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Post by DawnsComing on Aug 16, 2016 18:42:34 GMT -6
Cael | Pit Fighter
There was no time to react, no time to dive in front of the raging flames that shot from between Ember's dark lips. Cael could only stand there, mortified as the fire licked at Lilith's legs and engulfed the baby's body in one swift motion. The act seemed endless, as if time had paused on the horror and shock that once again moved around the equine of New Valore. And then it was over. The crowds were still, silent. At first the dark mare assumed them all too terrified to speak; to move. But as gold eye's blinked again, she could see the small shimmering filly untouched by the violence that had just occurred. Her tiny frame shook, eye's closed tightly as if she were still bracing for the impending impact that had already touched her fragile form. Light wafts of steam rose from her shoulders and back before disappearing into the warm rays of sun.
Cael was shocked, hooves frozen to the spot she had stood since Lilith's appearance. The was until her Lady moved, pain evident in her wince as she shielded her baby from Ember's sight. It was enough to wake the fighter's instincts and quickly Cael placed herself in front of the mother and child. Rage began to boil in her then, the moment of shock passing as the act settled on her mind. Her head dropped and her ears pulled back as she turned to stare Ember in the eye's. Lips turned up into what could only be described as a snarl, white teeth flashing her desires. It was a challenge.
Had the baby not been there, had Ember gone any further, Cael was sure the Noble would be in danger. Her mind screamed for her to charge the mare, to bite and throw her body to the ground. Cael was sure, she would not have been able to hold herself back if she moved from her spot and had her Lady given the word, she would have given her life to rip Ember's throat from her neck. But a light glance at Lilith's frozen form told her otherwise. Ingrid did not need to see bloodshed today, not with what had just happened. The poor babe was already traumatized and a fight would not change anything but her own damned fate.
Taavetti was the first to speak out against the Adviser, and silently Cael thanked him for doing as such. She would not have held her tongue much longer had someone not spoken out against Ember's cruel display of pride. Despite his young age, the colt was well versed and his word's brought a slight smirk to the fighter's lips.
Post #4
Word count: 447
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Deleted
Deleted Member
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Post by Deleted on Aug 16, 2016 19:15:37 GMT -6
Bones snorted, and flicked his ragged little tail in Isadors direction. As much as he appreciated Isadors skeptical, logical mind, he couldn't help but feel as though Isador was lighting a fire. Little did he know...
Ember replied in a way not entirely unexpected, though as soon as the words “Kirins do not burn” left her lips Bones felt the air pull from his lungs. He stumbled forward, knees barking a warning, a yell of protest leaving his lips, drowned by the roar of fire from Ember.
He was close enough that the tongues of flame heated the tips of his mane and scorched his whiskers. It didn't hurt but it was shocking. Then again what did he expect from one named Ember?
The fire seemed to rage on and on, though as quickly as it had come, it withered away to smoke and scorches on the ground.
As the fire died, Bones stepped between Ingrid and Ember too, tossing his head angrily. There was a sudden light in those old eyes of his and for once in a very long time he didn't look liable to fall asleep standing up. He looked more like the Noble he was supposed to be.
His ears were pinned back against his skull, lips tight across his teeth, threatening to break into a whiskery snarl.
“Stop et Ember. This is madness; no one asked you to set her ablaze. She's a baby not a dragon!” He spat. It was likely the first time a majority of Valore had seen Bones even mildly upset, and the first time in many years that he would describe himself as irate. The greying stallions head was high, his stance as confident as his bones would allow. His knees still shook, however, betraying him ever so slightly. Bones was frail, but his anger lent him some semblance of strength.
Fire blazed in his typically cool blue eyes. How could Ember even possibly think this was a good idea at all?! Attempting to burn a child, even a fireproof one, was entirely inconceivable to Bones.
His heart thundered in his ears, overcome by disgust and anger at his fellow advisor. It felt suddenly as though many of those around him, particularly Ember, had lost their marbles. First forcing horses into forced, unpaid, often dangerous slavery, then burning slaves and captured vagabonds, now attempting to burn a filly to prove a point about some god noone had heard from in generations? Madness. That's what he called it. That was the only word he knew to describe such things as these. Bones would stand for it no longer.
“Lady Lilith, are you hurt?” He asked gently, his eyes only leaving Ember to cast a glance at Rosie, knowing she could be of use. Fire was a nasty creature and could cause major damage if left untreated.
Lilith, while promiscuous and tempestuous, had never been anything but kind to him, and it was time for him to return the favor.
498 Words
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Post by swaggalatte on Aug 16, 2016 19:32:10 GMT -6
Bentley
Noble Lady
If Lilith had not stepped back, causing Bentley to be pushed aside as well, the flames would have consumed the seven year old. She squealed as an explosion of heat burst from between Ember's teeth, concealing the newborn foal. She darted behind Callista, every inch of her shaking. Even from that distance she could feel the heat from the flames. Peering from behind the bald mare, Bentley's eyes went wide. She was burning her new baby sister alive. Everything happened so quickly, it was hard for the young noble to understand. Her mother had tried to intervene. Taavetti was screaming at the dark mare. Everyone lurched forward to stand between the assailant and the baby. The flames had died, and Ingrid stood there, smoking, as if nothing had happened. She looked startled, but unharmed otherwise. How could she be fine? " Kirins do not burn," Ember had stated to the crowd. She was so calm. Absolutely unscathed from the assault on the foal. Bentley took a step forward, coming out from behind Callista. Why did it matter if she was a kirin or not? A healthy foal was born, why did it matter if she was a kirin or not? Bentley did not understand why her sister was so important, other than she was, most likely, the first kirin seen in a very long time. Post 4 || 227 Words
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Post by Kelpie-River on Aug 17, 2016 10:10:21 GMT -6
Grange | Servile Slave
There was no time to act, let alone think, as Ember shot a wave of flames at the child, engulfing her, and soon after her mother. The heat was searing as it spread through the room, and Grange felt all senses desert him as he stared in horror as his mistress attempted to claw her child free from the blaze. The acrid scent of burning hair and flesh reached his nose, and Grange feared that the filly would be nothing more than a charred corpse when Ember's tirade ended. In shock, Grange watched as the fire flicked over the pair; not a moment before, he had spoken out as Ember's champion, arguing against Adviser Isador. Now, as the mare seemed hellbent on killing the new babe, Grange could not have regretted the decision more.
The flames died out, and Ingrid was left, smoking, scared, but unhurt. Grange stared in silence at the wide-eyed child, and at Lilith, who seemed to have taken the brunt of the attack. True, Ember was correct; Kirin's did not burn. And true, Ingrid was unsinged. But horses did, and Lilith's body was proof of that, with its reddened skin and singed fur. Although he might not have the most endearing opinion of his mistress, Grange had some scraps of loyalty left, and it turned his blood to see her in such a state. She truly loved her children, numerous as they were, and she had risked her life to save this one.
Shock turned to anger as Grange's eyes landed upon Ember. She had hurt his mistress; she had tried to hurt Ingrid. If not for Taavati's outburst, Grange might have lunged at the Adviser right then and there, risking his own bout of flaming justice. But Taavi's words packed enough of a punch, and Grange's attention was quickly given over to the colt. Taavi was his responsibility, and the child was clearly upset by what had happened. With long, quick steps, Grange made his way to Taavi - and by proxy Lilith's - side, pressing his shoulder against the colt's flesh to let him know that he had Grange's support.
