiet.
It seemed as though the whole crowd turned toward the new sultan of Serora at the sound of his voice.
The child's green eyes flashed over him, noting the long scar he bore across his front leg and the way he seemed to keep his weight off the injury. A pang of guilt clutched her chest upon seeing their brave leader hurt while a thoughtful expression crossed Rook's face above. The thunderbird could tell that this specific pegasus was high-ranking in his dress and the way the gathered crowd paid him so much mind.
“We could reach out to the Matriarch Malaika. She has been open to cooperation before.”
At the mention of Malaika, Zasha's excitement bubbled over. Large, round ears excitedly swiveled to Bellona's offer to translate and the filly grinned at the glance spared to her by the skirmisher.
"The great Matriarch Malaika would know what's going on!" She chirped excitedly. "Rook and I could help translate!"
At the mention of his name, Rook shifted his weight and met eyes with the sultan. Did Serora's new leader understand what could be at stake here? If the Great Matriarch decided her tribe was no longer going to hold their truce of peace with the equine denizens, chaos would erupt.
"Rook calls her the Great Matriarch Malaika because that's what other tribes call her! She's the biggest and wisest thunderbird of them all. Oh, I would love to meet her! I'm sure she could answer our questions!"
WC: 271 | Post #4
Header by Queerly
(tldr; Zasha wants to meet Malaika really badly) |
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Post by redspaceboyy on Jan 9, 2020 16:29:11 GMT -6
Casanova
Seroran Screamer She did not greet any of the equine. Instead, she stood silently to the side, but she recognized Zasha and her great familiar, Rook. Her ear twitched with the arrival of the Sultan, but she still waited in suspense when he spoke.
Casanova had only heard of Malaika briefly, and it was during the skirmish with the Thunderbirds that she had first paid notice to the name. Her nose twitched at the name, and she felt uneasy as she walked forward, ears lowered and eyes raised to meet Jibriel's.
"Wind beneath your wings," she muttered, adjusting one of the sunflowers braided into her mane. Her teke flickered and shifted in erratic fashion, nerves clearly getting to her. "Do you think she will listen?" The filly looked between Zasha and the Sultan. She trusted the other, younger child more than she trusted the stallion standing before them. She wasn't sure why, but she had yet to truly meet him. She had been more on edge since the agreement with Aodh, anyways.
Casanova was 16, young, but still capable of participating in these drastic meetings. She didn't know if Jibriel would listen to what she had to say, or if anyone else did. She hadn't gotten to know many of the equine here, so the idea that they would pay attention to a fledgling Screamer seemed unlikely.
"I'm worried if we aren't prepared..." she trailed off, looking toward Rook. She shook her head, dismissing the thought. "I think it's the best idea we've got. But how do we explain the storms?"
wc: 258 | post #2 |
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Post by catpurrccino on Jan 9, 2020 16:30:03 GMT -6
CYRIL
|Savior|22|he/him
Cyril was late.Like always.And out of breath having run all the way from Osulas to the lake hoping to at least catch the meeting at its start. But honestly it hadn't been his fault, this time.He had only learned of the meeting a few hours ago when he had arrived at Osulas with the group he was currently traveling with trying to seek shelter from the thunderbird who hd been growing more and more restless even attacking them on occasion.After a brief consultation it had seemed imperative for one of the members to try and learn more about the whole situationand in the end he had been selected having had prior experiences with thunderbird and knowing more about them than the rest.
He took a big breath trying to calm his beating heart and stepped closer, taking in the faces of the gathered equines and the three thunderbirds that stood behind their owners..He recognised quite a few of them either by name or appearance.The Sultan of course and the prophet as well as Essin. As he stepped closer he heard the last words of a light coloured pegasus asking about Matrirch Malaik. He had heard of her of course although he had never seen her, she was a dangerous beast, much more dangerous than the other thunderbirds. If they were considering talking with her the situation must have been much more dire than he had initially thought.
He listened closely as another younger equine spore.
