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Lady Raven Jggidorrry Anima Spuds The Philosopher |
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| The Plains; Meanwhile... | |
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| Tweet Topic Started: Sep 30 2013, 01:12 AM (1,578 Views) | |
| Tasha the Gypsy | Sep 30 2013, 01:12 AM Post #1 |
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Reema sat on a small boulder high on the mountainside. She often came to the grazing lands to calm herself down after having another argument with Gand, the elder of Ranae. Reema was not a member of the small mountain village of Ranae, but she spent much of her time there since it was one of the only villages with grazing lands so high in the mountains. As Reema sat on the rock, she watched four or five graceful unicorns slowly wander over the field of grass below her, each looking for the best spot to graze on the sweet grass of the mountains. She was seated so far away form them that she could only distinguish them by their blue horns, which shone out like sapphires against the dark green of the grass. After a short time, Reema tired of watching the unicorns, and took out her favorite stiletto. She began to sharpen it, watching as the light from the fading sun glinted off the blade and the three small red stones set in the hilt of the slim dagger.
Edited by Tasha the Gypsy, Oct 4 2013, 01:34 PM.
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| The Inkweaver | Oct 18 2013, 12:49 PM Post #21 |
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Laurel accepted the cloth from the woman's hand. Bending over the wounded unicorn, she wrapped the cloth around its middle. A moment later, the youngling raised its head, nosed the bandage, and slowly rolled back onto its feet. Slowly, it walked over to the protection of its herd. Laurel watched the hitherto-nameless woman carefully. As their unofficial guide (or at least the only person they knew in this whole world), she waited for her cue from this woman who clearly was dealing with deep-seated trust issues. The woman didn't move; she was watching the unicorns with a keen caretaker's eye. Laurel decided it was time to end the uncertainty. She moved until the woman looked at her. "Why won't you tell me your name?" she asked. |
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| Tasha the Gypsy | Oct 18 2013, 12:59 PM Post #22 |
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Reema watched as Relem slowly got up, apparently feeling better, and made his way over to the rest of the unicorns. Then she caught sight of a movement in the corner of her eye, and turned her head to look at Laurel. "Why won't you tell me your name?" she asked. "Because my name is too well known." replied Reema, "But you can call me Tara." She said with a smile. Just then one of the unicorns trotted over and gently nudged Reema. She smiled and stroked it's face. "Don't worry my friend," she whispered to it, "Relem will be fine now." Edited by Tasha the Gypsy, Oct 18 2013, 12:59 PM.
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| The Inkweaver | Oct 18 2013, 01:24 PM Post #23 |
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Laurel felt a wave of relief at the sound of the name. Perhaps this woman could soften after all. "Thank you, Tara," she murmured. Just then, Moraenor and Renata approached. Renata tucked her arm around Laurel's side. Laurel rested a hand on Renata's shoulder and mussed the curly red hair. "That was some good shooting, Ren," she congratulated warmly. "Laurel," Moraenor began, then glanced at the woman next to her. Laurel glanced briefly at her new friend for permission, then told the others, "Her name is Tara; she is a friend to the unicorns." Moraenor nodded politely to Tara and asked her, "There is a man coming down from the cliffs yonder," he pointed to the figure. "Do you know him?" |
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| Tasha the Gypsy | Oct 27 2013, 10:51 PM Post #24 |
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Reema's head shot up at the mention of another person approaching. "No, I don't know him." Reema replied, "But we'll soon find out who he is." she added, tightening her grip on her staff slightly. |
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| The Inkweaver | Oct 30 2013, 12:54 AM Post #25 |
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Laurel saw the hard light in Tara's eyes. Somehow she felt that confronting a predator was one thing, but attacking another human? For all they knew, he could just be another victim like themselves. She placed a hand on Tara's shoulder. "Wait," she cautioned. "It could be that he's minding his own business." She paused to let her Inner Sight appraise him. "I do not believe he means us harm. Shall we depart to this Ranae you spoke of?" Tara hesitated, not taking her eyes off the young man. Laurel beckoned to Renata and glanced at Moraenor as she moved in the direction Tara had indicated before. Suddenly, a harsh, hissing voice echoed about her ears. "PLEASE.... SAVE HIM.... HELP US..." Laurel cried out in pain as her knees buckled. The voice was so loud, it seemed to pierce to her very core. "Laurel!" Moraenor dashed to her side in alarm. The voice was not so forceful, but Laurel could feel echoes of it beating against her fingers as if it rose from the very grass under her hands. Save him...help us...save him...help... "Save whom?" She cried in irritation. "What are you talking about, Laurel?" As Moraenor spoke, the voices faded, but the echoes overlapped each other, like every blade of grass was a tongue, and all the millions of tongues were saying the same thing. What was going on? Laurel pushed it to the back of her mind. She stood and smoothed her skirt and collected her dignity. "I'm all right," she declared calmly, glancing back at Tara. "Shall we go?" |
