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Post by Quorkbirb on May 25, 2017 22:50:33 GMT -6
Theives' Harvest
Setting:
Late Morning, Mid-Late Fall of 1700, the week leading up to the largest harvest market in Skeldr Town.
Froya and a squad of Valkyries (with a single Scout) are 5 days travel from Skeldr Town, patrolling where the War Lord's Road is bordered by forest and farmland. The main objective of the assignment is to ensure the safety of Onean travelers on the trade route, but it will also serve as a training mission for the younger Valkyries. If possible, vagabonds are to be subdued, bound, and brought back to Skeldr Town to be sold into the Aodhian slave trade. All team members have been equipped with at least two ropes for this purpose.
Technicalities:
Minimum Word Count: 200
Post Frequency: 1-2 times a week |
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Post by ebbarie on May 26, 2017 3:22:42 GMT -6
Alvaro | War-Forged | Farmer
If you haven’t found something strange during the day; it hasn’t been much of a day
A last quick glance assured him that everything was packed up and safely stowed on the small cart again. The large stallion stepped into the leather harness and after a short moment of effort the cart rolled smoothly over the fastened road.
The way from his home at the edge of the shore was difficult, he stopped counting the time his chariot had been stuck in the mud, and so it was always a relief to finally reach the road.
His cart was much more lightweight than the last years. Something he was not that happy about. The harvest this summer had been rather bad, probably one of the worst he ever had, but hopefully still enough. His sea crops were still growing and with them he should be well-prepared for the winter.
Alvaro absently hummed a melody to himself and listened to the noises around him. The clatter of his hooves on the hard ground, the silent creaking of his cart and the old trees around him and dozens of different birds with all their voices mixed-up.
Once in awhile he shook his head and neck to chase away a few flies. His bright coat seemed to attract the damn little beasts from everywhere.
The sun was still hidden away behind some dark clouds that promised some rain and the wind already contained an sharp and icy touch that was an early sign of the coming winter.
Suddenly the crackling that came out of the forest became louder - and obviously more than just old creaking trees.
Alvaro stopped and took a quick glance around, ears pricked up and watchful. Maybe just a big animal, but usually these remained aloof from the road.
“Hello?! Is someone out there?” he called out, his voice still calm. For a few seconds the sounds became silent, then someone answered him. “Hello? Is someone out there?” a strange voice mimicked him with a mocking undertone and. A few figures came out of the forest and blocked the way.
Alvaro remained where he was, the mask on his face still friendly even if his heart started to beat heavily in his chest.
“Good morning. What can I do for you?” he asked courteous but vigilant. This horses were no Raiders, nor fellow merchants or farmers. Maybe scouts, but even this was not likely. Presumably Vagabonds. And he was unarmed.
The small group erupted in laughter and two of them started to sneak around his cart. “You can be quiet. Stay where you are. We will take this and leave.” one of them told him with a sly smile.
Alvaro’s ears folded flat against his back and vigorously shook his head. Without the profit from the crops he wouldn’t be able to get him and his wife through the winter. “No. Unfortunately I can’t allow that.” he replied and stared down to the thief in front of him.
“Too bad, too bad for you” he answered and with a small sign from him his whole group started to attack.
The large stallion had assumed that this would happen and so he was able to get out of the harness from the cart before the first blow hit him. He was large and strong from the work on the fields, but he wouldn’t be able to defend himself against the whole group.
“SOMEBODY, HELP!” he roared as loud as he could, not knowing if anyone was close enough to hear him. Before he could concentrate back onto the fight, someone rammed his legs and the hippocampus was knocked to the ground.
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Post by Quorkbirb on May 26, 2017 5:35:31 GMT -6
Froya | Valkyrie
Her hooves fell softly on the mossy floor, pausing at the rise of a small hill. Cool sunlight filtered through the piney branches, sending a spray of glittering shards of light upon the backs and faces of the small train of mares. Froya stole a glance back at her squadron as they trekked through the woods not far behind her. Hjordis and Otama followed her closest, tasked with ensuring that any signs of vagabond activity that the initial sweep didn't find wouldn't be missed. Remembering how well they worked together on Otama's first day of training, it had been an obvious choice for Froya to pair up the mares. It was odd how much Otama had changed since that day. The metal framed leg that she now sported was, curiously, not the most jarring change to Froya. To accommodate the prosthetic, the warrior had opted to physically age herself so that the leg would not need frequent replacement as she grew. It was startling (dare say, unsettling?) to see how much maturing the soldier had done overnight. Having your foalish junior suddenly sprout into a fully fledged mare ... took some getting used to.
Sisters Alyshia and Addeva shadowed the older mares closely. The young zonkey was of the age when a colt would be expected to take on more serious undertakings, so there was no reason to expect any less of her. Still, it was risky having such a young horse on a potentially deadly mission and so her sister had been charged with keeping her in line. Many of the more inexperienced Valkyries despised having to closely mentored by an older mare, but Froya imagined that it must be a little easier if that mare was your sister. Zestoka was positioned at the rear of the company, dwarfing the mares before her and providing an invaluable defense should an enemy manage to ambush them from behind. From this position, Addeva would be well guarded, but still able to learn from watching the Valkyries around her.
Froya's eyes shifted from her companions and to the road that lay visible in patches through the thin fence of trees hid the mares from view. It had been days since they encountered anyone on the road and for a while it seemed as though the mission would remain uneventful. However, just two evenings prior, signs of vagabond activity had begun to crop up. More frequently now the scout, Fox, would return with news of tracks or traces of sinister activities. Today, Froya had sent her ahead of the party so that she could use her talents to ferret out clues in a broader area more quickly. Ordered to return at any urgent sightings, Froya trusted her to be swift enough to keep herself safe.
Just as she was about to move forward again, the mare's ears perked forward. She thought she had heard something, some sort of commotion in the distance. Turning quickly, she beckoned Otama and Hjordis to hurry up the hill.
"Listen." she breathed "Do you hear something?"
Staring into the direction that the sound had come as if the trees would part and reveal the source, Froya strained her ears for the faint noises of the disturbance.
Post: 1
Word Count: 538
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Post by cogaidh on May 26, 2017 6:50:47 GMT -6
Otama | War-Forged | Valkyrie
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 good to be back with on a mission with her sisters-in-arms, she had been restricted to only brief missions around Skeldr Town till her superiors were confident she was fit for duty once more. It had taken time to get used to her new leg, chaffing had been a major issue in the first few weeks, but as she wore and used the prosthetic more the sores dissipated. Though the previous night had her rubbing numbing paste into the stump, to ease some of the discomfort of the distance traveled. It had also taken time to get used to how the aging potion had affected her, she could still feel the distinct shift in her thoughts from before and after, the change from the more innocent mindset to a more mature outlook. It had affected how she trained, how she fought, but not how she found friends.
Òtama had been elated when Froya had paired her with Hjordis, their friendship was still strong despite the changes. The past days had helped her reassure herself and the other mares in the group that she was fit for duty, even after such a traumatic first mission she was still as dedicated a Valkyrie as any of her sisters-in-arms. Though it still was a comfort to see the sturdy bulwark that was Zestoka in their group.