"Wind beneath you wings he answered "She could listen, but she is dangerous.I've heard of her beforehand if she decides not too listen.It will not end well for us"
Post 1| 294 words
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Post by kajeayn on Jan 9, 2020 20:48:07 GMT -6
The arrival of the Sultan made her ears flick up, remembering his kindness at her shrine as she flashed him a warm smile, expression quickly slipping into one of concern as she took in his clear injury, eyes flickering over his leg. She felt a rush of relief when he agreed and took her idea a step further, though a soft, bitter voice grumbled as everyone jumped to agree with him as if he had been the one to first suggest it. Bellona’s questioning gaze on her drew her from her uncharitable thoughts, and she glanced her way with a reassuring smile, stepping closer as she explained. “Matriarch Malaika is one of the biggest leaders of the thunderbirds,” She told her softly, though her voice carried if anyone else needed the explanation. “I believe she has multiple clans under her command, and we had an alliance during the war.” She explained, tail swishing uneasily as she thought of the idea of allying with so many of the fearsome creatures. “I have never seen her, but I can only imagine how… great she must be.” She said, hesitating only briefly as anxiety crossed her face, just for a moment. She glanced towards Rook, the largest of the thunderbirds here, and she could only imagine how huge and terrifying a great Matriarch must be. She wasn’t well versed in thunderbird lore, but with as much travelling and reading she did, she had come across a fair amount of knowledge about the great beasts. The idea of sending Bellona and a filly, no matter how excited she seemed, to speak to a thunderbird of such size and renown sent a thrill of fear down her spine. “Would they see it as a provocation if we sent warriors with them?” She asked, keeping her tone as neutral as she could, even as her eyes flickered anxiously towards Bellona and Zasha. Unbeknownst to her, her third eye remained trained on Rook as she spoke. “Sending them without any protection seems… ill advised.” She grimaced briefly, unsure how else she could phrase it. The mention of the kirins made her blanch, unable to hide the fear that flashed over her face as her curved ears flattened and she took a reflexive step back. The kirins, who had been killed for a reason, who had come back like unholy weeds that could not stay in the ground. Their return was something she had spent countless hours praying and theorizing about with other mullah- for what possible reason could they return, other then in an act of great evil? They were like the glass tower, an abomination bursting from the earth, something that did not belong and yet had forced their way to the surface. Her skin crawled at the comparison between the kirins and the sandhawks. The sandhawks were Alya’s creations, as monstrous as they were, and the kirins were the offspring of the dark god of ash himself. To compare them made her feel ill, and she wondered, far from the first time, what on Hireath they taught Aodhians about history. “It is definitely a possibility,” She said delicately, ears twitching, though perhaps Bellona had a point- if chaos magic were at work here, it could be causing the sudden aggression. She thought of the rumors of the moth winged ungod, and her fur stood on end at the idea of them being involved with the thunderbirds. She didn’t know the spotted young mare who spoke, but she glanced over towards her, giving her a friendly smile, grateful for the distraction from her darkening thoughts. “I believe the storms are a gift. Sedo appears to be in a time of great change, and Alya would not bring us anything we could not handle.” She said confidently, relieved to be back on solid footing conversation wise. “Alya has said our time of suffering is at an end. I can only imagine this means the land is changing, and as with all great changes, it will not be an easy transition, but will be well worth it in the end.”
post: 4 WC: 682 |
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Post by seechem on Jan 10, 2020 4:21:58 GMT -6
N E R O
the Prophet of Serora
'writing my poems for the few that look to me, took to me, shook to me, feeling me'
......
Nero's ears were practically locked forward as he took in what everyone was saying. Copper eyes met each of the speakers in turn as they began to try and breakdown the situation, his mind calmly digesting whatever information was being shared. If the Sandhawks were a threat, it would seem more plausible for the Thunderbird clans to band together to fight a common enemy. Unless their territories were being overtaken by the creatures and the Thunderbirds were attempting to claim more elsewhere from other clans. He calmly began to mull over various possibilities until something caught his attention.
A flash of red in his peripheral made Nero's head shoot up from its meditative state to watch the Sultan emerge onto the bank of the lake. The Prophet lowered his head in a deep nod of respect. With times being as hectic as they were he had not had the chance to introduce himself personally to the Sultan as the new Prophet, so he remained quietly respectful.
However his focus inevitably fell to the little silver scar that stretched from the Sultan's shoulder to his knee, and the old Saviour in him winced. More movement in the corner of his eye marked the arrival of a Saviour, not one he was familiar with personally, but he recognised his rank by the equipment he carried. The Sultan mentioned the name 'Matriarch Malaika', a name that he was vaguely familiar with. Nero looked to his herd-mates as they supplied further details and, judging by Zasha's enthusiasm and her offers to translate, the Matriarch was well regarded. Nero wondered if his fear of Thunderbirds had kept him from wanting to seek a solution from among their kind. The hair along his spine standing on end a little at the thought.
