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Post by Deleted on Jul 15, 2017 13:04:15 GMT -6
 Hello Starborn, and welcome to Plot 403: Veils
Team Leader: Amber
Participants: Otama, Jade, Khala, Liam, Clarke, Anna, Icabod
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: In these uneasy, tumultuous times, several of the War Forged have decided to undergo the treacherous journey to the summit of their home mountain, in order to pay homage to and seek guidance from Kaia (and Alya’s) most sacred shrines. Recognizing safety in numbers, several of you band together. It’s been a multi-day journey, and you’re deep in the snowline now, but you’ve made it farther than many, and as morning dawns bright and cold, you might just be able to summit today if all goes well.
Location: High up Skeldr, near the summit
Time of Day: Dawn
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Post by moonlightwalk on Jul 16, 2017 7:07:20 GMT -6
Amber | Valkyrie
Amber stood packed and ready as she waited for the others to finish up gathering their things as well. The night had been a cold one and as the sun slowly started to peak behind the mountaintops, bathing the snowed in world around them in faint light, she hoped that today they would finally make it up to their destination. The last few days had been not less harsh than those six month ago during which she had made this trek before. She had been both flattered and annoyed that she had been asked to guide their rag-tag party up the mountain. She had been pleased that only one male would be accompanying them, a scout at that. It made her believe they were making progress in convincing the herd of female capability. It had almost surprised her even that no other male had volunteered to 'protect' their group. Between Khala, Otama and her, it was not like they needed such thing, but she had expected it as knee-jerk reaction from her herd mates no less. It had been a pleasant surprise indeed.
Right now however those thoughts had long been forgotten and the only thing on Amber's mind was finishing their journey. After they had paid their respects to the goddesses and said their prayers, there still would be a long way down. She wondered how many a day it would take to make their way back.
It was clear winter was on its way and on the ever frozen peak of mount Skeldr it was felt all the more. Amber could only hope their efforts would be repaid in the end and their fate rewarded. Yawning despite the crisp morning air doing its best chasing off any traces of sleep, she let her eyes roam their makeshift camp once more, checking if everything was taken care of. With no lingering objects in sight and their camp fire thoroughly burried, she decided it was time. "Everyone ready?" she inquired. "Let's start moving so we don't freeze of our hooves."
Post 1 | 342 words
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Post by annowre on Jul 16, 2017 9:23:49 GMT -6
Liam | Scout
It had been a long and frigid night. It was quite winter yet farther down the mountain, but up in the shadow of the summit winters harsh grasp never released. The entire group laid huddled together around their fire. The lone stallion had laid between his best friend and his main squeeze. The two reasons he had even made this trip in the first place. It was no secret that Liam wasn't exactly the religious type. So when he had volunteered for this trip many who knew him were more than a little surprised. But if Khala and Clarke were going on this suicidal mission, then he felt like he might as well tag along. Just to make sure nothing really terrible happened. Sure, they were more than capable of taking care of themselves, the scout had no doubt, but that didn't mean he didn't worry for his safety. Especially since their little exhibition was being led by a child. Liam didn't care that she was a mare, but a child? Sure she had made this trek up the mountain before and quite recently. But come on. She was still a teenager. How much could she really know?
Liam stood, half frozen like the rest of the group, but ready to go. A large, uninhibited yawn escaped his lips, taking the thin air into his lungs. Their leader, the child, stepped up to address them. The stallion shook out the snow from his mane and nodded. "The sooner we get up there," he said, motioning toward the looming summit. "The sooner we can start heading back to town." Liam was always down for a challenging trek, but this was just ridiculous. And all in the name of religion too. Oh well. They just had to get there, do their little prayer, and get home before anyone got frostbite or became hypothermic. They only had one medic in their group, and she wouldn't be much help if more then one or two of them was hurt. For now though, Liam just needed to focus on the trek ahead. And annoying his friends as much as he could to pass the time.
Post 1 | 360 words
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Post by Superior-Caesar on Jul 16, 2017 17:39:35 GMT -6
Icabod | RaiderIcabod had slept at the edge of the small pile. He had borrowed a pelt from his mother for the journey, so he didn't really need the heat of the others with it combined with his growing winter coat. That didn't mean he wasn't shivering through the night.
The raider was woken by the sound of another awaking. He looked up, seeing nothing but trees. It was always odd to him when he first woke up, not having both eyes could be tough. Icabod turned in search of who had awoken. It was Amber. He sighed and shoved his hooves beneath him to stand. He shook the snow from his body, then stretched each leg slowly. It hurt to feel the blood flowing in them again. He slowly trudged to Amber's side.
Within the same amount of time, Liam was awake. Icabod groaned at their statements. "First off, no need to be so loud so early." He grumbled to each of them. Icabod greatly disliked waking up in the company of morning-people. "Secondly, why so eager to get back, Liam? Don't like the mountains and the snow and the gods?" He smirked at the other stallion.
Icabod took the moment to gaze up at the mountain peek. Well, it was mostly cloud cover, but the fact was that they still had quite a travel ahead of them. Hopefully, if the mares were not too troublesome, it would be a nice trip. Icabod had only made the trek twice, but he had loved it all the same. The view was magnificent. He felt closer to the gods in those travels. The raider grabbed his sack of food, strapped it to his back, then returned his gaze to their young leader. "I'm ready when you are."
Word Count: 294
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Post by posy-punch on Jul 16, 2017 20:09:55 GMT -6
ANNA BERK
SHE'S AN ASSHOLE, NOT A FRIEND
"I don't know about you, hun, but I, sure as hell, already have had my hooves frozen." A cheery response for a cheery trip, no?
Anna wasn't necessarily religious, or rather, she did love the gods and she prayed to them often enough, but dear lords help her if she actually sought for their help when she did. The pony mare was nearly swallowed by her polar bear coat (she'd been sure to bundle up very tightly) but she was somewhat sheltered from the mountain air. Her mane and tail whipped about her, and she grumbled most displeased with the current situation. Why in hell she'd decided to trek to the summit, she didn't know, but what the hell she was this far, why not go a bit further. Oh, she knew why, chocolate brown eyes instantly flitting glaringly towards one familiar face. "No one fucking likes the mountain and the cold and more often than not I find myself cursing the gods too." Anna butted in somewhat annoyingly, her voice flat and challenging already.
