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Post by Queerly on Dec 17, 2016 4:07:02 GMT -6
Hello Starborn, and welcome to Plot 309: Charge of the Valkyries!
Team Leader: Kathra
Participants: Zestoka, Amber, Skye, Otama
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'D
Prompt: It's a peaceful evening, but there's no rest for Hira's strong Valkyries. You've been sent on a three day patrol that takes you Onea's wilder valleys and forests. The exercise is meant to be just that: training. Yet, as the sun begins to set, you can't help but feel an anxiously restless... keep an ear out for trouble!
Time of Day: Evening
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Post by Queerly on Dec 17, 2016 4:07:46 GMT -6
No need to wait for the leader post, fire away!
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Post by Silverfallingstar on Dec 17, 2016 17:01:52 GMT -6
The warm evening air flowed through her lungs as she cantered through the Onean wilds. As much as she would have loved to go on a scouting trip with her two best friends, or be guarding her cousin, the War Lord. But she had been chosen by that same War Lord to lead a group of four other Valkyries on a scouting mission. She had been on a similar mission with two of the other mares before, it ended less than ideally, with the group being attacked by cultists. None of that was of particular importance now, she had a patrol and it was her job to help keep everyone safe.
Purple eyes glanced up at the sky above, nearing sunset. The mare slowed her pace down to a walk, she took a glance around the area, then glanced back at the others. "We'll press on for a little while longer, then make camp for the night."
Focusing back on the trail ahead of them she couldn't help but keep her ears pricked and eyes peeled. Sure the cultists hadn't been very active recently and they should all be safe together, but, the bloody flanks had reared their collective heads again, and that meant that the wilds weren't particularly safe anymore. Her head shook, no, they were on the second day of their training mission, they could do this. Kathra lifted her head up confidently, she remembered the words her grandsire had said to her when she was just a small filly. She was meant for this, her and the other mares were meant for this.
I'll make you proud, grandfather.
Post 1|WC:271
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Post by moonlightwalk on Dec 17, 2016 17:44:06 GMT -6
Amber | Valkyrie
Amber had tried to let herself not be petty. Yet it seemed that everytime them valkyries ended up on their own, she ended up being the one following. She hated it. She hated the tought of being bound to another horses command when the situation became grave. If it were a horse like Hira or even Khala, she could have lived with it. She respected their prowess and expierence. First Froya however and now Khatra, she was starting to feel very underappreciated. It was not that she did not trust or respect the other mares. It was that she had not a single in her body that didn't scream at the tought off being beneath them. She longed for control and did not like any horse to have it over her unless she herself choose to follow them. Now at least she had the possibility to tell herself that the only reason the other mare got placed in set position was because she was a cousin of the war lord. It was clear to her that having the right blood got you places. She supposed she should not envy the other for it. In the end it was better to earn something by work than be gifted something after all. Kathra didn't seem like one to be full of herself. Or at least that was the impression she had gotten from her time spent with the mare. It was definitly better than Froya leading. Her ears perked as the subject of her toughts announced her plans for the group and she nodded her agreement. The sun was starting to set and it would soon be dark. It would do them little use pushing through after dark for this training. The patrol had been incredibly dull so far. Ever since the cultists had attacked, leaving Amber with a less than pleasant reminded in the form of a scar beneath her eye, their herd had been on high alert. Their trip so far however was uneventful. Of course this didn't mean they should let their attention waver however. This was still Onea after all, a land wild and untamed. There was no telling what could be hiding next.
Post 1 | 366 words
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Post by cogaidh on Dec 18, 2016 12:11:59 GMT -6
Òtama
With the warmer air of evening washing over the group of mares, Òtama was glad she had decided to leave the fur lining of her coat at home. She might miss the fur when night fell but she believed her own pelt was thick enough to stop the chill. For now, her breath was a steady pattern as she cantered at the end of the column of mares. She preferred the last spot so she could watch the other Valkyries, most of the others had more experience than her both in the field and as Valkyries. She mentally brushed the hilt of her sword, a nervous habit she had developed ever since she had started to wear the blade.
