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Post by grumpyhyena on Jan 16, 2018 8:28:18 GMT -6
Cassiopeia Scout | Female | War Forged
It was quickly becoming obvious that Cassi didn't have much of a voice in the debate. As she tried to seem like an intimidating wall to keep the stranger horses from entering their shelter more amassed from the forest. Eventually collecting in the cave with them. The tension built up and Cass tried her hardest to try and sooth that inner raging voice she often had, part of her wanted to bring the entire cave face down on their heads. But to her credit, the cave remained intact and no horse had yet been crushed. Ales wandered off, seemingly to be overtly curious about the wounded mare, as Cassi side stepped to chide the kid and try and bring him back into their minuscule ranks. It was then that she heard the squall of a foal. It seemed as if their story of a pregnant mare was true and she was popping the kid out now.
Against all her better judgement Cassi resigned her fight, as pitiful as it might have been. A deflated "Fine..." came from her and she took a step back from Ansgar to continue huddling at the fire. Though she remained standing, eyes darting about the place, keeping tabs on all the new horses that were now clustered in the cave, "Ales leave them alone, they have people who can help her." she rumbled at the kid. All she wanted was for him to stay near them just in case the situation still turned sour.
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Post by hey-stardust on Jan 16, 2018 11:11:55 GMT -6
5 | 295
CERYS | BLOODY FLANKS | MERCHANT
The devil's on your shoulder, the strangers in your head as if you don't remember, as if you can forget.
An eerie sense of calm crept over her despite the general state of affairs, snippets of conversation fading in and out as the wind whipped the snow into a frenzy outside. The situation -despite a few, incredibly loud snags- was in their favour, and they were free of the storm, for now at least.
Sweat had built up beneath her mane and behind her ears, and Cerys desperately wanted to kick off the pelts that covered her, but she remained submissive, quiet; no longer fighting the foreign touch of another as the medics closed in.
Opening bleary eyes and raking in short, shallow gasps, the unicorn would find herself laying strung out across the floor not long after, exhaustion clouding her heavy head. It clung to her body like a dead weight, encouraging her to sleep, but something kept her from it, a nagging urgency she couldn’t quite place.
Rolling an eye around the room, she took in the unfamiliar faces and promptly jerked awake, shifting back onto her stomach and earning a sharp twinge of pain from her shattered pastern.
The mare could smell blood, taste it upon her tongue and it didn’t take long for her to realise she was the one covered in it.
No no no, please no.
Her heart drummed against her ribs at the sight, fear suddenly flooding through her veins.
Had they…?
She looked for Ansgar, terrified of what she would find, but drawn to familiarity all the same, and it was then she saw them; both stained with ichor, but so very much alive.
Cerys ears tipped forward and she strained her neck out towards her children, desperate to embrace the closest thing she had been able to call a family for a long time.
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Post by Deleted on Jan 16, 2018 18:43:16 GMT -6
ansgar CRAWL ON MY BELLY TIL THE SUN GOES DOWN
I’LL NEVER WEAR YOUR BROKEN CROWN
Ansgar’s brain barely registered the grey racked beast, his attention elsewhere and focused on things far more important than some mythical being. Besides, it was currently growling at him like a rabid animal, and he felt his skin bristle in defense as the clamoring continued. He was hardly put at ease when the members of his group spoke, one right after the other: a snarl, a lie, a snarl, a lie- but somehow their words were bought. Silence fell over them, though the occasional muffled whisper carried across the cave. He watched the children back away into a corner, hiding behind the flank of a spotted unicorn. His attention of the strangers did not waver until he heard a deep exhale, and saw that the unicorn’s gaze had focused behind him. It seemed Cerys had the same idea, for the moment he turned their eyes caught and then broke apart, drawn to something far more uncertain than each other. Ansgar shuddered at the sight, releasing a breath he wasn’t aware he was even holding as he turned and approached his family. The sword he once held clattered against the ground as the only thought that possessed him was to go to them, and that was precisely what he did. Again he breathed deeply, taking in the sight but not truly accepting it. Part of him denied that it was real, as though that would somehow