"But hey, if this is your thing Icabod, please, by all means, stay up on the summit once we've completed our pilgrimage." She snorted and pushed past the rest of the group, finding a familiar face in Khala. She nodded respectfully towards the familiar Valkyrie before reverting right back to her sour attitude. She shook out her coat though, letting any fallen snow free up from the pelt as she waited for the group.
words: 258
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Post by cogaidh on Jul 16, 2017 20:40:13 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.
Òtama believed she was one of the few that didn’t need the combined warmth of the group for the night. Between the portable brazier that was Veka, her thickening pelt, her dense fur lined armored coat, and the extra pelt she had brought for this trip she was comfortable through the night. It was good to be on a trip with Amber that wasn’t a mission. Like all of her fellow Valkyries that had been on that disastrous mission, Amber had taken Òtama’s loss of a leg personally. Funnily enough it seemed that Òtama was the only one to not be angry about it. As she heard the others get up and move around she peaked her head out from where she had completely covered herself and Veka with the extra pelt.
Looked like they were getting ready to start the day’s trek. Pulling the pelt off herself and Veka she stood on three legs and stretched. Focusing on each whole leg before shaking her stump. She didn’t sleep with her prosthetic on, it was uncomfortable. When the biting air started to be felt on the furless potion of her stump she pulled the prosthetic from where she had tucked it to keep it warm and strapped in into place. Veka grumbled about being woken up, and shook out his fur. Using her telekinesis, Òtama rolled up her spare pelt and strapped it to her coat above her rump. She pulled out an oatcake from her pack and nibbled on it watching the awake members shoot barbs back and forth. With a yawn she walked over to her friend Amber and stood next to her, “It only gets colder as we go higher,” She teased the small medic in a soft voice. She knew of Anna’s grouchy temperament but had been temporarily under her care after her injury, when they were still trying to save her leg, so she didn’t take the small mare’s acid comments to heart. “Though it’s hard to see if it’s really you under that pelt, you look almost like a mountain ewe.”
She was looking forward to reaching the shrine, after she had received her blessing from Kaia she had wanted to thank her Goddess in a spot she would most likely be heard. The ability to move the earth would help greatly on the climb up, just as it had proven vitally useful in her work as a Valkyrie. The piebald mare also loved the bite of the cold, she felt truly alive in such situations.
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Post by Royaltrix on Jul 17, 2017 1:22:10 GMT -6
Jade | War-Forged | Weather Witch
Despite having lived most her life in mountain, the bitter cold air could still seep into her skin and suck it dry of warmth. That much was proven last night while she slept as close to the fire as possible, lightly sleeping as the cold prevented her from a deep, comfortable slumber. So when the time came to awaken, Jade had no issue waking and prepping for the treacherous journey to the shrine; albeit she did have small, dark bags forming beneath her eyes.
Fighting off a yawn, which in result made her involuntarily shiver, she surveyed the rest of the group, being only familar with one of them. From her brief assessment, she noticed their group consisted mostly of scouts and valkyries; with a medic, raider, and weather witch thrown in the mix. How odd that we are a predominantly female group.
Once she was done observing the group, she turned her pale eyes on their leader, a valkryie named Amber. Jade contemplated on how this trip would turn out with a leader like her. After all, she was a young mare, younger than even Jade herself. Jade had some small doubts on whether or not she would be able to handle the responsibility. But if Hira had assigned her to this, then Jade would have faith in her Warlord's choice.
"I do agree with getting there as soon as possible," she spoke softly, shuffling her hooves while pushing down her small bit of social anxiety to continue, "the less time we spend in the mountains, the less we risk ourselves to it's many dangers."
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Post by RusticForrest on Jul 17, 2017 18:41:14 GMT -6
Khala
[ War-Forged | Valkyrie ]
Snow about the mountain's peak glistened in the frosty morning air. Sparkling patches of sunlight playfully danced about the drifts, their bright glitter drawing Khala's gaze. She stood not far from Liam, who was one of her oldest and most trusted friends, but also a bit aside from the group, golden eyes fixed upon the rolling pillars of fog in valleys far, far beneath their hooves. Her ears rested to the side of her neck, relaxed, showing her exhaustion. The past few months had worn on the elder Valkyrie, and she felt as though a great weight had fallen upon her shoulders. She, though hardly old by the standards of many, already felt the wear of the years upon her bones. So much of her life had been spent fighting. And now. . . now that the herd stood upon the edge of the precipice of war, she hardly knew what to think, or what to do.
But Kaia- Kaia was stagnant, everlasting as the earth beneath her hooves, albeit farther down now that the snow-capped peak of the mountain was drawing ever closer. Turning her thoughts now upon the mission at hand, she reflected upon her choice to come, how she had left her daughter home alone, vulnerable. At her side, Zipporah stood, a pack settled atop her shoulders. The white cat brushed against Khala's legs, glistening eyes looking to comfort her master. Smiling down upon the observant familiar, she blinked once, indicating that she was alright.
Kaia, keep us all safe, she whispered in her thoughts, raising a prayer as she returned her attentions to those around her. Though she had caught the exclamations from each of them, she hardly reacted, aside from returning a nod to Anna, the medic who had, only months prior been there to witness the birth of Hira's two beautiful children. Another marvel the turn of the year had produced. A smile again touched her lips, and she chuckled to herself at Anna's familiar, testy nature. She had to admit, she quite liked the little mare. With a knowing glance at Liam, she winked. "Patience is a virtue," she said softly, kind eyes turning now towards their leader, the young Valkyrie Amber. A flare of motherly pride flickered within her chest, as it did when she looked upon any Valkyrie. They were made of tougher stuff than many chose to believe, and she was proud to be in the company of a few of her fellow sisters, among the others they travelled with. Some faces were new, others were old, but each followed the same purpose. They needed help - the herd- Hireath - perhaps even themselves, deep within their souls. "Much may be before us, but perhaps we will be granted safe passage."
