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Post by Queerly on Jan 16, 2016 23:48:31 GMT -6
 A storm is supposed to be on the way, but plenty of merchants would rather wait until the last moment to close up shop and make as much money as they can before the storm hits- Onean blizzards sometimes blow for days. A few daring equines have gathered in the local coffeeshop to fortify themselves before going back out into the cold and make their ways home...
Event Journal// Located Here
Premise Journal// Located Here
Hello Starborn, and welcome to Plot 005: Closing Time! We have so much planned for your little barbarians, and we hope you enjoy the Chapter as much as we enjoyed making it for you! 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 posts.
- Five posts is the minimum to earn the event AP/CS/FVR rewards. After you've posted five times, you receive 1 AP for every post after!
- Your team is precious. Don't let anyone feel left behind! Try to interact with everyone. <3
- Have fun! Even if your pony isn't. 8'D
Once the team leader has posted, you may begin posting as well!
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Post by ccdefoe2000 on Jan 17, 2016 22:07:05 GMT -6
Enigma |**| Vagabond |**| Wanderer
Cold and frost both danced against the coffee shop's large window, Even the equines huddled around their coffee can feel the soft touch of the cold dancing across their hooves.
Enigma the colorful chimeric stallion towered over the small mare that he shared a low table with, his large cup of coffee still steaming in the cool temperature of the shop's atmosphere. Enigma's yellow eye continued to move from the window across the shop and back towards the small cloaked mare that stood close to him nursing her own cup of coffee. A large bundled pack of supposed wares was tucked under their table where it would not be in their way. The tri-colored stallion's deep voice could be heard rumbling softly across the cool shop, "I am sure that we have time for one more cup of coffee my dear, Besides you are chilled to the bone. Lets warm you up before we head back to your home." The large stallion watched as two equines dared to brave the wind and quickly left the shop, Enigma wished them luck and swift speed as they made their way towards their destination.
It seemed that besides Enigma and Mia only a few equines were left in the shop, either nervously watching out the window or bundling up to brave the cutting wind that had kicked up in the last few minutes, blowing loose snow and tiny ice crystals against anyone brave enough to leave the safety of cover. It seems that besides Enigma and Mi'Anoir the only equines left in the coffee shop are The owner, A large, light colored stallion. and another Friesian cross stallion Who's coat was the color of sweet coffee. Everyone else had either left before the wind picked up or was making their way out the door as Enigma watched.
It wasn't long before the four equines were left alone in the coffee shop to drink their coffee before the coming storm.
Word count 329, post 1
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Post by Moose-On-Ice on Jan 17, 2016 22:26:31 GMT -6
Marco | War-Forged Merchant “It is good people who make good places.” ― Anna Sewell, Black Beauty
Marco hummed softly to himself as he wiped out and dried a mug that had just been returned to the counter. He cast a glance towards the windows, a shiver running through his body at the sight of the ice and snow building up. He quickly looked away as he felt a chill creeping into his core. If he let that chill in, he wouldn't feel warm for weeks. He carefully placed the now clean mug back into its place, then turned to observe the remaining customers.
There weren't many. Although, it made sense why with this weather. He hoped the equines who had left the shop earlier would be safe. It seemed like everyone else seemed satisfied for now, so the freckled Quarter Horse decided to make himself a cup of tea to help drive the lingering cold from his core. He left the bar area and walked across the room to where he kept his teas. He carefully looked through them, deciding on which one he wanted. Eventually he decided on a tin of his favorite black tea. It had herbs from Sedo blended in, giving it a warm, slightly refined taste. He smiled to himself and walked back to his position at the bar.
He glanced up at the patrons once more to make sure everyone was happy. He then took down a mug and poured out hot water into it. He carefully opened the tin and pulled out a pinch of tealeaves. He placed them in a tea infuser then dropped that into the hot water. He watched the clear water slowly change into a dark warm red. Marco smiled and dropped two sugar cubes into it before picking it up and gently stirring it with his telekinesis. After a few seconds of stirring he lifted it to his lips and softly blew on it to cool it slightly. He took a sip and sighed. That was the stuff. He felt the chills leaving his body and replacing it with warmth he welcomed openly. He sighed softly, thankful he wasn't one of the merchants who stayed out in the snow. At least he managed to help them a little bit with the hot drinks. His blue eyes drifted to the large fireplace at the end of the room, opposite from the entrance doors. The fire was dying down a bit. Hm. He'd need to throw another log on the fire soon. Ah, just as well. He'd enjoy his drink for now. He took another sip from his drink, cocking one foot to rest in a relaxed position.
( Word Count: 431 )
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Post by DaretoDream0 on Jan 17, 2016 22:40:08 GMT -6
Soriano | War Forged Merchant
Soraino sighed softly as he looked out the windows. He had barely beaten the storm on his way back from Adoh. He hadn’t been home yet, and it didn’t look like he would be going home anytime soon with the storm. He flicked his ears as he heard the door open and a few other merchants leave to brave the storm. He took a sip of his tea, a blend from Aodh that he had brought to Marco earlier. The liver stallion always enjoyed spending time in the warm coffee shop, it was always so warm within.
He looked around, his eyes lingering on a strange pair. The mare was a small unicorn, and the stallion had a tri-colored coat. A shiver went down Soriano’s spine, the cold getting to him as another equine left the warmth of the shop. Who would want to leave? He wondered to himself as he took another sip of his tea. The Friesian cross looked to the fire, watching the small flames dance.
He looked over to the bar to see Marco making himself a cup of tea. The freckled stallion looked chilled, but the storm would not be helping the Quarter Horse to stay warm. Soriano had encountered the freckled Quarter the winter before, having heard that he had a coffee shop. The chestnut stallion had a few herbs that were perfect for making tea and coffee blends that he had picked up over the summer and took a gander to sell them to the owner of the shop. They had been friends after that, and it was nice to be able to pick something up for others on his trips across Hireath.