"Enough, Taavi," he whispered softly. "Your anger is just, but we are observed," he said, motioning to the group surrounding them. As much as he wanted to see Taavi tear Ember a shining new asshole, he felt it best if the child said nothing more for the moment; his strongly worded comment had gotten the point across.
"My lady, are you hurt?" Grange added, turning his attention to Lilith, as he echoed the concerns of the others who had rushed to her side. Regardless of what anyone thought of Lilith and her Kirin baby, they stood behind her now, as support.
WC: 455
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Post by SagaWolf on Aug 17, 2016 13:11:34 GMT -6
Aodh Commoner
Ice settled in Rosie's stomach as the dark mare spoke. Spoke of Kirins and their inability to burn. Some part of her knew what was coming, that there would be a public display to dispel any thoughts of the child being in some way fake, an illusion perhaps. But only in nightmares would Rosie have been able to conjure up the scenario which unfolded before her, and the burning of the newborn would haunt her dreams. She squealed with fear, unconscious of the sound that ripped from her throat, jaw dropping as she stared in utter horror while blue flames licked about and enveloped the little one. 'Kirins do not Burn', her mind echoed, trying to lay her mounting panic to rest, but how could anyone be sure? The radiating heat nipped at her own pale skin, causing the unicorn to step back, ears laid flat against her skull. Bones stumbled forward and she wanted to warn him, to call him back to safety, but all she managed was a strangled gasp. Lilith threw herself at her child only to be ripped away by a force field and Rosie felt the sting of tears as she watched the horror continue. Then as swiftly as Ember had set the babe ablaze it ended, leaving behind the terrified but unharmed filly. Breath caught in her throat, Rosie tried to comprehend what she saw. The young Taavetti exploded with rage, Cael and Bones launched forward to, she assumed, protect mother and child. Eyes went to the younger Bentley and Rosie found anger stirring within. Deep breaths were taken to control herself and Bones' received a sharp nod of her head. She knew what he asked for even without words, but at the moment the 'scene' was too crowded. The unknown slave had stepped forward as well and it clearly wasn't the right time to dart in and demand to inspect burned legs, no matter how badly she wanted to. The air seemed electric and any moment now it looked like Cael might actually charged the dark Adviser. It was definitely not the time to step closer.
[Post 3 - Word Count: 353 ] |
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Post by Flarism on Aug 22, 2016 20:14:57 GMT -6
Whether it was the appropriate time or not, Callista was going to go to Lilith. The naked mare followed after the children, mounting the stage and closing the gap between her and her lady love. "Lilith!"
Down beside the burned mare she went, ripping open the skin on her knees as she slid into place at her side. She paid it not a mind, her orange eyes focusing on the burns the royal had sustained. Despite the lack of feathers, a protective wing was still thrown over the Lady, and she pulled her headscarf free to gently fan at the damaged flesh. "Water! Does anyone have water?!"
Perhaps it was strange for the lighting of a child on fire not to be at the forefront of anyone's mind, but Callista was smitten, and love had a way of giving you tunnel vision.
"Don't move about," she said quietly. "The baby's fine, just don't move. You got thrown, something may be damaged. Let Cael handle the rough stuff."
Callista had spent enough time in hospitals to know that you needed to stay still when you were injured, and she hoped Bones would back her up on it. The more voices, the better, as convincing a new mother to leave her child was a tough sell even on the best of days.
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Callista - Aodh Artisan
Post #3 - 220 Words
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Post by Jennycallie on Aug 24, 2016 2:05:29 GMT -6
Isador | Adviser
“Silence, slave,” Isador said in a soft voice, his gaze unmoving from Ember’s… but Grange would be more than half a fool if he mistook Isador’s calm words for mere formality. Isador let others govern their slaves as they saw fit, but that did not extend to deliberate rudeness, and he would not forget the appaloosa’s loose tongue.
“Of course,” Ember murmured, turning away as if Isador were of no consequence. Isador, later, could not say how, or why he knew what was about to happen, only that he did. For instead of chafing at the snub as he normally would have, the stallion felt nothing but a sudden thrill of foreboding. The dark mare addressed the crowd again, and something in her voice, her manner-
Ignacio, what on Hireath is this mare about to bring upon us-
And then, as if in answer to his silent question, the foal had gone up in flame.
Chaos erupted all around them, as Lilith screamed and lunged, as Cael and Callista bolted towards her, as Lilith was rebuffed by a force field, as the other children cried out in fear. But alone of the group, Ember and Isador remained still, both blue gazes drawn inexorably to the flaming pyre that was Ingrid. And Isador could detect no traces of magic, imbued or original. The fire was true.
And then it was gone, revealing an unharmed baby kirin, quickly snatched away from prying eyes by her terrified mother.
The chaos was only slightly lessened by this; the foals were now crowding them, shouting at Ember, Bones too lending his venerable voice to outrage. Isador was silent, his mouth too dry and his mind too jumbled for coherent speech, as he stared at the huddled form of the kirin. He felt a sudden prickle between his withers, and glanced up to meet cerulean eyes. He did not have the composure, to incline his head in any degree towards another point earned, but he rather thought Ember saw it in his eyes.
“-hope it was fucking worth it!”
The high-pitched, furious words broke through Isador’s buzzing mind, and his gaze flicked to Taavetti, who had just finished a tirade towards the Adviser.
“Guard your tongue, child,” Isador said sharply. “We are observed indeed and you need not add to the spectacle already created.” The last words were a sharp rebuke, but directed at Ember, his gaze hard as he looked to her once more, refusing to squint into the sun still at the mare’s back. Isador could feel the crowd pressing closer, restless, as everyone wished to assure themselves that the child was safe, and that she was truly a kirin. A spectacle, indeed. "Get up, Lilith," he added curtly, but in an undertone that did not carry. "The peasants and barbarians have enough to gossip about as it is."
Isador turned away from Ember at last, ignoring Lilith’s glowering pit slave and the nattering of the peasants and children, to look at the restless crowd. He could see only one way of gracefully salvaging the situation.
“Citizens of Eithne, honored guests, a glorious day is indeed upon us, and you are invited to meet this harbinger of our new age.” He stepped aside (and if his rump somewhat obscured Ember, what of it) and gestured regally towards the mother and foal, trusting Cael’s presence to keep the kirin child safe. He would himself thoroughly examine the child later, but there was little doubt in the Advsior’s mind.
Post 4 | 591 words
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Post by empyre on Aug 24, 2016 12:52:12 GMT -6
Taavetti
Taavetti swung his glare around to Grange when the slave spoke to him, opening his mouth to tell him off too. How dare he try to tell Taavi what to do, what was enough, it was his sister not Grange's, but before any of that could leave his mouth he snapped it closed at Isador's scolding. The colt pinned his ears, and lowered his head slightly from how he'd been holding it up, his scowl softening into a frown as the adrenaline left him standing there panting and trembling slightly. He did not apologize though as he turned and brushed past the small crowd that had jumped up to stand before Ember.