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Post by Superior-Caesar on Jul 17, 2017 19:40:53 GMT -6
Icabod | RaiderIcabod snorted in annoyance as Anna began to speak. Just the presence of the small mare made his hide crawl. He grumbled under his breath, "I like the mountains and the cold..." But, he had no reason to begin arguing with her about it. They all had somewhere to get to. Then again... "Sure, why not. Be rid of you and become the spooky stallion of the mountain. Sounds fun." Icabod turned his attention back to Amber. "So if we gotta get goin', we should start moving now. Unless anyone has any arguments, but it doesn't seem like it." The stallion didn't wait for a response. He started towards the trail they were all taking. Icabod took in the crisp mountain air. He glanced back to see if anyone was following, not that it really mattered. They'd catch up eventually. After how long they'd been travelling already, Icabod needed a break from everyone. Sure he was okay with half of the group, but still. Icabod tightened his pelt around himself. It really was beginning to get colder. He forgot what the weather could be like so high up in the mountains. The stallion glanced back once more to see if anyone was following. Word Count: 203
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Post by hey-stardust on Jul 18, 2017 3:13:06 GMT -6
➢ 
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A light sleeper at best, Clarke rose almost in tandem with Liam as their small band woke to face the day. Unlike most of the herd's seemingly vehement resistance in using one another for warmth, Clarke had no such quarrel with the concept. A reindeer pelt was wrapped snugly around her white flecked hide, and being coupled with the stallion's body heat had made for a restful night on the mountain. She arched her neck to pop the joints within, easing the stiffness from her bones, and out of habit looked around for Clementine, before realising that this was no place for a child; even if they had been a family devout to the gods.
From the stories of old, it was not Kaia or Alya Clarke felt some semblance of connection to, but Cascade. She had never been steady and unyielding like the mountain, nor able to simply forgive and let transgressions go so they might be swept away on Alya's back; no, it was the water that had always felt like home to her, wearing down old tracks to carve paths anew. Despite the gift that Cascade had bestowed upon her however -that of healing-, Clarke could still not call herself much of a believer to that of the gods, unless you counted using their names in vain. Growing up with a pair of physicians for parents had drilled a sense of fierce self-reliance into her, something that left no time for prayer when time is of the essence, and your patient is bleeding out in front of you.
Watching everyone move to pack up their belongings, Clarke followed suit; slinging the few possessions of necessity she had packed across her shoulders and pulling on worn, leather straps to secure them tightly in place.
Her teke thumbed over the bow and arrows she had brought, fussing thoughtlessly at the clipped feathers as she sighed at everyone's need to point out what was already biting them blatantly in the ass, as though some dumbstruck tourists from Valore were tagging along and needed guidance about Onea's incredibly chipper weather patterns.
When they finally began to drift away from their campsite, Clarke turned to look in the general direction of the clan's most beloved shrine, and chuckled loudly as Otama compared the short tempered medic to livestock.
[18/7/17, 12:54:28 pm] Jenny: Kaia: the fuck is a bunch of atheists doin' on my lawn we're all crossing paths for a reason, I know that
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Post by moonlightwalk on Jul 19, 2017 14:42:08 GMT -6
Amber | Valkyrie
Amber listened half-heartedly to the party as they exchanged banter, the actual words mostly lost on her. She tried to be patient but if she was being honest with herself she just wanted to get going. It seemed her gained years had only added to her ability to control her impatience and had not taken it away. Pity, it was not pleasant to supress it. She sighed as the group seemed to reach some general consensus and they were ready to finally move out. “Right, let’s get moving then.”
The snow had not let up and she doubted it ever did up here. Winter had the mountain’s peak in an everlasting grip. Though they drew closer to the sun, it got colder rather than warmer. Amber had only pondered that seemingly contradictive fact shortly, leaving any explanations to the scholars. As they slowly rose to their goal, the drop in temperature lost its shock. Amber guessed it was already so cold, her body was simply not able to register further change. She was happy for her pelt and cloak, keeping her body at least warm enough. Her legs were another thing entirely and so was the tip of her nose. Away from the fore, they had already started to feel numb. Feeling the rare need to start conversation, she posed a question. Perhaps talk could take her mind of off freezing limps. “J-Jade, was it?” She hadn’t taken much time or care trying to socialize and tested the name carefully. It sounded about right. “You are a weather witch are you not? Would you happen to know why it is so cold, despite reaching closer to the sun?”
Post 2 | 280 words
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Post by Royaltrix on Jul 24, 2017 1:37:45 GMT -6
Jade | War-Forged | Weather Witch
As their ascent up the mountain began once more, the cold climate continued to nip at her relentlessly; numbing the tip of her nose and legs without remorse. Strong shivers would wrack her body every now and again, but it didn't bother her unless she focused on it. Which was a very hard task to keep up. Every new thought that went through her brain led right back to her paying mind to the numbing sensations. If she wasn't careful, she might trip and hurt herself because of her lack of feeling.
Since her thoughts weren't very helpful in fighting off the cold, Jade tuned into the conversations around her. In all honesty, she didn't mind not engaging in conversation; listening was more-so her thing. One can learn a lot about an individual and their surroundings by just watching and listening. But it seemed Kaia had other plans in mind for her, as she heard her name be cautiously spoken by Amber, their leader. She didn't blame the mare for questioning her name, since Jade herself hardly socialized with most the herd. "Yes, that is correct." she responded, a small smile on her face. A frown furrowed its way onto her face at the Valkyrie's follow up question. It left Jade puzzled as she dug through all the knowledge her mentor shoved into her. But no complete answer, no matter how hard she tried to recollect it, came forth. "Yes, I am a Weather Witch." she paused, licking her chapped lips before speaking again. "But, I'm afraid that I cannot answer that question completely. I only have a vague understanding of the current climate surrounding us."
