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Post by galekxy on Feb 24, 2020 9:38:43 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: Rumours floated through towns, and quietly those who were curious or dissatisfied with Hira's rule went to see what it was about. It was unknown at first who called the meeting, but it is soon made obvious as you come face to face with the Bloody Flanks. You listen to the words their new leader speaks, and you yourself need to make a decision.
Location: Town outskirts
Time of Day: Morning
Current Weather: Cold but sunny
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Post by kerarose on Feb 24, 2020 14:26:08 GMT -6
 K E L B Y She had heard rumors of the Bloody Flanks' arrival, of their words. It took most of her strength to reach the place where the Jarl of the Bloody Flanks stood, and she listened quietly to what he had to say. Before everything happened, she would have been a sea of fury, to hear her leader insulted, but now... she wasn't so sure.
She had been struggling with her emotions since she had arrived back. Why was Delta the only one to come rescue her? Did Hira think she wasn't enough, wasn't important enough to find and bring back? Did five years of serving her suddenly mean nothing?
Herja stood by her side, pressing gently into her legs. She was offering her support, knowing that she would need it. She took a few steps forward, parting the crowd as she ambled her way forward. When she reached the front, she removed the icy armor she had been covering herself with, self-conscious of her scars.
Let this newcomer stare. He could see her story by the marks she wore.
She raised her head, her ears pricking forward. "I'll be blunt with this," she said, her voice rasping like metal being dragged over stone. "I am Kelby, fifth-year Valkyrie to War Lord Hira." She swallowed, fearing what she had to say next. "I am having my doubts in our leadership. Several months ago, I was abducted by my father. He had plans to marry me to the stallion I ran from because he was not a good man. You can see what happened to me by the marks I wear."
She pinned her ears, the anger growing. "Only my f-friend," she hates how she stumbles over the word that defines Delta, or used to, "came to rescue me. Hira sent no one, Delta came of her own accord." She bites back a snarl on her former best friend's name. "I was left to rot for months. I nearly died. And while I am grateful to Hira for the opportunity to serve her and learn to begin with, my trust in her is shaken. In addition, my family, living at the outskirts of Onea, is starving. I cannot bear to see them die."
She met the eyes of this strange unicorn. "However, I have questions. I agree with some of your points, but I need these answered before I go any further. First- are mares allowed to fight amongst your kind? I am trained as a Healer, but I will not be meek. I wish to fight, once my strength has returned."
"Second- not all Clans are good. My birth Clan, the Notched Ears, and my husband's," she spits, "the Mountain Wings, are vile. Will all Clans be returned under your rule, or will some be allowed to fade? I will not let my father run a Clan if all he does is hate."
"Finally- do you even have resources? I see no point in trading starvation under Hira for starvation under the Bloody Flanks."
Her ire fades somewhat. She glances away for a moment before lifting her head again. "You have given us no reason to trust you. I most definitely don't, not fully. So if you wish to win me over... you'll have to try."
She was somewhat afraid of what the answers would be. Leave the War Forged for the Flanks? Once, a long time ago, she would have thought it impossible. Now, she wasn't so sure.
WC: 583 | Post #1 |
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Post by Coffie-Buzz on Feb 24, 2020 15:36:57 GMT -6
CHIRIN
War-Forged | Herder
The day had started like every other had this season. Chirin had made the two-hour-long walk from his drafty home in the foothills to Skeldr Town. He had come to try and trade some small bundles of his Apana’s soft white fleece to grocers in exchange for food. His stores had nearly gone empty this year, despite his rationing. He was having no luck. Being cold was tolerable but food was indispensable when there was so little of it. His stomach hurt. It had been his curiosity that had pulled him to attend the meeting. He had heard rumors and thought if nothing else would come of his day, he might as well see if they were true. The black iron and garnet hoop earring in his left ear felt slightly heavier than usual and the colt felt a tinge of - Caution- in the back of his mind. He had worn the warmest thing he owned. Chainmail padded with Timber Wolf pelt, a blackiron war axe secured to his side to serve as protection during the trek from his home. The boy listened to the stranger speak and heard few false statements pass his lips. The colt had to admit. This..”Jarl” was right on many notes. And then the crowd parted and his emerald eyes moved to catch sight of the Valkyrie he had helped save. Her appearance shocked him, though not for long. He didn’t expect her to come out of that looking all perfect and healthy. - Familiarity- sparked within his chest as he listened to Kelby speak, addressing the Stallion directly. He paid close attention to her words, nearly analysing each one. She also made good points. Time for the colt to ask a few of his own questions. He had waited a polite moment to see if anyone else would speak, then stepped ahead of the crowd a few steps so that he would be seen amidst all the adults. He made eye contact with the new stallion, bringing forth his axe from it’s straps, placing the flat side against his chest and deeply bowing his head as a show of respect before holstering the weapon, “ Excuse me, sir,” he began, looking up at the Jarl once more, “ You might not care for the words of a child or what our stories are, but my name is Chirin. I am the last surviving direct descendant of the Ironfell clan. A Clan the Bloody Flanks are responsible for destroying. Although I’m just a Herder, I was part of the rescue mission that liberated the Valkyrie beside me, albeit, minimally. I broke the lock on her cell door,” his voice was even and projected, allowing the others to hear him clearly. Not once did he cast his eyes to the tattered mare, “ I was requested to aid by the mare who launched the attack on the clan that held her captive. I agree that you make valid points. War Forged has always been widely respected and feared for their strength and ferocity, but now word spreads that we are starving. What was once a strong metaphorical wall is now being chipped away at slowly by those who would see the north fall,” he idly shifted his weight, adjusting the straps of his axe, “ My concerns echo the ones the Valkyrie brought up. Particularly the ones concerning the clans and your resources. You are a stranger to us and now ask us to join you without any show of good faith so far. . . Uhh.. Nisse exempt.
I side with her again with saying I will not cower in the corner like a child. I may not seem like much, but I have dealt with events that one my age shouldn’t have had to deal with. I have faced both Calder and Cormac in battle, unarmed, with a broken horn and scar on my leg being my only injuries. Quite honestly, sir, I’m tired of the repeated mistakes costing many good horses their lives. I further have little faith in a system where, despite saving one that had been tortured for months, Hira sees it fitting to cull Valkyries on the grounds of murder, regardless of the crimes of those who were slain.” Chirin takes a deep breath, “ If what you say is true at all…. And depending on the answers you give… I might be convinced,” he motions to the large elk behind the Jarl, “ You clearly have convinced Kaia.”
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Post by NorthernMyth on Feb 24, 2020 20:06:00 GMT -6
Alvane gritted her teeth. Polaris blending them into the crowd as she moved amongst other horses. Both faces she knew, others she didn’t. She came here seeking information. Whispers infatuated her. Whispers she disapproved of. Alvane came to see if those whispers were true. And that they were. Spite alone drove the mare, more often than not. Although her growing spite for the Bloody Flanks was overtaken by that of The Cult. But she was here for information, not blood.
The words Lykos spoke filled her with resentment. Hatred. How dare they speak of Hira the way they did. They didn’t know the half of it. She knew they were to blame.
She watched as a familiar mare stepped forward. Shock filled Alvane as she spotted the Valkyrie. Both disbelief and betrail clung to her like a cloak. Suffocating her where she stood. Polaris snapped her out of her daze, waves of concern radiated from him. Comforting Alvane’s shape, hugging her sides gently.
The mare’s posture changed. Her head arched up, standing proud upon her shoulders, her brows crossed. Polaris’ invisibility eased up. Alvane telling him to stand down as she began to move forward. Parting the crowd, she could feel a few equines staring at her. Some realizing who she was. Recognizing her as one of Hira’s prime Valkyries.
“Valkyrie!” Her voice bellowed. Almost like her voice amplified. “You come without the information you seek. We’ve been in the same position and I am disappointed to see you standing before me. My trust for you faulters.” Alvane didn’t say another word. Instead, looking past Kelby. A young Unicorn standing at her side. Chirin. Her face didn’t sour more but her eyes said it all. “Your sister would be disappointed.”
Alvane’s iridescent eyes shifted. Finally landing on a face she had never seen before. Lykos’ blood-red eyes seemed to stare through her, making her skin crawl. Sending a shiver down her spine. “You speak of my Warlord with such distaste.” Alvane’s voice rose so at least most of the crowd could hear. But her eyes did not falter. She kept her gaze with Lykos as she spoke. “I am Alvane of clan Nightbloom. Valkyrie to the Warlord, Hira. What you say is the truth, but only half of it. Only what you want these people to hear. Only the side that benefits you.” A light breeze blew at Alvane’s frame and then Lykos. It tussled with Alvane’s flock and then Polaris.
“What you forget to mention is that the Bloody Flanks have Hira’s son. The child known as Grigori. We have you to blame on the waste of resources.” Alvane’s teeth gritted again. Holding herself back from doing something stupid. Taking a moment to renounce her personal feelings. On the matter. If she wasn’t outnumbered, she’d slice his throat where he stood. It taking a lot for Alvane to keep her emotions in check.
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Post by Artistic Pineapple on Feb 24, 2020 22:20:26 GMT -6
Bloody Flanks Scout
The light-colored pegasus hung above the edge of the forest, lazily circling high enough that the gathered crowd of lowlanders was no more than just a teke-full of specks below.
