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Post by Western-Witch on May 15, 2016 20:55:15 GMT -6
Plot: Galloway is recovering from the Vagabond attacks at The Crucible. This gives him plenty of time to confront his fellow pit fighter, Jenko about his stance on escaping. As they both take some much needed to time recoup the two of them start to really get to know each other.
Setting/Location: Lady Scarlet's house.
Rating: T (but may fluctuate)
|| G A L L O W A Y ||
It had been awhile since the attack on The Crucible. The rumors and fear of the night still lingered down every street and alleyway though. You couldn't walk more than ten feet from your home without hearing some new speculation on the attack. The Chevaliers had expanded their forces ten-fold, covering every inch of Valore both inside and outside the walls. It would be near impossible for a Vagabond to enter or leave.
That very thought itself is what was driving Gallow mad. Leaving. He could have left that night. He should have left that night. There was nothing but fighting in his future here. He enjoyed the physical thrill and adrenaline accompanied with pit fighting, but he wanted something more. He just didn't know what that quite was, but since that night he wanted it more than ever.
Stuck inside, prescribed with bed rest, Gallow's mind had been reeling. His back leg throbbed dully and helped keep most of his obsession at bay, but it wasn't quite enough. He ran over the details of that night over and over, rethinking every move and decision he had made. Every once and awhile he would get stuck on one bit of memory that troubled him. Jenko. The stallion hadn't jumped at Gallow's offer to work together for freedom. Gallow had thought he had the grey stallion figured out. He felt closer to the pit fighter than he had to any other horse in years. Gallow had never really had a friend due to his troubled childhood, so finding one in Jenko had been welcome. But it was unnerving knowing he didn't know all that much about the Appaloosa stallion.
With this looming over his head, Gallow decided to forgo the doctor's instructions and take a walk out in Scarlet's gardens. He needed the fresh air and he hoped Jenko would be out and about so he could ask him about that troubling night. The Friesian cross found a soft spot of grass shaded by a leafy tree to lounge in as the humid air put him in a sleepy sort of haze. He'd wait here for Jenko to happen upon him. Gallow wasn't so good at confrontation. Another reason why he liked being a pit fighter. Not much talking there.
(word count: 379)
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Post by 0mooncry0 on May 17, 2016 12:55:47 GMT -6
Jenko was bored out of his mind. He had paid a visit to the Doctor right after the attack, who in his turn advised him to stay at home and rest. Rest… what was he going to achieve with rest? He was not allowed to train nor wield a weapon, much to his annoyance. He slept and took lots of naps and woke up even more tired than ever. The headaches were the worst. Milk of the poppy was the only thing that made the throbbing and dull, persistent pain go away. His shoulder had healed, though. Pale pink scar tissue had replaced the bloody wound. It was an ugly sight, really.
Jenko shifted his position so he could crane his neck and peer outside. He found Galloway installing himself by a tree. He realized he hadn’t spoken much to his friend and that bothered him. So much was left unsaid after the attack. He remembered how his friend had wanted to escape and yet he didn’t. Jenko hoped he was not the one that had deprived him from the taste of freedom. Most of all, the young stallion prayed he hadn’t disappointed Galloway.
He had to speak to him. He knew Galloway wasn’t a chatterbox and he respected that but the guilt was eating him alive. He had to confront him. With that goal set in mind, he left his bedchamber at once and made his way to the gardens. He came here often. He enjoyed the scent of flowers and the chirping of birds. It made him feel at peace. The gardens were truly a sight to behold. He had to give it to Lady Scarlet. She has wonderful taste. He noticed Gallow dozing off by the tree.
"Hey, man." he said as he approached the spotted stallion. "Hope I didn't disturb your beauty sleep." he said jokingly, smirking. "Do you mind if I join you?" he asked casually. Jenko took a glance at Gallow’s leg. Concerned, he couldn't help but ask: “How is your leg, by the way?” |
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Post by Western-Witch on May 18, 2016 1:03:01 GMT -6
|| G A L L O W A Y ||
The heat and the flowers had done it in for Gallow. He was dozing off, his mind reeling into darkness. But then suddenly a familiar voice nudged him back. Sleepily he blinked his eyes open and caught Jenko staring at him. Gallow yawned and silently scolded himself for actually falling asleep. But not before catching Jenko's little joke.
