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Post by InTheDappledRain on Jul 28, 2018 6:59:57 GMT -6
 The sounds of the others caused the stallion to move, a little slowly at first, towards them. His head was still spinning, but otherwise, he was okay. The echoes of Irileth's and Fijalahr's voices bringing Edmond ever so closer to the group until finally he could make out the forms of the others. They were all various degrees of hurt, but it didn't seem as if anybody was hurt to the point of death, which was a relief.
"Your wing's a bit out of place, lad." He grumbled, moving over towards Nathaniel and helping him get everything back into place. It had been some time since the stallion had done the procedure, but he at least knew what to do from his years as a raider. "Hold tight, this is going to hurt for a bit." The stallion worked quickly, knowing full well that they needed to figure out a plan.
"Fijalahr's right. We should get everyone up to the surface... but I am up for going after whatever made those claw marks to make sure it doesn't make an unexpected visit." He turned towards Irileth and the others. "I can help get us up with my plant manipulation if there is anybody who can't handle putting too much weight on their legs."
Post #5 | Word Count: 214
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Post by wulfeneit on Jul 28, 2018 12:29:16 GMT -6
As the dust settled he was able to see the others more clearly. In that time others had spoken up and it seemed the majority were on their feet. Worse for ware but it seemed only the child had been hurt critically. Notably, the kirin who joined their group was one of the few who were worse off. The dim light from above offered just enough to make the equine’s form slightly more visible with the help of the kirin's scales. He seemed to brush off his wounds, offering to help moments after that. Credence's awe and reverence for the creature only grew. It was unlikely the equine would see the gesture but none-the-less he dipped his head in acknowledgment. He did not trust his voice just yet, and his bones ached too much for any other gesture he could give.
The bay mare, a hippocampus from what he could see through the dust spoke, introducing herself as Gianna. She offered to help and to his surprise nodded in his direction. Credence gave her a nod in thanks. He would remember her name. "T-thank you but-" He coughed and shook his head, long strands of silver falling loose from where his mane had been tied back. There were more important things to worry about than a ridiculous cough.
It was a relief to see the young colt freed. He grimaced as the colt's wing was set in place. The poor thing.
“The way I see it we have exactly two options – up or onward,” The silver mare's gaze scanned the group.
At once, he managed to get out a weak, "Upward," he cleared his throat. "We don't know how-" Another cough. "- how far this cavern extends, but we can see the-the surface,"
A blue unicorn spoke, saying something to the same effect. Credence nodded along in agreement, tired and worn until the stallion suggested searching for the beast. He stared in flabbergasted horror as another stallion agreed with him. He could not deny their logic, but it made the prospect no less terrifying. Had the creature caused the fissure? How long had it been living down here? Thank Ignacio no one expected him to participate in this incredibly dangerous adventure. He did not envy them, not one bit. But more importantly, what state would the town be in? Who knew what they would find up there.
"Let us see the state of the town first," he choked out. "Before you go." A pause and reluctantly he admitted, "Ahh, I cannot put pressure on my right leg," It would be difficult to climb without help for it. He felt pathetic. He looked over to the kirin. "He may need some assistance as well." And just like that, his voice gave and he clamped his jaw shut.
WC:467
Post:4
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Post by ThatDenver on Jul 29, 2018 12:26:58 GMT -6
IRILETH
The poor pegasus colt’s wing looked oddly twisted and no good at all, but Irileth was not a medic, and she feared expending energy attempting to plop any joints back in their rightful place. After all, if they planned to escape upwards, she would need all her strength for the effort.
Fijalahr’s words made a great amount of sense. Many of them were injured, and although the tunnel onward could provide an easier route out, it could also lead them to their doom. They simply did not know and would not know before heading that way.
In addition to the injuries, many of those among them probably had absolutely no combat experience and putting them in danger seemed ill advised at best, and downright reckless and cruel at worst.
Irileth’s ears pressed down slightly at the sound the displaced wing made as Edmond corrected it. Not an unfamiliar sound, but also not a pleasant one in the slightest. The Stone Circle member spoke in favor of both escaping the tunnel and confronting whatever shared this space with them.
A dangerous but sensible plan. Irileth had no issue letting those willing to do so go investigate.