At the sight of Lykos emerging from the woods however, the reaver decided it was time to descend. He tipped the corner of a wing down just slightly, beginning to arch his aerial circles lower and lower.
The boy had dyed the tips of his wings for the occasion; a splash of stolen body paint made the edges of his feathers appear covered in old blood. It was his own little way of representing his clan.
As his circles brought him closer and closer to the earth, the pegasus tucked his wings and dove, fanning them back out at the last moment and catching himself nimbly as hooves met the cold earth. Snow scattered from the gust of his wingbeats, dancing around him in a sparkling dust. Once he had firmly landed, Shrike twirled his spear-pike into position and took up his place on Lykos' flank silently. His cloak's hood remained over his head, shielding his icy blue eyes from the sun.
It was a bit of a spectacle, sure, but the lowlanders needed to be made fools of today.
Besides, he reasoned with an ear tipping to the forest behind them. Maybe Astrid was watching.
As the Nisse joined their stance, the pegasus reaver only turned his head to take in the strange creature. An ancient elk that seemed to be made of living wood was far from the strangest thing he had seen and since the creature didn't appear to make any hostile move toward the Flanks, it didn't seem to be an immediate threat.
As voices rose before them, Shrike remained silent at his Jarl's flank. It was hard not to scoff at the first Valkyrie's fears of starvation at the hands of the Flanks. Were the fit forms of his clan members not proof enough that they were thriving? But the mare mentioned that they would have to work in order to win her over, which meant she was already considering joining their ranks. More voices soon joined the talk and Shrike couldn't help but snort at the second Valkyrie's face and tone.
How could someone starving be so quick to burn all their bridges? Lowlanders were truly foolish enough to bite the teke offering them salvation, weren't they? It was almost funny.
But the reaver held his tongue and assumed the role he preferred; a watcher. Keen blue eyes scanned the group while massive wings remained comfortably opened. It had been some time since he had seen so many lowlanders in one place. Surely if this many had gathered, the herd must be doing even worse than he previously thought.
WC: 472 | Post #1
tldr; Shrike lands among the Flanks and doesn't speak, as usual.
Feel free to interact with him! |
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Post by ebbarie on Feb 25, 2020 2:22:34 GMT -6
 Fijalahr;War-Forged | Ambassador
Even in death may you be triumphant.As diplomat, he was used to keeping his ears and eyes open. Filtering information from random chats to overheard scraps of conversations. In Aquore he had learned the importance of being well informed and stuck to that habit even back at home. Days or weeks could pass before it pay off. A few days ago it had.
Suddenly the whole town had started to whisper. The invitation to a strange meeting spread like a wildfire across the citizens. It was almost difficult not to know about it.
His inner debate whether to go or not go was already over shortly after it began. He was too curious. And this was Onea, not a foreign country. What could happen?
A lot - as should become clear soon enough.
The crowd was restless, as they waited for the one that arranged all of this to show themself. Fijalahr could feel the tension of the group passing onto him and he absent minded fumbled with his teke for the morning star that hung at his side. His curiosity was easy to awake but he'd never walk blindly into the danger.
Eventually the mood shifted. Suddenly all conversations died down and a group of equines stepped out of the forest.
Immediately Fijalahr strengthened the grip around his weapon. The last time he met some of these equines was not long ago. Skeptical he let his gaze wander around the new arrivals. He could still leave, but his curiosity forced him to stay.
Thoughtfully he listened to what the Flanks had to say. The one that rose to speak was unfamiliar to him, but it was kinda clear that he was in charge over the clan now. It was not the unicorns words that surprised him, but the way he adressed it to the Forged. A bold move, for a Clan that spent so many years in exile. Decimated and ostracized. Something had changed.
While the Ambassador was still pondering about the just heard, some others where quick to respond. It surprised him to see a Valkyrie speak so openly against her leader, but maybe these days everything was possible.
His mimic remained controlled until the Nisse stepped out of the trees. He had read about these creatures before, in a book with sages and myths. It shocked him to see one wandering around, yet not as much as it would have a few months ago. He had seen worse myths come to live.
"Change will come, with or without you. Constant change is the nature of things." he raised his voice calmly after a while. "Your clan seemingly has changed as well, as I see that you forgo to reinforce your demands by threatening the live of an innocent child this time." The contempt in his voice was undeniably this time.
For a moment his eyes fixated Kelby and then Chirin. "It's sad to see how quickly you are willing to hand over our land to a Clan that has spent so many years in well-deserved exile. One bad winter and you give your loyalty to foreign outlaws?" Fijalahr shook his head in disbelief and stared back at the Flanks. Yes he recognized some of them.
"United, we have developed as War-Forged. This will come to an end if we allow a retrogression under the leadership of the Flanks. Once we are fragmented again into quarreled clans, the other herds will crush us."
WC: 565 | Post 1 |
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Post by notfromthisgalaxy on Feb 25, 2020 8:29:34 GMT -6
Jorunn
Reaver (Raider) | Bloody Flank
"Winter wakes the wolf." This was fun! Exciting even!
Marching right up to the Forged? All but telling them to denounce their allegiance to Hira? And with a Nessie? How exciting!
It was a good day any time they got to make fools out of the lowlanders.
Nessie or not, the raider felt as if the Jarl had some pretty excellent points. But the ancient figure of an Elk made a pretty compelling argument all on it's own. They had the favor of Kaia; the lowlanders did not. Who in their right mind would turn their back on that?
The majority of the lowlanders, perhaps. Idiots.
The raider takes a stance next to Shrike, nodding her head in a silent acknowledgement of him. Maybe standing closer to own of her own might keep her grounded. Might. There was no defiant way of knowing.
"Idiots, the lot of 'em." She mumbles, quite words full of distaste. She's mainly whispering more to herself than anyone else, but she does shoot the scout a wiry grin.
Jorunn is silent for the most part, a shocking statement in itself. Her tail lazily swishes back and forth in the air behind her, stance squared and gaze hard. Like a guard dog in wait, her attention swivels back and forth between all the voices, all the sounds, debating on when or if she speaks.
Perhaps she might keep her mouth shut this one time. Perhaps she might just sit and watch, listen to what the other party has to say. Might.
Her cold gaze merely flickers in the direction of the first Valkyrie, long ears swiveling in thought. One of them mare warriors, or whatever froufrou title they decided to give themselves. Why the mares had to be separated from the stallions never made much sense to her.
A warrior was a warrior. No matter the build.
Their gaze quickly flickers towards Alvane, teeth bared into a tight grimace."What does it matter?"
So much for being quite.
Who did or didn't have the kid seemed like a frivolous argument to her. Sure, the safety of the up and coming clan members was important. But what good would worrying over one kid do if it meant the downfall of the rest.
"Ya lot would rather much starve to death than accept help. From anyone. Ya precious War-Lord would rather lead ya down dead ends, lookin' for that kid of hers."
A wiry smile pulls up the corners of their mouth, flashing a grin in their direction. She found it all to be quite humorous. The lot of them would much rather die than join their ranks.Could they not see that the Flanks were thriving? Compared to the Forged standing in front of them, they all looked better for ware, and only would continue to do so.
But if they wanted to go out like that, it was perfectly fine in Jorunn's book; less of them to deal with that way.
WC: 495 | Post #1
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Post by notfromthisgalaxy on Feb 25, 2020 9:01:09 GMT -6
Hawke
Stone Circle | War-Forged
"I fear no evil.
The shadows are mine and so is the valley."
Flanks.
Their lips pull down into a tight grimace, tongue sweeping over the hole in their cheek. They should've known. No good ever came from rumors.
They step forwards a bit more, prosthetic metal creaking out in annoyance. If they did have one 'good' thing to say about the Flanks was that it did take some kind of guts to march here and all but demand they abandon the Forged.
Or maybe it was stupidity and not guts.
It was quite the show. But one that wasn't as effective on them, but ti seems the Jarl's words have a type of sway on the others around them.
Their head snaps in attentions towards the first voice. Kelby? Despite their love and affection they held for her, their lips only fall even tighter together. How ready she seemed to be willing to denounce the War-Lord made their stomach turn into tight knots.
Sure, they understood where the hatred and distrust was coming from. The want to change was hard not to fall prey to. Even if it came from an unreliable source.
Seemed the tales the Flanks had were more convincing than they had eventually suspected. As much as she respects the appearance of the Nessie, and what it carries with it, the Goddess she knows would not side with them.
But at least some of them had some common sense. Her head nods along to the words of those loyal to the Forged It was perhaps quite idiotic to jump at the first promises of food. Of whatever else they have to offer.
They have spent far too long trying to claw their way up into the Circle to abandon it now. What would it say if they went along with this? That it was okay to turn your back on your home the moment things started to get rough?
By Argus, they would never.
"You all should not be so quick to give in to them.To denounce Hira." They call out, not afraid to let their voice be known. "To be so quick to give them your trust, your loyalty? Have you forgotten what they have done? You would let one harsh winter sway your thoughts?"
It upset them. A bit more than what they wanted to let on to. They were so quick to forget all that they have here. What did they think they would have on the other side? And who was to say it would remain that way?
