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Post by Kelpie-River on Apr 2, 2021 18:49:59 GMT -6
 Beta + Evan;War-Forged | Craftmaster/The Core
Together, we find our way through the world.Evan glanced over his shoulder, as though he were certain the big, white Unicorn meandering behind him would disappear at any moment. He was so unused to Beta being home during daylight hours, but familiar wrangling had gone so well yesterday that the dominant white horse was able to take a day off. It thrilled Evan to no end to have his husband, horn glittering gold in the early morning sunlight, traipsing by his side. Their son was off doing whatever it was twelve year old War-Forged children do, but considering the weaving hall had a million eyes to keep on him, neither stallion was all that worried.
Evan's task today was to wrangle some new sources of wool, seeing how their usual herds around Skeldr Town were a little weak this year. He had heard of a family of herders who were renowned for their work with their herds, and was going to try and snag a contract with them today. Normally, he'd have left the imposing, eighteen hand high white unicorn at home. But he so rarely got to spend time with Beta...and his Be-Be was such a sweetheart that he couldn't resist asking Beta along with him.
The white stallion wasn't exactly sure what to expect; he didn't get to see Evan work all that often. But he was happy to learn. Something about lanolin? The small Buckskin was muttering to himself, ranking the best types of wool for his bandage and tapestry making. Beta knew the importance of good stock; his job was all about getting the best quality animals. Hell, he'd even rounded up Shuttle and had her Uplifted by one of his buyers so he knew that Evan would have the best quality familiar.
Currently, the whitish gray wolf wasn't home, with their son. Bringing a wolf to a herd of prey animals was stupid, in Evan's opinion, and the kid could use the extra protection should something go amiss. Evan felt...strange without Shuttle at his side, but figured that he'd made the right choice, and chugged on.
Beta watched a few lonely snowflakes fall from the gray-white clouds ad he and Evan headed for Oona's herd. Neither of them knew who they'd be dealing with, for if they knew she was nigh but a child, they might have turned tail and run while they could. But they'd trudged too far to give up now. Whatever the pair came to face, they would face it together, as they always did.
WC: 420 | Post #1 |
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Post by Prismaticlysm on Apr 3, 2021 12:35:00 GMT -6
 Art by: waterdrup
Oona War-Forged - Herder Grandma Marie told her that a horse was going to stop by sometime during the day because they expressed interest in a business venture. Of course Oona didn't really understand since she was a child who took care of sheep, but the little girl smiled and nodded before bidding the old Shetland goodbye for the day.
Lambing completed months before, so the herd was fuller than it usually was after sheep were sold to other herders or added to her own here to compensate for any losses. Males and females were separated into different paddocks to avoid any accidental breeding outside of their usual season, and Oona and her sheepdog, Fluffy, could keep an eye from a distance to allow them their peace. But today Oona wasn't just watching out for her sheep. Today Oona kept an eye on the fences of the land her sheep resides on, now aware that she was to get visitors.
Since it was summer, Oona didn't need to worry about being cold, and only kept her saddlebags nearby with food she could eat during the day. That and she constantly wore the wreath Kaia had given her, only taking it off for bed. She didn't dress up or anything, the concept foreign to her. All she knew was that someone was interested in her sheep, and she would just be herself. Not to mention it made life exciting! It was rare to be able to do much and go places, when her job was to care for these sheep.
Hey, maybe she would make a friend?
Her herd moving suddenly had her on her feet, squinting through the sun as she peered across the field. Not many came through here, and those that did, the sheep were already used to. Clicking her tongue to Fluffy, she and the large sheepdog cantered across the field towards the two figures walking next to the fence. It felt good to run, and not have to run after a sheep.
"Hello!" She called brightly, slowing her pace as she neared the fence. "Are you looking for Grandma Marie's herd? I take care of it for her!" The child beamed, looking back at her sheep with pride. |
POST COUNT: 1 ♦ WORD COUNT: 368
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Post by Kelpie-River on Apr 9, 2021 20:30:08 GMT -6
Evan + Beta;War Forged | Crafstmaster/The Core
Together we find our way through the world. Evan let out a small huff of breath, and Beta nudged him slightly, reminding the smaller horse to mind his manners. Of course, he understood why Evan was so upset; the stallion had it cut out for him, living here. Without access to a shape-shifting amulet, he lived in near-constant distress, and the idea of a War-Forged child seeing him as anything but the mare he appeared to be on the outside was a distressing thought for the buckskin stallion. Not to mention, she was...well...she looked younger than their son, even! How could she possibly be old enough to manage a herd all by herself? Well, Beta thought to himself, as his golden eyes roved the herd, they looked in order. Rams in one paster, ewes in another. And the girl did have a sheepdog to help her out. Besides, if ‘Grandma Marie’ were anywhere about, she might be able to swoop in if things were above the reach of the child.