Post: 1
Word Count: 282
Overall: 282
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Post by GingerBlues on Jan 18, 2016 9:56:54 GMT -6
 "I am sure that we have time for one more cup of coffee my dear, Besides you are chilled to the bone. Lets warm you up before we head back to your home."The pony was about to respond as the shops door flung open, a gust of icy wind and snow blowing into her while two brave souls left the shop to face the raging storm. Mia found herself shivering once more and began nodding in agreement. "Aye, another cup definitely wouldn't hurt. If we're lucky, maybe the storm will have passed by then." She smiled slightly as she sipped at her coffee once more, savoring the rich, earthy taste. Of the many gifts Kaia provided, coffee was definitely one of the best. Pausing for a moment, the mare flicked her ears about, taking in the sounds of the shop. It was quieter than usual, with only the sounds of a small fire crackling, the shopkeeper, Marco, putting away some glasses and another customer slowly sipping their own drink. "Enigma, maybe you should tell some tales from your travels." She paused, a mischievous grin forming on her face. "Besides, it could help pass the time."
[Post 1, Word Count: 197] |
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Post by ccdefoe2000 on Jan 18, 2016 11:36:54 GMT -6
Enigma |**| Vagabond |**| Wanderer
Enigma watched as Mia took a sip of her earthy smelling concoction once more, he grinned as he watched her adorable ears turn and catch the subtle sounds around the coffee shop. Every time he saw her in moments like this he remembered the first time he found her little cabin out in that snowstorm and it brought a soft smile to his face.
"You always try to get me to tell you just one more story dear." The chimeric stallion chuckled softly, "But seeing as we may be here for a at least one more cup, I think I can tell you one of the shorter stories." Enigma paused in thought as he thought back to a warmer time and get his facts straight. The soft whisper of wind moaned against the front of the store in an almost constant static noise.
Enigma slipped into his story telling voice as he started, "Well I was just north of the Barrier Mountains, and had just gotten my hooves dry after wondering through the water ways Sirith. I was attempting to find some new critters for my book, well I remember I found these little pine trees which had the most beautiful bird song drifting through the pine boughs. I moved slowly towards the only for the rush of wings and a flash of greens and blues to take to the skies. A truly miraculous Bird of paradise twilled as it soared south east away from me. I have not seen one in the wilds of Sirith before. It was amazing to think that they are doing so well as to venture out of their normal territory, maybe one day we will all be able to listen to them sing to greet the sun all the way up here."
Enigma ended his story and reached out with his telekinesis for his cup of coffee, wanting nothing more then the warm liquid to warm his body and cool his tongue after the story.
Word count 329, post 2
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Post by Moose-On-Ice on Jan 18, 2016 12:47:24 GMT -6
Marco | War-Forged Merchant “It is good people who make good places.” ― Anna Sewell, Black Beauty
Marco flicked an ear, listening to the remaining customers speak. He briefly heard the small pony who he remembered visiting the shop before speak. What was her name again? Mia? He thought for a moment, tossing his head to the side to move the thick mane covering half of his face away a bit. Mi'Anoir! That was her name. He knew Mia and Sori, but the remaining customer, who Mia had apparently managed to convince to tell a story, he did not know. Perhaps he was from a different herd.
The freckled shopkeeper knew most War-Forged horses, even if they didn't live in Skeldr Town and we from all over Onea. He had some foreign horses who stopped by whenever they were in town, but he hadn't seen this one before. He shrugged. It wasn't his business to know. He instead sipped his tea and listened to the new horse's tale. A bird that was green and blue... He'd never heard of such a thing, much less seen one. Although he doubted he would ever see one unless it was some horse's familiar and they brought it into the shop... He wouldn't dare go outside. Not even when the weather was nice.
He shook his head, strands of his black wavy hair falling into his eyes. No, no, no, don't you dare think about that. He told himself. He felt chills running up into his legs again. He'd throw another log on the fire. It was getting too cold in the shop with the fire dwindling like it was. He placed down his cup of tea on the rack above the small fire he used for heating water to keep his tea warm. He then stepped out from behind the bar, his hooves softly clopping on the stone floor. He stepped in front of the fireplace, picking up a few logs from the pile stacked on the left side of the fireplace. He tossed them into the fire, gently moving them around a bit with his telekinesis until he was sure the fire would soon be roaring again. He nodded and smiled, feeling the warmth slowly pour into him again. He turned, deciding to ask the customers if they needed refills on their drinks.
He walked over to the table where Mia and her companion sat, a warm smile on his face. "How is everything? Do you need a refill or anything?"
( Word Count: 402 )
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Post by DaretoDream0 on Jan 18, 2016 14:11:16 GMT -6
Soriano | War Forged Merchant
Soriano looked the couple again as the mare asked for a story from the stallion. He sighed as he listened and took another sip of his tea. He thought for a moment about the stallion's story as Marco stoked the fire. Sori looked to the tricolored stallion, and made up his mind to join the pair at their table. He left his pack under his table as he walked over to Mia and Engima.
"I was wondering if I could join the two of you until this storm quells down a bit," he said. "My name is Soriano, I travel around to sell my wares that I make while I'm here for winter." He gave them a small smile.
"The bird of Paradise is a very beautiful bird, I had no clue that they would venture a journey this far from warmth," Soriano said, his usual grumpy tone falling away as he spoke. "I feel like I may have see you before, but I can say that about a lot of horses at this point." He chuckled a little bit. His orange eyes drifted back to the window and the snowflakes whizzing past,another small shiver going down his sip as he did.
