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Post by GingerBlues on Aug 5, 2016 16:02:32 GMT -6
The last couple month have been proof that Aquore is no longer safe, especially not for the young Empress Merrill. The concubines have been charged with escorting her to safety, on a private island that has been used as a royal haven for centuries. Due to the secrecy that surrounds this island, and the mission, only a few equines are even aware of where the royal family is going and why. That said, even the best laid plans can be destroyed by the simplest of unaccounted for variables...
Event Journal//
Premise Journal// Hello Starborn, and welcome to Plot 206: Stranger Tides...Team Leader: Damaris Participants: Amara, Elora, Odette, Harper, Merrill, Elenna , Enigma Post Frequency: Multiple times weekly
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 posts. - AP/CS/FVR Rewards are based on the post frequency you signed up for. Check the chapter journal for earnings! - If the post frequency you signed up for is faster than the plot is designated, you can either revert to the lower amount, or commit to posting more than the others. - If the post frequency you signed up for is slower than the plot is designated, you can bump up to the faster speed if you choose, but you're still only required to do the speed you signed up with. - Your team is precious. Don't let anyone feel left behind! Try to interact with everyone. <3 - Have fun! Even if your pony isn't. 8'D
Once the team leader has posted, you may begin posting as well! |
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Post by GingerBlues on Aug 5, 2016 16:05:40 GMT -6
Damaris
Talori Concubine
While Damaris was not usually the type to complain out loud, it was clear to see that she was in no way happy about the boat ride. She was miserable. The boat rocked with each wave and the smell aboard the vessel made her stomach churned. She only hoped that this trip would not be long. Hawkeye had sent order for the concubines and the empress to be taken to a safehouse, out of a paranoia that chaos would strike the palace again. Indeed, there was a great deal of suspicion among all of those who lived in the palace, due in no small part to the recent terrorist attacks from a group of pegasi that referred to themselves as the Freedom's Flight. Aquore was a dangerous place to be in its current state. Beside her stood Bethel. The hippocampus filly seemed all too eager to on a boat ride. Damaris admired her daughter's enthusiasm, and only wished that she have shared at least a little bit of it. Her mind was so plagued with worries. All the stress was not good for her swelling belly. Damaris feared for the safety of her children and fellow concubines. She no longer felt safe, a growing sense of unease settling around her like a blanket. She did not want this to be the world that her newborn would be brought into. She wanted a safe, happy world, not a world run by chaos and falling apart at the seams. Know one knew much about the Freedom’s Flight, aside from the cause that drove them to wreak havoc on Talori. They were a dangerous, wayward group of pegasi. Damaris could only pray that Cascade bring a swift justice to them for their crimes. She breathed a heavy sigh and looked out to the waters. The island where the safehouse resided was not far, she could see it growing larger as they approached. She knew that soon she would be able to feel land upon her feet again. The thought of that lifted her spirits a little bit. [Post 1 l Word Count: 345] |
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Post by GingerBlues on Aug 5, 2016 16:08:43 GMT -6
Checkpoint 1// [Royal Family] After almost two days of travel by way of the sea, you have finally made it to the island just as a massive storm seems to be rolling in overhead. The ship’s crew escort you to the haven, only to promptly leave as ordered by the Emperor. Thankfully, you have proven many times over that you are capable of taking care of yourself and the Empress as well. As you head inside the well kept fortress, you are almost sure you hear the voices of someone whispering down the hall… It seems you are not alone in taking refuge here…. [Vagabonds] Whether to research more of Hireath’s fauna, make a profit, or just an odd sense of familiarity and nostalgia, you’ve each been slowly making your way across Hireath, attempting to make it to the Isles of the Dead. It’s been slow going, and the ship that is supposed to take you on the last leg of your trip isn’t due for a few days now. Banding together, you found a rather secluded and abandoned fortress of sorts which you decided to take up refuge within. It’s only been a few hours when you hear the sound of voices from up the hall… Apparently this place wasn’t as abandoned as you’d originally thought. |
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Post by empyre on Aug 7, 2016 13:12:31 GMT -6
Odette
Odette's mind was utterly consumed by two thoughts. One: she was a bloody hippocampus, why did she have to take a damn ship to this mysterious island out in the middle of Cascade-abandoned nowhere? And two: she was about five second away from losing her lunch over the side of said ship, and thus there she stood, leaning her hip against the railing in attempts to look as though her position wasn't a precaution should there be any lunch-losing. This wasn't her first ride on a ship, of course, and she had never known herself to get so terribly sick, but then again she'd never been on a ship in such awful weather nor under such stressful circumstances. Honestly Ignacio could begin raining fire down upon them from above and Odette wouldn't be at all surprised anymore. First terrorist attacks, then being cruelly heartbroken before being told she was being shipped off with the other concubines and the empress to some safe house for protection, it was really no wonder she felt like shit.
