|
|
Post by Jennycallie on Aug 5, 2016 21:10:29 GMT -6
 Event Journal// Premise Journal// Hello Starborn, and welcome to Plot 205: Convergent Boundary!Team Leader: Froya Participants: Bates, Balthasar, Kathra, Amber, Zestoka Post Frequency: Frequent (3-4 times a week) 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. Try to interact with everyone. <3
- Have fun! Even if your pony isn't. 8'D |
|
|
|
Post by Quorkbirb on Aug 5, 2016 22:57:10 GMT -6
Froya | Valkyrie
The ground was waterlogged from the warmth of spring melting night fallen snow. Slipping through dappled shade, a troupe of 6 horses weaved their way beneath trees laden with new spring needles. They were silent, as though stalking, and spread out in a shallow “v” formation. 3 or more horse-lengths were between each member, all within eyesight of each other. They were combing the forest for something and were ordered to whistle if sign of their prey was found that needed immediate attention.
War Lord Hira was on leave to Eithne where she would participate in a routine political visit. Accompanying her were two of her Sheilds, her sibling Alistair and his shield-brother Haku. Protesting to her Lord in private, Froya expressed her concern and requested to join Hira to Aodhian lands. But Hira had denied her, saying she would be of far better use in their homeland. It was a simple and expected visit, two shields should be enough for protection. The Valkyrie accepted her warlord’s word, but still was filled with doubt regarding her safety. She wouldn’t have found Hira’s safety satisfactorily secured unless she ensured it herself.
Before departing, War Lord Hira appointed Froya the leader of a mission, placing not only the Valkyries Amber, Zestoka, and Kathra under her command, but the Raiders Bates and Balthazar as well. Froya halted, thereby stopping the procession altogether, eyeing the two brutes that flanked her. The move was bold on Hira’s part, to place Raiders under the authority of a Valkyrie, but was a much needed in Froya’s opinion. The herd had long enough to adjust to the idea of mares in power, it was about time the Valkyries began working alongside their shield-mates and not against or beneath them.
Looking up at the sun, which was becoming lower in the sky, Froya gave a double whistle that signified the group to gather around. The mission they were posted with was routine, check the forests for vagabonds and purge whatever threats were discovered. They had been on this mission for some hours now with little incident, but the task would become increasingly dangerous as night approaches.
As the company surrounded her, she spoke “Has anyone anything to report?”
Post: 1
Word Count: 369
|
|
|
|
Post by Silverfallingstar on Aug 5, 2016 23:53:42 GMT -6
Kathra|War-Forged|Valkyrieinteracting directly with Quorkbirb's Froya Mud squelched beneath the Valkyrie's cloven hooves as she marched through the forest three horse lengths behind Froya. She had used her blessing to shift her sense of smell to that of a bloodhound, since her ears and eyes could only do so much, and currently half-shifting was draining for her if she did more than one thing at a time. Ignoring the muck that had caked her legs and was beginning to leave splashes on her belly she focused on the task at hand. Hira was gone to Adoh for now, and for this mission, that meant that Froya, her fellow valkyrie, was the one she was to report to. Which Kathra had no problems with, Froya was someone she respected and hoped to learn from, considering they shared the same blessing as each other. Her nose picked up the scent of freshly created mud from the newly melted snow, of the green pine needles fresh from spring, and of the occasional animal that hand wandered through the area before the group's passing. She was snapped out of her focus as she heard the signal that had been discussed earlier, a double whistle. She shifted her nose back, only visible by the slight unnatural flexing of the muscles around her snout. She missed the sharp scents she got doing that, but she also appreciated her duller senses on occasion. Smelling horse shit with a stronger nose wasn't a pleasant experience. She marched back to Froya and stood attentively. "Nothing unusual on my section Froya. Now that it's getting darker, would you recommend me shifting to owl eyes to better spot anything lurking in the shadows?" she asked, consulting the older Valkyrie on the best use of her abilities. She watched as the others gathered round for their reports. Post 1|WC: 299
|
|
|
|
Post by moonlightwalk on Aug 6, 2016 2:39:33 GMT -6
Amber | Valkyrie
Amber walked with her ears perked attentively and her nostrils flared open wide as she let the smells and noises of the forest in. She looked around watchfully, not planning on letting anything go past her as she scanned her section of the forest. Surely she had no sense altering abilities, but she considered them keen enough as they were. Two sharp whistles resounded, making her ears drop back for a second, the sound unpleasant. Her head turned towards her fellow valkyrie Froya. With their warlord on a mission, the mare had been granted leadership over their current mission, a fact that didn't sit very well with Amber. She didn't like someone else having that kind of authority over her, especially when she considered them on the same standing as herself. Froya, a valkyrie in training like herself, definitely didn't deserve the same compliance as she granted their warlord. It was Hira's word however, so there was little she could do. As she walked up closer, she eyed the buff stallions standing on Froya's side. This was the only thing that made this change in authority bearable. Even the males had to abide to Froya's word. Raising her head a little higher than necessary, she cockily stepped next up to one, sending him a glance as she reported to Froya there had been nothing to see, hear or smell.
Post 1 | 229 words
|
|
|
|
Post by savannauni on Aug 6, 2016 6:38:19 GMT -6
Zestoka moved, surprisingly, soundlessly through the melting snow. Her front cloven hooves coming in handy as they helped her better grip the the hard rocks under the soft mud. Another tool to keep the mare up right. She had chosen a place in the squad to where she could comfortably be on the side and a horse length behind Froya to look for any danger.
