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Post by GingerBlues on Aug 12, 2017 2:10:49 GMT -6
 Hello Starborn, and welcome to Plot 402: Defend Yourself
Leader: Daemyn Participants: Keahi, Adaline, Corrine, Cassandra, Minerva, Antheia, Ivarra
Talori Plot Journal | Chapter 4 Journal | Plot Music | Chapter Chat 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   
Location: A small clearing in the rear corner of Torrine Time of Day: Mid morning Current Weather: Sunny, but cloudy Opening Prompt: With plans for a rebellion confirmed by the Talori officials, you have been instructed to begin preparations of your own. While the herd’s guardians are always prepared for a fight, the majority of the herd is not, having led mostly peaceful and nonviolent lives. Because of this, Daemyn alongside a few other guardians have taken it upon themselves to give some lessons in self defense to those the herd might usually overlook - mares and tenderfeet. Notes: Torrine's barrier prevents the use of blessings inside, though teke can still be used. |
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Post by GingerBlues on Aug 12, 2017 23:02:38 GMT -6
Daemyn
Guardian, Husband and Father
Daemyn paced back and forth in a clearing edged by enough trees and low bushes to offer shelter from prying eyes and give a sense of privacy. Of course, these days in Torrine you always had to be on guard, always had to keep an extra eye out for any of the Flight patrols, sparse as they might be. His fellow Guardians agreed that his particular clearing would be safe enough for the little 'get together', but Daemyn found it hard to shake the paranoia which had taken root within these past months.
Torrine hadn't been so bad when he was locked here 'for his own safety' because he had Kalakara then and later Moree. He had married and eventually grown somewhat fond of the settlement, but anything positive Torrine had held for him was now stained and corrupted. The Flight's aggressive and deadly attack had separated him from wife and daughter and for three long months, Daemyn could only hope and pray that they had made it somewhere safe. Perhaps they had made it to open water and fled to Kiephis, being hippocampi. Perhaps, as his nightmares loved to whisper each and every night, perhaps they were both dead, rotting in unmarked graves. The lack of knowledge had turned the otherwise calm and collected stallion into an angry barrel of black powder, threatening to explode at the least provocation. Thankfully he still maintained enough control to hold back, but it was getting harder to pass a Flight patrol peacefully, especially as his new scars itched for payback.
Daemyn didn't quite recall when the idea of training mares had come to him exactly, but at some point, it had wormed into his brain and taken root. Someone had approached him and asked for self-defense tips, that much he recalled and the more he rolled that encounter over in his mind, the mother he came to realise how defenceless the mares were. Not everyone, of course, but the majority of Talorian ladies did not know how to fight, and that put them in danger.
So Daemyn formulated a plan to train in secret, and he had the word pass around, an open invitation to any who wanted to join.
The large shire mix spun around at the sound of hoof-steps, preparing himself for the possibility of the Flight having caught onto the plan. When he saw that it was none of the feathered devils, he breathed a small sigh of relief and greeted the newcomer(s) with a soft smile and a nod of his head.
"Glad you could make it, " he rumbled softly. "I'm expecting quite a few more faces to show up, soon I hope. How have you been? "
Word count: 450 | Post: #1 |
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Post by songsofinfinity on Aug 18, 2017 13:05:22 GMT -6
KEAHI
TALORI | ENTERTAINER
Keahi stepped into the clearing carefully, listening to get a picture of her surroundings. Over the past few weeks she'd learned much about Torrine, but she wasn't totally familiar with this corner, and she'd had to watch her step on the way over here.
In fact, she'd been spending most of her time near Fijalahr. He'd been her one solid point in this whole mess. Him and Aisake. Her son she'd left in the care of a mare she'd met. Fijalahr? She wasn't sure where he was. She hadn't seen him today.
There wasn't much she could learn, she knew. Without sight, she was at a serious disadvantage. Her size didn't help either. Despite that, it was important she try and learn what she could. She had to be able to defend her son as best she could. With the hippocampi being killed, it could only be a matter of time before the Flight shifted their attention to those they saw as complicit in the sacrifices.
She could hear Daemyn moving in the clearing before he spoke, and when he did she laughed softly. "I'm glad to hear I won't be the only one. I don't think we'd get too far with just me." She flicked her tail and sidestepped slightly, more nervous than she wanted to admit, even to herself. "I've been... as good as I can be. Aisake's scared. Cascade knows I am. It's why I'm here." She winced. Too forward? Definitely too forward. "How've you been?"
Post: 1 Word Count: 256 |
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Post by FaunaFawn on Aug 18, 2017 13:05:53 GMT -6
 Corrine
Cleric of Starfall SpringIm a series of small victories and large defeats
and I am as amazed as any other
that I have gotten from there to hereBetrayal was something she never quite tasted, not until that day Harper had betrayed them all. Thus they all found themselves within Torrine. A place they had put the pegasi in for their own sake, but after being in here, Corrine perhaps wondered if the council went to far, this did not feel like a sanctuary. No it felt more like a cage, a place to but away problems others did not want to deal with for now. Corrine had wondered if it was only because of the flock that it seemed this way, but a frown settled on her face and she knew the facts for what it was.
Shaking her head, curls bouncing as she did so. She pondered what would happen to them all, to their home. She wondered about Rycaron and the others. Heart ached praying they are safe somewhere. Corrine found herself praying a lot as of late, if not healing others from the war the Flock had brought upon them. No, she thought to herself. It was not the time to dwell on such facts. No more tears will be spilt, or sleepless nights to be had.
They all had to act, and there had been whispers of some wishing to train mares, and children alike to fight. The idea made her almost want to roll her eyes. Fighters? No not them, but of course in times of war, did they not need every able body? Able body, the word tasted so unfamiliar to her. Glancing at her silver chariot of a cart, her form within it, she tugged onward. It was clear now, her secret out like it was nothing. Corrine was indeed a cripple, unable to transform into her other equine form with out twisted and gnarled legs and pain that could steal her very breath. Could she be a fighter? She wanted to laugh, but if others were going to learn, surely they would need a healer and that was why she was coming. To help, and to heal.
Corrine trotted onward, pulling along the cart until she got to the place, and watched as a large stallion greeted those that arrived. "Good day to you." she remarked dipping her head respectfully. Even in war her manners were not lost upon her. "I thank you for what you are doing for the herd, for everyone." she commended him with a smile. "Im not much of an able body to learn." she laughed trotting forwards a bit more in her mobility cart. "But I can heal when needed of course." she remarked. Filling in the answers for him. She wasn't a fighter, but the real answer was, that she couldnt be a fighter.