"I hope you're happy, Eden." She huffed quietly to herself, bitterly wondering if the cleric had come to her like he'd said he would if the two of them would be long gone by now. Have gotten themselves far away from this danger, and terror. She shook her head then with a snort, attempting to drive such thoughts from her mind. It didn't matter anymore, none of it mattered a damn bit. Her ears perked as she looked up, finally noticing the approaching island. "Finally." She muttered as she moved forward carefully on the swaying deck to get a better view, ending up standing not too far from Damaris and her small child. In comparison to some of the other concubines and servants, Odette liked Damaris well enough, though she couldn't help the painful spike of envy she felt every time she saw the other, 'What makes you special for you to bear his children? Is there something wrong with me? Am I not good enough for him?' She didn't speak to the other, however, and really hardly acknowledged her other than a slight side-glance before she returned her gaze to their destination. She just hoped this would be just another matter of watching over the brats, and that this time hide and seek doesn't turn into 'run and fight for your life'.
post: 1
words: 397 |
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Post by DawnsComing on Aug 7, 2016 19:03:31 GMT -6
Merrill | Empress
The ground swayed to and fro, each peaking wave giving the boat another friendly jab in the side. Merrill watched from the railing, blue eye's glued to the endless waters that moved almost hypocritically before her. The filly had no idea how long she had been sitting there, her cheek rested against the damp yet smooth wood that make up the ships deck rail. Had it been minutes, hours, days even? Time had come to a standstill on the floating craft and the outside world had all but disappeared. A sigh left the child lips as she wondered how long until they reached their destination. Merrill didn't even know where they were going really. Hawkeye had simple said to her it was an island, a getaway of sorts. He had spoken to her as if she were a child (which in truth, she was), his soft words and fake smile still a comfort but hiding the truth.
Merrill was not stupid. She knew the world was is chaos, even if she did not know why. She knew she was in danger, thanks to the attackers that had pinned her to the ground and tried to poison her with tainted knives. She knew she was not entirely liked by the mares that called themselves Hawkeye's wives just as much as she knew she would never be a wife to Him as much as they. She knew she felt alone and homesick, as thoughts and dreams of her brother made her wish for sleep. But what could she do but follow orders? She belonged to them, as much as she didn't like it. It made her feel almost dirty, like a slave from back home. Was she less than them because of her heritage?
A single tear caressed her cheek and she quickly wiped it away. 'I need to be stronger,' she thought to herself, pushing back the tears that threatened to burst from their embankments. 'I need to prove I am worthy.'
Shifting tides startled the girl, knocking her from her current seat. The waves were getting a bit rougher and the comfortable position in which she sat had been knocked off balance. But the rude startle had allowed Merrill to look up and spot the feint outline of an island. 'That must be it!' Enthusiasm returned to her small figure, causing her delicate wings to poof and extend. She would make something of herself here, she could feel it. 'Just a little more time.'
Post #1
Word Count: 414
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Post by ccdefoe2000 on Aug 7, 2016 20:50:23 GMT -6
Enigma, Vagabond, Wanderer, Post 1.
The large tri-colored stallion wished he could have seen more animals on the trip across Hireath. Hopefully once he reached the supposed isle of the dead he would be able to see some interesting animals and maybe even meet some interesting Talori; hopefully none that want to arrest him this time. Enigma’s fellow vagabonds seemed more interested in their collective destination, or at least that’s what it seemed like until they forged through the wilderness and came across an abandoned fortress. It was dry and warm enough inside that it seemed a good enough place to wait for their ship to arrive. After they had set up a base camp of sorts, Enigma approached his traveling companions;
“Luckily we found a safe enough place to rest till the ship appears. I was not looking forward to camping out in the wilds for another night. I know I have asked before, but what brings you both out to the rain soaked lands of the fish worshipingTalori?”
Enigma was careful not to step on anything to important with his large hooves and keep his good eye towards his companions, ‘Meeting their eye may make them more talkative.’ The large stallion thought as he waited for them both to respond.
Word count 208 |
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Post by celesaiira on Aug 9, 2016 11:17:33 GMT -6
Elenna Vagabond | Travelling Merchant
Elenna glanced up cooly to the stallion, her voice clear and refined as she spoke. "Business," she said curtly, her frustration at the absence of the boat colouring her tone. "I have not traded with the Talori for many years, and although it seems rather foolish in light of recent events I wish to revive the privilage."
She turned away. She had not meant to be quite so harsh and brusque with the other horse, but she had flown miles over the past few days, and the absence of the boat frustrated her endlessly. She should have been in the Isles of the Dead by now, sleeping perhaps in some pleasant inn depending on how much she managed to sell. She brushed the thought away, flicking her cream tail, and resumed thoughts of a more practical nature.
Elenna shivered slightly as she recalled the hostility between the hippocampi and the pegasi and had the sudden urge to turn back, an urge which she scorned and suppressed. 'A horse has to stand on it's own four legs,' she muttered to herself, her own motto of strength casting away any fear she had. Still, it worried her. The Talori were delusional in her eyes; killing on the whim of a Goddess that there was little proof in. She scorned them, blaming the chaos in the nation for those too dreaming to see the plain, stark reality.
She gazed levelly, unemotionally round at the other stallion. She'd shunted her belongings over to one side of the room, her own sense of propriety dictating a wide space between her and this strange stallion. "What's your name, sir? I am Elenna," she said regally to the horse.
Suddenly the quiet sound of voices echoed across the room, barely discernible. Elenna rushed to the window, where in the distance she saw a boat. She grinned to herself, and retreated to collect her bags, fully believing that the boat was the one she'd been waiting for.
Word Count: 329 |
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Post by sapphiresquire on Aug 12, 2016 20:57:54 GMT -6
Elora || Concubine
It was beyond embarrassing - Elora was mortified. Someone of her standing, and especially of her herd, should have fared better on the trip, but since they had embarked she had been more than a little seasick. There were others on the ship including some of the other concubines who had been suffering similarly, but that did nothing to make the buckskin mare feel better about herself. She had at least tried to keep a strong face and study stance in front of Merrill but anyone else on the ship was fair game as a witness to her tossing stomach.
