|
|
Post by Queerly on Dec 16, 2016 16:43:38 GMT -6
Hello Starborn, and welcome to Plot 308: Drastic!Plot Journal | Chapter III Journal | Plot Music
Leader: Isolt Participants: Alois, Algren, Ryuune, Jupiter, Galloway 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.- No god-moding or reading characters' minds (unless your pony is a literal telepath, anyway)
- Always get consent before harming another character!- Your team is precious. Try to interact with everyone. <3- Have fun! Even if your pony isn't. 8'DPrompt: Two hours ago, the city of Valore went into high alert. Several labor slaves have escaped, and several Chevaliers lie dead, murdered in the escape. Every slave spotted on the street has been detained within the guard stations, whether they be labor, servile, or even pit. You don’t know why you’re here or where your master is, but rumors are spreading amongst your group, growing more hysterical with each wild imagination. Time Of Day: Night |
|
|
|
Post by mariahwhy on Dec 16, 2016 21:34:37 GMT -6
Isolt | Labor Slave
Isolt had been finishing up a day's work on her current job - putting the last touches on the repaired walls of the crucible - when the crimes happened. She was at first oblivious to any misgivings. With the explosions and attacks still haunting her mind, she counted herself lucky as long as nothing was falling down around her. It wasn't until the stars were coming out and she was on her way home that she began to hear the whispers. Almost all the merchants she passed on the Gilded Bridge seemed taken up in the same conversation. It was something about a murder, but she couldn't catch anymore than that. It wasn't her that was dead, however, and so she kept walking.
But a pair of guards met her at the gates of the Dark District. The mule nodded happily to them as she began to pass: she knew them, they knew her. But still they blocked her way. Isolt simply smiled at them, assuming it was some mistake, and even as they turned her around and led her back across the bridge not a flicker of worry crossed her mind. In fact, she began to grow excited, as they soon approached the Valiant District. This was it! This was the moment she had been waiting for! She was finally to be assigned to a chevalier! Every horse that she passed, she wondered if they would be her new lead. But no, silly filly, of course you wouldn't pass them! They would be waiting for you at your destination. Her smile only widened as she was led into the barracks, and down a flight of stairs. Green eyes glistened, taking in everything they could. This would be her new home. This is where she would serve the most honorable of horses. This - the guards opened a door for her, and she stepped in with one speckled hoof - would be her chevalier!
The door shut behind her.
Isolt looked around, the smile plastered on her face but her eyes giving away a spark of confusion. This wasn't what she was expecting. She looked back at the door. Closed. She turned back to the other slaves before her. Maybe... maybe they were all here to become chevalier's assistants? Maybe they were trained as a group? But as she looked around she realized she didn't recognize any of the faces. Their bridles, like her own, symbolized their slavery, but they certainly weren't labor slaves. Well, one young stallion looked like he could be, with how thin he was, but she had never seen him before in the Dark District. Surely they weren't letting just ANY slaves work with chevaliers these days? No, surely not. Ok, so what else could it be... maybe they were new labor slaves for the city, Ignacio knows that they needed them, and she was to induct them into the job? Strange, but if that's what the chevaliers brought her here for...
"Hello," she tried, a cheerful enough greeting.
(Post 1: 500 words)
|
|
|
|
Post by sansatine on Dec 17, 2016 0:23:27 GMT -6
Alois had decided to take her son to market with her. Though he was new, he was able and eager. Jupiter always seemed so eager, but so do all colts. Open truth, Alois was so terrified to be a mother. She didn't know how and she was so young. It wasn't until Jupiter was here in the world and smiling that she knew. Alois watched him play with his dearest friends, the Maeral familiars. He had some of Albella's paints on his cheek, but he always did. Albella had been called to the palace this morning. She gave some fleeting excuse as to why, but that was obviously a lie. Either way, the sun was low and lowering in the sky. Alois turned to her son, still playing with Milo, and called him. "Jupiter, we need to get dinner for tonight. I have a feeling mama will be back late." Alois informed the white child, taking a cloth and cleaning his face. She pressed a kiss into the whirl on his forehead before adding, "We could make her a big feast for a hard day's work! That'd be fun... and quite messy." she added with a sly look to the kitchen. "Leave Milo, lets go, my love." she said after a moment. Alois had made her way to the market easily enough. Jupiter, too, though he'd much rather enjoy the company of Milo. She bought him a mango as compensation. Before Alois could get anything more, a pair of guards swept them away. It wasn't until then that she was again aware of the collar on her neck. In the streets, guards were rounding up slaves. Alois's skin itched, "Jupiter, you stay as close to me as possible." The two were taken towards the Valiant district. The mare was far from pleased, and it showed. She pressed another kiss into her son's head- she could tell he was scared. Alois questioned their escorts, but ever stone faced were they. The were lead into a room and expected to enter. "Why are we here? What have we done?" Alois called to them as the guards shut the doors. She reassured Jupiter, pulling him closer with her head. Just this morning the three of them had a nice breakfast of mangoes from the tree in their courtyard. Now was much more confusing. The silvery mare turned to the others in the room. She recognized a few of the faces from her days in the labor camps, but did not know them. Sadly, however, they all seemed just as confused as she. 430 |
|
|
|
Post by catorb on Dec 17, 2016 6:34:04 GMT -6
Algren Aodh | Servile Slave
Algren steadily made his way through a market street. It was late, and stars were already out. Most vendors were already closed, and the last ones were just packing up for the day. The roan colt himself was on his way back home too, a bag full of groceries and other necessities hanging at his side. It was a last minute shopping trip, and hopefully his master didn't mind that dinner would be late tonight. When he'd get home, he would have to start cooking right away. The colt picked up his pace in a easy trot. His hoof beats echo'd off the walls of the narrow street. Algren could hear the bustling of the bridge becoming louder as he reached the end of the lane. Yelling could be heard among the ambiance, but it wasn't usual. So the colt continued his track across the bridge, maneuvering through the night's crowd.