“Yes,” Evan said finally, remembering his manners. “I’m Evan, and this is my husband, Beta,” he introduced them both with a dip of his head. “And we’re here to see about getting some wool from your sheep,” he told the child, trying to use simple, straightforward language with her. Not like he knew how to speak any other way.
“I’m the crafstmaster of the weaving hall,” Evan explained. “And our stores are woefully thin after winter, so we need more wool to continue producing bandages, tapestry, and clothing. We heard your sheep were rather good quality, and seeing as Beta here is a familiar wrangler, I brought him along to inspect,” Evan explained.
“It’s very nice to meet you,” Beta rumbled in his deep, baritone voice. He dipped his head to the little filly, smiling warmly at her. “We won’t take much of your time; promise,” he assured Oona with a small smile crossing his pink muzzle as he spoke.
WC: 324| Post #2 |
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Post by Prismaticlysm on Apr 12, 2021 11:07:39 GMT -6
Art by: waterdrup
Oona War-Forged - Herder "Nice to meet you, Evan and Beta!" Oona dipped her own head, regaining her breath and her own manners. She remembered she was a filly and these two, judging on their names, were stallions. She was to respect them, and she would. This was an opportunity for not just her, but for their small 'family'. If they got more shards, she might be able to convince Grandma Marie to let her get an exotic familiar. She still had her heart set on a giant butterfly, if any Onean traders were able to get their hooves on the elusive creatures.
"We actually have some wool stored up from our last sheering. We didn't get a chance to sell it all yet since it's just the two of us while my sister is out doing work as a medic. She's amazing!" Oona grinned, before the grin turned into a thoughtful look. As she tried to do the math from memory, a slight bit of her tongue poking out of her mouth, she shook her head. "I don't know how much...but I think it's a lot! At least to maybe give you an idea what they got." She looked over her shoulder at her sheep again. Fluffy stood stoically at her side, his back to Beta and Evan as he kept an eye on the grazing beasts.
Looking back to the two stallions, Oona tilted her head. "I can let you in if you'd like, see for yourselves since they are being shy today. They don't really like Fluffy because he has to boss them around." Purple and pale green teke raked through her sheepdog's poofy fur, his tail wagging merrily. |
POST COUNT: 2 ♦ WORD COUNT: 278
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Post by Kelpie-River on Apr 27, 2021 7:57:38 GMT -6
Beta + Evan;War-Forged | Craftmaster/The Core
Together, we find our way through the world. Evan glanced up at Beta, who seemed smitten with the little filly, having fallen head over hoof for how cute she was in moments. Just like him, to be starry-eyed as soon as he saw a kid. Evan couldn’t help but feel a small smile tugging at the corners of his lips as he turned his attention back to Oona. She certainly had energy; that much was obvious. And while she was still too young to know all the ins and outs of her job, she was doing well by his count.
“I think it would be wonderful if we could take a look around,” Evan said softly, nudging Beta wit his tail to get the stallion to pay more attention to what was happening before his golden eyes. Beta started, glanced over at Evan with a small, playful frown, and shook himself, nodding in approval of the plan.
“Yes, please,” he said, nodding to little Oona. “It would be my pleasure to inspect what you’ve got to offer,” he told her with a small smile, the gold of his horn catching the light as he bent his neck down to speak with her a little more on her own level. “Thank you for your help,” he added, his voice a low rumble as he spoke calmly to the filly.
“Fluffy seems like a good sheepdog, if the sheep are worried about him being bossy,” Beta added, with a small, rumbling chuckle. “It’s a good thing to know that the herding animals are doing what they’re supposed to,” he shrugged. “Lots of things out here that would snap up a sheep in a heartbeat. Best to keep them well protected, as I’m sure you know.”
WC: 285| Post #3 |
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Post by Prismaticlysm on May 3, 2021 22:28:55 GMT -6
Art by: waterdrup
Oona War-Forged - Herder Oona was only too pleased to let the stallions in through one of the numerous gates that lines the paddock, which were used in the off chance the sheep needed to be lead to some other field or to get them out of danger from an intruding predator. Not that that ever happened, but Oona was glad for the entrances so no one had to walk around or jump over themselves. "You're welcome!" She responded to Beta's thanks. Once the stallions were inside and the gate was secure once more, the young filly lead the duo off towards where her sheep were grazing on the other side of the pasture. Using both vocal and teke based commands, she directed Fluffy to keep his distance as to not rile up the sheep; he didn't need to be chasing any down today, at least not yet.
"Since we have a few fields to use, we rotate the sheep once they chew down the grass in their current pasture. This allows the grass to grow back and recover." The two stallions likely already had this knowledge, but Oona wanted them to know that she knew what she was doing despite her young age. She didn't have the same mindset as her sister when it came to the medical arts, and Herding was a fulfilling profession she could accomplish at a young age that allowed her to earn her keep to avoid being culled; she wasn't a bad filly and didn't want that to happen.
