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Post by cogaidh on Oct 21, 2016 17:49:28 GMT -6
Welcome to the Fold
Semi-Private RP, Open to War Forged Valkyries
After being accepted into the Valkyries, Otama wants to get to know her fellow warrior mares.
She travels to the training yard used by the Valkyries in hopes of finding some and hopefully they will accept her.
The Valkyrie Training Yard, just outside of Skeldr Town |
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Post by cogaidh on Oct 21, 2016 17:52:25 GMT -6
Òtama
The training yard for the Valkyries was quiet this early on a spring morning, the sun barely sending its rays over the tops of the mountains and the yard was still in the Warlord’s fortress’ shadow. It had barely been a week since she had gotten the life changing news that she had been accepted into the Valkyries. Something that she had been hoping and training for since their creation. Her excitement and nerves were tempered by a shard of grief that her father wasn’t alive to see her. Òtama’s hooves rang loud on the stone path as she trotted along.
The training yard was full of practice dummies, sparing rings, and agility courses, all things she wanted to try out at some point. She had tried to keep herself in the best shape she could, but she didn’t think she would be on the same level as the more experienced mares. The young mare had probably slipped in her skills with sword and dagger with no real partner to train with. She bit her lip a little and scolded herself for the thoughts, wishing her father was back to help her with this wasn’t going to get her anywhere.
“Alright…” She said to herself looking around and suddenly unsure of what she should be doing. With no other mares in the yard to get cues from, she was nervous of doing something she wasn’t supposed to be doing. Her tail switched back and forth as she settled on something to do till others arrived. There was sudden silence in the yard as her hooves transitioned from stone to grass.
“Well can’t go wrong with the track.”
[WC:277]
Post: 1 |
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Post by Wolf-mask on Oct 25, 2016 16:46:04 GMT -6
Hjordis
The quiet bird songs and insect chirps of a spring morning always soothed Hjordis. It was a great relief these days especially. Sure, she’d been a Valkyrie for a couple months now, much longer than the “newbies”, as she liked to call them. That didn’t mean she was still calm about the warrior training though. The silver dun still felt as if she had to prove herself worthy of this special training from the Warlord herself. Some part of her still wondered if she was chosen by Hira by mistake. Another part firmly reminded her that the Warlord could make no mistakes, that she was chosen for a reason. To distract herself from the warring thoughts in her head, Hjordis took a deep breath and focused on the sounds of nature as she walked to the training yard. Usually she was the first one there, working herself down the bone from dusk ‘til dawn. Such rigorous training was more than likely bad on her body, but the Valkyrie didn’t care. She rather liked the hard training, working her body until collapse. Even if it was unhealthy. Only half paying attention, Hjordis’s trot into the yard was halted when she caught sight of a newcomer. A small smile came to Hjordis. For once someone had beaten her to the punch. She hadn’t met this particular mare before though, probably one of the newcomers Hira had recruited. The silver dun trotted over casually to her new sister-in-arms and threw out a cheerful “Hello there!” as she approached.
WC: 255
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Post by Quorkbirb on Oct 26, 2016 11:31:24 GMT -6
Froya | Valkyrie
Returning from a morning trek through the Skeldr mountain passes, Froya paused to overlook the training yard. From her vantage point she could see a young mare approach the track. She reminded her of her acquaintance, dare she say friend, Clarke. This she suspected was because of the ears sprouting from the mare's head down below. Clearly, she was of mule blood.
Observing silently, Froya watched as a silver Valkyrie approached the fresh recruit. Hjordis was this horse's name. A mare of Froya's age, she knew her from around the barracks and occasional training, but had yet to accompany her on a mission.
The wooly Valkyrie decided she would not descend the stone stepway just yet. No, she would see wait to see what reception Hjordis received and how the newling trained before approaching.
Post: 1
Word Count: 134
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Post by cogaidh on Oct 26, 2016 20:55:03 GMT -6
Òtama
The young painted mare had barely made one cantered circle of the track before she heard a hearty, “Hello there!” The other mare’s voice was loud in the morning’s quiet bird calls, bringing Òtama’s attention to her. She slowed to a stop and turned to face the approaching newcomer and gave a shy smile. The new mare was one she had seen several times training with the Valkyries win the past few months, her silvery coat was quite distinctive and Òtama had admired the simple beauty of her appearance.