When land came into view she had been overjoyed, though incredibly disoriented from not paying attention to their travels. Stumbling across the deck she grinned into the distance, the elation at seeing solid ground again enough to make her forget about the trials and turmoil of the last few months. "Praise Cascade, we're here!" She practically bellowed over the railing of the ship, not caring if she was temporarily unladylike - though she would likely regret her outlandish behavior later.
Word Count - 180
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Post by arlybarlywartek on Aug 14, 2016 1:47:05 GMT -6
Amara | Concubine
The rolling of the waves as the ship moved through the waters comforted Amara.... Something she feared so deeply and despised, almost sang her to sleep. She hummed softly, closing her eyes as the ship rocked and groaned. It had been a few years since she last stepped aboard something to roam the waters.
This place they were going, it seemed like it was a typical move on the Emperor's part. Amara didn't quite care though, she had gotten some sleep. Each day didn't seem...Entirely rough as it used to, Damaris was her confidant and Amara appreciated every moment she got to spend with the older mare. Sat at one end of the ship, she made her way over to the bay roan and nudged her shoulder gently.
"Damaris, do you know how long we shall be staying here?"
Amara liked her freedom, the freedom to roam the palace shores and settle in the sand comfortably. Here, this fortress seemed like it would threaten her freedom to move about. She twisted her muzzle in disdain and sighed, huffing a bit of her forelock from her eyes. She glanced over to Odette who wasn't too far from Damaris and quickly pulled her eyes forwards. She didn't need to think about that piece of work right now, getting to shore safely was priority. As the ship was docked, Amara was the first to climb her way down to land. She just wanted to get out of the sea mist that would take it's toll on her hair and ruin it.
The small mare paused however, to look back for approval from the older mare. There was a small smile playing on her lips.
"You know, I think we'll feel much safer here now." She chuckled, her ears swiveling at the faint sounds of voices. Amara simply assumed that they were of the guards or servants in the fort. Surely the concubines would't be sent without some assistance from palace staff, right?
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Post by farquaadstarquad on Aug 17, 2016 23:25:13 GMT -6
Damaris looked to Amara. “A few days at the most,” she told her. It was a bit of an assumption, for she had not been told exactly how long they would be on the island. She had faith that Hawkeye would rid the palace of anymore possible rebels and spies. He had Thaumas to help, along with the rest of the trinity, and the council. She offered her fellow concubine a smile. “Do not fret. There is safety in numbers.”
Her attention was then turned to Elora, who ran to the railing of the ship and bellowed their at the island. There was a great feeling of relief that swept over Damaris. Land! Oh, sweet land! Hopefully now that they had arrived, her feelings of nausea would subside.
“Momma, momma!” Bethel bounced, “we’re here!”
Damaris looked to her daughter with a smile, “indeed we are.” She leaned down to nuzzle Bethel’s cheek. She raised her head and looked to Merrill. The young pegasus shared the same enthusiasm. “Come Merrill, Bethel. Stay close.” She spoke and turned. Two guardians had already gotten off and waited patiently for the concubines to follow.
As she stepped off the boat, she noticed that the safehouse appeared to have a faint glow of light. Had others been sent before them? And was that...voices she was hearing? She flicked her ears back. It must be guardians waiting for them there.
“I hope so,” she said in reply to Amara’s comment.
WC: 248
Post 2
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Post by DawnsComing on Aug 21, 2016 20:29:52 GMT -6
Merrill | Empress
It was Damaris' words that rose the young filly's spirits, her head whipping around to face the dark mare and her daughter. Merrill did not know Bethel well, or at all really, the other royal children always seemingly kept at afar. She gave the foal a wide smile, eye's closing in warmth as her toothy grin flashed in the dim light of the day. Perhaps she could make a friend while she was here. It would beat lying around with the concubines who knew little of foal-play. Yet Damaris was different from the others, more maternal; enough to remind Merrill of her own mother.
"Yes, 'em." The filly flashed her grin at the concubine now, excitement burning through her pelt and up to her wingtips. She had mopped for too long on that boat and now that they were here she was ready to move. Without another hesitation, Merrill leaped from the deck floating a bit as she did so. She had no wing power yet, but her pale white feathers gave her enough lift to glide her to a soft thud against the shore. The guardians strolled ahead, followed quickly by Amara and Elora who seemed just as ready to leave the swaying craft as she. Gold light flittered from the windows of the safe house, but yards away, inviting the sea-sick group with open arms.
With a squeal of glee, Merrill pushed past the guardians with small wings outstretched. The soft sand cushioned each step, tiny divots of joy leaving imprints where she tread. She felt the ocean breeze touch her cheeks, running fingers of comfort through her mane and down across her withers. Spiny sea grass nipped lightly at her ankles as she bounced over the hill but it was not enough to deter her spirit.
