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Post by GingerBlues on Aug 14, 2017 16:56:37 GMT -6
Hello Starborn, and welcome to Plot 401: Return to Argus
Leader: Hajime Participants: Hikira, Ozzer, Dionysus 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: The collapsed tunnel that once led to Argus' Shrine
Time of Day: Late Morning
Current Weather:
Opening Prompt: Hajime has decided to lead an expedition into the tunnels to try and find a way to reopen the entrance to Argus’ shrine. There is hope that with the reopening of the shrine entrance, the curse of Breim’s misfortune will come to an end.
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Post by DawnsComing on Aug 17, 2017 17:58:41 GMT -6
Hajime | High King
One foot in front of the other, one more step onto the smooth rock below. Hajime felt the weight of his saddle bag as it pressed deeper into his spine, its weight increasing with every passing minute. A brief laps in composure made the young stallion feel like groaning out loud, whining like a colt with tired hooves. But a quick glance at his party reminded him of his position. He was a King after all and the heat of embarrassment in his ears was all the moment would reveal of the thought.
A quick clear of the throat echoed in the tunnel as he turned toward Ozzer. "This trek seems quite lengthy compared to the stats on the map. Should we have not reached the Hall of Echoes an hour ago?" Unseen powers tugged at the rolled paper that stuck conveniently from his sack. They had already left Nariah a few days ago, and according to his studies their first destination should have been reached at their rate of walk. There, they were to meet up with The Master of Blacksmithing: Hikira. From what Hajime had learned, the family had been in charge of the shrine for many generation, and knew the path like they knew their art. Perhaps together, they could find a new way into the shrine.
The soft glow of a lantern cast its light against the smooth damp walls of the Labyrinth. It had awed him at first, the detail and mystery of the caverns. Only once had the boy been let out of Nariah's walls, once when his father had taken him to the magnificence of the shrine now buried beneath stone. It had been long ago, and the memory had faded in to little more than snapshots of history. Now, after 3 days, the walls became monotonous and dull and Hajime was loosing patience. His hooves itched with anticipation.
He had a plan but if it failed, they would all be in great danger.//
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Post by SaintPumpkinMuffin on Aug 17, 2017 18:16:02 GMT -6
Hikira | Blacksmith Master
The king himself. Kira was in the furthest depths of her compound, perched carefully on her knees as she attempted to meditate. Before her was the statue of Argus, and the brazier of fire that remained omnipresent: a miniature replication of the the Great Temple further in the tunnels. It hadn't been long since her return trip from Nariah, where she'd reunited with Doev and met a Kirin the flesh.
Upon her return home, however, something stranger happened. She'd gotten a letter.
The king, it seemed, would come in person to assist in reopening (or rediscovering) the entrance to the shrine. Since it's collapse six months ago, Hikira had not been able to tend to the temple herself... something the Master's had been doing since the dawn of time, it felt. Not only that, but many in Isoba attributed their ever-failing luck to the collapse. Some said it was the work of her family's curse, as the collapse happened not long after Gin's disappearance and Hikira's appointment. As superstitious as Kira was, her mind wandered to something else... Kirins appearing, the earth shifting... Would spirits be powerful enough for that? Her blessing was still weak, but those she had spoken to were not capable of such feats. The gods however--
With an agitated yell, Kira sprung from her carefully balanced pose. Despite how hard she tried, the thought of having King Hajime here in Isoba caused her to feel restless. Thinking about this nonsense wasn't helping. She tried to calm herself, but knowing that this was the day of his arrival made her anxious. This was her the first time as a Master-- no ever-- that the King had any special type of task for her. Argus, when was the last time a King visited a Master anyway? Normally it was the other way around.
The fear of failure and responsibility gripped at her heart.
Suddenly, the soft clopping of hooves on stone signaled the arrival of someone at the door.
There was a soft knock, and her apprentice Shiro's voice. The King was arriving.
Kira's rose teke grabbed at her two katanas, her throwing knives, and her cloak. She slipped into all the straps and ties. By her flank, he mask hung. She'd need it for the tunnels.