Thinking of the smaller mare she looked forward to her, then to the other Valkyries. She knew Froya, the mare had bested her in a fight once. She sort of knew Fox, they were second cousins on her mother side? Or was it fourth cousins? Giving her head a slight shake she shook off that confusing thought and looked to Amber, another Valkyrie she had not had the chance to bond with. And then looked to Kathra, she barely knew this mare but by the looks of her she was very young.
Hearing a slight huff Zet's ears flicked back as she took the chance to look at the Raiders, she couldn't believe Hira placed Froya above them. When Froya had approached their group and explained Zet vowed to do all in her power to help the Valkyrie in this quest. Bates and Balthazar were both her height, which made her feel a little uneasy but at the same time relieved. After all what numb skull of a predator or horse would attack a group filled with Giants?
Froyas whistling brought Zet out of her trance as they all circled up around her. “Nothing on the right flank.” She reported.
Word Count: 265 | Post 1
|
|
|
|
Post by jodifarrow22 on Aug 6, 2016 10:09:37 GMT -6
BALTHAZAR | RAIDER
Mares were an odd concept to Balthazar. He wasn't fond of social interaction- though he'd do it without hesitation if completely necessary- and he definitely looked like the type of stallion to hate everything and everyone equally. That most certainly wasn't the case. He respected mares, whether he knew them or not, whether they were below him in rank or not. He believed they deserved to be treated with respect, since they were the ones who produced life, and raised it like the sun had raised the spring each seasonal round. He did not wish to understand them, or even connect with them on an emotional level, but had no problem being lead by one today, or any other day. So long as they were good at their job, he did not care. He was more tolerant of everything the world threw at him- whether positive or negative- than he was spiteful toward it.
And this was where Balthazar had found himself. A well known force in the herd who'd wished he could simply live as a shadow in the night, passing each day with no real motive or goal. However now he was here, having to work closely with a group of three Valkyries and a fellow Raider, Bates, who Balthazar had spoken to before and didn't actually mind holding a conversation with. They were very, very similar, which was probably good for Balthazar, because it was not often he found someone as such.
It wasn't clear to him what they were actually supposed to be doing, though he did know they were looking for any potential threats to Onea. Balthazar was very patriotic, and so this job was seen as an honor, or at least a service he was more than happy to provide. It was better than what he usually did everyday, something different, at least.
He stayed quiet, most of the time, thinking to himself, or letting out the occasional grumble of words that could not be deciphered. He moved like a grand ship floating eerily through shallow waters, with head lurking low and movements seeming as though they were in slow motion. His hooves fell heavily to the soggy ground, though he tried his best to stay quiet.
He stopped abruptly as Froya did, standing idly as everyone else gathered.
"Thus far, no threats have made themselves known. Though I wouldn't count on that being the last opinion of the search." He said, voice incredibly gruff and gravelly. His eyes scanned the area again, just double checking that no leaves were moving in the distance where they shouldn't have been.
WC: 435
Post Count: #1 |
|
|
|
Post by Callousal on Aug 8, 2016 15:06:42 GMT -6
Bates | Raider
The early arrival of spring was an unpleasant surprise to most of the native inhabitants of Onea, horses and animals alike seemed to struggle to keep their footing in the waterlogged soil - taking precautionary steps to prevent a fatal injury. Bates was no exception, he was cautious of his movements, large hooves sloshing into the easily palpable soil. Albeit, there was reasoning behind his wary nature, he had been corralled into a group with four Valkyries and one other Raider; Balthazar, a familiar face although not one he would call a friend, a comrade more like.
However, the one horse he did recognize and was familiar with was Froya - she had earned his token of respect and so it only made sense to follow her orders when they were commanded from him along from the rest of the group; search for signs of life, of horses, in the forest.
Something Bates was exceedingly good at was tracking down Vagabonds, it was his job and a hobby he enjoyed during his time off of Raids. It was peculiar to him that not a single horse in the group, not even Balthazar, had found any clues; perhaps it was the conditions that made it difficult to recover traces of the rats though Bates had years to perfect the tactic.
Horse after horse, they all slugged themselves towards Froya, shaking their head with nothing to offer but a simple no - blue eyes narrowed, having noticed everyone flocked around the mare while they searched, of course they didn’t find anything. The draft lowered his muzzle near the ground, scents overwhelming his senses, resorting to his eyesight and hearing to successfully find evidence.
A huff left Bates’ lips with a subtle smirk, daring to enter the cold embrace of the forest to fully commit to bringing back favorable news. He heaved his massive figure through the forest, saplings snapping as his chest rammed through, positive the group he was in were the only horses for miles. His hooves soon met a small clearing, stirring up ash as he continued onward towards a few charred logs and stones scattered into a messy campfire. Bates snorted, ears swiveling, attentive to his surroundings, scanning every inch of the clearing intently before deciding it had been a few hours if not more since the fire had been active.
Deeming the site was safe and clearly abandoned, he traced his steps back towards the group, taking mental notes of where the camp was located before meeting the horses with a bellow, “An abandoned campfire, it’s been few hours since it’s been put out, I’d say they’re still on the move.” He rasped, bobbing his head as he approached Froya, tossing his head in the direction from where he came; subtly requesting to lead the group there.”I would’ve alerted you sooner however I wasn’t too sure on who left it,” He paused, allowing the horses to grasp hold of the sudden information that was being spilled, “However, it’s clearly Vagabond.” Bates reassured, snorting as the word Vagabond left his lips, though he soon realized it wasn’t his decision to make so he allowed his temporary leader to weigh her options on pursuing the lead.