“Up it is, then”, she said confidently, already eyeing the hole above and planning the best route up.
The large, injured paint unicorn with large blue horns got to his feet as well. They looked worse for wear, but not dangerously so. This one worried for the state of Skeldr Town before his voice faded into the dim light of the cavern.
Irileth eyed the kirin, and asked them simply: “Are you sure you are in a condition to help? I can see blood against your neck.”
It was really a fortune that the kirin was fairly light coated – against a black coat there would have no hope of even seeing blood in this light.
She looked upwards again.
“As for Skeldr Town… I believe there would be more of us, more sounds and more rubble if the crevasse had been much larger. It seems we are alone. I can not be sure of course, but it seems whatever moved Skeldr to split her rock skin was fairly contained”, she said, and then closed her eyes to focus.
The earth around her began to move, pooling before her to begin forming a way back up. Alternating between a soft inclining and steps, she formed the way upward gently, careful not to upset the earth further and cause more damage.
“Stay with us until I am done”, she breathed between her work, the strain of the undertaking obvious on her face: “I cannot protect the injured and work the earth at the same time.”
Besides, it was just good sense to make a way out before engaging in a fight – an escape route was important even to the bravest warrior.
“Edmond, lend me your strength. Beckon to the seeds in the earth”, she said softly, completely focused on her work otherwise.
Word count: 495
Post #5
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Post by Western-Witch on Jul 29, 2018 17:50:37 GMT -6
G I A N N A
"She was a wild child; always stealing the stars and getting drunk on the souls of earthbound misfits.."
WC: 312 | Post #5Together they released the poor yearling from his rocky trap. His name was Nathaniel. Such a handsome name, she thought. But his wing was off kilter. Gianna was about to help the colt when Edmond arrived. She silently thanked him, she wasn't sure she could actually perform the task properly. It had been too long since she had done it last and it was never something she willing volunteered to perform.
Gianna hadn't even considered following the tracks. She looked down at them and wondered. At first she had desired to leave and escape this dark cave. The earth was never something she wanted all around her like this. But she had been too far from adventure for too long. That spark for something more lit inside her.
"I'd be willing to follow the tracks." She was a little shy about it. There was nothing about her that looked like an adventurer. She only trained most of her teenage years to become a Valkyrie. But now she looked like a soft farmer. A little round and definitely not in training any longer.
The unicorn with the cough was ready to leave the tracks to the unknown. But the other two who voiced following the beast had a good point. Whatever had made them could cause this again, but on a much bigger scale. It was crucial someone went out and wrangled this beast.
Gianna just wanted adventure. Farm life was dull in all honesty. And she was very interested in new creatures. However there were some that needed assistance. And that was top priority. "I can help you up, I also have an herbal remedy that will relieve the pain if you want a portion. It has helped me so far." She said to the double horned, unicorn, hoping his cough would subside as soon as they got him to fresh air. |
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Post by InTheDappledRain on Aug 1, 2018 19:51:44 GMT -6
"I am more than willing to help." He stated solemnly as he took a few steps towards the mare. He was reluctant, especially since the idea wasn't entirely his own, but he was still going to help out. There was a moment of silence before he brought himself to focus on the earth around him, calling to Kaia and her power to bring green into the world.
"Alright everybody, let's get out of here. We can deal with the beast later..." Hopefully... He tacked on silently. There was a part of him that whispered that the creature, whatever it may be, was nearby, though he wasn't entirely convinced that his suspicions were correct.
Instead, his mind turned to other things, as there were other things to be worried about. Rebuilding Skeldr Town would be a nightmare, but worse still would be repairs to other areas of the mountain. If a simple yell could cause an avalanche, he could only imagine that the shaking of the earth had caused a much worse chain reaction.
"I'm ready to help when you start moving us on up."
Post #6 | Word Count: 186
Note: I give permission to Denver to have Edmond help Irileth on their way out
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Post by wulfeneit on Aug 2, 2018 20:04:47 GMT -6
The apparent leaders of the group were focused now on getting them out of here. There was a newfound ache in his muscles burrowing its way into his bones but not from a physical ailment; it was from exhaustion but most of all relief. He wanted nothing more than to leave this pit and go home. Settle down in deep isolation and forget everything that transpired that day.