A chuffing complaint had Òtama leaning her head to the side to nuzzle the perpetually annoyed Veka, he had gotten used to the other mares around him, but he was not a social creature. He often disappeared into the forests around the party, always close, but unseen. She was glad to have him and her sword at her side, with the increasing signs of Vagabond activity she kept herself alert and watching the forests. The two ropes that were attacked to her pack felt heavier than they actually were, Òtama didn’t much care for slavery, but it would be better to get these bandits out of the forests than to leave them to do their mischief.
When Froya paused at the crest of a small hill, Òtama slowed and waited, shaking her neck to shoo away the biting insects that enjoyed this time of day. She turned her head to look into the woods, eyes searching for anything out of place. Her leader’s quick turn and beckon had Òtama moving to stand to her left one long ear cocked towards Froya the other still swiveling. Froya had heard something? With both ears facing forward now, Òtama closed her eyes and listened. Faintly she could hear… something, indistinct shouts filtered to near whispers by the forest, slightly louder roars of a stallion’s fury helped to clarify what she heard. “Sounds like a fight,” she murmured to the other mare.
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Post by Wolf-mask on May 26, 2017 9:20:37 GMT -6
Hjordis
It felt good to get back to normal missions. Having been camped out in the mountains, protecting the War-Lord and her new born twins for days on end had left Hjordis feeling more than a little stir-crazy. She itched to get back into regular missions, where she’d be able to fight those who deserved punishment and to defend the other horses of her homeland. It felt even better to be paired up with the two good friends she had made in her time in the Valkyries. Froya was the head of their little squadron, with Hjordis and Otama right by her flanks. Hjordis couldn’t keep the smile off her snout as she trotted alongside the two. As always, Froya was her commanding self, look over every grove of trees with a serious and calculating gaze. Hjordis admired that. Not only was the other mare looking out for any stray Vagabonds that might attack them, she was looking after her other comrades. Otama though, the change in her had been difficult for Hjordis to accept. When she had returned from her trip with the War-Lord and her chosen warriors and medics, the dun mare had been devastated to learn of Otama’s amputation. She was filled with a rage at the thought that her sister-in-arms had been wounded so severely, and that she hadn’t been there to give the bastard that took the mule’s leg a good mauling. Hjordis may have voiced such thoughts to Otama, claiming she’d track down the other mare, much to Otama’s chagrin. Even if the Valkyrie had calmed down since that incident, deep in the back of her mind the mare still swore that if she ever encountered that other mare, she wouldn’t hesitate to go after her. Dragging her mind out of the past, Hjordis was brought the present when the mare in front of her had stopped walking, and was urging both her and Otama up next to her. Hjordis quickly made her way to her friend’s side, glaring out over the shadow kissed forest, only flashes of lightning making it more visible for her to make out the distinct shapes of the trees. Like the other two Valkyries, she could hear shouting and the thunders of hooves faintly over the rumble of thunder and the drumming of rain hitting her flank. Her muzzle contorted into a snarl, “It’s not a good fight by the sounds of it. There were those Vagabond tracks Fox found earlier, it could be them.” she said, looking at Froya and Otama out of the corner of her eye. Froya was the leader of the mission, so all orders would be up to her. Otama was more knowledgeable than her, so Hjordis would leave tactics to her. Hjordis wasn’t the best at thinking up plans, but she was definitely the best at following them.
WC: 485 | Post: 1
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Post by Svantanon on May 26, 2017 23:39:21 GMT -6
As somber as the mission was, Alyshia couldn’t deny how good it felt to be back in Onea. Valore was beautiful, but suffocating. It was nothing like the open wild space she had grown up in and sworn fealty to. Home was in the smell of pine and earth and the cool touch of mountain air.
It seemed only fitting that her first mission upon return would be a patrol with Addeva. Aly lacked the heightened sense of kinship that the other Valkyries now shared—having been involved in a more… dire… predicament at the time—and while she was glad to be among her sisters-in-arms again over that of stuffy scouts, it was comforting to have family with her. She may have been put in ‘charge’ of the young zonkey, but the two had fought at each other’s sides before. Alyshia had faith in Addeva’s judgment, although the obligatory twinge of worry and protectiveness was ever-present.
Poofkin was trotting alongside them blissfully, making vague purring/rumbling noises that Alyshia just may have mistaken for humming, if there were any tune or rhythm to it. She wondered not for the first time since acquiring her what was going through the oddball snow leopard’s head, but brought herself to a halt as soon as Froya did, fixing the patrol leader with attentive focus.
“Listen. Do you hear something?”
Alyshia craned her neck forward, trying to catch whatever Froya had heard just beyond the trees. Poofkin pressed to her side as her pelt fluffed up, an inaudible growl being felt in her forelegs. Sure enough, there was some kind of commotion in the distance; a scuffle. She was suddenly hyper aware of the protective neckwear Asalah had given her, and the steel dagger sheathed at her side.
“Sounds like a fight.”
“It’s not a good fight by the sounds of it. There were those Vagabond tracks Fox found earlier, it could be them.”
Alyshia inhaled as though to contribute, but closed her maw after a pause. It would be unnecessary to ask Froya what she’d have them do, next. The best she could do was to prepare.
In any case, if push came to shove, Ignacio’s shield blessing was going to come in handy. She and Az had done a lot of practicing in her time in Valore, and she was ready to put the new ability to good use.
~~~~~~~~~
Post: 1
Word Count: 397
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Post by notadonkey on May 27, 2017 2:20:32 GMT -6
Addeva
War Forged | Valkyrie
The smallest of the Valkyries trotted alongside her sister, eyes wide and large ears facing forward in attention. The past handful of days have been somewhat boring if the hybrid was being honest with herself, but that didn't much matter compared to how freaking awesome it was to be on a mission with not only her sister Alyshia, but with much more experienced Valkyries. A sort of giddiness welled up in Addeva's chest when they received their assignment. She was young, she knew that, but she couldn't help feeling like she had something to prove to all of them. This was her first mission with her fellow Valkyries after all. She wanted to show the older mares she can run with the best of them. She adjusted the thick rope draped over her shoulder. Hearing word from Fox that there have been Vagabonds around made her heart thunder with anticipation. She knew little about the slave trade other than the fact that it exists, though if these people were attacking others for no good reason, she couldn't see why they shouldn't be tied up and shoved somewhere else for away from here. Addeva tried to keep her eyes glued forward towards Otama and Hjordis, but she couldn't help but glance around at the trees that surrounded the pathway they took, noticing the little tracks left behind by rabbits and deer. She tried her best to look out for danger of course, but she had developed a bad habit of taking time to note the foliage. Her blue eyes fell to Poofkin as the pale snow leopard kept up, a smile coming to her. Addeva was ecstatic to have her sister back in Onea along with the new addition to the family. As the party halted, Addy was shoved back to reality by nearly bumping into Otama. Shuffling her hooves and gaining her composure, she listened along with the others as the muffled sounds of a struggle could faintly be heard. Vagabonds? The zonkey looked up at Alyshia before looking to Froya, awaiting her orders. Not unlike Aly, she knew there was no point in speaking. Whatever was happening, she was ready to face it head on.