"Well it seems to be working huh?" Gallow chuckled. "I don't mind one bit. I was actually meaning to run into you." As Jenko mentioned his leg, Gallow couldn't help but feel a sharp throb. Grimacing he replied, "It's got a long way to heal, I swear that Vindicator had wolf's teeth instead of equine. But luckily Scarlet cares. I'll be good as new in the end. Though that doesn't help my cabin fever." Gallow laughed and examined Jenko. He knew the Appaloosa cross had acquired some rough wounds as well. "I can see you're doing much better than I am though. And man you've got some gnarly scars! Any hope of them healing?"
Gallow didn't know how Jenko felt about scars. Gallow liked to know what he'd done. He liked the proof and the reminders they brought with them. It was a subtle reminder that he wasn't perfect. But Gallow's mind was getting off track. A gentle breeze brought his attention to the peacefulness of the world around them. It wasn't at all like that night.
"Hey Jenko...I actually want to talk to you about something that night..." He was afraid to ask. He didn't know if this would ruin his friendship with Jenko.
(word count: 264) |
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Post by 0mooncry0 on May 19, 2016 14:01:10 GMT -6
“It seems to be working quite well, indeed.” he replied as he laid down beside Galloway. He heard his friend talk about his leg and couldn’t help but agree with what he had to say about the Vindicators.
“Tell me about it” he snorted “That buckskin gave me a few more scars to add to my collection. The one to my face was uncalled for. As if it isn’t decorated enough already. Damn him. I didn’t even get his name. A kick to the head… not exactly my proudest moment. They’ll heal in time… not fully but meh. It’s part of the pit fighting I guess." He ranted. He hated talking about his scars. He hated his scars for short. They reminded him of defeat… of that one night that changed his life for the worse. It made him feel weak and yet his father kept telling him he had to wear them as a badge of honor. He looked down and noticed the ones on his pasterns. Ashamed, he shifted his front legs so they wouldn’t be visible. He didn’t blame Galloway for asking. He didn’t know how Jenko felt about them. “You’re right. We’re lucky to have her… and I know what you mean. I can’t stand the sight of my bedchamber no more.”
His stomach fell when Galloway mentioned the word “talk”. Talk… talk about what? That night? - oh. Oooh no, THAT night. This couldn’t be good. “Umm… Oh Gods… I feared this day would have come…” he swallowed “Look, about that night you busted me in the kitchen eating blueberry pastries straight from the jar… I can explain I swear." He remembered that moment as if it happened yesterday. He hadn’t heard Galloway walk in. His face was smeared with blueberry jam by the time he had bothered to look up to notice his friend. It was an awkward moment if anything. He hadn’t dared to look Galloway in the eyes for a week straight. The shame was real.
He hadn’t dared to tell Lady Scarlet either. He had won the pit fight the day after just for her. When Coach asked Jenko what he wanted as reward for his fight he had told him he wanted a jar of blueberry pastries so he could replace it with the old, almost empty one without the Lady noticing. The coach had simply stared at him.
There was a pause. Suddenly, it hit him. His friend meant the night of the attack on the Crucible. Real smooth, fool. He thought to himself. He should have known better. He wanted to talk to Gallow about exactly that. Why the hell did he mention the pastries? “Aaannnd you meant the night of the attack. Right…” he sighed “Nevermind the pastries incident. That’ll be for another time. Tell me, what’s on your mind? Funny you mention it, actually. I wanted to talk about that too… but you go first.”