She took one last breath. Then, she went to meet her king.
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Post by mariahwhy on Aug 17, 2017 22:30:44 GMT -6
Ozzer | Outsider (Guide)
A summons from the High King himself. At first Ozzer had been absolutely flustered by the message that had been carelessly dropped on him by one of the palace birds.It would be the first time that he would meet Hajime in person, AND speak to him, AND (most importantly) guide him through the tunnels. It would almost be overwhelming, if Ozzer was the sort to give into such emotions.
But he wasn't, and the excitement of the situation had quickly worn off. Not so much from the very sudden realization of how young the king was and how quickly tired he had become of the journey, but because his almost childish (though much more controlled) impatience reminded him so much of Daisuke. The tightness that has tried to pull him back to Nariah with each step he took grabbed at him once more, and his ears swiveled instinctively for the small, light hoofsteps that were so absent now. Before the summons he had not thought about the fact that he and Daisuke had not once, not for more than a few unsupervised seconds, been apart since he had found the colt. How quickly he had grown used to his bubbly, bright presence.
But Hajime had assured he'd be safe. He'd be safe with a group of other foals. Ozzer told himself it was good for the little zedonk to finally interact with equines his own age and spend some time learning from others than himself. But he and everyone else could spout good thoughts all day and he'd still be uncomfortable at the fact that he was traveling further and further away from the colt. And no less to the site of the tunnel collapse: the last big event (and a fairly dangerous one) that had happened to him before the arrival of Daisuke.
He tried to shake the thoughts of his son, but that unease was only replaced by the thought of the tunnel collapse. It had scared him. A collapse so sudden that even his tremor sense had only alerted him to it in time to barely escape disaster. Would they be so lucky this time? He was not entirely certain, especially with the new movement that has begun in the ground some time ago. At first it had been extremely subtle - like a low buzzing in your ear. But as it grew, and he heard whispers from others that they noticed it too, some even without blessings, it became more real. All around them the rock seemed to be constantly moving. Nanometer by nanometer shifting. IT wasn't much, and yet it was much more than normal, and never ceased. It almost caused his blessing unbearable to use at this point, and he found himself tuning it out more often to cease the trembling in his bones. But he let it in now, feeling the creaks and groans of the earth around them, checking for any faults nearby. Nothing, except Hajime's voice.
He turned his head just enough to make eye contact with the king. "Maps are great for telling you how to get some place, sire, but I've found that they are no use at telling time. Every person who wanders these tunnels moves at a different pace. If I was to make a map it would take you twice as long to get anywhere, because I like to enjoy the sights as I go." If he was being truly honest. "That being said..." the tunnel suddenly widened, giving way to a reasonably sized cavern. Immediately, though he could not see the equine, he felt a set of hooves growing distant. "We have made good time, and are almost there."
Ahead they could just make out a soft glow, seemingly around a corner, where the tunnel would widen into a cavern big enough to house those few Breimians that lived so deep in the Labyrinth. The jack tried to push aside any worries he had about Daisuke, the king, or even the tunnels. Right now he had to deal with the master that they were coming to see, and he had to admit that the horses in the Hall of Echoes intimidated him a bit.