Post: 2
Word Count: 203
Overall: 485
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Post by Jennycallie on Jan 19, 2016 3:07:42 GMT -6
 Checkpoint 1: The storm grows ever closer, as does nightfall. Do you stay for one last cup? It seems most of you do, although the shop owner, Marco, seems to be getting more nervous as the temperature drops. Someone (volunteer) decides to step outside and gauge the distance and severity of the weather; but they must walk to the outskirts of Skeldr Town to see properly, out of view of the shop. While they are gone, some of you grow uneasy. |
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Post by GingerBlues on Jan 19, 2016 12:44:29 GMT -6
The paint listened intently as Enigma spoke, enthralled by his tale of warmer weather, bird songs, and beauty of which she could only imagine. "Oh Enigma, it sounds wonderful! Tell me about the colors! What were they like?" Her ecstatic musings were cut short , however, as Marco dropped by the table to check in. "How is everything? Do you need a refill or anything?" His voice was pleasant and familiar as he spoke, bringing a small smile back to the mare's lips as she quickly got over the interruption. "Everything is fantastic as always, Marco, though I think I could do with a refill. The weather isn't looking at all promising." Mia wrinkled her nose in disgust at the thought of the snow blowing into her face earlier. It was definitely miserable outside, and she was perfectly happy trying to wait it out indoors. Then again....If it got too much worse before she and Enigma left...They could be stuck here for quite some time. Mi'Anoir quickly banished the thought as another voice sounded off nearby. "I was wondering if I could join the two of you until this storm quells down a bit. "My name is Soriano, I travel around to sell my wares that I make while I'm here for winter. The bird of Paradise is a very beautiful bird, I had no clue that they would venture a journey this far from warmth, I feel like I may have see you before, but I can say that about a lot of horses at this point." "Why of course, Soriano. The more the merrier. Please, sit down" She smiled softly, flicking her ears toward the chimeric stallion she shared the small table with, hoping he didn't mind. [Post 2, Word count: 290] |
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Post by ccdefoe2000 on Jan 20, 2016 10:35:23 GMT -6
Enigma listened intently to his lover's questions, like always, asking him to describe colors, they were hard questions but he usually found ways to describe them, Green was like walking through a dense shady forest at noon, cool and calming, Blue was like soaking your hooves in a fresh water spring, chilly but refreshing, red was like a Roaring fire, Energetic and passionate. Enigma was pulled from his planned answers as the owner of the establishment approached their table, asking if they wanted refills, the tri-colored stallion listened to Mia respond that she wanted a cup before bringing his own voice to the quite of the coffee house, "Thank you sir, I enjoyed my cup of tea very much. I am going to have to decline a second though, else I will be shaking well enough to vibrate myself up a wall." Enigma grinned at his own joke slightly. The smile still played on his muzzle when he noticed the large burnt chocolate stallion come to rest near the table, Soriano he said his name was, and Enigma had no reason to not believe him.
"Of course. I always welcome anyone to listen to my tales and perhaps add to them. I have seen stranger things this far north I would say, not but two nights past on the clear night, I could have sworn I saw a crystal wraith playing in the snow drifts. You said you make your wares in the winter, What do you sell if you do not mind a nosy stallion asking?" The larger stallion's eye glistened with curiosity before he continued. "Mayhaps we have run into each other before but I have no head for names and faces, although if you were to ask me what the safest way to get to the Talori Isles were I could tell you which ships to take." Again Enigma favored the new stallion with a bigger smile, attempting to appear friendly, his size having been a factor in scaring some equines away in the past. "The names Enigma, at least that's what my father called me, nice to meet you, Soriano."
Word count 357, post 3
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Post by Moose-On-Ice on Jan 20, 2016 13:51:00 GMT -6
Marco | War-Forged Merchant “It is good people who make good places.” ― Anna Sewell, Black Beauty
Marco smiled, picking up Mia's cup to go refill it. He turned to her companion, the tri-colored stallion and nodded. "You're very welcome. Would you like me to take your dishes now?" His blue eyes glittered in the light from the fireplace. He stepped back slightly as Soriano stepped up and spoke. He doubted anyone else would walk into the shop at this point. Perhaps he could take his own cup of tea and sit nearby as Soriano was now doing. His ears pricked at the tri-colored stallion announcing his name. Enigma. Hm. Fitting name, in his opinion. The stallion's enamoring tales did make one wonder where he had been in the world and what he had seen to allow him to produce such wonderful stories. He carefully picked up the dishes he saw were no longer being used and walked back to the bar.
He placed the empty dishes down in a tub of water hidden under the counter. They could sit there until he had the chance to bring them into the back kitchen and wash them. His sister, Mirth, had already gone to bed in the upper level of the house, so he wouldn't dare wake her up to wash the dishes... Although that was usually her job.
He turned to the fireplace where his cup of tea and a kettle half full of coffee were sitting. He refilled Mia's cup with the dark liquid and held it to the side while he picked up his own tea, which was still hot and steaming in the cool air thanks to the smaller fireplace. Steam curled up from the cups as he stepped out from behind the bar. His blue eyes flicked to the windows as he walked back towards the table. The snow was getting higher... Pressing against the windows... The stark whiteness against the dimming outside was unnerving. The strands of snow pressing against the glass looked like claws reaching up to try and enter the coffeeshop. Marco stepped farther away from the window without noticing, his foot gently scuffing against the leg of an empty table and causing a small scraping noise. He quickly looked down, making sure to not spill the drinks. Try to ignore it, Marco... He told himself.
He stepped over to the table, placing down Mia's now full cup in front of her. He gave them a small smile, trying to hide his growing unease. "I do hope no one minds if I sit down here for a bit. I've been on my feet all day and it doesn't look like anyone else will be coming in. I'd love to listen to some of these stories I overheard."
( Word Count: 440 )
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Post by DaretoDream0 on Jan 20, 2016 20:18:32 GMT -6
Soriano | War Forged Merchant
“Sorry if I was interrupting, Enigma, but it’s decently hard to find other horses that have traveled as much,” he said with a half smile to the tri-colored stallion. Soriano took a sip of his tea as Marco went to fill up Mia’s drink. The orange eyed stallion noticed how the freckled stallion reacted to seeing the snow covering the windows. Soriano offered Marco a gentle smile as he joined them. The dark stallion thought for a moment, trying to think of a nice warm story to tell.
“Would you all like to hear a tale of one of my travels to Sedo?” He asked, his grumpy tone creeping back into his voice once more. He took a sip of his drink, and not waiting for replies from anyone he thought back to one of his travels.
“There aren’t very many clouds in Sedo, at least whenever I visit, so, with the sun beating down upon my back as I walked across the cracked earth, I hoped to find the river that supported the whole land. Before I happened across the river, I stumbled across a peculiar horse. He wasn’t moving, but he was standing. I’d never seen any horse do it before, so I passed without thinking twice,” he paused for a second, thinking of what happened next. “Once I got to a good place to sell my wares and possibly buy a few, I asked someone about him. They had no clue what I was talking about, so they simply thought I was speaking nonsense. Though, a little mare believed what I had to say and we went out there together. Once we got there, though, the stallion had disappeared. Without a trace.” He ended his story by simply taking another drink of his tea.