Post #1 | WC: 374 |
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Post by tarriedsea on May 30, 2017 13:42:38 GMT -6
 Fox always felt strange around the Valkyries. Their presence reminded her of that day long ago when she appealed for the position and was refused. Now, years later, it wasn't jealousy that made her uneasy. They were brutish mares, hardly feminine, too bloodthirsty and war-centered to spark envy in her heart. There was just something about the way they walked, as if they felt superior for being so close to the War Lord herself, as if their orders were from Kaia herself.
And Fox was just a scout. Just a scout.
So she wasn't heartbroken to be given the charge from Froya to stay ahead of the group. She didn't much want to busy herself with the conversations they would be having. Probably about rolling in the dirt and graphic descriptions about punching enemies in the face. Gross.
The sun sprinkled through the trees, nearing its peak for the day. Down a hillside on her left, the farmlands spread out as far as she could see. It was always foreign for her to see the flatlands of Onea. She was so accustomed to seeing mountains standing like behemoths in the distance, being here she felt very... exposed. Vulnerable.
And it didn't help that she had seen fresh hoofprints yesterday. Sure, it could be farmers or merchants or travelers or bards. But it could also be someone with more sinister intentions. The group had been given ropes & orders to round up rogue Vagabonds if spotted, and the ends of the ropes softly hit her sides as she walked, like a hovering demon promising conflict and fighting.
But right now she wasn't thinking of that. Her mind was elsewhere, thinking of the still-green grass at home and how she wanted to go see Muiris as soon as she got there, when a low rumble hit her hooves like electric shocks. She stopped, her braid slapping against her neck. Still.
Hoofbeats.
Flurries of hoofbeats.
And a scream.
"HELP!"
Her blood ran cold. It was a few hundred yards southeast, far enough to where she remained unnoticed, but the Valks were unseen behind her. They could be a quarter mile behind her, she didn't know.
Shit! All her hoping and aching for a peaceful patrol mission went out the window.
She spun on her heel and lurched back up the trail, her heart roaring in her ears. With any luck they weren't far-
A few hundred yards away, the group walked as a path of dots. She galloped full-tilt at them, turning up dust clouds behind her and skidding to a stop before Froya.
"A cry.. for help," she panted between breaths. She looked Froya straight in the eye. "Someone needs help. Lots of hoofbeats. Could be an ambush."
She suddenly felt like a pansy for not investigating the situation further to give Froya more details, but she wasn't about to get caught in the middle of something if Hira's harem was there to take care of it.
OOC: Fox has the Tremor Sense blessing which allows her to "feel" vibrations in the earth before she sees or hears anything. |
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Post by Quorkbirb on Jun 1, 2017 4:24:02 GMT -6
Froya | Valkyrie
Nodding as her sisters confirmed her own observations, she turned and barked at the party as a whole. "There is a disturbance up ahead, be ready for attack! Alyshia, Addeva, keep your ears out for anyone approaching from behind. Lets move!"And as swiftly as she addressed them, she turned to spring into healthy canter to move fast, but conserve energy. Their chorus of hoof-beats didn't rumble through the forest for long before Fox came hurtling to join them, stopping Froya in her tracks to hear the report. With eyes locked upon Fox and soaked in the information intently, her mind immediately whirring and plotting. The cry for help could be earnest, but (while unlikely) it could also be bait to lure passerby off the roadway. Eyes darting to analysis the warriors collected around her, Froya formulated a plan. "Alright," she said, squaring herself up and looking rather authoritative, "Since I can get there swifter, I will fly ahead and try to at least keep the situation from escalating further. Fox, lead the Valkyries to where you heard the fight. Be quick, I doubt I can hold them off for long without you. Otama, Alyshia, once you arrive, use your blessings to shield any victims from further attack. Understood?"
She looked them all over sternly for a moment, lingering on each face to assess if they seemed to understand the plan, but they wavered over Addeva. The young filly was as ready as she'd ever be and Froya needed to trust in her, but it was always hard to let go of worry and allow a foal to prove she was a mare. Satisfied that her companions grasped the strategy in full, she nodded and readied herself to jump into the air. With her legs bunched, she burst upwards into an explosion of gold, emerging as a soaring eagle. Propelling herself upwards with semi-familiar wing beats, she weaved through branches before breaking through the canopy. The sudden sunlight, though dulled by oncoming clouds, dazzled her briefly and she glided in a circle to allow herself time to adjust. Finally, stealing one last glace at the team below her, she shot off in the direction from which Fox had come. It didn't take long for her to catch sight of the brawl, if it could be called that. With the only victim grounded, it looked as if the fight was all but won. With keen eagle aim, Froya targeted the criminal who had knocked the farmer to the ground, folded her wings close to her body, and fell into a plummeting dive. Just before she collided into the horse, she pulled upwards breifly to decelerate, shifted, and extended her legs so that her hooves plastered into the side of the vagabond. All the energy of her fall barreled into the villain and sent them crashing to the ground, their ribs giving a loud, disgusting CRACK as her attack pinned them to the road. Stumbling for a moment herself before recollecting her purchase on solid ground, Froya roared at the remaining gaggle of thieves as she lunged over Alvaro protectively. "Back off!"
Post: 2
Word Count: 521
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Post by cogaidh on Jun 1, 2017 6:01:12 GMT -6
Otama | War-Forged | Valkyrie
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.
The rain started to fall, pattering of nearby leaves and leaving cold spots on her coat, when Froya called for movement and Òtama cantered in her position just behind their leader. Veka bounded off to her free side with Hjordis moving next to her. Her hooves thudded on the ground, her spiked shoes offered her a greater grip, which came quite in handy when the red mare came hurtling out of the growing gloom of the storm. Tucking her hindquarters to quickly stop she listened to the Scout’s report, she pawed at the ground with her metal leg, she gave the hilt of her sword a mental grip of reassurance. She would definitely be ready for whatever fight would be coming.
She gave a brisk nod when Forya gave out orders for the Valkyries, her mastery of her blessing of Earth Manipulation would be useful in protecting civilians from attackers. She watched with a smile as Froya turned into a great eagle, that blessing always amazed her. With Fox leading, Òtama moved in a half-galloped, she might not be the fastest of the Valkyrie but she could move at speed when needed. Thunder mixed with the pounding of hooves, hopefully they could resolve this disturbance before the sky opened and a late fall storm soaked them all. Veka silently bounded at her side, his dark coat making him a shadow next to her. She was just beginning to feel the start of a jarring throb in her right leg, when she spotted their destination. She could see Froya standing protectively between a horse on the ground and a group circling them. Though there seemed to be one other of the Vagabonds struggling to get to his hooves.
Òtama strengthened her connection with the ground as she rapidly approached the brawl with her fellow Valkyries. With a small bound, she sent a ripple through the earth causing a pillar of earth to burst from the ground below one of the attackers that had circled around to the back of Froya, the farmer, and his chariot cart. He was sent sprawling by the earth, and Òtama let the ground settle back down as she skidded to a halt behind the chariot. She drew her sword and a flash of lightning lit up the edge of the blade. They had moved away from the storm front to get to the fight, but the storm was still approaching.