(Words: 699)
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Post by sansatine on Aug 23, 2017 19:51:02 GMT -6
Diony left his daughters with all the other children of Briem, it seemed. It was there he saw Daisuke, to which Rosie was ecstatic. She had played with him before and the two got on well. Eos was there, too, and the girls would stick together. He was hesitant to leave his family, but they all had their pair- Arges and Birdie, Eos and Rosie. Hajime summoned him, and he had to go. Diony closed the group, as he normally did with his family. As he walked, he watched each horse in front of him, thinking. He'd understand why Ozzer was asked, why Kira was present, but not himself. He'd always seen Hajime as a son and taught him for many years now, so maybe it was for his knowledge? But what did he know of tunnel diging? Of restoration? Sure, he'd read "Restoration: an introduction" and he was more than familiar with the tunnels, but in practice, he knew nothing. No, Diony only knew what he read in books. Tuning out his insecurities, Diony picked up his pace. Hearing Hajime complaining made his heart warm. He sounded just like Rosie when the went to the temple just last week. Diony never scorned him for his childish behavior. It seldom arose, and when it did, Diony let him have his fun. Hajime was never allowed to just be a boy. To explore, get in trouble, do as he pleased, nothing. Most of the royal family didn't have the chance. Maybe that was why Diony was there? Because he reminded Hajime of something more... comforting. The older stallion couldn't remember when Hajime last left the palace, much less the city. Diony sighed, he was getting weary, too. Previously, he used his blessing to check on the children, there were mice everywhere and Diony was able to see through them easily. They were too far to do so, now, but he still tried. The furthest thing he could see was purely tunnels. Diony returned to the group. They were upon the hall of echoes. Diony stood defensively by. He'd been entrusted with the safety of royals before- his scars told stories that his lips never would. Years he spent fighting constantly for his life, and once he returned, Diony rarely wished to leave his tunnels again. Never mind that, though. He wouldn't tell you what he meant even if you asked. 400 |
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Post by SaintPumpkinMuffin on Aug 25, 2017 12:57:55 GMT -6
Hikira | Blacksmith Master
The still tunnel air carried the echo of Hikira's footsteps as she left the grass gardens of the compound and entered the street. None of her apprentices were with her; she had to few to sacrifice on a task. That had been her excuse to them, at least. They had already searched with her for a new way to the temple and found none. She wasn't sure what the King's plan was, but she was skeptical if he could succeed where she had failed.
A combination of inherent respect for her king, along with learned politeness, prevented the Master from telling her pupils as much.
The soft glow of the magical dome barrier grew closer and closer as Hikira neared the edge of Isoba, stopping before the maw of the tunnel that led to Nariah. Her stance fell into something powerful but elegant, and she waited (im)patiently as the echoes of voices and shadows drew closer from down the tunnel.
"...Made good time, and are almost there," came Ozzer's words, though the Master didn't recognize the voice. The king had written that he would take two other horses with him: a guide, and a scholar. The thought of having either made Hikira frown. Apparently the King didn't think that she had enough knowledge about the topic of the temple, at least enough so that he had to bring in outside help.
Hikira scolded herself internally, knowing that such petty thoughts were unbecoming of her, but even as she called out to greet the strangers, there was a slightly cold tone in her voice.
"My King, and his esteemed assistants: welcome to The Hall of Echoes. Isoba is honored to have you amongst it's people." The mare lowered herself into a bow as the group came closer. "I hope your travels were peaceful?"
(307)
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Post by DawnsComing on Aug 25, 2017 19:45:49 GMT -6
Hajime | High King
"...We are almost there."
As if on que, a faint glow began to reflect off the damp stone of the tunnel, sparkling like a seam of gemstone in the dark grey earth. Hajime first felt its warmth tingle its way across his coat. Like Nariah the barrier filled the cavern with life sustaining light and energy, its magic pure and strong against the chill of the Labyrinth. His heart jumped, a lightness returning to the boy's step as he quickened the pace. There, beneath the glow if energy, he saw the mare they were here to meet.
Hajime took a glance back at his mentor, a quick flash of excitement crossing his face and he trotted off to great the Master. At his approach, he was shocked by how young she was. Masters in Nariah were often seen as crippled old stallions, with a mind and body that spoke of wisdom and experience. But here, there was none of that. His blue eye's caught the edginess in her stance and the power that lie quietly behind her stern eyes. Even with her polite greeting, Haji was sure he had already stepped on a few nerves.
Slowing his approach, the King regained his composure; a quick nod of respect acknowledging and accepting the welcome. "Uneventful, as to be expected but we thank you for the hospitality. It may be wise to rest our hooves for a moment before continuing onto the next leg of our journey. And perhaps take a moment to talk about our plan to unseal the temple."