Times change. Things change. Who's to say it won't be them starving next? That it won't be them who falls into a state of unrest? And what will they do when they have nowhere to go? Will they try to come back as if they never left in the first place.
"You seek to pull us apart. To bring back these precious clans." They bite out, head nodding in the direction of the Ambassador. He certainly made some good points. "Will your clans be as important when outsiders are beating down your doors?"
"You would rather fight and bicker over the old times than move forwards? Change is always coming. Always. Who's to say the tides will no longer be in your favor?"
WC: 541 | Post #1
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Post by misttheelf on Feb 25, 2020 10:13:02 GMT -6
Akari "C-Can I help you?"
Post 1 | WC 458 Akari didn't really know what was going on - she hadn't been told to much about the Bloody Flanks or the Clans of old. The chestnut Kirin really didn't know what had drawn her out of Hawke's home to see and listen to the gathering of horses, well, other than the fact that Hawke was upset at what was being said - and if she were to be honest, it worried her.
As far as Akari was aware, Hira was a good leader. She had been doing the best she could, and what mare wouldn't be worried if their child was missing?
...To put it bluntly, Akari wasn't sure they should trust this Lykos.
Akari shifted her weight a bit as she listened to the other horses speak - she didn't know most of them, so placing names to voices was… impossible, until they introduced themselves.
Her ears pinned back in concern as one mare - A Valkyrie called Kelby, told her story.
And then a unicorn, Chirin, added his two bits.
...The intimidating creature behind Lykos was a guardian of Kaia, and a proof of her favor?
... That would certainly be why these horses, who Akari could tell, clearly had no friends in Skeldr - Just horses who weren't openly hostile, and plenty of horses who were, felt confident enough to come into town and ask that they denounce Hira.
Which Akari wouldn't do. Because Hawke wouldn't do such a thing.
Another Valkyrie spoke - Alvane.
Akari listened, and then shifted her glance to Lykos, and the horses beside him as Alvane stated that the Bloody Flanks held Grigori.
If… that was true, it meant that these horses had manipulated the situation to their favor. Well, that's just rude, in her opinion.
As another spoke - Akari thought he was an ambassador for the herd, though she wasn't certain, expressed his own distaste for the Bloody Flanks, she started to attempt to shift through the crowd to stand next to Hawke, whom she had spotted in the crowd.
And then one of the other members of the Bloody Flanks spoke.
...What does it matter who has the child? It matters because it means that you're attempting to force opinions! ...Though she didn't say this aloud. She wanted to but, well, her mouth just wouldn't open.
So many horses. So many.
She managed to reach Hawke as they started to speak. And the young Kirin was glad to hear Hawke voice some of the thoughts she had been holding since listening to what was being said.
When Hawke finished speaking, Akari gently pressed against her side to quietly alert the older horse to her presence, if they hadn't already spotted Akari's antlers in the corner of their eye, and then stood quietly there beside Hawke.
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Post by galekxy on Feb 25, 2020 13:34:26 GMT -6
 Lykos;Bloody Flanks | Jarl
When I see fragile things, helpless things, broken things, I see the familiarThe crowd was large, maybe a bit larger than he had expected- but that was only a good thing. It showed that horses wanted to hear something that might help them. They wanted that chance to choose their own future, and Lykos could give them that.
The Flanks had already been quite successful in their ventures. Smaller units had been sent to villages that might be easily swayed. Lykos knew that towns on the edges of society were suffering more than those in large cities, and so he targeted them first before making a big claim. It had worked, and now they already had new Flanks member steadily coming in- or in some cases they stayed in their towns, but started to put their resources and work towards the Flanks. In return, Lykos stationed members there permanently, and the towns also get to reap better resources. It was going according to plan, and watching the ranks swell was satisfying. They now had a city of their own- a place that they could make home, and it could also handle the amount of equines coming in. Watching the city come alive was mesmerizing, and he only wished that more would come see its wonder.
He had not expected to see more influential members of Hira's herd here. He hadn't thought they would be caught up in the rumours, but it seems that even they were interested to see who had called this meeting. He listened to the chatter and questions come. Many were shocked to see that it was the Flanks who had called this together, but they also seemed okay with this fact. He glanced over to the Flanks who bordered him, gauging their reaction to the crowd before turning back to the Valkyrie who spoke.
He didn't really care who she was or what her life story was- not at this point in time at least. If she decided to join them, then he would care. "Your story only furthers the proof that Hira cares about her own more than her herd. Why would she not send for a valuable member of her herd? Are you not as important another? In the Flanks, all lives are equal and valuable. You ask if mares are allowed to fight. Do you not see them here with me? We train all who want to train, for everyone has their own strengths, and we acknowledge them all." He looks again to his Flanks, eyes roaming across the different features of each. He truly was proud of them all, and would never doubt any of their efforts. He wanted the Forged to see that they were tight knit- they weren't just the brutal raiders, they were a family.
He chuckled as Kelby seemed to get ahead of herself. He wanted individual clans back, but that was for another time. He could not say what the future of outside clans would be, because he did not want to rule over them. He would not become another Hira. "Clans who work on the wrong side will eventually fade without intervention. Who would want to work with- to do trade with- a clan who constantly fought against them? Eventually resources would slow, and the clan would meet their own fate. I can not answer for the future of other clans that are not my own. I only hope to bring back the freedom and culture that we as individual clans had. Clans can exist in more harmony then one might think." A number of horses seemed concerned about food, which was obvious given their current state, but he didn't want to give up all their secrets. "Do we look to be starving? Do we look as if we are struggling for resources? You will find that we have our ways, but my trust for you can only go so far at this time, just as yours is the same for me. You will find we are much more accepting than where you currently are. And we can offer you so much more." He gave Kelby and Chirin a small smile.
Giving a glance to the new one speaking up, Lykos tilted his head in a quizzical manner. For the fact that the clans were supposed to be united, these horses sure did like saying what clan they used to be from. "I assure you I only speak the whole truth; there is no benefit to me twisting words. Poor Grigori has gone through much before arriving with us. We only found him among the Cultists... what a place to wind up. You seem to think we hold him prisoner, but quite the contrary. We have given him good care- and he is getting fed better than he would under your watch. I doubt he would even want to return, and he's had the chance." He would not let the Flanks be blamed for the Forged losing Grigori. They had no hand in that. Lykos looked to Shrike who stood beside him, curious as to what he thought of this all.
But then another voice spoke up, causing Lykos to narrow his eyes a sliver at what was said. "One bad winter? This is a culmination of years in the making. This kind of food shortage does not happen so quickly, my friend. Even the land is rioting. The earthquakes, the forests enveloping the land. It's all a cry at what War-Forged has become.
I would believe the herd has been in decline since the unification of the clans. Those in larger cities, especially Skeldr, have seen the rewards of unification much more than those on the outskirts. Have you seen the conditions of some of these towns? I have. They are often left to their own devices, and have seen the effects of food shortages much sooner than Skeldr Town has. They are forgotten, left to the wolves while you languish in the resources you gain from selling your own herd members as slaves. You speak so much about loyalty, but it is not honoured. As mentioned by the young on over here- one of Hira's own was sold, and I'm sure Hira enjoyed the fruits of that transaction better than anyone else. She would sell any of you much quicker, I'm sure.
Change has happened, oh yes. But not for the better- not for the Forged. Why do you believe singular clans would fight? I see a better way, one where we can trade and prosper without selling off family."
Lykos had always despised the slave trade, seeing it as an abomination and lowering themselves to terrible standards. There were more options than that, and Lykos was going to find them. His mind was already working up all the ways they could find goods that didn't require them to ship off valuable herd members. When Jorunn spoke, he gave a sharp nod. It was true- they seemed more willing to starve than to see that the Flanks were doing well for themselves. "I offer you all a chance to be better. You have options, and there is more to life than serving Hira." He spoke gently, wanting the Forged to see that life with them was good.
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Post by kerarose on Feb 25, 2020 15:23:25 GMT -6
K E L B Y Her mind went blank at Chirin's words. Delta had been... culled?!
Her heart raced, her ears pinned, and she let out a hoarse cry. She was furious. How dare Hira cull Delta for coming to save her?! Did she agree with Delta's methods of recovery? No. But did she deserve to spend the rest of her life as a slave?!
Never.
Her hold on her blessing slipped, and snow began to swirl around her, the frost growing over her form once more, forming spikes and sheets of frozen armor. Fury ran through her veins, and her eyes glinted with malice. She turned on Alvane- yes, she was a Valkyrie, too, but her blind approval of Hira, no matter her actions, earned the fury of the wronged Valkyrie.
"Don't you dare to pretend to know what I've been through," she growled, Herja joining in. "You were captured by Cultists. My father kidnapped me. And I am one of Hira's chosen- but I was unworthy of rescue, apparently, just as many of us are unworthy of Hira's attention." She snorted in the other mare's direction. "And then Hira goes and culls the one mare who cared enough to come for me?!"
She let out another scratchy yell, and slivers of ice erupted around her hooves. "By the Goddesses, is no one safe? Delta risked her life to save mine, and she gets culled. What's next? Anyone who speaks against Hira ends up in chains? Maybe she'll be merciful and just let them starve to death."