One of the younger members of the assembled horses spoke up about the storms, and Nero felt a little lighter at the thought of them. Yes they were violent, and yes they were strong, but they were of the Wind Mother, and that at least sat well in his heart. His attention drifted to Esin, who voiced concerns about the safety of those who went to speak with the Matriarch. He couldn't deny that it provoked anxiety in him as well, especially with the mention of kirins. His mind rolled over these thoughts turbulently for a time, after what Alya had shown him - he caught his breath back, and noted a similar reaction from Esin. But the young mullah's mind seemed to calm a little when she spoke of Alya with such passion.
"I have to agree," Nero said, "the storms are certainly of Alya. The land around us is being changed, becoming more fertile and survivable, even though the storms are rough. Our Wind Mother is making plentiful the land on which we have always lived. As Mullah Esin said," Nero smiled at his friend, "our time of suffering is at an end." But Nero turned his attention back to the matter at hand, his heart heavy with nerves and fear, "But what is happening between the Thunderbirds is beyond the storms. They would not in-fight over a change in weather. Something is wrong, and I feel, like our Sultan, we must try to work with them to reach a solution. If we can all work together to mutually thrive in Sedo perhaps we can avoid future violence." Nero let the stars in his mane flicker, his anxiety over the whole ordeal having made them flare more brightly than normal. "The Sultan's suggestion seems the best way of doing this. Attempting to make peace and collaborate on a solution may be the wisest way forward. I do, however, think we need to handle this situation delicately, and be clever about how we approach it. As Mullah Esin pointed out, going in with too much military bravado may make us appear disingenuous, especially as our people are the ones being targeted." A lump caught in his throat at the thought, and he sighed it out as best as he could, "But we cannot go in expecting a warm welcome either. We need a planned approach."
The moment he was finished speaking, Nero felt the familiar instinct to curl back up into the shadows tickling at the back of his mind. But something in the breeze, the way it ruffled his star-speckled mane made him remain, his head higher than normal, his stance less outwardly nervous. Even as his cloak billowed around his fetlocks, he could almost sense the Sky Mother in the air, and her presence brought him an unfamiliar, but much appreciated, peace.
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Post by Artistic Pineapple on Jan 11, 2020 11:11:24 GMT -6
Zasha & Rook Serora Fledgling & Quetzalcoatl Familiar
“Sending them without any protection seems… ill advised.”
Esin's words sparked a deep rumble from Rook, almost a growl. Did these equines that regarded him with so much veiled fear really believe he couldn't protect his filly? Did they think their sheer numbers and weapons would be able to defend against the Great Matriarch? He rose to his full height, standing on his hind legs and flapping his wings to loosen his feathers. Dust swirled as he landed back on all fours and arched his neck to preen along his back.
Between his forelegs, Zasha stood unfazed by her massive companion's antics. Her wings were unfurled, unable to contain her excitement for the chance to meet and converse with Malaika. Her eyes darted between those who spoke, taking everything in.
In their recent travels, she and Rook had happened across more and more wild thunderbirds. Most were the sort to ally with Sedo's equine population and the filly had done her best to make friends with as many as she could. Though they usually regarded Rook with distaste at first, a fair number of clan members were swayed when the pair shared their story.
Or they were swayed when Rook put them in their place.
Zasha herself had started training harder in combat under Rook's direction. The pair happened into danger so often that he had decided it would be best to at least teach the filly stronger self-defense. In the air, Zasha was a worthy adversary. Her small size and incredible agility made it very difficult to catch her and something as large as a thunderbird would tire before being able to wear her down. On foot, most things were faster than a thunderbird anyway. And when the child had a dagger in her hand, she may as well be considered an honorary thunderbird in her ferocity.
"What we need is something to offer." Rook clacked, moving to preen the feathers along his chest.
"Rook says that we should offer the Great Matriarch a gift! It'd show her that we want to be allies," Zasha translated. "Something colorful," She added thoughtfully.