Veka barked out a growl, as he moved around the other side of the Vagabond she had knocked down, slashing at him with his razor claws. Òtama kept awareness of that Vagabond with her blessing as she turned to the other one that had moved to the back of the chariot, eyes hard and sword ready. She trusted her other sister-in-arms to move to the front of where Froya stood to deal with the Vagabonds there. She didn’t say anything, waiting for the other horse to make the move.
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Post by Svantanon on Jun 1, 2017 22:10:48 GMT -6
Alyshia was starting to get antsy when Froya made the decision to move. Relieved that they were finally taking action-- in spite of a single flash of anxiety in her stomach-- she glanced at Addeva briefly before leaping into a steady gallop after the patrol, taking care to look over her shoulder to ensure no one was following them.
The patrol skidded to a halt only when Fox sped into view, gasping for breath in between words.
"A cry.. for help. Someone needs help. Lots of hoofbeats. Could be an ambush.”
It was admittedly jarring to see her this way; Aly had only known her as the snappy, glowering scout from the mission they’d shared before, and hadn't necessarily seen her 'in action' until now. She couldn't help wondering what Fox must be thinking about their second shared adventure, but she supposed it was only fitting that they’d find themselves in a mess together once again.
A mess Alyshia was ready to take on. A steely gleam flashed in her eyes as she wordlessly slipped her dagger out of its sheathe, holding it with telekinesis at her side.
" Otama, Alyshia, once you arrive, use your blessings to shield any victims from further attack. Understood?"
The dappled mare met Froya’s harsh eyes with a nod. “Understood!”
And in a burst of light, their patrol leader was off; soaring into whatever battle lay ahead for them.
Damn, what an awesome blessing.
The rest of them moved swiftly after, Poofkin letting loose a yowl that Alyshia couldn’t help taking as a battlecry. Praying one last time for Kaia and Ignacio to look after her little sister, Aly kept in pace with Otama rather than running ahead, knowing full well that she’d be helping no one if she got there winded.
By the time they reached the chaos, Froya had already taken care of one vagabond and was standing over the unmistakable victim. Otama sent another one flying via earth-spikes.
…Damn what an awesome blessing!
But Alyshia knew full well what was expected of her, and recalling all her training with Az, shoved an attacking vagabond out of the way before knocking him further off-balance with a freshly summoned shield of light. She planted herself firmly in front of the farmer and spun her dagger at eye level, eyes flashing.
“Stand down, outlaw filth,” the mare spat out icily as her snow leopard menaced forward, snarling.
~~~~~~~~
Post: 2
Word Count: 393
P.S. I am a hapless noob when it comes to figuring out how horses fight so please bear with me
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Post by ebbarie on Jun 2, 2017 0:24:29 GMT -6
Alvaro | War-Forged | Farmer
If you haven’t found something strange during the day; it hasn’t been much of a day
They held him down on the ground. He had became strong over the years and was a heavy horse, but that of no use as long as he was pinned on the floor. Two of them assured that he would not interfere, while the other three browsed through the stuff on his chariot cart.
This situation should be a lesson to him. Which other farmer or merchant would wander through Onea without at least a dagger by his side, or even better one or two Raiders or Scouts?
Alvaro did. And nothing had ever happened to him during the years. But maybe it had been only a matter of time.
He took in a deep breath and flexed his muscles and prepared for one more try to wiggle out of the Vagabonds grasp. The stallion kicked out with his hind legs and actually managed to push away one of his opponent. However before he could do another move, a blade was held onto his throat.
“I thought I said STAY DOW….” the Vagabond started furious, but suddenly he stopped and turned his attention to the sky, only a second before a great eagle threw itself at him. Just before the feathered, brown body hit the horse, it’s shape was blurred for a blink of an eye. The next moment it was actually another horse that crashed against the thief.
To say that Alvara was a little confused would be the understatement of the year.
An eagle had tried to help him and then that eagle just turned into a fuzzy, brown mare with a grim and determined expression. Sure he had heard about Kaia’s gift of Shape Shifting, but it was a whole other thing to see the blessing in action. It was incredible.
“BACK OF”. Her bellowed command brought the farmer back into the here and now.
Instinctively he turned his head around to see if someone was sneaking up behind them, and the moment he spotted the Vagabond behind him, the earth itself started to tremble and a massive pillar shield him from his opponent. The earth went down again and now another mare stood at the pillars place. A dark, big cat, probably a Snow Leopard attempted to attack the Vagabond lying on the ground.
Finally the farmer remembered that he also still lay there like a fish out of water. Quickly he struggled back on his legs shook himself. Alvaro couldn’t believe how lucky he was. By now he could see six mares around him, five of them shared the determined expression on their faces. They were all armed and obviously knew what they were doing. They had to be Valkyries.
Only one mare stood a little bit away from the fight, a chestnut with feathers in her mane.
“Thank you” he rapped out breathlessly and took a quick glance around the scene, to see if he might could help someone to overwhelm their opponent.
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Post by notadonkey on Jun 5, 2017 2:22:55 GMT -6
Addeva
War Forged | Valkyrie
Hoof beats could be heard increasing rapidly towards them before Fox busted into view with a spew of dirt. It was surprising when Addeva found out that she would be accompanying them on this little trip. She didn't seem particularly fond of her and her sister when they were out scouring the middle of nowhere. Though then again, they were being chased by massive Bloody Flank raiders. What she said made her large ears pin backwards. So those tracks really were a sign of Vagabond activity. As Froya relayed her instructions, Addeva stood at the ready. She briefly ran a telekinetic touch to her newly acquired dagger, which was held tightly in place in a holster fashioned to her right bracer. She hasn't used it in action yet...though that will probably change today. "Understood!" She said in unison to her sister before the brown mare held her gaze with Addeva. The young Valkyrie tried with all her might to explain wordlessly that she could do this. She wasn't just some dumb filly that started training yesterday. She watched as Froya turned, seemingly (hopefully) getting Addeva's message. As their patrol leader shot away with a burst, she couldn't help but unhinge her jaw in awe as she looked up in wonder. Damn, she's a badass. With determination and a twinge of nervousness, Addeva galloped behind her sister at a steady pace. Alyshia arrived to the scene in style by slamming a fool with a solid circle of light right before her eyes. Addeva leaped over the stunned form as they fell to the ground, jumping on their side before pushing off with force to knock the wind out of them. "And stay down!" She landed beside the farmer's cart. With a quick flick, her bronze blade was revealed before her. She glanced at the farmer as he stood on all fours, relieved that he was alright. The guy was huge (even by her tiny zonkey standards), but by looking around...he was heavily outnumbered before they showed up. She thanked Kaia they were in the right place at the right time. Addeva revealed her teeth in a scowl, eyeing the outlaws, daring them to attempt to attack again.