Post: 1
Word Count: 534
|
|
|
|
Post by Quorkbirb on Aug 8, 2016 21:35:00 GMT -6
Froya | Valkyrie
Froya listened intently as her her companions reported in, taking each statement into account before responding to any, but nodded in acknowledgement of each report. First, she spoke to Kathra.
"No, I believe you should not waste your energy on your shape shifting until we know you need it. We wouldn't want to come upon vagabonds or be ambushed and have you strained from using your blessing." Next, she addressed the group as a whole. "We will fall into formation once more, except this time with Bates leading. He will lead us to the discovered camp," she gave a small bow of the head in his direction "where we will inspect the camp. Our next move will depend on what we find there and in the surrounding areas. Any questions?"
Her following question seemed almost rhetorical, but she paused anyway before falling into place beside Bates. With how the behemoth spoke of vagabonds in such a snarl, she wondered if he had ulterior motives behind hunting these intruders down. Raiders are exposed to much violence however, perhaps he simply witnessed a particularly cruel event caused by vagabonds that had inspired such fervor. Her narrowed eyes traveled to Balthazar. He too might have thirst for vagabond blood upon his lips. The itch for excused battle was not rare among the Raider rank and vagabonds were unfortunate enough to be classified as 'attack on sight'. Glancing back at her female peers, Froya mulled on her thoughts. The Valkyries might be eager to prove themselves as well. All of these things may make the group ... a bit too eager to jump into a fight. Hopefully they would all keep their wits about them and not lose sight of their goal and duties.
Shaking the thought from her mind, she gave Bates a silent affirmation to march on.
Post: 2
Word Count: 305
|
|
|
|
Post by Jennycallie on Aug 8, 2016 22:58:12 GMT -6
 Checkpoint One: Your group, although not the friendliest, does not lack in enthusiasm for the job at hoof. You’ve talked through your route and options, as you head deeper into the forests that lay at Skeldr’s base. You’ve found signs of vagabond activity, but no vagabonds… but you feel very much watched, and it puts your group on edge, and perhaps heightens tensions. |
|
|
|
Post by Silverfallingstar on Aug 9, 2016 15:32:50 GMT -6
Kathra|War-Forged|Valkyrie
Kathra nodded and silently listened to each one as they gave their reports. Her ears perked up as bates said he'd noticed a camp that had recently been vacated. A vagabond camp. Her eyes narrowed as they fell in line behind Bates as he led them to what he found. She wondered at the possibility that a fight would break out. She was both apprehensive and very giddy at the idea, a way to test her abilities that she's been working on ever since Hira had approached her on the farm about becoming a Valkyrie.
When the group reached the campsite Kathra detached herself from the bunch, not to far, to check out the fire pit. Pawing at it she sniffed through the coals, seeing if they were still hot. Only when she got further down the pile did she feel heat from the chunks of burnt wood.
"Most of the fire pit is cold, but the coals that have been buried still hold some heat." she reported, moving back towards the others in a sweeping pattern, in order to examine the apparent boundary of the campsite. Her ears stayed upright and alert, paying close attention to any noises that happened around them. She flicked her tufted tail as she scanned some of the impressions in the ground from where one of the campsite denizens had located themselves.
"I don't like the look of this." She muttered, letting out a huff of contempt, not for the vagabonds themselves, but for the idea that the vagabonds here could have been cultists, and cultists meant trouble.
Post 2|WC: 264
|
|
|
|
Post by moonlightwalk on Aug 9, 2016 16:19:28 GMT -6
Amber | Valkyrie
Amber's ears flicked back as Bates reported he had found a campsite. Of course it was the stallion that had to find anything. Just their luck. She let out an annoyed huff as Froya basically told him to lead on and they fell in step after the giant brute. Her flicked her ear at his confidence of it clearly being Vagabond. The guy was pretty full of himself if he thought he could tell by nothing but a camp fire. Clearly he forgot about all the wanderers of their own making camps. Though she supposed with the current threads less of them dared staying out here.
She moved through it, inspecting anything she could find. Khatra reported the coals still giving off hear and Amber raised her head. It was still fresh then. From the sound of it earlier, Bates clearly didn't like Vagabonds. Amber herself didn't carry any particular dislike towards them, not unless they were thieves, murderers or cultist. She even regularly held an eye and ear out in town for them, hoping that perhaps one would know her sister. Oh, how she wished for news from her. But Hireath was big and never had she heard a single word on the red mare. A shiver crept over her back and she lifted her head to look around. Was it the thoughts of her sister that made her feel like this or was there something more going on? Moving closer to Kathra, she spoke: "Froya, should we split into pairs and check which direction they went in? I've know thieves to lay out false trails and we could sniff out the right one more quickly that way."
Post 2 | 279 words
|
|
|
|
Post by savannauni on Aug 9, 2016 18:13:01 GMT -6
Zestoka quietly listened to the rest of the reports the horses brought. It all seemed quite on the outside. But hearing Bates report she lifted an eye brow, she had heard very little of the stallion and didn't wish to seek out anymore information over him. Hearing about the camp fire a twinge of excitement fell over her, some action would follow hopefully.
As the patrol started moving again this time with Bates in the lead Zet placed herself in he back. As they came up to the put out camp fire she veered off from the group, looking at indents in the snow. Her denim eyes looked for every minor flaw in the slushy like conditions. Then she noticed how only a few hoof prints had been hastily covered. She flicked her tail and looked back at the others. "Its very fresh." She said her voice clipped with a harsh accent as she came back to the group. "I have found a few tracks but they could be set to deceive us, I'd rely on scent but there is to much in the air for me to follow them without a doubt of what direction they are headed towards.. That way leads to a stream and the opposite direction to a forest beginning to turn green." She stated and looked to Froya.