“That was a pretty warm travel as well, I was relieved and thankful to find the river shortly after encountering that strange stallion. The warm winds are always a strange thing though,” he mused out loud.
Post: 3
Word Count: 333
Overall: 818
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Post by GingerBlues on Jan 23, 2016 21:15:50 GMT -6
"Of course! Please, by all means, join us Marco. You deserve a break." The mare smiled invitingly, sliding closer to Enigma as to make room for the shopkeeper. "Besides, you've been so attentive to our needs, You should focus on your own for a bit."She took another sip of her coffee, leaning against her companion's much larger frame. The stallion's size never ceased to amaze the little paint. He was tall, muscular, smelled of dense forests, and reminded the young horse of a sturdy oak tree. It was one of the many things she loved about him. As she rested against Enigma, listening to to the steady yet strong sound of his heartbeat, Soriano began speaking once more. This time he shared a tale of his own, speaking of his travels among the home of the Serora. His story was interesting enough, and Mia found herself listening rather intently as slowly nursed her coffee. As he finished sharing his tale, the traveling merchant mentioned the Sedo's winds, which drew the small mare's attention once more to the weather outside. The winds were howling now, and carried the scent of snow on them so strongly that Mi'Anoir could even smell it within the shop's walls. The storm sounded like it had changed directions, which could be worrisome or wonderful depending on how things went, but the tiny mare couldn't tell. Quietly she contemplated heading towards the outskirts of the town to try and gauge what the storm was doing and if it was safe enough to return home, but she quickly shot the thought down. Having a visual on the storm would be necessary for a remotely proper read of the weather, and that was something the small mare would never have. She sighed softly, listening once more to the sounds of her companions' voices before chiming in again herself. "The storm sounds like it may have changed directions, but I can't tell if it's for better or worse...Maybe someone should head out to the outskirts and take a look? Get a better idea of what we're up against and all that? I'd volunteer myself, but I highly doubt I'm the best candidate for something like that." She chuckled softly, pulling her fur lined cloaked tighter around herself as if the very thought of going out in the snow was making her cold. [Post 3, Word Count: 394] |
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Post by ccdefoe2000 on Jan 26, 2016 13:37:01 GMT -6
Enigma |**| Vagabond |**| Wanderer
Enigma welcomed the warmth of Mia as she moved in close to his large frame, making room for Marco and his tea at their small table. The tri-colored stallion smiled in a welcoming way before saying "The more the merrier, don't worry about the cup sir, there will be time later to clear it away. Stay awhile and listen if you will." The burnt chocolate stallion was speaking again and Enigma listened with interest to his story about the lands of Sedo, Making a note to travel there in the spring. if for nothing else to experience the warm winds that the stallion was speaking of. As Enigma was about to ask one of his many questions Mia spoke again her voice lifted over the howling of the wind, that was starting to reach a worrying tone outside the small coffee shop.
If the storm had really changed direction as the little mare had said then they either needed to leave for him immediately or hole up in the coffee shop. Although if it had turned away from the little town then they only had to worry about a light dusting from the edge of the storm, "I agree Mia, it maybe wise to go check the storm from the edge of town, but I highly doubt that I would allow you out the door at the moment. I have no problem going to check the storm though, love, it would not be the first, nor the last, time that I have wandered through bad weather." Enigma smiled down at the little mare, "That is as long as you will promise to stay here and finish your cup and stay warm from the fire." The tri-colored stallion was ready to make his way to the edge of the town from the moment she said something about the storm, she had been watching the other stallions in the shop as the storm increased, Marco seemed to be uneasy with the noise of the storm and Enigma would not send him out of his own shop for them. Soriano on the other side seemed like he would be able to handle the storm but Enigma could not ask a stranger to do something this cold and potentially dangerous.
Having made up his mind, Enigma levitated a few crystal shards from his bag to pay for his and Mia's drinks, including a few others for a tip. Because Marco had not thrown them out even though he was visibly uneasy with the growing storm, at least he was nice enough not to banish them all to the storm. "Sirs, I should return soon from the edge of town with news, I do so hope that it has turned so that we can continue to share both stories and warmth together on this growing evening." The tri-colored stallion smiled at them both before starting to ready himself for the short trip to the edge of town.
Word count 495, post 4
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Post by Moose-On-Ice on Jan 30, 2016 17:05:46 GMT -6
Marco | War-Forged Merchant “It is good people who make good places.” ― Anna Sewell, Black Beauty
Marco smiled and relaxed a little bit when they accepted him and allowed him to sit. He sat down, placing his cup of tea on the table. Oh, he just now realized how much his legs ached from standing all day. He really should sit down more often... He sighed softly and sipped at his tea, savoring the warm liquid. His ears pricked when Sori started spinning a tale. Everyone had such interesting stories to tell about their travels. He didn't have any stories to share, as he had never left Onea. In fact, he'd never really left Skeldr Town. He supposed if he had to share a story he could speak of some of the interesting comings and goings that happened at the coffeeshop.
There was one time that a stallion had cat called to him and smacked his rear without seeing his face and realizing it was a stallion he had cat called to. The stallion's look of surprise when Marco turned around and gave him a nasty look was something Marco smiled at when he remembered it.
He was quiet as Sori spoke. His tale was a bit unnerving, and he shivered a bit. "What do you think that stallion was? An apparition?" He asked. The thought of a horse appearing and disappearing like that was haunting.
Marco shivered when the scent of snow and the howling of the winds managed to slip into the shop. He thought that he and Mirth had double checked all the windows and doors to make sure there wouldn't be any cracks! He was growing jumpy as the winds screamed outside. He nearly dropped his cup of tea when Mia spoke. "Y-Yes, someone should look... I can't go outside. My c-cloak is up in the top floor and my sister is s-sleeping." He tried to hide the fact his voice was faltering. He couldn't go out and check...
He was relieved when Enigma offered to check for them. He saw him pull out some shards and he took them from him. "B-Be careful out there." Marco softly said. Who knows what might happen in the darkening blizzard...