help, and another willed him to reach out and touch them. There was a flash of white amidst the crimson, and the stallion choked back a sob as he thought of the last child he had lost. Though Cerys reached for them, he reached for her, muzzle pressed against her neck as he whispered a broken “I’m sorry,” into her pelt before he looked at his children. His children. He nuzzled the smaller of the two, exhaling shakily as their little nose touched him back. They were his. Ansgar’s gaze flickered to the medics, and with a dip of his head he thanked them, and then he glanced at his first mate and scout. They too, were his. They were his family, his to guide and guard. His eyes carried over to the strangers, and he noticed they had -for the most part- obeyed his command of submission. He smiled as he turned back to the twins, nuzzling the little black one as he whimpered. For once, the captain allowed himself a selfish second of peace as he savored the moment. “We need to bring them near the fire, to keep them warm.”_________________
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Post by PaganStars on Jan 16, 2018 19:13:06 GMT -6
Uriel These broken limbs are worn and tired
But our words are not yet written
Our ember still burning inside
  
x | x It was all too much now, the noise, the bodies the fact that this cave was not meant to hold more than five horses at a time. There were horses in front of Uriel snarling at them, weapons drawn and voices calling out one after the other. Voices behind them called out, the damned unicorn mare snarling at them, a damn kirin. They were nothing, not even fit to be ash in the wind. They were less than nothing. A yell of frustration erupted from them, glaive clattering to the ground and their helmet tossed off, clanging and sparking against the rock. Ears flat against their head, Uriel wanted nothing more than to charge forward and impale them all, fight against them knowing that they themself would perish, that they would return to ash once more. Slitted eyes flicked from face to face, stopping only to catch the glance of a newborn child.
Memories flashed, black scales and eyes that were filled with stars, fresh and new. Elenora. Leather brushed against their spine, a deep comfort blooming from their heart. Uriel had smiled then.
And then it was gone, all too quickly. The feeling that had been down their spine was replaced with cold, that strange presence settling on their shoulders. It did not help, did not Uriel feel any better though they knew it was damn well trying. There was a pit in their soul, something missing that would never be the same. Looking around at the gathered faces, Uriel felt too many eyes on their own, gaze drifting to the foals once more. They had family's to return to, warm homes and welcoming faces. A loving father, sibling or partner. And where did that leave Uriel? Alone, without even memories to rely on.
With a swift motion, Uriel snatched their glaive from the ground, helmet following. They flipped the weapon, the metal head scraping against the ground as they shouldered their way forward, face and eyes void of emotion. They would not break, not now, not in front of all these damned idiots.
The cold stole their first breath, shakily followed by another. They would brave this storm, would let its cold seep into their bones. If they died, so be it. What did it matter, when Uriel did not even have themself to rely on, their god absent and the flame in their soul burning out. and so they paced.
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Post by Deleted on Jan 18, 2018 10:13:23 GMT -6
NERYS
Nerys courteously stepped back once she had checked the second baby over as well, a small yet warm smile crossing her lips as she watched the new family. Her eyes hid a certain sadness, a memory, it flickered and faded. While new life was always very fragile, she felt immensely better now that they were all in one piece this far. She pushed aside the thought of continuing the journey in the biting cold with newborns - they’d simply have to find a way.
She nodded to Ansgar, her expression saying congratulations for the twins, but she didn’t wish to speak with the strangers present. It was that eerie feeling that if you said something out loud, you were going to ruin it.
Ansgar’s words sent her into action again as she very, very gently lifted one foal with her teke and carried them close to the warmth of the fire, but trying to keep the baby close to Cerys at the same time, hushing gently. She tried her best to cover the baby with a pelt, wishing they had more. Nerys didn’t want to crowd the new family, but in the other hand she was rather hell bent on making sure everything went as smoothly as it could. Her gaze returned to the other horses in the cave and the leaving kirin, of which she was rather relieved.