WC:451 | Post #1 |
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Post by snufflet on Aug 18, 2017 14:24:02 GMT -6
Antheia | Talori | Entertainer There was nothing quite as infuriating as being held prisoner. Antheia had no love for being told to stay in one place; in fact, she found no joy in doing as she was told in general. These days, she didn’t have much choice, fins or no. It seemed they were all at risk in these times of war. If not immediate danger, than later on, voluntarily. Or so it seemed, given the lesson they had been summoned for.
She had delighted in the knowledge that she would finally get to see some new corner of their pen, even if it was emphasized that she’d have to find her way there quietly. Doing anything under the radar wasn’t really the mare’s style, not when she had spent the majority of her life trying to summon all eyes upon her. As much of a blundering mess of giggles she might have been making her way to the clearing, she found it nonetheless. She was already bouncing from foot to foot, months of barely tamed energy begging to be put to some use.
Her chin tilted up to see the others, briefly glancing at those who had gathered before locking onto the stallion that seemed to be leading this little sparring lesson. ”Hello,” she greeted, childish wonder tinging her voice. She wasn't entirely sure who she meant to address; she was only aware of the fact that so far, she seemed to be the only one training who wasn't somehow at a disadvantage when it came to a fight. And to say that of her was generous too. "How many are we waiting for?" 1 | 271 |
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Post by Kelpie-River on Aug 19, 2017 17:03:12 GMT -6
Minerva || Cleric || Post One
As the tiger striped mare wound her way through the ever thickening undergrowth, she cursed with mounting frequency and gusto. Her long, traditionally beautiful mane and tail were becoming tangled in the brush, knotting, snarling, and tangling until they became a useless mess of destructed keratin fibers. Although she wouldn't describe herself as vain, the truth was that Minerva put much stock into her classical features, such as her bright, warm coat, Iberian body, and the luscious locks which she had now ruined beyond all belief.
Stumbling into a small clearing where the beast of an instructor, and some other Torrine prisoners had gathered, Minerva guessed that she had arrived at her destination. Wishing she had some way to preen herself, the mare slinked forward, her orange and white spines rattling ever so slightly as she walked. Stopping near, but not entirely within the group, Minerva glanced around at those surrounding her. Good, strong Talorian citizens, who were ready to banish the evil that had so violently infiltrated their herd. Just thinking about the Flight, especially Harper and her betrayal to them, made a sour taste grow at the back of Minerva's mouth. How the mare could have stabbed her herd in the back so, the Cleric did not understand. Nor did she care to find out. Instead, she wished to learn how to use her hooves, spines, and teeth to inflict punishment upon those who deserved her wrath.
"So, when do we begin?" The brindle inquired, her green eyes piercing as they bored into those of the group leader. "It's already so late into the morning, and we have much to cover, I assume." Part of the mare's enthusiasm sprang from her history of Pegasus related bloodlust, and part was to distract the others from her bedraggled appearance. An eidetic memory was not a pleasant thing when it was categorizing the pitious stares of others, and Minerva wished to distract herself from that prospective memory thoroughly.
Wc: when I'm not on mobile
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Post by SagaWolf on Aug 25, 2017 7:38:25 GMT -6
Daemyn
Guardian, Husband and Father
It was a considerable weight off of his shoulders when, slowly, the mares began to arrive and then it settled again, heavier even, when he recognized Keahi and Corrine. He did not let the heaviness show on his face, but it settled in his chest none the less. Great, one was blind and the other had limited mobility. Both issues could be worked around, but that would take a considerable amount of training and many long days. He'd still teach them, of course, to the best of his abilities.
He listened to Keahi's worries, humming in agreement, glad to hear that she and her boy were at least in good health if nothing else. "I've been fine myself, " he rumbled in his deep voice. "Living day by day, " he added softly before shifting his gaze to Corrine. He didn't know her especially well, only from Starfall's Spring which he had visited only once or twice in his life.
Daemyn took a moment to study the cart Corrine pulled behind her and had to agree with her own assessment. It wasn't made for swift movements or for fighting at all, but he would be damned if he didn't give her some insight into fighting. "If your teke hasn't abandoned you, then you can train with us. Battle isn't just about what you've got in your legs. " He gave her a wink which he hope read as friendly and optimistic, just as a cheerful 'Hello' reached his ears.
Antheia was brimming with energy like Daemyn hadn't seen in months and he couldn't help but grin. Now this was more like it! Able bodied and barely able to stand still. "Welcome! The invitation has gone out to anyone in Torrine, so perhaps a handful more, " he replied and tried to place where he has seen Antheia before, but fell short and was distracted by a fourth arrival, Minerva. The poor mare reflected just how worn he felt on the inside, but her eager question had him huff with good humor and grin.
"We start now. Welcome to all of your. My name is Daemyn, scarface over there is Gabriel, " he said, motioning to a dark bay who did indeed have a terrible scar raked across his face, "And goldielocks on my right is Lucas. " A long legged strawberry roan hippocampus with a short cropped golden mane (no doubt dyed!) snorted incredulously at the nickname, yet greeted the mares with a friendly, and somewhat over the top, 'Hi!' Aside from the three stallions, Daemyn's cassowary, Kulon was chilling off to one side in the shadows, and up above, hidden in the foliage, Calathea the sun conure kept a watchful eye out for the Flight.
"We are not here to make you guardians or raise a secret army. We are here to give you the skills of self-defense. To make sure that you know how to protect yourself. Half of it is hoof-work, knowing how to balance yourself and move, half of it is knowing how to parry and attack. There are some very basic moves that, once drilled into your mind, can help you parry almost any attack. "
"We will also focus on battle with your bodies. Thankfully we all come equipped with a rather effective arsenal of weapons; Hooves and teeth. Yes, it is a barbaric technique, but if you are cornered you'll want to know where to land your blows, in order to render your attacker useless. "
Daemyn took a deep breath and glanced to Gabriel and Lucas, checking he had gotten all the basics down. With nothing to interject, Gabriel retrieved a bundle of sturdy sticks from under a bush, each fashioned into a makeshift training sword. They wouldn't do any damage other rhan bruises. The scar-faced bay passed a sword to each mare, pausing at Keahi.
"Hum... yes... Gabriel, why don't you walk Corrine through the parry and attacks, " he said, figuring the cart-bound hippocampus would require some one-on-one and Gabriel had more patience than the younger roan guardian. "And Lucas, you get these two started on stance, balance, parry and attacks, " he gestured at Minerva and Antheia.