"The sheep don't have a lot of wool yet since we like to shear them a few weeks before they have their lambs and they are still growing it back, but I can show you the cut wool in the storage whenever you want." The child turned and smiled back up at them. "I hope you are pleased with their health." |
POST COUNT: 3 ♦ WORD COUNT: 312
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Post by Kelpie-River on May 5, 2021 19:27:02 GMT -6
Both Beta and Evan were happy to look over the horse's supply of sheep, nodding their heads at the shape the creatures were in. Eyes bright, and any nicks from their shearing a few weeks back had already healed, probably aided by the lanolin in the sheep's fur. The creatures were rather well-fed, it appeared, and as Oona explained the way that they rotated pasture, both horses shared a glance, their lips turning up into smiles of approval. Beta, especially, cared for the health of animals, and knowing that the landscape was being respected meant much to him. Evan was sniffing the air, taking in the heady scent of sheep. No stench of illness came to him, and he was pleased with this, his tail curling between his hind legs as he thought to himself about how well the creatures were being kept.
In fact, it was he who spoke first.
"These creatures look well, wouldn't you say, Beta?" The white unicorn nodded, and Evan continued with his small speech. "You take excellent care of your herd, young Oona. And excellent care of Kaia's grasses," he added with a small chuckle. "Thank you for showing us the herd," he told her, dipping his head to the small creature.
"If you'd show us the wool in storage, I think we can make our final decision," rumbled Beta, knowing Evan would talk shop all day if he didn't step in and steer the conversation in the proper direction.
WC: 246 || Post 4
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Post by Prismaticlysm on May 7, 2021 13:35:06 GMT -6
Art by: waterdrup
Oona War-Forged - Herder Oona and Fluffy lead the two stallions through the large paddock, keeping their distance as to avoid startling the already anxious sheep. The sheep themselves weren't wild, Oona was able to walk among them without them fleeing form her presence. But they understood that when Fluffy came around, there was some sort of business to be had. But since the large sheepdog stayed distant even to his companion, the sheep merely turned their heads and watched, their ears and eyes focused on the small group as they were surveyed. The lambs, some as old as three months and others as young as two and a half stick by their mothers or bound around in groups.
The filly stayed silent as she allowed Beta and Evan time to look over the sheep without her interjecting, taking the route that they ought to be the ones to ask the questions and she could answer them rather than her explaining to them what they likely already saw. And when Evan finally did speak up, Oona turned to listen intently. She might be a child, but she understood the importance of business. The girl smiled at the compliments her flock was being given, that she was being given. It really boosted her confidence, that she was doing something right.
Kaia would be proud of her.
"Thank you very much!" The youth had to keep herself from practically dancing in place, so she opted to bow her head with a little added curtsey. "If you would just follow me please! You can even see where we house the sheep during the cold months."
After a trip back down the field, and leaving Fluffy to guard the sheep in her stead with a series of herding commands, Oona lead the two stallions to where the sheep were kept during the winter and where other equipment was stored until use. The building was old, but still in good condition from the upkeep. Oona herself couldn't do all the work to keep the system running, at least not at her age, so she had help from friends of Grandma Maria's while the sheep were indoors. Inside were a series of large pens to separate the sheep into groups and to keep the rams away from the ladies before it was time to breed in the Autumn. The floors were stained from decades of use, but they were otherwise relatively clean of hay and manure after a good spring cleaning. Even the bunks where the hay was distributed were cleaned out.
She continued to lead the stallions through the barn until they reached the connecting storage shed where dozens of gate panels rested against the walls which were used for ewes who had given birth to allow the ewe and her lambs to bond before they were tagged and numbered. While the ewes would recognize their babies through scent, Oona needed a more visual aid to keep track of her flock. And it helped her adopt lambs off to other ewes in the event of stillborn lambs or triplets or more; ewes only had two teats, after all, and when a ewe had more than two babies, Oona had to intervene to ensure the babies got the proper nutrition, especially within the first five hours of life.
A small room was erected off to the side, and it was here Oona trotted to. Opening the doors, she stood back to show the huge bags packed full of wool, otherwise known as wool bales, of which there were about five which weighed over 200 lbs each. They were completely closed and secured tightly, which hide the wool within. The girl frowned at her forgetfulness.