( Word Count: 356 )
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Post by DaretoDream0 on Feb 10, 2016 18:52:14 GMT -6
Soriano | War Forged Merchant
Soriano’s orange eyes drifted to the window as Mia spoke of the storm possibly having changed directions. Just before he volunteered himself, Enigma spoke up and volunteered to go out. He looked back to Marco as he asked the question.
”I’m not sure what he was,” he said thinking. ”It’s quite possible that he was, though. Guess I’ll never know.” The dark coated stallion chuckled a little to himself, but it soon died at the shake in Marco’s voice. He offered a comforting smile to the freckled stallion, hoping to help calm his nerves over the storm that howled outside the window. Soriano’s eyes soon drifted back to the fire, then back to Marco and Mia.
”I’ll help keep these two warm while you check, Enigma,” he said before the large stallion could get out of the shop. Soriano got up and placed another log on the fire, making sure to place it just right to get the fire going. He sat back at the table and took another drink of his tea, trying to think of any other stories he could tell to the two younger horses. He looked back up to Enigma.
”Be careful by the cliffs with the storm, they’ll blend in the best,” Soriano said, wanting to make sure that the stallion would be able to make it back to the shop in one piece. ”They’re really good at creeping up on you, so watch where you step before you trust it fully.”
Post: 4
Word Count: 257
Overall: 1075
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Post by GingerBlues on Feb 15, 2016 18:44:55 GMT -6
The mare flicked an ear towards Enigma as he spoke. "I agree Mia, it maybe wise to go check the storm from the edge of town, but I highly doubt that I would allow you out the door at the moment. I have no problem going to check the storm though, love, it would not be the first, nor the last, time that I have wandered through bad weather.That is as long as you will promise to stay here and finish your cup and stay warm from the fire." The pony huffed softly, mulling over her response as Marco piped in. "Y-Yes, someone should look... I can't go outside. My c-cloak is up in the top floor and my sister is s-sleeping." Mia snorted as Marco grew silent once more. The mare understood Marco's hesitancy to leave, Though she'd never say anything about it. He was a kind, compassionate soul and wasn't built for crazy adventures. Then again, as much as she enjoyed them, Mia could admit that she wasn't really built for them either. She also knew Enigma was quite capable of the task at hand, having grown up in the wilds practically alone. Yet she still hated the idea of him wandering out into the storm alone. "Alright..." She sighed heavily. "Just be safe, and make sure you come back to me in one piece, yes?" She nodded slightly as if answering herself, levitating a rather large cloak out of her pack. "Here. Take this with you. I was planning on giving it to you later, but I think it would rather useful now." She smiled softly, placing the cloak in front of where Enigma sat, the concern evident on her face. It had taken her months to weave the massive map of Hireath across it's surface, making sure each detail was perfect and each thread was in place. She'd poured her time, energy, and soul into that cloak, ensuring it would be durable, and would aid her beau in a variety of situations. In the very least, it would keep him warm and safe as he traveled to the edge of town. "I’ll help keep these two warm while you check, Enigma, Be careful by the cliffs with the storm, they’ll blend in the best. They’re really good at creeping up on you, so watch where you step before you trust it fully.” Soriano's voice cut through the silence that had begun to settle once more, and the pony mare found herself agreeing with his words of caution. She didn't know the stallion well, but he seemed knowledgeable enough. Biting her lip, she addressed Enigma once more as he packed up to leave. "Just be quick my love." [Post 4, Word Count: 455] |
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Post by ccdefoe2000 on Feb 16, 2016 10:11:10 GMT -6
Enigma |**| Vagabond |**| Wanderer
Enigma figured that a quick trip to the edge of town to check on the storm would only take about 30 minutes as long as he moved with a purpose and it would be cold, but this would not be the first, nor the last, time that the large stallion would be cold. Enigma's eyes grew large at the sight of the beautiful cloak, the map was amazingly detailed and it looked like it would keep him warm and dry in the harsh weather of his travels. "Thank you my love, its almost as beautiful as you. I am sure I will only have slightly cool hooves thanks to this amazing cloak love. no worries that I will make it back safely now." The tri-colored stallion said quite sure he could safely make it to the edge of town with little to no trouble. Enigma listened to the Chocolate stallion's words of advice, "Thank you for the advice, I will be sure to watch where my hooves fall. And I will be as fast as I can be my love." The large stallion finished settling the cloak about his large shoulders and forgoing his pack figuring he would be back to gather both it and Mia in short order. Enigma moved himself towards the store door, "You all take care, I will be back as soon as I can." Enigma smiled as he turned once more towards the door. The wind almost ripped the door from Enigma's control as he moved quickly out into the street, forcing the door closed behind himself. He could just make out the three equines he had left behind through the store window. Lowering his head The large stallion moved off down the street towards the end of town, The wind seemed to whip and calm with no rhyme or reason to it. A gust would hit a building only to spin off in a new direction carrying snow and slush and whatever else it could pick up in its path. The tri-colored stallion moved as fast as he dared towards the sparseness of the edge of town, where the winds where not blocked by buildings and the storm would be fully visible, it shouldn't be to far just one more turn at the end of the street and then straight on... at least that's what he hoped anyway. The wind was stronger here, it almost sang of freedom and carried barbed blades that sought out any bare flesh to ravage against. Enigma was happy for the cloak Mia had given him, it protected most of him from the savage wind. The buildings had thinned out to mostly homes set every so often near the road, allowing the wind to deposit its contents of snow in drifts across that same road. More then once Enigma had to power his way through a chest high drift, But if the storm did let loose he knew that a few high drifts would be the last of his worries. He was approaching the edge of town now. the clouds above him seemed to be boiling against themselves already hopefully once he reached the edge of civilization he would be able to tell if they were moving away or crashing back against the small town. post 5, word count 545 |
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Post by GingerBlues on Feb 16, 2016 12:33:03 GMT -6
 Checkpoint 2// While you were discussing/arguing/deliberating, the storm rages through Skeldr Town, quite ahead of schedule. Worse, above the howl of the wind… is that a rumbling? Could it be- Avalanche! The shop is safe, but the wall of snow came within inches of the town- And Enigma was still outside! Do you rush out and help them? |
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Post by Moose-On-Ice on Feb 18, 2016 9:08:12 GMT -6
Marco | War-Forged Merchant “It is good people who make good places.” ― Anna Sewell, Black Beauty
Marco shivered when he saw Enigma leave the shop and head out into the dark blizzard. He felt a twinge of fear when the wind howled and screamed, carrying snow with it, through the open door before Enigma shut it. He quickly averted his eyes and stared into his cup of tea. "Don't think about it, don't think about it." He told himself when his limbs started feeling like ice. He glanced up at Mia and Sori and gave them a weak smile. "Q-Quite the storm out there." He quietly said, his voice cracking a bit. "I d-do hope Enigma will be alright." He wanted to distract himself from the thought of Engima going out there alone.