Behind him a crash, of what sounded as pottery, tore through the humming of the populace. "NO PLEASE! I did nothing wrong!" The cry made Algren look at what was happening. Two well build chevaliers were trying to get hold of a slave, who'd apparent walked in on a market stand. "Please! I'm innocent!" He yelped as the guards dragged him off into the crowd and out of view. "Please, talk to my master-!" Was all Algren could hear, before he noticed more chevaliers making their way over the paved bridge. They seemed to be scanning the crowd, or that might have just been his imagination. But this sudden feeling of distrust crept into the colt's coat. So he averted his eyes, and kept moving. The gem on the nose band of his bridle joyfully bounced while he trotted.
"You!" He heard, but did not respond. "Colt!" The voice called again, louder, and this time Algren stopped and turned to look at it's owner. A armor clad chevalier strutted over to his slim form. "You're coming with me." His low voice claimed, and he moved Algren around, bumping the now worried colt with his legs to have him move forward. Algren obliged, but turned his head to speak to the stallion. "My name is Algren. My master is Luciano. He lives in the Sol district, close to here."
"Keep walking." Was the curt response he got. 'No arguing with this guy then...' The roan thought. But he'd behave and do as told. To not give his house a bad name, or give his master any reason to be mad later. Where ever he was taken right now, Luciano would come for him, he knew. There must some missrunderstanding, and things would be cleared up.
Soon tho, as Algren realized they were heading for the Valiant district, he noticed more and more slaves being rounded up and lead to the area. 'A round up?' Algren figured. What was happening? What were they planning? Something must have happened... Perhaps vagabonds were spotted again, and Valore wouldn't want to loose any more slaves, so there were being detained... But why here? Why not at home? The colt watched his surroundings carefully. He'd never been here before. The place was new and unfamiliar. It forced the roan colt's nerves to rise.
Soon they reached their destination, and Algren was lead inside a room, along with other slaves, before the creaking wooden door closed behind him. Leaving him with worried whispers and angry accusations in the dim light. The colt took a calming breath, and closed his eyes to collect himself. 'This will all be over soon... They will come to take me home...' He thought to himself. He nibbled on the bridle in this mouth, making it clink between his teeth to calm himself. Hoping Luciano or Illidis would start missing him soon.
Words: 623
Post: 1 |
|
|
|
Post by MusicalMagpie on Dec 17, 2016 15:25:18 GMT -6
Jupiter | Kindling
Mama left home early that morning to work on a special project. She told him she got called in to work with one of the King's dragons, which to the little colt, was the coolest thing in the world. Something was different this time. This time she called it their secret and not to tell Mom unless it was important. In his mind, secrets were a good thing. Besides, if the King wanted someone to work with one of the pygmies, who better than Mama?
"Jupiter, we need to get dinner for tonight. I have a feeling mama will be back late."
He made a grimace as Alois pressed a kiss down. A big paw then lazily pressed on his cheek. "You can help cook too, Milo." He chirped at the cooing zesla. He bounced along after his mother, kicking out his legs as Milo trounced along beside him.
"Leave Milo, lets go, my love."
Jupiter's mouth went agape. Why did Milo have to stay behind? They'd only gotten in trouble once together and Mama said there was a three strike rule, which meant they were still on their first strike. He pursed his lips and solemnly turned to his zesla companion. "Mom says you need to stay home." He said quietly. He worried about the trouble the zesla could get into with Mama out of the house.
They hadn't gotten far before two imposing figures herded them away from a stand. The white colt cast a panicked look back down the street. This wasn't the way home. All while being ushered around indoors he continued passing backward glances at the way behind them. This wasn't home at all.
The door shut behind them. Jupiter blinked in the low light peering out from under his mother. Those around them wore panicked faces and it made the colt uneasy.
"Mom, when's Mama coming home. Mama knows where we are right?" He piped up. He didn't like this one bit. Jupiter was afraid of the dark
Word Count - 334
Post 1/5
|
|
|
|
Post by moonlightwalk on Dec 17, 2016 17:10:08 GMT -6
Ryuune | Servile slave
Ryuune had dutifully been making his way back to his master's estate when he had been approached by a chevalier and led off without further ado. He had wanted to protest, to tell them he had to go back to his home and question where they were taking and why, but he had wisely kept his mouth shut. These were chevalier, horses who made up the protectors of their herd, even shown respect by regular citizens. He doubted he was in any position to question them or their actions. So instead he quietly led himself be led off, nerveously looking around him. With quite some unease he noticed he was not the only one being detained and he quite soon saw they were all being led off towards the same place, the guard stations. Quite some horses seemed unrestful and Ryuune heard whispers of something occuring before, but he couldn't quite catch onto what exactdly. Without much ceremony he was pushed inside one of the buildings and locked up. Uncertainly he looked around, seeing there were more slaves such as himself, under which a mere foal. What where they all doing here? His nostrils flared with the tension he felt and he quickly moved towards the side of the room, being close to the wall giving him just and inkling of safety. He tried smiling politely at the one equine in the room that seemed cheerful about this all, but did not respond verbally. He hoped master Deidra would come soon.
Post 1 | 251 words
|
|
|
|
Post by Western-Witch on Dec 18, 2016 3:11:23 GMT -6
G A L L O W A Y | P I T S L A V E
Fully healed from the Crucible attacks, Gallow had finally gotten back into his training routine. He had just finished a grueling day with his fellow pit fighters and was more than weary. After a quick cool down in the showers, Gallow reapplied his bulky bridle and headed back to Scarlet's for some well deserved dinner. His stomach grumbled painfully at the idea of warm food and his comfy bed. Being away from training for so longs had left Gallow stiff and bruised. He'd be feeling this particular training day for weeks.