Òtama had to remind herself to stand with her head up, she had high status now as a Valkyrie. It was difficult to counteract the years of conditioning by her grandparents to be deferential to all other horses, especially stallions. It would take some adjusting for the upright pose to become natural.
“Hello,” she replied after a few moments to settle herself, her voice soft and lilting, “My name is Òtama Sighirkdottir, it is a pleasure to meet you.” It was always proper to introduce oneself to a fellow sister-in-arms. Her bound tail swayed gently as her ears slowly swiveled around. Her shy smile became a little surer at the other mare’s casual stance, gaining confidence in the encounter.
[WC:208] Post: 2 |
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Post by Wolf-mask on Oct 27, 2016 17:37:26 GMT -6
Hjordis
“Nice to meet you Otama!” Hjordis told the other mare happily. She was already liking this new mare she’d be training and working with. It was obvious to her that the painted mare was unsure of stance. A lot of mares were like that when they first started out as Valkyries, Hjordis had been amongst them once. Old fashioned families, there’s one thing we might have in common the silvery mare thought to herself. It was sad whenever she saw a mare act submissive to anyone of the same ranking, like they were expected to be shut up for the slightest word. Thankfully, with a few months of Valkyrie training with her new sisters-in-arms and the Warlord herself, Hjordis was sure that Otama would gain confidence in herself. Realizing she had yet to introduce herself, Hjordis gave the painted mare an easy-going smile. “I’m Hjordis Laukkanen, I look forward to training with you.” the silver dun expressed her happiness in working with the other mare. She hoped that they’d eventually become friends. One could never go wrong with those. Hjordis wondered for a second with a blank face, thinking for a moment. Then, she gave the other mare a smile. “I see you were about to do a lap on the course...wanna have a friendly little competition?” Hjordis inquired happily, a fierce competitive streak rising up from the depths of her very soul. The mare loved to compete against other horses.
WC: 241
Post: 2
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Post by cogaidh on Oct 29, 2016 19:48:30 GMT -6
Òtama
The excitement and cheer that the other mare expressed at meeting her helped Òtama find her confidence. New situations were always an uncertainty with her and positive results helped her to find herself. Her long ears often gave her emotions away and at the moment they were eagerly perked forward. Ah, her name was Hjordis, now she only hoped she remembered it. There would be so many names to match with faces and she was always nervous that she would mix them up. But she was sure with a comrade like Hjordis, she would have the assistance she needed to become a good Valkyrie.
“Hmmm a race?” Òtama mused looking at the track, she was more of an endurance runner but she was fast over short distances. A smile lit up her eyes as she looked back at the other mare, “Sounds like a lovely way to start out the day, we can get a good measure of each other.” She flicked her tail as she picked up her hooves and trotted over to a line in the grass that was apparently used for a starting mark. Races must be a common thing between the other mares. She was still young enough to find a friendly race something enticing and old enough to know how to pace herself. “You can call out the start,” she said as she was already warmed up from her first go around the track.
[WC:239]
Post: 3
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Post by Wolf-mask on Nov 13, 2016 15:34:20 GMT -6
Hjordis
The silver dun grinned when Otama agreed to her idea of a race. She easily sidled up next to the other mare at the starting line and pawed at the ground in excitement. “Good, because I wanna know just how good you are at this. That way I can kick your butt at it if we ever do it again.” the mare said cheekily. It was in joking of course…or at least part of it was. Hjordis had a competitive streak a mile wide and wasn’t about to stop being competitive just for a new friend and comrade. Plus, it’d probably help in motivating Otama, or at least she figured it would. Hjordis took a deep breath and made sure she was in position to dash off. She may not be the fastest or have the most endurance, but she was one determined mare when she put her mind to it. Even if it ended up hurting her in the end. That was how she ended up with a medic most of the time, over working her muscles until she pulled something. Hjordis absolutely hated going to the medics, figuring she could walk the injury off but often made it worse with her incessant training. For now though, she had a race to focus on instead of injuries and medics. “Alright. On your mark,” she tensed her muscles “,get set,” she focused her senses on the track ahead of her “,GO!” Hjordis shouted out happily with a wild grin as she took off down the track at a gallop.
