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Post by Dream-Lark on Jul 22, 2016 23:36:03 GMT -6
Setting:
Roughly 20 years in the past, Emissary Rycaron arrives in Valore for the first time. Chevalier Alyx is there to greet him and take him to the Sol District.
The young stallion checked his reflection in the bucket of water for the umpteenth time in the last fifteen minutes, trying to make sure not one hair was out of place. Each fin quivered with nervous energy, the Talorian straightening the sea shell suspended from braided rope looped about the fin running down his spine, one to each side. Releasing his telekinetic grip, he cleared his throat, hearing the call for docking--finally. Rycaron forced himself to take several deep breaths, an attempt to steady himself. Wave Mother, please grant me strength, the emissary prayed, grounding himself in his belief that Cascade would help him through this trial. He was sure she'd still be able to watch over him, even though he was so far from her waters...he was still near the sea. It rocked the ship he was upon as it thumped gently against the dock, and the hippocampus closed his eyes, breathing deeply once more, enjoying the gentle rocking rhythm of the waves beneath the ship. He could do this--he had too. He'd been assigned to Aodh by the Sage and the Emperor, and he would not fail them, nor his dear water goddess. "I can do this," Rycaron murmured to himself once more, a litany to keep himself centered, to help him school his emotions for what he was about to see. The stallion stepped from his cabin, pausing briefly to check his reflection yet again--he'd do. Aqua eyes blinked as the Strands filled his vision, bright in the late afternoon sun. He was amazed at the bridges spanning the land protrusions, and quite frankly gawked for a moment, until he heard a sailor snicker. The emissary collected himself, feeling a blush coming on, but shoving his embarrassment away. No, the sailor didn't matter, ignore him. He must focus on making a good impression for whoever was waiting to take him to...wherever he was headed. The Sage had said it would be Sol District, and as an emissary he would be treated well--by Aodhian customs. Rycaron nearly cringed at the thought, already missing his watery home, the bustling city of Inaria and the tranquil waters of Kiephis. Hooves rang hollowly upon the gangplank, gaze now searching through the bustling, foreign dock. Surely someone was there waiting for him? WC//384 Tag: kawaiideadpool |
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Post by kawaiideadpool on Jul 23, 2016 10:17:04 GMT -6
The unicorn had only been part of the Chevaliers for a few months now, and since she had not proven her worth within the nation yet, she was put in charge of tending to the Talorian Emissary. Babysitting. The word rushed through her mind as she pierced her lips together in annoyance. All of those years of training and working her tail off just to be put in charge of escorting the stranger to Sol District- the heart of all the nobility that called Valore their home. Feeling a smirk rise to her lips as she thought about how the Emissary would handle being in a nation that was almost the exact opposite of the water nation.
Letting a snort escape her, she swatted a few of the pesky Kindlings away from her as they stared up with awe at the female Chevalier- being only one of the two who had joined the ranks. She mumbled a few words of irritation and frustration as the docks came into her line of site. It was always a rather impressive site whenever she came to visit the sailors who called the rotting planks and buildings their home. Hearing a few chatter amongst themselves, the words of 'Talori' and 'hippocampus' fell upon her ear drums, and with no time at all she was standing in the group of men. Questing them on where she could find the Talorian, a few gave her weird expressions before she hissed out that it was her duty for the day to tend to the Emissary.
Looks of pity graced their faces before they pointed her in the direction of the ship that had just returned from visiting Aqoure. Mumbling a thank you, she trotted over towards the ship that was unloading a few of the unique items and materials that only Aqoure was known for. Letting her green eyes glance around to the many equines that left the vessel, she found her attention drawn to the brightly colored stallion that was emerging from the deck. If it wasn't for that nervous aura that radiated from his body, Alyx would have assumed he was just a sailor.
"Hello," She places a smile on her face as she walks over, "Are you the Emissary from Aqoure?" She questions. She bows her head slightly in respect- something the Commander had told her to do before she left. Making the Emissary feel comfortable was top priority.
Word Count: 405
Tag: dreamlark
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Post by Dream-Lark on Jul 24, 2016 16:25:20 GMT -6
Aqua eyes continued to shift amongst the dock workers, seeking anything different that might signify his escort. Clearly they had not arrived yet, but surely they would be soon. Being late would not be polite, and would be considered an insult...and not a good start to peaceful relations in the least. Then again, it was not something Rycaron would write home about. No, he'd overlook it, because sometimes being late was something one just couldn't control.
