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Post by pinkmoonbeam on Dec 4, 2014 12:12:00 GMT -5
(Well I think Sapata was slated to stay topside, but since she's already down the hole, we'll just say Asarte stayed up. Caught up I think... pretty much.Whoo Hoo! I still have some colors to add in for others, but I can do that later.) Above Asarte had stopped a little prematurely, after spying some particularly nice looking clumps of a rare rock plant she wanted to gather, and let the others cast ahead. She could still hear them, and therefore felt safe about it, even if a little guilty about just falling back without saying anything to anyone... particularly Sapata. But her companion seemed to be getting on with the others a bit now, and really it was time she relaxed her guard a little. Besides, it would only take a moment to fill her already brimming Herb pouch with a few choice pullings. "Oh, now that's a good one there.", she muttered to herself, and had just stretched her neck out to retrieve the prize, when a sudden tremble came through the earth under her hooves, and a trumpet of warning from Lilainiblasted into her mind, followed by a surge of panic radiating from Sapata. The bay wheeled about, collecting forgotten, and pushed her short legs into a full run. What, what, what?! Something, something bad!She arrived upon a scene of chaos, the very ground rent and torn, and slid to a stop just in time to avoid a nasty shard of rock which stabbed up into the night air. Frantic now, she spun, looking for her companion, who she could sense, but she couldn't spot the blue-black of her hair or the white of the feathers she wore in it. She spotted Rashida, and moved towards the other unicorn, chuffing with the effort over the broken soil, calling out before she even reached her, "What happened here? Where are the others? Have you seen Sapata?" And then, Lilaini called out to them. Below Sapata had been walking along, just eavesdropping on Tyden and the Dragon as they dithered on about the landscape, which WAS impressive, she supposed. Still, it made for boring conversation, and she picked up speed a bit so she was far enough ahead that she could no longer readily hear them. She vaguely wondered where Asarte had gotten off to, but then a yawing of the world at her feet broke apart the thought. Stopping short, she was beginning to think perhaps she'd imagined it, when Lilaini gave a fierce command to flee the green. Alarmed, Sapata whirled about to run back the way they'd come, and then with a mighty heave the grass parted, the earth yawned open, and she was slipping into darkness amid a rain of soil and rock... The fall itself was a blur, but the landing, unfortunately less so. She skidded down the pile of dirt that had fallen in, thumped down hard on her left side, gaining plenty of bruises and not a few scrapes. As she lay there trying to gather her wits, she realized she could hear moans and groans from others who had been carried down. And a moment later, amongst more debris two more bodies came down into the tunnel. She couldn't say who else it was, but one was Tyden for sure... she had heard his oath when he landed. Above Asarte couldn't process what she was hearing. They were going to LEAVE Sapata down there?! She watched in disbelief as supplies were lowered, and as the topside group began trickling away, she sent a thought down to Sapata: All will be well. I will not abandon you dearheart. We will meet again soon.She heard her companions brave reply and felt a surge of guilt that she had left her side, to gather herbs of all things! Then with heavy heart she fell into line, and went with her group head down, steps slow. BelowOnce all were accounted for and treated for their various injuries, it became apparent that the way up was, alas, not the way out. Sapata wasn't the least bit happy about going into the dark and musty passages ahead, but there was no help for it. She grabbed onto the end of the rope, and stood behind Tyden, where the Orb he held cast a glow that bounced off the walls, and shone just enough for her to see him pretty clearly. He half bent over to speak to the wolf, and his well shaped haunches caught the light and Sapata gave a little smile in-spite of herself. At least the view is not too bad down here...She wasn't interested in the man, not in that way, but you had to admit he was a fine specimen of the species and looking never hurt anyone. Here I am, stuck in the bottom of the earth, and NOW all I can do is admire the landscape...She would have laughed out loud if Asarte hadn't called to her just then, and the worry in he friends voice caused all merriment to leave her. She gave her reply as confidently as she could, Do not worry my friend. I have half the troop with me, though none are so favored as you. And I have no fear that we will be together soon, my tie to you tells me so, and it is a bond unbreakable. May the stars watch over us both, and I will look for their light to bring me home.And with those parting thoughts, the group set off, Tali leading into the darkness. They went on for a bit, in silence and deep shadow, when it was suggested there was a song. And really the singing DID help make the dark seem a little more light. Sapata couldn't help liking the song, not for just itself, but also for the obvious enjoyment young Kynn got from it. For a small unicorn he certainly could make a large noise! Rhaine moved up the line to speak with Tyden, and on her way handed Sapata a Light Stone. Sapata was leery of the thing, which glowed like a tiny moon in her hands, but she had no choice but to hang onto it. She wondered if it could do anything OTHER than glow... and was staring into it's depths, when she realized she was almost on Rhaines' back. She stopped short just in time, and heard the growling voice of the wolf speak... “Some one’s coming. Up the tunnel,” the wolf continued, “towards us. And they’re... singing.” Sapata wasn't sure she wanted to meet whoever, or whatever, it was. Her mouth felt suddenly parched, and she pressed herself against the passage wall, she wasn't sure if she should hold the light up so they could see the arrival, or cover it so it couldn't see THEM. She bit her lip, and decided she'd see what Tyden did with his and follow his example. She slipped her stone knife out of leather strap that pressed it to her thigh and waited.
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Post by tsukiclowes on Jan 12, 2015 20:48:31 GMT -5
Perking her ears in the direction of Tien Mu, she shook her head making her wavey black mane tumble into her face. Snorting and flipping it back by tossing her head she answered, " No just myself, although I cannot imagine the worry from the others that did." Turning in interest, she asked back, " Did you?" Looking over the herd in front of her she noticed the visibly diheartened Asarte, " Perhaps we should walk beside that mare there?" She motioned to the slow walking mare, " She seems she could use companionship right now?" Rashida picked up her pace till she was beside Asarte. To try to lift the spirits of the other mare. She was visibly disheartened from the seperation of her companion. Troting next to her, she `bumped softly into her side. " Cheer up, the faster we walk the faster you will see her again!"
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Post by Asperi on Jan 17, 2015 13:35:47 GMT -5
One second, Kyla and Midori were making small talk about the mountains of this world and others, and the next the whole world they were on seemed to be in upheaval. The initial earth shake knocked Kyla into Rashida, who stood very firm in spite of the turmoil around her. Midori, on the other hand, seemed to be dancing in place as she struggled to keep her hooves from sinking deeper into the earth. She felt Kyla’s distress, and looking up saw her companion trying to scramble forward onto the unsteady earth. "Kyla, get back!!", Midori shouted with more authority than she ever thought possible, and then she was gone from sight.
Kyla had scrambled only a few steps away from Rashida before her companion ordered her away. Desperate to save her companion, and completely helpless to do anything of the sort, Kyla watched in horror as her beloved Midori sank into the world below. She had lost Brody so suddenly and still so recently, seeing Midori fall away from her laid open all those scars again. Tears streaming down her face she screamed, "Midori, NO!!!" Continuing to reach out with her mind after Midori had disappeared from view, Kyla could just barely sense her companion’s existence through all the dust, rubble, and chaos.