She knew that she was probably a sight to behold- she was skinny, wrapped in ice, and her eyes glinted with unbridled rage. "I might very well be next, just for speaking my thoughts."
She turned to Lykos. "Don't think that you've escaped my judgement, or that because I agree with you that I'll join. My loyalty isn't easily won these days. But if you do have Grigori- give him back. If you had just sent him home after finding him with Cultists, none of us would be in this situation. I may yet join you- but you need to right your wrong."
She was still furious. How dare Hira cull Delta! She turned to find Hawke in the crowd, meeting her gaze. She needed her to talk her down before she did something she'd regret.
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Post by NorthernMyth on Feb 25, 2020 15:29:11 GMT -6
She felt Kelby's emotions boil over as she basically got up into Alvane's face. But the mare said nothing. She knew the mare was upset. "This is a matter for another time, Valkyrie." She tone stearn.
Which quickluy changed as Lykos spoke again. “Found?!” Alvane barked “Apana shit!” The mare lunged forward. Closing the gap between herself and Lykos. “It does matter!” A wild look in her eye as she responded to the other Bloody Flank. “Yes, it was the cult that took him. I was there.” Alvane’s ears lay flat against her neck. Her head low as she gritted her teeth at the new Bloody Flanks Leader “They chased me down through the forest while I carried him on my back. Ambushing me and the other Valkyries, we din’t see it coming. They took us both, prying him from my side.”
Alvane’s emotions raised. The breeze becoming a little stronger around the meeting. “You didn’t FIND him. I doubt the cult would allow him to just be found and happly taken by Flanks." The mare watched Lykos’ eyes again. Not sure what she was looking for.
The Valkyries features softened slightly. “He is just a child, he doesn’t understand.”
The mare stepped back again, attempting to compose herself. Lykos had brushed her fur the wrong way. She still blamed herself for losing Grigori. And she still would, so long he wasn’t at Hira’s side.
Lykos continued and all Alvane could do is listen. Her teeth gritted again as he continued. This wasn’t the place for semantics. Kelby shouldn’t have said anything as it just gave the Bloody Flank more fuel for the fire. “The one you speak of, went off on her own cause. Did not console with Hira and slaughtered a clan of horses. The action was Just. All you’re trying to do is make yourself look good. IF you were to take on more recruits here, your supplies will run low. And then what? You promise these equines a few months of comfort before you yourself begin to struggle?”
Alvane turned to the Ambassador, Fijalahr. Nodding her head as she agreed with him. “One bad winter. Of which is to blame on both The Flanks and The Cult. Our enemies. It’s clear you’re trying to back Warforged into a corner.” A small smile creased the blue-haired mare’s lips for just a moment. Before saying her next words. She turned to the crowd. Her head raising again. “Don’t you see what they are trying to do. They are trying to Smother our Forge. But… The mountain must stand.”
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Post by Coffie-Buzz on Feb 25, 2020 17:25:43 GMT -6
CHIRIN
War-Forged | Herder
Chirin couldn't help the slight groan that left his throat when all the adults after him started scolding them, most of them yelling rather than speaking calmly as the Jarl had been. Moments later Alvane's jab towards the roan colt regarding his sister, Froya, stung hard and he visibly winced. Then another started speaking. He had not met the large stallion but he was familiar with him. Yet more scolding and pointing hooves. This "meeting" was suddenly making him feel slightly threatened. Each time he opened his mouth to defend himself one more adult was there with an accusing, sour tone. And now one of the Bloody Flanks was joining in. All the arguing around him was stressing him out and he lost his train of thought and concentration for a fraction of a second longer than he should have. - Defend- - Comfort- The ground to the far left of the group cracked and lifted, a colossal carbon and iron head breaking the surface like it was nothing more than water. The beast calmly pulled itself out of the crater with massive diamond-clawed hands. It stood 40 feet tall at the head. Its garnet eyes swept over the crowd as well as the Bloody Flanks, a low rumble emanating from the deepest parts of its chest. A warning. Its eyes landed on Chirin, a light chuff, gentile and smooth leaving its mouth. A pleasant greeting. One it also gave to the Nisse. It settled onto its belly and laid its great head down on the snowy earth, looking much like a peaceful cat. Chirin opted to go stand beside the Lindworm. It made him feel more comfortable and safe, for obvious reasons. He hadn't planned for Gaster to pay a visit, but arguing had caused him to panic. At least the lindworm was being civil, " I think we are getting a tad overboard with all the yelling, to be frank." He exhaled, worn out. He turned his eyes to the Jarl as he spoke and felt…. Hope. The lindworm raised his head from the snow, rumbling gently, having felt the emotion. Not a second after Alvane had spoken, Chirin pinned his ears as mild anger bloomed under his chainmail. It was echoed by a loud and terrifying growl from the beast as it shot up to his full height, " You shouldn't have to ask permission to save a friend from torture. The "Mountain" you speak of is already crumbling as we all slowly die from starvation. Mothers shouldn't have to decide on which of their children gets to eat." He inhaled deeply, calming himself before spoke again. Clearing his throat, his voice was cool as he looked to the Jarl, " Begging your pardon, Sir," he began, " Should anyone who joins you today decide that perhaps your Clan isn't for them, will they be allowed to leave freely and without prejudice or will … This-" his smoky, crimson teke jestured in the air towards the lot of adults, " be the outcome instead?" He asked, referring to the opinionated bickering and shouting. He glanced at the others, taking note of the visible gap between the two sides and himself caught in the middle. He highly doubted that they would offer a place in their Clan so openly without being prepared. That would be ideotic. He turned back to the dark unicorn, " And you said that you would train any. Do you bar your ranks by age as well?"
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Post by Artistic Pineapple on Feb 25, 2020 20:11:17 GMT -6
Bloody Flanks Reaver
He goes rigid as a voice hits his ears.
It's a voice he hasn't heard since the Flanks took hold of the city below the mountain. Since the Dolma warriors rose from the ground an threatened to bury them all below it. Since he was the target of some sort of blessing attack that robbed him of all his senses and left him to flail unfeeling on the stone floor.
Icy eyes peer from below the hood of his weather-torn cloak, finding the source. Ah yes, the lowland unicorn with too many eyes. He remembers that face. Shrike bristles silently, his teke tightening around the pike and his wings opening upwards.
It's Jorunn's voice that snaps his attention from Fijalahr. Her quiet jab at the lowlanders that quarreled before them now coaxed a smile on the edges of Shrike's lips. She was right. And while voices rose and the lot of them turned against their own right before his eyes, he remained quiet.
It wasn't until Lykos spoke that he shifted his weight. Straightened up, even. As the Jarl turned to meet his face, the reaver offered a small nod of acknowledgment. Lykos' silent gesture was an invitation to speak and Shrike swallowed at the thought of opening is mouth to converse with the group.
His tongue grew dry as the Bloody Flanks Jarl continued on, condemning Hera for selling her own people into slavery. It was a fate the pegasus knew all too well, the proof of which still marred his coat. Hera was corrupt. She had forgotten the origin of the War-Forged and in doing so had lost the herd's oath of family. She had selfishly doomed herself and the rest of them.
Shrike snorted in frustration while the lowlanders picked up arguing among themselves again but his wings flew open to their full extent as one of the Forged lunged at where they stood. In a flash, he spun his pike in a threatening gesture and readied it, the thorn-shaped tip pointed slightly downward. A threat to the Jarl was a threat to him, but Shrike knew Lykos was fully able to defend himself against a starving lowlander. He was their Jarl for a reason.
Tension hung heavy in the air until the mare backed down; the pegasus reaver didn't move. Sharp eyes watched her carefully, unsure if she was still a potential threat until his concentration was broken by the appearance of a lindworm.
Ready to jump into the sky, Shrike remained a statue before the creature calmly rested itself on the snowy earth and its master spoke. It wasn't until he felt the members of his clan relax around him that he, too, let a breath of relief escape his nostrils. The Flanks were used to fighting. All of this commotion had his adrenaline pumping in anticipation. Relaxing wasn't his strong suit.
"We are a family," The reaver raised his head to meet the eyes of the herder with the lindworm, inwardly cringing at how rusted his voice sounded. "Those who leave are free to go, though all of us have chosen to say. Training begins whenever someone shows they are ready for it. The Bloody Flanks stand by what we believe; that if you want a place in the world, all you must do is seize it."
He turned to meet Lykos' gaze for a moment, then addresses the lowlanders again:
"What do you really have to lose by joining us that Hera hasn't already taken from you? We are offering you a new life. A better life."
WC: 610 | Post #2
Whoops long post. Sorry, got a little carried away. |
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Post by ebbarie on Feb 26, 2020 2:50:43 GMT -6
 Calder;Thane
Deep roots are not reached by the frost.
The Thane stepped out of the forest, carefully and quiet, to not disturb important yelling and arguing on both sides. Just a barely suppressed harsh course slipped his mouth as the pygmy gryphon on his shoulder, angered by the noisy crowd, changed his position on the stallions back and clawed into his flesh.
Even tho this was supposed to be a peaceful meeting, Calder didn't trusted the Forged further than he could spit - which wasn't that far. Besides he also held a dislike for politics and diplomacy. He understood their importance, but gladly saw someone more suitable entrusted with those things. So he had insisted to scout out the place a little, before joining this...wonderful debate.