Word count: 229 | Post 6
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Post by manabuns on Jan 18, 2018 19:05:29 GMT -6
Iskalder IT FEELS LIKE I'M STUCK HERE SUSPENDED AT BEST UNDERWHELMING, WHAT'S WRONG WITH ME?
MY CONSCIOUS IS CALLING BUT WORLD ISN'T ALL IT'S CRACKED UP TO BE.
Once the children had arrived, Iskalder found it hard to concentrate on the strangers who occupied the cave, despite his senses hissing at him otherwise. They were strangers, any moment they could cause a commotion again, at any moment something could go wrong. Yet, for now, it didn't. A hesitant quirk shook his ear, and his attention diverted to his brother, Cerys and their children.
"Congratulations, brother. Cerys." He murmured under his breath, the faintest hint of a smile daring to cross his lips. "Let's hope they get Cerys' looks." The first mate added after a moments pause, a wry note threading through his bone tiredness. For the first time in a long time, he felt something akin to happiness unfurl in his chest. A small seed of warmth that nestled within the coiling, slithering mess of thorns and vines that often occupied it. All that bitterness, anger and sheer determination to survive and thrive out of spite, seemed worth it.
They had faced much. Too much. Even now, they were huddled in the bleakest of situations with strangers who had no love for them, and all the love for a War Lord that would see them dead. But for now, there was a small moment that made it seem worth it, as Iskalder gazed at the newborn babes huddled on the dirty pelts by the fire.
Their problems would soon return no doubt, and Iskalder would be forced to school his features into hardened, steel lines rather than the tired, haggard ones that painted his face now.
Shifting, his bulk maneuvered to stand by Lorian, his shoulder seeking contact with the medic's own. "Thank you." They were far more quieter than his previous ones, aimed for Lorian's ears alone despite the cramped conditions they were in. Crimson eyes glanced at the bright, vivid greens beside him. "You and Nerys did a great job."
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Post by FaunaFawn on Jan 21, 2018 19:20:06 GMT -6
NemesisShe will burn down your kingdoms, herself with it, if it meant your ruin Nemesis held back her snarl as she watched that thistle horned one stomp out and pace around. A loony that one, she thought as she would make sure she would keep her eye on that one. Eyes turned as the Medic went to work and soon there was one child, and then another. Nemesis nodded a thanks to the Medics, though she did not have much joy to share.
Honestly she wasn't a fan of children, but could not deny the fact it was a blessing for them, for children to be among the Flanks now. Eyes looked to Angasr, a good father perhaps, though his leadership was questionable, maybe kids would make him a better one. Gods lets hope so, she thought. "What a day." Was all Nemesis could truly add to the conversation. Nemesis sighed as she made a space for her to settle and lay down, allow her legs a moment to rest, but still she remained alert of where everyone was in the cave, and eyed the new born foals with mild curiosity. She never was around children, didn't help she didn't like them. But she was curious enough to gander at them.
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Post by PaganStars on Jan 21, 2018 20:00:47 GMT -6
Lorian If I am what you say, I expect to be hanging from a wooden cross
When all this is done, is done
I don't believe in a god, let's leave religion out of all this
  
x | x Pelt wrapped around the child, Lorian gently moved it closer to its mother, a soft smile gracing his lips. He followed Nerys movements, stepping back and giving the new family space to breathe. His eyes flicked over to Cerys leg, tempted to readjust the bidding while the mare was distracted with her newborns, but decided against it. He didn't want the newborn's first memories to be of their mother crying and screaming. It seemed that a large portion of their journey had been completed now, but in retrospect they still had much longer to go. But for now, they would rest and take in this small blessing.
His thoughts were scattered as he felt Iskalder's shoulder brush against his own, his presence a welcoming thing. Lorian let his rigid body settle slightly, a soft sigh leaving his mouth. His head inclined towards Iska's, their gazes meeting for a moment before he turned to look at the newborn foals once more “Mh,” he hummed “Well it is my job. Never delivered twins before… was rather surprising.” He laughed softly “Suppose I should say congratulations to you as well, Uncle Iska” Lorian winked, pressing into the stallion once again. He bristled momentarily as he watched the kirin leave, green gaze not leaving its form until it’s veil left the cave entirely.