"Mama, are you alright?" He asked his mother as he came to stand beside her, leaning his body against her's for comfort, "I think Ember should be in trouble, not me..." He mumbled into her fur with a pout, before glancing over at Ingrid, looking her up in down as though to make sure she really was okay and in one piece and very much not burnt to a crisp, "It's okay Ingrid, if the bad lady tries to come near you again I'll bite her ankles." he said gently, grinning at the filly in what he hoped was a reassuring way.
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Post by Queerly on Aug 27, 2016 22:17:08 GMT -6
Ember | Adviser
Please note- some comments are made by equines from the other threads!
There. It was done. The child had burned, burned bright and glorious for all to see, and then she had been revealed whole and unharmed. Having devoted only the bare minimum of concentration needed to maintain and then extinguish the flames, the majority of Ember’s focus remained, as ever, on the crowd. The Aodhians, children of the glorious fire.
She did not bat a single eyelash as chaos erupted, but merely stood quietly, unsurprised, an ebony statue as the voices of the people washed over her.
“What the hell!” rose the voice of an outraged peasant, shocked into unwary boldness in a sea of nobles, then quieted to angry murmurings, even invoking the water god, too dense (ever the peasant) to see the true glory, the true miracle that was the kirin child in front of her face.
The Talori Emissary herself looked to have fainted; well, then. Cascade’s children, it seemed, were only able to stomach scheduled drownings, and only if dressed in the trappings of ceremony and celebration. They were truly as multifaceted and slippery in their convictions as She who was their patron. Ember struggled not to roll her eyes.
“What the fuck is she doing!” Another commoner, another child of flame with all of fire’s impulsivity, but lacking in any sort of finesse.
“Ah, hell.” Again, Ember fought to control her expression; trust a War Forged to cast a flattering light on even the most crude of Aodhians.
“Stop it, Ember,” and ah, there finally was the voice of Bones, a fellow adviser as he shoved past her. A valuable voice, in the balancing act that was advising the King, but soft hearted, short sighted, with absolutely no sense of decorum in front of the masses. Not a dragon? Ah, Bones. We are all of us dragons, if only we could remember it.
“Dear gods.” Ah, no more than a whisper on the wind, but the reverent, awed words might as well have been shouted, and Ember’s eyes glowed, her heart swelling uncomfortably with emotion.
“What the hell, Ember!” these furious words were flung at her hooves like a scattering of ash, and Ember dropped her eyes, briefly, to Lilith’s seething child, immediately shushed by his slave and Isador who had it seemed, finally gained his composure. Enough to chastise the unruly colt, at least, and to even direct his last words at her, though in an oblique and thoroughly subtle manner. That was more like him. Good. His was a flame that could not long remained smothered.
Then he addressed the crowd.
“Citizens of Eithne, honored guests, a glorious day is indeed upon us, and you are invited to meet this harbinger of our new age.” And he stepped aside, sleekly pushing her to the side. The petty power struggles that mortals choose to wage must mean nothing to the watching Stars, Ember thought sourly, but that sort of lofty perspective was a bit difficult to maintain when one’s power had been usurped by an immaculate white rump shoved into their face.
But the mare merely arranged her remote, pleasantly detached expression about her like an extension of her shawl, and dipped her head to the crowd, tacitly inviting them to make good on Isador’s invitation.
“Yes, children of the Fire, come and meet her, meet the future of your herd. Kirins again walk the Fire Lord’s blessed earth. Meet her, and rejoice.”
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Post by Queerly on Aug 28, 2016 3:25:20 GMT -6
 The gates have been opened. Citizens of Aodh and the foreign dignitaries can now come forward to meet the new Princess. |
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Post by NorthernMyth on Aug 28, 2016 18:07:24 GMT -6
The crowd began to voice up and fidget around. At this point Alarik finally noticed the Ginger Talorian had fainted and thought about going to help, but it seemed like Hancock and the mare Alarik believed was named Viona seemed had it sorted. And more to his left, The stallion who was trying to steal things earlier was again arguing with Airitia and Asalah whom was butting in.
Alarik turned and looked at Liri and Einar who were both as shocked as he was. He took a breath, beginning to feel more emotionally drained. His Telepathy had began to get to him. In the past month he was simply still not used to it yet, as well as the crowds just not being his thing. At some point he closed his eyes, distinguishing most sound till it was just distant mumbling.
There was a loud metallic creek in front him. Alarik raised his head up and opened his eyes quickly. Starled but the gates opening, unsure really what was happening. And although the gates where Alarik stood his ground not actually sure if he was allowed to enter. The teen glanced at the chevaliers near the gates and took one step forward and others seem to follow. He raised his head a little more, less sceptical now. His young, thin, muscular frame trembled a little as he got closer, flicking his ears back and forth.
Eventually reaching where the princess and her children were standing. He bowed his head at them all. Being respectful as he could.
The teen then became face to face with the kirin daughter. Unsure what to say or do. He was calmed by her appearance. And did the only thing he could think of. His voice quiet and calm. He went to speak up, until the filly moved forward, towards him. Her legs still wobbly and unstable, probably unsure of this strange red stallion standing in front of her. He smiled at her and let out a little laugh, tilting his head a little to the right. But he had stood there long enough, he was ushered on by the other horses waiting behind him. Alarik stepped onwards, his expression changing as he saw Ember. Pinning his ears against his neck, lowering his head below his withers and gritting his teeth, glaring at the Advisor and giving out a bit of snort, before moving out of the way of everyone.
At this point Alarik didn’t know what to do. Either leave now and go home or wait for his friends.
Post 7 | 426 Words
+ 1 AP
From Plot 202 - Heir of Smoke and Ember
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Post by InTheDappledRain on Aug 28, 2016 22:02:05 GMT -6
Before Asalah really had time to react to her sister, she was storming off, mentioning how they would talk more once they got home. Uh oh. It was never a good sign when one of the sisters turned away and stormed off. Especially if it was over something that had been said. Quickly, the dark mare tried to back track and figure out what she had done to cause her sister to react in such a way, but there wasn't enough time for things to click. Ragnarok was already responding to her, pulling her focus out from the inward turmoil out towards him. He seemed to have that effect on her, much to her annoyance.
She curled her lip as he mentioned how he pitied her. She didn't need his pity nor did she want it. Pity was for those that were weak or in need of help and Asalah was neither of those two. If he wanted to think it was a good idea to burn a child and scar them for life, then he could easily to back to whatever hole he had crawled out of and just stay there with his beliefs. It wasn't like he had to deal with the repercussions of that instant for the rest of his life... Granted, Asalah wasn't even sure the child would remember that moment. She knew she would, but that was more because of Lilith. The mere thought of the screaming mother caused her flesh to prickle as a chill washed over her.
That was when Ragnarok yet again pulled her out of her senses, her eyes focusing in on the sneer on his face as he clicked his tongue. Quietly, she glared the stallion down as he winked at her. Her stomach squirming for a moment as she felt the world around her flip. She pushed it down, holding back a response on how she wasn't anybody's doll, especially not his, but he was turning away. She didn't speak as a huff escaped her lips, her anger rolling through her in that moment as she helplessly tried to figure out what was going on. She didn't want to be here anymore, especially now that the gates were opening. She didn't exactly understand what had happened in the few moments that she had focused in on Rags, but it was obvious that they were allowing others forward. A few horses were already moving forward, and without really wanting to, Asalah found herself following the crowd.