"Sure thing Mister D! " the young roan said with a click of his tongue, causing Daemyn to flatten his ears and growl out a low: 'don't call me that'. It didn't stop the youngster from laughing as he trotted over to the mares.
With work divided, Daemyn turned to Keahi with a knitted brow. "Keahi, I'm not sure what we can do to help you. None of us have ever trained with someone blind before. How do you navigate on a daily basis? " he asked, trying to formulate some way of giving her the skills needed to defend herself and her son. Aside from kicking blindly.
Word count: 794 | Post: #2
OOC: Don't mind this monster of a post. I had a lot I wanted to get covered, sorry!
You are all free to use the NPCs Gabriel and Lucas in your posts.
-Gabriel is a bit of a somber gruff guy, but he takes his job very seriously!
-Lucas has a much more positive attitude and likes to tackle everything with a joke and light flirting. It's his way of coping with all that has happened.
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Post by snufflet on Aug 25, 2017 12:40:45 GMT -6
Antheia | Talori | Entertainer Antheia glanced to her side as another mare arrived, and was pleased to see that she wouldn't be the only one with a bit of enthusiasm here. The others seemed timid about the idea; probably concerned about the upcoming violence this suggested and just how they would get tangled up in it. She couldn't blame them, not when it was evident that they weren't quite suited for combat.
She had to hand it to their trainers. They must have unbound optimism - and patience - if they were willing to take this ragtag team on. She grinned back as the stallion spoke to her, her ears flicking in acknowledgement and her tail giving a happy, rustling swish against leaves. He soon moved on, but her eagerness to get a move on only grew as it became evident that no matter how many they were waiting on, they would be quick to get going.
To the lighthearted introduction, Antheia could only laugh. She knew better than to interrupt - for once! - but it was nice to finally be around someone whose head didn't hang with the weight of imprisonment. Even if it was just a mask the trainers wore for their benefit. The speech, no matter how informative or inspirational it might have been, passed straight over her head - she was already itching to do something, her feet betraying her as she practically danced on the spot.
She only became more restless as a sword was dropped in front of her, quick to try in pick it up as it glowed a neon blue. She tossed her head in the direction of Minerva, teeth flashing in a wide smile as the chipper roan made his way over. "At least we got the cute one, yeah? I'm Antheia." She made no effort to keep her voice low, and she heard a snort from Lucas, who she had quickly decided would be addressed by none other than Goldilocks, or perhaps blondie, and knew that she'd been heard.
"You're rather pretty, aren't you? I can't imagine you'd have much trouble from any boys. They'd drop their swords looking at you." To Lucas, who seemed a little iffy about the floating branch and Antheia's obvious lack of concentration, she added, "I mean, I guess you're pretty too."
"Yes, we're all very pretty. Prettier if you don't poke someone's eye out with that. Are you going to wait for instructions or would you like to teach?" The hippocampus asked, looking more amused than aggravated.
"You take too looong," she whined, but still, the 'sword' clattered to the ground once more. 2 | 431 |
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Post by fynli on Aug 25, 2017 18:53:48 GMT -6
Cassandra And I found Jesus, what a liar. She was the last royal.
Her mother and sister were gone, brothers gone as well, and her father was missing. That only left her, Princess Cassandra, the last of the royal blood. What had she done to deserve this fate? How had she fallen so far from Cascade's protecting embrace? The flight had destroyed everything and left her beloved country in ruins.
They had murdered the closest thing to her heart, her beloved sister.
By Cascade, she wanted their wings ripped from their backs and thrown to the sea just for that.
The thought of Bethel made her heart and stomach wrench, but no tears came. As the princess, she had to be strong. For her people, for her lost family, for herself.
This wasn't supposed to be on her agenda though, she reminisced as she approached the clearing, watching the other mares with scrutinizing eyes. She recognized none save for the two mares that had been with her and her family in the palace. When they had been utterly betrayed by that backstabbing wench, Harper.
Sudden panic filled her chest as she watched the mares being separated for training. As the princess, she took it upon herself to oversee what her subjects were doing to prepare for rebellion, but she couldn't fight. Cassie was smart, but she had to admit to herself that her weakness was her long, spindly legs and just how small she was. She was still a child.
Vengeance for her family, for Bethel, reined in the anxiety and forced her mind towards a clearer path. Besides, it would be helpful for the country to see their princess fighting alongside them, not sitting high above and watching. Cassie took a deep breath, letting the fury and power of Cascade's worst storms settle back into her veins.
She could do this, for her sister.
A memory of the two playing within the palace flashed behind her eyes and Cassie's breath shook. It was funny just how cruel time could be.
Still, she found that she could not move. Her legs seemed frozen, hooves covered in ice despite the humid temperature in the prison. So until someone pointed her out, she watched and waited.
Words: 366 Post #1
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Post by Kelpie-River on Aug 25, 2017 19:59:43 GMT -6
Minerva | Cleric | Post 2
As the stallions made their introductions and passed out weapons, Minerva's green eyes flicked from one place to another, attempting to take in all that surrounded her, as mounting enthusiasm welled in her chest, urging her to pick up the stick handed to her with bright, lime-green teke, and begin practicing with it. Although the mare had never before held a weapon, ironic for a horse who had so many mysterious, hidden deaths under her belt, she was used to holding objects for her career as a Cleric, and easily kept a grip on the unwieldy thing. With a slow, unsteady motion, she swept the stick from side to side, attempting to acquaint herself with its weight and movement.
The sound of another horse speaking to her roused Minerva from her practice, and she turned her head to look at Antheia. Despite the desperate situation in which the horses found themselves, the entertainer appeared to be chipper, a trait which Minerva found admirable. She had to admit that the pale mare was right about Lucas being the cute one; as he approached, Minerva couldn't help but smirk the tiniest bit, infected by the other mare's good nature.
She wasn't quite sure exactly what to say to Antheia's comment about her good looks, even though Minerva knew quite well that she was indeed an attractive mare. It was such a strange thing to say under the circumstances, but it seemed completely suited to the entertainer's personality, and therefore not strange at all.
"You're not half bad yourself," Minerva replied, gently nudging the other mare with her long black tail in a friendly gesture. Her smirk broke into a full smile as Lucas approached, chiding Theia for her overenthusiasm. The two seemed to get along quite well, which Minerva found refreshing.