Word Count: 228 | Post 2
|
|
|
|
Post by jodifarrow22 on Aug 12, 2016 2:50:22 GMT -6
BALTHAZAR | RAIDER
The large brute followed close, keeping a sharp eye on their surroundings as they walked. His entire body swayed gallantly, steam eroding from his flared nostrils. As the group halted, he did too, and just as the group inspected the recently doused campfire, he did too. It was in fact worrisome that there was signs of Vagabond life nearby, though Balthazar wasn't all that afraid. Many a time he'd been ambushed or attacked by Vagabonds who were either trying to kill him for the fun of it, or steal the items he'd Raided from the villages below the mountain. And each time, he'd fought them off, crushed them like ants, leaving their blood to seep into the snow and earth. Of course, there was reason for concern considering he didn't know how many there were. There was always a way for a pride of lionesses to bring down an elephant. And it came in numbers.
He broke off from the group slightly, seeing something in the corner of his wrinkled eye that contrasted with the thin, white snow on the ground. It was not far from the buried fire, and as he picked it up he found it to be a vial of blood. 'Textbook for a Vagabond'. He thought. With it, he turned back to the group and held it out in front of him, spinning it curiously,
"This was laying idly by that pine over there, along with a few hoof tracks, though they have been covered for the most part, most likely intentionally." Balthazar opened the vial and held it to his nose before taking a whiff.
"It's goat blood." He added, sharp teeth bared slightly. His near black eye squinted as he held the vial closer. He inspected the demonic looking carving on the front. All the more reason for him to believe it belonged to not only a Vagabond, but a Vagabond Cultist.
WC: 318
PC: #2
|
|
|
|
Post by Callousal on Aug 12, 2016 17:46:08 GMT -6
Bates | Raider
Tension was rising as he felt eyes fall upon him, he internally shook it off as he trudged onward with the group in tow - it wasn’t much of a trek and they thankfully arrived in a matter of a few minutes - he stopped as soon as they met the clearing and allowed Froya to take the lead once more.
Bates fell behind in the group as they began sniffing out traces of the horses; he had already inspected the area and so he allowed the others to search for clues he might’ve missed; without accidentally tampering with said evidence.
Luckily enough everyone began without hesitation, Kathra worked on the campfire to give a clearer estimate of how long it’d been since the embers were last burning; he wasn’t exceptionally good at telling time from the heat of coals so he was grateful that she could. Albeit, a young mare from within the group spoke up almost as soon as they arrived, a dun of sorts, suggesting to split the group into pairs - a snort left his lips before he could register it, amused at the thought. Yes, split into smaller, possibly weaker, pairs in search of Vagabonds that tend to be in groups of more than three, genius idea. The draft thought to himself, eyebrows furrowed as he tried to place her among the raiders, however he couldn’t - she still had much to learn, hopefully she’d gain some new tactics on this trip to help her establish much more strategic ideas.
However he was snapped out of his thoughts as Balthazar spoke up, addressing a dial of blood he’d found in the melting snow, he curtly nod his head in agreement as he spoke about the tracks in the snow; hopefully they’d find the culprits soon before they caused damage to bystanders.
Post: 2
Word Count: 302
|
|
|
|
Post by Quorkbirb on Aug 12, 2016 20:50:22 GMT -6
Froya | Valkyrie
Coming up behind Bates, she halted where she could overlook the entire camp and supervise the others as they investigated. Watching Kathra disturb the ashes, Froya's ears perked forward as she reported her observations. A recently extinguished fire was both concerning and refreshing. It meant the Vagabonds were at least somewhat near at hand and therefore that much closer to being captured, as long as the Forged were the ones to come upon them and not the other way around. She nodded to Kathra in acknowledgement and spoke to all of her comrades in a deep, but quiet voice as not to alert any nearby threats.
"There is a chance the intruders have not strayed far from their camp. Keep your wits about you all, and don't stray out of sight."
Amber then spoke up, suggesting to split the group so that they could investigate the trails quicker, but Froya shook her head gently. With her words hushed, she addressed Amber alone.
"No. You're right there are likely false trails laid and it would be faster to examine them all in pairs ... but splitting up with so little knowledge of our enemy is unwise. For all we know, that could be exactly what they want. It would be easier to pick us off that way."
The last of her words were trailing, a slight rumble in her throat that almost suggested a growl, and she turned away from Amber as she said them. Rounding the campsite with delicate and calculated footsteps, the mare was silent as the forest around her. She looked up and off into the brush with eyes roving the deep green backdrop. Yes, the forest was so silent today, almost unnervingly so. It felt as if there were many pairs of eyes examining the small group, hidden, but close.
Balthazar shook her from her mulling and she slowly walked to join him and examine the vial of blood. Her features became drenched in suspicion and she suddenly swung her head around to scan the perimeter.
"It is unusual for a Cultist to leave this here so clumsily, it may have been left on purpose. We will leave this sight, I feel as though we are being watched and this vial only strengthens my suspicions. We will leave the way we came and then make an arc around the camp to investigate all trails leading away, together."
With that, she jut out her head to Zestoka, signalling for her to lead the rest of the band out of the camp and into the shelter of the forest. Froya would take up the rear until they regrouped to decide which direction to travel first.
"Keep your eyes sharp, we still don't know how many this forest is harboring." she murmured, with a backwards glance.