As he left the training grounds, evening had begun to fall. The streets were still thrumming as usual but an unnerving mood wavered above the crowds. Suddenly Gallow started to notice the other horses around him. Their eyes followed him as he passed them, and it wasn't the usual awe or praise he would have received on a match day. These instead were wary, scared, nervous and even poisonous looking. A chill running over his damp coat, Gallow picked up his ambling pace to a brisk trot. Something was wrong. He was the worst at following the news and had been so focused on rebuilding his strength that he had had no time to gossip with other pit slaves. What could have happened?
As he kept his head low and kept every suspicious horse in his line of sight, he began to notice something. There were little to no slaves out. His neck shot up at the realization, irrational thoughts coursing through his body. Suddenly in front of him two Chevaliers appeared, blocking his path. Behind him another two casually blocked him in. Equines all around him closed their doors and hid down dark alleyways to escape the coming confrontation.
"Pit Slave, you are being detained. Come with us," One of the larger Chevaliers announced among the quiet cobblestones. Gallow's ears flattened and he steadied his bulk in his middle, prepared for anything.
"I have done nothing. Please my master is Lady Scarlet," He forcefully tried to stay calm, the words seething between his teeth.
No one responded and instead they moved brusquely towards him, chains clanking in their teeth and rope swinging along their sides. Had they been waiting for him? Had he done something illegal in the pit fights? His body quivered at the spike of adrenaline. All he could think of was how they had brought back his father's ashes in a horribly tiny clay jar. A stallion so large and strong had been reduced to dust. In a fit of desperation Gallow shouted, "I've done nothing wrong! I've never cheated in the pit fights! I fight fair!" But it did him no good. They advanced on him and though he struggled and did try to fight, they strapped him down with heavy chains between his front and back hooves. Ropes were tied tightly to bands on his arms to keep his head down and bent.
He shook with anger and fear at where they were bringing him. A metal bit had been placed in his teeth to quiet him and it stung with each word he could not say. Around him equines fled when they saw the team of Chevaliers guiding a chained slave towards what Gallow could guess was the Valiant District. He felt horribly alone, he worried for his friend Jenko, and prayed to Ignacio he was at home. He hoped Lady Scarlet didn't worry or get in any trouble herself. Whatever he was charged with he would take himself. No one would be hurt by his actions.
As they neared the Valiant District, Gallow saw the hooves of other slaves, too many. Something had happened. His fear subsided only slightly. Whatever this was it wasn't directed only on him. As they led him down a darkened staircase, claustrophobia flared his anxiety to a point he could barely keep his hooves underneath him. He saw other cells with slaves just as confused as him before they stripped him of his ropes and his back chains and threw him in his own cell.
The doors grated and slammed shut behind him, Gallow ran back and screamed after the retreating Chevaliers, "Tell us why we're here! What have we done!?" He slammed his head into the bars and shouted into the floor. All he had wanted was to be match ready and eat a warm dinner. This year had been the absolute worse. Realizing he wasn't alone he turned around and looked at the small gang behind him. Two of them were just colts, there was no way they could have done something to warrant them in this cell. The others looked no more threatening. Though from experience Gallow knew better. But he wasn't here to accuse, he was in the same boat.
"I'm sorry. I'm Gallow. Does anyone know why we're here?" Gallow's chains clanked menacingly as he moved to a more comfortable spot. In the back he saw a horse he recognized from the trip to Briem. Her name was Alois if he recalled correctly. This time around she was much less erratic. He felt better knowing at least one equine just a little. But that was all he had...
Post: #1
Word Count: 867
|
|
|
|
Post by mariahwhy on Dec 18, 2016 7:25:34 GMT -6
Isolt | Labor Slave
Most of the horses barely seemed to even realize Isolt had spoken to them, wrapped up as they were in their own fear. The mule shrugged inwardly. It wasn't so unusual. Slaves were a wary bunch on the best of days, and if these were servile slaves she couldn't blame them. Certainly they'd have a lot more to worry about then she, with impatient masters awaiting their return. No one waited for her. No one would miss her if she did not show up home tonight. But as she stood in the dim room, more and more voices drifted through the walls of the temporary prison. More slaves, from the sound of it, shouting the same concerns that her cellmates were. A few distant voices she began to recognize as other labor slaves, but still none of the horses brought to her room seemed familiar. How many slaves were being brought to the station? Isolt could not think of an answer for why so many slaves would be detained at once. It was becoming quickly apparent that this was not some sort of reward or trust in responsibility for her, but still she evaded the growing fear of the room, ever hopeful.
One stallion gave her a nervous smile, before shuffling to the side of the room. She returned it, but didn't try again to talk to him. If horses didn't want to speak, Isolt never pushed them. The others' yelling gave way to muttering. She stared for a moment at the mother-foal pair that talked quietly together - he seemed very young. The familiar pang of envy at seeing a mother and foal tightened her chest and furrowed her brow. Isolt rolled the bit in her mouth, trying as always to push the question of her own mother from her mind. Thankfully another stallion was pushed into the cell, drawing her from her thoughts as he spun and bellowed back to the guards. Her eyebrows raised in surprise at the extent of his concern. When he turned, the mule met his gaze and flashed him a welcoming a smile as she had the others.
She dipped her head, stepping forward. "I'm Isolt." Bringing her head back up, she assessed him again. While she wasn't more than a few inches shorter than him, he was certainly built a lot larger. A servile slave of that caliber with so many scars would be an odd sight, but it was stranger still that a pit slave would be brought here. "I don't know. I thought maybe y'all had been bought by the city to become labor slaves, but surely they would have just taken you straight to the Dark District." She shook her head and repeated, "I don't know."
"But, whatever it is, I'm sure we'll be out of here soon."