Her good humor was suddenly killed, however, as she looked over and noticed Cassandra. Her heart twisted suddenly, as she was thrown back in memory to the moment that cursed wretch, Harper, betrayed them. Thanks to Minerva's eidetic memory, she remembered the horrid event with crystal clarity. It made her shudder to remember the dark tunnels, the confusion, and the back-stabbing betrayal. How horrid Cassandra must feel, even if her own memory had begun to dull the day as normal minds often do. Minerva's heart ache just thinking about it, and she felt compelled to remedy the situation somehow.
"Princess, won't you join our group?" she called, dipping her head respectfully as she called out the mare's title. Perhaps, a friendly face might do even the tiniest bit of good for the Royal. It was all that Minerva could do, and she hoped it could be enough.
WC: 447
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Post by songsofinfinity on Aug 30, 2017 0:23:04 GMT -6
KEAHI
TALORI | ENTERTAINER
She listened as the weapons, sticks by the sound of them, were passed out by the two stallions with Daemyn, and winced as she was passed over. Not because she minded the acknowledgement of her blindness, but because it drove home how useless she would be at this. She'd tried to fight during the attack during the ceremony, but she'd barely accomplished anything. What was she supposed to be doing here?
Not for the first time, she wished Fijhalar was there. As a War-Forged stallion he probably knew his way around weapons far better than any of the others Daemyn had called. And besides, it would be nice to have a... a friend with her today. After a moment she realized Daemyn was talking to her, and she frowned at herself. It wasn't like her to get lost in thought.
"...How do you navigate on a daily basis?" Well, at least it was a fairly useful question.
"It depends. I listen to my surroundings and I try and stay in areas I'm familiar with. If I really don't know an area, or if it's very crowded, I'll use a long piece of cane I have at home to try and find walls and steps and things before I trip or run into them.
Teke's useful too. Since it doesn't go through solid objects I can use it to feel things that can be picked up. When I combine teke with what I can hear or what I've learned using the cane I can get a good picture of my surroundings." She dipped her head in respect before chasing after Gabriel and taking a stick from the ones he carried. It was perhaps a little awkward, but he would understand. Hopefully. "I'd like to try and learn to use this. It's probably better for me to use a weapon, if I miss with my hooves I'd just end up unbalanced."
Post: 2 Word Count: 326 |
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Post by SagaWolf on Aug 31, 2017 3:20:41 GMT -6
Daemyn
Guardian, Husband and Father
The large Guardian's focus was on Keahi as she spoke, meaning that he missed Cassandra's arrival entirely. His brow was lightly furrowed as he nodded along to the explanation given, all of which made perfectly good sense. The only problem was how to apply it to training which was largely sight based. So Daemyn rumbled thoughtfully, trying to formulate a plan in his mind, when Keahi dipped her head and took off after Gabriel, picking a 'sword' from his stick bundle. It made Daemyn grin at her determination and decide that maybe it wouldn't be so bad after all. He followed and gave Gabriel a quick rundown of Keahi's explanation.
"Come with me then, " rumbled Gabriel, moving slowly until he was sure Keahi was capable of keeping up, and which point he made his way to Corrine. Judging by his dark expression he wasn't too happy at being saddled with the two disabled mares, but he kept it at that. His first order of business was to teach to two how to grip their stick-sword properly with their teke, and then walk them through a 4 step parry; Above the head and to the left, above the head and to the right, below the chest and to the right and below the chest and to the left.
"When done properly, " he all but growled, "your weapon should flow in a smooth circle. Once this motion has been worked into your bones, all it takes are small variations and you have almost complete body defense. " And then he demonstrated.
Lucas was ready to start with his ladies as well, but the arrival of Cassandra slowed things down a notch. The young stallion took pause to dip his head respectfully and greet her with a cheery 'princess', before echoing Minerva's invitation for her to join in. He waited just a moment to see what the little Tenderhoof would do, and then began his instructions. Where Gabriel went straight to wielding the weapon, Lucas took time to highlight the necessity of balance and steady hooves.
"Antheia, was it? I want you to give me a good ol' shove! Really put your back into it! " he grinned and when she did so, he stumbled genuinely. "Hah! Good one! See what happened there? My balance was off, exactly. Now, when you wanna fight you wanna make sure you have your weight evenly spaced, like so! " He shifted his hooves casually and nodded at Antheia again. "Once more if you please, " he said with a wink, and this time he stood firm like a boulder sunken halfway into the sand. The he instructed his little gathering in the proper stance, and had them try and knock each other over, much to his own delight. If Cassandra joined them, he made sure to stay gentle with her.
Through it all, Daemyn oversaw in silence. Cassandra's arrival was a bit of a shock, and on a normal day he would have folded into a deep bow. But the little one seemed so out of it that he didn't want to draw any extra attention to her, so a smile and nod of the head was all for now. He drifted between the two groups and gave comments and helpful suggestions, anything to aid the mares. For combat demonstrations he'd spare off with either Lucas or Gabriel, showing exactly how the ladies could put all of this basic training into practical use. They were doing well in his opinion, but there was still so much to do.
Word count: 588 | Post: #3
OOC: I am loosely basing all of this on some reenactment weapon training I had years back, medieval style. And trying my best to modify it for magical horses, hah! Which is also why I am gliding over a few details.
Use your own imagination and just have fun with this! Yaaay!
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Post by snufflet on Aug 31, 2017 12:46:44 GMT -6
Antheia | Talori | Entertainer Antheia beamed at the returned compliment, at the swish of the other mare's tail against her side. It was nice to pretend that things were perfectly normal.
She would have said something, made another joke, perhaps, if her eyes weren't pulled in the same direction that everyone else seemed to be gazing now. It only took a moment when she realized why. A tenderfoot alone would have been strange enough, given what they were up to. A princess stranger still. Then again, perhaps with the way things were going, it was Cassandra that was most in need of this training. The last time she had seen a member of the royal family, it had not ended well.
If nothing else, she was a good actress, and surprise quickly melted back into her usual welcoming grin. She nodded her head in an attempt to be respectful, echoing Minerva's invitation shortly after Lucas. "We're the most fun, I promise!"
Before she could register the princess' response, Antheia was whipping her head around with a eager glimmer in her eyes. She had to admit, there was something satisfying about tucking her chin in and pushing, especially when the stallion's legs tangled up in response. She bounced back with a laugh, just as happy to try again - but soon sulking as her efforts the second time around proved to be fruitless.
"That's not fair!" She pouted, even though she knew her complaints would fall on deaf ears. She turned to Minerva as she said, with quite a sense of finality, "He'll be quite regretful of that before the end of the day."