"Ah, I forgot about that." The child scrunched up her nose. "We keep the wool in here to prevent mice getting into it for bedding. We have a few stray barn cats like live around here and they keep the mice away, but we use this room as extra precaution." She turned to look at the stallions again. "Do you mind helping me close the bag again after we open it? The shearer usually does it and I don't think my teke is strong enough. I'm, sorry...I forgot." |
POST COUNT: 4 ♦ WORD COUNT: 702
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Post by Kelpie-River on May 19, 2021 6:04:14 GMT -6
Beta and Evan followed their companion, not really worried about much as they strolled along. The farm seemed in good condition, and all was well despite the equipment and buildings being older. Both of the horses had a pleasant feeling about the place, and were happy with everything they'd seen so far. When they reached the wool, it became apparent that the little filly would need help closing up the storage bags again. No worries for two, full-grown horses. Even though Evan might be small, he was a mighty force, and Beta was practically a wall.
"Of course, we'll help," Beta rumbled, smiling to the small child before them. "It's no trouble at all," he said, nodding to her to show that all was well. Nothing to be worried about here; he was a proponent of asking for help when needed, and was happy to show that part of himself to her today. Besides, she was just a filly. What kind of a creature would he be if he didn't stop to help a small, helpless child?
WC: 177 || Post 5
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Post by Prismaticlysm on May 30, 2021 21:02:23 GMT -6
Art by: waterdrup
Oona War-Forged - Herder Oona beamed happily, glad that the stallions didn't seem at all upset about the predicament with the wool. "Thank you!" With the help from Beta and Evan, the filly is able to expose the wool in the special bags. The wool is dirty, to be expected, but the child explains that they keep the best pieces and properly dispose of the belly wool, which she goes on to explain is always used as fertilizer or compost.
"So the wool needs to be cleaned of dirt and pieces of sticks and hay since we don't do that here. But we make sure the sheep get proper herbs and flowers to keep flies from nesting in their wool as well as lice and other parasites that can make them sick. Oh oh, and we make sure they get enough minerals. I'm still learning what to give them." The wool itself is soft and fluffy, but as Oona stated it is dirty with dirt and plant matter and needs a good cleaning before being turned into thread for other useful wool products. |
POST COUNT: 5 ♦ WORD COUNT: 179
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Post by Kelpie-River on Jun 14, 2021 6:53:27 GMT -6
Beta and Evan exchanged a look. All seemed well, and the young filly, despite her lack of knowledge, had the integrity to admit that she was still learning. This was good. Beta smiled down at the child, and whuffed, "This looks to be excellent quality stock, but I'll let Evan make the final call, since I'm more on the...live animal side of things." With a chuckle, he stepped back, so that Evan could look and feel over the wool. Evan sniffed at the stuff, put his muzzle to it to feel the texture. With a nod of appreciation, he said, "It's got a nice amount of oil to it. Good for spinning. I think we'd be in good hooves if we added your stock to what I have at the Weaver's Hall. Should we speak with your grandmother about payment, or do you handle that department as well?"
WC: 149 | Post 6
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Post by Prismaticlysm on Jul 17, 2021 8:34:39 GMT -6
Art by: waterdrup
Oona War-Forged - Herder Oona felt relieved not to be reprimanded about things she was still working on. She was still small with hardly much strength, but what she lacked in in physical prowess, she made up with her heart and persistence. "Thank you very much!" Oona bowed her head to Beta as he complimented the wool, and watched as Evan took up position to examine it himself. Her heart fluttered with anxiety as she was proud of her work with the sheep and hoped the unicorn would see the worth in her animals and their resource. And after some moments of anticipation, her hopes were realized.
"Ah thank you!" The child could barely contain her excitement, but she managed to hold herself in check. "You'd have to talk to my Grandma Marie about payment. But I can bring you to her after we get the bag put back together!" The filly was beaming, eyes sparkling with happiness. It was truly nice to have ones work appreciated. And as a child, it wasn't super common to really have the things you do complimented on. Good work was expected in War-Forged, but it felt good to have someone voice what should be obvious.
After the filly and stallions had the wool bag secured again, Oona lead them back out to the grass. The abode wasn't huge by any means, but it was home. |
POST COUNT: 6 ♦ WORD COUNT: 228
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Post by Kelpie-River on Jul 19, 2021 0:31:14 GMT -6
Evan and Beta were happy to finish the conversation, and follow Oona back outside once all was said and done. The white stallion and his mate meandered slowly as they turned to head back for their own home. Stopping, Beta glanced at Evan, cleared his throat, and spoke to Oona. "Thank you for all your help today," he told the small mare with a smile of kindness. "It was much appreciated; you've earned yourself quite the ally," he told her. "With Evan being head of the Craft Hall, you'll have plenty of business for that wool," he assured her, chuckling softly. "Now, the two of us should really be on our way," he sighed softly. "But I'll be back to cart the wool away in a bit," promised the big white horse. "Anything to add, Dear?" He asked, and Evan shook his head.
"Everything was excellent," Evan said, dipping his head to Oona. "Thank you again."
WC: 156 || Post 7
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