Once the dust settled she inched as close as she dared to the edge of the sink-hole in hopes of catching a glimpse Midori’s rich green coat, to no avail. *Midori are you alright?* she thought desperately as she held her breath for an answer. A bit shaken and confused from the fall, Midori felt her companion’s near panic and managed a response, *A bit bruised, but otherwise alright* Midori thought to her, then added *Kyla? ..breathe.*. She had no idea just how long she had been holding her breath, but Kyla did notice a bit of burning in her lungs by the time she finally let out a gasp of breath. Now knowing that they were each okay, Kyla and Midori looked to what they could do to help the others. Once a travel decision was made by the Guardians, neither was happy to remain parted, but they knew it was also their best chance at being together again.
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Post by Lady Whimsy on Feb 12, 2015 21:59:43 GMT -5
Phen wove his way through the brush as quietly has he could, which was like trying to... well, trying to squeeze a dragon through a bramble patch. He got stuck on a forked branch, tripped over a log, and with flourish, was spat back onto the path with a raining of foliage. Straightening himself, and trying to look as if somersaulting out of the bushes was the most natural thing in the world, Phen turned to Foehn Miri and shrugged. “I’m fine... I uh, had to pee.” He nodded genially, then scowled at the bushes when he hoped the unicorn wasn’t looking.
He was hopeless at reading Unicorn expressions but hoped hers meant that she bought it, that he was absolutely not hiding anything and nothing was different from what it had been about five minutes before (was it only that long? Good god, was he really sweating so much?) The unicorn seemed to be waiting so he hurried up beside her. “Are we nearing the camp yet, do you think?” he as casually as he could. “Not... not that I’m tired. But I think, perhaps, some of the people are...?”
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Post by sam6284 on Feb 13, 2015 21:32:36 GMT -5
*And now...to introduce you all to a brand spanking new lunatic...er...character...*
Kalidorian Army four star (yes, four, thank-you-very-much) General Prosperos Argentos the Brave made his way up the darkened tunnel, singing happily to himself about coconuts lined up in a row. He'd been assigned to the tunnels during the war, along with his friend Admiral Linten and had been here for so long, he'd lost track of time. He'd had no news from the front for ages, but that was okay by him. He liked it here. It was peaceful. Although, he had to admit, if only to himself, a little bit of action here and there wouldn't be amiss.
Just as he thought this, he noticed a strange glow moving about up ahead. "I say, Linten...what do you suppose that could be?...No, no...I don't think it's those spiders. They don't glow. Never seen the like in fact. Let's check this out a bit shall we?"
The general stuck his head around the corner, then proceeded to rush back the other way in shock, nearly knocking himself out in the process. "LINTEN! Intruders! Sound the alarm!...Don't argue with me about no alarm to sound, sound the blasted thing!"
After a few moments of blindly running around in the dark, nearly bashing his head in multiple times, Prosperos once again responded to Linten, "Calm DOWN?! What do you mean, calm down?! There's people in here for Kal's sake!"..."Well, of course I know they're friendlies, but the question is, do they know they are?"..."Who do you think you are? Calling me a crazy old coot? I'll show you crazy, you old...old...rag!"
With that, Prosperos turned back to his surprise visitors and, stepping into the light and tossing his head proudly, (with a muttered "Take that!") introduced himself.
"I am Sir Prosperos Oren Argentos the Third, Four Star General, Commander of the Kalidorian Army, Leader of the 51st Battalion, Chief Commander, Koros at Arms...oh look at the shiny stones!!" Prosperos turned away from the group, his attention diverted by the sparkling of the orbstones off the rocks laying a short distance away. "Oh stuff it you old moth collector...I know what I'm doing, I don't care if you DO outrank me!" With this, he turned back to the group and glared at Tyden, "What do you lot think you're doing down here in the caves? It's not safe! These tunnels could be overrun by the enemy at any time! Back out with the lot of you! Back the way you came from! March!!"
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Post by geob on Feb 13, 2015 22:23:10 GMT -5
Listening to the progress of something moving the the underbrush, Foehn Miri could only shake her head. It might have seemed scary: the "something" in the brush was obviously large, but the occasional flash of purple through the leaves reassured her it was most likely a certain young dragon. Finally, the big lug tumbled out into the trail.
Hm, so he had to pee, huh. Foehn Miri wasn't positive, but she was pretty sure his face was a deeper shade of purple. Did dragons blush? And was that sweat on his brow and, um, upper lip? Well, it DID sound as though he had to work pretty hard to get through those woods. The poor thing was acting so guilty and making such an effort to distract.
Ignoring his comment about camp, Foehn Miri continued up the trail once he caught up and comment, "Must be all kinds of difficult finding a large enough bush to pee behind. Or do you look for a clump of bushes? Or do you do like Tyden and Liam and pee on a tree?"
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Post by Lady Whimsy on Feb 14, 2015 18:32:35 GMT -5
ABOVE ~Pee…? on a… what heck was she talking about? It took Phen a full 30 seconds to put the pieces together again and realize it was him. “Oh! Oh, no… erm, no difficulty at all,” they really peed on trees? Whatever for? a form of ritual? rank? was there some kind of symbiotic relationship between human males and trees? “I mean, ah, the bushes are always a bit troublesome. For a dragon of my stature.” Just what did the trees think of this? He puffed out his chest a bit to show off how great his stature actually was, and realized he could still smell Sess’ perfume on him and wondered if the Unicorn could smell it too, and whether or not unicorns also peed on trees (he imagined that being the more civilized species, they probably went behind the bushes). He peered again at the bushes most critically; beyond his line of sight, something snapped. The crests along Phen’s neck shot up and he inadvertently side-stepped against the flaxen-haired unicorn beside him. He just as quickly corrected himself, finding his personal space again on the path. “It must have been a dar’dewa, they’re harmless,” he supplied; “and delicious, actually. I’m sure we have nothing to worry about,” he informed Foe as emphatically as he could. “As least as long as no one else has to duck into the bushes.” He would definitely advise against that, especially if Sess was as hungry as he was. ...on trees, really?* * * BELOW ~There was probably a few minutes in the depths of the caverns everyone would have appreciated a large tree or two, for whatever bit of business they saw fit. Out of the darkness had welled an incomprehensible ballad of nutty fruit, culminating in a muffled argument. Tyden thrust the orb stone towards Rhaine, drawing his sword even though the action made him wince and tossed it into his other hand. Whatever it was, he was ready for it, or at least as ready as he’d ever be. Tali’s demeanour hadn’t changed either, feet planted but head cocked as if he wasn’t quite certain what he was seeing. Tyden frowned, trying to make out the shape of movement in the darkness, but his eyes were useless. “What is it?” he hissed to the wolf. And then figure stepped into the light and his questions were answered. His confusion, however, was fourfold. Before him a Unicorn stood, a cool, dirty grey in the orblight – or maybe he was just dirty. At one time he had been white, at least by educated guess, and had probably been quite handsome. Now his mane was tangled and clustered around his face in great swaths, he was flea-bitten, moth-ridden, and while his eyes were bright and piercing, his horn – well, that was really the crux of it. His horn was all but hidden beneath what could only be described as a ratty old sock. Tyden’s jaw may even have been slightly agape as Prosperos rattled off his titles in rapid succession. The sock bobbed gently and reflected on each point, and although Tyden knew it was rude to stare, he couldn’t quite take his eyes off of it. Especially since the unicorns seemed to be... talking to it.. "Oh stuff it you old moth collector...I know what I'm doing, I don't care if you DO outrank me!" With this, he turned back to the group and glared at Tyden, "What do you lot think you're doing down here in the caves? It's not safe! These tunnels could be overrun by the enemy at any time! Back out with the lot of you! Back the way you came from! March!!"Could a unicorn completely lose their marbles? He didn’t have time thoroughly contemplate the condition because Prosperos had turned and was barking at him. Reflexively, Tyden kept Rhaine braced behind him, and Tali’s ears lowered uneasily. “Aye, good sir – that we would,” he addressed him as primly as he could to a unicorn with a sock puppet on his horn, “except that the way behind us is blocked by a cave-in, leaving us with no choice but to press forward...” he cast a glance sideways, but Rhaine’s eyes responded with the same sort of disbelief. Behind him, he heard Arieon making his way up the tunnel, vibrating low in his chest. In front of, the sock dangled presumptuously in his face. He cleared his throat. “From this afront, am I to believe that the General did not get the memo?”