WC: 375 | Post #5
Header by Queerly
(Let's give a gift to the Matriarch! Who doesn't like gifts?) |
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Post by lightningwolf913 on Jan 11, 2020 19:17:18 GMT -6
= W H I R L W I N D =
"-"
WC: 337 | Post: 3All this talk of...cooperation made Whirlwind feel sick in his stomach. He wasn't sure that he wanted to trust the leader of thunderbirds any farther than he could throw them. How many lives would they have to endanger before something terrible would become of this? He was a doubter. He had always been incredulous, and wary to a fault. He was a naysayer, but he was also alive, unlike others that followed blindly and without good reason. He liked to think he prided himself upon his independence, even if he'd just given it up recently to travel with SandPiper. He glanced to her, his ears swiveling and expression twisting into that of unease and confusion.
"And if she is behind these attacks, to any extent, or if she condones them? Then we're endangering whomever we send, and for what?" He snapped, finally speaking up. He had a big voice, when he decided to use it. He didn't know much about this Great Matriarch, as the thunderbird familiar had explained thanks to Zasha's translation. He didn't know that he trusted them one way or another, no matter how it was laid out. "And if she isn't a part of this, what could she do to stop it if they were just thunderbirds that went against the grains of their own... society."
If that was the polite way to say it. He'd never had much care for the trivialities of social decorum. He only attempted to temper himself in an effort to be respectful. How could he expect to be heard, if he was rude? Right now, he could see that everyone here was scared, confused, and perhaps, some were desperate. He was desperate, but he was not so desperate as to crawl on his belly to a creature that he could not understand and may not want to understand him, only to be vivisected by her unyielding talons for so much as daring to invade her privacy.
No, he had a better sense of self preservation than that. |
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Post by buffyandbramble on Jan 12, 2020 17:02:21 GMT -6
Acorro
Acorro appeared completely oblivious to the fact that his pacing wasn’t the most reassuring thing in the world, but Altan had no way of checking him without drawing attention to them both. Instead he could only hope that Acorro would work it out, or that or his familiar would manage to get him to stand still – the painted wolf seemed to be quite emotionally aware and she was looking between the group and her skirmisher anxiously. Unfortunately, she didn’t seem like she was going to intervene for the time being, sitting stiffly in one spot whilst Acorro continued to pace back and forth behind her.
At the mention of the sandhawks the roan did pause his pacing briefly, tensing just as Rook did and for the first time focusing completely on the conversation and not the sky. Acorro had only seen the monster's skeleton in Alhaj and at the time he’d had no idea what he was looking at, only that he was grateful such a thing was extinct – or at least it had been. He was in no hurry to encounter a breathing counterpart, and he was even less keen on the idea that others might encounter it. He was still, waiting to see if anyone had any further speculation on sandhawks or their proximity, but when the discussion remained hypothetical he returned to his pacing with a somewhat brooding look on his face.
As the discussion turned religious, Acorro focused less on listening and more on thinking. He managed not to outwardly scoff at the idea of the flood-inducing storms as a gift, though he didn’t quite mask the eyeroll and he could only hope no one saw it. He wasn’t trying to be blasphemous or insulting, but he had experience enough to know when people might think he was being disrespectful. He knew he wasn’t very good at being religious, but just because he didn’t lament or repent or grovel or sing praises didn’t mean he didn’t care for Alya. He certainly didn’t doubt that the storms were born of the sky mother, nor did he hold any resentment for them, for he had always understood Alya to be the type that didn’t give something for nothing. They had to earn their rewards, and in this case earning their rewards was not being drowned by floods. Harsh, but very Alya. It also meant he scoffed somewhat at the idea of them being a gift.
As Rook almost growled Acorro stopped his pacing, his attention fixing immediately on the thunderbird and instinct had him reaching for his sword and shield the moment the thunderbird stood up. Lailah was beside his foreleg in a flash with her hackles up, both of them on edge and ready to spring into action if the situation turned dangerous. First priority: defend Zasha. Zasha who.... seemed completely unfazed.... It was Lailah that eased back first, an ear flicking forwards in some confusion as she read the situation, or lack of situation, until after a moment she stood from her crouch. Her hackles were still up and she could hardly be called relaxed but she was no longer ready to spring. She glanced to Acorro and when he didn't show any immediately signs of backing down she nipped him gently on the foreleg to warn him against any further action. She couldn't speak with him, as some familiars could with their companions,but they muddled through. He didn't take his eyes of the big thunderbird and the tension didn't fade from his muscles, but he drew his head back a little and lowered the shield, going so far as to rehook it to his harness. The sword that was half drawn was slid back into its sheath as orange teke faded away once more.