When the notice from the Warlord about the patrol had arrived at her home, Òtama had allowed herself a few moments of girlish excitement, her first true act as a Valkyrie. The giddy feeling had been quickly tempered by her calm nature, she was determined to make a good impression on her fellow Valkyries. Her grandparents had fussed over her, worrying about what could happen. She had had to remind them several times that she could take care of herself.
The sudden slowing of the mares in front of her brought her attention back to the present and she quickly slowed to a walk. Her long ears pricked forward, listening as the chimeric mare spoke. She didn’t know much about her, but Òtama had heard good things from the few Valkyries she knew about Kathra. The other three mares were a mystery to her but she was determined to get to know them better on this patrol. With the slower pace, Òtama was able to keep her head on a swivel, her ears flicking to catch any sound coming from the forest around her. With the weather warming, the dangers the dark woods harbored would be more active. Something about the dark woods had her nerves prickling, with such limited line of sight, only sounds would warn the mares.
[WC:338]
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Post by Darkrise on Dec 19, 2016 15:57:47 GMT -6
I got the opposite Of the Midas Touch | everyone 413 sorry it's so long xD Chibi by kingmeow Skye - W-F | Valkyrie
Skye was on edge. A sense of unease ripping through her slender form- not like she had some sort of premonition but because she had had a heated argument with her father. Since becoming a Valkyrie things in her family had been slightly easier; less arguments between the grey femme and her parents since she was no longer spending hours training in secret. However it seemed of late that the three got on each other’s nerves more often than not, usually resulting in one of Skye’s typical teenage strops (not that she would see it that way). Today it had been about the Bloody Flanks. The young mare had questioned her father about them, intrigue building up inside after word of increased activity from the outcast group had reached her extended ears. Her father had shut her down immediately, angered at her questioning for he was strict in believing them to be a threat upon the peace of Onea. So now Skye was in a bad mood, the scene whirling around in her head like a tornado as she replayed their argument. The slender equine’s remorse was something that few saw for she was as pig-headed as her father and would not back down, but she was feeling slightly remorseful as well as annoyed that her father had reacted so strongly.
To make matters worse the air was cold as the small Valkyrie troop patrolled the mountainside, the chilly wind screamed in her ears and stabbed at her coat. Skye tried hard not to allow the shivers to wrack her slender body, adamant that her oddly slim, almost Arabian form was not a weakness for a War-Forged warrior. Nevertheless with the biting wind and the emotions cascading through her body it was needless to say she was rather distracted despite the excitement buried deep at having been selected for the patrol. She was aware of the other four mares surrounding her, a chimeric femme taking the lead, a deep chestnut mare besides her and a brown and white mule taking up the rear. When the procession halted Skye had to dig her hooves into the rocky ground to keep from crashing into the mare in front for her eyes had been focused upon the grey beneath her. Pretty head snapped up sharply, her eyes scanning the area as long audits flicked to catch the lead femme’s words. However her mind was not in it, not really caring whether they stopped now or later. |
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Post by savannauni on Dec 19, 2016 18:01:25 GMT -6
Zestoka | Valkyrie | WF
Zestoka trotted along, her thick legs practically eating up the pathway in front of her. The draft mare was taking up the middle of the patrol. She eyed the other Valkyries in her presence, Kathra was leading, there was that little dun, Amber (who she knew from her last mission). Then there were two she did not know well, Skye and Otama. She was obviously the biggest here, making her the biggest target as well. But this living mountain would not shy from a fight. She was ready for more action after all that happened in her last mission, she was itching for another fight with the cultists, or anyone that pissed her off honestly.
While the land the troupe moved through was beautiful, with the pink and purple flowers in bloom, the richly green grass growing, and the woods alive with wild life, something in Zets bones was telling her that danger was in the air. She listened to Kathra and let out a "mm" of approval, it was best to be prepared to camp before the sun disappeared. As they continued trotting, and cantering her denim colored eyes continuously shifted around tracking everything. She would serve this chimeric mare appointed by her savior as best as she could.
Word Count: 217 | Post 1
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Post by Queerly on Dec 20, 2016 11:07:51 GMT -6
The sun is beginning to set. The prudent Valkyrie would make camp, but one of you notices the plume of smoke from a distant campfire. Perhaps there is an encampment nearby you can take advantage of for the night, and in the morning restock your supplies. At the very least, it would be a good idea to check in.