"I wonder what it looks like inside," she chimed, if only to herself, as she stood atop the incline. A quick glance back told her the others were not far behind and it was enough to push her forward once again. With only a few more short strides, she made it to the front door, its greying state a reminder of the Cascade's power and beauty. Much like the palace, it was grande; delicately etched with carvings and shells. But unlike the palace, the gate was more modest, simple and eloquent like the land that covered the island. With a simple yet forceful push, Merrill flung the door open allowing the warm golden light to flood over her face. "Hello!"
post#2
word count: 420
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Post by celesaiira on Aug 22, 2016 4:23:47 GMT -6
Elenna Vagabond | Travelling Merchant
Elenna grabbed her bags in a flurry of joy and excitement, fully believing that the boat outside was the one she'd been waiting for. In her heart, she knew it was unlikely to be the one she wished for, but she was thoroughly tired and simply wanted to be happily alone. It irked her, banding together with the other Vagabonds to survive; she detested being reliant on another. She ignored the others as she pulled on her bags in a blur, tightening all the straps round her middle before trotting neatly down the stairs. The boat was still a little way from the shore, and Elenna wandered over to one of the windows, peering through to watch the boat pull in. To her dismay it was far smaller than the one she'd intended to get, and she quelled a sudden rise in frustration as she realised how her desperation had led to blind hope. ' You're supposed to be smarter than this girl,' she said inwardly to herself. ' There's a reason we have brains in our head, not rocks.' She sighed, before a new thought rose to her mind. ' If these horses aren't on the ship we were supposed to get... who are they?' Elenna returned to peering out the window, watching as a group of horses stepped out of the boat. A pair of fillies stuck close to the ankles of a darker mare and she held a natural authority. Behind her were a group of other mares; all poised and graceful as they trotted lightly off the boat. She stepped away from the window as they drew closer, thinking it best to warn the other Vagabonds that they were no longer alone. Before she was more than a few paces away the doors swung open and a small pegasus filly leaped into the room. "Hello!" she said brightly, and Elenna froze as she caught sight of the other mares. "Who are you?" asked Elenna, her curiosity getting the better of her. "We were told there was no boat coming until in a few days time."
Word Count: 347 | Post II |
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Post by sapphiresquire on Aug 23, 2016 12:45:26 GMT -6
Elora || Concubine
The buckskin mare scrambled off of the ship as they docked with as much grace and poise as she could muster, which admitedly was not much at the moment but still probably looked steady to any laymen within sight of the royal group. The second her hooves met the sand she felt her legs wobble briefly before the sensation of solid ground brought strength to her limbs and settled the queasiness is her rolling stomach. Already she was dreading the vpyage home, if only for the ride upon yet another ship. Tossing her head to clear the fuzziness in her mind, Elora quickly turned her attention to what lay ahead of them. Merrill was already racing excitedly across the sand, making the concubine's only just settled stomach begin doing summersaults again.
"Empress, please stay close!" She pleaded, not daring to order the young pegasus back. They had come here for safety, but even so there could still be assassins on the lookout for the royal family, even ones not connected to the pegasi revolution back home. Trotting after the filly Elora looked ahead to the golden lit house, apprehension already creeping over her like a shadow. The feeling was not unlike when she had first arrived at the palace before being promised to Hawkeye. It was new, unknown, and frightening beyond anything the small mare would admit to. She decided Merrill was perfectly safe with some many of her guardians so close- which meant Elora could also stay safe right where she was, keeping her place behind Damaris and the other concubines.
Word count: 266
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Post by ccdefoe2000 on Aug 24, 2016 11:35:13 GMT -6
Enigma, Vagabond, Wanderer, Post 2.
The large tri-colored stallion flicked his ears around slightly, softly he grinned, “Salutations Madam Elenna, I am known as Enigma, and I do wish your trading goes well with the Talori. What product do you plan to sell if I may be so bold as to ask?” Enigma pawed slightly at the ground slightly as the sound of approaching voices suddenly murmured from outside the door. The sudden motion of the Mare Elenna caught the large stallion as wasteful and foolhardy.
In a blast of weather and wind the door seemed to magically deposit a small filly into the room, which was followed by a rather heartwarming and innocent “Hello.” Which brought another small grin to the chimeric stallion’s face; it wasn’t but a heartbeat before more equines were standing in the doorway, looking in with looks ranging from wonder to anger. The mare Elenna greeted the group before Enigma could find the words to even attempt, Enigma chose instead to hold his ground on the far side of the room, because from what he could see most if not all the horses attempt to stare into the room/house were female, and he knew from experience what a scared mare could do; And The large stallion did not want to seem to be imposing or ‘scary’ besides Mia would kill him herself if he did anything to stupid… Although maybe some of these ladies had seen some of the animals he was after.
Word count 247
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Post by empyre on Aug 24, 2016 12:14:53 GMT -6
Odette
Odette was silent as their ship docked, and hung back slightly as the group approached the place that would act as their shelter until it was deemed safe for them to return home. The red mare couldn't help but to pin her ears at the sight of it. It hardly seemed very welcoming --not that many places did to Odette to begin with--, and something about the soft voices she could hear from within set her on edge. They were not told there would be anyone already here, and the possibility of more assassins or radical pegasi immediately sprung to the forefront of her mind.
She was brought from such thoughts at Merrill's greetings to whomever was inside the fortress, and Odette's blood froze when the answering voice was not one she recognized. These strangers were not guards, and Odette doubted they were Talori at all. Driven by some mix of a long buried protective instinct and anger over the strange mare's seeming assumption that she had the right to be there, Odette marched forward to stand in front of her group, head high.
"I believe we should be asking you who you are." She stated, glancing between the two strangers with her bright amber gaze, "And who, exactly, told you there would be a boat coming? The only ship that should be here is ours, which is the Emperor's ship might I add. Do you even know where you are?" her words were steady and calm, though held a harsh undertone, accented further by her narrowed, suspicious eyes which nearly glowed in the low light.
post: 2
words: 266 |
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Post by GingerBlues on Aug 24, 2016 13:51:55 GMT -6
Gilen
Vagabond Mercenary
The stallion jolted awake as the sound of unfamiliar voices reached his ears. It was times like these he was thankful he never laid down to sleep. Taking care to keep to the dark shadows, he walked a few paces towards the intruders, glancing briefly at the two vagabonds who had become his traveling companions in this venture. While he didn’t know them well, they were more familiar and trustworthy than the group of loud mares that entered the building. It seemed the chimeric pegasus had already greeted the group of strangers, eagerly hoping the ship had arrived sooner than planned. Her questions were replied to by a red coated hippocampus who seemed more combative than was warranted, instantly putting the mercenary on edge.