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Post by Lady Whimsy on Mar 6, 2015 0:27:23 GMT -5
((Sam & Whimsy tandem post mania!!))
Below ~
Prospero glared at Tyden. "Memo?! What memo?! Linten, did we get a memo? You lost it didn't you, you lying old rag?! Of course *I* didn't lose it! I never lose anything..."
Clearly distracted again, Prospero turned away from the group muttering under his breath. Tyden inclined his head towards Rhaine. "Is it just me, or is he arguing with the sock on his head?"
"Actually, I think it's a puppet," Rhaine replied, "it has eyes. Puppets have eyes."
"It's a sock puppet," the realization dawned on Tyden in that same, sinking way one realizes the rain isn't going to stop any time soon and the picnic is unequivocally ruined. He frowned. "Why is he arguing with a sock puppet."
"I think it lost the memo," Rhaine deadpanned.
He half-turned, fixing her with an unreadable look. "Who would give a memo to a sock?"
Prospero turned back around, an offended look on his face "SOCK?! How dare you call Admiral Linten a SOCK! Who do you think you are, you...you...furless biped!" With this, Prospero stomped his hoof. This stirred up enough dust to cause him to sneeze, which he promptly did...in Tyden's face.
While Tyden was gagging quietly as he tried to wipe his face clean with his dirty sleeve, Arieon pushed his way to the front, snorting hard. "What is the meaning of this, old sir?! By Kal's grace, what are you doing here, and why have you obstructed our way...." his voice trailed off in confusion his eyes lighted on the stallion before him. "Who... who did you say you were?"
Prospero snorted at Arieon "Now listen here, you cocky young whippersnapper who thinks he's God's gift to all things female...I am Sir Prosperos Oren Argentos the Third, Four Star General, Commander of the Kalidorian Army, Leader of the 51st Battalion, Chief Commander, Koros at Arms, Head Liason Officer of the Elven Underbelly... Do shut up Linten, I'm trying to tell these lunatics who I am again..."
Arieon, sputtered into silence, could not reply. Tali, still firmly wedged between Tyden and Rhaine had decided this was a matter of Unicorn business and therefore did not concern him (at least, not much). Tyden, who's face was now evenly smeared with muck, contemplated putting his sword back into its hilt. Prospero wasn't a threat; he wasn't exactly sure what he was, but harmful wasn't one of them. The sword hissed into the leather sheath, an awkward movement with his left hand. He realized he was beginning to sweat; it was actually warmer down here than it had been above ground. How far down they were, he had no idea, and only had a vague idea that this way would lead them to the way out. At least he trusted Tali; some things were constants.
He eyes turned to Prospero again. In all his life on the Isle, he had met a lot of unicorns, and knew their habits were varied and quite diverse. But there had always been a familiar vibe that ran between them, a sort of grounded serenity and simplicity of being; a thing you could count on, like the seasons eternal, one with each other and the isle, sensitive, sensible, and sound...
Except, this one.
He was pretty sure this one was crazy.
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Post by Asperi on Mar 6, 2015 19:42:53 GMT -5
Standing relatively near the front of the procession through the tunnels, Midori had relatively front row seating for the introductions and interactions with the new-comer. At first she was a little nervous, the hairs down her spine wanting to stand up. Then she was confused, head tilted. Then she was endlessly curious! SO many questions started buzzing between her ears--Where did he come from? How long has he been down here? Since the wars? He did say he was a general... So just how old would that make him? Why was he hiding his horn with that strange rag? Who was this Linten he kept talking to? And, what exactly was a puppet?
Then she heard the new-comer's assessment of Aerion, and had to muffle a whicker. Eyes sparkling with curiosity, Midori edged towards the front of the group to address the eccentric new unicorn. "Excuse me Sir General, but we are in a bit of distress. You see, our party has been separated by a tunnel collapse, and we need to find our way to the surface. Might you be able to help us in any way?"
Midori hoped this might encourage him to join their party, allowing her more chance to get her other questions answered and sate her curiosity. Blinded by said curiosity, what Midori didn't consider is just how the other party members may feel about this...
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Post by geob on Mar 6, 2015 21:52:59 GMT -5
Tiponi couldn't help it. The sneeze was what tipped her over. Laughter bubbled out. She had followed Arieon to the front of the group and taken in the exchange up close. As soon as she could contain herself, she turned to Propero. "My apologies, sir. I wasn't laughing at you or the Admiral. I commend you the fine work you have managed down here." With a wave she indicated Midori and continued, " I would like to add my voice to this lovely unicorn here and beg upon your wisdom with regards to our situation here."
Oh, yes. The General definitely needed to accompany them, especially if it put The Man's nose out of joint.
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Post by sam6284 on Mar 6, 2015 23:38:50 GMT -5
Prosperos eyed the little mare haughtily. "Who are you?! Some pea-green cadet to be breaking rank like that!" Then he turned back to glare at the cream colored stallion, "Some commander you are! If I'd been the enemy, she'd be dead in a second!"
He turned away for a moment, then turned back to the human in front of the group in a huff "And another thing, when the Admiral addresses you, you answer! You hear me?!" Then he turned back around, catching the male in the face with his tail (making him spit and sputter yet again), and promptly began arguing with Linten on the merits of allowing this ragtag group to join them.
"Linten, you really must stop interrupting me....I really don't think it's a good idea to for them to join us. They're obviously crazy...they have no idea how to behave in the ranks, two of the mares just followed right along behind that arrogant stallion like that was what they were supposed to have done. Should've stayed in the back where it was safe!" He continued to ignore the sputtering and spitting that human kept making. "Linten, you don't even know who they ARE! How do you know they're not the enemy?! They STILL haven't told us their names."..."No, they ignored you on purpose when you asked for their names. I know they did. Don't pretend like they just didn't hear you. *I* heard you perfectly clearly."