Irileth’s confidence helped, but it was one thing to allow his worries to ease at the heed of her advice and another to see the state of the town himself. It was a staple of his life, of the herd as a whole. They all gathered there, it was the place he had met and seen many. A trading hub that fostered connections to the world beyond their mountain- his mountain. The more he thought about it, the more anxious he grew.
He was just shy of jittery when Gianna spoke. Credence took a breath, swallowing the cakey dryness in his throat. “I think I’ll t-take you up on that offer, a potion sounds wonderful.” He swallowed too, the shame he felt for his current state.
WC: 194
Post: 6
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Post by IcefireStarfire on Aug 8, 2018 2:15:41 GMT -6
S I G L A V Y
... ...
Despite all he'd said and done, he realized he wasn't gonna be as helpful as he thought he'd be. The worst-off in the group, a young pegasus who called himself Nathaniel, seemed to have more than enough helpers surrounding him. Not wanting to crowd them in, and certainly not wishing to be any closer to the others than necessary, Siglavy left a respectful distance between himself and the dusty, gathering equines. Instead, he kept an ear trained on the darkness he'd come from, having heard the others talking about the scarred earth all around them.
The others held a quick discussion about their next immediate move. Siglavy felt conflicted--he, too, wanted to investigate the tunnel further. The excitement of the little skirmish he'd had with vagabonds a few months back had long worn off, and he was itching for a real adventure. But he was also not as young as he used to be, despite being in good shape. And quite frankly, he was more interested in self-preservation--the sooner he saw someone with healing abilities, the lower the risks of becoming lame. Let them figure this out, he thought. I'm the stranger here, after all. Surely they would be able to find out more, they live here!
"I believe it would be best for us to escape first," he said. "Those who are sound enough to return here should bring reinforcements with them. Some powerful Blessed individuals would be best--anyone still in town, of course." Clearly, no one seemed to know what had caused the tracks, and he had not forgotten about the Raiders who had recently gone off to war. Why do weird things always have to happen at the most inconvenient times? The world may never know.
He noticed the prong-horned paint stallion glancing his way, but missed whatever it was that came out of their mouth. Instead, it was Irileth who said, “Are you sure you are in a condition to help? I can see blood against your neck.”
"You...my...what?" bewildered, he turned his head around as best as he could. He had just been getting good at the "ignore the pain until you forget" thing and had only been conscious of numerous aches until then. Now that he was aware of the mat of drying blood on his neck, the scraped-up section really started to sting.
"Well you're a sight for sore eyes," he sighed. Turning back to Irileth, he insisted, "I will be fine. I can do whatever is needed of me." Looking at the escape route forming from the earth, he added, "Come on, let's get going."
......
Word Count: 442
Post #4Code by War-Colt |
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Post by Western-Witch on Aug 9, 2018 10:40:51 GMT -6
G I A N N A
"She was a wild child; always stealing the stars and getting drunk on the souls of earthbound misfits.."
WC: 229 | Post #6Gianna smiled at the unicorn and looked for a small bottle. She was just testing out this new way of ingesting the herbs she grew, but she was sure he wouldn't mind it if it tasted a little bitter. "Here ya go. It may be a little bitter, but it should help that throat and the rest of you." She handed it over and hoped it would work for him.
"Now let's climb on out of here." The earth was subtly moving around them as Irileth and Edmond manipulated what Gianna had always thought was so solid. But obviously today that was quickly disproven. She began to move towards the ramp. "Come on! Don't worry I've got you." She swished her heavy tail at the blue horned unicorn. Ahead of her the Kirin had started to climb up. Behind her she hoped the rest of the group would follow suit. And fast. There was no way the two Blessed equines could keep this up much longer.
Above the sun still shone. It's light almost white in this deep darkness. Would they fit through? Gianna threw her head behind her and looked deep into the darkness that led to whatever had created this debacle. For a moment she thought she heard a deep rumble, a vibration in the dark. Chills went up her spine. "Something's definitely down there," she whispered. |
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Post by ThatDenver on Aug 10, 2018 11:05:34 GMT -6
IRILETH
Irileth gave Edmond the briefest smile, and continued her work. While she had started with more of staircase structure, eventually it became a ramp, and at times she was raising the whole group upwards – although she tried her best to keep this to a minimum, so they could use her work to return if needed.