Stretching her neck up towards the sky, she studied it for a moment before sighing in defeat and looking back down. Seems like I've still got a long way to go before I'm able to decipher the weather completely. Returning her gaze to Amber, she continued. "Since I'm not well-versed, it does not allow for me to comprehend fully as to why it gets colder as we get closer to the sun. But if I had to guess, it might have something to do with us becoming further away from the core of Earth, where it is warmest."
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Post by cogaidh on Jul 24, 2017 17:12:16 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.
Òtama waited for all the other members of the group to start up the path before she followed them. This was supposed to be a relatively safe trip, with no dangers besides what the mountain brought. The Valkyrie didn’t want to take chances though, she knew first hoof how things could go from calm to chaos. At the tail end of the group she could keep an eye on things. It also gave her a chance to admire just how beautiful Skeldr Mountain was. Snow clung to the upper slopes no matter what season gripped the lands below it.
She could see the banners and flags that marked the safest path to take up the mountain. Higher up, she could see the bodies of horses that had died on this very trek, it was too dangerous for the corpses to be removed so they remained as landmarks and warnings. It was sobering to see them, but Òtama was confident that all of their group would make it back off the mountain at the end of this trip. She would make sure of it.
Veka distracted her from her thoughts by with a huff as he leapt into a small thicket of brush, there was a squeak as he found some field mouse to make a snack. It was still a little disconcerting to have a predator as a familiar but she was getting used to his eating habits. The snow leopard returned to her side licking his muzzle before he rubbed his head against her shoulder. In these colder temperatures, he was much more relaxed and sociable, becoming practically playful as they ascended the path. He didn’t even glare at the other members of the group which was a surprise to Òtama.
As the air got colder and the snow continued to fall, Òtama was glad for her thick pelt and long face that warmed the air before it reached her lungs. The fuzz on her ears kept them warm as well and let her keep her keen hearing that let her eavesdrop on the conversation that Amber and Jade were having. It was a question she had often pondered, and she hadn’t found a true answer for it but Jade’s explanation made a sort of sense. She flicked her ears to shake some snow from them as she followed the group higher.
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Post by Jennycallie on Jul 24, 2017 20:26:19 GMT -6
For any not attuned intimately with the earth, it would have happened seemingly without warning. But of course, that was not true; there had been a warning, an ominous and heavy shift, deep below. It was subtle, to be sure, and events followed it in rapid succession, but the earth could not be said to be silent, not to those who would listen.
Icabod if any would have been the first to notice, with his Blessing of Tremor Sense. Perhaps Khala and Otama felt it, felt the warning ripple that seethed beneath layers of rock and ice, Blessed as they were with Kaia’s most dear of abilities, Earth Manipulation. Jade, too, may have felt the warning; even yet without a Blessing, it has long been understood that Onean Weather Witches have an innate connection to the land they steward, to Kaia’s land. Witches listened to what the land told them, be it a whisper or shout.
Far beneath the mountain’s cold and barren shell, the earth whispered, once. And then it was silent, for the duration of a single heartbeat. Enough time to pause, to maybe cry out a single warning.
And then, then the mountain roared. Roared, as an entire shelf of rock exploded and splintered into a tumbling cascade of ice and stone, abandoning its hold to the precipice and surrendering to gravity, and with no care for the mortals clinging to its slope.
And revealed where the ice shelf had previous obstructed, was a gaping hole. A smoothed, arching hole, which sloped down into the mountain, quickly lost to darkness. Etched crudely but clearly into the stone at the peak of the arch was the unmistakable figure of Kaia, and perhaps it was the uncertain light of the reflected ice, or the dust still swirling through the air, but the sigil seemed, ever so faintly, to emit a soft glow.
And once more, the earth was silent.
A tunnel, clearly equine-made, has been revealed in the sudden and violent shifting of rock. Determine the extent of your injuries, and decide what to do!
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Post by Superior-Caesar on Jul 25, 2017 0:38:39 GMT -6
Icabod | RaiderIcabod was a solid five strides ahead of the rest of the group. He didn't need them. Not that much, at least. He'd traversed the path twice before and he was one of the most sure-hoofed horses he'd known. He did take note of what the others were saying though. The raider glanced back to listen to what Jade had to say. She was among the section of their group he'd met previously, and she'd seemed nice enough then. It certainly was a curious point that Amber had brought up. "Probably has something to do with Ignacio and his sisters not being on the best of terms. Sun gets weaker as we get closer to Kaia and Alya." Icabod chuckled to show it was a joke, rather than an actual religious statement. As soon as he'd finished his statement he felt a strange vibration. It was small at first, barely enough to get his attention. Then he felt just how bad it was going to be. Icabod swiftly scanned the area, unsure of what would come. When he noticed the first pebbles shake loose the stallion launched himself forward. "Everyone get back! Rockslide!" The roan shouted at them at the top of his lungs. It was barely a moment after he got the words out that the rocks and snow came hurtling down. He immediately regretted being so far ahead. Had he been closer, he certainly could have shoved the others out of harms way. But no, he could only hope that they were smart enough to listen. Surely one of the others had to have felt the rumblings. But, maybe not. When the rubble cleared its way down the mountainside, he took his chance to glance at the group. At least everyone seemed to be above ground. No one had gone tumbling down the mountain. Icabod let out a breath that he hadn't quite realized he'd been holding. He paused to check himself over. His hocks were bleeding ever-so-slightly, but besides that he wasn't harmed. The others might have been, but when he turned back to them he wasn't looking at them. Before the ragtag group was a large hole in the mountain. His eyes widened and his jaws parted slightly as he stared in awe. The cave looked horse made. It had to be. And that meant it had to lead somewhere. "Guys..." Icabod gestured at the cave. "I'm going in. We have to find out what this thing is." Just like that, the stallion was starting towards the entrance, entirely unworried about what the others would do. His foal-like curiosity took over. Word Count: 435
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Post by posy-punch on Jul 25, 2017 18:19:37 GMT -6
ANNA BERK
SHE LOVES EVERYONE BUT CLARKE AND ICA