She gently butted her head into Minerva's shoulder before scuttling back with a little rear, her feet falling in a horrible imitation of Lucas' stance as she chirped, "Come on, you go. It's kinda fun." She heard an attempted a warning to tell her that she'd surely be on her butt if she didn't fix her feet, but the mare merely flicked her ear and nudged her foot over an inch, absolutely certain that she had it right anyways.
Of course, the moment Minerva put any effort into pushing her over, her legs got tangled up and she narrowly missed a close encounter with the ground.
Once she got her feet sorted, she offered a deep bow. "Obviously, I meant to do that." 3 | 391 |
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Post by FaunaFawn on Aug 31, 2017 17:08:59 GMT -6
Corrine
Cleric of Starfall SpringIm a series of small victories and large defeats
and I am as amazed as any other
that I have gotten from there to here Well it seemed this Guardian was taking no excuses, odd. Most would see her state and believe there was nothing worth training. But of course she had tackled healing, but fighting... That was something else completely. Fighting was taking all her training, and using it against someone. Knowing the right way to nick a leg to separate tendons. The idea made her nearly sweat on the spot. Corrine was a healer, she had healed those in a fight, have seen both sides of fighting and war, all of it was ugly. So ugly.
Eyes looked to the others, all seeming to figure out something, Corrine spotted the Princess and was shocked to see her here to learn. It made her panic, and she could feel the rise of flight instincts grow all the more within her. She shouldn't have come.
Corrine watched as the trainer and Keahi approached her. The grim expression on Gabriel's face explained it all. He was not thrilled, not like she could blame him. Training cripples into warriors. What a task that would have to be. He handed them their practice weapons and Corrine grabbed with with her teke with some ease. It felt odd, a bit like an overgrown sewing needle. She snorted a bit at Gabriel as he all but growled at them. "Alright." she remarked cooly. Trying to not allow this gruff equine crawl under her skin. With her teke and practice sword in motion, she tried her best to mimic the movements of Gabriel.
WC:275 | Post #2 |
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Post by Kelpie-River on Sept 2, 2017 21:55:49 GMT -6
Minerva | Cleric | Post 3
Minerva was more than prepared to try her hoof at the maneuvers that they were being shown. Excitement courses through the mare at the thought of being able to put a hurting on the Flight horses. Her crest was still healing from where one of the bastards had bitten her, and Minerva's whole being was itching to return the favor. She was more than pleased when her partner stumbled. As she moved, Minerva was careful to keep her spikes in close to her body, flexing the small connective muscles that controlled the frills, so that she would do no harm to the other horses. In a real fight, she would be depending on the sharp protrusions to aid her attacks in lethality, but for all intents and purposes, she could imagine that rather than trying it out on her newfound friends.
Smiling at Anthia's quick bounce back from her stumble, Minerva tossed her mane to get the thick black locks out of her eyes. "I'm sure you did," the brindle retorted, green eyes dancing as she smirked at the other mare. "Now, try and push me over," she invited, settling herself in a position that she hoped would keep her balance strong enough to.stop her from toppling over.
Wc: 209
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Post by GingerBlues on Sept 10, 2017 12:57:20 GMT -6
You hear a rustling in the bushes behind you. Fearing the Flock may have found you, you stop what your doing and attempt to look as innocent
as possible. (Which shouldn't be too hard, no one would expect a bunch of mares to be training with
a guardian, right?) You brace yourself as four figures make their way into the clearing, only to find yourself sighing in relief.
Whether you know them personally or not, you've seen
these equines before, and you know they haven't been
trapped in Torrine alongside you all these months...
Please Welcome Kalakara, Wilbur, Cygnet, and Addanc!
(While you have time to discuss a few things and gain some information, time is short and the Flock won't stay busy forever and those from the Temple will have to return
soon. They can however safely take 1-2 equines from your group with them without
alerting the flight...Who will go with them, if any? And Who will be forced to stay behind?
(*Note: NPCs do not count towards your total <3))
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Post by SagaWolf on Sept 10, 2017 14:43:49 GMT -6
Daemyn
Guardian, Husband and Father
They were doing... well. At least as well as could be expected from untrained mares. Daemyn began to realize the scope of his endeavor as he watched the training push on. This training would have to be organised further. They'd have to come up with a system to pass around new dates, because obviously one meeting wouldn't do much and others might be interested, but unable to attend. Daemyn made mental notes and memos, until Calathea, the eyes in the sky, suddenly lwt out a melodic song.
"Patrol, " Daemyn said loud enough to get attention, but hopefully not loud enough to carry to the incoming Flight. Lucas and Gabriel were quick to dispose of the training blades, chucking them under bushes, before engaging in casual conversations with 'their' mares. Daemyn trotted to his cassowary, Kulon, making sure the massive bird stayed put.
It wasn't the Flight that pushed past bushes and into the clearing, but faces Daemyn hadn't seen in months. He couldn't match names to faces this very moment, but none of that mattered, because his legs nearly gave out when, out of all the horses in the world, Kalakara came into view. His Kali, his stars, his wife. He could barely breath and when finally he did, it brought with it, a wounded, desperate sound.
"Kali... You're alive? " he whispered, and before he could really tell his legs to move, he was rushing towards the black overo, water rising in his eyes and spilling down his cheeks. He didn't care for appearance, all he wanted was to hook his neck around hers and confirm that she was solid and real.
Word count: 272 | Post: #4
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Post by FaunaFawn on Sept 10, 2017 15:43:05 GMT -6
Corrine
Cleric of Starfall SpringIm a series of small victories and large defeats
and I am as amazed as any other
that I have gotten from there to here Training was doing as well as one could in her state. It was odd to say the least, to hold a weapon, something she seemed to heal from. To be the bringer of pain and bloodshed seemed like quite a lot of weight to bare on ones shoulders. She took an oath at least to herself to heal, but what happens when one is pushed beyond that? If her own life was threatened was it wrong to pull the sword and let the blood spray? Corrine shook her head gulping faintly, not wanting to be apart of such horrendous things.
Daemyn's voice was heard as he warned them all and Corrine was quick to move hand over her sword to her trainer and watched as they all hide them from bushes and tried to do simple talk with one another. It would of course be a bit easier, if her own trainer was a bit more... ehhhh Welcoming to say the least. Still she attempted something of the sort, but as the stranger approached she was instantly drawn to Daemyn's reaction and was a bit floored to see him rushing forward and embracing what she assumed was his partner. The scene was a bit too much for her and she found herself quickly looking away, such things felt quite private and rude to look upon. To the strangers she eyed them all.