She didn't want to be here, but here she was, walking up to the nobles. If only she could get back to Airita and apologize... or at least figure out what she had done to upset her sister. Instead, she was up near the front of the masses, frantically trying to figure out what she should say or do in that moment. Panic was overwhelming her senses as the crowds seemed to crash in.
She wanted nothing more than to have stayed at her shop in that instant. None of this would have happened if she had stayed home like she wanted to. Gods, why was she always such a shut in?
Post 9 | Word Count 528
Moved from Plot 202: Heir of Smoke and Embers
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Post by PaganStars on Aug 30, 2016 14:56:05 GMT -6
As the thief went to talk to one of the other horses in their cramped space, he turned his attention back to Nerine who looked like she was just beginning to wake up.. Smirking, he went back over and lowered his head to hers, brows cocked "Have a nice nap, darlin?" he winked. Helping her to her hooves, he made sure she was okay, only looking up when he heard the tell-tale creak of the iron gates being opened. He flicked his ears towards the advisors but completely missed what they said, assuming that they wanted everyone to come and great the new bab.
As people began to push forward, Hancock quickly turned his head as he heard Nerine calling out, beginning to get swallowed by the crowd. Swinging his hindquarters, he pushed people away and squished in beside her, pushing her forward with his telepathy "come on Nerine, gotta be nice to the new princess, right?" he said with a smile "don't want to be a bad example of the Talori people, hm?" he winked, his smile turning into a cocky grin.
Walking just ahead of the crowd, Hancock's jaw fell slightly as they got closer to the foal. Holy cow, she really was a kirin ( i mean he shoulda guessed that after the fucking fire show) Bowing his head, he smiled at the Kirin and winked before looking to Lilith "Hey Lil, Got another member for your squad, eh?" he winked, grinning happily for her "hey, in all seriousness-" Hancock started, only to be pushed forward by a snorting noble. Jumping up slightly, he grinned at Lilith "I'll see you sometime!" he called, moving forward with the others. Looking down at Nerine, he smiled "see, she aint the devil you think she is"
Post 6 | Word count 300
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Post by Jennycallie on Aug 31, 2016 17:36:04 GMT -6
Hira | War Lord
Hira shoved her head against Alistair’s rump, and well acquainted as the palomino was with the properties of Hira’s twisting horn (specifically, it’s properties of relative sharpness) the stallion begrudgingly shifted aside, allowing the War Lord to see over the balcony railing once more. The pony kept half an ear on the murmurings of her companions, but her main focus was of course on the Aodhians below her. Although her eyes were drawn again and again to the scaled foal, visible in her iridescence even between the legs of her mother and attendants, Hira found herself paying more attention to the maneuverings of the two Advisers, Lords Ember and Isador.
“Looks like those two are playing a high stakes game of lord of the hill,” Hira commented, even as Isador turned his back on Ember, blocking her vision with his rump. “A pity she’s a mare, otherwise they could just lay them out on a table and measure them, and end this,” the War Lord added, slightly acerbically. The sight of Aodh nobles squabbling over power games might normally have been amusing, but not under present circumstances. Again, Hira looked at the foal, the… kirin. Even in her mind, she stumbled over the word.
“Do you think we should notify the Stone Circle of this?” Hira asked her Shields quietly. “If they would even believe the news…” she trailed off pensively, for she wasn’t sure herself, if she believed this. The day had taken on a decidedly surreal tint, a sensation that she did not enjoy. Gods damned Aodh.
Hira’s dark musings were interrupted as the two Advisers once more vied for the crowd’s attentention, and invited a closer examination of the child. Although the lofty words were addressed to Aodians specifically (and if Hira heard the words “children of fire” one more time she thought she might scream) she knew that the War Forged had been included in the invitation; indeed, Ember’s bright eyes had settled, however briefly, on Hira’s own gaze.
“Right, then,” Hira grunted, shaking her mane. “Let’s get a closer look at this kirin, shall we? Aro, come.” Knowing Alistair and Haku would be quick to caution her against this, Hira did not wait for their reactions but immediately turned and exited the balcony, her short legs carrying her deftly and quickly down the winding stairs. She had contemplated leaping from the balcony, but had decided against it. Although it would have been amusing to see the shock on the carefully coiffed, plucked, and painted faces of the Aodhians, Hira knew the moment of fun would not be worth the damage to the War Forged image. That, and she didn’t trust the dead, silent stones and earth of the courtyard to catch her properly. This was not Skeldr, this earth did not breathe and whisper to her the way Kaia’s Onean soil did. She missed it, very much.
Reaching the bottom of the stairs, Hira paused, allowing her companions time to catch up with her, then stepped hoof once more into the dappled sunlight of the courtyard, her hooves clicking flatly on the smooth, polished stones as she joined the loose line of equines approaching the foal. Perched on her withers, claws flexing in her mane, Aro's sharp head turned rapidly as he took in the sighs of so many equines.
Post 4 | 568 words
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Post by Gaybies on Aug 31, 2016 18:48:53 GMT -6
Mateo and Santiago| Ambassador and Eagle
Mateo was glad when her son finally decided to rejoin her, bringing that scrappy glitter-spilling cushion-chewing dog of his with him. She could tell that he seemed at least a little bothered by the whole display and offered him the slightest of affectionate nudges to reassure him that all was well. With the War Lord amongst them, she didn’t want to make it seem like she coddled him, didn’t want him to appear soft like the young of Aodh seemed. So, for now, the usually doting, if strict, mother seemed distant from her little speckled colt. She hoped he would understand, realize the gravity of it all and not be too bothered by his mother’s lack of affectionate display. Clearing her throat, she dismissed these thoughts that had suddenly plagued her, giving Loren a quick smile before turning her attention back to the matter at hand. “Yes, children of the Fire, come and meet her, meet the future of your herd. Kirins again walk the Fire Lord’s blessed earth. Meet her, and rejoice.”The Ambassador’s ears perked and her gaze once more drifted down from the balcony to the gathering of horses below as the invitation rang out across the horde. Hira promptly exited the balcony, taking her little catbird with her, no doubt pursued by her loyal protectors. "Mom? Can I meet her too?"
She watched the door a moment more before looking down to answer, “Well... Ah didn’t hear them excluding anyone in their grand invitation...” She mused aloud. She could sense his nervousness and, in that way that mothers seem to do, responded as though she’d read his mind. “Perhaps you should, she might need a small friend right about now...”