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Post by Silverfallingstar on Dec 20, 2016 11:19:03 GMT -6
As the mares were getting ready to look for a campsite, Kathra's eyes spotted something on the horizon. A plume of smoke slowly rose into the darkening sky, the slight glow of an encampment just barely lining the treeline. An encampment of scouts perhaps? Maybe they could join them for the night, safety in numbers, and continue on their way in the morning to head back to Mt. Skelder for their third day.
"Alright ladies, looks like there is an encampment nearby. Before we make our own campsite, let's check it out, we might be able to break camp with them." she picked up her pace to a fast trot, and looked back at the others as a thought struck her.
"Don't let your guard down just yet, we don't know who it is."
With that she broke into the canter she had made only moments before, cloven hooves beating rhythmically into the soft earth as she followed the scent of smoke. She wasn't aware of any scouting parties being sent out into this area, then again they had been away from home for a whole day, maybe something had happened since they'd been gone that warranted Hira to send out a few more.
Post 2|WC: 204
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Post by moonlightwalk on Dec 20, 2016 14:48:17 GMT -6
Amber | Valkyrie
It had been so quiet, Amber had wondered if there was some agreement not to speak. Perhaps everybody was just tired, perhaps they did not feel like it was worth the trouble starting conversation just like Amber did. Whatever the reason, Amber found it annoying and she was happy when they came across something of note.
Amber's eyes trailed up to lock onto the plume of smoke that towered in the quickly darkening sky. She supossed there could be safety in numbers if they were warforged like their own, but after the last big mission even Amber had grown warry of Vagabonds, more particullary so Cultists, who may lurk in their own territory. Expierence was the best of teacher's it seemed even if it was the harshest. So it was she had some concerns when Kathra announced her plan to check it out and in quick order started to trot in the apparant camp's direction. Surely Kathra too knew better than just blindly barge in with the idea of finding brethren to share the night with? The mare's next sentence soon had her worries soothed. Yes, they did need to upkeep their guard. It seemed the older mare did have sense after all. In quick order she was cantering as well, silently hoping it were just some farmers or traveling merchants spending the night. She did not like all feel like spending the night with scouts or raiders, no she preffered to keep away from those.
Post 2 | 246 words
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Post by cogaidh on Dec 20, 2016 19:41:52 GMT -6
Òtama
The faintest hint of smoke on the air had Òtama scanning the skyline around the group, just as she spotted the plume and prepared to speak up, Kathra spoke. Her long ears easily caught the commands, so they would check the encampment out. A camp of friendlies would be welcome to keep the dangers of the night at bay. The young mare loosened the tie holding her sword in its sheath, she could always tie it tight again if no danger presented itself but she wished to be prepared in case they came across hostiles.
After all the Bloody Flanks were back with blood on their hooves, her father had told her stories of battles he had fought under the last Warlord to unify the clans, and of the bloody coup they had attempted when she was just a filly. Cultists were also becoming more of a danger in the dark woods. The mere thought of Cultists had her blood boiling at the pain they had inflicted her by killing her father. Òtama was quick to calm herself though, she couldn’t mindlessly speculate and rush into battle. She had to think of all the possibilities. There was also no use to think of the ‘ifs’ in this type of situation, the group would find out soon enough if a fight was nearing. She broke into a canter with the other mares, her hooves thudding on the ground.