He nodded his head in a strange but for him typical manner to get a better picture of the crowd with his one eye. Once he had seen enough he plodded forwards and settled in a position next to Shrike and Jorrun.
Gwaihir on his shoulders croaked nervously, and tightened the grip of his claws shortly before the earth started to rumble. It's been just a few minutes and he already regretted coming here. The earth parted and released a beast that had barely been more than a legend until recently. A golem bound to a teenager. He could just hope that this day wouldn't end in battered bones again.
Gladly the situation seemed under control, for now at least.
For a while he just listened, in an attempt to figure out what had already been told or promised, and how the general mood of the crowd was. After those first impressions he assumed that the majority of the Forged was still rather hostile, but some appeared torn already.
Oh yes, desperation and starvation were always good arguments. He remembered both feelings very well.
The icy hell of Ghosthold had broken the will of many good equines. Hostile environmental conditions and gnawing hunger had been a constant part of his life for so long. Even today he could feel the chilling cold in his bones - or maybe it was just the pungent arthrosis in his joints that made him so grouchy.
The elderly captain swung his head around, to get a better view on the new Jarl. It had been hard to see Gidal getting finally pushed off his throne. Even tho it had been long overdue and just the finale of a slow process that had been going on for years. The last fatal blow that ended the old ways of the clan. The ways he had grown up with. This realization was harder on him than he let on. Yet he was of course glad that the Flanks moved on. They grew in numbers, in strength. The youth had their finger on the trigger now and that was good. Change was good, development was necessary for survival.
Calder couldn't move on so easily. His own process of change would take time. And maybe he wouldn't be able to change.
This Clan, his Clan, felt more foreign today than in all the years in Ghosthold. But that was okay. He would help them built their vision, contributing with what he had to offer in terms of experience for as long as Kaia granted him to walk this earth.
"We are a family!"
Shrikes words suddenly snapped his attention back to the here and now. The elderly stallion bared his teeth in a honest smile. The boy had developed greatly since he joined the Flanks, had adjusted himself. Had really become family, like most of the others that had joined over the years. With newly discovered interest Calder let his eye wander over the crowd. Yes...maybe some of these lowlanders could become family as well. Maybe it would work.
WC: 627 | Post 1 Wow that turned out longer than expected, whoopsi. Calder is late to the party and simply standing around. |
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Post by notfromthisgalaxy on Feb 26, 2020 8:51:51 GMT -6
Hawke
Stone Circle | War-Forged
"I fear no evil.
The shadows are mine and so is the valley."
The Jarl, Lykos, had not been quite what they expected at first. He was shockingly well-spoken. That was something they could respect; especially seeing he had marched onto Forged land. But smooth talking, and promises of what may or may not be, would not sway them any.
They had already decided where their loyalties lied. Long before the Flanks showed up. They hadn't worked so hard to get where they are just to abandon it. The same could not be said about others.
Feeling a bump at their side, long ears merely swivel backwards in thought. Akari? Good. It was comforting to know where their child was. Better for her to be at their side than wandering around. But that thought reminds them that the same can't be said about Gigori.
And perhaps that's why they didn't necessarily care what Hira did in her search for her child. It was a mother's natural drive. To be quite frank, they aren't sure they wouldn't have done the same if they were in Hira's position.
Culled? That word seems to pull them from their thoughts. Though, to be quite honest, they aren't too affected by the word.
At one point they might have been. The weight of their prosthetic seems to only drive that thought home. They might have been a bit more affected by it if it was something they had to worry about, but they had proven their worth.
And besides, their situation was a lot different than what Delta had done.
It wasn't something they were going to vocalize aloud. But nevertheless, it was something Hawke couldn't disagree with. What the Valkyrie had done was unacceptable. Murder was still murder. Even if the those who lives had been lost had been in the wrong.
But there had been other ways she could have gone about it. More legal ways. Though, they bite their tongue on sharing their feelings about that.
"Kelby, calm down, please?" They say, their head swiveling towards the Valkyrie. "This is truly not the time for that. What's done is done; you can be angry later."
While she understood where she was coming from, now truly was not the time to break out in a fight. And to be frank, it wasn't something she wanted to deal with. While they didn't mind playing mediator, there had been no clear signs of violence from the Flanks -- not yet anyway -- so they should remain just as neutral.
And, by Argus, they can only help but groan at the sight of Alvane jumping forwards.
What part about peaceful did the Valkyries not get? Sure, it was okay to be angry. It was okay to get in someone's face when needed. And sure, they held their own loathing for the Flanks, but as long as they remained peaceful then they would have to do the same.
Even with the sudden move forward, the only real response is the spinning of a spear. Still no attacks made.
They could respect that.
"Do keep your heads." They say, stepping forwards just a bit. While they were aging, and their metal limb did more bad than good, they at least wanted to be closer if needed. "While I do not approve of their arrival, they have not taken any actions against us. So let's keep the same energy. Besides the last thing we need is a fight."
And, by the looks of things, no matter how much anger or hatred they held for the Flanks, they weren't quite fit enough to hold out for long. The opposing 'clan' seemed a lot more well-fitted for holding their own.
That was a theory Hawke didn't necessarily want to test.
For now, the Circle member decides to wait and watch; listen to what else has to be said. They would listen as long as the other side was respectful. But then again, it wasn't like it really mattered what was said to them.
WC: 661 | Post #2
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Post by notfromthisgalaxy on Feb 26, 2020 9:27:32 GMT -6
Jorunn
Reaver (Raider) | Bloody Flank
"Winter wakes the wolf." Jorunn seems to puff up just a little at the idea that anyone who wanted to be trained was trained. They were proof enough of that, and there was certainly a type of pride knowing they were all treated the same. None of that gender bullshit.
If they had been denied the right to defend herself, as well as her clan, like they do in the Forged, they would have left long long ago.
"Your War-Lord gets rid of one of ya own just for saving a Sister -- the only person to come for ya? The money was worth more than her own hoof-picked warrior... Or whatever she sells ya on to make it feel special."
Hira truly did them no service with that. Getting rid of a able fighter was a loss on their part. Something like that could weaken the whole ranks. Perhaps if she let anyone serve, they wouldn't have that problem.
Jorunn tenses up a bit a Alvane lunging forwards. Baring her teeth a bit, she takes a slight step forwards, squaring their shoulders. They're expecting an attack; justifiable with the way the two Valks have been acting. And while they knew Lykos could handle themselves, Jorunn wasn't going to tolerate an open threat like that against the Jarl.
But as the Valk steps away, Jorunn doesn't move from her spot, and she makes no moves to. Her gaze is transfixed on the one with blue hair, golden eyes following her movements. Her flight or fight is still processing if she ws genuine problem or not.
Then again, any threat to the Flanks was still a threat, regardless.
Whatever thoughts she's currently having is broken by the sudden arrival of the lindworm. By the gods, who gave the kid that? Once they've pieced together that the creature, nor its master, are no threat, they allow themselves to relax. Just a little.
Though, they are standing a bit closer than before. No matter what, they weren't going to allow anyone to get the upper hands on her, or her clan.
"We are a family."
Jorunn's head wipes towards Shrike, giving him a sharp nod. He was right, they were indeed a family. Some by blood, and some not, but a family nonetheless. They liked to think they were more closely knitted than any in the Forged. And by the way they were all bickering with one another only proved that point.
"He's right. You lot have always looked down on us. What do y'all even know about what we have to offer?" They say, eyes rolling.
They were just about getting sick and tired of being painted out to be the bed guys. They weren't that bad! And if they were being judged on what they had to do to survive then maybe the Forged needed to think a little harder on what they had done to cause the Flanks to end up there in the first place.
"We're not just a band of savages. Clearly we are doing much better than any of y'all. You can even talk to one another without yellin'."
Their head swivels towards their Valkyries. The could respect warriors; people that fought to keep others safe, but the whole having to keep separate from one another was idiotic. But the Forged hadn't proven themselves to be anything more than such.
"There's none of that stallion/mare bullshit here. If you want to fight, and ya able to, ya fight. Simple. We understand that better than ya War-Lord." She grumbles, eyes rolling a bit. Her tail swishes behind her, cutting through the air in annoyance. "She's doin' you no service turnin' people away. Or cullin' them.
And kid, if ya wanna fight, ya can. Plenty of us are glad to teach anyone who wants to know -- myself included."
With that she gives a sharp nod. They weren't gonna take being ran into the ground by those who were starving to death
WC: 662 | Post #1
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Post by Coffie-Buzz on Feb 26, 2020 13:44:01 GMT -6
CHIRIN
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The colt's ears perked when the Pegasus said that the Bloody Flanks were a family. His stomach knotted, but whether it was from hunger or not, he wasn't sure.
As the Bloody Flanks mare spoke, his throat tightened and tears crept into his eyes. They were all being so… Welcoming? This wasn't the Bloody Flanks he had met two years ago. They were noticeably different now.