“Santiago, watch the skies for Loren and Ah.” She commanded the Eagle, who, at her prompting, took off from the balcony to soar carefully around the courtyard. Her bird dispatched, she playfully bumped Loren’s shoulder and started towards the door to follow Hira and her guard’s down the steps to see this little scaly creature. “Keep Scorch under control now, Loren, don’t let her run too far.” ---------------
Mateo, Post 4
Word Count: 351
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Post by FaunaFawn on Aug 31, 2016 20:30:41 GMT -6
Syria Ambassador from Serora
So it was time to get moving, she thought to herself a bit numbly. Though to her this was just a distraction a way to try to wipe the mind from what had just happened. Ember set a child aflame, although it did not burn, there is still that lingering thought, what if it had? Syria tried her best to hide awya from such thought to not let those thoughts kill her mood all together. Ears perked forwards as Hira spoke, then along with Mateo and her child, Syria merely nodded to them, before trotting along behind them. She felt a bit odd with all these War Forged comrades. A part of her wish some of her own equine could be here to bare witness of what has happened. But there was no time to celebrate for Serora. Many were trying to strive for life, trying to make that hell of a desert give back life instead of take and take. Nostrils flared as she tossed her head once more. Please no not know, she needed to clear her mind. She needed to breath and try her best to not look as if she was dragged along for the ride. Eyes scanned the crowd, it was mixed mood here, she saw many frustrated, while others were overcome by their curiosity. Syria had to admit, she was indeed curious of the child, but she felt this was too much. Always with Aodh, did things seem too much. Tail flickered as she followed along behind Mateo and her son, awaiting her turn patiently to great the new child. To welcome her here and pray to the gods, her life would be well long lived and not come to stifling hault. Many would want to know more about this child, many would think this to be a blessing or an ill omen. Syria prayed this wouldn't play out to be another war of the world's. Post 6
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Post by Kelpie-River on Sept 3, 2016 13:15:42 GMT -6
Grange | Servile Slave
The Champagne stallion had no need for an invitation to meet the filly, as he had garnered a place by his mistress's side as soon as Ember had finished with her crazy stunt. He was still slightly shocked, but the acrid scent of Lilith's burnt fur let him know that it had all been very real. Before him, unharmed, was the filly, and as the line of horses who wished to see her grew, it seemed as though she were less and less earthly, and more of a tiny goddess in their presence. Perhaps it was blasphemous to think so. Perhaps Ignacio would come down from the sky and smite the lithe slave where he stood - gods knew it seemed like he'd been down to earth about nine months prior, so why not here and now? - but Grange could not help thinking it.
As the flood of horses came forward, Grange saw a mixture of faces, new and old alike. Of course, those horses who had been standing near him before the birth, he recognized, and the dignitaries he guessed at, considering actions, body language and responses from their herdmates. He caught a glimpse of a chestnut appaloosa mare, one he recognized vaguely; he'd shown her around the city once, when she'd become lost. She was...Seoran, if he remembered correctly. Grange couldn't help but be a little envious of the mare; here she was, getting to see a miracle, away from her home and any fetters that might bind her, while he was only here, only among these royally bestowed horses because his mistress was the one giving birth.
As the throng grew, Grange made sure to keep a tight eye on Taavi, so the foal couldn't get into trouble in the confusion. It still irked him, how the brown colt had reacted to a well-deserved shushing...but Grange had to admit, he was the slightest bit proud of Taavi for saying the words that he could not. Even if he had been a little impish about it.
Satisfied that the colt was safe, Grange turned his gaze again to the crowd. So many horses, from so many lands and backgrounds. All unified by one kirin filly. If that wasn't proof to trust in Ignacio, Grange wasn't sure what was.
WC: 381
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Post by swaggalatte on Sept 3, 2016 16:44:01 GMT -6
Bentley
Aodh Noble
As the gates opened, providing access for the throngs of equines, Bentley felt her chest constrict. There were so many strangers, with only a few faces that she recognized from the streets. Before there were too many hooves about her, the small appaloosa trotted quickly to her mother's side, not wanting to lose sight of her. Or worse. As more and more visitors came to greet Lilith and see the newborn kirin, Bentley quietly began to piece together how to tell who was from where. Aodhians were always easy to spot, having been around them her entire life. She knew the face of Hira, the War Lord of Onea, just from descriptions in stories and art. Those of War Forged were gruff, and seemed to have an intense discomfort with the weather. The kindling could not really tell the rest. Bentley grew bored with discerning faces, so she turned her attention back to her newborn sister. A smile grew on her face as she looked at Ingrid's big rose colored eyes. She was not really sure what to do with her, knowing that they could not really play right now, and Bentley had to be careful with her because she was so small. She settled on making silly faces, sticking her tongue out and crossing her eyes. Post 5 || 221 Words
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Post by InTheDappledRain on Sept 6, 2016 9:23:02 GMT -6
Asalah | Aodh Commoner
Quietly the mare turned back towards the crowd to see where her sister had gone, annoyance rolling through her as she remembered the last time the two of them had been separated. She huffed and looked back towards the baby kirin and all the other horses crowding around her. There were so many of them, and all of them were horses she didn't recognize. Taking in a slow breath, she quietly made her way forward, taking note of a few of the horses she had seen prior to the gates opening. She couldn't help but wonder how Lilith felt about all these horses coming close to her child after she had been touched by flames. The mare shook the thought off though as she knew she didn't have the answer to it. She wanted, more than anything, to turn around and head back home, but the crowds wouldn't allow her to do that, so instead she did the only feasible thing she could do. She quietly stood in line and let a few other horses pass by her. It wasn't like she was really in a rush to see the Kirin child anyway. Maybe, if she was lucky, Airita would catch up and they could fix whatever... conflict... was sitting between them. That entire ordeal still had Asalah confused, but she wasn't about to work herself up over it. Letting out a short sigh she grumbled to herself about how it would have been better to just stay home again.
Word Count 250 | Post 10 |
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Deleted
Deleted Member
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Post by Deleted on Sept 6, 2016 14:51:26 GMT -6
Bones//Advisor
With the majority of the "action" done, and his point voiced, Bones sagged, his head lowering as adrenaline fizzled out of his system, leaving him weak and tired. He almost visibly deflated, his knees clunking together as commoners, nobles, and foreign emmisaries all rushed forward to greet the tiny kirin in front of them. Bones' anger still blazed in the back of his mind, but he stepped reluctantly back, one bony hip accidentally clunking into the War-Lord Hira's shoulder.
"Sorreh Hira" he mumbled, dipping his already lowered head even lower. She was intimidating, but he found that to be welcome. He wouldn't expect any less from a War-Lord. The elderly advisors nostrils flared as he continued to step away from the growing throng of equines, a sudden sick feeling starting in his chest. Where had Ingrid come from? Not like many Aodhians would genuinely ask that, but he had to think of the future. What did this hold for the average citizen here, if Kirins returned somehow, what would that mean? How would that even work? Would Kirin be the new ruling class? What would happen to the entire dynamic of Aodh? The sudden anxiety those thoughts spawned made him sway on the spot, his battered knees wobbling. He didn't feel well, but he didn't want to alarm anyone, especially not with little Ingrid and the wonder she instigated so fresh in everyones mind. The old greying fellow walked slowly over to Rosie "Rosie, i'm going to step out fer a moment. You stay 'ere and take care of Lilith fer me, can yeh do that?" he asked, his blue eyes soft and careful. He flicked his tail, and turned after a moment, clearly needing some space. He would have preferred to talk to Isador, but he figured Isador already had his hooves full with all this.
Bones stepped a good distance away, to a quieter area behind the stage, in the shade, and slowly lowered himself to the ground, giving his old bones a rest after the excitement that had just transpired. Bones huffed and closed his eyes for a moment, needing some time to think.