Eventually, seeking gaze caught upon a palomino unicorn making her way from a throng of equine's, several making way for her. Ah, that must be the one he was searching for them. When she picked him out immediately, Rycaron felt a flush of embarrassment he quickly pushed down. He must have given himself away as someone that stuck out like a sore hoof, and it had to be that he was projecting his nervousness. Calm yourself, Rycaron. Sink into formalities, you'll be safe there, he ordered himself, taking yet another steadying breath as the palomino greeted him with a smile.
Battling down his emotions and pulling up his polite and confident facade, the hippocampus blinked in surprise at the slight bow of her head when she greeted him. Since he had heard that Aodh didn't seem to have the same type of greeting as his culture did, she must have been informed of Talori ways before coming to meet him. It settled his nerves a bit more, as he repeated with gesture, pulling a polite smile onto his muzzle. "I am, my name is Rycaron. Thank you for coming to greet me, and escort me. I know foalsitting an emissary is not at the top of a Chevalier's desired mission list," the chestnut hippocampus remarked smoothly, feeling more comfortable as he sank into his role. If chevaliers here were anything like the majority of guardians back home in Aquore, his attempt to create a lighter atmosphere should work quite well.
He prayed to Cascade that it was so, and he hadn't just made a large error in judgement.
WC//345
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Post by kawaiideadpool on Jul 24, 2016 19:18:52 GMT -6
Her smile flatters for a moment before she lets that toothy smile slip back onto her muzzle for a split second. Foalsitting, he was right on the money. She lets out a small laugh as she swishes her tail in thought, allowing the white hairs to swish a slightly cooler breeze onto her back, "It's fine. They make you prove you worth somehow," She lets her words carry with a soft laugh following behind them, "My name is Alyx by the way," She finishes before she forgets to introduce herself. She had so many thoughts rushing through her mind as to how she should get the Emissary to the Sol District in the safest manner possible.
She twitches in an almost impatience manner before clearing her throat to give him the greeting the commander had drilled into her head before she let to lead the Emissary shore, "I really do hope you enjoy your time in Aodh," She says, her greeting sounding a little more relaxed and casual compared to the one she had been reciting the whole way over, but she blamed her nerves for that part, "It truly is a lovely city, and I hope our fair city of Valore meets your expectations." She finishes with a smile, her ears flick back against her neck as she tries to keep herself from blurting out unwanted sentences and questions about his life in Aqoure- after all that would be very unprofessional of the Chevalier.
She had to remind herself that she was only her to make sure he made it safely to his destination, without any dangers or harm falling upon him. But she found herself getting distracted as she studied the fins that seemed to spring out from along his spine, and she found herself mesmerized by the almost see-through material that was holding to the spines of his fins. She had only seen a few hippocampus before- the King's consort was really the only one that she assumed would ever venture away from their water home to be in the city of flames. She shook her head in attempts to rid herself of the wonder that rushed through her mind for she assumed that her god would not be pleased if he heard her thoughts of wonder and awe that rushed through her mind.
"This way, Emissary," She says, not wanting to offend him by calling him by his real name. She felt the weight upon her shoulders as she let out a tired sigh, she was the first contact the Talorian had made and she hopes she had made a good first impression.
Word Count: 437
Tags: dreamlark
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Post by Dream-Lark on Aug 14, 2016 9:13:57 GMT -6
For a breath, Rycaron thought that he had committed a social faux pas, sticking his hoof in his mouth in a bad way. But the moment passed, and the faltering smile returned to a real one. A breath escaped from lungs, and the emissary dipped his head again. "A pleasure to meet you, Chevalier Alyx." It was good to have a name to place with the pretty face.
He remained quiet while she recited her greeting, clearly one she had been practicing, but it made him feel more at ease. Truly, the Aodhians were trying, and it reaffirmed that he needed to do his best as well. "I have heard many wonderful things about Valore, and that I will be quite comfortable in my stay here. I look forward to exploring the city and seeing all of the new sights," the emissary replied, words sincere, though doubt ran through his mind.
Mostly it centered upon slavery, the very idea making him sick. He knew Valore had been built upon slavery, it had been explained that that was why the city had grown so glorious, why Aodhians were able to live such a life of excess.