I'm sorry I couldn't resist. Inspiration struck me and I just had to include the pastry bit lol |
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Post by Western-Witch on May 25, 2016 21:16:47 GMT -6
|| G A L L O W A Y ||Gallow hadn't gotten a look at the end of Jenko's run in with the Vindicator and he winced when he heard about the kick in the head. Those were the worst. Such a sleezy way to fight aiming for the head with heavy hooves. "I've gotten that kick a few times myself. Honestly you did better than I did that night." Gallow smiled at the Appaloosa and nodded at his remarks about pit fighting. It was true, that was one of the prices you paid as a fighter, the scars. But as Jenko mentioned it Gallow watched him shift his legs beneath him. He had noticed the scars on his ankles, but as a slave himself Gallow knew better than to ask him where they had come from. He knew the story wasn't one any horse would readily share.
As Gallow mentioned talking about the night at The Crucible, Jenko started rambling something about blueberries and jars and pastries. As soon as Gallow realized he was talking about the night he had stumbled across Jenko indulging himself to an old jar of sweets Gallow couldn't help but laughing out loud. Tears came to eyes as he tried hard to explain to Jenko he didn't have anything to worry about in that regard.
Finally Gallow caught his breath and heard Jenko's muttered words about forgetting the pastry incident. That wasn't going to happen, but he put it aside for now. There was a more pressing matter to attend to.
"Okay, here goes...Why didn't you run that night? We could be far far away from Valore by now making our own way in Hireath. I guess what I'm trying to say is that I see you as a friend and I would hate to leave you behind. That's all." Gallow felt like he was seven again, his voice was shriller than it should and he felt naked being so open. But he wanted Jenko to trust him and Gallow wanted to trust him. So he let his guard down.
(word count: 338)
(Haha I swear Gallow is straight. He just really wants to have a friend! XD) |
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Post by 0mooncry0 on Jun 3, 2016 14:25:05 GMT -6
Hearing Gallow laugh was like music to his ears. It’s not often he heard him laugh. He was glad to see he had managed to work a smile upon his friend’s face. “I’m just glad we both made it out alive with no major injuries.” He said whilst sighing. So many innocents had lost their lives that night…
He was clinging on to every word Gallow was saying. A friend… so he did consider him a friend too. His heart was burning at the pit fighter’s words. He really appreciated him for being so honest and open. Not everyone would do that. Jenko thought that was brave of him. He knew his friend wasn’t exactly in his comfort zone right now. Mercy isn’t exactly something Jenko’s familiar with… let alone sympathy. For Gallow however, he was willing to try and make an effort to see both ways of the situation they were in.
“To be honest with you, there’s…” he paused “…There’s simply nothing out there for me.” He quickly averted his gaze from Galloway, not wanting to make him feel uncomfortable. “My grandfather was a pit fighter, my dad was a pit fighter. I was born and raised behind the walls of the Crucible. It’s all I’ve ever known in my entire life. From the day I was born, it was evident I’d follow my father’s hoofsteps. I was so used to the smell and sight of blood, ragged equines and dead bodies… it was the most normal thing there was to me.” He frowned “Until… Until I met Lady Scarlet. Gods, the first day I got here, I felt so uncomfortable. It was like a street rat walking beside a Phoenix. The smell of her gardens was the most delightful thing.”
A shiver ran down his spine. It was odd for him to expose himself like that. “I was becoming more sociable. She grew on me. Now, I care deeply for her. Then I met you. Look at us now. I consider you a friend as well. Perhaps my closest one.” He looked Gallow straight in the eyes. He wanted to show him that he was being serious. “What I’m trying to say is… as much as I appreciate it, all I have and all I want lies here. My sister is here. My home is here. I have unfinished business with Joffrey. I have a roof, food, water and a bed. I have lived a childhood of loss and disappointment. Now I have everything I could ask for. Yes, I do not have freedom. But this is more than enough freedom a slave like me could wish for.”
He paused again. Thinking of what else to say. “Should we have fled, to me, we’d be damned if anything. No bed, we’d have to look for our own food, Vagabonds could hunt us down, Slave Traders are everywhere and I’d be leaving my sister behind. Besides, I… I don’t think I can do this to Scarlet. She has given me so much and done so much for me… Yes, you’re right. We’d have freedom… but to what cost?” he asked interestedly. He wanted to know Gallow’s opinion. He hoped Gallow wasn’t offended. That was not Jenko’s intention.