[WC:238]
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Post by savannauni on Dec 22, 2016 0:47:47 GMT -6
Zestoka | Valkyrie | War-Forged Her eyes were already looking to the horizon. The smoke, a nearly ominous message. As Kathra spoke about finding the owner, Zet nodded to show she agreed with the mares idea. "We are to be careful, remember cultists lurk in these woods." She told the group, a reminder from her last encounter. Before Zet set off again behind Kathra she paused by Amber, the mare who had been used as a hostage last time by an aggressive group of cultists. "History will not repeat itself today." She swore to the smaller mare in a soft voice only she could hear. It was a promise of protection and preparedness. Unlike last time, Zestoka now carried her breast plate on her shoulders and had grown stronger since the last time. She would not and could not be as easily caught off guard as last time. Once that was said she trotted off after Kathra, then her trot changed into a large strided canter. Her hooves treading on the damp earth was near silent. She caught up with the chimeric mare "I'm going to veer right, go around and double back." She told her, "I'm worried something might be close by." She added and waited for an ok before doing so. She veered from the others, carefully tuning through the underbrush, making minimal noise. She scared off a few hungry beasts that watched the horses go though, but saw nothing of great importance. Once she decided it was clear and had not picked up a whiff of anything that made her uncomfortable or worry, Zet came back to Kathra's side. "Nothing behind us, just in front I supposed." She told the mare. Word Count: 280 | Post 2 |
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Post by Darkrise on Dec 22, 2016 2:38:42 GMT -6
I got the opposite Of the Midas Touch | Post 2 313 c: Chibi by kingmeow Skye - W-F | Valkyrie
The acrid scent of smoke dusted Skye’s flared nostrils as the little group stopped- their focus directed to a plume of smoke dancing on the horizon of trees just below them. As one by one the femmes noticed it Skye couldn’t bite back the air of caution that swept over her like the frosty breeze. She was already on edge given the day she was having but running head long through a forest to chance a campfire in the hope that the horses there were friendlies was in her mind not the best idea in the world. It was odd for the fiery mare to keep her mouth shut this long but with her attention previously focused on the argument between her and her father she hadn’t said much.
“Maybe this isn’t a good idea…” she trailed off as the largest mare with beautifully gradiented hair doubled back to make sure they weren’t following. Though Skye did not doubt her strength, given her muscular size, the grey femme wasn’t entirely sure that the group should separate. However the large mare returned swiftly and unharmed.
With her attention now suitably diverted by the change of events, Skye was far more focused, her large ears pricked and swivelling about to catch any sounds nearby and her oceanic oculars were alert, gracing both the little group of mares as well as the mountain side around them. Skye of course had no idea about any previous ventures, thus unaware of the cultists besides the little mention they were given around Onea but it didn’t change the fact that as the small femme slipped into an easy canter after their leader her confidence was beginning to slip. Sure she wanted to be able to test out her new found battle skills, her reckless side coming out in that, but she did not want today to get any worse.
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Post by Silverfallingstar on Dec 22, 2016 15:06:21 GMT -6
The teenager nodded along to Zet's words. "Yes, and with the flanks out and about again, the cultists aren't the only threat in these woods anymore." As the braided mane of Zet came into her perif she swiftly jerked her head in approval.
"Go ahead, I trust your capabilities friend."
Purple eyes scanned around ahead of them while the group trudged on through the gathering dusk. The chimera was thankful she'd picked up some cleated horseshoes and bracers before leaving Skelder town, she was certainly getting better traction on the soft ground than she was used too. Soon, Zetstoka was back with her report.
"Good, keep me updated if that changes."
They continued on at their pace for several minutes more before Kathra quickly slowed down, signaling for the others to stop. Something caught her attention, a sound, many sounds, and not ones that boded good fortune.
"Something's wrong. Keep close and make as little noise as you can."
She blinked her eyes, and in a flash her vision went from alright to excellent as the eyes of an owl took over and replaced her normal, equine shaped eyes. Slowly the group of five sneaked through the underbrush until they had a clear view of the clearing up ahead. A campfire was burning away in the center, accompanied by four herders sitting around with their respective flocks of livestock. She recognized some of them from when she was a herder herself along with her older brother, and a few others during walks through Skelder town. But that wasn't what had her attention. She heard shouts as a group of five horses charged from one side of the clearing, shouting battle cries and acting with an obvious intent to rob and harm.
"Quickly now, prepare yourselves. Those herders are under attack, I realize we weren't sent on this patrol for combat training, but we would be a disgrace to the name Valkyrie if we didn't help." She looked each of the four in the eyes, gaze grim and determined.
"Ready yourselves, and wait for my signal."