"Are you all well? Need any help or anything?" she asked eyeing them curiously. Willing to lend some healing touches if called upon of course. Corrine moved merely enough in her cart to get a better view of the strangers. Corrine glanced at the others wondering what their reaction was all to this. A part of her wondering what was to come of this.
WC:296 | Post #3 |
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Post by Kelpie-River on Sept 10, 2017 17:44:13 GMT -6
Kalakara | Brewer | Post 6
Although the overo wasn't happy that they had cleaved their group in two, they had to satisfy themself with the thought that it was the best way to get in and out without alerting the Flock members to their presence on the prison camp. Of course, that was assuming that they weren't running headfirst into a patrol on the other side of the bushes. They hoped that they weren't going to bring their band of Talorians into the very hooves of their enemies. They didn't think they could handle the responsibility of getting their fellow survivors captured. With their heart pounding in their chest, the black mustang pushed through the undergrowth...only to find themself face to face with their husband, Daemyn. Kali's heart stopped.
Before they could get their thoughts together, the golden guardian was rushing towards them, pulling them into a tight embrace. Kali breathed in his scent, fighting back tears of joy as they pressed their neck against his. Cascade be praised that, after all that had transpired, he was alive and well. "I thought I lost you," the Overo whispered, when they finally stepped back from the hug. Their head was swimming as they attempted to comprehend the fact that their husband was standing before them, alive and well. Cascade be praised; they had assumed him dead for so long, they almost couldn't believe that he was truly standing before them. But he was, and they were so glad for it.
Clearing their throat, the Overo glanced around, noticing that the clearing held quite a few equines. Realization, harsh and cold, doused their blaze of joy. There was no way the band of horses could survive the guards without alerting suspicion. It would not be possible to take all the horses with them. What then could they do? Would they be able to explain themselves to the group without completely crushing the spirits of those who had been trapped for so long. How on earth would they choose who went and who stayed? There were so many things to be considered, and Kali had no idea how to handle the situation.
Corrine's voice tore Kali from their desperate thoughts. "We're all right," Kali assured the group. With a deep sigh, they spoke again, explaining the group's presence. "We're survivors, from the Wilds," they began. "It's our prerogative to find out as much as we can about the camp...and to bring...as many of the prisoners home as we can," they stated, stuttering over the words.
WC: 420
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Post by snufflet on Sept 11, 2017 15:12:25 GMT -6
Antheia | Talori | Entertainer A single word was enough to set the whole clearing into a quick flurry of movement, no longer the stumbling attempts at battle that had been going on before but instead something with an actual purpose. Before she could do anything to help, Antheia was engaged in chatter with the others, mentally groaning at how futile "training" seemed when this was the immediate outcome.
She hardly had the time to recognize vaguely familiar faces as being anything more than another group of horses before their trainer had sprinted across the clearing. She quickly cast her gaze away from the two of them - she knew nothing of either Daemyn or Kali, and even she could respect their reunion, however short. Meanwhile, her eyes ran across the others, trying to identify them and mostly just being struck with the strange feeling of having seen them in a crowd what felt like half a lifetime ago.
Then, the overo's words stammered out, and it didn't even take a moment for Antheia to nod at the princess. "Princess Cassandra - it's less safe for her here than anyone else." The last princess, yes, but what requests would the flight make for her life? They didn't care for any material object or oath that could have saved the other royals, and even Anethia was clever enough to guess the Flight had no more respect for Cassandra's life than they had for Bethel's. She couldn't imagine anyone would argue, except Cassandra herself.
But the other's - who else would leave? The mares that had arrived before her were far from fit to fight, and although she wished to leave, aching for an adventure was far from the best justification to hitch a ride with their unlikely saviours. 4 | 289 |
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Post by fynli on Sept 11, 2017 23:21:41 GMT -6
Cassandra And I found Jesus, what a liar. She found she was content to watch as the others invited her in, a small smile directed towards those she recognized from months ago. The rest she hadn't had the pleasure of getting to know. She chided herself internally, making a note to acquaint herself with her people when she got the chance.
The princess circled around each group, observing their activities with a steady gaze. Did she really have it in her to fight back? If anything, she could just provide moral support. Her family may be gone but they still had a Princess. They needed to see that and she needed to stay strong.
Daemyn's voice rang over the group and Cassandra felt panic seep into her blood. Had the Flight come back? Was she next?
To her relief, non-winged horses came through and Daemyn's wife was among them. While others averted their eyes to give their reunion privacy, Cassie stared. Jealousy burned in her stomach for a split second, envious that Cascade aligned the stars for their hearts to be reunited once more. If only her father and mother were able to have that...
She swallowed down her feelings, listening intently to the black overo. There were survivors? And they were here to break a few prisoners out? When her name was called, she cast a quick glare at the mare who mentioned her, ears immediately flicking back. How dare she speak for her princess? Part of her understood that they were only trying to protect her, but she wanted to be here, where her people knew she was alive and supporting them.
"No," her voice broke quietly at first before she straightened up and repeated herself. "I will not leave my people." She fixed her gaze towards Daemyn and Kali, her expression grim but determined. "I'm more important here than out in some wilds, Flock or not." Her tone was one of finality, and she was not going to argue.
Words: 324 Post #2
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Post by astrumnauta on Sept 12, 2017 3:22:06 GMT -6
Cygnet could hear horses ahead of them, and stumbled into the
clearing behind Kali she looked a state, various scratches littered
her body and her mane was shameful no longer is glorious brown
moving like water, it was limp and dull and haphazardly tied back
into a very messy plait.
She saw the reunion of Kali and her husband, she was pleased for them
but also jealous Cygnet had nobody here nor back in the wilds or the ruins
her heart lurched just for a second and so she dropped her gaze.
"I'll stay" she said quietly, unsure if she had even said it at all.
"i'll stay if you get Wilbur out safely, this is no place for
A brave boy like him, if he wishes to go back that is - but it is a request you take him and keep him safe, he will be missed, unlike me.
I have nobody waiting for me so I can stay here without
missing anybody or anybody missing me"
She gave a quick nod and found an area, she circled a few times
and then laid down, her legs stretched out. She had made her choice
and now she wanted a hot bath and a long sleep, but she had a feeling
neither of those luxuries would be available here.
She listened to all the conversations going on, and her black ears
flicked from one conversation to another, she looked towards the
princess who stated she would not leave and she admired her
Cygnet looked towards her.