359 words
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Post by SagaWolf on Sept 7, 2016 6:01:18 GMT -6
Aodh Commoner
A Kirin. It was still difficult for her mind to comprehend. A being of legend, of stories told to little foals. Despite history and the presence of kirins in art, Rosie had always thought them to be nothing but stories. And here stood a little scaled one, the air above her small form still rippling with heat. Oh how Rosie wanted to press in with the crowd and get a proper look, sate her own baffled curiosity, but the distraught Lilith also left her feeling oddly hollow about this little miracle. It had been cruel to wrap the child in flames, effective but cruel, and Rosie found herself deeply shaken. She saw the air go out of Bones, his anger spend and his body sagging. Immediately she pushed her own concerns aside and stepped forward to him, irritated that the crowd didn't part to give the old stallion space. Really, how difficult was it to take a few steps to the side?! Bah! She looked him over quickly, blocking his way long enough to assure herself that there was no immediate harm. He looked worn and he would need rest, but there were no new burns. "Are you sure? " she started, trying to press the topic, wanting to follow, but Bones had a way of letting his needs be known silently. Right now he needed space, so the pale unicorn sighed softly, and nodded. "Yes of course, but stay close at least. You look dreadful. "
She watched him for a moment and then had her attention caught by a servant pushing by with a bowl of water. Right, the lady! "Give it here, " she snapped a little more forcibly than needed, and thankfully she was recognized as the old adviser's aid. She took the bowl and a soft cloth and made her way to Lilith and Callista, not afraid to shove left and right, and snap angrily at those who got in her way... unless they were emissaries or advisers. She caught the scent of blood before she saw Callista's poor knees, sat the bowl down and drenched the cloth thoroughly, before pressing the wet dripping mess to the first burn she saw on Lilith. "..Sorry, " she said with a small grimace and cleared her throat. "I'm Rosie. Bones asked me to... to, well, have a look at you. I've been working with his burns too, " she added and then bit her lip, feeling ridiculous. Had that word-vomit really been needed? Gods, she had no idea what she was doing! Alright, Rosie, focus! Wounds! There were wounds that needed tending to and she would do so. Callista too, if she would let her, but burns needed cooling to prevent the damaged from going deeper and the boils would need popping when they formed. "Your child is beautiful... " she said low, so very low it was barely audible with all the commotion.
[Post 4 - Word Count: 481 ] |
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Post by NorthernMyth on Sept 8, 2016 9:23:55 GMT -6
Alarik stood to the side for a bit , trying to find his small friends. He knew they wouldn’t be happy if he just left but at the same time he just really wanted to go home and grab a few things so he could leave the city. The crowds didn’t please him. Infact they made him uncomfortable. “Hmm maybe the left already” He sort of shrugged his shoulders. He stretched his neck out once more to see over the crowds, now towering at about two meters.
He saw Asalah but he didn’t exactly know her that well and she probably wouldn’t want him to be hanging around for her, That would be an awkward walk home. Alarik shook his head and swiveled his body around, sort of pushing himself into the flow of leaving horses. “Ill catch them up later” telling himself. He flicked his ears back, lowered his head a bit and began walking homewards. Listening to his own hooves hit the floor, his bridle now rubbing behind his ears he would be glad getting it off. Today had been a quick day but thankfully it wasn’t over, Not yet at least.
Post 8 | Word Count 198
+1 AP
From Plot 202 - Heir of Smoke and Ember
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Post by arlybarlywartek on Sept 8, 2016 13:19:17 GMT -6
Nerine
Nerine threw daggers at the lanky stallion when he asked her about her ‘nap’.
“Thats not funny, Hancock.” She hissed with poison dripping from her voice as she stared up at him with wide, harsh eyes. The small bright orange mare wasn’t quite sure what to do with herself, his suggestion of meeting the princess? PAH! She wished Cascade would open up the skies this very instance and drown the rat.
When he pushed her forward, she almost lashed out at him but he quickly reminded her… She was here representing the Talorians… Nerine pinned her ears and reluctantly moved forwards, trying to avoid getting any closer to the foal but with the crowd surging forwards… She had no choice but to move with everyone and not trampled even more. Her head was still throbbing from landing on the cobbles and Nerine let out a loud, disapproving sigh.
“Hancock….” She murmured, moving closer to his legs but not daring to touch them. The fact that other horses had brushed up against her though from just trying to get past made her skin crawl and itch. Contact was inappropriate for this scene, especially now. Did they not know of personal space?
“She may only be a child now but what does it mean for the future? This creature could pose a threat to Talori and I will not be the one responsible for not informing my Emperor. I don’t care if she is a princess, she’s supposed to be dead.” Nerine growled, gritting her teeth as she lifted her head up to get as close to Hancock's face as she could. Heat was rising to her cheeks from how...Angry and fearful she felt. Why was she still sticking around?
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Post by PaganStars on Sept 8, 2016 13:43:26 GMT -6
Hancock rolled his eyes as he walked with Nerine, feeling her push closer to his body as the people around them pushed forward. Aodians were...usually polite but meeting a living breathing kirin meant anything was go. When Nerine spoke again, Hancock flicked an ear in her direction, his head raised above the crowd as he looked for anyone he knew, but his attention was immediately drawn back to her when she said the child should be dead.
That was too far
"Listen Nerine. I know you're supposed to be some great link between Aodh and Talori, but you're doing a piss poor job right now," he spat, ears flicking backwards as he looked down at her "It's a fucking kid, a kid!! how could you wish her to be fucking dead, oh but I guess you Talori already enjoy throwing kiddies and winged folks alike off of cliffs to be'reborn in cascades great image'" he mocked, his tone rising in pitch to mock her voice "Maybe Ingrid is that poor foal you threw off the cliff, remade in Ignacio's vision instead, think about that." with a scoff, Hancock turned his head away "So run on home, I ain't stoppin ya. Just thought that maybe the ambassador would actually want to partake and experience some of the culture and events that they're supposed to be studying anyway. But no, Nerine's far too good for that, isn't she" he finished, shaking his head at her.
Glancing back at where Ingrid was standing with her family and Lilith, Hancock looked back down at Nerine "Lilith is a very dear friend to me. I thought that maybe one day I would be able to show you the beauty and openness that is Aodh, but apparently your ignorance is blinding you" he finished, a disappointed expression resting on his face.
Post 7 | word count 311
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Post by kajejackson on Sept 8, 2016 17:30:59 GMT -6
Einar| Commoner (Merchant)|Words:420| Posts: 6| +1AP Einar slowly came to his senses as the metal gate creaked open, beckoning them closer. With a quick glance at his friends, the fjord started forward, propelled more by the energy of the crowd than his own hooves. Part of him wanted a closer look at the filly, still not convinced this was all real. The other part of him just wanted to go home and curl up in a ball and reexamine all his life choices. If kirins are real, are the gods?? He'd never been very religious, but now he couldn't shake that question from his mind. Even as he tried to focus on the young filly and not being trampled, it kept rising to the top of his consciousness. But, he did manage to keep some attention on the real world, offering the new little princess and her mother a soft smile and kind nod. All the while taking note of how the light reflected off her...scales. Still going to take time to get used to that one. After giving his small greeting Einar felt himself being pushed along by the crowd, shooed out of the way of other curious onlookers. As he moved to the side, the dun realized he'd lost track of one of his friends. He strained his short neck hoping to catch sight of Alarik's chestnut head, but couldn't make him out. "Oh well, poor guy's probably already left. Guess he missed his books." He chuckled to himself. As he did so, his eyes again started to wander, not looking for anything in particular, just watching the line of equine pass by him. That is, until his gaze caught on a sliver bay unicorn with a pygmy gryphon resting on her shoulder. From the stories he had heard, combined with her scars and resting scowl, Einar could only assume it was the War Lord from Onea. Having always been fascinated with War Forged, due mainly to his heritage, the fjord couldn't help but become giddy. "Hey, Liri, I think that's her! War Lord Hira! Think I could say hi? Or would she impale me for that? That horn does look sharp..." He started rambling, trying to build up his courage as he shifted from one hoof to the other. This was perhaps the closest he's gotten to someone from Onea -excepting his mother of course, and he couldn't imagine a better War Forged horse to meet! He became so excited, he'd almost forgot the reason for this event in the first place. |
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Post by InTheDappledRain on Sept 8, 2016 21:42:07 GMT -6
Asalah | Aodh Commoner
"Look it's War Lord Hira."
