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Post by kerarose on Feb 11, 2020 18:15:30 GMT -6
 A V A N I As Jibriel's words rang out, Avani's heart skipped a beat.
She had never thought of what fate Lux could have gone through. The fact that he might be a slave in Aodh broke her heart. Was that where he had been all of these months? Working nearly to death in their cities?
She listened to Ashitash speak, and while she agreed with the sentiment of the argument, the main idea was all wrong. They would leave innocents to die?
Not on her watch.
"Ashitash, if I may," she said, her ears flicking back and forth, "I understand how you feel. Aodh has harmed us time and again, has taken our people, has fought us in war."
She took a deep breath, steeling herself for the backlash. "But who are we if we allow innocents to die? Children, adults, poor and rich, normal citizens and those just acting under orders. That is who will perish if we fail to act. No matter what wrongs have been committed against us, I believe our nature to help, to welcome those wronged by whatever force may be, is what makes us Seroran. We cannot leave even one innocent equine to die at the hooves of these equine terrorists."
She faced the crowd then, begging them with her stance, her expression, to listen, to understand. "How many of you lost loved ones in the war, captured by Aodhians? They stand to be killed as well." She turned to Ashitash. "I do not like that they hold our citizens, our people, over our heads, either. But we cannot know if they are lying unless we give them a chance to prove themselves. Do I think precautions should be taken? Absolutely. But do I doubt them on principle alone? No. They are clearly desperate, if they are turning to us for help."
She faced Jibriel once more. "I believe in a Serora that doesn't let innocents be harmed, simply because we have too much pride. The world is changing, and the only way to survive in it is to unite, despite our differences."
She faced the crowd as her voice rang out, smooth and clear. "My vote is yes. We should help the Aodhians, not because we feel like we have to, but because it's the right thing to do."
WC: 392 | Post #3 |
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Post by taebun on Feb 11, 2020 20:06:32 GMT -6
![]() Valeera | 38 | The Wings (Warder)
The next matter is unusual...
Valeera's brow narrows as she turns her head to Jibriel, ears flicking towards him in anticipation. But no where in her mind was she able to prepare for the next topic that he had brought forth for them to speak on. Aodh requests our aid.
"Those pampered, Eithnian dogs have some gall to request our aid." She scoffs, her voice loud and words projected without an ounce of hesitation. Her gold coat bristles along her skin and Valeera stomps her hoof, dragging it slightly underfoot as she flares her wings - as if the upset in her voice wasn't already a tell-tale sign of where she stood on the matter. Before she was about to open her mouth again she was reminded of the equine standing right by her side, her wife, and Valeera takes a deep breath instead. But her expression and the edge in her voice do not change, nor do they waver.
Avani speaks once again and the practicality of her words sting the Warder and Valeera can almost feel her feet falling heavy and wanting to sink into the sand underfoot. Serora, time and time again stood for peace. Their herd welcomed outsiders with open arms and that included the kirins that had resurfaced - even if she was still personally wary towards them. But this.... other faction of hostile kirins was something that deeply troubled her. Valeera no doubt could imagine that the horror stories of the God's War was evident in everyone's minds at the mention of another slaughter at the hands of kirins once again.
Valeera takes into account Ashitash's response previous, emotions shared similar to her own but she also knows truth that ways heavy in the tattooed Advocate's words. She closes her eyes and falls quiet, waiting for Avani's words to pause before she finds her moment to speak again.
"Serora will not forget the blood that Aodhian's shed on our sands. The war they brought to our very doorstep." Her words are passionate, strong. Although her anger is being contained to the best of her ability, her expression and fierce eyes show it clearly.
"I do not want to agree with your words, Avani." Valeera tries to soften her tone as she turns to face the Advocate before looking to the crowd. "But our people live in those walls as well, and they need to be brought home." She glances are Jibriel, her brows lifting only slightly as she wonders what he could possibly think about their request.
"I would sooner die than believe the word of an Aodhian." She states flatly, ears flicking back towards her head as she raises her chin. "But there is one thing that I don't doubt, their sense of preservation." Valeera rolls her eyes at the thought of it but continues, albeit somewhat more calmly. "Innocent families don't deserve to die and if anyone on Hireath should see them safely and without harm it would very well be us." Her eyes soften as she regards the crowd, the faces of their people. But her gaze hardens for a moment.
"Let's send Aodh our aid, but our people should be first on those ships." |
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Post by kajeayn on Feb 12, 2020 15:15:26 GMT -6
Something boils under her skin. It’s hot, and strong like a flooded river, pushing and pulling at her heart, and for a few wild, confused moments she can’t name it. It pierces her like fangs, makes her clench her jaw and something unfamiliar in her wants to scream. She breathes in deeply, her form flickering as if she wants to teleport, but there is nowhere to go to get away from this, it is coming from inside, and the realization comes over her in a burning wave. This is anger. She is angry. She can’t remember ever being so angry. How dare they ask for help from them? How dare they? Their people live with them in chains, and they dangle them like cat toys, as Ashitash so eloquently put it. It suddenly occurs to her that she is speaking.