He then turned back to the group before him, who for some odd reason were looking at *him* like *he* was the crazy one, and said "I'm going to need some names before I consider letting you lot enlist with us. At the very least, if I *do* agree to it, I can train these green recruits of yours how to behave themselves!"
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Post by Lady Whimsy on Mar 7, 2015 1:05:33 GMT -5
(('nother tandem posting madness!!)
Arieon was completely taken aback. It took him a full six seconds for the synapses that had been snapping in his head to reconnect, and another three for his means of speech to return. His dignity however never missed a beat. "I beg your pardon, do you have any idea who I am? I am Arieon, Son of Kaedon, Patron Watch over the Shores of the Tyressline-"
Prospero's sock came swinging so abruptly into his line of vision that the stallion almost jumped back. His skin shivered from front to end nonplussed. "Address the Admiral," the grey pressed him, "He is your commanding officer!"
Tiponi, who was standing directly behind the ivory rump, decided then that this was not most tactical location, both in terms of vantage and being sat on by a thousand pound animal. She couldn't help but snicker at Arieon's complete undoing on behalf of a sock, studying the strange grey stallion with quiet reflection. "Isn't telling an Admiral to not interrupt a court martial offence?" she murmured to Rhaine as she drew near.
"I am not quite sure what rules of engagement are in play here," Rhaine whispered.
"Oh no, I am quite sure that rule book was eaten by moths centuries ago," Tyden supplied.
"Moe and Larry would *never* be so uncouth as to *eat* a rule book," the sock came swinging into view. "Now, you chatty cave-crashers, I'll repeat myself only this once, then I'm leaving you lot here for the spiders. Names and ranks!"
Tyden cast a glance sideways but stepped forward, "Tyden of Kalidore, sir."
Rhaine bobbed in a slight curtsy, her eyes staying level with old unicorn. "I am the Lady Rhaine, Guardian of the Isle."
Tiponi observed the others before stepping forward. "Tiponi. Just Tiponi," she flashed a grin and a two-finger salute, with "Sir," tacked on for good measure.
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Post by Asperi on Jan 24, 2016 22:54:15 GMT -5
Midori reared her head back a bit and cocked an eyebrow at the peculiar gray Unicorn. *pea green? not exactly the item I would use to describe my unique coat, but not what I would consider an insult either--and what on Kalidore does he mean by cadet?* Before she could respond, her confusion quickly turned from an inkling of amusement, to outright mirth as the stranger just as quickly turned his agitation on Aerion. Yes, this one--or was it two?--really needed to join their group!
The twinkle in her eye only grew as the whole scene continued to unfold. She had to stifle a snicker at the "green recruit" pun he may or may not have intended, and could not wait to start this "training" he felt they so needed. Falling in line with the rest of the introductions, and unable to keep herself from poking a bit of fun at the goofy stranger(s), Midori decided to introduce herself with a bit of panache. Tucking her left forelimb under her in a deep bow, she said in the most respectful tone she could muster, to which she couldn't help but allow a little mirth and dramatic flair slip in, "Midori, Wanderer of Kalidore, t your service, Sir!" She paused, holding the bow for just a few seconds, then then returned to a standing position and waited to see what might happen next.
*I like this stranger, he is going to be a world of fun!,* she thought as she sent a quick sideways glance and wink to Tiponi who seemed to share her sentiments.
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Post by Lady Whimsy on Jan 27, 2016 23:31:17 GMT -5
((MORE TANDEM POSTING MADNESS!!))
Prospero eyed the group of unicorns and furless biped creatures. Then he turned to the shadow towards the back. "And you! Name and rank, soldier!!"
Tien Mu looked over her shoulder and then realized he meant her. "Um."
"Um! Um is not a good name for a Kore. Your dam must've been addled."
Clearing her throat she spoke up more boldly, "It's just me, sir. Tien Mu. Of the here and now? Well, not HERE here, but more like THERE here."
Prospero eyed the black shadowy mare suspiciously. "Linten, I think we'll need to watch that one closely. She could be a spy."
Humph, Tien Mu snorted. She thought she did it quietly to herself, so she was rather surprised when Prospero turned back, "Excuse me? I was not addressing you, Um. You do not make a sound unless I am addressing you."
Spy? I can work with that! Tien Mu thought mischievously. She'd of snuck to the other side of the group, too, but unfortunately the narrow tunnel did not allow.
With that, Prospero turned back to the one calling himself Tyden. "What kind of soldier do you think you are?! You're filthy! Goop and muck all over your face! And that coat! In MY regiment, there is NO SUCH THING as a filthy coat!" He snorted derisively, just as a flea jumped off the end of his nose.
After blasting Tyden with that fine insult, Prospero then turned to...what did she say her name was? "Rain? ...Like the weather?! Clearly your dam was as addled as Um's was! What is with the weird names mares come up with these days?! When I was a young Koros we had proper names! Names that had presence... and character..."
“Possibly a little TOO much character…” Tyden muttered under his breath.
Prospero fixed his eyes on Tiponi. "And you! If you don't stop talking out of turn, I'm going to recommend to the Admiral that you be court-marshaled!" He then gave a withering look to the pea-green cadet who he decided didn’t merit the response of the admiral until she at least earned her first star, and turned back to glare at them all.
Tiponi managed to clasp her hands over her mouth in time to muffle the burst of laughter. Laughing again just won't do. And not just because of this character's feelings. She couldn't have HIM thinking she found him amusing!
Beside her, Rhaine and Tyden exchanged glances. Tali had melted as deep into the shadow as he could, and Arieon made a snorting sound, but maybe that was genuinely dust in his nose. Before them, the host remained perfectly still... though perhaps... a little bit expectant?
Rhaine took a breath, “Good sir, I understand we are not what one might hope for in a battalion—” she touched Tyden’s arm as he began to move, keeping him in place— “but it is, sadly, the lot of our situation, and one that surely shows how keen we would be to welcome your guidance...”
Her words shrivelled and died in the uncomfortable silence. The only one who seemed oblivious was Prospero, but that was mostly because he was busy talking to the sock. "Yes yes, Linten, I know you can't make them drink. But I could certainly shove them in... right?"
Tyden broke free of Rhaine’s restraint and clasped his hands together soundly. (This hurt, quite a lot actually, but in the dim no one but sock puppets see you wince). “Well, this has been a LOVELY conversation, but I think it’s time we best be get going—“
“FALL IN!”
Tyden startled back as Prospero straightened to his full, magnificent, height and tossed his mane (and the Admiral) proudly. "That’s quite enough of that. At attention, privates! And you … you… what did you say your name was? Tiantus? Tudyr?... you and... Arin? You did say your name was Arin, right?" Prospero addressed the cream colored stallion. "One of you will guard the front with me, the other the rear. There's no telling where the enemy lurks in these tunnels. We must not be caught by surprise...and someone keep an eye on that Um! She could be a spy and I want her watched at all times!" He turned swiftly, ears pricked with intent as surely the game was now a foot. "The rest of you.... fall in line and just don’t mess with my stuff. You'd be surprised how hard it is to get things moved down here and I don't want any of you misaligning the fung shui!"