...but even them sometimes "Says the cripple. You're lucky I love you," Anna drawled sarcastically. In response she drew her cloak even tighter around her frame. She shot a glare at the chuckling mule. As she walked, stocky legs all too cold despite her fluffier coat, she listened to the young Valkyrie make small talk with the weather witch. Anna paid no attention. She did however, follow Otama's gaze up at the few ice-like corpses that lined the trails ever so often. She was about to comment, keyword ' about', when the mountain rumbled, a thundering sound, as a shelf of rock exploded. Anna herself slipped a good bit before catching herself on the ragged slope in the aftermath of ice and rubble. Beyond the small littered cuts along her legs and underbelly, a piece of rock had cut into her shoulder, not deep enough to truly impede the mare, but enough to make itself well and fully known. Before she could even survey the group around her, Icabod, the damned fool, was calling out. "Oh hell no, hun! You get your arrogant little ass back here and help." She called annoyed and high-pitched, pulling herself completely free of the rocks around her and staring the stallion near the entrance. "I'm sure I'm just as curious as you, but postpone your pirate adventure like ten minutes and let me give you and the rest of the party a check up." She turned back to the group. "All right, let's see what we've got here, if you're gravely injured call out please." She began fussing about with the small store of herbs she'd brought along with her. "Besides, if you go in alone and you don't come out, I can't say that any of us will be pressed to go in after you knowing that the cave is dangerous. Why not wait so we all die together." She called back just a tad jokingly. While she may have preferred the stallion go exploring on his own, and perhaps even enjoyed hearing about his untimely doom, but she was one with the group for now and the group was strongest all-together. words: 364 |
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Post by annowre on Jul 25, 2017 19:00:56 GMT -6
Liam | Scout
Well, Icabod was as headstrong as ever. The group headed towards the shrines, trudging through the snow laden path. Liam chuckled and winked back at Khala when she addressed him. "It might be, but it's also pretty damn boring," he quipped. The stallion did enjoy the company of the two mares he stayed close to. Honestly, Khala and Clarke were the only reason he was freezing his ass off halfway up the mountain in the first place. Oh well. Now he just needed to focus on making it to the summit, saying a pointless prayer, and making sure the two most important people in his life made it back down the mountain alive.
It was no secret that Liam was selfish and a bit of a coward. Well, the last bit is just a general perception most held of him due to his intense interest in self-preservation. If he didn't know you, or thought you were a moron, Liam had no qualms simply leaving you behind to face whatever fate you had found yourself in. There were very few lives he put above his own. Very few ever got close enough to even dream of being put onto that list. But Khala had been his friend since they were children, she was the closest thing to family he had left, and she had a daughter to get home to. Clarke was a newer friend, but she had her benefits, and she had quickly managed to wriggle her way past Liam's walls. She too had a family to return too. Why did all his friends have to have horses waiting on them to make a safe return home? Brown eyes flicked between the two mares and he shook his head.
Those two will be the death of me.
Suddenly, Icabod sounded the alarm. On instinct, Liam leapt into the air. Just in time too, the patch of earth he had been standing upon feel away and slid down the mountainside. His heightened emotions caused his gift to kick in and the stallion seemed to hang in mid air for a split second before settling back onto the now steady ground. Khala would be fine. She was connected to the earth, she probably saw this coming and would be able to create safe ground for herself. But Clarke hadn't been blessed by the earth god.
"Clarke? You alright?" Liam called out, eyes scanning the group for a familiar pair of long ears.
Post 2 | 410 words
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Post by cogaidh on Jul 25, 2017 20:47:51 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.
As they ascended higher, Òtama’s joints started to throb. What? She reached out with her blessing and suddenly a wave of pain hit her as the earth began to shriek. She stumbled, falling to her knees before she lashed out with her blessing, trying to strengthen the ground under as many of the horses as she could. The pain of the earth shake had her control slipping and she struggled to keep her grip on her blessing. Rocks tumbled down the mountain and Òtama tried to do her best to protect the group from them. Veka rasped and growled, hiding under Òtama as she curled her head down to the downhill side of her body.
The ground slowly stilled and Òtama waited a moment before she rose stiffly to her feet. Several rocks had connected with her, leaving deep bruises along her side and shoulder. They would have left gashes if it had not been for the thick leather of her coat. There was one shallow gash on her neck which she quickly put pressure on. Her ears were still ringing so she missed the first part of Anna’s scolding of Icabod. She shook her head to clear it as she looked over to where the stallion was standing. Her heart flipped in her chest at the sight of the carved tunnel that was now exposed. “By Kaia,” she murmured as she tried to comfort her very upset familiar. The crude carving of Kaia at the peak of the arch drew her eyes and she knew they had to explore it. But the throb in her knees and her side tempered her sense of awe.
“Icabod! Anna is right,” she called out, walking over to the small medic, “We need to tend to our injuries first, if those cuts on your hocks get infected you’ll wished you would have waited.” Òtama was reaching into the pack on her back with her mind, pulling out the very simple medical kit she always carried now a days, looking around for more serious injuries than her own.
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Post by Royaltrix on Jul 25, 2017 21:23:19 GMT -6
Jade | War-Forged | Weather Witch
After the conversation between herself and Amber died out, Jade went back to her only past-time during the trip; studying the area around the group. The mountain was silent for the most part, the only sound outside of small conversations was the soft crunching of their hooves as they penetrated the snow. Nothing had seemed wrong so far, but a uneasy feeling nestled it way into her gut. It felt as if something was wrong or going to go wrong, but Jade couldn't make any connections to understand the feeling at all. Then she heard it. Icabod's shout being lowered to a mere whisper as the rising crescendo of the earth crying out silenced him. Oh mother earth...A final thundering groan resounded throughout the valley, shaking the chimera mare's body to the core, as the rock shelf abruptly separated itself from the mountain and tumbled down towards the group. It's a rockslide! Panic wracked her body momentarily, holding her still until adrenaline kicked in and thrummed in her ears to move.