Post: 3
Word Count: 466
|
|
|
|
Post by savannauni on Aug 12, 2016 21:10:10 GMT -6
As Balthazar showed off what he found Zet's ears flattened back as an unsettling feeling placed itself over everyone like blanket. “We could be dealing with a hedge witch or cultist.” Zet said adding to the theories, all while thinking over other terms she had heard the vagabond mare she met, Jinxx, use. ‘While splitting into separate teams might be a bit.. Worrisome, if we divide ourselves by keeping opposites together, for instance fast and strong, we could still keep evened out and wouldn't be easily picked off like lambs to a slaughter.’ Zet thought to herself contemplating ‘..But if we were to travel as one group it would be much safer and if Kathra would track for us and at least narrow down which trails we should follow..’ She continued to ponder then looked to Froya as she began to speak.
As the wind picked up she suppressed a shiver that wanted to run over her body, not because of the cold snow but because of an unshakeable feeling in her gut telling her something was wrong.
Hearing Froya ask her to lead the patrol she responded with a nod before turning and heading into the woods. Zet picked her way over to the forest, her feet barely even making a crunch in the snow. Her eyes narrowed and flicked around as they approached the forest and started to walk in. As they were a few paces in Zet heard the sudden beating of an owl's wings but stayed calm. Instead she looked around pinpointing the owls location then looking around to see what could have spooked it.
Word Count: 269 | Post 3
|
|
|
|
Post by Silverfallingstar on Aug 12, 2016 21:31:50 GMT -6
Kathra|War-Forged|Valkyrie
Kathra's unease rose with each new discovery. False trails, goat blood vial, the coals and imprints she had found. Purple eyes scanned the clearing over again before her thoughts were brought back by Froya ordering them to move out again. The Valkyrie nodded and fell into step behind Zet, this time keeping her eyes peeled for any sign of movement and keeping her hooves from making too much noise as she followed her herdmate. Zet's words only added to her growing list of potential culprits. Cultists were one thing, but hedge witches could bring a whole new list of possible problems. She'd heard tell of some hedgewitches who could do incredibly unnerving things with just a few potions and their blessing.
The flap of wings was almost unnoticeable if not for her keen hearing from the years of herding apana around. She looked up, seeing the owl flying off into the distance. She traced it's flight path back to the tree it had been perched in, looking around at the base of the tree as they walked. She silently moved to match pace with Zet and whispered over to her.
"That tree over there, Something spooked it from that direction." She took another glance, and could have sworn she had seen some bushes rustling.
"Whatever it is might still be over there, I think I saw the bush move."
Post 3|WC: 229
|
|
|
|
Post by moonlightwalk on Aug 13, 2016 3:29:38 GMT -6
Amber | Valkyrie
Bates' snort did not escape Amber's hearing. With an angry snarl she turned towards him. "And what if I may dare ask is so funny about that suggestion? I don't know about you raiders," she spat out the word as a bad tasting piece of apple, "but we Valkyrie are well trained to take down an enemy and quite capable when working in pairs. I'm not suggesting to track the trails for several miles either. These fake trail usually don't last very far anyway before you can tell they are fake and if they do then we can quickly tell it's too elaborate and a trap. A regular thief has much more use for covering distance than circling back multiple times." Her ears lay back in her neck and she spared even Froya a hostile glance, be it a less so than towards Bates, before walking straight up to him. Invading his personal space, she looked him straight in the eyes, not for a minute caring he towered over her. "Don't take me for a fool stallion or you'll regret it." Then she turned with an angry flick of her tail and concentrated back on the task on their hooves. She looked between Khatra and Zestoka, her ears immediately perking as the latter said she saw something move. She immediately tensed her muscles. If it really was a Cultist as Zestoka had suggested then they'd better prepare to fight. Even though she was angry with the mare, she looked at Froya for direction. She was not going to undermine her authority in front of these blasted stallions.
Post 3 | 267 words
|
|
|
|
Post by jodifarrow22 on Aug 13, 2016 8:47:51 GMT -6
BALTHAZAR | RAIDER
Froya had a point. Vagabonds were usually intensely critical and sharp when it came to their belongings and whose hands they were in. They were not likely to have just left the camp without ensuring they were carrying every one of their items on them somewhere. A Cultist who'd lost their vial of blood would not look like a very attentive survivor at all. Being clumsy out here in the wilderness would get you killed, and so Balthazar nodded in approval. They had to have left it on purpose. 'Damn Vagabonds, one step ahead.' He said, though he would not let them get the better of him. They were horses, just as he was. The only thing that intimidated him was the gods, and they most certainly were not gods.
As the group continued on, Balthazar remained on the side, acting as a buffer between the group and the unknown. His pupils analysed everything, brows furrowed furiously, as they usually were. He usually liked silence, but this kind of silence rubbed him the wrong way. He felt a twitch on his spine, an odd feeling, that something wasn't right. Then he heard whispering, and turned his head to see where it was coming from. Kathra, it seemed, though he did not know what she had said. He stopped, though only for a split second, before walking just in front of the two, all while keeping them beside him so he could view them from the side.
"Anything raising suspicion?" He asked calmly, voice low and rumbling, like thunder. His ears rested back as his eyes followed the mares'. He squinted, 'I could be home right now, eating and being alone... just remember that, you old fool.'
The young Valkyrie broke his thoughts, as she snapped at Bates for his earlier comment. Balthazar almost completely ignored the banter, having no interest what so ever. He did however frown with disapproval at her over reaction. He respected women, but sometimes he didn't understand their logic.
WC: 333
PC: #3
|
|
|
|
Post by Callousal on Aug 14, 2016 14:03:14 GMT -6
Bates | Raider
The behemoth nodded in agreement with what Froya suggested, quietly abiding as the mare commanded the group to move with Zestoka in the lead. Bates slowed his pace, nearing the rear of the group before slightly pacing closer to the mare leading, ears swiveling as others picked up suspicious activity, his blue eyes narrowing at what Kathra pointed out - a disturbance by a nearby tree.