(Post 2: 468 words)
|
|
|
|
Post by sansatine on Dec 18, 2016 14:11:33 GMT -6
Jupiter was sick with fear and that made his mother even more so. How dreadfully she hoped that Milo would fall through a window or something- anything to make Jupiter feel at ease. The light pair had taken residence int the corner of the room opposite the door. Alois needed to control the safe of the room, she thought. As each equine entered the room, Alois watched them carefully. The stallion who had just entered rained familiar. They had met in the city Nariah. He was a pit slave, the worst of the enslaved. There was a pause of entrances. It seemed that everyone was here. Alois pressed another kiss into her sons head, he was scared, sure, but not scared enough to try and escape his mothers affection. Such a boy. Even so, they were talking through bits in their mouths. For the first moment in her life, alois felt bad for not having a bit in her own mouth. Not everyone in Ethine had the same ideas as her wife- well not wife per say, at least not in public. Alois stepped forward and listened to the others. Gallow and Isholt. Gallow had asked the question of the night, why were they here? with a sigh she spoke up. "My name is Alois. Maybe it is not a matter of what our-" she dreaded the word about to leave her mouth and hoped her son wasn't listening, "owners have done? I know Albella was called to the palace this morning, though I do not know what for."260 |
|
|
|
Post by catorb on Dec 18, 2016 14:45:44 GMT -6
Algren Aodh | Servile Slave
Algren watched as, what seemed, the last horses were brought into their current cell. The brute reaction the last stallion gave when he was brought in caught his attention. The appaloosa dared to ask the questions he didn't ask, but were on everyone's mind. But the colt did believe they had some right to know. Although, it was quite obvious their questions would be left unanswered...
Soon, the horses present started to speak softly to one another. Gallow, the pit slave, Isolt the mule and Alois the mother mare, as they introduced themselves. Algren had decided to stay quiet, and keep to himself. To wait for master Luciano to come collect him from this confusion. He furrowed his brow in thought as he listened to their worried voices, and decided to pipe in after all; "I thought it might have something to do with vagabonds. Perhaps they have been sighted in the city." He said, his voice cracking. He gazed over the eyes of those that looked at him, reading their worry. "Perhaps they don't want any of their precious slaves to be stolen, and so they lock us up until the vagabonds are caught?" He suggested. Although, as his eyes caught sight of the chains on Gallow, he wasn't sure if that could be the truth...
"I'm... My name is Algren." He added carefully in the end.
Words: 225
Post: 2 |
|
|
|
Post by farquaadstarquad on Dec 18, 2016 18:22:56 GMT -6
Chevaliers laid dead in the streets and their assailants were nowhere to be found.
To know that slaves - such measly beings - had been able to overpower chevaliers, made Morrison's blood boil. Those had been men and women that Morrison had worked alongside, comrades that he had once trusted in battle. Valore was put into lockdown as result. Chevaliers were given instruction to detain every slave they could spot on the street, for every slave could be a potential culprit. Most of the slaves had come without a fight, they knew better than to resist.
Morrison had done his part in gathering the slaves and was to now stand on guard until further instruction was given to him.
Naturally, the chevalier felt nervous. Could he be a target? Would he join Ignacio and the fallen chevaliers on this night? He prayed not, but could not stop his mind from worrying. If he was to be successful in keeping Valore safe, he would have to overcome his worries.
The chatter from the slaves thrummed in his ears. Panicked speculations of why they had been detained and when they would be released. One stallion had even thrown himself into against the door.
Morrison approached the door of the room the slaves had been gathered in. He swung it open and stood in the entrance. “Quiet!” his voice boomed, demanding their attention. He then continued. “We are thankful for your compliance in this situation and ask that you make an effort to remain calm. There is no need to fret, you all be returned home in due time.”
His eyes surveyed each slave. A few of them he recognized.
“Keep your voices low and we will have no quarrels.”
Post 1 // 287 words
**Note: Morrison is a chevalier NPC. If anyone wants to know about his appearance, please contact me.
|
|
|
|
Post by MusicalMagpie on Dec 18, 2016 20:22:32 GMT -6
Jupiter | Kindling
Jupiter began to shake when the pit fighter began shouting. Scooting further underneath Alois his ruby pink eyes flicked about trying to make sense of the situation. What were they talking about? Alois had moved them both into a corner and the action calmed the colt just enough to allow for words. He watched the other horses carefully, ever mindful of the "don't talk to strangers' clause of childhood, but didn't distract him from noticing the odd bridles most wore with an odd attachment at the mouth. His eyes squeezed shut at another kiss from Alois. How dare.
"I know Albella was called to the palace this morning, though I do not know what for."
The colt blinked back to focus. Right, Mama had gone to work early that morning. Moving forward more into the open, but not completely from underneath Alois, he craned his head back to wear a pouting face. "What if Mama gets home and cooks dinner without us. Milo will eat all my food!" His tone shifted from concern to Albella's whereabouts to disbelief of his familiar's possible antics. Sucking in a small breath and holding it, the little white child hung his head lower and scowled ahead. Even though the older crowd passed names about, he held his tongue. And breath.
Word Count - 216
Post 2/5
|
|
|
|
Post by Queerly on Dec 18, 2016 20:29:05 GMT -6
For reasons unknown, you've been snatched off the streets and ushered into a Chevalier station. As tensions rise and true fear begins to settle in your heart, Chevalier Morrison appears, commanding compliance and assuring the group that you will at least go home... eventually. But the question remains: why are you here? Perhaps if you press him, you will receive answers...
|
|
|
|
Post by Western-Witch on Dec 19, 2016 2:15:37 GMT -6
G A L L O W A Y | P I T S L A V E
As the ordeal of the detainment slowly began to settle, and Gallow's nerves began to cool, he slowly got a better look at the other horses in the group. A tall, long eared mare calmly spoke her name. Isolt gave him a smile, and he felt a little unnerved at her calm exterior. His own mind was still reeling with reasons why he was down here. Gallow listened to her speculation and thought it a good thought process. Except yes they would have been transferred to the Dark District not in a Chevalier barrack.