"If you want to stay, Princess that is your choice, I'll keep an eye
out for you and protect you as best I can"
Cygnet gave a firm nod and could feel her eyes becoming heavy,
she snapped them open and looked around how would they decide
who actually stayed and went, they needed to decide quickly as the guards
would soon return.
"You need to hurry and decide who is going, the guards will be back soon"
Post Five -- Word Count: Three Four Seven -- Notes: n/a |
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Post by Kelpie-River on Sept 12, 2017 20:10:18 GMT -6
Minerva | Cleric | Post 4
A flash of fear sliced through the brindled mare as the bushes rustled, alerting her to the arrival of the newcomers. Luckily for the prisoners, the newcomers were not Flock members as Minerva had guessed, but rather Talorians like the prisoners themselves. Although, their tidings were not fully joyous. Only a couple of horses would be allowed to make a run for freedom. It made sense, but the words were crushing for the buckskin mare. Of course, she agreed that it would be safest for the princess to go, and she found herself feeling a mixture of pride and sadness when the child volunteered to stay. It made her glad to see that her princess was so strong in the face of adversity, but it worried Minerva that the child would be left in this harsh environment. As more horses spoke, Minerva realized that she too would have to make her own decision soon. With her princess here, and even horses from the rescue group declaring their intention to stay, she could not selfishly volunteer to leave. Minerva's duty was to her herd, and she could not shirk it in some selfish attempt at self preservation.
"Wherever my Royal goes, so will I," Minerva stated. "I am able to survive here, and there are others who need this more than I." The words felt ashen as they left Minerva's mouth, but she knew they were the right words to say,
Wc: 240
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Post by Kelpie-River on Sept 12, 2017 20:52:47 GMT -6
Kalakara | Cleric | Post 7
Kali was impressed to see the other Talorians volunteer their freedom in return for the safety of their herd mates. It was inspiring, if not foolish on the part of those who had chosen to stay. Perhaps what was right and what was easiest and most self serving were not the same, Kali thought, as they watched both the princess and Cygnet relinquished their freedom, followed soon after by a striped hippocampus mare. It was inspiring that they were so selfless...it made Kali wonder if they were wrong not to step forward and volunteer as well. But, someone had to lead the group back out of the compound, through Inaria, and into the Wilds once again. Of course, Addanc would have been just as able to do that job as Kali, or even Sven and Kenneth. One thing the three stallions could not do, however, was be a mother to Moree and Owain, who were waiting back at the Temple. Despite what selfish interests leaving Torrine far behind them might have, Kali's intentions were in finality to serve their family, and to protect their children.
"I cannot tell you who should stay and who should go," they said, glancing about the group. "But I can speak for my own decision," they added. "I will make sure that Wilbur returns safely. I will protect him as though he were one of my own children," they promised solemnly. "As for the rest of you, only you can decide finally who will remain, but those who are injured or disabled should take that into consideration when deciding who can survive the treatment here. As well, those of you who have family in the Wilds...consider that they might need you." Although they knew Dae's selfless personality, and knew that he would never take the place of some horse for his own interest, Kali couldn't help but throw out a desperate, disguised plea, praying silently that their husband would understand how much his absence had been felt, and that he would be walking beside them as they returned to the Wilds.
Wc: 348
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Post by songsofinfinity on Sept 12, 2017 21:55:15 GMT -6
KEAHI
TALORI | ENTERTAINER
Keahi moved the stick experimentally in the pattern Gabriel had described, the sword moving slowly through the air. It felt heavy in her grip, and she worried she would hit someone. After a few repetitions, though, she felt her confidence surge. She could do this. Never as well as real fighters, that was impossible, but if she had to she could swing a sword.
It was a revelation. She'd always told herself she was capable, that she could - eventually - do almost anything other horses could do, but she'd never considered fighting as being one of those things. As she swung her sword and listened to the horses training around her, she felt one of them as she rarely had before.
Gabriel might not have been happy being stuck with her, but for once, she didn't care.
Then came the whistle from the sky. It was some sort of signal, for Daemyn called out "Flight!" and she felt the training sword taken from her abruptly.
The sound of hooves rustling in the bushes across the clearing set her heart to beating wildly. Gabriel was talking with the mare nearest her, but Keahi faced the bushes on full alert, ears pricked and head up.
The sounds that followed confused her. Daemyn let out a strange sound and ran to one of the horses. Guessing from his reaction, it was either a wife or a sister. Probably wife. Someone close to Daemyn couldn't possibly be a member of the Flight. She relaxed, only then realizing she'd seemed too tense for what was ostensibly just casual conversation.
She made no move towards the newcomers, instead withdrawing to the edge of the clearing. Until they made the offer. A chance at freedom. Keahi moved closer quickly, wondering, hoping against hope. Could they get Aisake out? The foal was playing with the mare set to watch him just a short distance from the clearing. She could fetch him in moments. Was it possible?
"I want to go, if you can you get my son out. I need him to be safe." Her heart broke at the thought of leaving Fijalahr, but she couldn't lose such an opportunity. Aisake came first, always.
Post: 3 Word Count: 372 |
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Post by Ehrendi on Sept 14, 2017 18:07:53 GMT -6
Addanc | Agriculturist
Addanc was quiet the entire way, listening and watching with keen eyes. His ears flicked and even the slightest of movements caused him to whip his head up, praying to Cascade that it was not a feathered fiend. Usually it was only a tree swaying awkwardly in the wind, or a bird or occasionally the flash of a normal equine and each time he would let out the breath he had been holding. Addanc was relieved when they finally reached a small group of prisoners, but there was no way he could relax just yet. He watched as one of the group, a guardian perhaps? Strode forth to embrace their leader in a tender moment that made Addanc blush and look away. Get a room. He thought, though he knew that was unrealistic, it just made him uncomfortable.
Looking across at the group of prisoners he looked for signs of wellness. It was not easy living in the Wilds, but Addanc couldn't imagine being at the whims of someone else. Only when Kalakara spoke did Addanc look back at them. The tension had not left him and he couldn't help but fear they might be discovered. Quick, he thought, we cannot stay here for long. It would do no good for them to be captured right alongside the Torrine prisoners.
Addanc glanced between the horses, the tension in him making him impatient. He nodded alongside Cygnet. "Yes please hurry and decide. It will do us no good to be captured alongside you all." That would ruin the whole point of this trip. Finally a paint mare spoke up, but there was conditions. Addanc resisted the urge to groan. "Where is your son?" He asked, eager to get things moving.