“How dare they,” She whispers, then again, louder. “How dare they?” Her head is lifted, all three eyes blazing. “To offer back our people as a bribe, as payment for services owed?” Her lips curl back, and she has never felt this look upon her face. Something in her is deeply ashamed. The rest thinks, finally, finally, stop hiding your real face little girl, be the Seroran you are inside, let them see. Angry, frustrated tears begin to leak at the corners of her eyes and she hates herself all the more for it, listening to Avani’s words through the tempo in her ears. She is just an angry child. Avani speaks reason, and a childish urge wants to lash out at her for it. She doesn’t want to listen. She doesn’t want Avani to be right. “I agree with Valeera.” She says firmly, and she barely knows the Wing, but she has a passing familiarity for most of the governmental horses here. She thinks she may be Tumble’s mother. Her mind is in a strange, chaotic place that makes her think of fire, and she violently stamps the thought away even as crimson eyes flash in her memory. “Avani is right, however. We cannot allow innocents to die. Not ever. That is not our way.” And for a moment, she longs to embrace that and to ignore the niggling, angry voice under her skin. She knows they cannot refuse. They are Seroran. This is as much as part of them as the sands beneath them and the wind in their hair. “But I wonder.” And here she almost hesitates, before she pushes on, the flame in her mind snapping at her heels. “What if this is a trap?” She asks. “They already took our people. What’s stopping them from inviting our ships into their harbor, to claim more?”
post: #4 WC: 449 |
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Post by foalish on Feb 13, 2020 17:45:00 GMT -6
Alcaeus
There was some satisfaction at seeing his new home to be considered the capital. He and his family had moved there when the Oasis has been taken over. Many horses had followed suit; it was bustling with life now. It only made sense to consider it the new capital after the loss of the old one.
It was the new topic the Sultan brought up that made Alcaeus pay close attention. He did not know of any happenings in Aodh currently. A war. It would make sense to why their war had even ended in the first place.
There was some pity, some rage, but an overwhelming sense of empathy. Alcaeus had been in wars. From many perspective, now. He knew there were many reasons for it - but the casualties were his biggest regret. It still haunted him to his day. And it probably would continue to be.
”We must show compassion in times like this. Aodh does not deserve compassion, but the people caught up, who will be killed without intervention deserve it.” He agreed with that one horse. ”There are many horses who never stepped foot in Serora, they are not our enemies.” His feathers ruffled, ”My only suggestion is that we do not house Aodhians who took part in the war in Sedo.” Maybe they could change. But right now it wasn’t a risk worth taking; not when months ago they were tearing their cities down.
Post 3 | WC: 245 |
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Post by hiddenbubbles on Feb 14, 2020 18:11:55 GMT -6
SandPiper
Post Three | 271 words
Piper couldn't tell if her heart had leaped into her throat, or dropped into the pits of her stomach. It felt as though the crowd was pressing in on her, and yet she felt more alone than ever before. Her bicolored gaze sought out comfort. Where was Whirlwind? Was Esin still by her side?
Kirins were killing innocent people. The news shouldn't have surprised her, only a few months ago she was convinced they were heartless murderers, but now? Now, all she could see when she heard of kirins was Arokh. The blood bay bastard wasn't a saint by any means, but he certainly wasn't a killer. Was it just a matter of time before he, too, turned on her and Whirlwind?
Her head was spinning, her thoughts flying faster than she could possibly comprehend them. Everything she knew told her to help, to protect. Kirins were evil, the children of Ignacio, but her experience with Arokh made her falter. Aodhians were also children of Ignacio. Countless Serorans had gone missing because of them, and now they were asking for help?
She was confused. Anger and hurt were overwhelming her, and her gaze grew blurry through unshed tears. She stubbornly blinked them away, looking to Esin, who was now speaking. She knew her, and so she focused on her.
"We should help Aodh, even if only to get our own people home." Piper said, letting her thoughts be known before slinking ever close to the mullah. She wasn't sure what to say or what to do. She just needed a rock in her storm of emotions.
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Post by Zookcan on Feb 14, 2020 22:01:56 GMT -6
ASHITASH
"Sometimes we need to be reminded of where we're at in the world."
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"Again, if Aodh holds true to its word, then sure, I'm all for helping them," Ashitash clarifies with a firm tone and a stamp of her hoof. "That's just the thing, truth. Though we can all agree with was with good intentions, we've broken deals with them before -- Alya willing, they will not use that as an excuse to do the same to us. But unfortunately, thinking back to the war and the treaty, I think there's a enough evidence lying around to justify our concerns. Aodh is not trustworthy in the heckin' slightest."
The fire in her eyes burns, and Ashitash forces herself to look away. After all, it isn't toward Avani. She had heard the rest of her people speak, and though it took every inch of herself to admit it; they were right. Innocent children should not be left to burn. "Valeera makes a pretty good point. Aodhians may be haughty and suffer from a really overblown superiority complex, but one thing I doubt they are is stupid enough to put what might be their only possible aid in chains. If someone other than the Eithnians has verified that there really is a ---faction hellbent on burning everything to the ground, then I can believe it."
She held her tongue and kept herself from saying kirin. Scary as it may have sounded to hear tales of kirins with the same destructive desires as those in the Gods War, she must refrain for Inigo's sake. The poor boy, what will this mean for him if there is word of kirin terrorists up north?
"So no, I don't think it's just a ploy to get more slaves out of us. Doesn't mean we shouldn't take the steps necessary if it is. But I still doubt that Aodh will keep to its word." With a hiss, she looks over her people, her lips pursing in frustration. She feels sad for them, for having to deal with this, for having to put up with the audacious northerners. Truth be told, she still wished they never made that deal with Aodh in the first place. "...But either way," She muses to the rest of the Council, "It's going to be hard, I think. Regardless of what we decide I don't doubt there's going to be opposition..."
Fucking damn. "Aight', listen up, for the sake of our people, I am for sending aid to Aodh. But I suggest that we ask for the return of Serorans first. Captured Serorans -- any and all who were put in chains as a result of the war, should be the first horses to be sent back home, alongside children. We will have families reunited, and friends returned. And if Aodh doesn't grant us this ... then may they face their justice tenfold!" She can feel the disgust slipping off her tongue for even thinking of having to aid those arrogant dogs. Ashitash wonders how long most of them would last in the desert? Alya willing, Aodh will not find some sort of loophole. "...There's a saying, ya know. Fool me once, shame on you, fool me twice..."
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Post #5
Word Count: 519
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Post by hydrus101 on Feb 16, 2020 21:43:41 GMT -6
 S H E P H E R D• Vagabond | Harbinger •
”The phoenix must burn before it can be born again.”