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Post by houndflash on Jan 21, 2018 21:33:39 GMT -6
Ales-War Forged-Scout
As the sounds of congratulations hit his ears, Ales peeked though closed eyes at the group of newcomers. Instead of the injured mare surrounded by the medics, he saw a mother with two foals surrounded by family. In his mind, it was the most amazing thing he had seen all day, and this was the same day he got to see a child of Ignacio (as disappointing as that was. Ales would need to pester his father when he got home for more answers. Dad knew everything.) Speaking of the Uriel, they didn't seem to be inside the cave anymore, as Ales glanced around. Maybe kirins didn't like the excitement of a newborn? Or maybe they liked being alone and this was way to many horses, that could be why Uriel got so angry when the others showed up, and it could explain why no one has ever seen a kirin. Maybe they weren't extinct, maybe they just lived alone and really far away. That would also explain Uriel's attitude.
He stood at Cassi's side, his flank touching her side as he tried to get a closer look at the foals without getting too close. Ales saw no reason to keep a hold of his blessing any more, neither side would want to fight with such small ones and their mom so close, he definitely didn't, at least. The colt stretched his neck to try to see around the mass of horses surrounding the foals and the mother, wanting to get a good view of them. After all, maybe these were horses traveling to Skeldr Town, and maybe he could play with these foals when they were older?
Post #6 Word Count 278 |
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Post by hey-stardust on Jan 22, 2018 21:30:58 GMT -6
6 | 314
CERYS | BLOODY FLANKS | MERCHANT
The devil's on your shoulder, the strangers in your head as if you don't remember, as if you can forget.
Cerys froze as Ansgar touched her neck, eyes softening at his apology as she heard his voice break. She had been with him long enough to know what this meant to him, and with the lull in activity, she found herself content to wait a little longer as the raider stooped to regard their children; watching patiently as a quiet, yet insistent yearning bloomed in her chest whilst he brushed over each of them in turn, pacifying the smaller of the two as he let out a soft wail.
She found herself flinching at the sudden outburst from the kirin, drawn into the brutality of it and whipped her head around in anticipation of a fight; only to watch them leave the alcove as their anger reached its breaking point. Though it was not quite the same, the unicorn empathised with them, she had been where they were now not all that long ago; trying to cope with loss, something that clearly still burned like forest fire beneath their hide. Grief was hard to swallow, and even harder to come to terms with.
An unreasonable, tumultuous emotion that is only mitigated with the passage of time.
As the medics moved in tandem to obey Ansgar’s order, Cerys dragged herself closer to the fire, crawling along her belly to curl around the newborns. She pressed her forehead gently into their tiny, curled manes, breathing in their scent, and wishing to remain poised against them for an eternity.
Her ear flicked towards Ales as she heard him fidgeting however, and a tired smile graced her lips as her gaze flicked towards the huddle of outnumbered Forged.
She knew it was not necessarily wise to fraternise with the enemy, but she was also profoundly aware that it was much harder to attack the familiar over that of a faceless stranger.
“What are your names?” She murmured.