He didn't take his pacing back up, an ear swivelling to listen to Nero as he outlined their possible plan. He couldn't say he was enthused by the idea of it though he couldn't quite put his hoof on what specifically he didn't like. Working with the thunderbirds had been a necessity and whilst he couldn't deny that they had been helpful in the war (that they had still lost) it was never something he'd felt at ease with. He was a skirmisher and whilst he was hardly a veteran, he had been well aware of the ramifications of their attacks well before recent events. He might not have been used to the sheer ferocity of some of the attacks, but he wasn't unused to them. To him this was simply the status quo returning. Horses and thunderbirds had been warring for generations, it was simply how it was.
His ears pricked as Whirlwind spoke up and as the screamer continued Acorro's face settled into a deep frown.
"He's got a point," he agreed. In fact, the more he thought about it, the more he thought that they were excellent points. He was less and less fond of this half-plan to just talk by the second.
Altan
Altan bowed deeply to the Sultan at his arrival, otherwise silent whilst he listened to the points being thrown around and mulling them over in his mind. Speculation was rife, as was to be expected, but it was difficult to know exactly what to make of it all. All of the possible causes so far had merit, but there was nothing to say that they were missing something else. Perhaps, grim as it might seem, these were just a pair of unfortunate coincidences and there was nothing more to read into it than that.
He wasn’t comfortable about the idea of approaching the wild thunderbird clans on the little information that they had now. He was aware of the temporary alliance that had been brokered between them, but the alliance had been built upon the war with Aodh. With the peace treaty now in place, the rallying point for thunderbird and Seroran cooperation was gone. It was entirely possible that the mutual agreement was gone with it and this was simply things returning to how they had been previously. Granted the attacks seemed more violent than usual, but perhaps that was the absence of them making them seem more severe, or maybe thunderbirds that had disliked the idea of cooperation were simply doling out what they felt due to make up for their time as “allies”. It seemed a risky operation to approach one of them, and arguably the most dangerous one at that, when they didn’t even know how beneficial it would be. There was no guarantee that Malaika had the information they needed, even if she were still willing to share.
Or, as the chestnut so succinctly put it, that she wasn't behind it. It was a chilling thought.
"We can't write off cooperation on the basis of speculation," he said levelly after some consideration, wary that the discussion could be swung too easily one way or another by voices impassioned by fear, caution, or optimism. "The actions of a few do not necessarily speak for the belief of the many, nor do previously neutral clans change sides without some form of trigger."
"Maybe they just remembered they don't like horses, unless it's to hunt," Acorro grumbled, having clearly taken Whirlwind's idea in his teeth and settled firmly against the idea of risking anyone on a negotiation. Altan frowned slightly, shooting Acorro a look that his younger brother didn't see at all, too busy watching the thunderbirds in their midst. The mullah decided to ignore the less than helpful comment.
"But we do need to try and minimise any risks we take. Is there any way of identifying which clan a thunderbird is part of?" he asked, looking more to Bellona than to Zasha, before turning to the much younger member of their group. She didn't look much older than his own daughter and truth be told, he was loathe at the idea of her being asked to translate. She might seem excited by it, but he wondered if she truly understood how dangerous this could be. She obviously had a lot of affection for her familiar, but he wondered if that closeness, along with her youth, bred a sense of naivety as to the dangers that thunderbirds as a whole posed.
"I'm afraid I'm not very familiar with what thunderbirds consider a nice gift," he explained to her, his voice softening slightly. "Would you or Rook have any advice?" What did you offer a giant carnivore that had a culture completely foreign to you? What could they even make use of? "Some kind of fabric, maybe?" Would a thunderbird want something like a scarf? "Or perhaps jewellery?" he mused, wracking his brains and remembering reading something about territory totems, as well as thunderbirds collecting trophies. Some kind of neck piece might suffice as a showy item to mark status, and personal decoration was probably more useful than something like pottery.