He looked to the crowd, eyes jumping from each face who had spoken, "One bad winter?" He started, clearing his voice of the thickness that had crawled up from his stomach,
"You have had one bad winter. Me and my Apana nearly starve every year. My flock needs to move to find food yet they can't because of those new Silver woods. I need to follow them so they don't wander off a cliff. Keeping up with Apana takes energy. Energy that I don't have anymore." He sniffed, fighting to keep the tears from falling. This was embarrassing. To show so much emotional weakness in front of soldiers. Emotions he had kept to himself for far to long.
"I ...have no family to help me. Froya's parents adopted me for a while, but they also have their own to feed and c-can't afford me. I have asked for help from others b-but apparently I'm not worth the trouble," he bit his tongue, voice catching on a few words, much to his distaste.
The lindworm lowered his head, a black stone nose touching to the boy's side as he tried to comfort his Stone Bearer.
"N-now…" He looked to the Bloody Flanks, "Now here are others who are offering to help. Who are willing to teach. Maybe I'm just a naive child or maybe this is Kaia's way of showing mercy. I've… n-never had a family… But I'd like one… If you'd be willing to take me and my flock?"
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Post by galekxy on Feb 26, 2020 18:21:06 GMT -6
Lykos;Bloody Flanks | Jarl
When I see fragile things, helpless things, broken things, I see the familiar The Valkyries were starting to stir up some trouble it seemed. Emotions ran high between them, which Lykos didn't really find surprising. It was really quite amusing, and showed just how fragile Hira's hold was. His understanding of the Valkyries wasn't the best since they were newer to him, but he had expected them to have closer ties to each other. And maybe wings. Winged Valkyries would be much more interesting.
He raised his brows when Kelby addressed him again. "Maybe he should have never been lost in the first place? That would have been a much better option." His gaze swept to Alvane. "Or so it seems, he was abandoned. I assure you Grigori is well and safe, and if he will be given back- if he even wants to go- when Hira steps down. It's as simple as that. I will not barter with you however, since I know he is well taken care of, and I wouldn't harm a child." Lykos gave a shrug, taking a step back when Alvane lunged at him. But Shrike was quick too, and there was a spear guarding his body before the Valkyrie could even get close. A glint lit in his eyes- he liked the spirit. Fierce was what they needed. "How do you know the situation of our supplies? We have already had many horses from those various forgotten villages. I promise you we are well sustained for much longer than a few months." Lykos took a step towards Alvane, and if he could purr he would. "I'm War Forged too, so why would I try to smother myself? I simply want to build back up the mountain that Hira has broken." He played on the words Alvane used, a small smile lighting his face.
The unicorn brought his gaze to the sudden lindworm appearing, seemingly thinking it belonged with the child who had spoken up. He eyed the large creature warily, never quite being one to favour the lindworms. "Any who doesn't join us today will have no hard feelings from me. Change is hard, but you'll all see this is the correct path soon enough. Of course we would never throw a child into anything they weren't prepared for, but we train anyone who wants to be trained, as my Reavers here said." He gave another nod to Jorunn and Shrike. They were proof enough of the loyalty the Flanks instilled. The Flanks had seen a rough time, that much was obvious. But yet Lykos still had horses at his back even through it all.
Lykos saw Calder out of the corner of his eye, and he regarded the Thane. He was glad to have the Thanes that he did, but he often wondered how they thought of him. He was young and with different ideals than what they were previously used to. But the Thane had stayed on with the shift in leadership, and for that Lykos was glad.
Thankfully there seemed to be a voice of reason trying to get Kelby and Alvane under control. Lykos didn't want a fight either; he didn't come for that, not at this time at least. They still needed more before they were truly ready to challenge the Forged and their ways. Chirin spoke again, and he felt a moment of sympathy for the younger horse. This was the type of horse he was fighting for. The forgotten, the broken. "I lost my parents when I was young, but I had my clan. I wasn't thrown to the side, and I would never turn my back on one of my own. We are family, that is the purpose of a clan. United clans sounds good in theory, but you lose all the aspects of closeness. You become a jumbled swath of horses, just disposable to your War Lord when she sees fit. We would welcome all like family." He spoke to Chirin, but also to everyone present. He was being sincere, and he hoped that it came across as he tried to push as much emotion as he could into his voice. It was difficult for him to express it, but he needed them to trust and believe him.
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Post by Dream-Lark on Feb 26, 2020 21:33:55 GMT -6
 Darevan;War Forged|Raider
Darevan had heard the rumors that had been circulating. Something about a meeting, promises of more information, more food to be had, and all sorts of other things. Since he hadn’t currently been assigned a mission, the unicorn had geared up and set out to where the meeting was supposedly being held. Hopefully it wasn’t going to be a waste of time.
And it wasn’t.
The raider stood amongst the crowd, surprised and intrigued when a dainter looking stallion stepped forward and revealed that he and the equines behind him were from the Bloody Flanks. His ears flickered back, and a fighting urge soared within his chest. It was instinctual, habitual. Instilled in him from countless fights with this clan in the past.
Purple hued teke gripped the handle of his war hammer, though it remained at east along his side, undrawn. The unicorn stamped down the fighting urge, shoving it aside to focus on what was being said and the reactions of the crowd about him.
This Lykos...he didn’t seem to be leader material, he didn’t seem that strong, but the body language of those around him said otherwise. And it was with utter surprise that something looking like an elk emerged from the forest behind the Bloody Flanks, an elk made entirely of wood.
To say Darevan was dumbfounded would be an understatement.
Amethyst hued eyes narrowed as he took everything in, teke once again gripping his hammer as tensions seemed to rise. Those damn valks had fire or boiling water in their veins, he swore. They couldn’t ever think, were more prone to jumping straight into things without thinking than he’d ever been (and it was one of his weaknesses, so that was saying something).
A lindworm appeared, and it’s little stone bearer actually started crying as he spoke to this Bloody Flanks leader.
The stallion couldn’t help but snort as it was told that all could be trained to fight, it didn’t matter your sex. Then again...it was obvious that one of the females guarding this Lykos had the skills of a warrior. He supposed as long as the standards weren’t lowered, it wasn’t really an issue...obviously the valks had some fighting skills as well.
But it made them piss poor mothers, and good mothers who could rear children were what the herd needed to flourish.
Then again, if they were wanting to be fighting and not taking care of kids...maybe that was for the best. Piss poor mothers didn’t deserve the gift of children. So maybe it was a moot point. Maybe it was something he could even get over, considering his dislike of Hira and what she’d mismanaged was so great.
Darevan had never thought he’d agree with the Flanks, never thought he’d be considering this enemies’ words.
But he longed for the clans of old, the stories he’d heard and the kinship that had always been inherent in them.
The raider actually found himself loosening his grip on his hammer, found himself leaning toward siding with this persuasive, dainty looking stallion.
On the upside, then he’d really get to lay into the valks in the future.
WC:527 | Post #1 |
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Post by ebbarie on Feb 27, 2020 1:25:07 GMT -6
Fijalahr;War-Forged | Ambassador
Even in death may you be triumphant. Arguing, yelling, defamation, promises. This meeting was a mess. They were spinning in circles. His own discussion had been clear from the beginning, but he wanted to gather more information before leaving. One thing was shockingly obvious - if even the Valkyries gave in so easily, the Flanks would have an easy game gaining new members. Maybe not amongst the higher ranks, but definitely among the villagers, which were suffering the most.
Rather sooner than later Onea will see another civil war.
For a moment he closed his eyes, summoning up all his concentration to parry the ascending images and feelings. It wouldn't be like the war in Aquore. That was in the past, over and gone.
Another deep breath and he had himself under control again. Fijalahr opened his eyes and met the angry gaze of a small Pegasus, that stared at him from the lines of the Flanks. For a moment he was confused, then he remembered and put on a neutral expression again. He felt neither regret nor pity for using his blessing on the Reaver, back in that underground city.
His eyes wandered on and met the gaze of the Jarl again. "You are right, the land is rioting. But it's a bit petty to blame Hira and her rein for that. The balance has shifted, and not only here. You want to tear the herd apart, in a time in which we have to stand together. Maybe you are right, maybe bringing back the Clans would profit the Forged. Maybe, or maybe not. Certain is only that this would take time. Such a change doesn't happen overnight. Civil wars will be the result, until everything settles years might pass. But we don't have the time for disputes among us. Not now." he tried to reason. He understood that the Valkyries were angry, that the farmers and herders were starving. The whole herd was suffering - and yes, because of decisions that Hira had made, especially in recent years. But couldn't they see that such a civil war would bring them suffering for years? Farmers would not till a field during a war. Trade would come to a stillstand. Supplies would become short, no matter what.
The Flanks tried to sell their personal vengeance on Hira and the stonehooves as the great solution for everything. But that wouldn't return balance to Onea. Nothing that the mortals do could.
"Tell us, what is your plan? Liberating the herd, family and so on, yes that sounds great. But how do you plan to achieve your goals? You know that not all of us will follow you so blindly. You have to tear down the mountain, before you rebuild it again. What will happen to those that fight you, instead of joining your ranks? What happens afterwards? How do you want to restore the Clans? Many of us are born under Hiras rein, without a Clan. How will you handle the inevitable bicker over land and resources? Do the Flanks actually have a plan for what happens if your riot succeeds this time?" His voice remained controlled and calm all the time, even tho his questions were clearly provocative, they were also meant serious. Did the Flanks did think ahead of their personal revenge, or would everything end in chaos?