The group stood, likely in varying degrees of shock, as the flea-bitten unicorn started off down the tunnel, his argument-de-jour with the sock marking his location long after he was out of the dim orb-light. “Well,” said Tyden, when he felt the eyes on him again. “You heard the general. Fall in.”
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Post by Lady Whimsy on Jan 31, 2016 19:29:36 GMT -5
Above ~ ((more Geob & Whimsy tandem))
Twilight fell heavily over the mountains, a thick blanket of dusk that settled over them unheeding. The worn path snaked through the rocks as it worked its way towards the river, or what they hoped was a river, with the promise of a place to camp tonight.
Lilaini was silent, her fingers wrapped in the dark bronze of Gypsy’s mane, eyes ahead and thoughts rambling like the mountain trail. She was riding only because she was still too spent to walk, and unwilling to let the others know; after all, what kind of leader was she if she couldn’t even stand up? As her mind wandered, it brushed now and again against her friends; she was close enough to Rhaine and Tyden that they were always connected in her thoughts to some degree, and now that they were apart, it was a comfort to know they were all right, even if just beyond her peripherals.
Behind her, the rhythmic strike of hooves against stone kept her grounded, focusing her attention on the here-and-now (somewhere, in some other here-and-now, a black tang would have nodded approvingly while attempting to be a spy). “Do you think it’s long now?” she asked out load.
Gypsy’s nostrils flared, drinking in the evening. “Another short clip and we will be able to hear it. We will make it there before dark,” she turned to nudge the woman’s knee.
Luminista came up along side the pair and inquired, "Who is this general or whatever the others have encountered in the tunnels?" Her communications with Tiponi had assured her the girl did not feel threatened, but she just could not seem to keep from worrying.
Lilaini frowned. It was just like Tyden to leave that specific piece of information out; he had surely done it on purpose. Her fingers tightened on Gypsy's mane as she imagined things she could make happen to Tyden, at least once he were back within telekentic reach. "Tyden feels the situation is under control," she replied to Lumanista with complete civility. "While we are up here, we are best to leave the worrying to him; we have to see to well-being of the others here, after all."
Giving a look over the group, who was with them and who was missing, Luminista could see Lilaini's point. "Right you are. Whatever I might do to help, you know where to find me."
Luminista faded back into the ranks. She was somewhat reassured, but to be honest, she doubted she would cease to worry. Lilaini DID make a valid point about the others here needing her attention. After all, what could they really do for those below? Distraction is what she needed. She cast another look over the group, this time assessing who might provide her with the best distraction...
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Post by Asperi on Feb 5, 2016 13:15:36 GMT -5
~~Below *Oh this just keeps getting better by the minute!* Midori thought as Prospero proceeded to give his rather blunt assessment of most members of the group. Then she saw.. wait, was that a flea?! Did anyone else see that?! Midori gave a quick glance around, then decided she might just watch the amusement the General had to provide from afar… or at least out of jumping range of fleas.
Jumping a bit at the Abrupt “FALL IN” command from the General, Midori made it a point to do as he directed, and do it as near as she could to Tien Mu & Tiponi. Doing her best to keep her voice under the sound of hoofbeats on stone and dirt, so as not to attract any attention, she winked at Tien Mu and whispered, “A spy in our midst, huh?”
~~Above Kyla overheard Luminista’s inquiry, and made her way towards the mare, curious what the mare’s companion could add on the subject. “I… I have heard a bit from Midori about this new-comer in the tunnels too. She seems… really amused by him, like he is a comedian or something? He’s probably a godsend for them, we could all use a little something to lighten the mood and ease our nerves. What did your companion have to say?” Kyla knew that Lilaini had not wanted to discuss the new-comer much, but hoped that Luminista might be willing to drum up some small talk to make the time and distance pass a bit more quickly.
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Post by Lady Whimsy on Feb 8, 2016 14:26:59 GMT -5
((more Whimsy, Sam & Geob in tandem))
Prospero led the way down the tunnels, listening to the muttering behind him. "I say Linten, what a sorry state of affairs it is we live in! If this is what the Major-General considers viable backup, he must really be daft…. But that’s just between you and I, because you know how he gets about matters of the mind… what’s that? I’m sure I have no idea what you’re talking about, Linten…. I only inferred that he keeps sending me more and more inexperienced troops...what do you mean this is the first group they've ever sent me? Now who’s daft?! They've sent me some before - those spiders didn't just pop up out of nowhere!"
Tien Mu was keeping mum for the time being as per rule number 3 in the spy handbook. All she gave Midori was a sly unicorn smirk. At the mention of spiders from their illustrious guide she was unable to suppress a shudder though. Walking through spider webs was, well, creepy.
In the dark, Tyden and Rhaine exchanged glances, or at least looked in that general direction. “Daft really is the word for it,” Tyden wrinkled his brow with the careful nod.
*Tyden* she admonished silently, like he expected her to; sometimes the guardian could really be a nag. He turned his attention forward again and was about to address the grey General when he tripped on something in the dim, and would have stumbled if Tali hadn’t been pressed against his leg, mostly from trying to stay completely within shadows.
As The Man stumbled, Tiponi ran solidly into him. She didn't know what kept them for ending up in a heap on the tunnel floor. "What ARE you doing?" she asked. "Besides being clumsy, that is."
“Surveying,” he replied tartly. “Wouldn't want one of you to fall flat on your face in the dark, now would we?”
"True, your face works so much better for that."
"I stoop to serve,” he deadpanned, grimacing into the dark as he used his injured hand to rightened himself again. He was sure a query as to how much further was a lost cause, and was still doubtful, about a lot of things.
Not many steps farther along and much to Tiponi's chagrin, she found herself stumbling over some hidden obstacle into the odious (and rather smelly, too) Man. She couldn't keep her lips closed either. "Missed one."
Ahead, the grey unicorn’s rambling had degraded into a lop-sided argument (mostly, because the ceiling lowered a bit here, and the taller of the unicorns had to tilt their heads to the side to avoid scraping their horns along the ceiling). The sock cast blurry shadows in the orb-light, disagreeing most emphatically with the General’s point.
At the back of the line, this was all Arieon could make out of the events, a point that irked him greatly, but resolutely watching over his small group was his duty and charge; and yet, to let them be led by this… this… ventriloquist…! (In truth, Arieon only had a small understanding of the human theatrical arts; Lilaini would talk of all manners of plays with much heart and reverence; a born performer himself, Arieon could appreciate the motive, but found that most earthly entertainment lacked prestige, and omnipotence; it was his opinion that nothing so great had happened to the stage since grand opera, and everything else, by comparison, was poppycock. This very much included puppets). The fact that such they were all to be subjected to the authority of a lowly showman to lead them through this dreary hole…
Distracted with thoughts of such impudence, Arieon took a bad step and skittered sideways into Kynn (who was trying to emulate his idol and stride most competently into the unknown) who bounced as he domino’ed into Midori, who was sandwiched with Tien, who left a clump or two of black hair along the tunnel wall and slid into the group of human companions, sending them all tumbling like bowling pins, the orbstones scattering across the floor and making the shadows soar.