Post 4
Word Count: 290 |
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Post by astrumnauta on Sept 15, 2017 2:02:21 GMT -6
Nobody was making a straight decision and now her head was hurting
she closed her eyes against the blossoming pain in her forehead.
She gave a little irritated snort and she had to stop herself from roaring orders
nobody was taking hold of the situation and she looked towards Addanc
It seemed it was only Cygnet and them who were sensing the urgency.
"we cannot delay any longer, the two or three equines going need to go now"
She was getting angry at the thought of her sacrificing her freedom because they were too busy squabbling over who should stay and go. There was little time to go collect children, and she had to stop herself snapping at the mare who was panicking and babbling on about her child - there was precious time left and if it were Cygnet she wouldn't even consider going it was better to be here with a child than try to escape and one of you end up dead. She exhaled sharply.
"I'm going to check the gate, ill return shortly - there better be a decision by the time I'm back"
She raised herself from the floor flicked her tail and stalked off into the undergrowth, pushing through the bushes and she stopped at the edge to observe the camp she she took a long look around, the coast was still clear but the flight members were stretched thin and looked as tired as everybody else. She raised her head and turned down rushing through the brush as quietly as she could and popping through into the clearing
"Have you seen how thinly spread The Flight are? There aren't half as many as I first thought, and some of them look as exhausted as me, we could all go? it would draw attention but we could scatter, we would risk recapture but we could? Or would that be just too dangerous?"
She knew they probably wound't agree to them all going, but her heart gave a flutter of excitement at the thought of a mass escape. She just wanted nobody left behind, she closed her eyes again and she imagined swimming in the sea again, that's what she missed swimming and freedom.
"So who's going?"
Post Six -- Word Count: Three Seven Zero -- Notes: n/a |
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Post by SagaWolf on Sept 15, 2017 6:47:26 GMT -6
Daemyn
Guardian, Husband and Father
A solid Kali hugged him back, not a fragment of his imagination. Her smell filled his nostrils and brought an exceptional calm to his mind. For months his dreams had been tortured by the uncertain 'ifs', nightmares of how his wife and child had succumbed to the attack, felled by bombs or blades... or creatures of the wild. Yet here she was, his Kali, strong as ever and speaking urgently. He stepped back to give her space, became painfully aware of the tears on his face, and turned away briefly to wipe them clean.
While the others spoke, Daemyn took the brief time to steel himself and gather his thoughts. He couldn't afford to let emotions run away from him again, especially not as he picked out the very clear plea in Kali's following words; "As well, those of you who have family in the Wilds...consider that they might need you."
Daemyn found himself torn between the duty of protecting those imprisoned in Torrine, the weak and wounded who couldn't protect themselves and following his wife into the wilds, to see his daughter once more and keep them safe. He felt and urge to demand that Cassandra was taken to safety, but the look on the youngsters face said it all. She would not be moved and there was no time to argue. Minerva would stay as well and thankfully blind Keahi spoke up. If there was anyone Daemyn would have wanted to escape, it was the mare and her young son Aisake. Daemyn had been with the pair when the bombs fell and felt responsible for their safety.
More words cut the air, urgent and insistent that a choice be made. Daemyn turned to look at his fellow Guardians, Lukas and Gabriel. They knew of his family, he'd told them all of the attack, separation and uncertainty and while Gabriel's face remained in its usual scrunched up mask, something in his eyes suggested to Daemyn that he wouldn't be judged for leaving. It was, however, quite likely that Dae was simply projecting what he wanted, no, needed to see. He swallowed dryly and bade Cascade forgiveness for his selfishness.
"I will go too, unless someone else steps forward, " he said, scanning over the remaining mares, wishing (and cursing himself for it) that they all kept their mouths shut. "There are many more Guardians to take over the training if you wish to continue, but I need to be with my family. "
Word count: 413 | Post: #5
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Post by FaunaFawn on Sept 15, 2017 14:59:38 GMT -6
Corrine
Head nodded as they spoke of being as well as one could be in such conditions, yet it left her without something to focus on and with that her mind began to wander. Wander to a depth she dare not be, But watching the scene unfold her, children wanting to defend their nation, mothers trying to protect their babes, to family trying to save one another. It was a bit to much, and a fine reminder of what she could have, but not. Maybe it was good in a sense, she had nothing tying her back not much to say the least. As she heard them all speak, she knew. Corrine knew what her answer was before it was even asked.
"I will stay." It was all she could do in all honesty. She could not manage the wilds, not in her condition. Nor would she be able to slip through unnoticed. She was tied to the lands now, unable to roam free in the sea like she once had. Corrine looked away her mind made up. She didn't want to see nor hear the bitter sweet goodbyes, for all it did within her damaged mind was another blow against her heart. Another good thing, she used to knock herself down. At times she never understood it, but it was a part of her, and all she could do was look away.
Post 4
WC|| 232 |
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Post by songsofinfinity on Sept 17, 2017 1:21:02 GMT -6
KEAHI
TALORI | ENTERTAINER
"He's just outside the clearing. I'll fetch him."
Keahi turned towards the entrance of the clearing - made obvious by the breezes it created - and trotted cautiously towards where she'd left him. It was only a short way down the trail and she found him right near where she'd left him. Or, rather, he found her. He trotted up to her on his noisy, clumsy, adorable hooves and nosed her neck, happy to see her. She smiled faintly, her heart pounding as the realization of what was happening sunk in.
"Aisake, dear, you have to come with me right now." She was sharper than she should have been, and almost apologized but bit it back. She could do that later. Right now, time was of the essence. Bobbing her head to the old mare, she focused all her attention on Aisake.
"Okay." As always, he was reserved and a bit short-spoken. He'd always been quiet, and Torrine had made it worse. Far worse. She praised Argus she'd been given a chance to get him out.
"Yes, dear, I'm all done talking. You have to come with me and be quiet, understand? You mustn't make noise or sound surprised, even if you are."
This time, his voice came more hesitantly. "I... I suppose I can do it."
"Good. Come, we must hurry." She led Aisake back to the clearing at a trot, trusting that the road had remained empty. The trip had taken less than a minute, and judging by the sound the horses were still there. Aisake stuck close to her side, and his quick breathing said he was startled by the new horses who didn't smell quite like the horses in Torrine. Or did he pick up on their smell? She was never sure what he noticed, but he was an observant child. She nuzzled his neck, then raised her head to face the strangers once more. "We're ready to go."
Post: 4 Word Count: 328 |
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