Post#2 | WC: 373 |
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Post by Wolf-mask on Jun 7, 2017 14:24:01 GMT -6
Hjordis
At Froya’s orders Hjordis could only nod. It would seem that all the dun mare would have to do was a full frontal attack. A wicked grin lit up Hjordis’s face at the prospect of a huge fight, if Fox’s words were to go by. The mare lived for battle, she thrived in it. Her father had gifted her the name meaning “sword goddess” for a reason, perhaps he knew that one day his little filly would become more than some blushing bride for a wealthier herder’s son. Silently the mare thanked Kaia for setting up her destiny in this way. She charged her way down the War Lord’s road, running alongside her Sisters-in-arms. The dirt beneath her hooves kicked up behind her as she willed her legs to run as fast as she could. There was one of her herd in danger, after all. Whoever it was would need their help and Hjordis would bring righteous justice upon those vagabonds who would dare to harm one of the civilians under her and her sisters’ charge in the name of War Lord Hira herself. As they came over the rise, Hjordis watched as Otama bowled over one of the vagabonds with her earth manipulation. She could spy Froya up at the front and charged past where Otama had stopped beside the fallen vagabond, hearing her familiar maul the dazed horse. The dun mare drew the armory sword at her side as she skidded to a stop beside Froya, daring any of the vagabonds to toe any farther towards their patrol. It seemed that the other Valkyries were making quick work of the other outlaws surrounding the cart, Hjordis felt a surge of pride for her sisters. Even little Addeva was standing up to these marauders. “If you value your lives, you’ll stay right where you are.” The mare snarled with a wicked grin, as if she was tempting them to even try and get a step forward. Hjordis would cut them down before they even got to the farmer and his cart behind her, both of which seemed to be doing much better now. Silently she thanked Kaia and Alya that the patrol had gotten here in time to save the stallion, and that it wasn’t a trap set up by the thieves.
Post: 2 | WC: 390
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Post by tarriedsea on Jun 11, 2017 9:27:06 GMT -6
In a flash, Froya's body melded into the golden shape of an eagle, and she shot ahead of the group. Seeing the shapeshifting blessing up close always awed Fox, but this wasn't a time to dawdle on that. Froya had barked orders bluntly, like reciting a command-book.
She gave one look over the Valkyries and galloped on ahead to where she heard the cry. She felt weird leading them, if only in physical location. She was older than most of them- heck, Addeva was small in both stature and years on the ground. But they all possessed an inner fire that was so different from hers. And she wasn't one to worry about what others thought of her, but she couldn't help but try to put on a brave face and seem more competent than she felt. These mares had notoriety in the herd, and if Fox screwed anything up, she knew word would travel fast.
Maybe she had been too hard on Alyshia and Addeva on their last quest together. Maybe she had misjudged them.
She would at least reconsider it.
The trees opened to the scene of the fight, where Froya had changed back to her normal form and had pinned down a rogue horse. A draft-looking stallion was on his side on the ground, panting, near a large cart. Swirling around her, the Valkyries behind Fox jumped into action without hesitation, slamming into the other rogue horses
Fox watched the Valks separate in tandem. Not many words were shared between them but they moved as one machine, dancing around one another. The fight wasn't graceful by any means- the thud of bodies hitting each other was gruesome, and some hides started to spark blood- but it was artful.
Quick as a lynx, Fox retreated to the forest's edge. She wouldn't hide like a coward, but she was wholly unfit for this part of the job. Let the Valks do their thing.
She watched the draft scramble up and look around, locking eyes with her. Fox knew he was the victim by the fear in his eyes. He approached her.
"Thank you," he said hoarsely.
"Of course," Fox replied, her voice breaking with adrenaline. "Stand behind me. I'm Fox, I'm a Scout. What's your name? Are you okay? Is that your cart?"
She was smaller than him but didn't want him to be in the open where he could be easily seen or attacked again. She beckoned toward the trees to shield him with her body as best she could. She couldn't fight like the Valkyries, but she'd do her part. |
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Post by Quorkbirb on Jun 16, 2017 3:22:17 GMT -6
Froya | Valkyrie
Outnumbered, Froya stood tense as she awaited an attack from any side, her eyes and ears swiveling wildly as she tried to stay aware of the remaining bandits. No attack reached her, however, and relief washed over her as her comrades sprang from the forest. Swarming the scene, enemies began to fall as the Valkyries swiftly gained the upper hand. Mentally reaching for the ropes at her sides, Froya began to ready them with knots and turned to start hog-tying the nearest fallen vagabond.
"Rope them if you can!" she shouted at the fighting warriors around her.
The vagabond she had tackled earlier still lay on the ground, groaning from the deep pain in their chest. As she moved to restrain him, he began to flail his legs wildly in an attempt to fend her off. He was slow from his injury, however, and Froya was able to dodge most of his blows. With Hjordis beside her, she could concentrate on knotting the rope around the stallion's legs instead of being on the look out for attack. In what seemed like no time at all, he was bound on the floor, his eyes white rimmed, and his chest heaving. Blood flecked from his flared nostrils, smattering the cobble he rested his cheek on. Imbued like the slave bridles of Aodh, the ropes would stop the vagrants from handling weapons or untying their restraints.
Post: 3
Word Count: 233
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Post by cogaidh on Jun 16, 2017 12:35:13 GMT -6
Otama | War-Forged | Valkyrie
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.
The vagabond before her lunged as her sisters-in-arms engaged with the other attackers, his sword lashed at her as he shouted curses over the sounds of combat. It was a unwise move, Òtama danced out of the way and her sword flashed. She felt a sharp flash of pain along her cheek and snarled as she held her sword firm in its swing. The vagabond’s eyes rolled up, showing whites, before he went down like a ton of bricks sliding across the ground and colliding with his comrade who was still struggling to fend off Veka’s mauling. The two were a tangle of limbs that Òtama and Veka watched with disinterest. They were really pathetic fighters, using numbers to overwhelm an unarmed farmer. She barred her teeth at them, just like that white-faced bay Bloody Flank. Pathetic.
With her Blessing, Òtama separated the two vagabonds, ignoring the breathless curses the first one she had downed threw her way. She looked the one who had marked her over and saw the combination of the vagabond’s momentum and her sword’s sharp edge had cut threw his neck and he was quickly bleeding out. Òtama gave him a mercy blow to end his suffering. She pulled on of the imbued ropes from her pack and hog-tied her remaining opponent, it was simple since he wasn’t pay much attention to her with Veka’s claws still dangerously close to his eyes. When the stallion was tightly bound, she looked over to see how the rest of her sisters were fairing. The vagabonds at the front of the chariot were swiftly just as subdued as her own foes. Froya’s command cut across the fighting, ordering any vagabond bound if it was possible.
The rain had reached them and began to drum softly against the chaotic scene. Using her Blessing once more, Òtama shifted the body of the vagabond she had killed over to the side of the road. She… felt remorse for his death, but knew that it had been a kinder fate than what awaited his comrades when they reached Aodh. As her Blessing disturbed the earth in its movement, the blood was absorbed and erased from the ground. She could feel the hate filled glare of the other vagabond and ignored it. This was the consequences of their actions, it wasn’t true justice but it was good enough. She glanced around for the farmer who had been attacked and spotted him. He was unharmed and that helped ease her tense state.
Rain trickled down her cheek and stung against the shallow gash on her cheek. This distracted Òtama and she pulled out a cloth to dab at the injury. She had been slow in dodging the vagabond or she wouldn’t have even been touched by his sword. Examining the blood on the cloth, she saw it was not much. The wound was already clotting and the injury would most likely heal quickly and without a scar. She held the cloth up to the rain to wash it clean as it fell in slow waves.