Asalah's head snapped up as she recognized Einar's voice in the crowd, her green eyes searching through the horses to see if she could find the horse she recognized and his friend, but to no avail, a frown appeared on her lips, ears flicking back as she realized that a few of the horses she had been conversing with earlier were around her once more, though there were also horses she had never seen before. In front of her, just a ways, was the horse that she figured was the war lord, as she hadn't seen the familiar that was at her side in any of Aodh's shops before. She tilted her head to the side, curiosity sparkling in her eyes for a moment before she turned back towards the crowd.
Where was Airita? She wanted to scream. Annoyance at her sister's sudden mood swing rising in her chest as she considered her options. She could continue forward, meet the child, and leave, or she could just head out now and disappear before anybody could notice.
She continued to move forward, knowing full well that turning back would only cause more problems to erupt. She chuffed, mumbling under her breath at how the entire affair seemed rather dangerous. After all that had happened at the Crucible, inviting this many horses into one place to meet the kirin was like asking for her to be murdered by somebody who believed that the poor child was better off dead. Even if it was in a public place where others could see, any horse with the right blessings could most definitely do her in.
The right blessings. Relief suddenly flooded through Asalah as she recalled her own ability that she had gained from Cascade as she quietly glanced back towards the gates. It'd be a bit difficult to get back to them, but it was possible, and with a blessing like intangibility it'd be a lot easier get out and into the quickly emptying streets. Yet... She paused, looking back through the crowds. She was passing up the opportunity to potentially meet horses from other herds and learn more about the lands outside of both Talori and Aodh's countries. Was it really worth the sacrifice?
Indecision washed over the poor horse as she considered calling out hello to somebody. It'd be a lot better dealing with the crowd by talking to somebody else. It was beginning to become difficult for the horse to breath with so many horses flooding into the singular space.
She breathed in, uncertainty still flooding through her. What should she do? She wasn't sure.
Post 11 | 440 Words
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Post by songsofinfinity on Sept 10, 2016 16:42:45 GMT -6
Comforted by his mother's words and affectionate nudge, Lorencio flicked his tail and nodded. Scorch needed to listen now, and she would or else.
"Scorch, you better listen to me and stay close, or when we get home I'm gonna tie you up and leave you while I go play!" He glared down at the little dog, flicking his ears back momentarily to drive the point home. She met his eyes and her lips lifted in a doggy smile that he hoped meant she would listen. He hoped. "Don't say I didn't warn you!"
Lorencio stuck to his mothers side, head lowered as he tried to avoid attention. He felt a little exposed, and was sure at least some people were looking at him, 'cause he was so much younger than everyone in the group. He figured his white coat and Scorch with him didn't help. But, despite the butterflies in his stomach, this was probably the most exciting day of his life. He'd gotten to meet Lady Hira and there was a sparkly new royal baby, and it had all happened in just an hour. Honestly this was the best day of all the good days he'd had, and that was a lot of days.
They came closer to the foal, and he felt his anticipation grow. He could see the little filly now. She looked scared, and his heart went out to her. It wasn't fair to have all these horses meeting her when she was so young. They'd already scared her enough, with the fire and these big open spaces. He began to feel a little angry. Just a bit, but it was enough to let him forget his own nervousness. He picked up his pace, slipping away from his mother's side and wiggling through the horses ahead, important horses. The Lady Lilith was there, along with the other high-up officials whose names and ranks he was expected to learn. Today, though, he couldn't be bothered to remember them.
The little filly was so close, just a few feet in front of him, and the butterflies returned in force. She was smaller than he was, and up close her scales were even prettier than he'd thought. Little stubs of horns peeked out of a fluffy forelock, and big rose-colored eyes watched the people around her. He took a step closer, glancing at her mother to see if she would object. Not that he necessarily would have stopped if she did.
"Hi! I'm Lorencio," He said, smiling at her, staying a little ways away -just a few steps- so he wouldn't bother her more. "Most people call me Loren, though. Or, at least, my mom and Uncle Mui and Axel do, and you can! It's easier to say, you know. Uh... your scales are really pretty!" Embarrassed at his last outburst, he ducked his head and stepped back a little bit.
Or, he tried too. He'd forgotten all about Scorch, who had for once obeyed him and stuck close. He stumbled over her and, in trying to get his balance back, pitched forward, hitting the ground awkwardly on his side practically under Lady Lilith's nose. His former embarrassment was nothing next to what he felt now, and he scrambled to get his feet under him and get out of there.
Before he had his feet sorted out, though, he realized that moving too much would scare the baby, and he moved more cautiously, getting up and shuffling backwards, making sure he wouldn't trip over Scorch or anything else behind him. He felt terrible. He'd wanted to give the little kirin space, and maybe make her feel better, and he'd just fallen on his face right in front of her. Well, several feet away, but still, it was mortifying.
"I'm so sorry, Lady Lilith. I didn't mean to. I'm really sorry if I scared her." Really ashamed now, he bobbed his head in a bow, trying to hide behind what formality he knew. "Your baby is super pretty, you should be really proud of her." He dipped his head at the filly too. This bow was a bit deeper, a bit more formal. She just felt like someone to treat with respect. "I'm sorry if I scared you." After a brief hesitation he slipped back into the crowd; he wanted to say more but couldn't think of the right words. Scorch had disappeared after he'd tripped over her, but she did that all the time, and would probably show up pretty soon even with the crowd.
He spotted his mother and the War-Forged horses and trotted over to them, thrumming with the excitement of meeting the new baby, his panic and embarrassment still hovering in the back of his mind. She was wonderful, and he hoped he could meet her again someday when she was a little older, and a little less scared, maybe. It was definitely still the most exciting day ever. He realized that his mother and Lady Hira had yet to go up. Oh no, he thought, do I have to go up again? He wasn't sure he could face the kirin and Lady Lilith after he'd fallen in front of them. Maybe he would just hang back. Yeah, that sounded like a good idea. Just stay behind his mom, and try not to fall over again.
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Post: 5
Word Count: 897
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Post by arlybarlywartek on Sept 11, 2016 13:21:41 GMT -6
Nerine's heart caught in her throat as Hancock turned on her. Her eye's widened with shock and she staggered backwards, ears flattening at his anger. She listened to him mock her and had to fight the urge to cry. Embarrassed by a commoner in public, how flattering. She winced at his pitch raising and the mentioning of her people throwing Pegasi off the cliffs. He wouldn't understand! How could he talk about her culture when his own was just as messed up!?
"HANCOCK!" She yelled with fierceness rumbling through her shaking voice. Nerine let out a small pant after yelling, she didn't mean to be so loud. Immediately her head ducked in apology from the burst of energy that came from the small mare, Nerine swallowed hard and shook her head.