"I believe we should be asking you who you are. And who, exactly, told you there would be a boat coming? The only ship that should be here is ours, which is the Emperor's ship might I add. Do you even know where you are?" “We’re of the Aquorian coast. On an island that has been used as a rendezvous point for many years now. This is neutral land and you and your little gang of broods aren’t entitled to it no matter who’s damn ship you came in on.” Gilen snorted, stepping into the light. “Who we are is really of no importance, as we were here first. You on the other hoof, should really make your intentions known as you are intruding on our camp. For all we know, you stole a ship from the Talori emperor in an attempt to make yourselves seem more important than you are. Nothing new. I’ve seen it before, and the last time was way more believable.” His dark eyes narrowed as he spoke, trying to feel out these new comers.
Posting Frequency Commitment: Once a Week
(May post more often if time permits)
[Post 1 l Word Count: 311]
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Post by arlybarlywartek on Aug 24, 2016 14:06:37 GMT -6
Amara
She flattened her ears at the young empress running ahead to swing the door open, Amara rolled her eyes and huffed, please for once could they just have a relaxed time? Away from every crappy thing that had decided to rear its ugly head all at once? Hunching her shoulders, she lowered her head briefly as the voices she had heard earlier came back.
Amara whipped her head up, ears angled forwards. Her eyes flickered to Damaris and back to Merrill, why wasn't Odette making herself more useful rather than a spectacle. The small zorse listened to the two talk down to one another, chuckling at them both. This stallion seemed more than amusing, it reminded her of the rogues back in 'the day'. Hah. Goodness Amara, you're not that old. She twisted her muzzle and snorted loudly. "Please Odette, it sounds as if you're terrified no one's going to recognise you're a concubine." Amara murmured, perhaps a little too loudly and swiveled her ears back and forth.
"We're here because, as missy here stated, the Emperor has sent us here. You might want to move along before you cause trouble for yourselves." Wait- OH. She scowled at the stallion's mention of some other band of mares were much more convincing than the real deal. But the insult being thrown at Odette would cause the mare to roar in laughter. Suck it Odette. |
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Post by farquaadstarquad on Aug 24, 2016 18:15:13 GMT -6
Of course, being greeted by strangers was not what anyone had been expecting, and Damaris was just as confused as the others. Her first instinct was to protect the young ones, and immediately she moved to gently usher the young empress to safety behind her, where her own daughter Bethel stood.
“Ladies, please,” Damaris said, looking between Odette and Amara. Those two were always at each other's throats, appearing to hold some sort of vendetta between them. While she understood not all of the concubines would get along, it was tiresome to put up with their bickering. Her gaze lingered on Amara. She gave a warning look to both, letting them know that now was the time to throw snide comments.
Then, she addressed the strangers that stood before them. “We are the emperor’s concubines. We have been sent to this safehouse to protect the young empress while threats in the palace remain high. This island has been used by the royal family for centuries.” She explained.
These strangers did not seem malevolent - or at least, for the time being they didn’t, and Damaris hoped it would stay that way. But as she knew, vagabonds were untrustworthy creatures, and gods only know what this bunch would do with the knowledge that the young, vulnerable empress was in their presence. The concubines had protected her once already, though Damaris wasn’t sure if she had the strength to do it again.
WC: 242
Post 3
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Post by ccdefoe2000 on Aug 26, 2016 12:10:03 GMT -6
Enigma, Vagabond, Wanderer, Post 3.
The large tri-colored stallion first looked at the feathered foal then at the rest of the gathered mares, “Surely your emperor is not so evil as to have Gathered, from what I can tell, the cutest and most beautiful mares in the land, only to send them to some desolate island to hide them from the eyes of everyone.” Enigma could understand hiding away such treasures as these mares but could not fathom how a fish king could include such a lovely filly in this group. Enigma still kept his distance ready to break up any fighting that may happen, He did not entirely trust the merc that was traveling with them; He never listened to any of Enigma’s stories and he never answered any of his questions.
Surely these mares would not attempt to throw the three vagabonds out into the angry weather that seemed to be picking up into a righteous fury as the lot of them talked and sized one and another up. “Hopefully you gorgeous ladies will come inside fully out of the weather while we figure this whole debacle out. I am sure we can work this out like a group of civilized people.” Enigma addressed them all while putting his warmest smile on his muzzle.