Beside her Edmond was working the seeds, making the earthy steps more solid and easier to hang on to with the fresh plantlife that sprouted on them – it was mostly grasses, seeds that had been sleeping in the earth, but it would do. The ramp became steadier to step on as well as their two earthy blessings worked together, Irileth providing the ground and Edmond the life.
Finally they were near the surface. Irileth abandoned the task of creating more of the way up, and instead pushed against the opening before them. Sweat formed on her brow, and she allowed herself to ever so slightly lean against Edmond as she strained herself to complete the final task.
She had no time to think about what monster had awaited in the dark, or how ill things could have gone, had the hole been even a little deeper.
No, this demanded her full attention.
Finally, the opening was large enough to fit through back to the surface. Not a very comfortable thing to push through, especially not for the taller equines among their troupe, but they would fit.
Deciding to let someone else go first, Irileth finally let go, and allowed herself to rest. Heavy gasps for air left her lips, and her muscles shivered – the strain of the task obvious on her form.
But they had made it.
Word count: 282
Post #6
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Post by wulfeneit on Aug 11, 2018 15:02:32 GMT -6
Credence gave the mare a tentative smile. “Thank you.” He would remember Gianna for the kindness she offered, though it unlikely they would meet again.
The potion tasted bitter. The texture was repulsive and he resisted the urge to gag. It stung his throat, his eyes watered as he swallowed. A shudder ran down his spine. It was slow to take effect but already he could feel a mild numbing sensation crawl through sore muscle, adding a weight to his bones. It helped somewhat.
He was hesitant at first to brave the moving earth, but at Gianna’s encouragement, he took that first step. Leaning against her shoulder where he could not place his full weight on his leg. It was slow progress but with her help and a growing desire to get as far from the heart of the earth as fast as possible made the journey seem far shorter.
Together, Irileth and the bay stallion worked together to mold the earth. Sprouts of grass and ferns bloomed, unraveling like the wings of a butterfly towards the skylight. Their presence made the climb so much easier, allowing for a sturdy foothold. Had he been in a less exhausted state, tired and ready to be out of here, he would have enjoyed watching magic do its work. To be touched by the gods, to yield even such a small fraction of their power... he could see how much it exhausted both equines but even still, it was a magnificent sight.
Finally, they reached the end of their climb. The sun shone through a sliver in the earth, at Irileth’s behest it grow, opening as the maw that had once nearly consumed them. Beads of earth fell in a light drizzle, justled free by the movement. He shook his head to clear the dust from his eyes, squinting into the harsh light. Almost there. Just feet away from freedom.
"Something's definitely down there," the mare at his side whispered. He felt the shiver that ran through her and chanced a glance into the pit below.
He saw nothing but the contrasting wall of pitch. There no movement, no sound. He swallowed. “Let us hope it stays there,” He stepped into the light.
WC: 371
Post: 7
Ending post for Credence
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Post by tarriedsea on Aug 11, 2018 19:17:20 GMT -6
 She refrained from formally introducing herself at this point and stayed near the shadows; it seemed weird to distract from the situation with an introduction now, when everything felt like chaos and someone lay injured.
She watched a few- one was named Irileth?- move the boulder off the colt. Feeling awkward and unnecessary, she sunk back until the black unicorn addressed her.
"I'm fine," she said softly, watching the others crowd around the injured colt. She wanted to help but didn't know how; her blessing wasn't suitable for this situation, as her forms weren't large or strong enough to aid. Everyone else probably knew what they were doing.
And she had no desire to track whatever creature crawled around the underbelly of Skeldr Town.
Irileth began molding the earth, and Goss felt the shift beneath her hooves. It was unnerving to feel it move again when it had just collapsed under them, and she tried to scuttle back to a solid part where Irileth couldn't reach. Panic swelled in her throat. What if this was her tomb. What if this was her catacomb. Her bones would live under the city forever.
Stay back. Observe. Breathe. You'll get out of this.