The next horse to speak was the pale, mare in the corner with the glaring eyes. She confirmed the name Gallow thought he had remembered. He wanted to know how her owner might be connected to all this. He was in the dark with this situation and it was driving him nuts. Next a roan colt spoke and brought an idea Gallow hadn't even thought. He had hoped the Vagabonds had had enough of their city. But with what they had done in the pit, he wouldn't put it past them to create more trouble. Gallow couldn't quite agree with the degree how important he might be. He was easily replaceable to be honest. He caught the colt looking at his chains, and Gallow hunched a little lower as the colt introduced himself as Algren.
As the group tried to acclimate to the situation and their new found companions a Chevalier appeared at their door. His voice cut deeply as he shouted for quiet. The words he said next were a relief to Gallow. He had panicked when he was first detained and had tried to fight. He was sure he was to punished worse for not complying. The chains didn't help relieve that suspicion.
Gallow turned to the Chevalier, hoping for an answer; "When will we be released?". It would be nice to not let the unknown gnaw at the mind. He hoped the guard would respond, but in all honesty he didn't expect one.
Post: #2
Word Count: 340 |
|
|
|
Post by moonlightwalk on Dec 19, 2016 12:51:43 GMT -6
Ryuune | Servile slave
Ryuune watched quietly as mire slaves trickled in. One seemed particulary violent as they shouted and threw themselves into the door, making Ryuune cast worried eyes towards the younger occupants of the room. He hoped he'd not turn his anger onto them. But his worries were soon soothed as the stallion turned and apologised, introducing themselves as Gallow. Then the pivotal question was posed. Why where they here? He had been running an errant for his master, nothing out of the ordinary. He wondered if she would wonder where he was by now or if she was otherwise occupied. He hoped she'd understand that he would have swiftly returned home if it was not for the chevlier detaining them. The suggestion that they might have been sold to the city had him protesting...quietly. "M-master Deidra wouldn't sell me to the city...I think." He had been behaving well right?
Then it might be something their masters had done, but Ryuune couldn't think of anything that might be the cause of this. Of course he wasn't privilage to all of his master's affairs, but still, news had a way of getting around in the slaves' quarters. He liked the suggestion of the colt Algren. That it might be for their own safety. He was about to reply when a chevalier made his appearance, announcing that they'd be returned home soon. It was ensuring for him to see someone of authority. The one named Gallow was quick to question and Ryuune decided that this was his chance to get some answers as well. Head held in a submissive fashion to show he was not trying to be a problem, he addressed the chevalier. "Excuse us, S-Sir, but do our masters know where we are? We would not want to worry them, Sir."
Post 2 | 307 words
|
|
|
|
Post by mariahwhy on Dec 19, 2016 15:34:26 GMT -6
Isolt | Labor Slave
Algren's suggestions seemed pretty plausible, and Isolt nodded along to his words. Just thinking about the Vagabonds made the usually chipper filly furious remembering what they had done to the city - HER city. The damage to the crucible had been so extensive. Such an old and central building ruined. It made her proud to think of it standing whole once again, though, thanks to her and the other labor slaves. The past few months had been long, but worth it. But it also brought to mind the hole they had blown into the Dark District. Too easily she could picture the gaping wall through which many of her peers had escaped. But she had only stood staring into the darkness outside. She could feel it creeping in on her now, standing in this cell. Thankfully the booming voice of a guard pulled her back from her imagination.
She looked up at him, standing in the doorway, and smiled to see a familiar face. While she did not know his name - she didn't think he was ever charged with patroling the Dark District - she certainly had seen him around. With the dark shapes of vagabonds floating around in her mind it was comforting to see a chevalier. She nodded again at his words, instantly consoled. "See; no reason to fret-" she began, but was immediately drowned out by the questions of the others. His short reassurance had been good enough for her, but apparently not for the others. They were too worried about their masters, and what they might think. Not her. She had no master to return home to. This was her master - the city itself. And so if the city, and vicariously the chevaliers, dictated that she must remain in the barracks for a short time, than that must be the best place for her right now. Her days work was done anyway, and being cramped in here with other slaves was no different than being cramped in her quarters in the Dark District with other slaves.
She had nothing to worry about.
(Post 3: 344 words)
|
|
|
|
Post by sansatine on Dec 19, 2016 16:57:43 GMT -6
Vagabonds. The word had a way of ringing out and being felt, especially with Alois. How she craved to be free again. It's not that the city was bad, it was how she was treated. As if, by some firey god, she was lesser than others. She'd talked to this god of theirs and he was not better than she. She cursed him, as always, and moved back to Algren's words. Maybe vindicators had come once again and were freeing slaves. Alois prayed that they were, but a flash of white stopped her. Jupiter was a citizen here. This was his home. As the others continued brainstorming, a chevalier spoke, cutting voice and all. Her ears automatically pinned. Alois had a talent for spotting authority- even with her ears. You can always note the 'I'm better than you' tone in a voice. Alois quickly relaxed, however. He son was not a lesser, not fully anyway. He should be taught respect, not hate. The mare unpinned her ears, but kept her eyes truthful. Alois had no desire to waste energy pining for answers. No chevalier ever went out of their way to help a slave. They would come in time, she hoped, and she would not work with this embodiment of hierarchy. 212
|
|
|
|
Post by catorb on Dec 21, 2016 14:14:13 GMT -6
Algren Aodh | Servile Slave
Algren ducked instinctively at the door opening suddenly and the loud demand for silence. The roan colt carefully took a step back as the chevalier tried to reassure the bunch, but Al didn't feel that convinced by his words. Either way, he'd do as told, and keep himself quiet. The same couldn't be said for the large pit stallion. Along with the blue roan unicorn. They both asked questions Algren too wanted to know the answer off. But he'd quietly wait, and hope the chevalier would be willing to speak, although the colt doubted he would.