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| Tasha the Gypsy | Nov 10 2013, 06:56 PM Post #26 |
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Reema was watching the approaching figure carefully. "Save whom?" Laurel cried, distracting Reema. "What are you talking about, Laurel?" Asked Moraenor. "I'm all right," Laurel replied calmly. She shot a glance at Reema, then said "Shall we go?" Reema looked back at the nearing stranger. "In a few minutes." she replied, the in a lower voice, she asked Laurel, "A few seconds ago you cried 'Save whom?'. Was it in reply to a voice in your head? One asking for help to save 'him'?" |
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| The Inkweaver | Nov 10 2013, 07:13 PM Post #27 |
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Laurel stiffened at the question. There was something about Tara that she didn't quite understand--almost as if Tara were something other than human. No human Laurel had ever met possessed that level of intuition. And yet... Tara could not possibly be an Elf; what sort of being was she, then? "It was..." She frowned and tilted her head as the voices receded to a mere sensation in her mind and heart. Now she could feel rather than hear the voices. What did it mean? "I'm not sure," She told Tara. What she had heard had been different from the voice that had told her about the unicorns; the desperate voice had seemed to come from a great distance, and to echo in a strange cavernous way like no voice Laurel had ever heard. She fidgeted, not liking the way Tara kept watching the young man coming up behind them as if she expected danger from him. "Can we go now?" She asked the woman. |
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| star-dreamer | Nov 15 2013, 04:11 AM Post #28 |
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Nolan approached the group gathered around the unicorns warily. One of them had killed the wolf that was about to attack him, but that didn't make them his friends. He had seen the power rippling from the hands of the girl with the long black hair... the herd of unicorns seemed to be in her care. Perhaps she was the best one to tell about his suspicions. He made sure his weapons were all in their proper places before approaching... no need to look imposing. There was a time and place to reveal himself, and this didn't feel like the time or the place. First things first... he needed to find out exactly where he was and get his bearings. All he knew at the moment was that he was north of the Three Sisters' gate, but that wasn't enough to go by. Not by a long shot. "Hello," he called out to the group. "I thank you for slaying that wolf. Perhaps I could have killed him, perhaps not. Nevertheless, one could tell he was of ill intent. Now, if I could be so bold, could someone please tell me where exactly I am? And then perhaps we might have an introduction." Edited by star-dreamer, Nov 15 2013, 04:12 AM.
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| Tasha the Gypsy | Nov 16 2013, 05:20 PM Post #29 |
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Reema was about to reply to Laurel when the stranger came within hearing distance. "Hello," he called "I thank you for slaying that wolf. Perhaps I could have killed him, perhaps not. Nevertheless, one could tell he was of ill intent. Now, if I could be so bold, could someone please tell me where exactly I am? And then perhaps we might have an introduction." Reema stiffened as he spoke, ready for anything. However, she replied, "You are just west of the mountain village of Renae. My... companions and I were about to head in that direction if you would like to join us." She added, only for the sake of politeness. Her quick eyes looked the newcomer over as she tried to decide if she should introduce herself. After a few seconds, she seemed satisfied and said, "You may call me Tara." |
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| Amaurea | Nov 18 2013, 01:43 AM Post #30 |
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Andolla
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The heat of battle had died down. The wind blew gentle and calm again. Frightened, quavering grass and tree branches became still once more- still like the golden brown eyes watching another chapter resolve itself. The story proved itself, far from over. Indeed the earth trembled with coming darkness. The wind whispered tidings of the approach, and it was such tails which brought this particular being out of hiding. His face bore the marks and ridges of a man harboring many long years in his life, yet retaining such strength as is found in his youth. He was far from ageless, but his people were long lived and scarcely seen. His hair flowed in thick, black strands, folding long past his shoulder and down his back in an ever moving main, tossed up by the mountain breeze. A heavy looking, two handed sword clung to his back, in a thick leather sheath strapped across his bare chest. Strong, patient hands concealed themselves behind folded arms, and though a warrior's spirit surrounded him, he held a cunning and thoughtful air. Four hooves chafed from weeks of travel, planted themselves firmly on the grassy mountain turf, and atop them, four