WC: 262
Post: 3 |
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Post by Quorkbirb on Nov 22, 2016 12:04:06 GMT -6
Froya | Valkyrie
The mares below her exchanged words briefly and then paired up onto the track. Well, it seems the fresh recruit's reception was pleasant enough to call for a friendly race. Good, Froya thought, we need more personable mares among our ranks, and she began descending the stone steps.
Racing was not a strength of Froya's, at least not sprinting. Instead, her skill was in endurance, like many of her Onean brothers and sisters. She made sure to keep this trait well exercised and this was the very reason she often took early morning hikes through the Skeldr passes. Arriving at the beginning, and consequently end, of the circular track she waited briefly for the other mares to cross the finish line. They certainly didn't make her wait long and as they hurtled past her, she was able to determine the winner, even if it had been a close call. She bowed her head briefly as they collected themselves after the burst of exercise. "Good morning Hjordis, I see you've been quick to test one of the newest recruits. What is your verdict?" she smiled warmly, a rare occurrence, showing she was did not expect a true report of the new mare's abilities, but just a friendly introduction.
Post: 2
Word Count: 207
OOC: Sorry about my absence! :'}
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Post by cogaidh on Nov 29, 2016 17:58:52 GMT -6
Òtama
She was giddy with a bit of excitement as Hjordis joined her at the starting line, she was much shorter than the other mare and she hoped that she could use her lighter frame to her advantage in this race. Òtama had found over the years that her endurance was more than what others would expect of her, and she often paced herself to out distance all others. This race would be different, a friendly fast race between sisters-in-arms. As she moved so she was even with Hjordis, she tapped her front hoof against the ground, she had noticed how springy the grass was and hoped she didn’t slip on one of the turns.
“Alright. On your mark,” Òtama tensed her hindquarters, “get set,” the small mare lowered her head just a little, laying her ears along her neck, “GO!” She leapt forward, turf flying where the sharp edges of her hooves tore it from the ground.
She was grinning as she ran, focusing on the track and the mare she was racing. A rush of sheer joy from the companionship she felt filled her, fueling her muscles as they bunched and stretched. The braid at her withers whipped in the wind, stinging her back just a little at the sharp contact. As she rounded the last curve with the larger grey mare at her side, she caught sight of someone waiting for them at the finish line. With her focus on the track, she only noted the tawny brown pelt with two toned mane and tail. After crossing the finish line she turned off to one side so she could slow to a walk, her sides heaving slightly from the exhilaration she felt from the race. She focused on the other mare and was glad she was there, she had been so focused on her footing that she didn’t even notice who won.
"Good morning Hjordis, I see you've been quick to test one of the newest recruits. What is your verdict?" Òtama’s ears flicked up in interest as she moved so she was standing before the other mare, obviously another Valkyrie. The young painted mare gave a shy smile to her.
[WC:363]
Post:4 |
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Post by Wolf-mask on Nov 30, 2016 17:04:25 GMT -6
Hjordis
The muscles in Hjordis’s shoulders and withers burned with strain as she kept up with the painted mare beside her. Her breath came out I puffs, a white cloud billowing out beside her in the cool morning air. Nothing like a nice quick race to warm up one’s body and soul. As she ran, the grey mare kept glancing at Otama racing by her side. A competitive feeling swelled in her chest when she saw that the other mare and her were neck and neck. The burning in her muscles swelled up and intensified when Hjordis attempted to run even faster, pushing her muscles past their current limit. It was a bad habit and one day it would come back to nip her in the bum, but for today she was more focused on winning this race against her new sister-in-arms. Hjordis was so focused on Otama that when the two of them crossed the finish line, it took her a moment to realize that the race was over. When she realized that they had finished, Hjordis attempted to stop herself. She skidded to a stop, kicking up a fair amount of turf and dirt. Once the grinning mare she came to a full stop and whipped around to look at Otama. It was the that she spotted Froya and realized that her compatriot had been watching them and was asking her about Otama. A mischievous glint came to Hjordis’s eyes as she trotted over and sidled up against Froya with a grin. “Of course! I’ve gotta test out the new blood and see how they fair. But I dunno Froya, Otama may be fast but…she could use a couple of training sessions.” Hjordis reported with a wink to the painted Valkyrie. There wasn’t any malice or criticism in her voice, only cheerful jesting. “But! We need to know something more important!” the young mare chirped, bouncing away from Froya to stand by Otama. The Valkyrie stared at Froya with the most serious look she could muster while she was laughing inside of her brain. “Who won the race?” she said as a grin involuntarily overtook her muzzle.