Hearing the commotion, Prospero turned around and shouted "Oy! What's this?! Can't even stand on their own feet! Linten, I despair for their survival!"
Oh, my, Tien Mu thought with dismay. She wasn't even sure who it was it this darkness. "So sorry," she apologized to the gloom, "I am afraid this darkness is not to everyone's aid, hm."
"Darkness?! It's not dark here! Can you believe that, Linten? If they want dark, they should see the Void of Eternal Vacancy! Would certainly put a thing or two into perspective….”
Tiponi did her best to right herself without placing any hands or feet in any embarrassing places; beside her Tyden and Rhaine were doing the same, although Tyden was also muttering something unrepeatable under his breath. “Well, rather, sir, for us ill-equipped privates," she respectfully addressed their guide, "it IS rather dark. We don't seem to see as well as, well, admirals and generals and such.""
"Hmmm...I see. I see. Well, why in the world didn't you say so?!" Prospero asked, completely ignoring that it had already been mentioned more than once. "Stop fumbling like lolly-legged scallywags and just turn on some of the lights!"
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Post by kaats711 on Mar 8, 2016 21:23:28 GMT -5
Centeotl eyed the strange gray unicorn, Prospero had not notice him in the abrasive roll call. Perhaps it was his mottled coloring against the color of the tunnels that had hid him or perhaps gray stallion's eyesight was as addled as his mind. Either way Centeotl was pleased not to have been singled out, he could only imagine the scathing review he would have gotten for his name. He fell in quietly as Prospero muttered and lead them through the tunnels.
As Arieon, Kynn, Midori, and the rest of the group came tumbling down Centeotl got caught in the tumble and crashed into the darkness along with the rest of the group. As Tien Mu apologized to the dark and Prospero mentioned a "Void of Eternal Vacancy." Centeotl looked quizzically at the unicorns and humans around him silently questioning whether the others where hearing this. "Why are we following this crack pot again? " he wondered. In the tangle they were all in it seemed like an implausible task to illuminate the tunnel, but it was going to be hard work to right the group until there was any light.
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Post by kaats711 on Mar 10, 2016 21:27:36 GMT -5
Unlike the rest of the company, the dusk awoke Andromeda and Elsinore's energy. In the pale blue of the setting sun they both began to blend into the night. Andromeda nipped Elsinore playfully and the two cantered off playfully bucking and squealing. Sometimes they needed to get their energy out in exuberant burst of joy and this was one of those times.
Elsinore nudged Andromeda as the two came back to walk and fell in line with the rest of the group, "Looks likes somethings going on Dromeda," Elsinore noted as Kyla and Luminista started up a conversation. Andromeda craned her neck trying to see what they were talking about and only managed some partially successful eavesdropping. She replied, "Come on, Elsi. Let's see whats going on." The two spirited mares trotted up on either side of of Kyla and Luminista and fell in step with the other mares. "Is it true there's a comedian in the tunnels?!" Elsinore queried, followed immediately by Andromeda asking, "What's a comedian?!"
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Post by geob on Mar 11, 2016 9:58:02 GMT -5
Luminista was pondering how to respond to Kyla's inquiry when the twins joined them. *Comedian? IS this general a comedian?* she inquired of her companion. Confusion was all she got back. And then Foehn Miri added herself to the growing group by putting in, "I heard Tyden talking about those once .He said everyone's a comedian. I always figured it was a euphemism for trying your very best, even if you weren't good at something."
Luminista could only roll her eyes. "Seriously, Foehn Miri," she asked. Instructing the group at large and her companion at the same time, Luminista instructed, "A comedian is one who makes others laugh using funny stories or life situations that are ridiculous or whatever." Addressing just those around her, she continued, "Tyden was being sarcastic, dear." At the same time she was hearing from Tiponi, *Well, he IS amusing, although he is completely serious. I don't think he is trying to make anyone laugh.* Luminista can hear the laughter in Tiponi's message and suddenly her head was starting to hurt from carrying on what had become two separate conversations.
She really didn't know how to respond to the twins. Was a comedian supposed to INTEND to be funny? Didn't sound like this stallion in the tunnels intended to be. Deciding to change the subject, she desperately looked about for a distractions when she noticed a group of squirrels skittering about in the branches. They were being rather loud about it, too. Perfect. Nodding toward them she asked the group at large, "What do you suppose those creatures are up to?"
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Post by kaats711 on Mar 29, 2016 16:52:03 GMT -5
Elsinore and Andromeda looked at each other quizzically as they each tried to figure out this comedian definition. Elsinore muttered to Andromeda, "It sounds like a comedian is just a not very serious storyteller." Andromeda nodded in agreement and added, "And one who likes to be the center of attention." Before they could continue their critique of the concept of a comedian Luminista redirected the group's attention toward the skittering squirrels in the trees.
"Shouldn't they be going to bed at this hour?" Elsinore said perplexed, "Squirrels aren't creatures of the night." Andromeda playfully reared and attempted to nudge the branches, unfortunately they were just out of reach for her. "Maybe they want to play!" she exclaimed excitedly, looking for a way to get closer to the busy squirrels. Elsinore sighed and admonished Andromeda "Squirrels don't want to play with unicorns." She thought for moment then playfully added in, "They only like you because you're a nut!"
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Post by Lady Whimsy on Mar 29, 2017 22:49:54 GMT -5
ABOVE ~
As the squirrels scuffled in the trees overhead, Liam glanced up. The sky was growing darker by the minute, and soon it would be too dark to effectively lay camp. His solder instincts prickled the back of his neck, but he would never dare to contradict the Lady. At the same time it made him twitch.
The Lady rode in mostly silence, and he knew that look; he had seen it often on his commander's face: riding blind, knowing that the threat lay ahead, but not what that threat was nor how soon it would be upon them. And at the same, moral needed to be maintained throughout the ranks to keep the lines from breaking; in a battalion formed of farm hands and tradesmen green to battle, maintaining that moral was the most significant marker of solid command. He glanced at the Lady again, and didn't doubt she would have given his own commander a good run, nay, she could quite possibly have run him out! But that was also because magic carried such a great deal of shock-and-awe factor...
Images flashed across his mind's eye again, stronger this time and without release until he stumbled, grabbing hold of a young tree to steady himself against. Blood, all that blood... his? He shook his head to try and rid the memory, but it only seemed to hone its focus, the sky above swirling as he began to fall. His grip tightened on the tree to keep this memory from dragging down his physical self with it, trying to find a point of reference between the two. Piercing blue eyes sliced through the dim and lauded over him, and suddenly he felt he knew them, too...
He felt another pair of eyes upon him, and straightened to find the red unicorn standing just a few steps away. His mind cleared, and he was only in the forest. He shook his head again, this time to convey wellness, but wasn't sure anyone was convinced. "Must have eaten a bad nut," he supplied by way of explanation. The memories were still swimming in his brain and he wanted leave of them. "I'll be fine, as we will be resting soon. I just need... to relieve myself," he flushed, "I beg my pardon," and stumbled hastily into the trees.