Though his thoughts came to an abrupt end as the dun filly spat nonsense, trotting up to him and pitifully attempting her hoof at intimidation, “Yes, I’m fully aware of what Valkyries are capable of, however I don’t consider you to be a very well cultivated one - conceivably a sapling” His words were low, harsh, and precise, knowing exactly what she didn’t want to hear from a raider; let alone a stallion as she seemed to be throwing daggers at both males present. He wasn’t fazed by her words, let alone by her endeavor of subduing him, she needed to do much more if she wanted to overwhelm him. Bates smirked, only twisting the knife of frustration and anger further with each word, “All I’m hearing is empty threats.” He hummed hoarsely, clenching his maw repeatedly as he held his tongue, uninterested in disrespecting the other horses present with useless bickering; instead focusing on the task at hoof.
These damned Vagabonds, or suspected Vagabonds, were causing more trouble than they're worth - if the group were to come in contact with them, they’d be a great outlet for pent up frustration; or blind anger, in Amber’s case. Certainly she had issues to cavil against a snort, an almost inaudible one at that, no matter her case - if it came down to it - he wasn’t going to actively defend her, she’d take it the wrong way and turn it on him; an act of chivalry, hm, I call it belittling my potential, he could almost hear her sulk. Bates huffed, rolling his eyes to himself, this is what he signed up for? To be snapped at for snorting, mares surely held themselves on a pedestal - or at least the some of the ones he’s encountered - since Hira’s reign; he was slowly learning to cope however it didn’t stop the constant self-victimization.
Post: 3
Word Count: 371
|
|
|
|
Post by Silverfallingstar on Aug 14, 2016 15:41:05 GMT -6
Kathra|War-Forged|Valkyrie
Kathra looked up, seeing Balthazar right next to her and Zet. She twitched in slight shock from his sudden appearance, before answering low enough so he could hear but not too loud in case whatever had disturbed the bush had ears for equine tongue.
"Over where the owl came from, I saw the under story below the tree rustle. Too big of a disturbance for any kind of placid wildlife. Either we're being watched, or some predator thinks we'd make an easy meal."
She gestured the direction she meant with a quick jerk of the head. She remembered the story about the bear from 3 months ago Hira and the others had told her, and was in no mood to repeat such an adventure. However, she realized that most likely there would be a confrontation of some kind this night.
"Of the two, I'd rather face off against an animal than a cultist or hedgewitch, at least you can outsmart a bear." She said with a huff, before turning her head to look back at the others. She internally smirked at Bates's sass to Ambers angry remarks. Sure Amber was her partner in rank, but Sass directed at anyone was something Kathra took great amusement in.
Post 4|WC: 206
|
|
|
|
Post by savannauni on Aug 14, 2016 15:52:41 GMT -6
Zet felt responsibility press down on her as she listened to Kathra. She gave a slight nod of her head as a thank you for the heads up then gave a low whistle as a sign for possible danger then flicked her lion like tail towards the bushes at the tree's trunk before casting a look back at everyone and catching Froya's . As Balthazar came in closer too get some inside on what they found, Zet gave a slight nod of her head. As Kathra explained to the situation to Balthazar she kept thinking. "Very true." Zet agreed in a low voice with Kathra about what one would rather face. If she sent both Kathra and Balthazar over to check there would be no problem.
The two would be close enough the group that if something were to happen everyone could pounce. There was no down side to being careful. As she was about to recommend the idea to the two her train of thought was interrupted by Amber and Bates. 'Great Kaia.' She mentally grumbled before looking back at the two with such a gaze it could even silence an Ursa Major mid roar. "For the safely and well being of the group do not talk to one another. Amber, don't stir anything up let whatever he said or did roll off of you. Bates, don't egg her on and ignore her too." Zet said in a mother like tone that was low and sharp before returning her attention to the issue at hoof.
"Would you two mind heading over to check. If anything wrong please us know and we will come to your side. If you see nothing circle back. What ever.. heathen, is out there still thinks they have the upper hoof on us. Let's keep them in that arrogant state of thinking." She told them before giving a nod and walking along.
Word Count: 343 | Post 4
|
|
|
|
Post by moonlightwalk on Aug 16, 2016 12:23:08 GMT -6
Amber | Valkyrie
Amber didn't bother looking back as Bates taunted her, knowing full well the stallion was baiting her. Instead she clenched her teeth and let out a long breath. "Weep the fool who cannot tell a threat from a promise. There's no use in trying to teach those who are both deaf and blind," she said in a resigned tone. Yes, she seethed, but Pénélope had told her this once. Those who did not see nor hear would never be convinced and one could only go and defy it for those who did. And Amber had and would, every step of the way till their precious beliefs crumbled beneath their hooves or they died alongside them.
She gave Zestoka an annoyed look, though only mild as she addressed Bates in kind. "Don't mother me," she huffed, "Get yourself a foal for that." Nobody was staying on her good list today. Luckily Khatra and the other stallion seemed to keep back. She stalked over to the bushes the mare had pointed out, tail flicking. "I'll check it out," she said voice determined. She didn't like how Froya was tap dancing around and the mare was always deciding things on her own when Hira was leading anyway so she could not fault Amber for doing the same. As she neared the bushes, she slowed down a bit, muscles tensed and ears perked. If it were a trap, she better be prepared.