Again Al softly nibbled on his bit, a common thing he did when in thought. Hopefully all of this would soon be over...
He looked around the dim room, now lighted by the open door. Casting long shadows of the figures within, who desperately all wanted to go home. Or whatever it was, they called home. Algren's brow lowered; 'Is this what the barracks in the dark district are like? Would mom have lived in a room like this, sharing it with others?' Probably not. This was the valient district after all.
He focused his attention back to the door opening, awaiting for a releasing answer to this tension.
Words: 205
Post: 3 |
|
|
|
Post by MusicalMagpie on Dec 21, 2016 18:40:11 GMT -6
Jupiter | Kindling
Puffing out the shortly held breath, the toddler colt sprinted out on spindle legs to meet Chevalier Morrison himself. Stopping short he looked up with sparkling eyes. "Hi! I'm Jupiter! Mama says it's impolite to not say Hi to a new friend. And I like making friends!" He stopped only to take a breath, his pink mouth curved into a friendly smile. "Mama said she was at the Palace with King Amadeus' dragons. I think they are well behaved so it won't take long at all. And we don't get home soon, she'll bake dinner without us. Then Milo will eat my food and get in trouble! He gets in trouble a lot. Mama says it's because he's a desert animal and they have to be tough. Is being tough the same as being stubborn?" The white colt finally stopped, waiting for a reply to any of his enthusiastic speech.
The room was cold and dim. It made Jupiter nervous beyond reason and behind the chatter he was visibly shaking out of his skin. Despite the harsh shivering, his voice was strong and steady to the very last word. He couldn't comprehend the situation they were all in, at least not fully. Everyone around him was either terrified or agitated and it drove the child up the wall. Why couldn't they all be happy?
Word Count - 224
Post 3/5
|
|
|
|
Post by moonlightwalk on Dec 22, 2016 16:35:51 GMT -6
Ryuune | Servile slave
Ryuune's eyes widened in alarm as one of the smaller slaves walked up to the chevalier and started babbling to them. They were showing none of the proper serving behavior he himself had veen taught, even going as far as calling the autorative stallion a friend. Quite quickly he found himself pushing forwards and away from the wall to move towards the foal who had introduced himself as Jupiter. It wouldn't be the first chevalier he saw giving a strike to a slave out of line and though, judging by the foals' condition, they weren't a labour slave, he didn't know this horse well enough to put him past psychically correcting a kindling. Giving a nervous but polite smile he gently eased himself between the chevalier and Jupiter, mumbling a quick 'hehe, kids', before trying to coax the foal away. "A proper slave doesn't talk to their superiors like that. Go to your momma." he whispered to them. To the mother he threw a a worried look, hoping she'd keep her child close. Deciding she could keep an eye on her own, he backed up again, deciding to take place next to the second foal in the room in case they too tried to pull any stunts. From the corner of his eye he kept the mule that greeted them earlier in sight. She seemed like the only one that was somewhat calm in the situation and that was the only thing calming his nerves. Well, that and the chevalier there to reassure they'd be released soon.
Post 3 | 259 words
|
|
|
|
Post by farquaadstarquad on Dec 23, 2016 14:39:25 GMT -6
As expected, the slaves had questions.
Morrison opened his mouth to answer the pit fighter when suddenly, a colt sprinted over and stopped in front of where he stood. Morrison looked down with a soft snort. The colt seemed the most cheerful out of all of them. Ah, the naivety of younglings.
“You are too curious for your own good, little one,” the chevalier replied before another slave moved to coax the foal away.
Morrison looked to the slaves once more. His eyes lingered on the older colt among them. “Please, do not swarm me with your questions,” he spoke. “You are here for your own safety. And as I have said already, there is no need to fret. Your masters have also been ushered into safety. All that you slaves need to know is that Valore’s streets are not safe for the time being. Chevaliers are working dutifully to ensure the threat is taken care of.”
Morrison did not wish to unveil too much information to the slaves but he hoped that if they at least knew a little, their questions would cease and he would be able to continue his post without their loud chatter.
Post 2 // 197 words
|
|
|
|
Post by catorb on Dec 26, 2016 5:51:07 GMT -6
Algren Aodh | Servile Slave
"Are it Vindicators?" The words fell out of Algren's mouth before he could catch them. The question had been on the tip of his tongue since the whole round up started, but he'd tried to be obedient and keep himself quiet. Even after the Chevalier deliberately pointed out not to ask him any questions, but Algren couldn't help it. After hearing the words 'safety' and 'thread' he could help but worry about his master and housemate. Even though he was sure both could take very well care of themselves.
Perhaps he should worry about his king instead. What if it had been some assassination attack? Like it seemed in Briem.
Nonetheless, the roan colt kept eye contact with the chevalier stallion, but honestly didn't expect an answer now. Not after speaking out of turn. The small foal might have already done his part in aggravating their keeper... The other stallion of their little group apologetically trying to shush him away, and back to his mother.
The chevalier, however, seemed kind. Serious, but not cruel. He could have fallen out with anger at the child, but calmly spoke with authority. Perhaps there was a way to get his answers after all.
Words: 200
Post: 4 |
|
|
|
Post by mariahwhy on Dec 26, 2016 21:14:15 GMT -6
Isolt | Labor Slave
Isolt couldn't help but laugh quietly as the pale foal ran up to the chevalier and began chattering away, words falling out of his mouth like water out of a fountain. The mule was glad to see such a small foal that did not hold any fear for the guards. Too often, she felt, slave children were brought up to fear those that only wished to protect all of the citizens of Aodh - including those of the lowest ranks. She cast an approving look to Jupiter's mother, wondering if perhaps there was something more to her than the typical tale of a servile slave. The glaring stare she found belied her son's attitude however, and Isolt wondered if it was just naivety that led to his friendliness. If so, she hoped he would keep it.