Once the branches closed behind him, walling him beneath, a hush fell as the shuddering grip of his frayed mind released. He breathed deeply, letting the stillness in. It was so quiet beyond the trees he dare not wander too far for fear of loosing his travelling companions all together, but the restlessness persisted, and he did not feel like seeing anyone just yet. Might as well take care of business while he was here, he sighed with resolve. He looked around for a suitable tree.
A solid oak was just a few paces away, its wide branches keeping the other trees at bay. Liam didn't like peeing into the shrubbery, especially in the dark - too easy to miss an errant vine or foliage (one incident with nettles as a boy had cemented this rule) - so this provided the perfect retreat. As he undid his ties he took solace in the routine, leaning a hand on the broad trunk just in case the spell returned. Overhead a squirrel chattered, telling him exactly what he thought about his choice of trees and a string of other assorted insults like only a squirrel could dish them. "Oh hush you," he mumbled. "I have had enough today without having to explain myself to you."
The squirrel was unmoved and unyielding, so he resolved himself and finished quickly. By the time he retied his trousers the squirrel had inched its way down the trunk, rattling insults from its lofty height.
"Oh, sure. Now you tell me; it was your great-great-great-great-grandfather's tree, he planted it himself, did he? To mark the anniversary of the Great Squirrel, who resides over these woods as Protector and Guide to the Furried Folk? I appreciate your trepidation, but I am hardly the most concerning thing in the woods tonight. In fact, I'm down right amicable by comparison. Benign, even..." Perhaps that was not such a good thing to be admitting in the woods, he thought. The squirrel however had stopped, as if it understood. Liam smiled. "That's better. And with that I will be taking my leave of you and your tree, so we will not be concerning each other any more. And my apologies to your great-great-grandfather, that he might overlook the slight against his name."
The squirrel watched him, eyes so dark they were lost in the richness of his fur. Liam fished into his side pack and found the remaining heel of bread from his midday meal, which he was saving for supper. But he had sullied a name-tree, and there were enough creatures in this world already sore with him. "Here," he said at least, offering it to the wee beast. The squirrel was perfectly still except for the twitching of its nose. Then slowly, it inched down the trunk until it was nearly level with his hand. Its back paws dug firming into the bark as it reach forward, taking the offering in a quick decisive movement. Then it scampered all the way back up the trunk and began to eat.
Satisfied, Liam turned his back on them, listening for the sounds of hooves clipping the cobbled the stones. He did feel much calmer, and camp would be called very soon; they would need his help for that, surely, and having purpose worked to ground him all the more. He slipped through the trees and back among the unicorns, giving no further thoughts to what was behind him.
* * *
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Post by Lady Whimsy on Mar 30, 2017 20:31:35 GMT -5
Below ~
The dim of the tunnel prevented anyone from clearly reading the reactions of others, and this was probably best. And nobody wanted to be the first to speak, but it really had to be said. In the end it was Tyden, as gallant as ever, who took one for the sake of the team.
"We would... that we could, sir," he began haltingly. "However--"
"Of all the cave junctions in all the isle, they walk into mine... You see what I have to work with?" Prospero serenaded his sock. "And don't you try to defend them - just how many cadets does it take to turn on a light switch anyways?"
Tyden glanced behind him, possible for backing, but the chorus had fallen remarkably still. "Are you telling me... you have electricity down here?"
The grey unicorn chortled. "Electricity! Down here? Of course not, philistine - Linten and I are a cultured folk and only the finest of modern technologies are employed throughout my abode. Anything less would be uncivilized," he looked the group over again with scrutiny, "although I can't say I'm not surprised by your consternation..."
There was an snicker somewhere in the dark, or maybe somebody sneezed. "General," said Tiponi stepping forward, not so much to aid Tyden as the situation as a whole, "I think I speak on behalf of all of us when I say we... aspire to your level of enlightenment; but, being that we are ranked privates, and I imagine such proficiency only comes with acuity and senority.... in the meantime can you please show us how to work the lights... sir?"
The sock swayed almost sympathetically in the dim. The General himself was silent, having deferred authority to his superior officer. (This may or may not have been voluntarily). The sock swayed towards the wall, gesturing vaguely, and when no one responded it did it again, more emphatically, and again until the stallion’s mane was raising dust from the exertion. Tyden and Tiponi exchanged glances, but before either could speak the stallion muttered, “Linten, what did I tell you about the mumbling? Now do you believe me? Honestly...” and to the company he sighed, “the wall panel.”
Tyden hoisted the rock above his head, spreading the light thin and far. The walls were smoother here, well worn and cleanly cut of dark grey conglomerate streaked through with mineral veins. But at interval were strange oval discs staged along its length, beaded together with an intricate mosaic inlay. He studied this curiously, and as he neared with his light it seemed to glow softly, as if responding to the proximity. That’s when it hit him. Orbstone. The tunnels were lined with orbstone! Hurriedly he struck his stone against the panel and with the crack it responded, instantly. Light flushed like a rippling, oceanus wave. It travelled up the river of mosaic, linking each large disk to the other, and one by one the discs flared, each one brighter than the next. On the far wall was a similar panel and he struck that one too, the tunnels expanding exponentially in each direction with light.
The group stood blinking, rubbing eyes and surveying the new world that had suddenly opened up around them. “All better now?” Prospero was standing at the head, looking even more gloriously filthy in the light. “Good then. Let’s hup hup; this tunnel isn’t going to walk itself.”