Post #2
WC: 1502
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Post by kerarose on Jan 13, 2020 11:51:55 GMT -6
Avani
Seroran Advocate (City: Osulas)Interacting with: Jibriel, Nero, Zasha, Bellona, Acorro, Whirlwind The night of the attack had been terrifying, as Avani had cuddled close with Kilani, hearing the cries of Thunderbirds above. Kilani had laid beside her, shivering, as they listened to the cries and screams. She had longed to go out and help, but she could not leave Kilani alone, and she knew that she was no match, receiving only basic training in self-defense. It was a long, sleepless night for them both. This morning Avani had risen, leaving an exhausted Kilani in the care of a teenaged mare for a few hours while she went to speak- and listen. As she arrived, she greeted the Sultan and the Prophet with a nod, before settling in near Jibriel. For once, she was silent, listening to the discussions, thinking through the ideas offered. Finally, she raised her voice, which was somewhat loud, but thoughtful in tone.
"A gift would most definitely assist in our efforts to show we come in peace," she said, her mule's ears flicking back and forth, her golden horns shining in the sunlight. "I believe an offering of food might be useful, as might jewelry for the Great Matriarch and any female descendants." She thought again of what she knew of Thunderbirds- she knew they marked their territory, and that crafts were not something they were particularly good at, while equines with their teke were quite successful. "I believe that we must think of why we were attacked, so that we might be able to offer a good gift, and perhaps make negotiations easier." She turned to Jibriel, looking over at Osulas. "Is there anything in particular that is missing, or any place that seemed to be hit hardest, Sultan Jibriel?" she asked, her eyes intent on the Sultan.
She turned then to Acorro and Whirlwind, who were discussing the methods by which an equine might venture into the Thunderbirds' territory. She agreed that warriors might not present the best message to the Great Matriarch, but again one could not be sent alone. Sedo was dangerous at the moment with all of the raging weather, and sending a sole equine would almost certainly end with that equine's disappearance. "You are right that we cannot send a single equine, that would be extremely dangerous and quite idiotic," she said, her forehead wrinkled in thought. "And we can't expect that just waltzing into the Thunderbirds' territory would end any differently. We should send a message, first, asking to meet. And Thunderbirds would be the best to deliver such a message."
She turned to Bellona and Zasha then, noting their Thunderbird familiars. "Perhaps your companions would be willing to bring a message to the Great Matriarch on our behalf, as well as a gift to show how much a meeting might mean for us?" She looked at the two Serorans, giving a soft smile of her own. "Although we might not understand why they are suddenly attacking, and we might be angry or upset, we must be diplomatic. Once our message and gift is received, if the Great Matriarch approves, and I expect she might, as long as we give her something she needs or wants, then we can discuss the logistics of such a meeting."
She turned once more, to face the Sultan. "I am an Advocate for the cities of Serora, which are being attacked. As a representative for you all," she added, looking at the group, "I cannot sit by while this situation continues. If you would allow it, I would wish to be a member of the diplomatic group that meets the Great Matriarch. With your permission, of course."
She sat back, her speaking finally done. She hoped that the Sultan would allow her to speak on her people's behalf- she could not just watch as this happened.
(wow that's long, whoops!)
Post 1 | 650 words
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Post by ThatDenver on Jan 13, 2020 14:10:34 GMT -6
JIBRIEL
His words brought on the expected confusion, arguing and agreeing. The Seroran way of deciding things had never been the most efficient one in terms of how quickly speech led to action, as their way was to consider things together, rather than having a single horse decide for all. Just having the final word on these matters was a great enough burden.
Jibriel hadn’t been brought up to be a politician.
The gathered crowd went back and forth among themselves, until there finally was a lull in the discussion. Jibriel felt that he was expected to voice his opinion now – and to address the valid concerns that had been brought up by his people.
”There is hardly anything in Osulas worth stealing, Advocate. The only thing they didn’t attempt to topple is Esin’s shrine to Alya”, the Sultan said somewhat dryly, sounding somewhere between amused and saddened. There really was very little of Osulas left – very little that even could be destroyed or stolen. Some tents and temporary huts were easy enough to destroy even without a serious attempt to do so, which made it very hard to say if any particular area of the hut village has been a primary target for aggression.