But almost immediately the dark stallion, who had not yet spoken, stepped quickly forward, giving Jupiter a quiet reprimand. Isolt frowned. She completely agreed with respecting the chevaliers, but she did not think amicable, childish chatter was disrespectful. Sure, the colt may have spoken out of turn, but how could a foal ever hold their tongue in such a situation, when even the adults were brimming with questions. Isolt did not think Jupiter had overstepped any boundaries, and so she passed him an encouraging look even as the chevalier waved away his questions. She noted his quaking muscles, and felt a small pang of pity. As the little one was passed along back to his mother, Isolt could not help but stretch her neck out to him - making sure not to get too close in case Alois was getting nervous with her child among these strangers -and whisper, "I don't think they are the same thing, but your Milo sounds like he could be both." She didn't know what Milo could be, because she wasn't familiar with any desert animals... or really, any animals outside of Aodh... but he must be the little colt's pet. "I'm sure your food is safe for now, though," she chuckled.
But as her laugh waned she picked up what the officer was saying, and she lifted her head to him once more, face suddenly serious. Even the masters were being put away? She frowned, her mind taking the same path as the roan's apparently did. His question mimicked her thoughts. Vindicators were the only threat she could possibly think of that effected both slaves and masters. A low, muted anger made her stomach feel suddenly heavy. Though she hated to go against the chevalier's wishes to not be questioned, she could not stop herself. "Has the city been damaged again?" she asked, stepping forward. Her mind was suddenly swirling with images of the crucible's wreckage, and terrible images of the possible damage that could have been done this time. Walls crumbled. Statues and fountains toppled. So much work to be done. What if they had reached the palace this time? She suddenly felt restless, and the hide on her shoulders twitched. If the city was being torn apart, then she needed to be out there assessing the damage.
But no. If she got hurt, then she wouldn't be able to fix the city once the attackers were gone. She knew that the chevaliers were keeping her here for her own benefit, and she shouldn't have questioned him. Isolt shook her head, as if dismissing the inquiry, and stepped back.
(Post 4: 570 words)
|
|
|
|
Post by sansatine on Dec 26, 2016 23:59:49 GMT -6
Jupiter was gone out from under her so very fast. He was talking to the chevalier before she even realized he was gone. Alois Called to him quietly while he took a breath between questions. The white colt continued and she called to him again but more forcefully this time. Another slave spoke to him. "A proper slave doesn't talk to their superiors like that. Go to your momma." The roaned unicorn told him. Alois forgot his name in her rage. "He is not a slave. He is the child of my Owner." Alois claimed, the word owner coming out slightly shakier than her other words. "He is not a slave and you should be offended you even thought so." Alois' anger blinded her sense. She'd have a lot of explaining to do, but luckily she only spoke to the unicorn- praying that he was the only one who heard her. Even if they were audible to the Chevalier, he was speaking to Jupiter. Alois was sick to her stomach, her words could have gotten them killed and still had the power to. The mule mare spoke to Jupiter as he came back to Alois. She gave a small smile to Isholt before returning both she and her son from the group and back to the corner that they were in earlier. She took a deep breath and studied her son's face. She watched him study hers, too, and he picked up on her distress. His face took a path from naive bliss to fear. Her face wrought in sadness. He was already unsettled, and this just made it worse. "I know you're just being friendly sweetie, but I told you not to leave my side. I need you to be brave, just like Milo, for me, okay? Don't let Milo be braver than you!" she said and nuzzled her head into his poll. "We'll be back with mama soon enough." She added, still talking into Jupiter's poll. Alois turned her attention back to the group but stayed removed. 340 |
|
|
|
Post by farquaadstarquad on Dec 27, 2016 23:52:49 GMT -6
“I said to not pester me with questions. Quit your worrying and continue to talk among yourselves,” Morrison reminded the colt.
Morrison’s attention turned to the sound of hoof steps behind him. He stepped out of the room, ignoring the question from the mule, and closed the door behind himself. The group inside did not seem like troublemakers, but he had to take all precautions due to the lock down. The last thing he needed to worry about was more renegade slave.
Outside the door he found a small group of chevaliers awaiting him.
“Greetings,” Morrison approached the group. “Have you come to take my shift? Or do you bring updates on the situation at hoof?”
“Chevalier Morrison,” an armored mare stepped forward. “We bring important news from the palace.”
“Ah, and what has the palace to say?”
“The palace has called for all slaves to be branded, whether they are owned by masters or the city. What happened today cannot happen again and this brand will help to distinguish all slaves from their superiors."
Post 3 // 175 words
|
|
|
|
Post by catorb on Dec 28, 2016 13:49:17 GMT -6
Algren Aodh | Servile Slave
The roan colt quietly overheard the sheathing hisses the mother spat towards the blue roan stallion. 'Not a slave, huh? A bastard child then.' A common sight, Algren thought. Probably more common then Valore would want to admit. Being a bastard would be a tight spot, with one highborn and one lowborn parent. Ranking such a child would be difficult. But no, they would not be a slave...
Algren was pulled from his thought as the mule mare asked a question too, and he quickly shot her a glance. He felt a little stronger, now that he was not the only one to ask the chevalier. But that feeling was quickly stomped down, as the valiant stallion reminded them not to bother him, and abruptly left the dim room. Darkening it once more. Algren quickly cast his eyes down, his brow in a faint frown. He froze himself, feeling guilt seep into his heart. It fueled the already existing worry. He loudly nibbled on his bit now, completely unaware.
Their chance to find out what reason was behind this round up for 'protection' was gone. The chevalier would probably ignore them from now on...
The roan colt shut his eyes. Consentrating on the floaty feeling inside. 'This will all be over soon...' He thought once again. 'I'll go home after this, and explain everything to master Luciano...' Though, after all this, the teen wasn't so sure anymore how his master might react.