Despite his feelings as of late, Shepherd was still a Seroran at heart and the proposition to move the capital cut him deeply. He knew it was the rational decision, the logical one, with the state the place was in currently. He listened as the horses around him spoke and debated within themselves but stayed silent on this matter. As Jibriel announced the final decision, Shepherd turned slightly to observe the faces around him. Some were disheartened, others were impassive, and there was one mare a few steps away from him with wet eyes. He too felt her sorrow, and gently extended his wing to brush against hers, a silent gesture of sympathy.
The sultan continued and Shepherd was taken aback by the news. In a momentary lapse of control, his gaze darted towards Cynbel and Marius before quickly glancing away. Shepherd knew better than most that it was unfair to lump all the kirins together, but the stories of old still stuck. He couldn’t imagine what they must be thinking, much less feeling.
The idea of aiding Aodh set a grimace on Shepherd’s face, but if they could free their people from the dragon’s grip... Regardless, it was worth considering, if what this messenger had said was true. Ashitash had a very good point.
“If I may,” Shepherd spoke up for the first time this meeting, lifting his head high, “Doesn’t it seem a little odd that the Aodhians have come to us, such a short time after our war, instead getting the assistance of their neighbors to the East? Why do they offer the return of our people if they could simply ask the War-Forged to assist them? Are they no longer allies? Is this faction truly enough of a threat that they feel the need to call upon us?”
Eyes hard, Shepherd shook his head slightly. “Perhaps I am missing some part of the puzzle, but I cannot shake the uneasy feeling I have about this situation. Besides, how can we ensure that they will return all of our people? I don’t believe the Aodhians are above forging their registers and claiming their slaves came from elsewhere.”
WC: 361
Post: 2
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Post by SkyOfNewMoon on Feb 17, 2020 16:37:29 GMT -6
Fen;Serora | Advocate
Alya hold the skies
Fen was happy that the first decision was made swiftly, she hoped it meant they were going to get through the next topics just as quickly and she could get back to not being in the eye-line of the public.
However, she guessed that might not be the case when one of the next few words that came out of the Sultan's mouth was 'Aodhian'. Her eyes narrowed instinctively, what did those rats want now. It felt like just days before they had come with their conditions for stopping the war they had started, what the bloody hell did they want now.
Not wanting to make a big scene at the meeting, the large hippocampus waited quietly for all the terms to come out and other opinions to come forth before she formed her own and she certainly did not have to wait long.
Fen agreed with Ashitash's words, that the Aodhians were not to be trusted. Skies above, they could guess their grand councils stood about in glamorous shining chambers discussing the terms for Serora, trying to give back as little as possible. But Avani's words did ring true, they couldn't just leave innocents that had no hand in the plannings of war to die to those scaled beasts. Then came the words of her love, her fiery passion forefront in her words. Fen's whisker reached out to her wife's neck. Giving her the support and grounding as she voiced her opinion. Still Fen decided to wait before she spoke. The voices of the public spoke out, but it wasn't until Shepherd spoke that Fen truly listened, he made a great point, where were Aodh's other allies in this moment. The Advocate didn't think that they had lost them, Aodh had too much to give to truly lose allies, but they must have been just as spent as her people were, after such a brutal and prolonged war. Giving her fins a shake, working up her confidence, Fen chose to speak. "While I agree Aodh is trash and not worth our trust, I think we're in an important position here. Shepherd brings up a great point, why are they coming to us for aid? Is it because we're a cheap bargain? Or because they've overused their own allies resources? It's hard to say." She begins her hooves moving a little restlessly. "If they're so desperate for our help, why are we letting them negotiate the terms? Obviously we need to help those of theirs that cannot help themselves, but I think we're in the position to truly free our people, not just those who are captive in their lands." She finishes promptly. Taking a smaller step back to finish her piece. Alya above, how she wanted to be free from the rats of Aodh.
WC: 465 | Post #3 |
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Post by kajeayn on Feb 17, 2020 18:50:33 GMT -6
As the screamer sidles closer to her, she wishes, far for the first time, that she had a wing to drape over her friend. Being under Bellona’s wing always made her feel safe- but she cannot think of that right now, she must put her far from her mind. She turns her head, touching her nose gently to Piper’s neck with murmured words of comfort. Angry and pained as she is, she cannot ignore her friend’s silent request for support. Relief floods her face at the raised support from Shepherd and Fen- she’s unspeakably grateful for the older members of the herd backing her up. It was not as if she was the only one to be suspicious, but she worried that others, like Ashitash, would dismiss her concerns of this being a trap. She gazes across the crowd, meeting Shepherd’s eyes to give them a grateful dip of her head. Shepherd has always been kind, even if there is a strange sensation that sometimes niggles at the back of her mind when he speaks. It is undoubtedly nothing, just her jealousy rearing its ugly head when speaking with older mullah, and it is absent here today, buried under waves of anger and fear. She hasn’t felt it since their meeting at the tower, and it is easily forgotten and dismissed, especially in the face of her support. Had she not been consumed with anger and relief, she might have felt ashamed for even remembering the uneasy feeling Shepherd’s words sometimes gave her. “It’ll be all right,” She soothes Piper, but she raises her voice, enough to be heard by others “I have faith in our sultan, and Alya will not allow more harm to come to us. She said it herself. No more.” She echoes the words spoken, when Alya came to Osulas and brought down water. She lifts her head, gazing out over the crowd. “But we should not go looking for trouble for her to guide us out of. We are still her people, and we must extend our aid to any who ask, but we must go with eyes wide open. I agree with Fen and Shepherd, there must be a reason they come to us, and I’m not sure that reason is a noble one.” Her eyes blaze, her mouth set in a hard line. She keeps the agreement about them being in a position of power to herself, but she knows they all must be thinking about Fen’s words. To be free of the agreement, even if it’s just more than one term? That is a powerful thought indeed, and she mulls over it. Why should they allow Aodh to set the terms, when they are the ones in need of help? Do they take Serora for fools? Her eyes harden. They certainly do. The war proved that. Her stomach rolls, and the words of her goddess burn behind her eyes. NO MORE.