Post #3 | Word Count:514
OOC: Hope its okay that Otama killed one of the vagabonds. |
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Post by notadonkey on Jun 16, 2017 19:56:22 GMT -6
Addeva
War Forged | Valkyrie
Addeva firmly held her stance in front of the farmer's cart as she could feel her heart beating in her ears, her dagger still glinting in front of her. She watched as her sisters in arms swiftly took care of the rotten thieves, relief flooding through her as Fox lead the farmer aside. She turned to jump in to help one of her fellow Valkyries tie a Vagabond down when suddenly she was violently knocked to the side, her body landing harshly as she slid for a moment on the dirt. Addeva quickly scrambled to her feet, teeth tightly clenched as she laid eyes on the smirking Vagabond across from her. Without hesitation, she let out a battle cry as she rushed towards him. The Vagabond quickly drew his sword to deflect her blow and a metallic clang rang in her ears. She pushed against his sword with her dagger, but he held steady. Cursing under her breath, she suddenly swung her dagger to connect with his foreleg. A shiver ran down her spine as bronze met flesh, tearing through muscle and causing blood to splatter across her face. Gross, but she supposed she would have to get used to this sort of thing. Her foe yelled out in pain as he buckled a bit under his weight. Addeva regained her ready position, her dagger dripping red. The Vagabond was not backing down just yet. If anything, his wound just seemed to make him angrier. He met her eyes with a fury. She didn't move an inch. The Vagabond lounged towards her in a single bound, his sword held above his head. Addeva swiftly danced to the left as the tip of his heavy sword hit the dirt, missing it's target. The zonkey spun to kick his side with her back legs, her intention to have him fall on his weak leg and give her a chance to tie him up and end this, but the thief was one step ahead of her. He slashed upwards in a quick recovery, effectively connecting with her shoulder. Red hot pain erupted from the somewhat shallow gash, her own blood creating new stripes along her pelt. She withdrew slightly, panting and sweating but refusing to back down. Adrenaline took over as she sprang into action again, her dagger once again meeting his sword. They connected repeatedly as metal sang. "Enough of this!" the Vagabond said harshly, suddenly shoving Addeva into the farmer's cart with one strong hoof from his good leg, holding her there. Their weapons were still tied together in a shaky stalemate in the space between them. Sweat rolled down her brow as she tried to wiggle out of the sandwich she was in, but he only pressed harder. She didn't want to admit it, but hell. She might need help.
Post #3 | WC: 475 |
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Post by Svantanon on Jun 17, 2017 10:31:12 GMT -6
The farmer was alright, thank Kaia. He stood up as soon as it was safe to do so, and as Fox began guiding him into the safety of the trees, Alyshia noted with relief that he bore no injuries. Their main objective was out of the way.
Now they just needed to finish the job.
A good number of vagabonds had already been subdued, but a few of their comrades were still fighting fit and ready to wreak more havoc. Froya called out to the others to begin roping as many thieves as they could manage. With the farmer being led out of the skirmish, Alyshia was free to take on the rest of the filth, and she made a quick nod to Poofkin before checking one more time on the ropes she carried with her. The mare didn’t have a sack of her own—this one had been lended to her for the patrol, and was beginning to wear from age—but it was still intact, ropes and all.
She found Addeva amid the chaos and headed for her, but to Aly’s dismay, she wasn’t the only one with eyes set on the smaller valkyrie. The vanner scarcely had time to cry “Addy look out!” before the zonkey was knocked aside by one of the vagabond stallions, skidding across the earth.
Alyshia let loose a battlecry of her own as she charged at him, but a flash of movement from the corner of her eye forced her to halt and brace herself as she summoned another shield to protect her right side. The miscreant attacking her knocked clumsily against her forcefield as his weapon—Aly wasn’t sure what he’d been carrying— fell to the ground. Poofkin, silent as a ghost, leaped onto the attacker in his moment of weakness and dug her claws into his back, teeth gripping at the base of his neck.
The mare stole one grateful glance at her snow leopard before leaping back into action.
Addeva was now pinned against the farmer’s cart, struggling against the vagabond’s sword with nothing but her dagger. The zonkey was quick and clever, but she wouldn’t be able to hold a battle of brute force for very long. Alyshia’s heart thudded in her chest. There wasn’t any time to think, let alone panic.
She galloped at them with a scream, sending her dagger flying straight into the vagabond’s smug eye.
The stallion flinched back, half rearing as he let out a pained and angered cry that was cut short. Alyshia kicked her forehoof straight into the bastard’s jaw, shutting him up while knocking him off balance. She tried using a hind leg to slide his sword out of harm’s way; or at least, she hoped that was his and not one of her sisters in arms'.
No time to worry about that.
“Here!” she called out to Addy as she threw her ropes on the ground and yanked her dagger out with a faint squelch.
…Well, that was one thing she could go without hearing again.
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Post: 3
Word Count: 494
Word of the Day: Eye
Note: Poofkin-snowy could probably use some help with the vagabond she just attacked; I'm okay with her actions being controlled for the sake of a smooth response post~
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Post by ebbarie on Jun 20, 2017 3:51:07 GMT -6
Alvaro | War-Forged | Farmer
If you haven’t found something strange during the day; it hasn’t been much of a day
A miracle. That described the situation perfectly. Alvaro still hadn’t fully realised what was happening around him. He probably should pray to Kaia tonight, to thank her for sending this group of Valkyries to his rescue.
For some moments he couldn’t do nothing but staring at the scout in front of him. Fox, maybe named after the animal that shared her coat color. She asked him to stand behind her, although she was way smaller than him.
Finally he found his voice again. “My name is Alvaro, I’m okay, thanks. And yes, it’s my cart” he said and slowly his eyes turned back to the fight that was still going. For a moment he allowed the scout to gently pushing him closer to the forest edge, then he suddenly refused to take another step.
His gaze was stuck on two of the Valkyries. An appaloosa mare rushed in to help a zonkey mare to defend herself from one of the Vagabonds. Both looked extremely young...He couldn’t just stand aside and watch while some teenagers put himself in danger for him.
The stallion quickly swung his head around to Fox. “We can help them. Do you see the Vagabond that is attacked by the Snow Leopard? Together with it, I’m presumably able to overwhelm him. Can you shackle him while I hold him down?” he asked urgently, but didn’t waited for an answer.
Alvaro stepped around the scout and galloped towards the Vagabond, that was still busy with keeping his throat out of the leopards reach. The farmer had no experience, beside that little bit of raider training from years ago, and he had no blessing nor a faithful animal companion, but what he had was his size.
Without a warning he rushed into the fight and rammed into the surprised Vagabond. With some horns he would make a great battering ram.
The thief lost his balance for a moment and appeared a little dazed, but he still stood safely on his legs. And now he turned his malicious face towards the farmer. Besides Alvaro the Snow Leopard growled warning and a little further away the strange sound of moving earth was to be heard.