So sorry for the late reply ;^; I'm in the middle of finals. (Also that is totally okay Jenko is bi lol) |
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Post by Western-Witch on Jun 20, 2016 21:47:05 GMT -6
| | G A L L O W A Y | |Gallow braced himself for Jenko's answer. Whatever his pit fighter friend had to say Gallow swore to himself he wouldn't be angry at him for it. Each horse deserved his own opinions and respect for them as well. And as Jenko explained himself to Gallow, the Friesian stallion understood his reasons. He felt a little deflated and alone in how he himself felt about freedom, but he knew what Jenko was saying made complete sense. Gallow himself had also grown up in the Crucible, following behind his father's hoofprints. He had also been used to raging horses and blood. But hearing it from Jenko made him feel a little depressed. The fact that that was how they could describe their childhood was the reason Gallow wanted out.
As Jenko continued on with his reasons for staying in Aodh as a pit slave, Gallow became ashamed at what he had asked of Jenko. He was surprised to hear Jenko had a sister and tried to understand how that felt to care about someone like that. Gallow sometimes didn't know how to feel or really think about others. And he realized he had done that with Jenko. And as Jenko voiced Gallow's own worries about the after of escaping, he realized how much of a mistake it would have been to leave that night.
Gallow had gotten lost in that night and what he would have done if he had left. Jenko's question perked his ears and Gallow looked at him. "I don't know what we would have to have paid for our freedom. It could very well have been our lives. Jenko I grew up like you. My father was a fighter and so it was expected that I become one as well. I never liked being told what to do. Pit fighting was sort of a way out of that. When you're in the fights you are your own master, ya know? So I embraced it, but it's never been what I wanted. Being carted from slave owner to slave owner. Being sold off as an object. I just was never good at obeying." Gallow chuckled. He looked up as a firefly blinked in front of his muzzle. Evening was beginning to fall. "You're right about Scarlet. She has definitely been amazing and I would do nothing to spit at the good she's done for me, a slave. But she's still a master."
Gallow felt like he may anger Jenko or start an argument with him. He hoped Jenko understood what he was trying to say. "I will admit. I was not prepared for that night. I had no plan. No one on the outside to give me a safe house or to help me acquire a job outside of Aodh. It was a fevered dream and still is. But if I can find the right horse and make the right plans, I could cut our dangers down significantly. And Jenko, we could also take your sister with us. It's all a matter of planning." Gallow shook his head and took a deep breath.
"But the reason why I want out is because I can't take direction anymore. I was never meant to be under someone else's control. My father had that issue as well. I remember he would come home with new wounds made from his disobedience. And all I could do was promise myself to free them one day. I want to go out and run across open fields and see mountains and talk to any horse I want because I'm free." Gallow didn't realize he had been holding his breath as he spoke. He took a deep breath and slowly released it. "I - I - I just want my friends to be happy."
Gallow blushed a little and looked up to see stars peeping out from the navy blue blanket falling across the sky. "I don't want this to come between us. I really don't have a lot of horses I can trust out there." Gallow gave Jenko a sheepish smile and hoped he hadn't estranged the Appaloosa stallion.
(word count: 681)
(so sorry for the late reply! I get so distracted! ;3; And no worries! hope finals went well! c:) |
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Post by 0mooncry0 on Jul 4, 2016 11:43:55 GMT -6
Jenko listened attentively to every word his friend had to say. He made sure to nod a few times as well. Just to make sure Gallow would know that he was genuinely interested in his opinion. He couldn’t help himself but smile the faintest smile when Gallow shared some of his life story. He was right. Their childhood did show similarities. It gave Jenko a sense of comfort.