sturdy legs supported the rest of the being's body. His hide shown a deep chestnut brown and the color black reached from knee to hoof on all four legs. Like his main of hair, his tail also cascaded toward the ground in black wiry strands, for this being was no human, elf, or merfolk. This was a Centuar. A high call alerted Kail'tor to an incoming presence. Taking his eyes off the dwindling battle, he gazed upward and followed the small black shape as it descended toward him. As it came closer, it took the form of a large golden hawk with eyes only for its master. With an upraised arm, the Centaure provided rest for the creature, and it gladly accepted. Slowly, with the other hand, Kail'tor stroked the hawk's soft chest feathers and whispered gently. You have traveled far Rune, as have I. But don't worry, we'll soon find rest. Rune migrated to Kail'tor's shoulder and watched on as the last of the wolves were slain. The Centaure could feel his friend's curious thoughts, but only gave them a short response and shake of his head. ~I am not here to fight their battles for them. I am here, only to warn them of what the stars tell~ A tightening of his sharp talons, and Kail'tor knew the hawk wasn't all together satisfied. What ever the case, he felt it prudent to wait with patience, until the best time to openly reveal himself. Even now though, the Centaure wasn't particularly hidden, though, sometimes hiding in plain site was easy, when one remained still. Edited by Amaurea, Nov 18 2013, 01:47 AM.
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"In sleep dreams embody our hopes and our future, but when dreams escape into reality, they become nightmares" | |
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| The Inkweaver | Nov 18 2013, 10:54 PM Post #31 |
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Moraenor looked at Laurel. Ever since she had collapsed on the grass, she had ceased paying attention to anyone, and instead had begun gazing at the ground, scanning back and forth as if overwhelmed by something. Since she would not answer the man, Moraenor stepped forward. "My name is Moraenor and this is Laurel and Renata," he gestured to the blond Elf and the redhead beside her. "Like you we are strangers to this land, and arrived from another. What is your name?" Laurel, meanwhile, was distracted by the sensation of another strange presence. The grass told her of someone else watching them--but she saw nothing in any of the cliffs. Was this cause for fear, or was the unseen stranger merely observing them for protection's sake? Unsure, Laurel stepped closer to Tara. "We should get moving," She whispered. "There's someone else here." |
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| Tasha the Gypsy | Dec 5 2013, 09:33 PM Post #32 |
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Reema was watching the newcomer when Laurel stepped closer to her. "We should get moving," She whispered. "There's someone else here." Reema nodded, not seeming to be disturbed. "I know." she said, "Someone has been watching us for quite some time, but they don't seem to be meaning us any harm." She suddenly cocked her head to one side and a frown formed on her face, "But you're right, we need to move... Now." Reema said the last sentence loud enough for everyone to hear. She beckoned the small group of people to follow her, and started off at a walk so fast it was almost a run. |
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| Amaurea | Dec 6 2013, 03:55 PM Post #33 |
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Andolla
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They're moving... Kail'tor muttered gruffly, pawing the ground restlessly with his front left hoof. Should we pursue them.... or wait? I wonder. Rune's talons flexed and a shrill cry escaped into the open air. Clearly answered, the hawk took wing once more and lifted in the air quickly. Very well. I'll meet you in the next glade. Be watchful. Learn all you can! The Centuar called, and, no longer wishing to hide his position, he started at a brisk canter down the mountain side. With chin lowered, eyes straight ahead, and elbows bent, he fallowed his quarry. To most, he might seem strangely stiff, his hands balled up into massive fists, somewhat opposing. Yet to others, the creature might have an odd beauty about his movements. His legs beet in a fluid rhythm, even as his mane and tail lashed the wind behind him. If the party before him stopped to investigate their follower, he would explain. If they tried to out run him, he would smirk and overtake them easily enough. It was rare to find a creature who could outrun a Centuar. Even the elves had a difficult time of it. Centuries ago, he would wager, the two races had a time, racing one another- the elves for pure enjoyment and his own people for the ever present stroke of a challenge and a victory. Those days had long passed though. The races of the world had become separated by an ever growing darkness. The same darkness Kail'tor came to warn people of. |
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"In sleep dreams embody our hopes and our future, but when dreams escape into reality, they become nightmares" | |
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| The Inkweaver | Dec 7 2013, 02:18 AM Post #34 |