Word count 211 |
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Post by empyre on Aug 26, 2016 12:14:57 GMT -6
Odette
Odette's harsh gaze snapped to Amara nearly immediately, and she leveled the other concubine with a steady glare, " I step ahead of you in the off chance these equines may also be assassins and yet you must still criticize me and have the last word? How terribly sad." she snorted then, turning her attention back to the strangers when Damaris spoke to them. She tried to ignore how chastised she felt by the older mare's warning look, and she refused to lower her head --nobody had power over her other than herself and she refused to let Amara's comment, and Damaris' gaze weaken her. She frowned slightly when Damaris explained their business here to the strangers. What was she thinking? Why in the name of Cascade would she think it was a good idea to tell them they had the bloody empress with them? She threw the small pegasus a quick, worried, glance, wondering if she was going to have to fight off yet another group of mysterious attackers hell bent on killing her. Cause honestly, as much as she disliked Merrill, the thought of a child being murdered didn't exactly make Odette's heart flutter with joy, and the stallion who's insulted her honestly didn't look like he'd be above doing as such. " Alright, I'm going to stop you there," She started, still flicking suspicious glances --now tinged with worry-- around at three strangers after the large stallion invited them further inside, " You know who we are and why we're here, now could you please return the favor?" she hoped her genuine use of the word 'please' would somehow stir at least one of them into responding with what she'd asked for, and her mind screaming internally at Amara to keep her mouth shut. Odette was not in the mood to deal with her and she honestly would rather throw herself off a cliff and accept Cascade's final watery embrace than be verbally assaulted by the other at that moment. Maybe then at least she'd be reborn as something that didn't have to put up with this kind of bullshit. Like a squirrel. Or a mollusk.
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Post by DawnsComing on Aug 26, 2016 18:25:56 GMT -6
Merrill | Empress
Vagabonds. The small filly had heard of such creatures but never before had she met them in person. Were they the Vindicator's she had heard about back home, in her birth land? She had been told many a story about them, how they broke into the city at night to steal away precious slaves from their homes while they slept. How they attacked and wounded, even killed, Aodhian's who fought back to keep their servants. It was one reason mother had rarely let her outside the palace walls; one reason foals were scared to sneak out in the darkness of the streets after nightfall. But those were just scary stories told to children to keep them in bed, weren't they?
Merrill peered around Damarius' leg catching wisps of hair tickling her nose and ears, obscuring her vision ever so slightly. The large stallion to the back of the room stood tall and proud, his muscles rippling along his shoulders and down through his legs. He defiantly looked capable of a fight, able to hold his own against any well trained guard. But as her blue eye's moved to the other two who stood but a reach away, Merrill could not help but think their gaze was ever so much softer. Sure, the mare looked a bit displeased with the situation, her face contorted into an annoyed frown as she defensively stood her ground against their small group. The other, smaller stallion, too seemed to even be flirting with them; his goofy smile a break in the immediate tension of the air. It almost made Merrill want to return the gesture but she refrained.
Surely there were more to vagabonds than just vindicators and thieves?
A clap of thunder echoed in the distance, its low rumble growling like a wild beast. The tri-colored stallion was right, a storm was approaching quickly just as day was beginning to fade beneath the horizon. "Can't we all just go inside, away from the storm?" Her small voice spoke only to Damarius but she was sure the other's heard her as well. Ever since the attack, Merrill had found she hated storms, their quaking claps and flashes of light bringing back memories of hooded figures standing in the shadows. Inside, there was light and even though she still felt unsure about the vagabonds intentions, she rather risk her neck in the dryness of the safe house than stand in the shadow of the storm.
Post#3
word count: 410
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Post by GingerBlues on Aug 27, 2016 15:19:36 GMT -6
Gilen
Vagabond Mercenary
The dark stallion stood un-moving as the striped mare stepped forward, reiterating what the reddish mare had already said. The redundancy was almost as annoying as the rather combative attitude they both seemed to hold. Then, as if she was a breath of fresh air, the oldest looking mare stepped forward and calmly explained the situation, a voice of reason even Gilen could appreciate. He nodded slightly, accepting the mare’s explanation with little change to his expression, though he did appreciate her transparency with their situation. Releasing his tight mental grip on the broadsword that hung at his side, Gilen relaxed slightly. Studying the group of mares quickly diminished their presence as a threat, and if they truly were the Aquorian emperor’s family, the stallion had no reason to quarrel with them. The last thing he needed was something on his record that would make passing near Aquore harder than it already was. As he began mulling over just how much to share with these foreign mares, a familiarly obnoxious voice broke into his thoughts. Enigma. The young wanderer had been a thorn in his side from the first day they met. Gilen usually didn’t mind the traveling companions his job presented him with, but this horse…This horse was different. The younger stallion never shut up! He was constantly spreading tales of his ventures and asking more questions than anyone should ever be allowed. Gilen began grinding his teeth as the younger stallion began flirting with the concubines in the ignorant way he appeared to go about everything. Why? What good would come out of flattering a bunch of married mares? How would they even take the advances? The last thing Gilen wanted was a bunch of guards on their trail because the young idiot decided to flirt with the EMPEROR’S WIVES. Ugh. Small flashes of electricity sparked from his teeth as he continued grinding them, trying to satiate his frustration with the whole situation.
"Alright, I'm going to stop you there, You know who we are and why we're here, now could you please return the favor?" The first mare to have addressed the group spoke once more, her voice filled with her rather evident irritation. As Gilen opened his mouth to speak, thunder rumbled loudly in the distance, prompting one of the children to speak. "Can't we all just go inside, away from the storm?"The mercenary stared down at the frightened child for a moment, before nodding once and stepping back a bit, allowing the group of mares easier access to the room. Though he didn’t like crowds, sharing with the concubines seemed to be a better option that trying to turn them away or fighting them off and potentially injuring them.
“I can’t speak for the others, as vagabonds pledge loyalty to none, and I only travel with others out of nessessity. As for me, my name is Gilen and I am on my way to the Isles of the Dead for a job. This island has been used as a port for some time now, as travelers pass from one end of Hireath to the other, and I am here waiting for the ship that will take me the last leg of my journey. That's really all you need to know.” Gruff as he was, his voice softened a bit as the immediate threat of a fight dissipated. No need to frighten the mares further he supposed.