Bolting forward, the chimera mare barely dodged a copious amount of debris, which could've easily nailed her down for good. But she didn't come out unscathed, as a sharp rock caught her flank and ripped itself into the surface of her flesh. Ruby droplets splattered to the ground, a throbbing sensation taking its place after the initial pain subsided. Biting her scarred lip to prevent herself from crying out, she didn't stop moving until the mountain settled and reverted back to it's peaceful state. But once it did, Jade was left awestruck and almost numb to any pain she felt. Where there was once a solid wall of rock, an equine made tunnel revealed itself to the group. "Wha...What is this? Since when has a tunnel been hidden here?" her voice shook, awe and curiosity seeping into her voice. She almost took a step forward, blind instinct of wanting to know the meaning behind all of it guiding her. But her common sense, alongside one particularly nasty throb from her wound, knocked her back into reality.
Once she remembered where she was, and that she'd just been wounded due to the rockslide revealing said tunnel; concern for the rest of the group took priority. Looking around, everyone seemed to be just fine; no life threatening injuries that she could see as of yet. Letting out a sigh of relief, she limped over to Anna, trying her best not to aggravate the wound anymore, as the medic demanded to evaluate everyone's current wounds. Taking a moment to reassess herself, she noticed that she had just a few scrapes and bruises between her hocks and fetlocks; but other than the wound on her flank, nothing seemed to be too severe. After her assessment, she finally noticed that Icabod was trying to enter the cave almost immediately, despite the protest of Anna and Otama. Speaking up, Jade also voiced her own thoughts about him doing so. "I understand that you want to explore the cave, but wouldn't it be a better experience without wounds?" she paused, wincing at twinge of pain in her side. "I,myself, am dying to know more about it, but I need treatment before I can even think of learning more."
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Post by hey-stardust on Jul 28, 2017 6:11:57 GMT -6
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2 | 492
The warning didn't matter, there was nowhere for her to go.
Clarke had scrambled forward a few steps, trying to avoid the worst of the debris, but soon found herself impeded by the lean track, and those upon it. In the end, she relented and simply reared up in place, letting the ice take her; closing her eyes before the impact, seeing nothing and being embraced by white noise.
The sleet was overwhelming, seemingly intent to use her body as yet another landmark on this wretched mountain; a warning for others to turn back and forsake your beloved deities. Clarke felt as though she had been caught in a riptide, being thrown over and over again whilst being unable to gasp for air.
It was only when her bow shattered against her shoulder that she tried to open her eyes again, sensing a lull in the chaos. The mule lifted her head and tilted it slowly from side to side, loosening shards from her mane. Spotting some arrows that had been lost from their holster, she went to pick them up before herself, assessing the damage and tossing those that had splintered aside.
When blood began to blossom around her knees however, Clarke realised she had been injured in the fall; deep lacerations had been carved from her legs, and shallow grazes littered the rest of her body. A familiar voice broke through the fixation as she stared down at her skin, and she called out almost instinctively in response. The answer was well intended, though saturated with her usual twinge of sarcasm. “Aye Liam, still better looking than you.”
Exhaling slowly, Clarke pulled her thoughts together one by one as she called upon her gift from Cascade, blue threads of light appearing to hover over open wounds. It was tempting to amend her knees back to their former glory without delay, but she resisted the urge; holding onto the blessing just long enough for the bleeding to cease and lesions to scab over. She reminded herself that she was not alone out here, and they were far from home.
Testing the ground beneath her hooves before getting up, Clarke risked a wary glance next to her and contemplated whether she was meant to curse or praise Kaia for the dramatic display that had left her flirting dangerously close to the precipice of the mountain.
Finding the ground stable enough to regain her footing, Clarke eventually stood, limping back towards the group and gaping fissure that had been revealed in the landslide. Ichor stained the white flecking across her coat, making for a rather macabre appearance, though tame compared to the delightful array of injuries that came with being a part of the Forged.
Taking in the group’s collective injuries, Clarke too was quick to offer aid, though she did not procure physical items like her fellows had.
“If anyone’s wounds are deep, I can stem the bleeding for you.”
hoping just to share some laughs, avoid the broken glass
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Post by moonlightwalk on Jul 28, 2017 15:37:58 GMT -6
Amber | Valkyrie
Amber made a humming sound, showing Jade she heard her. She couldn't say she fully understood the reasoning since the sun was also hot. Or at least was supossed to be warm. She decided to just leave the conversation at that. Some things were perhaps only for the gods to know and she was sure they had their reasons. She did her best to ignore Icabod, not having asked his opinion. Only a couple of weeks back she would have told him as much with no kind words, but it seemed she had become able to hold her tongue just that little better. It just wasn't worth her time arguing over. Him finding it neccasary to walk in front of them still ticked her of though. She clenched her jaw and concentrated on the path.
Her 'skilful' act of pretending Icabod was air, was cut short as he called out. Soon the ground and the snow was moving and Amber was scrambling to stay on her feet and make it to safety. She silently thanked Alya for her speed and Kaia for her steady feet. She made it out with some minor cuts and bruises. Her forst reaction should have been to check if all group members were alright, but instead she called: “Otama?!”
She had been visiting the mare regurlarly during her recovery and had grown somewhat attached to her. If she had been anyone else, Amber might have dubbed her a friend. Of course Amber being Amber was a little lost on such term. Her eyes searched and found what they were looking for, the mare breeding a sigh of relief. She was pleased to hear Anna scold Icabod. His priorities were indeed backwards. “Only a few cuts,” she muttered to Anna.
As everyone took inventory of injuries, Amber let her eyes wander to aformentioned tunnel. She was curious herself as to what it was. And also why. She noted the etchef depiction of their goddess. Her breath caught. ”The tunnel,” she remarked, loud enough for everyone to hear, but not so loud as to cause another avalanche. ”That’s Kaia. It looks ancient.”
She paused, unsure if she should voice the next thing, but deciding she shouldn’t shy away from sceptics. ”Is it a sign?” Did Kaia reveal this for them to look into?