In a hushed tone, she began to bite at her words.
"No one expected a child to have been selected for the sacrifice. It was unheard of but as you've just witnessed. Ignacio's spawn. Your god, you would gladly follow him wouldn't you? That's all you Aodhians do! No morals or self-preservation wtih your vile celebrations and give birth to things like that! Kirins shouldn't still exist Hancock!" Nerine's voice became a little whine. She had to make excuses for that sacrifice. Even she hadn't agreed to it being a child... At least with an older pegasus, they'd experience the hatred from the other Talorians and realise that the sacrifice would be a blessing...A release of the feathered disgrace they had been born into.
She furrowed her brows and bit the inside of her cheek, snorting heavily as she looked back at the foal and then behind her. "Stop mocking me." Nerine murmured, eyes falling to the floor. Tears were threatening her eyes and Nerine tried to hide beneath all her glamour and hair.
"You tried, but nothing can convince me that the birth of a Kirin is a good thing. This isn't ignorance. This is a threat and this could potentially mean trouble for the future."
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Post by Jennycallie on Sept 13, 2016 4:40:39 GMT -6
Hira | War Lord
With so many eyes turned eagerly (and fanatically) towards the kirin child, Hira herself, normally such an anomaly in a crowd of tall, lithe Aodhians, went relatively unnoticed. Which suited her just fine, though she knew she would never live it down if she got stepped on. She nearly winced just thinking of the expressions Alistair and Haku would have… right before they reamed their horns up the ass of whoever had stepped on her and added some diplomatic tension to this wild event. So the War Lord moved carefully enough through the crowd, curbing her desire to shoulder her way through to the front. Hira rather thought she ought to be congratulated, on the whole, for this successful show of self-restraint… until a bony hip suddenly collided with her. It lacked both power and deliberation, but she none the less laid back her ears as her eyes cut to the side.
“Sorreh Hira,” came a tired voice, and the pony recognized one of the boy King’s many advisers, a venerable old stallion who dipped his head in respect before slipping away. Hira stared after him for a moment, rather taken aback at this display, her earlier momentum towards the kirin quite arrested. And then another voice floated above the crowd, turning her ears.
“War Lord Hira! Do you think I could say hi? Or would she impale me-”
Hira’s head turned sharply at this, but it was near impossible for her to see over this crowd of impeccably sleek equines. Ah, well. If they truly wished to weigh the chances of talking to her against the sharpness of her horn, they could find her.
Finally, she approached the child.
Hira’s quick glance took in Lilith, who was murmuring distractedly to the baby, Lilith's glowering and imposing slave who looked as if she’d rather sink a hoof into all the staring faces, a gaggle of Lilith’s other children and their attendants, and the two advisers.
Hira met Ember’s eyes, then Isador’s, and slowly, the three dipped their heads fractionally, in perfect unison. That settled, the War Lord returned her eyes to the glittering foal, and pursed her lips. It sure looked real, and gods if that wasn’t unsettling. Although definitively equine, the shy filly had a decidedly… reptilian cast to her features. It was hard to put a hoof on it but it… it was there, in every line of her young and awkward body.
Hira glanced back at Ember and, as if the dark adviser had read her art, she slowly nodded her head. Tacit permission granted, the War Lord stepped closer.
“Hello, child,” she murmured, her voice pitched low and soothing as she could manage given the circumstances. “I won’t hurt you, now, there’s a good filly.” Ignoring the slave’s flattened ears and Lilith’s soft huff of discomfort, Hira stretched out her small muzzle and ever so lightly whuffed a breath on the child’s face. The filly gave a snuffle, but did not pull away, and gently, Hira rested her muzzle on the edge of one scale.
It was, without a doubt, part of the foal’s flesh.
Hira withdrew her muzzle and, nodding curtly once more, stepped away, allowing others her vacated vantage spot. She needed to get a message to the Circle, now.
Post 5 | 561 words
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Post by Sargeant-Knoxx on Sept 16, 2016 12:58:48 GMT -6
Viona|Servile Slave
Post: 7 || WC: 700
And in one forward movement, the gates suddenly opened. People began to press nearer and with much more earnest than they had previously making Viona wary of the possibility of once more being knocked down and trumped on. It was not all bad however, many of those who'd had their fill of the ceremony began thinning the crowd, dispersing back toward the streets and passing outside of the Valiant district to return to their homes and businesses- perhaps only to return later for whatever celebratory occasions that might occur later that evening. Blue eyes scanned down to the cobblestone once more, fretting over where Nerine had fallen- and Hancock of course. It seemed Han had been able to get a rise out of the striped ambassador, for the small mare had begun to- albeit groggily and clumsily- get to her hooves. Better that, or else she would be the one getting trampled. The flaxen-maned escort helped get Nerine moving, ushering her forward- certainly they both had there reasons to see the child.. Viona however, didn't. She wanted no more of this. No more. The life of a slave was simple, you didn't ask questions. You didn't pay attention to what was happening you merely followed orders and requests. You did what was asked of you and nothing else. However, under Dimitri's care and direction, she'd received more freedom and exposure than she would have thought possible. This had opened many doors of great opportunity, of education and finer things. And yet, at the same time he required her to attend events like this, to be a part of the society. Oh but how she had come to despise it.. The sin. The unjust.
Regardless her feelings however, it was her duty to act the part that her Lord had given her, so she followed the flow. Viona aimlessly trailed behind the pair before her, convincing herself that it was to ensure they didn't get pushed about too much. Though the slave may've not been as tall nor as strong as the stallion in front of her, but she was beginning to understand that she had to hold her own if she was to get anywhere beyond Valore, beyond the other Districts. The mare rasped something under her breath, perhaps a prayer to Ignacio, before crossing the grand threshold of the gilded gateway. The trio came into the main courtyard where already a large mass of equines had begun to approach the newborn child, flocking to get a glimpse or perhaps give congratulations to Lady Lilith. The roan mare couldn't help but shake her head, golden chains tinkling softly against her nose. The child was probably in shock, who in their right mind would allow such a procession to approach? Certainly Lilith was feeling the same.. No mother would be comfortable with such a thing, noble or not. But of course, folk such as herself and the advisers had to do the Valorian and save face.
Speaking.. of faces. Whilst tucking herself to the side to assess the assembled, Viona caught sight of a familiar ashen equine amidst the royals.. Grange. The same stallion whom she'd followed to the safe-house one the night the Crucible was attacked. She'd also followed him and the Vindicators through the darkened streets of the districts before she'd lost her gall.. She'd thought that perhaps he'd escaped... But she was seeing him now, hovering over the royal family in his flashy bridle, eyes downcast. Viona raised her head, arching her neck above the crowd in hope that she might catch his gaze, but to no avail. He seemed worried, busied with his charge. Without meaning to, the roan came closer, completely missing out on the spat between Nerine and Hancock, her eyes had caught on the exchange between who appeared to be the War-Lord from the North- Hira? She was smaller than Viona had imagined- but that was not what got her attention. It was the way she assessed the kirin-child.. She seemed intent, snuffling and nudging. As soon as she had finished she turned- without a word- purposefully making her way in distance from the steps, her guards and a griffin in tow.
How peculiar..
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