WC: 358
Post: 4
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Post by Quorkbirb on Dec 20, 2016 4:34:49 GMT -6
Froya | Valkyrie
"Hjordis claimed victory," she said matter-of-factly and paused before continuing "but if the track had been much longer I think Otama might have beaten you, Hjordis. You push yourself so hard so quickly, you'll burn yourself out."
Her feathers had been soaked by her walk through the morning dew and hung limply against her pasterns. She pawed the ground casually as a raven chortled in the nearby trees, it's sound amplified in the brisk air. Hjordis really did need to learn to pace herself, but this was a sprinting race and so she couldn't hold too much criticism against her. Too often the mare had collapsed, over training herself, and needed help to the barracks. She admired her passion and determination, but she would be of no help to anyone if she kept it up. This new mare, however, seemed a bit more aware of the importance of good pacing and that pleased Froya.
"Where do you hail from, Otama?"
Post: 3
Word Count: 160
OOC: Winner was chosen via coin flip!
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Post by cogaidh on Dec 24, 2016 1:57:23 GMT -6
Valor is a gift. Those having it never know for sure whether they have it till the test comes. And those having it in one test never know for sure if they will have it when the next test comes. It was a little disappointing to hear that Hjordis had won the race, but Froya’s following words had her perking up. She had heard how the rough coated mare rarely gave out compliments of any kind. And the implication of her proper pacing did make her feel better. Hearing that Hjordis would push herself to hard did have her worry slightly about her new friend. Maybe Òtama could train more with the larger grey mare, and help her find her limits without pushing to far. When the next question was directed to her looked back to the tan mare. The young mule noticed that Froya’s feathers were soaked with the morning due, showing she must have been up in the mountain paths, maybe she could have morning runs with the other mare.
“My maternal grandparents live in Skeldr Town, while my paternal live on the eastern coast.” She started, “I’ve spent most of my life in Skeldr Town or following my… dam’s caravan to Eithne,” even in casual conversation her dislike of her mother showed. “My father was a raider and taught me all I know about fighting and sword work.” She wasn’t sure how much the other mare wanted to know, but she was willing to share, “He encouraged me to become a fighter, though I know I still have much to learn about many things.” She did miss him whenever she thought about him. Her ears flicked to and fro between the two mares, ready to answer any further questions.
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Post by Wolf-mask on Dec 26, 2016 22:14:02 GMT -6
Hjordis
A giddy sensation bubbled up in Hjordis and she puffed out her chest with pride when it was announced that she had won the race. And then promptly deflated at Froya’s criticism of her pacing. “I know, I know…It’s not always bad though! Sure, I end up hurt by it…a lot, but...” Hjordis stopped herself there, not coming up with a reason to defend her over exerting herself. In the end she ended up pouting and letting out a sigh, good mood not entirely ruined, but it did feel a bit smudged. When the topic switched from her damaging her body to where Otama was from, Hjordis’s mood perked back up and looked at the mare expectantly. She listened close as the mare went into detail about her early life, and was intrigued when she heard about Otama’s father. The mare made a happy noise and grinned at her fellow Valkyrie. “You and are a lot alike then, Otama!” Hjordis said cheerfully. “My papa was a raider too! Or, was at least. His leg was injured and he was forced to retire. Thankfully mother was able to get his leg working right, or else I probably wouldn’t be here!” Hjordis giggled at her dark joke, even if refused to admit that in the past she had wished that exact scenario had happened. “Papa taught me about sword fighting whenever he could, so maybe we could trade techniques sometime?” the grey mare asked, curious to know what and how much Otama knew.
Post: 5 | WC: 258
ooc: I just realized that Otama and Hjordis both love their dads and have problems with their moms omg
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Post by Quorkbirb on Dec 29, 2016 18:09:09 GMT -6
Froya | Valkyrie
Soaking in Otama's words, Froya nodded slightly.