”Your concerns are valid, of course. The Thunderbirds are dangerous – especially one as powerful as Matriarch Malaika, even though we know she can be reasonable. There is no guarantee of friendliness, and I do not expect us to convince one clan to go against the others or stop them”, Jibriel said, and gave a side-eye to some of the “domestic” thunderbirds among them: ”I seek understanding, not an agreement. If we act without information, we are sure to cause more harm than good. While an alliance would be most welcome, it is not something I expect to gain.”
”We should prepare a gift, yes. A variety of things, perhaps. Jewelry and décor, but also food – I am sure the storms are disturbing their hunting as they are disturbing our agriculture”, Jibriel said, but then added more thoughtfully: ”I think we shall contact them via Astral Projection. Ask for a meeting. If she doesn’t wish to meet, we will figure out something else. But no one is going alone – I don’t expect Malaika to be alone, nor do I expect her to humor any intruders into her territory, regardless of their species.”
Jibriel shifted his weight again. The leg was becoming more sore by the minute, and he summoned a slight air around it to support the limb.
The Savior would not be happy with him.
The Sultan looked around, at the gathered faces and at the torn-up settlement.
With a heavier voice, he added:
”We will see who can go when we know if there is to be a meeting. But I think some of us most stay here – and decide whether it is time for us to move our capital away from Osulas.”
Word count: 488
Post #2
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Post by kajeayn on Jan 13, 2020 20:00:05 GMT -6
She listened, long curved ears swiveling back and forth, pointing to each speaker as they took their turns, some angrier than others, her face remaining neutral but sympathetic, though her calm expression shattered when Rook turned on her. She blanched, taking a panicked step back behind Bellona, ears pinned flat as she stared in naked terror up at the looming figure as he growled at her, a sound that rose every hair on her body, rumbling through her chest and shaking her down to her marrow. Briefly, the world spun. The ground under her hooves shifted. Her eyes blurred before they squeezed shut. She quailed under his fiery glare, dropping her head as she thought, wildly, that she didn’t even know what she had done wrong but she had just gone and ruined the peace discussion. Some mullah she was! Zasha didn’t seem fazed by her companion’s sudden aggression, and Acorro, dear Acorro, seemed more then ready to leap into action if the thunderbird made a move to attack, her heart aching with gratitude to her friend as she did her best not to visibly cower. She opened her eyes, one at a time, and it was only then she realized she was standing beside him, as if she had been there all along, and she jolted, realizing she had simply teleported over to the stallion. She cleared her throat, straightening up as she shot Acorro a meek, grateful smile, glancing around the group, doubting her sudden reappearance had escaped anyone’s notice. Some mullah she was, indeed. Couldn’t control her emotions well enough to not use her blessing without her own consent. What was she, a child? For an uncomfortable moment, her mind soundlessly replayed images of herself, memories of appearing in strangers' houses and tents, hiding under tables as she begged herself to teleport away again. The smile on her face was strained, a fragile, crooked thing as she mutely gave Acorro a gentle brush of her nose against his neck as she walked back to her place beside Bellona, keenly aware of her legs trembling under her. She could have teleported back, but the idea of teleporting again made her queasy, and so she simply returned quietly back to Bellona’s side, keeping her between herself and Rook. Part of her simply wanted to leave. The rest of her, the part of her she often forgot was her, dug in her heels and raised her chin. She inhaled deeply, head lifted as she turned and met Rook’s eyes, ears flat against her head as she straightened. Terrified as she was, she would not cower. She was of Alya, and she would not bow to any. Fearsome mass of claws and feathers though he might be. “I agree,” She said, and was proud for her voice for not wavering. She wished she had thought of the blessing before now. “Astral projection seems the best option, here. Though, can great Matriarch Malaika speak our language?” She asked curiously. “Or would we have to find a Whisperer who can also astral project?” She had no idea if any were like that. Her eyes widened at the Sultan’s final suggestion, and she straightened up. “Move the capital?” She repeated in surprise. She hesitated. “I mean, I suppose it makes sense…” She turned her head, gazing around the rest of the city. Their little tent city, built up around the lake Alya had given them. Perhaps it made more sense to leave it, even if just for now. The only viable option for another capital was Alhaj, and honored as she would be to reside in the new capital, she felt a sudden, sharp pang at Osulas losing its title, even if there was no city left to hold it. It felt like losing it all over again.
post: #5 WC: 634
Essie just peed herself a lil bit don't worry about her |
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