post: 5 WC: 489 |
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Post by lightningwolf913 on Feb 17, 2020 21:00:21 GMT -6
= W H I R L W I N D =
"-"
WC: 781 | Post: 2Whirlwind had listened in silence, gauging the growing tension in their place of gathering and remaining unresponsive and aloof to the wave of emotion that was weighing down upon them all. The subjects were sensitive. He grew up just outside of Osulas. He remembered climbing the stairs with his mother, stumbling and tripping along with baskets of provisions grasped firmly in his shaky teke, things to trade and things to bring home. He remembered his parents touching noses in the shade of the cliffs, reminiscing of beautiful times, of how they met, how they fell for one another. That place was gone now. It had been smothered for the sake of its own protection, and now it had become a beautiful, glittering lake.
The decision would have been the same for him, no matter the emotions that stirred behind it. Moving to Alhaj was the obvious choice, and it was the most reasonable. It was the least sentimental, clinging to memories instead of moving on; preserving. However, the next topic produced an indiscernible rage in his gut. No, he was not shocked that it was even a question. Serora was too soft and too quick to fall to their knees and beg, in his own opinion. Now, they'd give in and run to the aid of a nation that had dared to cross into their borders, dared to make demands, dared to take innocent lives? He was not so innocent anymore himself, not after that war. It had stolen that from him. A part of the seroran in him had died with the final breath of that chevalier mare.
They'd been all but ready to kill he and Mazuku as well. However, he was not the only one. They'd starved, they'd been scorched in the sun and frozen through the nights. The world had been turned into a raging ball of fire beyond discernible comprehension and he remembered so little from the war, because all he had been able to do was preserve, push forward, move on. However, he was not so quick to forget the invaders, and he was not so quick to forgive their faults.
The anger bubbled deep in his gut, and not even the presence of Piper on one side, speaking so reasonable, not even she could quell it. Esin's words stirred it further, the golden pegasus, Shephard's statement churning it into a burning ember. The agreements, the reasoning, the affirmation that they should help because it was the Seroran thing to do. Who cared about recovering pieces of who they were as a herd? Who cared about protecting their own dignity when the lives of countless others had been snatched from their parted jaws as they screamed, for help, for mercy?
Avani, his childhood mentor, she who had taught him to sing, to dance, to live, to breathe, to be a proper seroran, now stood in front of the crowd and she preached in favor of such a disgusting thing. Help? Help them, why??
He'd remained silent until now. Now, he could no longer.
"How DARE they? How dare YOU?" he spat, his words sharp and biting like venom from the fangs of a snake. They ripped from his chest with a strength he'd never summoned before. "We owe them NOTHING, not even for the recovery of the prisoners that they took. Would we stoop so low, would we allow them to walk on us to make demands for our help in return for our innocent civilians lives? How many did they take? How many more will we lose in their defense?"
He took a moment to breathe, listening, reasoning, and all foolish, foolish words, foolish suggestions, foolish... But he wasn't alone. He wasn't the only one who felt this way.
"They don't deserve it." He snarled. "They can crawl on their yellow bellies and lick the dirt off of the heels of the leadership of some other herd if they want help. They should never have taken prisoners in the first place. We took none of them! We should take back what's ours while they're distracted, if anything! Who belongs with us, amongst us. If their fire god they worship is so all powerful and so gracious, then HE will save them."
He almost felt guilty, almost, for going against what SandPiper had said, the words she had spoken. However, he thought she was wrong. He was certain that she was wrong, in this case. And everyone who agreed to send the Aodhians aid were boot lickers too. Where was the pride in being Seroran if they were so quick to toss their integrity and their resolve out the window whenever anyone cried for help? |
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Post by Mad-Manx on Feb 18, 2020 14:11:24 GMT -6
Tahla | Council Member | He/Him
He was quite late; that much was clear as Tahla evenly strode towards the gathered crowd. There was little to be done, however, and Tahla sidled alongside his comrades with as much grace as his stiff muscles would allow.
He acknowledged Jibriel with a brief nod before taking his place among the Council members, turning his attention to the words of the crowd before them. It was clear that the current debate had struck a cord, the anger and frustration at Aodh's request radiating in an almost palpable manner from the gathering. He listened as opinions and words flew about, giving voice to the resentment that had been festering for sometime.
Tahla cleared his throat loudly, his gravelly voice carrying.
"I can understand the concern surrounding providing aid to Aodh. However at this point, they have given us no reason not to trust their word when it comes to political agreements," Tahla began slowly, casting an eye towards his fellow council members.
"When the original agreements were made, Aodh promised to provide resources in return for captured Vagabonds - and they followed through," Tahla continued roughly, his voice thick with calm as he regarded the crowd. "Likewise, Aodh promised war if we did not hand over the gathered Vagabonds and chose to break our agreement prematurely - which, they delivered."
"I do not agree with their propensity for accumulating slaves," Tahla added firmly, "especially of our own people. But whether or not I agree with their methods or practices, I cannot deny that Aodh has come through with their political promises thus far. I see no reason why they would begin lying now."
"The chance to liberate our own people and reduce the impact of the war reparations is not something to ignore. We are not being asked to fight their war. We are being asked to rescue and shield civilians. Though I may regard their practices as morally abhorrent, so far Aodh has upheld every deal we have extended them, giving me reason to believe they will come through on this as well."
His eyes fell to Jibriel as he fell silent, giving him a firm nod.
"I vote we aid the refugees in Aodh."
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Post #1 | Word Count: 364
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Post by ThatDenver on Feb 19, 2020 15:44:07 GMT -6
JIBRIEL
The debate got lively, just as he had expected. Jibriel did not really know what side of the argument the discussion would end up landing on – he wasn’t even completely sure what side he landed on. As distasteful as helping Aodh was, it was equally distasteful as an idea to abandon people to their deaths.