Post 3 | 396 words
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Post by Superior-Caesar on Jul 31, 2017 12:48:11 GMT -6
Icabod | Raider
Icabod grumbled under his breath. Of course this lousy group would argue against him going in. But, it made no sense, since they all seemed to hate him anyway. Well, maybe a couple of them were fine putting up with him. Icabod glanced at his hocks and shook his head. He was fine. “If you don't recall, Anna, half my face was shredded off about six months ago. I think I can handle a couple of hock scratches.” The stallion snorted at her in particular. "Besides, I thought you guys would all be better off without me anyway. So, if I go in there and don't come back out, you know not to join me in death." That seemed like reasonable logic to the raider. With that, Icabod decided on going in. Amber seemed ready to move again, so why not get the head start. He needed to find out why Kaia would reveal such a thing to him. “I can handle myself. I felt the slide coming before any of you. I'll feel whatever else comin’, too.”
Icabod gave a charming smile to the others, just to mess with them. Sure he was being an ass, but everyone seemed to think that of him anyway so what did it matter. Icabod took a couple steps closer to the tunnel. He wasn't quite ready to disappear on them. If they took forever, he might, but he wasn't going full-on dick just yet. Word Count: 242
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Post by annowre on Jul 31, 2017 13:17:56 GMT -6
Liam | Scout
Ah. There she was. Clarke was fine and as snarky as ever. She was bleeding, but she'd be fixed up pretty quick. The stallion winked and grinned back at the mule. "Wouldn't have it any other way love," he teased and looked at the group. Some bumps and bruises. A smattering a cuts. But it wasn't anything the group wasn't accustomed too. They were War-Forged. This was just a part of life in the north. The scarred stallion was surprised he had managed to make it out unscathed.
But of course the landslide hadn't been the only excitement. A massive, equine made tunnel had appeared in the side of the mountain. The scout joined Icabod and Amber at its mouth, inspecting it. Something within him was unsettled. This wasn't right. "I don't know about this," he said, dark eyes cautiously looking into the depths. In all of his life, every story he'd heard, every scrap of knowledge he knew from living in these mountains, he had never heard about this. A secret tunnel within the sacred mountain. There wasn't even an old mares tale about it. For their ancestors to live here since time began, and never once have come upon this, it just wasn't right.
"We should report back to town. We have no idea what this is or if it's dangerous. We could be marching to our deaths and then who would tell the circle what we've found. The elders and War Lord can make a plan about how to investigate it. This isn't our mission." Liam snorted and took a step back from the cave opening. Sure, he would go in with the rest of the group if they decided to go. Being alone on the mountain face was almost certain death. But he really didn't have a good feeling about this. He just hoped his peers wouldn't act as pigheaded as they were talking about being. Sweet Kaia, why did everyone in this damned herd need to be so headstrong? Why couldn't they err on the side of caution for once?
Post 3 | 345 words
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Post by hey-stardust on Aug 2, 2017 22:59:19 GMT -6
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3 | 197
Seeing nothing but hurt pride and the occasional scrape, Clarke focused her attention instead upon the underpass. There was no denying it had a certain allure to it, drawing them in, but whether that was simply her own curiosity or something otherworldly, she couldn’t tell.
Shuffling forward through the snow towards it, Clarke did not bother to engage with Icabod, his continuous show of chauvinistic behaviour simply earning a flattening of ears in exasperation. She was yet to fathom as to why exactly they bothered to bring along someone so intent on turning a group undertaking into a solo one...
There's only so much ego stroking that can be done alone, after all.
At Liam’s words however, she grew insubordinate. They had made it this far, and she was damned if she was turning back -figuratively- empty handed.
Halting just short of the entrance, she turned her head to side eye the silver bay, waiting until he looked at her to speak. “Come now Liam, you can pray to Kaia for better stamina in here.”
Her tone remained jovial, aiming to cut through his lament as she then stepped into the cave, disappearing from view.
have I met you in the past, in a life that I lived last
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Post by Royaltrix on Aug 3, 2017 22:36:12 GMT -6
Jade | War-Forged | Weather Witch
Upon hearing Icabod's response to her concern, Jade felt a bit hurt that he would assume everybody would think they'd be better off without him. Jade would never think that about anyone unless given probable reason to. Sighing deeply, Jade kept her tone relatively neutral as she shouted back at the other. "Well if that what you believe, I won't say anything else to stop you from going in. All I ask is that you tread on with caution," she paused, switching her attention to Liam. The chimera mare inhaled deeply, calming her curiosity about the tunnel before continuing. She very well couldn't let her emotions have her spouting biased words to the other."And your right about that Liam; this isn't out mission. We're under no obligation to go explore this tunnel, other than out of curiosity....we may very well be walking into a trap."
A rare, steely look took place in Jade's eyes as she spoke once more, her loyalty to her herd brimming forth."But do we really have the time to report back to the higher-ups? We aren't necessarily in best of times as of right now. They don't have the time to waste on some hidden tunnel that potentially poses no threat to the herd at all." As she finished, she began following after Icabod and Clarke; who both entered the tunnel without hesitation.
Once she reached the entrance, her heart thrummed with glee at finally being so close; mind racing with various scenarios within her head. Before entering the tunnel, she took a moment to look back at the remaining members, to which her previously steely eyes softened. For the most part, everyone seemed to only have minor cuts and bruises despite just experiencing an abrupt rockslide. If...I was more skilled as a weather witch...could I have helped prevented most of these injuries by predicting the rockslide? A wave of guilt washed over her against her will, flashing across her face for a brief moment before and she shoved it down. Clearing her throat, she address the lingering members outside of the tunnel."If...this really is a sign from Kaia...then I believe it falls within our duty to investigate it. But if you really wish to speak to the Stone Circle and the Warlord and have them investigate it; feel free to do so."
Once she finished, the chimera mare breached the entrance and didn't look back to see who else followed her and the others in. Like earlier with Icabod, she couldn't force the stallion to stay behind. She had no right to do so. All Jade could do was pray silently to Kaia that she didn't end up making a huge mistake by letting her curiosity take over her usually smart decision making.