Post 3|WC: 345
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Post by moonlightwalk on Dec 22, 2016 16:51:44 GMT -6
Amber | Valkyrie
Zestoka came up to Amber, no doubt trying to ensure the mare, but instead managing to tick her off. She breezed loudly at the remark, shaking her mane and throwing her head in the air as she picked up her pace a little. "Like I would let it," came the fiery reply. She was not making the same mistake again if it was up to her. One time was plenty and the scar under her eye that marred her appearance was a permanent reminder to be more carefull. They continued a little while longer before Zestoka brought them to a halt. Amber squinted, trying to see what was happening but with little light, she could only make out some shadowy figures and a campfire. Kathra however made skillful use of their blessing - to which Amber could lament her own - and announced the situation. Amber's blood took only seconds to boil. Who dared attack members of their herd? Valkyrie or no valkyrie, the mare was ready to give them a beating. She was meagerly equipped but it would have to do. Muscles bunching in preparation she readied herself into a battle stance, ready to take of at the first signal Kathra gave. "How many are there?"
Post 3 | 209 words
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Post by cogaidh on Dec 22, 2016 17:22:53 GMT -6
Òtama
The young mare took confidence from the calm that Zestoka showed, the older mare seemed quite skilled in the ways of a warrior. Her ears her perked forward as she moved to canter beside Skye, as the two least experienced mares in the group they should probably stick close to each other. “I’m sure we’ll be fine,” Òtama murmured to the grey mare as she watched Zestoka split off from the group to scout the forest behind and around them. Her ears caught the exchange between Kathra and the large mare and she was relieved to know that the only possible threats were before them. Though she would keep part of her mind aware of what was going on behind the group, just in case.
When the group quickly slowed to a stop, Òtama undid the last tie on her sword gripping the hilt firmly with her mind. Something was wrong, the skin just behind her ears felt tight as instincts warned of danger. Only she and Zestoka wore true protective gear and she hoped that no one would get injured. As the group carefully slipped through the undergrowth, the young mule strained her eyes to make out the figures around the fire. They seemed to be herders, and just as she made out the shapes of their livestock the sounds of battle cries cut the air on the other side of the camp clearing. Any who would attack herders showed themselves as enemies of the Valkyrie.
At Kathra’s announcement she met the chimeric mare’s eyes, steely determination shining in her own, she would gladly fight beside the other mares to protect the members of her herd. To prepare herself Òtama sent a silent prayer to Kaia asking for valor in battle and to not dishonor her father’s training. She silently slid her sword from its sheath, keeping the bronze blade low as to not let the firelight shine off it. The livestock in the clearing were panicking at the attack, their frightened cries filling the night air. She would have to be constantly aware of everything, where the livestock were, the herders, her fellow sisters-in-arms, and especially the attackers, any slip of concentration could cause injury. Slim muscles bunched under the thick leather of her battle coat, ready for the signal to join the battle.
[WC:386] | Post:3 |
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Post by savannauni on Dec 23, 2016 7:32:37 GMT -6
Zestoka continued to weave through the trees next to the group of Valkyries. She was still on the look out for anything out of the norm, even if the little flaxen mare did not heed her words, she was going to be prepared no matter what. Goes would have expected one the less from the battalion. As Kathra slowed Zet did to and then stopped on signal. Her eyes now trained on Kathra, the chimeric mare could see something the rest of the group could not. Hearing some suddenly louder noises Zets ears swiveled foreword and she stood up straight as she listened. Wordlessly and noiselessly she moved back to Kathra's side until her large body was out of the trees and she could see.
Zestoka worked her way along with the group. They moved like a snow leopard on the prowl, quiet, quick, as efficiently. As they approached the clearing and stopped on the edge Zet listened and waited, all her muscles tense. The horses at the bottom were of war forged, headers to be exact, but as she heard the cries of battle her denim eyes shot up to see the band or horses approaching rapidly from the opposite side of them. Zet was ready to gallop down with a bellow of her own and rip their throats out but hearing Kathra's words she waited, as still as a cat. Her eyes stayed mostly trained on the opposing group, yet her eyes flicked to Kathra every so often waiting for that signal. The signal that would let Zestoka kill without mercy.
(Will doctor up later bc I'm trash <3 )
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Post by Queerly on Dec 23, 2016 16:30:01 GMT -6
 The sound of shouting reaches your ears, and without a word, your party unanimously quickens its pace.
Soon you are hurtling through the woods, chasing the sound of mayhem. A large meadow looms ahead, filled with herd members in peril.
You don't know who their enemies are, but you know exactly what you're going to do to the scoundrals.
Move to Plot 302: Pillage and Plunder!
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