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Post by Wolf-mask on Jun 24, 2017 16:15:45 GMT -6
Hjordis
Seeing her sisters leap into action, fighting the vagabonds and roping them so they’d be immobilized, filled Hjordis with a fighting spirit. Even Addeva was roping her own vagabond after taking some hits thanks to the help of her older sister. It surprised her that even the farmer that had been attacked by these petty thieves was willing to join in on the fight. Hjordis tucked that information away for later. The stallion would be commended for his bravery in joining in on their fight and assisting them on capturing the thieves. She had figured the giant would be more than willing to run off back to town with Fox, the mare was glad that she was wrong. Ready to take on her own fight now that it seemed that Froya and all the other Valkyries had their own fights under control, the mare gave a near-by vagabond a blood thirsty smile before stalking over to her. The sword in her telekinetic grip swung loosely side to side as she stalked toward the piebald mare, her head hunched over and ears pinned back to her head. “Be ready to face justice, you scum. You attack an innocent for what, profit? Disgusting.” The dun snarled, glaring as she raised the sword. “Prepare to face justice thief!” Hjordis roared and dived at the painted thief with her sword ready to strike. When her metal struck against the thief’s dagger, sending sparks through the air, Hjordis bared her teeth, ready to bite the thief. Perhaps normal War-Forged equine were right to call the Valkyries blood thirsty, or at least Hjordis was. Through the rain their strikes continued to meet with each other, sparks occasionally flaring up where metal slid against each other. Hjordis had to give this mare some credit, she was able to fend off her sword with only a tiny dagger. Perhaps when all was said and done, Hjordis could try to reform this one’s ways. But, that wasn’t her decision to make. Besides, thieves never changed their ways. The stalemate was broken when Hjordis slipped up. The dun’s foot slipped back in the mud. As she tried to right her-self, the thief took advantage. Hjordis let out a roar when she felt the dagger rip through the flesh of her cheek. “You’ll pay for that!” she screamed and charged, sword at the ready.
Post: 3 | WC: 399
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Post by Quorkbirb on Jul 12, 2017 17:29:28 GMT -6
Froya | Valkyrie
Froya had begun to charge the vagabond Poofkins had clung to, but suddenly skidded to a halt. The farmer seemed to have taken control of the situation and while he might have benefited from her help, Hjordis' cry had caught the Valkyrie's attention. Quickly scanning the battle, her brown eyes landed upon Otama, who seemed to have paused to clean a small wound.
"Otama!" she shouted at the mare as she threw her the last of her ropes "Help the traveler rope that one!"
With hooves fighting to grip the rain soaked cobble, Froya bolted to Hjordis' side. Charging with the silver dun, Froya shifted once more into a eagle to fly ahead. Avoiding the vagabond's weapon, she pulled a quick circle around the mare's head before digging her talons into the flesh behind the rogue's head. Distracted from the pain, the vagabond left herself more open for Hjordis' attack. To make it just a little more infuriating for the vagabond, Froya would let out an eagle scream into the horses ears, which was surely maddening. Hopefully Hjordis would remember that roping the criminals was the preferred outcome ... but with that twinkle of bloodlust in her eye and how eager she had been for a fight all patrol, Froya's hopes were not high. Well, if this vagabond knew what awaited her in Aodh, perhaps she would thank Hjordis for slaughter.
Post: 4
Word Count: 231
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Post by cogaidh on Jul 12, 2017 18:05:56 GMT -6
Otama | War-Forged | Valkyrie
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.
At the increased commotion of her sisters-in-arms battling the vagabonds, Òtama tucked her cloth away in preparation to join the fray once more. Froya’s shouted order had her head whipping around and instinctively she caught the coiled rope in her teeth. The hemp fiber tasted terrible but she wheeled on her haunches to face where the large farmer had hit the vagabond that Alyshia’s familiar had been attacking. She pulled with her blessing at the ground under the vagabond, the dirt spiking around his hooves to pull him off balance. Veka was a blur of dark fur as he used the earth Òtama had moved as a jumping point, slamming his full weight into the vagabond. The stallion toppled over as the earth released him, his hooves flailing in his shock.
Her familiar leapt away from the fallen vagabond as Òtama wrapped trapped him with moving earth to keep him still while she bound him. Veka paced, huffing and growling, his blood hot from the fight but he was quickly soothed by the piebald mare, she didn’t need him attacking the bound villain. Grumbling the dark snowleopard sniffed at Poofkin before giving a churrr, she had fought well in his eyes.
Òtama released her blessing and let the dirt crumble away from the vagabond as he thrashed on the ground. She could see the rage and fear in his eyes but bound by the imbued ropes, he could do nothing but flop like a fish out of water. The young mare turned from the vagabond and glanced at the Farmer, he was a brave one, his size alone would have prevented most attacks from only one or two Vagabonds. “Well done,” she said to the stallion as she looked over the fight, counting the vagabonds that had been roped and those that lay all too still. Two yet to be bound, three bound, and the one she had killed. There was still the stain of his blood across the white of her left shoulder as a firm reminder of the act. She wasn’t sure if she truly felt remorseful for the act, she had a feeling the vagabond wouldn’t have hesitated in killing her, it had been a necessity to defend herself and she accepted it.
She now stood ready, light on her hooves if it looked like a third body would be needed to subdue the last two attackers. It all looked under control but she couldn’t be sure till the fight was over. She was already looking her sisters over for injuries and planning treatments for the ones she saw, no infection would set in if she could help it.
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Post by notadonkey on Jul 13, 2017 14:35:32 GMT -6
Addeva
War Forged | Valkyrie
The little Valkyrie fell to her hooves as her sister relieved her from the Vagabond's grip, only now realizing that she was barely able to breathe when she was pressed against the cart. Addeva gasped slightly for air, her lungs now happy to not be constricted. She winced as Alyshia ripped her dagger from the thief's eye, but the zonkey did not hesitate as she ran to grab the ropes her sister threw to her. He was on the ground thanks to Alyshia's lovely kick to the face. His limbs flailed about wildly, but she was quick to dart around and tie them together. She stood back to look at her handiwork, but wasn't satisfied. Addeva grabbed her own ropes she nearly forgot she had and went back to double knot, triple knot their capture, pulling tight so he could not escape. She stepped back again, this time with a nod of satisfaction. The Vagabond was tied up alright, maybe a little...too tied up, if that was even a thing. Addeva wanted to make sure she did a good job and she was proud of her work. She grinned up at Alyshia. "How did I do?"
Blood was still dripping from the wound on her shoulder, man did it sting, but she disregarded it as she looked around to see most of the thieves subdued. It felt good to have accomplished such a feat. Her eyes landed on the farmer's cart, obviously shaken up from the thieves beginning to raid it and from Addeva being slammed against it. Not to mention the smear of her blood across the side of it...she'll definitely have to apologize to the farmer later.
Post #4 | WC: 288 |
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Post by Svantanon on Jul 14, 2017 2:22:44 GMT -6
While Aly was internally squicking out over her latest stabby adventures, the day seemed to have smiled on her pet far more favorably.
Poofkin wasn’t sure what she had done to deserve such luck, but one moment she was wrestling with a villainous evildoer for a grip on his throat, and the next she’d been supplied with an army of help. The farmer they’d sought to protect had leaped right back into the fray to take the vagabond by surprise, and then Otama used her superdirt powers to give him a what-for! And then her grumpy snow leopard pal used the shifting earth to his advantage, ensuring that the thief stayed down and allowing Otama to hold him in place. With the situation handled, Poofkin finally had the chance to glance at each of her allies in turn, positively beaming from their combined handiwork. Even the grumpster was impressed! She returned his commending churr with one of her own, as well as a pleased nod.