"I don't t-think I've told you about the time a stallion mistook me for a mare." He blew some of his wavy black hair out of his face. He needed to get something to help keep it out of his face when it was irritating him. "It was a rather busy day in the coffeeshop and I was needing to help my sister with clearing tables. I was walking to a table to clear it when someone cat called. I thought they were doing it towards my sister, but some idiot stallion decided to smack my rear." He shook his head. "The look on his face was something you had to see in person when I turned around and gave him a nasty look. He turned into a blubbering mess, apologizing and stammering that he thought I was a mare." He smiled at the thought. "Does this look like a mare to you?" He tossed his head to uncover both of his blue eyes from his hair. He really needed something to pull his hair back. "I booted him out of the coffeeshop and while I didn't ban him, he's never come back." He laughed lightly. "Apparently I'm too scary and embarrassing for him." He smiled and sipped at his tea after sharing his small story. He felt a bit better now, and his limbs felt less like ice.
Then he heard something above the wind outside. No. No. Not again... He went stiff at the loud rumbling. His blue eyes were wide and staring at the windows. Were they safe in here? Would the snow come crashing in?! He started shivering heavily. Enigma. He had been outside. H-He might be b-buried! Ice crept up his legs and into his core, making him feel like he was frozen solid. Just like when he was buried. He couldn't feel warm. His breathing was shaky and uneven. He couldn't look away from the windows. Fingers of ice and snow curled on the glass, clawing, scratching, begging to be let in. No, no, no! They couldn't get in! H-He was s-safe in here! Then why did he feel so cold?
( Word Count: 474 )
POST 5
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Post by DaretoDream0 on Feb 18, 2016 16:11:03 GMT -6
Soriano | War Forged Merchant
The dark stallion could clearly hear the tremors in the voice of his friend. He hoped dearly that the freckled stallion wouldn’t freeze on the spot. Though, Soriano had never seen Marco do it, he knew it was completely possible with living in the mountains. The stallion listened closely as Marco told his story. He chuckled a little bit, thinking that he had been there on the day it had happened.
Soriano’s smile disappeared as Marco’s eyes became trained upon the windows. The burnt stallion got up and purposefully walked in front of Marco. His ears flicking at every little rumble of the coming snow.
”Marco, we’re just fine in here, the snow won’t be coming in this night,” he said, putting some more wood on the fire to get it blazing. The larger stallion then produced a thick Adohian cloak from his pack and put it on Marco, hoping it would help some for the stallion. The stallion turned his orange eyes to the windows now, his ears still flicking to the rumble.
Soriano took a deep breath and grumbled to himself, thinking himself stupid to even begin to suggest what he was going to.
”If I must, I can fetch Enigma before we are snowed in, and he out,” he said, not wanting to see Mia become distressed over his absence if they did become snowed in. ”I’m sure I could easily find him in the snow, but we might be a little and I pray to Kaia that she helps us to keep the snow off our backs long enough to return.” As he was speaking he was digging around in his bags to find his pelt. He had gotten the thick hide to a bear stretched enough to cover him, yet enough to still keep him warm. He tied it together, wishing that he had the money to buy himself a decent cloak. He looked to the two smaller horses.
”I’ll make sure we make it back in one piece,” he said before disappearing into the treacherous storm, shutting the door tightly behind him.
Post: 5
Word Count: 356
Overall: 1431
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Post by GingerBlues on Feb 20, 2016 11:56:56 GMT -6
"Q-Quite the storm out there. I d-do hope Enigma will be alright." Marco's voice quivered as he spoke, prompting Mia to smile gently at the stallion. "Enigma is quite capable, I'm sure he'll be fine. He's traversed worse without the promise of a safe, warm shelter such as your shop to return to." Her voice was calm as she spoke, as she knew it to be the truth. Even still, she did her best to mask the twinges of worry that began creeping up on her as the wind howled louder than any wolf outside. As the pony sipped at her coffee, Marco began speaking once more, as if using his own voice to distract himself. "I don't t-think I've told you about the time a stallion mistook me for a mare." Mia shook her head slightly, a silent urge for the shopkeeper to continue. Even in the most dire of situations, the small mare couldn't deny her love of a good story. Settling in, she listened as he continued. "It was a rather busy day in the coffee shop and I was needing to help my sister with clearing tables. I was walking to a table to clear it when someone cat called. I thought they were doing it towards my sister, but some idiot stallion decided to smack my rear." The unicorn burst out laughing at the statement, mostly because she had dealt with similar situations herself.It usually ended in a couple bad bruises and a wounded ego for the stallion who dared to insult her and treat her like a slab of meat, and she found herself quite curious to hear how Marco handled himself. "The look on his face was something you had to see in person when I turned around and gave him a nasty look. He turned into a blubbering mess, apologizing and stammering that he thought I was a mare." Mia giggled once more as the stallion paused, taking a breath before speaking again. "Does this look like a mare to you?"
"I wouldn't know." She laughed, "Everyone "looks" the same to me." A loud rumble echoed throughout Skelder town, quickly bringing an end to the giddy atmosphere that had been growing in the small shop. Avalanche! Mia knew the sound all too well. It was unfortunately not an uncommon disaster in these parts, and yet, it was hardly something one could prepare for. Inhaling deeply, the mare braced herself, waiting for the wall of snow to cease it's movement and hoping it wouldn't demolish their shelter for the evening. Thankfully, the brunt of the danger passed as quickly as it had come. ”Marco, we’re just fine in here, the snow won’t be coming in this night,” Soriano's voice was the first to break the silence. She could only imagine what Marco was doing to prompt such a statement from the older horse. Her calm demeanor was short lived as the full reality of the situation dawned on her. Enigma. He was still outside. Breathing a quick prayer to Kaia for his safety, the pony began packing up her things and wrapping her cloak around herself. ”If I must, I can fetch Enigma before we are snowed in, and he out.I’ll make sure we make it back in one piece.” Soriano said rather matter of factually as he made his way to the door and closed it snugly behind himself.