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Post by springacres on Jun 23, 2018 2:26:51 GMT -5
AboveBruadair was late, as he often was when he got caught up in a research project. Or a daydream. He'd been late to the Harvest Festival (in fact, he'd managed to miss it entirely), late to the next day's gathering, and all too often his daydreams had left him at the rear of the group, scrambling to catch up before he lost sight of them entirely. So it was hardly surprising if for the last three days no one had noticed him tagging along. Given the leopard stallion's interest in history, and his knowledge of the wars the Dragons had caused in particular, it was perhaps just as well that he'd been far to the back today. He'd heard the commotion created by the dragon (Phenthorr), but by the time he had finally reached the scene, the Guardians and Tyden had apparently decided to take the dragon with them. Bru didn't say anything at that point, of course. The dragon looked young - young enough perhaps to have ended up on Kalidore purely by accident. If such was possible. Its presence still unsettled him, however, and he followed much more closely after it joined their group. At least, he did until they came to the elven ruins. The ruins they reached may not have been the precise spot they had hoped to find, but to a scholarly koros raised on Falling Star's stories who now hung around the Temple as often as he could, they were still a source of intense interest. Bru's ears pricked with eagerness at Tyden's mention of runes, and he made a mental note to ask the human which runes they were and what they might mean. In the meantime, he decided to explore further. The Temple was the only piece of intact elven architecture he knew of, but if this crossroads had been half as beautiful in its heyday as the Temple was now... Bruadar let his mind wander, and as so often happened, his hooves followed, taking him away from the group and to a spot where he stood daydreaming, picturing what kind of structure might have stood there. Gypsy's warning barely registered in time, and Bru spooked, narrowly escaping an unceremonious tumble as the earth opened up in front of him with a groan. But that wasn't all - Bru's mind went temporarily blank at the sight of Tyden, Rhaine, and what looked like at least half of their group being swallowed by the earth. The spotted stallion had heard of sinkholes and collapsing tunnels before; his brain froze, but his hooves functioned on autopilot, feeling for soft or weak spots and keeping him moving away from the edge. When he finally rejoined the group (shortly ahead of a certain dun filly (Xanthe) he recognized from his time at the Temple) he was content to remain near the back, but was also trying to keep an eye on the dragon. This he did, mostly successfully. He stayed quiet enough, and far enough back, to observe without (he hoped) calling attention to himself. However, the snatches of conversation around him helped remind him he was not alone. One conversation in particular caught his attention. A group of mares (Luminista, Foehn Miri, Elsinore, and Andromeda) seemed to be debating about what a comedian was. Bru didn't know either, but it sounded like a human term to him. He moved closer, intending to suggest they ask one of the humans once and for all what a comedian was. Before he could open his mouth, though, the red mare (Luminista) settled the question, then drew everyone's attention to the squirrels' unusual activity. Bruadair spoke up hesitantly. "Perhaps they're simply startled by the size of our group? Or maybe they're simply curious about our traveling companion (Phenthor)." He nodded towards where he had last seen the dragon as he spoke. "Oh," he added as an afterthought, "I, ah, I'm afraid I've been a bit distracted and haven't introduced myself yet. My name's Bruadair." {{Sorry for the mini-novel...}}
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Post by Lady Whimsy on Jun 25, 2018 20:32:07 GMT -5
((So -- I've actually had this piece sitting un-posted since April, I've just been too busy with other aspects of Kalidore to post & maintain an RP (cause, I do like sleeping occasionally, if only for a little bit! XD) This takes all the characters out of the woods and to the camp grounds, in the interest of moving forwrad. Because of that, I'm going to move Bruadair's greeting to have happen by the lakeshore, so we're not standing around in the woods any longer than we have to!))ABOVE ~The unicorns had smelled the water a long way off, but to the humans in the group the river did not become a tangible thing until they heard it. The burble of water falling over stones, dashing and splashing down the rocky terrain, soon became audible through the trees. With focus renewed, the last stretch was a covered at a renewed pace, and finally – the forest opened to reveal its bounty. The river was narrow but fast-moving, and Lilaini quickly instructed there would be no bathing and no horseplay on account of the falling light and the unfamiliarity with the lay, and that everyone was to settle quickly unpacking as little as they could. But even with these restrictions in place, it was with a deep sigh as she finally slipped from her Companion’s back to ground, welcoming a change from the day’s hard riding, until she felt the physical pull of gravity again as if Gypsy had been shielded her from all this time and gravity was now doubling its efforts to impress her. “M’lady,” Liam appeared out of nowhere again, offering an arm with head bowed as chiveralously as ever. “You know in Kalidore, it is uncustomary to wait on a person hand and foot?” she reprimanded gently, while taking the offered hand with needful grace. “That is what you and Lord Tyden keep telling me,” he nodded again. He waited patiently while she found her balance, then indicated the area where the bank was very flat to her attention. At one time, this river had been used to clean away the smaller rocks from mine within, and over time the bank had grown and built the entire clearing they had found this night; more time had covered the chipped rock with soft earth and grass, though the rock below prevented the large trees from taking root. Thus the trees themselves were set a good 50 feet from the water here, forming the perfect camp for the small group. It suited, and put some of his apprehensions to ease, though he knew he couldn’t relax just yet. “Might we build the fire here? I can fetch some kindling, unless you think it best help the others with laying the bedrolls first. If I am not overstepping by reach, I could also offer to cook up some stone soup? – er, not with real stones… do you know the story? about the soup? Never mind, it just stretches our provisions a bit while giving everyone some warmth in their bellies. Not fancy eating, but better than gruel. Not that anything here has been unsatisfying! Your food and hospitality have both been great! What I mean is I saw there were some lentils when we packed up last, and Xanthe, fortunately, has those packs with her… Well, fortunate for us. I do hope Lord Tyden and Lady Rhiane find similar hospitalities where they are, or at least, keep safe until morning.” “I have no doubt they will find a way,” she grumbled, probably because she was still feeling poorly herself. She did appreciate Liam’s suggestion; he really was being a huge help. A lot more than some other people… She nodded her head, “Yes, this will do fine. Bring the wood, and I’ll make the fire here. They can lay camp there, between the water and the trees. I’m afraid we don’t have a lot of light left to complete either task.” “Then I will fulfil each with haste,” he bobbed his head, stifling the completeness of his bow as he took his leave. Lilaini took deep breath, the fresh, cold hair of night tingeing her nostrils. The sky was already more pink than orange; less a half hour and it would be dark. He came upon a small group gathered beside the edge of the water; a spotted Koros was speaking, and he waited until he was done. ((We'll assume the introduction was directed at Liam too, since the isle is small enough that all all the unicorns pretty much know of each other! )) "Glad to make your acquaintance, Bruadiar; I certainly know my share of distractions, particularly these days.... no fault of your marvellous isle, I assure you! Please, call me Liam," stumbled a bit, never knowing quite how formal one was supposed to be when addressing another mythical beast. He soldiered on, "I am just about to fetch firewood, so the Lady can build the fire. Might you arrange the others to help with preparing the site?" He ducked out with another bow, wondering if maybe Lilaini was on to something when she insisted he was over-doing it. At the edge of the group, Phen hung, nursing confliction. He was content to do it alone, but for some reason, no one wanted to leave him alone; it seemed to be a very annoying pass time among unicorns. This time however his solace was broken by one of the humans in the party, Liam. Phen, in general, did like the humans just a bit better than the average unicorn, but maybe that was his personal prejudice. Liam was headed to the woods, but when he saw him, he stopped. His gaze followed his back to the group by the lake, before returning to the dragon. “They could do with a bit of help, if you’re feeling up to it,” the man suggested tentatively. “No one will feel the worse if you don’t, of course. They’re very understanding about that sort of thing.” “A study in abundance, for sure,” Phen pulled his wings closer, when he remembered one was supposed to be really hurt still, and let the wing droop accordingly. “To be completely honest, I am not used to such expressions of… abundance. I am not sure what to make of it.” “Aye,” he nodded slowly, understanding that mix of confusion and doubt as if it were his own. “If we are being honest, they had no reason to accept me either, particularly after the way I treated them when first we met. You know I was a soldier, once? My party found them during one of our patrols… and… actually, it gets really fuzzy of that,” he shook his head. “But here I am, welcomed and included, for no reason I can possibly see why… but so it is. It’s the only thing that seems real about this whole place… There aren’t unicorns and dragons where I come from, at least not normally,” he added for clarity. Phen had remained silent, but it was a thoughtful silence. “Well,” he said, “I appreciate your taking the time, particularly when you seem busy as it is. Perhaps I will see if I can be… helpful, over there.” The dragon shrugged, and perhaps it was a smile, but Liam was still getting the hang of reading animal’s expressions and in the moment could only appreciate how toothy it was. He returned a smile of his own and continued into the woods, feeling all the more sympathetic about Phen’s situation. He hoped he came around, and quickly. It did no good moping to one’s self about one’s past, particularly in the woods.
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