"Of course," Rycaron murmured, stepping up beside Alyx's shoulder so as to easily follow her. It should be the best position for him to not get lost, but also for her to keep an eye on him and his safety. Aqua gaze shifted about, taking in the view ahead, and also the docks about him. He'd grown more used to the this view, though even it was quite different from the tropical atmosphere he was used to.
WC//272
Sorry for the delay!
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Post by kawaiideadpool on Oct 12, 2016 19:48:54 GMT -6
Swishing her tail in another attempt to rid herself of those pesky flies that loved to hang around her as she felt the presence of the Emissary get closer as she scanned her surroundings to find the quickest way through the city as equines of many different shapes and sizes brushed past them to go on about their day in whatever manner they pleased. Letting her green eyes shift over towards the Hippocampus as she debated on what she should say next in order to keep any awkward atmospheres from lingering over them.
"I really hope our barbaric ways don't scare you off," She teased as she stepped over a few mice that called the city streets their home as she let a small chuckle slip past her lips. She decided to drop the stiff manner in exchange for one that was a little more lively and careful in order to maybe make the Emissary feel a little more relaxed around her. And partially to help ease her nerves as she felt her heart beat harshly in her chest, "After all since you're in the Sol District, you'll be near the Crucible. The pride and joy of Valore," She said, hoping that she wouldn't have to expand on what exactly the Crucible was. Flicking her lion-like tail to the side, Alyx wondered what all he had heard about the Aodhians and their customs of sending fellow equines out into a pit to fight each other for whoever wanted to come and watch.
But how crazy could that be? After all, the Chevalier had heard all of the stories about the scarifies the Talorians offered to their Wave-Mother. The thought of her made her eyebrow raise up in a questioning manner as she averted her eyes from the stallion walking next to her.
WC: 303
I'm so sorry! I know it's months let but I thought I had replied >.<
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Post by Dream-Lark on May 27, 2017 21:07:46 GMT -6
At her teasing tone, a small grin filled with friendly warmth was allowed to curve across lips. "There is no chance of scaring this one off," tone was light though he tilted his head slightly. "Though on the same token, I hope nothing I do makes me seem like a tropical heathen," Rycaron replied in the same vane, feeling a little more at ease around the mare, which was a blessing. He needed something to hold onto in this environment, and at least having a good conversation was something he could focus on.
When the Chevalier mentioned the Crucible though, the hippocampus nearly missed his next step. Oh, he had indeed heard about it, and the thought of having to actually attend a fight made his stomach clench and heart stutter in its quick rhythm. The thought of slavery was bad enough, the additional thought that two of those poor souls were forced to fight each other for entertainment. It was truly just...appalling. But he did his best to keep it all from his expression, to keep smoothly walking along, to not allow his voice to tremble with the emotion whirling inside.
"I have heard many things about the Crucible, and since it is Valore's pride and joy, I know I will be attending the fights soon," Rycaron replied, hoping it sounded smooth and didn't give away what he truly thought. Perhaps it wouldn't be a surprise to Alyx that the idea sat far from well with him, but he truly didn't want to offend her.
Post 4
WC//257
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Post by kawaiideadpool on Jun 16, 2017 20:53:39 GMT -6
'Tropical heathen'. She feels a soft chuckle slip past her lips at his words, and she shakes her head side to side in response- making a few of her white locks bounce free from the bun resting half-way down her neck. To her, at least, it wasn't every day that she saw someone with fins walking around Valore, so to her, he already stuck out like a sore thumb. Alyx wouldn't tell him that thought, the Commander would have her head. So she keeps her mouth shut for now as he continues to let words fall from his lips.
The palomino hummed at his words, the sound resonating the in the back of her throat as she listened to his words. Of course, someone not from Valore would view the fights as barbaric and ruthless- in truth, she sometimes found it unbearable to watch at times. But she doesn't voice that opinion of hers as she weaves her way through the throng of people, most of them parting apart to make a path for them as she marched from the docks, "I'm sure word has spread far of the sport we part take in," She muses as she looks over her shoulder at him in thought, "The fights aren't as bad as they seem." Her voice is light and airy as she lets her words fall from her lips, and with the tone of voice she was speaking with, one might find it difficult to believe she was talking about the brutal fights that go on inside the Crucible.
She thinks to herself how the equine from Aqoure didn't have much room to talk since his kind liked to through Pegasi over cliffs.