"I'm going too!" she yelled, practically running after the larger stallion, only barely missing a table as she made her way to the door. "I will not sit idly by while the one I love is in danger." She snorted, her resolve evident in each word she all but hollered at the stallion through the door. "Marco!" She barked, swinging the door open. "I'm not leaving you here alone. You're coming with. Soriano, you should wait for us, unless you want us traversing the danger alone." [Post 5, Word Count: 658] |
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Post by DaretoDream0 on Feb 20, 2016 21:46:49 GMT -6
Soriano | War Forged Merchant
Soriano flicked an ear as Mia yelled at him. He could barely hear the mare through the wall and howling wind, but her message was clear. He groaned a little and went back into the shop, making sure the door was tightly shut behind him. He looked down upon the little mare.
“I must insist that you stay here with Marco,” he said, his eyes unwavering, but held a light of worry for the two of them. “I can traverse the mountains in this weather, as I have done it plenty a times. And which would you prefer, having to drag two frozen horses back or only one?”
He looked to Marco. “You are not to step foot near this door, young sir. For your own warmth and good.” His eyes came back to Mia. “I need you to help keep him warm so all of the warmth in his body doesn’t leave him shivering.” Soriano told Mia, keeping his voice down as to not wake Mirth. The large stallion sighed a little.
“I understand your concern, but we don’t all want to be caught out there in the storm,” Soriano said, trying to talk some kind of sense into the small mare. “No one will find us until Spring if all of us go now with no hope of making it back. Currently I’ll be able to get Enigma back safely. For all we know he could be stuck in a snowbank, but I can and will find him, if you allow me to do so quickly.”
Post: 6
Word Count: 258
Overall: 1689
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Post by Moose-On-Ice on Feb 21, 2016 22:00:31 GMT -6
Marco | War-Forged Merchant “It is good people who make good places.” ― Anna Sewell, Black Beauty
Marco's eyes snapped to Soriano's stern face when he blocked his view of the windows. W-What did he mean...
”Marco, we’re just fine in here, the snow won’t be coming in this night,”
B-But how did he know that?! It was pressing against the glass, tapping, hitting, pressing... T-The glass would crack any moment now! He couldn't stop himself from shaking. He felt so cold. Everything felt numb... Then there was something wrapped around him. He blankly looked at Sori who had wrapped a thick cloak around his shoulders. He gripped it tightly with his telekinesis and pulled it tighter around himself. If it helped, it helped very little. For he felt almost no difference. The sight of the snow clawing at the windows and the fading rumbles were more terrifying then Sori and Mia would think.
”If I must, I can fetch Enigma before we are snowed in, and he out,”
Marco gave him an alarmed look. He was going to go out there!? D-Did he know how dangerous it would be?! That he could get trapped, buried, caged in a white prison until he was crushed to death!? "Y-You can't..." His voice cracked without his permission when he spoke. It did nothing to stop Soriano from leaving and shutting the door behind him. He twitched when Mia scrambled up.
"I will not sit idly by while the one I love is in danger."
No, no, no! They couldn't go out there! He wanted to stop them, do SOMETHING to convince them to come back. E-Enigma would get help from someone else... H-He'd been helped by... His father... He swallowed, his mouth feeling dry. Enigma didn't have someone like that...
"Marco!"
He jumped at the door slamming open and Mia shouting his name. W-What? Was she coming back? He cringed at some flakes of snow hitting his face, stinging his skin with the bitter cold. He pulled the cloak tighter around himself, but his shivering only got worse as the door was held open and more snow came inside the shop.
"I'm not leaving you here alone. You're coming with. Soriano, you should wait for us, unless you want us traversing the danger alone."
He felt like everything stopped. He felt numb. H-He couldn't. He couldn't! He couldn't go out there! I-If it wasn't s-snowing like this, or was just a n-normal day, his sister could convince him to come out, wrapped in multiple thick cloaks... But this!? "N-No..." He weakly said, his voice softer then he would have liked. He couldn't go out! It was dangerous out there! The snow wanted to claim him, like it had claimed his father!
He did not hear Soriano bark to Mia to stay here. He tuned everything out and stared blankly into the snowy darkness. He could see it, bearing sharp teeth of ice, and cold hands of snow. Reaching out at him, trying to grab him and drag him back out there... Drag him back into the hole he had only barely managed to get out of in time... The hole where his father had died.
“You are not to step foot near this door, young sir. For your own warmth and good.”
He blankly looked at Sori. He could...Stay? Who was he supposed to listen to? Mia, who was angry, harsh, and desperate to get Enigma... Or... Sori, who wanted him and Mia to stay here and stay warm... He couldn't think. He couldn't decide what to do over Soriano and Mia's arguing over if he should stay or not.
"S-SHUT UP!" He shouted, squeezing his eyes shut. He drew in a few shaky breaths, silent except for his strained breathing. He opened his blue eyes, looking at both of them with a weak stare. "I... I'm... Going..." He couldn't believe his voice. His legs felt weak as he slowly shifted himself up from his seat. He secured the cloak around his shoulders, staring at the snow outside, screaming and almost salivating at the thought of its "prey" stepping out into the open for it to claim. But he'd go out... E...Enigma didn't have anyone...To help him... To make a single selfless sacrifice to let him live, like Marco had. He'd... He'd repay what his father had done for him. He'd go help get Enigma.
( Word Count: 716 )
POST 6
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Post by ccdefoe2000 on Feb 22, 2016 10:33:51 GMT -6
Enigma |**| Vagabond |**| Wanderer
Enigma had just made it to the edge of town when the sound hit, a low rumble then set his teeth to itch. The tri-colored stallion had heard the sound before but could not remember where he had heard it, maybe a predator that had assaulted him in the past. "No predator would be fool enough to come so close to town though, unless of course its..." Enigma's though died as a wall of fury and snow slammed into him from his left side swiftly knocking him off his hooves.The large stallion was swept up and away tumbling and turning, only remembering swiftly to tuck his legs close to his body in an instant.