But he felt that, despite the heated voices, this had been the right choice. It would have been just as bad to reject this offer outright without sharing it, as it would’ve been to accept it without a vote.
The people deserved to choose one way or the other.
”My sources on the kirins are people I know and trust. They’re people I know from my past, and they wouldn’t lie to me on such a matter; helping Aodh does not benefit them”, he replied simply to Ashitash, and then added: ”I have heard other things, too, but on those my sources are less reliable, and as such, I will not bring them into this argument.”
”The people we are evacuating are rural. If there are any Chevaliers in the mix, Aodh will surely want them in the New Valore port just as much as we don’t want them on our lands”, Jibriel said, sounding slightly amused. No, Aodh wouldn’t be sending any of their fighting forces to Sedo if they could avoid it.
”As for why us, I asked the same myself”, he tells them, before shaking his head slightly: ”It is a matter of convenience, it seems. Breim does not have a coastal city, and evacuation via land is too dangerous, as kirins occupy most of northern Eithne. The journey to War Forged in the icy winter waters is almost equally dangerous; and apparently there are concerns of wyvern attacks if ships are sailed up the coast. Aquore is obviously far more distant than we are.”
Jibriel tilts his head slightly, thoughtful as he adds: ”But they do have options. The Rogues and the Forged. They’re just… Not as convenient. This means they are not willing to add further stipulations to the deal. They will begin organizing the transport of our people as soon as they have our agreement, as they wish us to sail as soon as possible. I was promised we could get the first group on our journey home from Eithne – but many Serorans captured before the war are in Aodh under Vagabond label, and our own records were largely destroyed. This means we must do our part in this effort – gather names and descriptions, dates of disappearance. This, I feel, we must start immediately. The sooner we are done with it, the sooner we can have our people back.”
”I must also admit the kirins… Concern me. I hope to learn more of them in the near future. While many kirins”, his eyes travel to a few he spots in the crowd, one of them a peculiar one with two heads: ”Are no different from us, it seems this particular faction is militant and violent.”
Our goddess would not approve.
Word count: 511
Post #3
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Post by kerarose on Feb 19, 2020 16:53:40 GMT -6
A V A N I Avani had said her piece, and was content to rest- she was in favor of helping Aodh, mostly because she could not stomach leaving innocents to die- but the turn in conversation interested her. It was curious as to why Aodh came to Serora for help, that was true, but in the grand scheme of things, it wasn't that important.
Jibriel's words turned her heart to stone. How dare slave traders say that Serorans were Vagabonds?! They were lawful herd horses- many had been born on Serora's sans, and would end their lives under Alya's skies- it was illegal to do such a thing! Her ears pinned back, and a snort escaped her before she could hold it back. She took a second to take a deep breath of fresh air before stepping forward.
She glanced at Jibriel at his remarks of records needed. "Jibriel, if I may," she said, nodding her head. "Perhaps we could gather this information like we collect a vote for Sultan?" She smiled slightly, her brain loving the logistical puzzle. "I would be willing to notate the information we receive, so that it is all in one place for us to send to Aodh."
Her heart soared- Lux could be one of the ones that Aodh had captured! While that fate was not great, it was far better than the alternative one- she did not think that she could handle his death. She sent a quick prayer to Alya, praying that She would hear her. Please, please, send Lux home!
WC: 264 | Post #4 |
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Post by Luneby on Feb 20, 2020 4:57:09 GMT -6
 A D E L A I D E Council member
Adelaide followed soon after Tahla, quiet as she made her way in. She was late too – and listened carefully to all that was said, thinking quickly. A quick glance towards her colleagues was the silent salute she offered, then ducked her head before the Sultan. She perked up her ears, weighing the room before the spoke.
“I do not doubt your sources, Sultan. You would not bring up the subject for debate it there was no certainty in those words, and I know that you only have the herd’s best interests at heart.” She took a moment to herself, gathering her thoughts. “That being said, I hear and understand every concern that was raised thus far. Yes, Aodh embodies everything that we despise. Yes, Aodh has killed and taken away our people from us. Yes, Aodh almost destroyed everything we had. But we stood together and were strong in adversity: they can do nothing, in the current state of things, that could damage us further.”
“ Not helping the Aodhian refugees would oppose to everything we believe in. Condemning Aodh’s practices does not mean we have to punish them – they are facing a punishment like none other currently. We cannot enforce our own laws onto them – but we can enforce our own beliefs onto ourselves and be the better people. The common Aodhian is not the one who chained and beat our sort – civilians deserve to live just as much as anyone else. I believe that we should live up to who we are as a community, and do the right thing. We must save innocent lives when given the chance."
“ Above all, we need to get our people back home with us, where they belong. This should be our priority. We are given an unhoped chance to save them without having to put up another war – without having to lose anyone else to Aodh’s barbaric antics. We need to do this, for them.”
“ I vote we give Aodh our support.”
She took a breath, and looked around the room – weighing the reactions. “Now, doing so won’t come without a number of hurdles. Getting to Aodh is the first one of course, retrieving the people here safely. But I am mostly concerned about the cohabitation between aodhians and serorans – which we all know will be difficult, to say the least. If we were to help Aodh indeed, how will we prevent conflict? Before taking any hasty decisions, we need to plan ahead how we intend to house the civilians in order to make their stay as untroubled as possible – for both their sake and our own.”
***
WC: 437| Post # 1
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Post by SkyOfNewMoon on Feb 20, 2020 20:45:57 GMT -6
Fen;Serora | Advocate
Alya release the skies
The Advocate gave a gentle nod to the late-coming Councillors. Happy to have more faces for the general public to look at, less attention on herself, which was noted by the way her tail softly and gently swept over to touch Valeera's leg. Letting her know they were there together and calm.
She was very glad for the all of the information their Sultan had, glad he could so openly answer any question that was fired his way. It made her proud to be one of the Government in this time and made her more confident in the decisions they were making.