Words: 242
Post: 5 |
|
|
|
Post by moonlightwalk on Dec 28, 2016 15:17:49 GMT -6
Ryuune | Servile slave
Ryuune was taken aback by the mare's sudden anger, but hearing her words it was clearly justified. He gulped, face quickly changing into one of quiet horror before schooling it and dipping his head. He dipped his head, quickly stuttering through an apology, aimed at both the superior he had insulted and the slave who served them. "M-my apologies. I-I assumed- No, I should not have." He brought his head back up giving her and the foal a bewildered and anxious look. Such disgrace he was, treating an Aodhian citizen like that. Deidra would be dissappointed with his manners. "You are his nursemaid? I mean, this is a mistake. No citizen should be locked up with slaves even for their own safety! It's not right! We must tell the guards!"
Hurriedly he took off towards the door, his heart beating fast in his throath as he called out towards the guard who had left in hopes he could come back. As he reached the door however he could overhear the last words that were spoken. Eyes widenening in horror yet again. He threw a look in the room announcing a chocked: "They're gonna brand us. They're gonna brand us as slaves.". He didn't want to be branded by the city! He wanted to be branded by Deidra! His eyes landed again on the foal that stood next to the mare's sight. No, now they definitely needed to explain the situation. Imagine the horror if a free horse was branded a slave! He started pounding on the door. "SIR, sir, there's been a mistake!"
Post 4 | 271 words
|
|
|
|
Post by Western-Witch on Dec 29, 2016 1:48:44 GMT -6
G A L L O W A Y | P I T S L A V E
All around him the slaves' tension rose and fell. He couldn't keep up with the group. He wasn't good at actual conversation. It was something he was trying to work on. His anxiety was starting to spike, the chains around his hooves were heavy and the air was growing thick with all the bodies. Finally a Chevalier had appeared and he had only caused more questions to run rampant among the group. What had happened in the streets this time? He hadn't heard an explosion or seen mass panic. This one had been silent and discreet, which to the pit slave only made his his hairs stand on edge. He wanted to know more and he knew it was smarter to delve information than to keep groups quiet.
As he sat there and tried to figure out what to do, the little white colt in the corner bolted to the front, so jittery he could hardly keep still. Gallow smiled at the innocence of the foal. It was a small relief to focus on the ramblings of a foal. But soon another slave shushed him and he was shoveled back into his corner, Alois bristling and about ready to fight anyone in the room. That was the one opponent he would be nervous to face. Mothers were fearsome when protecting their offspring.
Before Gallow could get his thoughts together and confront the Chevalier he barked an order and walked down the hall. Gallow's ears perked up sharply at the sound of other hoofsteps and clinking armor. He grew rigid at the sound of what he assumed was backup. He wasn't being taken without a fight. He caught words being spoken and froze at what was being discussed. The roan unicorn with them suddenly grew frantic and confirmed what he head heard.
"They're not branding me, not without a fight," he seethed and rammed a hoof into the barricade. He wanted their attention. Couldn't they just wear a bridle or necklace? Or a piercing even? A branding would make his escape even worse to attempt. This was not his life. He was not going to die in this city as a slave. He turned to the others around him, "Can they do this without our masters' permission?" His voice was rising and his brows knitted into a deep 'V' on his forehead. He was fed up with this city. He just wanted freedom and peace. He just wanted to be left alone.
Post: #3
Word Count: 411 |
|
|
|
Post by MusicalMagpie on Dec 29, 2016 21:58:00 GMT -6
Jupiter | Kindling
“You are too curious for your own good, little one,”
Grandpa Maeral had said something like that before when the colt had tried climbing into the kiln. And much like then, it was met by the child sucking in a tiny breath and puffing his cheeks. Out of nowhere it seemed, Jupiter was shuffled around so swiftly to the corner he hardly had a second to focus on a single voice. The first one, a roan unicorn gratefully labeled "The Fadey One With the Pretty Tail" in the colt's now buzzing mind had moved between him and the Chevalier.
"A proper slave doesn't talk to their superiors like that. Go to your momma."
Slave? His eyes flicked from Ryuune over to Alois, whose direction he'd been almost spun around toward. It was a word he heard on the streets and once or twice at Grandpa Maeral's, but never in his own home. Some part of him thought it taboo to even think of the word, perhaps something to do with the viper stares Alois gave passersby on the street who would say it.
Another voice came into range. The Pretty One With the Big Ears whispered over to him, though he only caught a portion of what she said. "I'm sure your food is safe for now, though,"
With that, a gleeful spring returned to his step while he and Alois returned to the "Quiet Corner". As long as dinner was safe the world seemed alright. Looking up to meet his mother's eyes, he found a face of grave distress. As good as she was at hiding things, a child knows when a parent is upset, but may not know how to take it. Seeing the usually mischievous eyes tired with worry made the colt resume shaking.
"I know you're just being friendly sweetie, but I told you not to leave my side..." Jupiter nodded along as she spoke with his eyes low. "I need you to be brave, just like Milo, for me, okay? Don't let Milo be braver than you!" She was right! If Milo wasn't around, there would be nobody brave to protect everyone! He had to be brave, he told himself. "We'll be back with mama soon enough." Her voice was as warm as the breath on his poll. The little white colt made himself tall and furrowed his brow.
"Ok! I'm gonna be brave now. You watch!" He issued it as if challenging the whole world to try something funny. Believing that he alone could stop anything.
Then the shouting started and Jupiter began to shake again. He didn't like the loud and didn't like the anger even more. Squinting his pink ruby eyes shut he began repeating to himself quietly, "I'm brave. I'm brave. I'm brave".
Word Count - 462
Post 4\5
|
|
|
|
Post by mariahwhy on Dec 29, 2016 22:54:01 GMT -6
 Despite your efforts, you have gained little insight into why you have been locked away. Before you can ask any further questions, Morrison's attention is drawn to an arriving messenger with orders from the Palace: "Brand them." |
|