"Then you have family nearby, that's good. It's difficult for many of us, being so far from our clans and families. I envy you." she said pleasantly before allowing Hjordis to excitedly take over the conversation. It was easy to forget that silver mare and her were of the same year, their personalities were so vastly different.
"There are quite a few Valkyries that are fortunate enough to have been trained and supported by their fathers. I suspect there would be fewer among our rank if ours sires were not so progressive, though it's unfortunate our fates are so dependent on them. My father was a Shield of Garok, I would be curious if his techniques differed from that of the Raiders."
Post: 5
Word Count: 129
OOC: I'M SORRY MY POSTS ARE SO SHORT ....
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Post by cogaidh on Jan 6, 2017 3:18:30 GMT -6
Valor is a gift. Those having it never know for sure whether they have it till the test comes. And those having it in one test never know for sure if they will have it when the next test comes. She knew she was lucky to be able to live close enough to the Valkyrie Barracks that she could just travel back and forth. She dipped her head in recognition of Forya’s words, and was about to reply when the friendly Hjordis commented that her father was a Raider as well. She gave the other mare a smile, “That sounds great, I know I need to get back into sword work,” She commented with a little chagrin, she had let her sword work slip since her father’s death. It would be great to share techniques with the other mares, and get new sparing partners in the process.
“While he wasn’t a Shield, my father did fight for the previous Warlord and was one of the first to accept Hira,” she was proud of that fact, her father had stuck up for his beliefs and the changes that were being made for the herd, “I’m sure that we are lucky to have supportive fathers, I hope it helps to show some of the more… traditional herd members that others are willing to change.” She knew that she didn’t have to say such things to these mares, they knew just as well as she did how the herd was reacting to the changes.
WC: 211 | Post:6
OCC: Sorry for the late reply, been busy packing since I'm moving quite soon. |
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Post by Wolf-mask on Jan 9, 2017 17:08:44 GMT -6
Hjordis
Learning about Froya’s father made Hjordis respect the other mare more. The daughter of a Shield of the previous War-Lord, then that meant Froya would be a good spar. Hjordis kept a giddy smile from coming to her face after Froya was done speaking. “I’d like to know too, perhaps all three of us can spar someday?” the mare suggested with a cheeky grin. She remembered her father’s techniques well, even if she had developed a different style than him. Hjordis nodded along in agreement with Otama. She felt privileged that her father had supported her so much whereas most other mares didn’t have anyone in their lives to support them in male dominated professions. Even if her mother had treated her horribly, at least her father had respected her as much as he did with other stallions. A wave of warmth filled the Valkyrie as she remembered her drinking session with Asger in a local tavern during the Flower Festival. That had been fun. Hjordis hoped they could do it again soon, anything to get the stallion away from her nagging old mother. “I’d like to give those old cooks a thing or two.” Hjordis muttered under her breath, rolling her eyes in exasperation at the mere thought of the conventional herd members. The mare may normally be laid-back, but Hjordis wouldn’t take any disrespect toward her gender, War-Lord, or rank lightly. Perhaps she was a bit too ready to lash out at the codgers.
Post: 6 | WC: 252
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Post by Quorkbirb on Apr 7, 2017 22:08:25 GMT -6
Froya | Valkyrie
Sun rays began to break through the early morning cloud cover and dapple the gathered mare's backs. Froya, finding herself satisfied with the introduction, bowed her head to her companions.
"I will leave you to your training then. I am off to report to Hira, with word of clear trails .... as well as my opinion of our new recruit. When I have a day with less commitments, we all three should spar. Or, perhaps, you two can join me on my next morning trek through the mountains."
She paused to let her words soak in, but then quickly turned to trot back to the fortress. Otama seemed not only pleasant, but quite well trained. Froya determined she would be a great asset to the growing rank of Valkyrie. Hopefully, she thought, the mule could reel in Hjordis' reckless training. Her hooves met the edge of the cobblestone walkway and the clattering of her steps faded into the dimly lit corridors within where she would find her liege and make her report.
Post: 6
Word Count: 172
OOC: GUYS ... I'M .... so sorry about my absence OTL I'll have Froya take her leave so that you two can continue this without having to wait for me
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