Fen listened intently as a couple more gave their opinions then made up her mind, "I vote to save Aodh's ass and get our people home." She told her Jibriel confidently. "I have complete faith we can work out the details and we can begin to do that, including gathering names for our lost families, just as soon as this meeting is over. So let's crack on." She added with a hint of impatience. Now that they knew their outline, they could work on the inbetween and get Alya's people home, the rest would follow.
(That's a yes to aid Aodh)
WC: 197 | Post #4 |
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Post by kajeayn on Feb 22, 2020 2:49:59 GMT -6
Her ears pin as she listens to the sultan’s speech, but her anger is fading, only somewhat, but enough to allow her to think carefully over his words. He trusted his informants, and she would trust him on that. He had no reason to lie about it, and she trusted his judgement. It did make sense, as much as a strange part of her didn’t want it to. She didn’t want to reason out why the Aodhians did anything. The idea of Serora being a convenient choice makes her scowl, just for a moment, glowering down towards her hooves, the turquoise gems winking at her in the light. The color calms her, just a little. Her curved ears flick up, pointing towards Avani, and she turns her head towards her. “If I may as well, I would offer my services to help collect these records, should we move forward with that plan.” She says, stepping forward, glancing once at Piper reassuringly. “I am a mullah, and I am blessed with teleportation. I could go to many places and write down records very quickly.” She explains, inclining her head. Even a potential plan is better than nothing at all, and it gives her something to think about, something she can physically do. She breathes in deeply, relieved at the idea of having something she can do to help. She will be nowhere near these ships, not if she can help it. She will do anything, anything, to make sure that as many of her people come home as possible. Even if Aodh tries to snake their way out of this. She feels a flash of sharp, seething anger and worry, thinking about Serorans labeled vagabonds, denied a place on the boat home. “But what part of the treaty would we drop?” She questions. Personally, she believes they should negotiate to drop more, but she keeps that to herself- it’s not her place to voice that opinion. Besides, Aodh may back out of the deal if they push their luck. Her ears flatten at the very idea of them dangling their lost people before their eyes only to snatch them back.
post: 6 WC: 359 |
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Post by ThatDenver on Feb 22, 2020 12:57:13 GMT -6
JIBRIEL
More voices piped in with their opinions. Many of them he did not know, but a scribes standing near him tallied out each vote, and even made slight notes on some of the opinions. Jibriel waited patiently, determined not to vote himself – he was afraid it would affect the voting, one way or another.
Finally, everyone who wanted to speak up had done so, and the scribes double checked each other’s counts.
After a moment, the result was clear.
”We have voted to send aid to Aodh. Me and my Wings will discuss the practical matters after this meeting”, he said, and then nodded his head and went on: ”This means we will have to decide on which term of the treaty we wish to have removed, as well. Some of the terms are obviously things not worth considering – there’s no point in taking out the clause about free trade, or the return of Aodhian goods, as one benefits us, and the other has already been done. For everyone’s benefit, I will repeat the terms in full to all of you, and then I ask you to vote once more.”
Jibriel went over the treaty in a loud, booming voice, before settling back into silence, allowing others to discuss and vote.
Word count: 211
Post #4
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Post by kerarose on Feb 22, 2020 14:41:41 GMT -6
A V A N I Her heart soared as the gathered crowd voted to send aid to the Aodhians. She took a sigh of relief- Lux could be coming home! Of course, now that they agreed to send aid, they had to decide which term of the treaty to remove. For her, it came down to two. First, the reparations- giving Aodh so many things was going to be incredibly taxing on the herd. Trade could include such items, and as a result they would receive actual goods in return.
But there was also the issue of an Envoy sitting in on governmental meetings. There was no doubt that anything said in a meeting of the Seroran government would be repeated to the ears of the Aodhian King. Having no secrets for an entire year would be incredibly difficult, and could lead to issues.
Gathering her thoughts, she stood tall. "I am torn between two of the terms. Obviously, the reparations are one we should consider. It will be difficult to send items every year to Aodh while continuing to produce what we want and need. With free trade, we should be able to send the goods they want, while we gain goods in return."
She frowned a bit, thinking of the next item. "And while Ambassadors should definitely be exchanged, I greatly object to the Aodhian Envoy sitting in on governmental meetings for the next year. We will have no secrets, and we do not need to be babysat while we run Serora." She spits out the final words, her ears pinned back. Serorans are not children, as much as Aodh thinks they are.
Gaining back control, she turns to Fen, and the others. "What say you, friends?"
(she's not deciding yet, just wants to hear discussion)
WC: 302 | Post #5 |
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Post by Zookcan on Feb 22, 2020 21:44:17 GMT -6
ASHITASH
"Sometimes we need to be reminded of where we're at in the world."
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"Ugh, if we're really doing this ..." The disdain runs thick through her voice. Just the thought of sharing streets with Ignacio's fire fucks makes her pelt itch beneath her cloak. With her teke she pinches the bridge of her nose, brows furrowing deeply with thought while trying to stuff down her fiery temper. How will her family respond? How will the herd react as a whole to living beside the Aodhians? And the so-called Water Bandits---she could already feel this agreement adding fuel to their fire.
"...I suggest abolishment of sending war reparations northward." The zebra suggests, her tone remaining dry and firm. "At this point it's fuckin' unnecessary. We did not trespass onto their land. We did not raid, destroy and occupy their cities. Our resources already stretch thin as a result of last year's drought and the war. How do they expect us to look after ourselves and their refugees when they already demand a portion of our trade?"
Her ear flicks, and she raises a hoof. "The Oasis, which was ultimately Serora's saving grace throughout the drought and the war, now rests under the control of bandits. One the most plentiful sites is no longer within our access. I'm hopeful that with Alhaj and ... whatever Osulas has been turned into, we'll be able to rebound quickly. But if we're gonna do this ... if we're REALLY gonna' do this, we're going to need to be prepared."