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Post by mariahwhy on Aug 30, 2017 6:42:59 GMT -6
Ozzer could not help but cast a glance back to Diony as Hajime hurried forward to close the gap between himself and the master. It was a look that would have said, "Is it possible to restrain him?" The master herself was more calm and collected than the High King, and it did nothing to help the impression that being with the king for the first time had given him on this trip. Kind, but perhaps a bit too sheltered and naive to the world. But the donkey assumed that's why Diony was here. He was simply part of the Help, if Ozzer remembered correctly, and Ozzer wondered if his specific job title was as a sitter. Perhaps he could reign in the high king before this mare completely made a fool of him.
Ozzer looked to her now, his steps slow and steady as he caught back up with Hajime. She seemed overly serious, and her tone in particular made his steps turn suddenly stiff, his own sensitivities prickling at a hint of annoyance. He gave a quiet huff, but stopped a small ways behind Hajime and gave a deep bow regardless. No matter what first impression he got from her, she was still the crux of this mission, chosen by the High King himself.
Though he had, for the simple reason that the royals all needed him to get around their own lands, become more and more involved with the politics of the herd he was still highly aware of his status of as an outsider. He was here as a guide, and to provide information on the tunnels. He did not feel it his place to butt in with an introduction. So when he rose from his bow he said nothing. He had done his job, and now he would leave it up to the others until he was consulted.
(Words: 313)
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Post by DawnsComing on Sept 8, 2017 18:11:58 GMT -6
Hajime | High King
The butterflies in the boys stomach fluttered about, causing his shoulders to stiffen as he stepped across the smooth surface of the rock. He could feel the queasiness work its way into his throat, the faint taste of bile threatening him with every step forward. Haji took a quiet breath, telling himself to relax but to no avail. Soon they would be at the temple gates, or rather, where the tunnels had lead to them; now nothing more than a dark pile of rock.
Blue eye's cast a glance toward Master Hikira, who was leading the small party to the site of the collapse. A faint glow from the lantern on Hajime's saddlebag cast long highlights against the mask she wore, its intricate carving pronounced giving it a more ominous look. He had read about the strange equine of Isoba, their heritage stemmed from his own superstitious and spiritual culture. They were different yet the same, and still Hajime found he knew less and less about them. The town where they had stayed was not unlike Nariah with its use of magic and spells. Their homes were similar too, be it a bit more rugged given their limited resources. And yet he could not shake the air of the place, how spirits seamed to float about in the air of the cavern, moving unseen by all and yet knowing they must be there. The masks they wore too, were something entirely foreign and when he had asked the Master of their meaning, she had said little other than 'they were for protection'.
And now they moved, quietly, through the tunnels toward the shrine. No words spoken since their departure. Haji wanted to speak, wanted to know about the life of the people within this new and unexplained village. He had so many questions and thoughts running through his head he almost felt as though he would burst. But something hushed him, kept the words bottled inside as if it were a sin to break the silence. Maybe it was the lantern filled with magic and fire that rested heavy on his back. He had shied away from it at first, the light of Ignacio sending a slight shiver down his spine upon its presentation. But he knew the people of Isoba relied on the forge, and the forge would not exist without the fires might. So reluctant, he took the offer and trekked on.
The soft beat of wings caught the King's attention and his gaze moved upward catching sight of Morgan as he flew overhead. The light tinkle of the bell around the devil birds leg drew quiet as the familiar flew into the darkness ahead. He had waited for them as they arrived in Isoba, light speeds ahead of the traveling party that walked across the uneven floor. Morgan now too, flew back and forth between their destination and their current position cawing with impatience every now and again. Haji reached out, touching his familiars mind with his own attempting to see what lie ahead. But all he could see was the blackness of the caves. He would have to wait and see the damage for himself when they arrived.