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Post by NorthernMyth on Feb 27, 2020 8:50:37 GMT -6
Kelby’s meltdown wasn’t helping the situation. But neither was her own. Lykos toyed with her words and twisted them against her. He made her blood boil. It was a good thing she left almost all her weapons behind. But she still held her knife close. And if it came to it she still had the Air, her Voice, and Polaris.
Chirin’s words almost made the Valkyrie shake her head. What did he know. He was a simple farmer. He hadn’t stood by Hira’s side as long as she had. Alvane was loyal to Hira. Unquestioning, unfaltering. She climbed to become one of her best Warriors and she felt like she had an obligation to uphold. She knew the child was hurting. Left with no one. But it didn’t mean he had to turn his back on The Forged.
With her back turned, she felt Lykos take a step towards her and she instinctively spun on her heels. Almost getting back up in his face. Her teke wrapped around the hilt of the dagger strapped to her leg. But the mare stopped herself for taking it out. If she did that, the rest of the Bloody Flanks would take that as an initiative. That was proven already when she first lunged towards the Jarl. Alvane wasn’t that dumb. She took Lykos’ smile as smugness. Wrinkling her nose up at him. And biting her tongue. He wanted a response. She wouldn’t give it.
The blue haired mare heard a familiar voice. Hawke spoke up which enforced her from doing anything stupid. They were right. Alvane gave the Stone Circle member a nod of her head. Acknowledging their presence and agreeing with their words. Her stance eased up. But her ears still sat flat against her neck. Not moving from her spot. If Lykos wanted her out of his space, then he could move.
“The message will be passed along.” Referring to Grigori. Her brow still crossed.
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Post by Artistic Pineapple on Feb 27, 2020 13:50:35 GMT -6
Bloody Flanks Reaver
His pike-spear still readied with the tip carefully kept below chest height of those around him, Shrike lapses back into a strained silence. There was no telling if the hot-headed mare would snap again. His throat burned with the adrenaline of speaking to such a crowd but the heart pounding in his chest was still readying him for a brawl.
The reaver let loose an audible snort, shaking his mane out. The hood of his cloak slipping from his head and the frigid brightness of the world causing him to blink in adjustment.
How did Lykos manage so much patience? He was getting frustrated with these petty lowlanders already. They were less like equine and far more like starving wolves - desperate beasts relying more on fight and flight than sense. Despite their ferality, however, it seemed that his fellow Flanks were already starting to sway a few minds.
Pride swells in his chest when the familiar form of Calder joins them. The thane has been like a makeshift father figure to the boy since he arrived in Ghosthold and Shrike owes the massive stallion his life.
Did he hear what I said? Shrike can't help but glance to the aged captain's face and what he finds sends a volt of surprise up his spine.
A smile. An honest smile! It pulls Calder's lips over his teeth and the gesture is so startling that Shrike can't help the grin that spreads across his own face at the sight of it. The boy quickly dips his head in an effort to regain composure as relief floods his limbs. A smile from Calder was rare, but a toothy smile caused by something he did? The reaver had thought it to be impossible.
The pegasus shifts his weight and readjusts his pike-spear, looking back to the crowd before them, composure regained. When Fijalahr speaks , Shrike doesn't tense this time. Something about Calder's careful presence helps to steady his nerves right up until Alvane re-escalates the situation.
She's back in his Jarl's face, all bark and no bite. The disrespect so evident that Shrike's ears flatten in disgust. She's clearly placing herself in a dangerous position and the glow of teke on her dagger catches the reaver's immediate attention. His pike raises, the tip still held far from her body but the blade aimed accurately now.
He doesn't say a word. Instead, icy eyes flash to the mare's face. He's searching for the spark, the ignition that will cause her to unsheathe her weapon. Dark ears swivel to a lowlander's voice attempting to calm her and Shrike watches Alvane ease in stance. But much to his disrelish, she refuses to yield. Shrike is a statue, weapon ready in the close-contact situation this dim lowlander has placed them all in.
It doesn't matter, he reasons inwardly. We're here to gather more Flanks. What would it hurt? Losing a lowlander too blind to see Hera for what she is?
But he doesn't act on those thoughts, not yet.
WC: 531 | Post #3
Calder smiles and Shrike is soft.
He would also definitely lose in a fight with Alvane but is too dumb to realize that... |
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Post by Coffie-Buzz on Feb 27, 2020 15:58:08 GMT -6
CHIRIN
Chirin clenched his eyes shut as the Jarl’s words reached him. They would welcome him as family. He had their leader’s word. The … Reaver… the one with a shark’s tail… She had said they would teach anyone who wanted to know. He knew he could do far more than shepherd a flock. He already had done more than that. He inhaled a shaky breath, ‘ Stop crying, stop crying, stop crying.’ he commanded himself. - Confident- - Bold- Obsidian black stone and bloody gems caught stray rays of sunshine as the Lindworm reared his head and it’s hellfire gaze watched the young horse. The Colt opened his emerald eyes and turned a half-blind glare to the Forged. They had all abandoned him to his fate. He had literally been thrown to wolves and he now had the scars on his body and the pelt on his back to prove it. True, some of them had shown him kindness, but kindness could only do so much. War-Forged were stronger than this. Onean’s were stronger than this. He had to be stronger to survive here. His eyes softened and he looked back to the Bloody Flanks. His expression turned to shock once he recognised Calder among them. When had he gotten there? Chirin had been twelve the last time he had seen the old stallion. Some things had been said that he wasn’t exactly proud of. But then… a moment of clarity. Something from far in his memory. Something that had more truth to it that he had first thought. He took a few steps forward, making eye contact with the old stallion, “ Excuse me, Sir. You might not remember me, but I remember you. I was twelve the last time we met. You and Cormac were trying to steal my flock from me and a few others,” the colt’s voice was soft and polite, remembering that this horse was his elder, and he would treat him with respect. “ You had said something to me back then: “Real life is cruel and nasty. It doesn’t care a tiny bit about you and your loss. Everyone knows loss. Lesser or greater, it doesn’t matter.”” The boy offered a small smile that was hardly noticeable, “ I… honestly thought you were just trying to scare me off. But.. looking back on that now… I think I know what you were getting at. Life won’t take pity on the weak. It’s you who has to be the one to fight back. Only by your own effort can a change be made,” He looked up at the Jarl, “ Sometimes all it takes is for someone to take a step towards that change. To say enough is enough and fight back against a system that wants nothing more than to see you wiped from history.” He took a breath, his heart racing, “ He might not have actually meant it like that, but it’s how I'm interpreting it. I’m not saying any of this just because I'm hungry, but because I took the time to listen rather than jump to conclusions based on my past experience.” Chirin turned to the lindworm and beckoned towards the Bloody Flanks with his head, dismissing him to the side. The beast crawled to stand among them, keeping away from crowding them. He turned to the Jarl once again, smiling, “ I would be honored to join you. I like what I’ve heard and I would love to see what change you could bring.”
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Post by ebbarie on Feb 28, 2020 1:24:10 GMT -6
Calder;Thane
Deep roots are not reached by the frost.
Within seconds the smile faded and yielded to the tension that took hold of the Flanks as one of the Valkyries decided to jump straight into their Jarls face. Calder himself was still not completely happy with the thought of training mares as fighters, and the way the Valks presented themselves didn't helped to change his opinions at all. The female Reavers among the Flanks had slowly managed to earn his grudgingly respect, Hiras little troop right in front of him however started to annoy him more every second. The captain didn't doubted their fighting skills, but rather looked down on their non-existing self-control. Without discipline a warrior was useless, and even worse - a danger for his comrades.
"Pull yourself together lassie" he snorted and glanced at Alvane with his one eye, a warning. "You are making a fool of yourself." He doubted that the situation would escalate. The Valkyrie should know that she wouldn't win that fight, and even tho the Flanks were here to gather new members, they wouldn't hesitate a second to draw blood to defend their Jarl. Calder still wasn't completely sure what to think of Lykos - the boy didn't really attracted his attention over the years- but the Clan had chosen him and so far he made a decent job. Therefore, rather newly appointed or not, the Flanks wouldn't tolerate much more disrespect towards their leader. They were loyal to the bones, quiet contrary to what they had seen from the Forged.
Suddenly the young herder with the lindworm took the floor again, and surprisingly directed his words at the captain. Confused for a moment, the stallion crooked his head to get a better look at the unicorn. The colt was indeed familiar, yet it took him a while to remember from where.
"I do remember you" he responded after a while, thoughtfully. Back then he doubted that the herder would survive much longer, but the boy was smarter than he let on. "I meant what I said, the truth can be more scary than a more comfortable white lie. The lesson of life is a tough one to learn, but a necessary one." He was actually a little surprised that the colt had actually put that much thought into his words, and he did respect that.
"You and your Flock are very welcome." he started again, and put on a slight, grim smile. "You have some guts, and we can help you learn how to defend your Flock even better in the future. Just one more thing - if you ever stab me again with that horn of yours I'll throw you into the sea." It was a joke, at least for the most part. The scar on his shoulder from their last encounter was still visible.