Images of her sister flashed through her mind. At this point, Panya was the one she was living for.
Suddenly they were all rising, and Goss leapt forward with the rest of the group toward the opening. The sun blinded her eyes and she finally assessed her wounds. Scraped and bloody knees, but otherwise fine. The rest of the group did the same, and a unicorn mentioned the thing that made the claw marks.
No.
In any other circumstance she would stay to ensure everyone was okay, but something in her ground to a halt. She was tired. Tired of the strange things happening around here lately, tired of wondering if each day was going to be her last. Tired of feeling everyone's fear and hurt. This was one situation she could walk away from.
She bumped Irileth on the shoulder, whispered "thank you," and sprung away from the group into Skeldr Town's heart. |
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Post by InTheDappledRain on Aug 11, 2018 19:44:48 GMT -6
EDMOND - STONE CIRCLE - WAR FORGED
The stallion refused to take any breaks as he worked together with Irileth, partially to avoid being outdone by a mare, but also partially because he enjoyed the work. He had seldom used his blessing in such a way, and working with another horse that had an earthy blessing was more than a little rewarding. The climb up was slow, but it never felt tedious, as the stallion made sure to grow the strongest of grasses to keep the dirt in place. Eventually, he would be down here again, chasing after whatever was within the cavern to ensure that the citizens of his country were more than just slightly protected in the future. There were moments when he worried, his gaze turning towards that of the mare beside him in concern, though he was careful as he did so. He had learned long ago that not all mares approved of being treated as fragile things, or worse, approved of being looked at with such concern. It was natural of him to fret a little, and even more so as the mare leaned, ever so slightly, against him in that final push. It was a strange feeling for him, as he wasn't entirely sure if she was bracing against him to help with the final push or not. He would've asked, but it didn't seem to be a wise time, nor did it really benefit anyone. As others worked their way out, the stallion stayed behind, not willing to head out until everyone else had. In the moments between, he couldn't help but feel the need to fret over his companion. Though, he was at least able to keep his concerns to a minimum... for a time. Eventually, his common sense won out.
"Do you need any help? I can try to widen the gap for you, or... something..."
Post #7 | Word Count ~310
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Post by ThatDenver on Aug 11, 2018 20:55:13 GMT -6
IRILETH
As she recovered, her temporary companions took their leave. She was happy to have been able to help them, and she knew that the tiredness, and the pain it brought would pass. It was a good exhaustion, a fulfilling one. The one of a filled duty.
Brought her back to old times.
So while there is pain in her frame from the energy spent, there is happiness too.
The large unicorn with big horns and lot of white squeezed through with final looks into the darkness below them.
Then, the much smaller light coated unicorn, who briefly thanked her before going her own way. Irileth gave her a tired smile.
She understood. She didn’t really want to stay here any longer than necessary either.
Irileth had not noticed Edmond’s gazes in her direction during their work together – she simply had not had the concentration to pay attention to anything beyond the earth and grass and keeping them going up as steadily and easily as possible.
She recognized concern when she saw it and did not reject it.
Irileth smiled at Edmond and braced herself back to her full height. Her sword clung to her side in its sheath still, giving her a strange sort of comfort and assurance.
“I can get out, but I would not mind company. The tiredness will pass, but it was an effort”, she said, and then added with the slightest grin: “Surely you felt it too?”
With that, she too made her way outside, dusty and tired but otherwise unharmed.
Word count: 255
Post #7
Closing for Irileth
Thank you everyone for a great chapter!
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Post by Jennycallie on Aug 20, 2018 15:29:28 GMT -6
Congratulations on completing your plot!
Full rewards to Edmond, Irileth, Goss, Siglavy, Fijalahr, Credence, Nathaniel, Gianna
Working together you managed to escape the earth, though not without injury. The mountain seems to be quiet once more, but as your group begins to leave, seeking medical attention (and perhaps searching out anyone else in the town who might need assistance) the ground rumbles again. It's a muted, distant sound that resonates from the gaping earth up your hooves and into your rib cage. Most significantly, however, is how the roar dwindles, then cuts off abruptly. Whatever it was... it came from within the earth, but was not of the earth. You were not alone in the tunnels. |
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