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Post #6
Word Count: 238
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Post by galekxy on Feb 23, 2020 10:22:49 GMT -6
 TESLASerora CouncillorThey had agreed that they should send aid to Aodh. Regular civilians were not the ones who started a war, and Tesla did not find them to blame. The kirins were a threat to all, so why should they leave some to suffer just because of something their royalty decided?
Tesla had not liked how some voiced their concerns. Jibriel spoke to clarify some aspects of the request, and then it was decided that aid would be sent. Tesla listened to the treaty again, weighing each of the terms. They let their gaze slide to Ashitash, observing her tone over the subject. Tesla knew Aodh was greatly disliked- they didn't hold them in high regard- but they could not all be bad. "I would hope this act of goodwill towards Aodh will keep them by our side in the future. Their people will remember that we came to help."
Thinking more on the treaty and listening to Ashitash and Avani, they spoke again. "I too believe we should end sending goods to Aodh. It is the obvious choice, and one that will have the best outcome for us. We need the resources, and with regular trade already being conducted with Aodh, we'll have equal profits."
Tesla is voting to remove the 3rd part of the treaty
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Post by Mad-Manx on Feb 24, 2020 16:42:32 GMT -6
Tahla | Council Member | He/Him
Tahla's head nodded slightly as the conversation shifted in topic. This, at least, it seemed they could all agree on. The war reparations were by far the most taxing terms of the treaty, and Tahla had little doubt that eliminating - or even reducing - them would serve their country better in the long run.
"I also agree," Tahla began once Tesla finished speaking. "The current terms of the treaty have Serora paying reparations for a decade. Those resources could be put to better use to helping rebuild our own country, and aid in strengthening our current trade agreements."
"Besides," he added carefully, with a subdued nod to Avani, "choosing to evict the Aodhian ambassador from our political meetings may garner some suspicion that we may be intentionally hiding some information. While Aodh may choose to respect the decision, it may sour future relations. After all- t is only a year. Compared to a decade of war reparations, I believe we can afford to welcome an Ambassador into our meetings temporarily."
Tahla grew quiet for a long moment, before adding his final say.
"My vote is also towards ending the yearly war reparations."
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Post #2 | Word Count: 191
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Post by Luneby on Feb 28, 2020 5:05:28 GMT -6
A D E L A I D E Council member
Adelaide agreed with her colleagues. Ever since the treaty was signed, she kept pondering about how hypocritical this term was. Indeed, none could imagine a herd that flew so close to destruction could be rebuilt while carrying the crushing burden that was the reparations demanded by Aodh. It occurred to her that the goal of such a measure was to render Serora harmless: by draining it for a decade, the herd would no longer represent a threat to Aodh. The idea was to let them survive, but by no means to let them blossom. It was unimaginable to let this term remain now that they had a chance to abolish it – the wheel was about to turn in Serora’s favour. “I agree wholeheartedly with all of you. Without those burdensome reparations, there is no muzzling Serora in the foreseeable future. By abolishing this term, we claim our power back.”
“As for the ambassador… As much as I do not enjoy of having our decisions observed either, showing Aodh without fear our ways of governing will only show them that we stand strong. We don’t have anything to be ashamed of – despite, it is very likely that the decisions that will be taken over the course of the year will be dedicated to the rebuilding of our home for the most part, as well as the cohabitation with their people, depending how long they will stay. None of this could damage us.”
“I vote the end of the reparations over the next decade as well.”
***
WC: 254| Post # 2
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Post by ThatDenver on Feb 28, 2020 7:06:14 GMT -6
JIBRIEL
”You make an excellent point, my friends. It would indeed appear suspicious – as I think would abolishing term 6, no matter how much we dislike Aodh”, Jibriel said, looking at his gathered council, such as it was on this day. He was grateful for their assistance, even if some of them were clearly strained just discussing these things.
Not that Jibriel himself had ever imagined such a discussion would come to pass. Not with how stern Aodh had been in the initial peace negotiations.
He wondered, absently, if Aodh had known even then that they might need Serora – if the terms were so crafted as to allow for this very thing to come to pass.
Alas, it was not for him to know, only to guess at.
He looked around at the gathered populace as well, and noticed that some had already left the crowd, either because the topic no longer interested them, or perhaps because they were angry.
In politics, someone always went unhappy. That was an unfortunate truth of it. No compromise could be so great as to please every single person, not in matters like this at least.
”The floor is open if someone else would still wish to vote or state their opinion”, Jibriel said, and nodded his head in an understanding manner: ”Otherwise I feel that this meeting is soon coming to an end.”
Word count: 229
Post #5
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Post by kerarose on Feb 28, 2020 19:57:20 GMT -6
A V A N I Avani nodded her head, golden horns shining in the light as she listened to discussions. She heard her Sultan speak, and knew that she should make her decision. "It seems that the war reparations clause is the one most want to eliminate, and I must agree," she said, her voice warm and inviting. "Eliminating that will give us more buying power. And, in addition to the clause where Aodh sends foodstuffs, Serora should be in a good position moving forward."
She smiled at the rest of the crowd, noting that some were beginning to leave. Jibriel was right- this meeting would be over soon. She knew that her missing family would be among the first to be on the Sultan's list, with Lux first and foremost. Kilani needed her papa, and she needed her partner.
Once more, she turned to the Sultan. "Are there any other matters we need to discuss today? If not, I would like to make my list of missing Serorans, and prepare Kilani and myself for the move to Alhaj." She smiled slightly at Jibriel, grateful for his guidance.
WC: 192 | Post #6 |
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Post by buffyandbramble on Feb 29, 2020 15:50:03 GMT -6
It was decided. Osulas would no longer hold the title of the capital, and whilst Altan wasn't surprised at the verdict he couldn't quite manage to ignore the twist of grief it sent through his gut. It was borne entirely of sentiment and nostalgia and he knew that the move was the sensible choice, but that didn't lessen the loss. Sentiment and nostalgia may not be ideal emotions, but they were still real, tangible, and important. Today, Serora had officially lost its heart.