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Post by SaintPumpkinMuffin on Sept 9, 2017 9:25:43 GMT -6
Hikira | Master
The master dare not walk in front of her king and his escort, despite leading the group. Instead she walked beside them, the light of the King's lantern setting the walls ablaze. Hikira herself did not carry a light. She'd traversed these tunnels so many times, the glow of the faint gems were enough. Since they had begun, Hikira had put aside her pride and accepted that 4 heads were better than 1, but she still hadn't uttered more words than necessary. In her youth, she had been a chatterbox, but self-control was important, and her impression on the king had to be a good one. So instead she got lost in her thoughts as they traveled. The only sounds were their hoofbeats, the devilbird overhead, and the soft dragging of her cloak on the floor.
Suddenly, the first large boulders began appearing on the path, the rmemants of the cave in that rolled further in the tunnels. Kira, who's toned body was wound with energy, had to check that she hadn't sped up ahead of the rest. Turning her face, covered in her mask, she said, "We're here."
(192)
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Post by mariahwhy on Sept 18, 2017 21:16:24 GMT -6
Ozzer
Walking the tunnels queitly used to be Ozzer's life. He had always enjoyed it, allowing the darkness to settle in cozily around him with nothing but the clicking of his hooves on the floor for company. But this quiet was different. He wasn't sure if it was the affluence of the company he now kept, or the fact that he couldn't remember the last time Daisuke had allowed him a quiet walk. Either way it felt odd, but he didn't dare break the silence. It seemed to press in on him now, like a tightening in his chest.
He found himself letting his blessing in more and more as they walked to "hear" something. It didn't make him feel better, though he kept using it. If anything it made him even more nervous. The creaks and groans of the rock seemed to grow, and at one point he even thought he might have felt a collapse, but it was very distant. No, the rocks around him remained steady, even if they threatened otherwise. It's just that you are returning to the tunnel collapse, he told himself over and over. It's making you anxious. The jack had not thought that seeing the tunnel would effect him so, but the closer they got the larger the knot in his stomach grew remembering how the rocks had fell around them, just barely missing the group he had last escorted here.
Ozzer had allowed Hikira to lead since they had met her at Isoba, but had remained alongside her and the king. But now he found himself falling behind.
As they turned the corner and the faint glow of Hajime's lantern fell on the rock pile Ozzer stopped, looking at the pile of boulders. They seemed larger to him now than before. "What now?" he asked lamely. Surely this was the real reason for bringing Hikira, because he could have led them here no problem. But how would the mare, strange as she seemed to him, move the boulders?
(Words: 335)
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Post by DawnsComing on Sept 28, 2017 19:08:39 GMT -6
Plot: incomplete
The following participants receive 20 AP and 20 CS: Dawnscoming, Mariahwhy, SaintPumpkinMuffin
Thank you for participating in plot 401!
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Post by sansatine on Oct 2, 2017 3:10:55 GMT -6
Finally at the first stop of many, the small group grew larger. Diony had only heard of Master Hikira-and of read of her trade, of course. A book unseen by the grullo was yet to be found. Nonetheless, Diony returned the bow of Hikira and relaxed. He could present to be quite imposing, something far from reality. As the Master exchanged with Hajime, the stallion stepped back, finding humor in the King's kurt but true description of their journey. Yes, Uneventful.
It seemed Ozzer shared this insight into the King's own impatience. He returned a glance, I don't know. As they walked, ever silently, there was a buzz seemingly coming from Hajime, one he learned to recognize in his own daughters when he'd tell them something but not the entirety. Diony stayed at his king's flank, and Hikira seemed to surrender lead to the boy as well. Ozzer kept pace and soon they were upon the collapse.
"We're here" Indeed, but the temple wasn't.
"What now?" Yes, that was the question, wasn't it? What now... Diony let out a soft chuckle.
"I suggest we pool our resources... Return Argus' Shrine to the world. I am blessed by the sight... Maybe we can not fit in between the holes of the cave in, but smaller, more persuadable beings could? What other wits do we have among us, if I may be so bold?" The stallion said rather confidently, Birdie would be proud, not looking to the group, but rather up to the numerous rocks and debris containing the Temple.
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