WC: 283
occ: I'm so sorry I got to this so late. >.<
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Post by Dream-Lark on Jul 2, 2017 20:49:58 GMT -6
One ear cocked toward his companion as they walked, intent on catching each nuance that slipped from her, to better judge his own responses and actions. So even with the hustle and bustle all about them, he caught her soft chuckle and thought he had done well, though he missed the deeper hum. Gaze, however, was kept mostly centered forward, to take in all the sights and equines, and to make sure he didn't stumble and make a fool of himself before these people. He noted the way they stepped to the side and made room for them to pass, and he idly wondered if that were because of his Chevalier escort, or the combination of them both. Surely there were hippocampus here in the Aodh herd? Though surely it was more uncommon than back in Aquore, where they had been made in Cascade's image.
"It has, though I also tried to learn as much as possible from the Sage and the Emissary who was stationed here before me," the chestnut stallion explained, though he only dipped his head in acknowledgment to her statement that the fights weren't as bad as they seemed. He was quite sure that they were indeed that bad, and dreaded having to view one with all his being.
So instead of continuing in that vein, he sought a new subject for them to continue on.
"Is there anywhere in Valore you would recommend for me to visit, or to start with?"
Post 5
WC//246
ooc: It's okay! I was gone on a family trip myself there for a bit, so this is pretty late <3
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Post by kawaiideadpool on Jul 8, 2017 21:30:50 GMT -6
Alyx listens to him patiently, swiveling one curved ear back in thought as she lets his words vibrate through her ears for a few minutes as she debated what would be the best place to send him off too. A small chuckle slips past her lips as the thought of instructing him to go by The Pearl rushed through her mind- if he was into the idea of sleeping around with others that he wasn't in a relationship with. She knew very little of the Talori, but assumed that most were loyal to each other and that it wasn't very often that others went off to lay in the beds of others. Do you get thrown off cliffs for sleeping in the beds of another woman.. or man?
"Most people would suggest the Pearl," She isn't going to let him be unaware of the nightlife that roamed the city, even if he wouldn't part take in it. The Chevalier decides to linger on the thought for long as it was of utmost importance to make sure the Emissary was comfortable in his environment and surely talking about such a taboo thing wasn't the best idea, so she quickly adds on a, "But I suggest going to the markets. Maybe get yourself a jeweled bridle." She muses, thinking about the various stalls and merchants that would line the streets- trying to get unaware passersby to buy their wares, and her nose turns up at the thought of the one time she bought a strange looking potion that ended up knocking her down on her rear with its strong alcohol content.
"Just be careful if you decide to go," She hums, "Wouldn't want you to lose all of your gold?" She turns a corner as she finishes her sentence, practically pushing a path through the crowd with her body- she slows her steps as she waits for her Talori friend to catch up.
[WC: 322]
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Post by Dream-Lark on Jul 14, 2017 9:38:21 GMT -6
The Talori emissary quietly watched the chevalier, could see her thinking. She almost looked...mischievous for a moment, before words tumbled from her lips. The Pearl. He had heard enough about that from the previous emissary stationed in Aodh, when he had gone to make sure he had ample knowledge before his journey. He hadn't wanted to risk winding up someplace...well, exactly like that, caught unawares. Of course, most of the equines here didn't know much about Talori culture, or that they weren't a bunch of hedonistic floozies that fluttered from lover to lover and bed to bed. Who just--hoped into bed with a stranger for the fun of it. With such a damaged family structure it was no wonder this herd had no sense of morals...
Thoughts snapped back to the mare before him, offering a small smile. "I have heard a little about the Pearl, but I think I will decline any invitations to explore there," Rycaron replied smoothly, trying to keep all of his previous thoughts bottled within his mind. "As for the markets, they do sound splendid. I did hear all sorts of wonderful things about the inventiveness of your blacksmiths and jewelers, and the wonders that could be seen," the hippocampus added, sincere in this praise, for once. He wasn't sure he was going to buy a thing, in reality, but he really was curious to see all the intricate accessories and even battle rumor he had heard rumors about.
"Yes, of course I will. Is the population of thieves and the crime rate very high within the city and markets?" The inquiry followed the stallion stepping closer to the mare's side, impressed for a moment as she created a path through the throng of equines. It was still new to him--this idea of basically a female guardian.
Post 6
WC//304
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