His own heart was heavy as he listened to the discussions that continued on around him, his eyes on the slate before him as quietly scribbling down notes. He started slightly at the news from Aodh, pausing in his note taking to ensure that yes, he had heard that correctly. Aodh was asking them for aid? He grimaced at the thought, his own emotions a tangled mess that refused to be forced back into their bottle and contained. He could not tell himself he was not angry with the northern nation, that the thought of offering them aid was not a great repulsion. He also could not bare to think that some part of him, for whatever reason, was happy to entertain the notion of leaving others to a grim fate he had not thought he could wish upon his greatest enemy. He horrified himself, and he squirmed internally that he could not entirely disagree with the angry voices that called for them to forsake the nation that they had warred with.
War was a disgusting thing, and the wounds it left would continue to fester long after it had ended.
He didn't trust himself to speak on the issue, and even if he did the conflicted mess of emotions had closed his throat. He kept his eyes down and on his notes, trying to kind comfort in the form of the lines rather than their content. He didn't look up again until a familiar voice caught his ear where he raised his eyes to see his sister had arrived. He watched her speak for a moment, finding solace in the fact that she was there and as he listened to her speak he smiled softly, proudly. She had come so far.
He was deeply relieved that the final decision was to go to the aid of the civilians. He had no doubt it would be an unpopular choice and there would be plenty of difficulties associated with it, but it was still the right thing to do. The right path was not always the easy one, but that did not mean it should not be walked, and they were children of Alya - they did not shy from things just because they were difficult.
Post #3
WC: 457
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Post by Zugunruhes on Feb 29, 2020 19:44:35 GMT -6
▸Marius and Cynbel◂
WC 579 (Mar 278 ; Cyn 301) | Post Two
Marius
For much of the discussion he remained silent, occasionally turning his head to regard Shepherd or Cynbel for their opinions. Cynbel would murmur his thoughts to Marius in urgent whispers, careful to not let his voice grow loud enough to join the discussions of the gathered herd. Though neither felt the sting of suspicious stares they were still afraid to speak - Cynbel would not admit it, but Marius with great shame knew it was the truth.
They were not quite Serorans, especially as Cynbel still desired nothing more than leaving Sedo, but their hearts were no longer the same as the kirins far north. He intended to stay and make a future for himself - for themselves - among the Seroran people. Alhaj came with uncertainties for all, but the name also rang with promise. A chance to start again, for everyone. He had never known Osulas.
Jibriel's next words wrenched the kirin from the quiet respite of his thoughts. His skin prickled as though a fly was circling his back and he found himself staring into Cyn's unreadable, narrowed gaze. A myriad of thoughts, turbulent and incoherent, rattled in his brain. Committing atrocities? But it was our home first. Our ancestral home! There are innocent lives there now. They took our home! Is it right to take it back?
At last a fine thought seeded in his mind, one riddled with doubt and distant guilt. Those kirins are not my people. I do not wish... I do not want to reclaim my home if that is the price. Once more the grey kirin looked into Cynbel's eyes, hoping to find a mirror. The chestnut's gaze was guarded and cold.
Cynbel
The discomfort emanating from Marius was almost palpable, like a thick sludge that slowed their hooves or the scent of a fearful animal. Where Cynbel's head remained high, even as the conversation shifted to the kirins up north serving under their king, while Marius seemed to withdraw within himself. The chestnut kirin had to bite back scathing words for he knew it was the wrong moment to draw any attention to themselves. Why should they feel guilt for what others of their kind were doing to the false Aodhians?
Cynbel entertained a private thought he knew the attacking kirins would not accept - let the false Aodhians leave Eithne without harm and return it to the kirins. If only it were that simple. He had desperately wanted to return to his king when he had first awakened- but not under the orders she asked for her people now. He was weary, he did not want to fight anymore... but he still wanted to be among his own. But it wont ever be the same, like what you remember. And you know this.
His lip curled unpleasantly and he met Marius' gaze for a long moment before turning away, refusing to voice his thoughts. Marius would only give his somber words of advice, acting as though he was the wiser horse, and not give the comforting words Cynbel wanted to hear instead. I must settle with what I have for the time being. And that is here. That is Sedo.
He listened intently to the rest of the discussion, curious for what the Serorans would say about the new Aodhians. Would they help the herd that had brought so much misery to their home? Many spoke in voices flooded with emotion, their words etched in anger, and yet... they would offer their help.
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Post by SkyOfNewMoon on Feb 29, 2020 23:48:05 GMT -6
Fen;Serora | Advocate
Alya hold the skies
Fen was happy that like her suggestion, the meeting was moving along with some momentum now. Everyone was over the shock of the situation and we're now the level-headed decision making Serorans they were supposed to be.
Admittedly Fen did get a skin-crawling sensation as Avani brought up the one piece in the treaty where Aodh ambassadors would be present at every meeting, but as others made valid more important notes about keeping their resources to themselves, Fen had to agree. Serorans never really had anything to hide before, the Advocate felt the ambassador listening in would be the least of their problems if they were running low on their exports that kept the herd running smoothly.
Fen was lost in thought when Jibriel spoke again, her whiskers twitching absentmindedly. "The obvious choice is to stop them getting our goods for free and make them pay for what they want, just like anyone else. Alya knows they can afford it!"
"I vote to stop sending our goods to Aodh."
Looking to Avani, Fen could see the hope and relief in their body language at the chance of finding their partner. With a glance at her wife, Fen knew she wouldn't have a clue what to do if she didn't have Val at her side. Which prompted: "If you need any help, Avani, I'm up for the task." She offered. Hoping she could help her herd, a feeling that was still very new for Fen.
WC: 244 | Post #5 |
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Post by ThatDenver on Mar 2, 2020 16:04:39 GMT -6
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