Fireflies were gathering around the pair of them by the time the sun was setting. It was a beautiful sight. He could have interrupted his friend by then but he didn’t feel the need to do so. He could see that Gallow was not finished yet. As the appaloosa continued, Jenko started to understand his friend’s point of view on the situation. Gallow wasn’t wrong and Jenko knew that. He was not angry at the fellow pit fighter whatsoever. He had to admit, what Gallow said made perfect sense.
Stars were covering the night sky by the time Gallow had finished. It felt queer to see Gallow so… emotional? Jenko couldn’t really place it. He was struggling himself. All he could do was blush like a yearling when his friend smiled at him. He cursed himself for it. He blinked a few times and proceeded to clear his throat.
“Well…” he started “...I understand where you come from and I have to admit, what you say makes perfect sense. Know that I do respect your point of view. I don't want this to come between us either. Know that you're the only horse I trust so much. Aside from my sister and coach Pryatt but that is beside the point." He paused for a moment "But despite your valid reasons my place remains here. I do appreciate that you would think of taking me with you, though. As for that night, well, I think it's safe to say that none of us had a plan. Not for what happened back then, no back-up plan for everything after that. Not even the Chevaliers.”
He snorted “My sister however…that’s a different story. She would love you, no doubt.” He gave him a -if-you-know-what-I-mean- face “She will also devour you the moment you bore her. Besides… it would take a LOT to convince her. I’m the less evil twin. That says a lot.” He cocked his head to one side, grinning.
“In all seriousness…It's not right. I cannot force you to stay. No horse should be deprived of freedom. As much as I want you to stay I cannot force you to. I want you to be happy. If freedom would make you happy then you should have a taste of it. I will support your decision no matter what.” That's what they all say, right? You let them go. It seemed easier all of the sudden, opening up and understanding emotions... Sympathy, it's what Gallow brings out in me. He realized.
No problem! Finals went super well, thanks so much for asking!  |
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Post by Western-Witch on Jul 20, 2016 20:17:53 GMT -6
|| G A L L O W A Y ||Galloway was heavily relieved that Jenko understood him and that it wasn't creating a rift in their friendship. He felt a little shaky at the outflow of emotion and bearing of his heart. And of Jenko doing the same. The two would usually spar in Scarlet's courtyards to keep in shape and help out with any other errands their master needed. There was rarely so much time to sit and actually talk. If they did it was mostly about the upcoming fights or their past pit fights. But the event at the Crucible had rattled everyone hard. As much as Gallow had no affinity to Valore or its people it was still a shock to see them underneath the rubble of the Crucible.
As the two pit fighters sat underneath a summer sky, the sky a deep blue, Gallow was grateful for what he had. He looked at his friend and smiled happy to have someone he could come to and trust in.
"Thanks Jenko. For understanding. And listening and not totally hating my ideas," Gallow laughed and continued to smile. "Well I'm not leaving anytime soon. I don't think it would be safe with the circumstances, plus you know I'm the worst at planning." Gallow chuckled again. "You know I'd like to meet your sister one of these days, she sounds like a handful. I've always wanted a sibling." Gallow jokingly nudged Jenko with his shoulder. He arched his back and shook his mane, they had been sitting there for awhile and he was a bit stiff, but the cool air was soothing. "I'm glad we talked about this Jenko. Honestly it would have eaten away at the back of my mind if I hadn't asked you about it. It makes me wonder how the others felt about the opportunity?"
Around the courtyard garden the lights of the house started to wink on, glowing invitingly. Gallow caught the scent of something good cooking in kitchens nearby and his stomach gave a gurgle. Embarrassed he looked at Jenko, blushing, "Ooo. Sorry about that. Wanna go grab something from the kitchen soon?"
(Word Count: 351)
Yay! I finally responded! So sorry for the achingly long wait! I just have the worst procrastination. And then by the time I actually settle down to write it's too late. ;^; But congrats on doing well in your finals! :D Also I was wondering how you wanted to end the RP or if you were thinking of keeping it going! Let me know! c: I think it has come along very nicely! And would do well either way. |
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