Post 4 | 245 words
|
|
|
|
Post by Quorkbirb on Aug 16, 2016 17:38:44 GMT -6
Froya | Valkyrie
Froya listened to the bickering in silence, flicking her ear irritably. It was as if she was among foals, foals she had to trust with her life. A sigh escaped her and she began to pad to the front of the group, hopefully to quell the storm that was stirring up within her peers. Instead, she stopped in mid-step, placing her hoof down slowly on the damp pine carpet. The owl slid through the air, through the trees with such quiet precision, and something deep in Froya tensed. Slowly, she maneuvered herself in front of the group of Forged, acting as a barrier between the ominous dim lit forest behind the disturbed bush.
"Hush, all of you." she commanded, but her words were swept beneath the quarrel and lost. She stared hard, with eyes narrowed, and felt a stone well up in her throat. Something was there, she could feel it. Perhaps it was an elk, a moose, some thick beast frozen with fear that had stirred the bush as the Forged approached. It did not feel like that though, it felt as though something was looking right back at Froya. Something that had thoughts and ... motives driving it. Before she could calculate a plan, before she could address her division, a tobiano pelt slipped past her and towards the bush.
"Amber, stop." she hissed sternly, a rage beginning to boil over in her gut, but the Valkyrie ignored, or perhaps did not hear, her command. Her teeth were bared in a silent snarl, This damn filly is going to get herself killed and take us all with her.
She was four paces from the bush, three paces, two paces, and then suddenly a falchion alight with a telekinetic glow swung from the foliage, freeing leaves from their branches and leaving them fluttering in its wake. It stopped just before cutting into Amber's neck, a distance perhaps equivalent to the thickness of a newborn foal's leg. Then there was silence, a painful and fear drenched silence that followed. Froya had flattened her ears, taking but one step forward in her attempt to restrain herself, her hoof dug into the fallen needles. A chuckling began and it turned into laughter as the darkness birthed a mare, just a sliver taller than Amber herself. Froya's eyes bore into the newly formed shape, anger brimming in her irises.
"Oh, oh! Oh, Digend you bless us with such ... eager toys." the new horse simpered, her fit of laughter calmed, her voice soothing and dipped in poison. Her coat was black, save for a white mark that consumed her muzzle and part of her face, leaving only the crown of her head and eyes capped in a deep coal. A single, small bone dangled in her mane. Striding around Amber coolly, she looked her up and down, seemingly enamored by her. "Our Lord has gifted us with such treats ..."
The falchion that had remained faithfully level beside Amber's neck floated closer to caress her gently, shaving a small amount of her red fur and sending it drifting to the ground. The Cultist mare turned her head quickly to face the group of Forged not far away, a small, sickly smile curling upon her lips.
Post: 4
Word Count: 542
|
|
|
|
Post by Callousal on Aug 16, 2016 21:47:25 GMT -6
Bates | Raider
Bates' blue eyes nearly rolled right out of their sockets as he heard Amber attempt to be wise after a blatantly unnecessary fit of rage, she had tested his nerves and his muscles were tense - on edge from the confrontation - trying holding him back from doing something stupid. The draft flared his nostrils as Zet addressed him, gritting his teeth to prevent himself from snapping at her much like he had done to Amber, instead resorting to chewing on the inside of his cheek while he watched the dun filly move boldly over to the bushes; his ears slightly pinned as he had heard Froya command her to stop only a few moments prior.
It seemed like an eternity, watching her stride over to the source of the noise, however everything flashed before his eyes as a knife was jerked against her neck - his eyes wide and eyebrows cocked - a dark mare, nearly resembling a shadow, didn’t bother stifling her chuckles as she made her presence known.
Bates’ eyes narrowed, muscles coiling as he thought of a game plan, albeit his thoughts were interrupted by another voice - a much deeper, hoarser, one. A dark liver chestnut emerged from the darkness behind the mare, a twisted smile etched into his features as he raised his voice, “Well, isn’t this such a pleasant surprise!” The stallion spoke, words slipping from his throat with a scratch, tilting his head, plastering on a fake frown as he caught sight of their reactions, “They don’t seem too happy to see us,” He stuck his lower lip out, furrowing his brows, confused with all the angry glares they were receiving, “It’s okay, we’ll fix those frowns for you all.” The stallion dragged his reap hook from out beneath the bush, sparks flying as it made contact with a few stones in it’s path, uninterested with raising it just yet; smiling all the while.
The dappled draft grumbled to himself, inching his way closer to the group as the Cultists became preoccupied with Amber, fussing and messing about with her hair; the cruel option to leave three corpses was quickly dismissed as he grasped hold of the small strain of morals still left in him.
Post: 4
Word Count: 363
|
|
|
|
Post by jodifarrow22 on Aug 16, 2016 22:36:34 GMT -6
BALTHAZAR | RAIDER
All the bickering had Balthazar using his insides as an emotional punching bag. A coping mechanism so he did not lose his temper, something that came all too easy and tended to turn him into someone he'd rather not let anyone else see. It was likely Bates had seen it, considering they were both Raiders and his temper always surfaced while on the job. But regardless, he would have preferred to stay silent, only judging and cursing in his mind. Now was not the time to be loud, and even Balthazar's whisper tended to be unruly.
He gave Zet a slightly uneasy look, he had been told Froya was to lead this endeavor, yet the pink haired Valkyrie was speaking as though she held some form of authority over the group. He wanted so badly to speak up, though again, he held his tongue. There was far too much going on anyway, Balthazar's mind was occupied. He watched as Amber, with reckless abandon, went to decipher what had caused the owl to spook. 'Silly, silly girl.' He thought. She was so small, so inexperienced, what did she hope to achieve?