WC: 465 | Post 2 |
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Post by kerarose on Mar 2, 2020 17:30:20 GMT -6
K E L B Y Family- it was the one thing Kelby had always wanted. A father who loved them, siblings who teased but never mocked, relatives who respected them and their pronouns, without having to be told. A lover who was supportive and kind, and maybe- if their Goddesses deemed her worthy- children to raise. Hawke already offered a family of sorts, and Mama would always be near and dear to their heart- but could there be more?
She took a deep breath as her temper cooled, the snow falling to the ground and the armor melting away. Herja sat calmly next to her legs, and forest green teke scratched her behind the ears. She looked away for a moment, bringing control to her emotions and slipping her indifferent mask over her face.
She was pissed at Hira, downright furious. She felt betrayed, that the War Lord who picked her, trained her, did not find her worthy to be saved. It hurt down deep to hear that Delta had been culled, when she was the only one to come and deliver her. The trust between them was strained, and it would likely remain that way for a very long time, if not forever. If this was what she could expect from her War Lord in the future, she likely would shift her alliances. It wasn't what she wished to do- leave Hawke, leave the Valkyries- but if it came down to her maintaining her sanity and her health, then she would do what she must.
Their eyes glinted with tears as Chirin, the child who had come to save them with Delta, pledged his allegiance to the Flanks. They gave him a sad smile, ambling forward to be at his side. "Be safe, Chirin of the Flanks," they said, bringing him into a hug. "Stay in touch, if you can. I will miss you." They released their grip, rising again to their full height. "You will make an incredible fighter one day- I just hope that you and I will not have to meet on opposing sides in battle."
She rose and looked Lykos in the eye, fixing him with a stern look, as if to say take care of him, or I will feed you to my wolf. She meant it- Chirin had become a friend, however young he may be. She knew that he could handle himself, but she would still worry.
She looked Lykos over once more before limping over to Hawke. She stood close, close enough so that their flanks nearly touched, and brought her head close to theirs, whispering. "I'm afraid that I'm going to do something stupid, Hawke," she said, a tremor shaking her form. "What do I do?"
Goddesses knew that they were smarter than she. Hawke would have the answer- wouldn't they?
WC: 475 | Post #3 |
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Post by galekxy on Mar 8, 2020 20:55:10 GMT -6
Lykos;Bloody Flanks | Jarl
When I see fragile things, helpless things, broken things, I see the familiar Lykos didn't care much that Alvane's temper seemed to be sparking. He wasn't going to be the one to fuel it, and she seemed to want a fight. What did he have to do to show he didn't want that? When she stood her ground, he smirked again and turned around, clearly making himself vulnerable before stepping back to the safety that Shrike and his clan offered.
He then listened carefully to the words that Fijahalr spoke, but still tilted his head. "I do not remember a time so sparse in food until Hira's rule became laughable at best. I would hope that those would trust the plan set in place without blindly doubting that it would fail before it even began." He wouldn't explain his future actions to the ambassador. Those secrets were for the Flanks only. And so it seemed this young herder would see all that they had to offer. "We are honoured to have you." His words held honesty, and the simple act of the young horse stepping forward sent the crowd whispering even more. Other's were stepping forward, some shyly, eyes cast downward as if they did not want to be recognized. But some were more bold and proudly took their new place among the Flanks.
Calder's words to the boy warmed Lykos, and he hoped others could hear the exchange. The words showed who they really were. His gaze caught on Kelby's, and his brow rose at the look she seemed to shoot at him, but he stepped forward and addressed the crowd again. "You see your brethren joining us right before your eyes. There is obviously truth to our words, and you can be part of the rising mountain. We have not threatened any harm and I promise we can do better by you. Here you do not see the struggles as clearly as others, but it will come for you too. It is only a matter of time before the pillars crumble to dust."
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Post by Waterdrup on Mar 13, 2020 10:39:17 GMT -6
Gwen | Farmer
What was she doing here? Gwen shifted, pulling her hooded cloak tighter, as if she could hide away in the dark fabric. The rumours of a meeting had reached even their relatively remote farm. If only because her father eagerly mingled with stallions that didn’t think highly of Hira. She was a mare after all. Gwen felt a shiver going down her back and she wasn’t sure if it was because of the cold morning or the anxious tension in the air. She glanced at her brother, Aeron, who had somehow managed to drag her into this. The two siblings stayed at the very edge of the crowd though, carefully looking around for anyone they might recognise. Their father did not agree with actively gathering behind Hira’s back like this, knowing too little about the meeting. It wasn’t safe and hardly productive or honourable. Even if the War Lord was a stubborn mare that should just step down and let someone better suited rule their herd. There were standards. A dark unicorn had taken the stage and started to speak, too far away for Gwen to read. The deaf mare swallowed hard as she stared at Aeron, who soundlessly mouthed the parts of the speech he found interesting enough to repeat to her. She could hardly focus on the words. They would be in so much trouble when they got back home and their father would know where they’d been. What was she doing here? The farm girl let out a shuddering breath as she read the words “Lykos of the Bloody Flanks”, her chest tightening in fear. She had heard enough stories about the banished clan to be scared. Now here they stood, right in front of them, talking. Gwen felt her heartbeat pick up, glad they’d stayed at the back, feeling at least a little safer with this many War-Forged horses by her side. Her brother had tensed as well, stepping a little closer to his younger sister. A sudden shift in the crowd made Gwen look up and her brown eyes grew wide as she watched the massive form of an elk step up. It couldn’t be, they were supposed to be myths, unseen guardians from long ago. The Caenna had told them as much. Why was a Nisse backing up Lykos? “Kaia.” The mare breathed as cold confusion seeped into her stomach. They shouldn’t have come here. Lykos was making promises, pressing some sore spots as emotions flared across the crowd. Gwen bit her lip as Aeron translated, mentioning the hunger some horses were suffering. She hadn’t realized how lucky she was. Their farm had, and still was, producing at least enough food. Strengthened by the young mare’s blessing. They should help the less fortunate ones… Aeron softly shook his head as he relayed that Lykos wanted to end the unification and bring back the individual clans, while offering freedom to anyone who joined them. It had taken more than 20 years to unify these stubborn horses, Gwen hoped it would take more for them to break apart. She thought back on the decorative tapestry in their living-room, showing Kaia and her unicorns as one herd. Strength and endurance. It was true, for now, that Lykos wasn't threatening anyone, but he was certainly threatening the War-Forged as Gwen knew it to be. She knew that even her traditional family would not choose to follow this stallion over Hira. Too much effort had been put into painting the picture of the Bloody Flanks as the bad guys. When it came to Gwen, the unicorn’s promises literally fell on deaf ears. She would not join them.
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Post by Dream-Lark on Mar 13, 2020 14:23:32 GMT -6
Darevan;War Forged|Raider
Dark ears flickered back and forth as different equines took turns speaking. The unicorn absorbed it all, thinking. He was...feeling very unusual.
Conflicted. Hesitant.
Darevan hated it.
But there wasn’t anything he could physically do about it, as he watched the young unicorn decide to cast his lot with the Flanks. And the raider could understand why. He actually approved of the runt wanting to better himself and learn how to fight. Hopefully he could actually manage it, even.
However, he couldn’t just blindly side with the Flanks. He was swayed by the words, by the thrill of future fights, and the idea of Clans once more. Of a brotherhood of fighters to get even stronger with. Yet...one question loomed in his mind.
With a snort at himself, the raider took a step forward, body language revealing him to be at ease and yet defensive. Head was set at an arrogant angle as he drew attention to himself, projecting his voice just enough to clearly carry to this new...Jarl, was the word that had been used.
“And what’s your stance on Holmsa, then?” Darevan questioned, traces of anger in his voice at the memory of the town that had been so ruthlessly destroyed. Oh, the stallion was fine with blood, loved a good fight, and war was war. Villages would be gained or lost by one side or the other, equines were going to die, but what had happened at Holmsa, that was different.
It had been a massacre of innocents.
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Post by Dream-Lark on Mar 13, 2020 14:38:12 GMT -6
 Wintera;War Forged|Outcast
The mare was….exceptionally late to the meeting. She’d gotten turned around, quite a bit lost, and had refused to ask for directions. It was bad enough she always stood out like a sore hoof in towns, but she hadn’t wanted to draw extra attention to herself.
So it was that the kirin shifted carefully and slowly through the crowd, petite form careful with her antlers. Wintera had picked out another familiar form in the crowd, and was making her way toward Akari. She breathed a sigh of relief as she reached the younger mare’s side, and saw beside her the older equine who had taken the newly awakened Akari in.
“Hey there, dears. What have I missed?” Wintera murmured, pale eyes casting about. She saw a small form she thought she recognized moving toward another group that was facing the other she was a part of, but it was the stone behemoth nearby that she really recognized from a fiasco with a blessed hammer.
But what really caught her eye was the figure of an elk standing behind the other group. “What is that?” Winny whispered in awe. It appeared to be made of wood, but she’d never heard of such a creature!
The kirin had left Skeldr and Taend to come gather information about what was happening, far too curious to remain at home and only get to hear more rumors laters. No, she’d wanted to find out the source this time, and it definitely seemed she had. The air itself seemed to be a low thrum of tension.
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