Posting Frequency Commitment: Once a Week
(May post more often if time permits)
[Post 2 l Word Count: 583]
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Post by ccdefoe2000 on Aug 27, 2016 17:50:38 GMT -6
Enigma, Vagabond, Wanderer, Post 4.
The warm room that acted as an entrance to the rest of the house seemed to be a frozen ceasefire, whether mare snapping and barbing at mare, or Snarling and bristling at stallion, the tension was nearly palpable; It was enough to make any smart horse stop and think for a second, Unfortunately Enigma was not a smart pony, at least not when it came to social situations: “I’m Enigma, Stallion, Traveler, Familiar Whisperer and Story Teller extraordinaire, whether massive epic or depressing romance I have just the right story to pass the time with.” A flash of lightning broke the sky out over the large expanse of water, quickly followed by a sound closely akin to the clash of great beasts, “But surly you lovely ladies do not want to stand out in a storm, I promise no harm from myself, so please come inside out of the quickly building wrath that is fast approaching, We can all get to know each other once we are all safe, I am sure.” The large stallion hoped that with the promise of peace that at least the little ones would relax even if it was only a little. The older mares, either combative or plaintive seemed to be hesitant to decide on a course of progress.
Word count 217 |
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Post by GingerBlues on Aug 27, 2016 18:04:57 GMT -6
Checkpoint 2// As the raging storm begins pouring down, you all huddle inside the foyer of the rather large home. Though some chatting may continue, you all begin to get the feeling that you may be here a while. You need to find supplies to outlast this storm. Clean water, food, and a reliable source of heat are imperative to your continued survival. |
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Post by farquaadstarquad on Aug 29, 2016 13:59:22 GMT -6
Damaris wasn’t in the slightest bit flattered by the chimera’s attempts at flirting. It was certainly a bold move to make on the emperor’s concubines, but it would be futile on his end. She ignored his words for the most part, and instead put her focus on the others.
She looked over to Merrill. “Yes, darling. You will be safe from the storm inside,” Damaris spoke softly. She stepped in through the door, with Bethel in tow, and peered around the safehouse. It wasn’t exactly a cozy-looking sight to her, but it would do until Hawkeye deemed it safe for them to return to the palace. Thunder rumbled and a small flash of lightning accompanied it. Storms had become more frequent since the events of the sacrifice. Damaris wondered if it was the gods showing their anger, was Cascade disappointed with her children? Was Alya showing her frustration?
Now inside, away from the looming storm, Damaris saw it fit to introduce herself. “I am known as Damaris, first concubine of emperor Hawkeye. And this little one here-” she motioned to Bethel, who clung to her side, “-is Bethel, my daughter.”
“Now, we came here assuming supplies would be stocked already, but I assume you vagabonds have used most of those,” she said, looking around at them. “I am unsure of how long we will be here for, but I think we should do a supply check, to see what we have. We will need plenty of food if we are to live through this storm.”
She felt pains in her abdomen and shifted uncomfortably on her hooves. Easy little one, Damaris thought to herself, now is not the time for this.
“Where is the stockroom?”
WC: 289
Post 4
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Post by empyre on Aug 29, 2016 14:17:47 GMT -6
Odette
Odette relaxed marginally when the vagabond stallion, Gilen or whatever, explained himself. She still wasn't happy that there were strangers occupying the place which was meant to be their safe house, but at least they weren't assassins. With a soft sigh she moved herself farther into the room in order to allow the others to as well, and she only just barely managed to hold back an eyeroll at the tri-colored stallion's flirtations. Enigma certainly was a fitting name for the weirdo, " You do realize we are married, or children, or did that information sprout wings and soar over your head?" she asked him, raising a delicate brow, though her attention was drawn once more by Damaris' words. 'Oh great, first strangers, and now there might not be any food...' she thought miserably, turning her head to look outside once more at the storm, flicking her ears back when a bolt of lightening struck a bit close for comfort, 'and grazing isn'treally an option right now.' She picked up a bit on the older mare's slight discomfort, and caught herself hoping nothing was wrong. She was often envious of the other, but never once wished true ill-will on any of the other concubines, especially not Damaris and especially not in her current state. " I'll go in search of supplies." Odette offered, hoping to use it as both an excuse to get away from the crowded room and tense atmosphere, as well as a way of hopefully keeping Damaris from straining herself, " Perhaps you should remain here and tend to the children." She suggested to the older mare, hoping not to seem too disrespectful, before addressing the vagabonds, " If any of you could just point me in the proper direction I'm sure I could handle myself in finding it."
post: 4
words: 298 |
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Post by celesaiira on Aug 30, 2016 14:20:16 GMT -6
Elenna Vagabond | Travelling Merchant
Elenna had stood back wearily and allowed the other stallions to settle the confrontation. In an ordinary situation she would have been the first to talk and ensure that all went smoothly, but she was exhausted and sick to death of the whole situation. The storm beginning to rage on outside echoed in Elenna's head and shook her very bones and she shivered, remembering her injuries from the last time she'd been caught up in the sky during a storm. The bickering between the stallions and among the mares has tired her; really, what could she say? She wanted nothing more than to tell the lot of them to shut up, but it was futile, and she was too polite to ever insult them. They were the Emperor's concubines, and she was astonished at the bold flirtation of Enigma towards the mares. Truth be told, he rather got on her nerves. Finally she spoke. " My name is Elenna, I'm simply a travelling merchant specialising in jewellery and other such materials. I came here to trade," she said gently, softening at the two fillies. She'd always loved children, dreamed of being a mother, at least before... She shook her head. Now was not the time for those thoughts. At one of the mare's offer to go and look for food Elenna nodded her head slightly. The storm was worsening with every minute, so time would be best spent staying alive. " I know where the store cupboard is, if you wish to accompany me. It's rather confusing to get to, and it certainly took us a while to find when we first arrived." She smiled politely at the mares, well aware of their high status and wishing only to appease them. If only to spare her head.