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Post by Deleted on Jan 22, 2018 23:09:59 GMT -6
ansgar CRAWL ON MY BELLY TIL THE SUN GOES DOWN
I’LL NEVER WEAR YOUR BROKEN CROWN
Ansgar smirked at Iskalder’s words, silently dipping his head in a subtle -but immensely meaningful- display of thanks. His eyes remained trained on Cerys as she huddled by the fire, pulling the twins close to her frame and nuzzling them. In their tumultuous life, moments of peace were few and far in between, but this... this one second, this silent beat - watching her cradle his children, alive and breathing, silhouetted by the fire, it was unadulterated bliss. The raider finally regained his sword, teke encompassing it and sliding it back into its sheath just as Cerys spoke. His red eyes glanced upwards, noticing that the smallest -and he presumed, youngest- of the Forged had moved forward, and was watching his family with earnest fascination. Perhaps the boy had never seen newborns before? Ansgar moved closer to Cerys again, still watching the strangers attentively, but considerably more subdued. He wouldn’t hesitate to draw his weapon if the situation called for it, but a part of him reasoned that the need for hostility was over for the time being. In all his previous encounters with the Forged, violence came instinctively, but now... He pressed his nose to his daughter, and then to his son. Now was not the time for bared teeth and war cries. It was a new dawn, and all because of his children. His eyes cast back to Cerys. She had been hurt so many times over in ways he could not begin to comprehend, and tentatively he pressed his nose against hers. “I won’t let anything harm you ever again,” he vowed, the words meant for her and her alone. He would not insult her with begs of forgiveness for his past transgressions against her, but perhaps he could start anew. For her, for their children. “I will keep you safe.”_________________
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Post by houndflash on Jan 22, 2018 23:36:16 GMT -6
Ales-War Forged-Scout
The young colt watched as the family huddled closer to the fire, the two newborns between them. It was really cool and calming by itself, if Ales was honest with himself. He saw the stallion mutter under his breath to the two newborns before Ales heard the mother question them. He stared at her for a moment before realizing that she had been talking to them. There wasn't any harm in giving a name to travelers, right? It's not like their names (or positions, really) were important. He gave a glance over at Cassi before making up his mind.
"My name's Ales." He said, blinking in confusion. He would figured they would want this entire moment to themselves, but, of course, Ales couldn't help to slip a question that he had on his mind. After all, it was the single most important thing of babies. A decision that shaped their entire futures and how the world around them shaped and formed. "They're really cute and little. Do you have names for them picked out yet?"
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Post by Sargeant-Knoxx on Jan 23, 2018 0:30:30 GMT -6
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"Humanity is not Honor-"
The minutes dragged on, and Synn stood there- tail swinging like a pendulum. The mare recalled a moment not too different from the one taking place now, the main difference being the size of the audience.. She'd stood in a cottage much like she presently stood in that cave, hearing her mother's strained breathing and groans of pain as Kiva continued to labor through the birth of Synn's younger sister. The endeavor had been long drawn out- and yet Synn was much like her father- refusing sleep that whole night. No one rested until that wailing bundle of rich chestnut and slick black had finally dropped.
The scout was ripped from her reflection by the sudden and aggravated movement of the kirin at her flank. Gripping her axes with a flash of her teke Synn steeled herself. The kirin did not attack however- in fact it simply left the cramped cave to pace outside, tail lashing and helm glinting in the meager light of the fire. A longing stirred in her chest, and Synn could not blame the lowlander.. It was getting full- torn and nicked ears flicked at the sound of relieved sighs and the weak sound of a babe breathing their first breath. They were here, and very much alive. Synn craned her neck to look, curious, but not inclined to get close. Children made her uncomfortable, for a plethora of reasons. And yet the dappled equine couldn't help but feel a sense of pride in the fact that they had new life in the clan.. That not one babe had been brought into this world, but two children. Her captain's children. The medics dispersed to give the new mother and father some space by the fire and Synn retreated along the wall to do the same. Her eyes lingered on the couple for a moment, and she noted how instantly the tides had shifted, how quickly peace had fallen over them with the presence of new life. How Ansgar had gone from a war-torn man.. to a father and husband.
So this was peace.
Synn, approaching the outermost fringes of warmth, leaned in on her crewmates- Lorian and Iska her voice low and her gaze flicking to the outlandish individual stomping through the snow, "I'm going to take first watch.. Though considering the storm it's not likely we'll be receiving more visitors." The mare drew a deep breath and offered an inkling of a smile. "I'd make sure everyone rests up. This isn't over with the storm." Drawing her pelt tighter over her chest Synn stepped into the threshold of the cave, green eyes flickering along the tree-line as light conversation drifted from within the cave.
If anything, this was only the beginning.
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Post by Jennycallie on Jan 29, 2018 20:04:37 GMT -6
Your plot is complete! Stay tuned for a wrap-up journal!20 AP and 20 CS to: ALL OF Y'ALL INCLUDIN 508 I'M SO PROUD |
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