Meanwhile, Addeva had put both hers and Alyshia’s ropes to good use, leaving their vagabond a tad snug. Whether or not that was one knot too many was of no concern to Aly, who was just glad one more of these outlaws had been subdued.
“How did I do?”
The older Valkyrie turned to her with a grin, panting slightly to catch her breath. “Not bad at all!” However, her voice faltered just at the end when she saw the blood left on the cart, and the gash on Addy’s shoulder.
“You’re hurt,” she made the deadpan statement without really thinking, summoning a protective shield on the off-chance that they'd be attacked again while glancing over the battlefield for any further threats. Nearly all the vagabonds, thankfully, seemed to have been taken care of—save for one, and Hjordis was damn near ready to end that fight with very little mercy.
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Post: 4
Word Count: 320
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Post by Wolf-mask on Jul 18, 2017 7:39:31 GMT -6
Hjordis
In the middle of her charge, Hjordis saw Froya swoop in in her eagle form, clutching at the thieving mare’s head and screeching into her ear. That was definitely unpleasant sine the mare started bucking, trying to get the crazed eagle off of her head. Hjordis’s charge slowed marginally. It would be hard to get a clear shot at the mare to stab with her sword. Maybe there would be another way to take out the mare without hurting Froya… A very stupid idea came to the forefront of Hjordis’s mind and her furious looking face turned into a wild grin. Hjordis gave a war cry and charged at the mare full force, ready to put her plan into motion. The closer she got to the thief, the more it looked like to the thief that the Valkyrie would not be stopping. Eager to scramble out of the way of the dun mare, the paint attempted to scrabble backwards, but unfortunately that was rather difficult with an eagle clutching onto your neck and walloping your face with her wings. In a split second Hjordis was in front of the mare, smashing her head directly into the forehead of the thief with all the force and speed of her charge behind her. The thief, very abruptly, collapsed to the ground like a sack of stoned being dropped into a river. Hjordis on the other hand, was still standing, if a bit wobbly. With a bleeding cheek Hjordis grinned at the now unconscious paint with a grin “Ma always said I had a thick skull. Good to know it comes in handy once in a while.” The mare said rather faintly. Though she felt uninjured, if a bit faint, Hjordis refused to sit down. After all, she needed to help rope up this last vagabond. Unsteadily the dun Valkyrie walked over to the mare and removed the hemp length from her saddle bag. “Think you could help me Froya?” Just this once Hjordis would ask for help. She told herself it was because Froya was a friend and totally not because she felt like she was going to pass out any second in the mud and rain.
WC: 368 | Post: 4
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Post by Svantanon on Oct 1, 2017 21:28:07 GMT -6
 It seemed as though the battle would soon be drawing to a close. What vagabonds were left were being quickly overpowered by the other Valkyries; or in some cases, their pets. With their teamwork complete, Poofkin bounded over to Alyshia with a proud and accomplished yowl. The vanner mix, glad to see that her cat was alright, gave the snow leopard a quick nuzzle on her head before returning her attention to Addeva. With Poofkin back at her side and watching her back, she could focus on making sure Addy’s wound wasn’t serious.
Aly was then startled by the clash of two heads.
Hjordis, in a valiant effort to put an end to her foe once and for all, had headbutted the thief and sent them crumpling to the ground. The mare was now grinning triumphantly at her work, even as she bled from her cheek.
“Ma always said I had a thick skull. Good to know it comes in handy once in a while…”
Alyshia’s eyes widened as she watched Hjordis half sway, half stroll, over to the unconscious bandit before bringing out her ropes.
“… The hell, Hjordis?!” Aly couldn’t help blurting out as she moved closer to Addy, already mentally scrambling for First Aid lessons. “For Kaia’s sake, sit down after that outlaw’s tied up! I can cover you and Addeva with my shields.”
She loved her friends, but good gods could they be crazy at times. Post #5 | Word Count: 227 |
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Post by Quorkbirb on Oct 2, 2017 22:30:28 GMT -6
Froya | Valkyrie
After all this time, Hjordis was still abound with surprises.
Froya had expected to avoid a blade, a bodyslam, or perhaps even a lasso, but what she did not expect was for Hjordis to ram her own skull into her opponent's.
Floundering upwards into the air just in time to avoid being crushed by Hjordi's attack, Froya glided in a wide arch before landing as a horse beside the now unconscious vagabond. Quickly, she trotted to Hjordis' side and allowed the valkyrie to lean against her for support if she needed. Shaking her head, a nearly inaudible chuckle escaped her.
"Unorthodox as always, Hjordis. I don't think I would recommend that tactic again, mind you, but… well done."
Taking Hjordis' ropes, Froya began to knot them around the unmoving mare's pasterns. She didn't hog-tie this one, simply hobbling her legs together so that walking would be possible, but running would not. Finishing off with a rope halter around the mare's face to lead her by (once she rejoined the waking world), Froya looked around at her companions. Gesturing for Fox to rejoin the group, she began to feed out orders once more.
"Check each other for injuries and do your best to treat what you can. When you are done, tie the rest like this one," she jutted her head towards the silent mare at her hooves, "so we can lead them to Skeldr. Otama, once you're checked over and treated, use your blessing to return that stallion's body to Kaia. He may not deserve it, but we don't want his rot to stay by the road."
Ignoring the rain that was now streaming through her mane, Froya walked up to Alvaro and gave him a brief nod. "You fought well, we will tend to your injuries and escort you as far as we can. All the way if you're destined for Skeldr."
Post: 5
Word Count: 313
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Post by cogaidh on Oct 9, 2017 21:24:50 GMT -6
Otama | War-Forged | Valkyrie
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 had just managed to catch sight of Hjordis channeling the spirit of a mountain ram and she shook her head chuckling. “You lack the horns to make that truly work,” She called out to her friend as she walked over to the small Addeva, she looked over the gash on the young donkey’s shoulder. She acknowledged Froya’s orders with a brisk nod as she looked over the injury. Reaching into her packs she pulled out the small med pack so she could clean the gash. “Good job with that fight, Addeva,” she said with a smile to the younger Valkyrie, the gash was shallow and would heal quickly if infection was kept at bay. After applying a simple bandage that would keep in place while not restricting the young mare.
Looking around she didn’t see any more injuries to treat, besides the possible concussion that Hjordis had, but only rest would fix that. She then went to corpse of the stallion she had killed and closed her eyes. Using her blessing to inurn his body in the ground was simple enough to do, and she even murmured a brief prayer for the vagabond to Kaia. She knew she was more religious that most of her fellows but having felt Kaia’s presence when she received her blessing had invigored her beliefs. With that task done with, she turned to the Vagabond she had hogtied, she maneuvered the ropes around the fallen equine so he was firmly haltered, gagged, and hobbled. Òtama then yanked the Vagabond to her feet and ignored the death glare the Vagabond was giving her.
She watched as Froya walked up to the farmer and offered their protection in the form of an escort for as long as they were heading in the same direction. She was interested in hearing the farmer’s reply, he was more polite than some of the others in their Herd, so how he reacted to Froya’s offer would be interesting.
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