Word Count: 295 | Post III |
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Post by sapphiresquire on Aug 30, 2016 17:16:35 GMT -6
Elora || Concubine
Inside the home, Elora felt herself grow smaller. Dropping her head down and flattening her ears, she tucked herself in as small as possible, hiding between the other concubines and the wall; of course she couldn't disappear entirely and so pretending she wasn't there would have to suffice. One strange stallion had been intimidating enough, but then the bigger one spoke and she felt that familiar drop in her stomach. It was only when the others began discussing supplies, seemingly deciding it was safe for the time being that the small mare began to relax - she couldn't look so tense when her shield that was Odette started to move away and risk making the vagabonds antsy all over again. Elenna seemed rather kind, Enigma she couldn't say she really cared for so far, and Gilen...well she wasn't going to be looking him straight in the face any time soon.
"Elora." She said simply to introduce herself, stepping farther into the room to get away from the door. She smiled at Merrill and Bethel before looking up at Damaris. "I wouldn't mind helping you keep an eye on them if you need it." It was either that or she was going to start poking around the house to find a decent place for them all to sleep for the duration of their stay. All other things aside, life could be made better with a good pillow.
Word Count - 238
Post 3/4
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Post by GingerBlues on Sept 8, 2016 18:40:12 GMT -6
Gilen
Vagabond Mercenary
The stallion rolled his eyes as the the very pregnant mare spoke. There hadn't been much food when they'd arrived, and in total, the small group of Vagabonds had only eaten a small amount of what little there was. Leave it to some prissy brood to think she knew best. Huffing softly, Gilen walked over to the small open window, intent on pulling the shutters closed. The rain was coming down full force now, and the mercenary noted the likelihood of a flash flood as he closed the window. There was no way he'd be leaving quite yet, no matter how badly he wanted to. Glancing back at the others, he watched as the chimeric pegasus led the rather combative mare to the mostly empty storage cupboards while one of the quieter mares offered to help the eldest with the children. It was an interesting dynamic that this little group had, and the mercenary found it almost amusing. Knowing what little he did of the Talori, he imagined the concubines belonging to some pirate emperor who ruled the Aquorian seas with a mighty hoof...And yet, many of them looked much too fragile to survive that kind of life. He thought about questioning them, attempting to learn more about the Talori and thier ways, but he thought better of it. Realistically these mares were already wary of him, as well they should be, and he didn't feel the need to put them more on edge... At least, not for the moment. A loud crack of thunder nearby caught Gilen's attention, and his gaze flickered to the two young foals who were looking rather frightened. The last thing he needed was chaos in the form of terrified, crying children. His mind raced as he tried to think of a way to calm the fillies down without frightening them further, as he was want to do. Looking around quickly, his eyes fell on the tri-colored stallion who stood nearby. Of course! The young stallion never shut up, and he loved telling stories. What better audience than a few scared kids? Taking a step towards Enigma, the dark stallion addressed him in a low voice. "I think there a few children who would truly appreciate one of your grand tales about your adventures." He motioned towards the children as he spoke. As much as he hated the grating sound of Enigma's voice, he hated the sound of crying children more.
Posting Frequency Commitment: Once a Week
(May post more often if time permits)
[Post 3 l Word Count: 407]
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Post by ccdefoe2000 on Sept 11, 2016 22:40:04 GMT -6
Enigma, Vagabond, Wanderer, Post 5.
"You do realize we are married, or children, or did that information sprout wings and soar over your head?"
Now there was an interesting notion, who and how would someone go about marring so many mares… and for that matter who would marry children. Once again Enigma wished he could just meet this emperor muzzle to muzzle. Although the mare did pose an interesting question; ”Honestly my good mare, I had noticed the beautiful children among you’re your small group, although I did not know that you all were married, I thought that concubines were the same as the mares of the night in Aodh. I meant no offense Madame. Besides tis merely flattery and fluff to bring smiles to your lovely faces I mean nothing more by my words.” Enigma was sure he had heard somewhere that the two were interchangeable words, he just could not be sure where he had been told such.
The tri-colored stallion moved out of the mare’s way as they moved to locate food and supplies, he moved over towards his rolled cloak and traveler’s pack, so as to not be in the way anymore then needed. Luckily the stallion had had the foresight to place his belongings near to the wood pile and fireplace; at least he could keep a nice fire going with the wind blowing down the chimney. When the larger stallion approached Enigma about telling a story to the children to keep them calm his mind began to race, what kind of story does one tell to keep a child wife from being scared of a storm…‘hmm, maybe a story of crossing the bad lands, or maybe a story of the crystals that hum… Oh I know just the story to tell.‘ “Gilen reminds me of a fantastic story about that should chase the chill away, You see far from here is a place where even the ground seems to wither before the heat of the sun and the ruins of forgotten equines erupt from the sands if the wind is just right. It was on a calm and sweltering day that I was following a colorful winged snake across the dunes…” and he was off telling of the folly of following a snake through sand and weather, telling of sandstorms and danger, of the hilarity of trying to eat a cactus and running from nothing more than a bird that could mock the sounds of a large predator.
Word count 417 |
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