Then there was nothing, as Quickly and Violently as the avalanche had come it was gone, there was no sound, no light, no nothing except the playful breeze of the storm across Enigma's backside. Opening his eyes did not help for there was nothing to see except black. Enigma quickly found that he could not move very much except his tail and one hind hoof. The rest seemed to be pinned to his body by snow. "Welp, this sucks. Not as bad as the landslide a few summers back but this is just cold." Enigma said to no one. He was stuck, he did not dare attempt to dig out with telekinesis fearing that he would lose what little air he had if the loose snow filled in around his head.
"At least if someone from town comes looking I doubt that they will miss my 'colorful' hind end and tail flagging in the wind. Just got to wait for them. Shouldn't be long." The large stallion said again to the darkness encroaching upon his head. Doing his best to look on the lighter side of his situation, surely if no one came he would be a pony-cicle come spring. Enigma voiced his concern to the uncaring snow around him, "Mia will be frantic and do something dumb if I don't come back soon... Like storming out into the storm to come find me... Yeah hopefully she doesn't do that... She will....Fuck..." Enigma trailed off imagining Mia being tossed around by the storm and wind.
Word count 377, post 6
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Post by GingerBlues on Feb 25, 2016 15:19:17 GMT -6
“I must insist that you stay here with Marco,I can traverse the mountains in this weather, as I have done it plenty a times. And which would you prefer, having to drag two frozen horses back or only one?” Indignation washed over the mare as Soriano spoke. "You must insist?!" She hollered. "The love of my life could be out there dying, and you expect me to wait here because mine and Marco's presence might inconvenience you?!" Slamming a fore hoof against the hard-wood floor, she continued. "It's far better to travel in a group than alone, you arrogant fool. I will not risk Enigma's life because you believe you know what's best for everyone."Mia paused for a moment, hearing Marco shuffle around nervously behind her as if he was trying to decide what to do. “You are not to step foot near this door, young sir. For your own warmth and good." Soriano spoke again, trying to over ride Mia's demand that the young stallion come along with her. Addressing the mare once more, the older stallion continued. " I need you to help keep him warm so all of the warmth in his body doesn’t leave him shivering." Mia rolled her sightless eyes beneath her thick forelock. "So now I'm to be treated as some nurse mare for a stallion I barely know, all because you say so? I think not! If you're so worried about him, you stay here and I'll fi-" "S-SHUT UP!" Marco's voice rang out through the little shop, cutting off Mia's rant. His voice shook with an unsteady resolve as he continued. "I... I'm... Going..." The little mare just nodded, pushing past Soriano to open the door once more. "Then lets be on our way." She muttered, the frustration still evident in her voice as she stepped out the open door and into the storm. [Post 6, Word Count: 314]
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Post by DaretoDream0 on Mar 6, 2016 23:15:51 GMT -6
Soriano | War Forged Merchant
“Your presence wouldn’t inconvenience me,” Soriano said. “We just don’t need four horses freezing out there.” He kept his calm as the mare in front of him anger’s climbed. It was somewhat amusing. The dark stallion snorted, and was about to say something, but Marco cut across him before he could utter a word. Soriano was slightly taken back by the freckled stallion’s decision to come along.
“Are you sure you want to come Marco? I only ask because of your past experiences with the snow,” he said. The older stallion didn’t want to anger the shopkeeper any further, so he kept his words light, but Sori’s concern shone through in each careful word he spoke. The stallion knew angering the younger one would only cause trouble, but it didn’t stop Soriano from worrying about him.
The dark stallion wasn’t sure on either of the younger horses coming, but both insisted upon it. He hoped that they knew their way around this part of the mountain, or would at least listen to his warnings as they walked. The mountains were a tricking thing, especially in a storm like the one raging against the doors of the warm shop that they stood within as Enigma was caught outside.
“If we want to get Enigma back inside, we should be taking our leave shortly,” Soriano said, his words still light.
Post: 7
Word Count: 236
Overall: 1925
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Post by ccdefoe2000 on Mar 28, 2016 4:49:54 GMT -6
Enigma |**| Vagabond |**| Wanderer
The darkness was crushing, the silence deafening, the cold biting, but worst of all... the worst part of being stuck head first in a pile of unmoving snow?? Having your large buttocks sticking up in the wind for every half daring breeze and full hearted gust to plow into your unmentionables, relentlessly. The soft caress of numbness slowly creeped it way up Enigma's unmoving limbs while the fire of frost on flesh burned just under his fur. At least he found the storm. At least he found the snow, At least Mia and the others were safe at the coffee shop. At least they had a fire to keep them warm. At least... at... least... Enigma's eyelids grew heavy the cold settling in, the icy embrace of the lady winter come calling, and Enigma was a willing lover. She promised his pain would end, He would be free, if only he closed his eyes and fell asleep, she would hold him close and watch over him while he slept. The tri-colored stallions steady breathing took on the slow, deep, intakes of pre-sleep. His large eyelids slowly crept towards the ground, and his once proud head started to drift the same way as his eyelids. 'For a moment...' 'Just a little nap...' 'The cold seems to have let up, I can barely feel it anymore...' '...wait...' 'not yet...' 'not yet...' Something shifted in Enigma's unstable snow cave, maybe his warm breath managed to knock loose a chunk of snow. Maybe a stray crow decided to land on his mound. To whichever god or goddess decided to lend him mercy Enigma never will know, but nothing wakes up and pisses a stallion off faster then getting an ear full of Cold, Icy, Water. Enigma's heart jumped in his chest, One strong defiant beat. Then another, followed by another. Enigma fought back from the edge of the abyss and endless sleep. Clawing, kicking, raging, Enigma roared into the surrounding snow, Fury, pain, anger and most of all Rage screamed from his muzzle as he Roared and struck out with hooves head and body, anything for a moment of freedom... just one breath of fresh air... one more heartbeat of time with Mia... |
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