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Post by posy-punch on Aug 4, 2017 17:12:48 GMT -6
ANNA BERK
MORE CURIOUS THAN GRUMPY FOR THE TIME BEING
Anna just barely held her tongue from launching into a tirade on the Raider-stallion. She'd just refuse to treat him the next time they were sloshed all-together. He seemed to have a knack for trouble. l "I'll be cleaning all wounds after we return from the tunnel." She said very clearly and very loudly, cutting over everyone else. "An infection hobbles even the strongest of us, and damned if I don't do my job." Anna flicked an ear, offering a quick word of gratitude to both Alya and Kaia for the suspicious lack of injuries on all fronts. Now, the little pony nimbly picked her way out of the rest of the rubble and up towards the underpass. She caught the end of Liam's words and listened to Jade's return with a turned ear. "The mountain is fickle, so quickly the landslide revealed this to us, so quickly as it may also disappear should we go find others." The pony-mare stepped forward further and then stopped. "With the nature of tunnels, they tend not to be so straightforward as we all wish, can anyone spare something to use as a marker?" She jerked her head at the entrance of the tunnel. While the medic was sure she'd be able to eventually get out, she'd much rather not get lost. Besides, if they put it at the mouth of the tunnel and then scattered belongings on the way, if there was a cave-in a traveller would recognize the items of a group and potentially come to their aide. "And perhaps, Amber, it is a sign from Kaia. Regardless, can we all move along together? Clarke, Icabod, that's directed at you two." words: 292 |
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Post by cogaidh on Aug 4, 2017 21:00:42 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.
Òtama still felt stiff in her knees from the earth slide, a side effect of her earth manipulation blessing she guessed. As she tried to sooth Veka she heard Amber call out her name, she had formed a good friendship with the other mare and Òtama looked around for her. Spotting the golden mare, she walked over to her, “I’m fine Amber,” she said, the shallow gash on her neck had stopped bleeding and she was satisfied it was clean. She looked back at the tunnel and felt a shiver run down her spine. It did have to be a sign, they had been on their way up to Kaia’s Shrine and a different path had been brought to them.
She scowled at Icabod’s insinuations that the group would be better off without him, shaking her head at his disregard for his concern. She looked over at Jade and murmured, “Don’t take it to heart, some Raiders just get that way after a while.” She didn’t approve of the attitude but sometimes it was easier to just ignore than to argue. When Anna spoke over all others she had to smile, there was very little arguing with the small mare but she knew her craft. At her request for something to use as a marker Òtama’s long ears came right up. “I have chalk,” she said pulling out a weather proof pouch that held the white chalk. “It should show up well against the dark stone.”
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Post by RusticForrest on Aug 7, 2017 12:45:31 GMT -6
Khala
[ War-Forged | Valkyrie ]
The tremor had come unexpectedly, the shaking travelling up Khala's legs was a familiar feeling, similar to ones she herself had created by shifting the earth with her blessing. Beside her, Zipporah hissed furiously, her pale ears flattening sideways, the fur lining her neck raising with the motion. Eyeing the cat cautiously, the Valkyrie rapidly turned towards her, assuring herself that the familiar was far enough away from the edge of the mountain so as not to fall, then turned to the rest of the group, motherly instincts flaring as she looked at them all. They were fortunate that the tremor had not been more severe. Had it loosed rock, snow or ice, they would not have had any route of escape. She settled to thank Kaia that worse had not befallen them.
Perhaps most startling about it all was the appearance of the tunnel. Above its frame was etched an ancient, but beautiful carving of Kaia. Khala's eyes settled upon it then, and her hooves carried her forwards, as if transfixed by the sight. This was no ordinary occurrence, something deep within her was convinced. "It appears to me," she finally spoke. "That we have no other alternative. Follow the cave, or risk worse befalling us out here." Without hesitation, she moved inside, following the path of those before her.
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Post by annowre on Aug 7, 2017 18:44:41 GMT -6
Liam | Scout
"It's not my stamina I'm worried about," the stallion grunted in response to Clarke, thoroughly annoyed at the whole situation as he watched the mule cross the threshold into the tunnel. Jade soon followed after and Anna and Otama joined him at the mouth of the tunnel. This was insane. They had no idea what this was or who had made it. It just didn't feel right. Sure, Liam was a well known coward cautious thinker. But still!
When Khala came up next to him, he expected her to back him up. She was level headed and smart. She had lectured him on numerous occasions about being more careful. But she just rambled off some ridiculous babble and followed after the horses who had already entered. The stallions jaw dropped. This he did not expect. Sure, Khala could be a bit unyielding in her decisions. But this?! This was moronic!!
Liam snorted and grumbled, hesitantly following after his two friends. He wasn't going to let them go anywhere without him. Liam would turn his back on pretty much anyone to save his own skin, but not these two. Besides, it was certain death to stay on the mountain face alone. At least the tunnel wasn't absolute suicide. There was a chance it was safe. Even so, he scowled at Khala and Clarke, like an indignant toddler who'd just been told he wouldn't be allowed to leave the table until he had finished his carrots.
Post 4 | 246 words
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Post by moonlightwalk on Aug 8, 2017 9:09:53 GMT -6
Amber | Valkyrie
Amber did her best not to sigh deeply as opinions were tossed. Stallions could be so stubborn, as if they were just waiting to disagree. Luckily it was only one of them doing so. She counted her lucky stars. She was happy to see none of them were to gravely injured, Otama and Khala in particular since she held no great attachement to the rest of them. It was mere duty and the fact they were Forged that made her feel any kind of worry for the rest. There seemed to be general agreement about their course of action and they all filled into the cave. She nodded at Otama’s mention of chalk which she considered good thinking. Even with the stark white color however, it would too dark deeper in to see anything at all. She pressed her lips together as she studied the walls’ surface. “Anyone have a lantern or any usefull blessing? Otherwise we’re gonna need to torch something.”
She looked over her shoulder and away from the cave walls, giving her travel companions an inquiring look. If she was being honest m, she wanted to get further in as soon as possible, so whatever was fastest worked best for her. Though she didn’t speak about it often - not so suprising considering the amount of conversations she held - Amber was a strong believer and the etching of Kaia had more than peaked her interest.
Post 4 | 237 words
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