Thankfully, Froya stopped her. Then the earth seemed to stand still. An eerie cold crept across the ground, and instantly Balthazar knew there was no innocent reasoning behind the spooking of the forest bird. 'There is something far more sinister beyond the trees.'
And there was.
A mare, a Cultist mare, had made herself known, hissing threats as she slithered from her hiding place and advanced toward Amber. Balthazar inched forward slightly, ready to leap in if any harm was to come to Amber. No, she wasn't pleasant, but she was of War Forged and he was willing to use that as leverage enough. Before he could do anything to really help, another Cultist appeared, a male this time. He held the same sickening smile as the other, and their laughs united, sounding almost robotic and artificial. Not long after, one, two, three more were stating their claim, slinking from their mother- the darkness- eyes alight with fire and coats already spotted with blood. They all appeared so cheerful, and Balthazar honestly hoped that one day he could feel as passionate about something as these Cultists did about killing. He indeed let a smile crack his lips, though it was subtle. He shared qualities with them; unpredictable, often unmerciful. Though of course they were far more savage than he. He believed in things, where as they believed in made up fairy tales.
"We're so glad you could join us! We were worried you'd never show!" One exclaimed, whereas another was simply muttering nonsense that he could not understand. His brows furrowed, though the smile did not leave his face. He was just as dangerous, and as he felt his heart beating loudly in his chest, he only hoped one would lunge at him so he would have the opportunity to rip them in half without blinking.
WC: 496
PC: #4
|
|
|
|
Post by Silverfallingstar on Aug 17, 2016 11:47:47 GMT -6
Kathra|War-Forged|Valkyrie
Kathra's muscles tensed as the cultist materialized out of the bush. Then another, then two or three more, the darkness obscured their true numbers. The mare growled, growled in a way horses really shouldn't as her teeth creaked and rearranged, forming into razor sharp points, not like a horses anymore, but more like a carnivores. Her form seemed to mutate slightly, legs became more muscled as a small hump formed between her shoulders. She raised her lips in a snarl, showing her new, now much sharper fangs. Damned cultists, how dare they threaten a war-forged like that, especially a valkyrie.
"You'll back the fuck up and run back the way you came if you know whats good for you." she growled.
One of the cultists shuffled out behind the stallion with the meat hook, a deranged look on his face. "oooh, many horses for digend. We promised our lord blood today yes, but you took so long we had to satisfy him with a mere animal. Well, he won't be waiting much longer now will he?" He spoke very quickly, voice raspy and lilting, followed by a long string of high pitched giggles. Skittering, for there really wasn't any other word to describe this strange movement of his, around to the side of his companions, drawing a thin, serrated dagger from somewhere on his person.
"No, not much longer."
Post 5|WC: 229
(+10 AP and +10 CS for Kathra woo!)
|
|
|
|
Post by Jennycallie on Aug 18, 2016 2:26:31 GMT -6
Checkpoint: Cultists! You're under attack, and it doesn't look like they're backing down. Come up with a plan- do you stay and fight or break and run? Do the more seasoned Raiders take command over the newer Valkyries? |
|
|
|
Post by savannauni on Aug 18, 2016 13:00:22 GMT -6
Hearing Ambers retort Zet rolled her eyes. "Grow up then." She said without looking back at her, ending the fight. Hearing how she was going with them Zet looked back "no." She said sharply. 'She's making it look to suspicious. She's going to get hurt if her judgment is clouded by anger.' Zetstoka frowned inwardly as the mare set off to do her own thing. With an annoyed sigh she watched the mare trot off with Balthazar and Kathathra.
And then she heard the cultists shrill voice. "Shit." She said and spun around to face them. Her ears pinned back and lifted her top lip in a snarl as he tongue ran over her iron capped wolf teeth and her tail lashing around dangerously. Their behavior was creepy enough to make her skin crawl. As more seemed to appeared Zet's eyes swept over all of them. One kept giving her funny looks, their lips had cuts back to their cheeks in a smile formation. "Oh oh oh, my my, this is too exciting!" He told his siblings his excitedly and let it his excitement show in jerky movements of his legs and two thing of his left side of his face.
'C'mon Froya, tell us what to do!' Zestoka thought as she risked a look back at their leader.
Word Count: 219 | Post 5
|
|
|
|
Post by moonlightwalk on Aug 18, 2016 14:22:46 GMT -6
Amber | Valkyrie
Amber did not hear Froya or Zestoka, already concentrating on whatever was lurking in those bushes. A sound caught her ears and she stopped up short, but seconds later a weapon already came flying out and she had no time to put distance between them again. She cursed inwardly as cultist filtered out of the trees and then another and another until five of the wretched monsters stood at edge of the little camp. She stood still, knowing better than to move to much with a sword hanging teasingly close to her throat. She'd need to wait for the right moment. Her face was expressionless, not allowing her enemies the satisfaction of letting them see the slight fear that came when your life could be ended with a single scut to her troath. She had been well practised, keeping her emotions hidden from others for years now. Yet there was no controlling her heart as it beat fast, every fiber in her body screaming to fight as the horses turned around her. She snapped at one playing with her mane, making them pull back and chuckle in a way that made her skin crawl. "Oooh, fiesty."
What kind of mental games were these horses trying to play? Was it a strategy or were they truly just mental cases? She considered a bit of both. For a second admired Kathra's growl. Putting a smile of her own on her face, she mimicked their sickly sweet tone. "Why would you say that? Of course we are happy to see you. We've been looking all over for you." She braved turning her head towards her herd mates, eyes searching out Froya's. Her face turned from sweet to icy serious in a second. "Please tell us we can take them down."
Post 5 | 303 words
|
|