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Renata said not a word as she followed Tara and Laurel toward the edge of the plain. A sudden movement in the cliffs behind them caused her to turn. What she saw made her tremble all over: a creature unlike any she had ever seen. At first she tried to convince herself that it was a man riding at the extreme front of a horse--but then she saw that the horse had no head--and that the man had not the legs of a man straddling the horse. The man himself was far larger than even King Brabantes' soldiers. The horse part of his body was easily the size of the largest horse in all of Murinda. What manner of place was this, to engender such monsters? Renata squealed as a hand gripped her shoulder--but it was only Moraenor. "What is it, Little One?" The tall Elf held a similar level of concern for Renata as he did for Laurel--though Renata did not have the title to add respect to his care. Renata felt calmer as she scooted closer to Moraenor's side. "There is a beast following us--I've never seen its like before." Moraenor surreptitiously glanced over his shoulder. The man-animal combination--he'd heard them mentioned in the Andarian lore-books: the brawny, wise Ande-orr-Feldeweru who lived longer than the Elves and possessed great knowledge. Surely here in a strange land, the same could not be said, though the creature bore a similar appearance to the being described in the legends: the body of a man mounted on the body of a horse. In glancing back, Moraenor noticed that they had neglected the young man who had ostensibly desired to join them--but since both Laurel and Tara had been anxious to get moving, they had not remained long enough for the young man to introduce himself. He stood contemplatively in the middle of the field. Moraenor would have called out to him, but the Ande-orr-Feldeweru had almost overtaken him. Moraenor turned and kept his hand on Renata's shoulder. "Just keep moving," He murmured softly. "We will deal with it when the time comes. Meanwhile, we don't want to invite trouble that has nothing to do with us." |
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| Tasha the Gypsy | Dec 12 2013, 02:11 PM Post #35 |
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Reema crested a hill and caught sight of the village below her. "See that village? That is Renae. Get there as quickly as you can, and stay there until I catch up with you." She said to Laurel. Reema had sensed a source of powerful magic following them, and she was determined to confront it and find out what it was, but she knew she couldn't endanger the lives of her companions. "If anyone asks who you are, ask them to take you to Gand, the town elder. Tell him what happened and who sent you, but only if it is absolutely necessary." Edited by Tasha the Gypsy, Dec 30 2013, 06:52 PM.
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| The Inkweaver | Dec 13 2013, 10:07 PM Post #36 |
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Tara's urgency puzzled Laurel, but the introduction of another potential ally heartened her. Could this "elder" be the key to saving whoever it was that needed saving? As the trio made their way down the path to Renae, Laurel spotted a brook trickling through the grass. Plucking a wildflower from the brush nearby, she thought the message she wanted to send to the person in trouble as she dropped the blossom into the brook. Perhaps they waited on the other side of this mountain stream, and sending the message through the flower--the same way it had come to her--would allow it to reach them as they reached her. I have heard, She thought, and I will do what it takes to help you. An intense pain unfolded on her chest, like a brand upon her skin. Laurel gasped and clapped a hand over the area, but all she felt was the green gemstone. Renata stopped and watched her, so Laurel dropped her hand and straightened. Renata's eyes widened and she pointed. "Laurel, it's glowing!" she cried. Laurel looked down, and sure enough, the green light was clearly visible through her jerkin. She pulled the gemstone. It flashed brightly, and then was dark once more. Moraenor, Laurel, and Renata watched it, but nothing more happened. They continued down the hill, but the encounter troubled Laurel. "Athelron," she whispered to herself, "What is this you have given me?" |
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| Amaurea | Dec 26 2013, 12:49 PM Post #37 |
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Andolla
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With Hawk circling over head, the creature continued his chase. Slowly, Kail'tor became aware of a small hill before him, not unlike any of the other rolling hills he'd bounded over in the past few minutes, but this one seemed to be a threshold of some kind. It was here that the three elven looking folk continued on -at a much slower pace-, and where the woman Reema paused. Granted, The Centuar didn't know her name, only her distinction, different from the others. Besides, he hadn't heard of Elven kind this far to the east. What ever had happened in the stars, had already begone to come to pass here. Perhaps this fact added to a slowly growing line of worry creasing the creature's brow. Perhaps it was simply the moment he'd been traveling so long to experience. What ever the case, his steadily beating hooves slowed to a bouncing canter, hoping to appear a little less intimidating. The quickness in which these people had begone to flee him reminded him of just how large he really was. Kail'tor was a dangerous being, but, he rarely wished harm on any other creature, save those that bartered his vengeance. That was rare too. His kind were patient, but also difficult to stop once they decided upon a course of action. Even still, he often forgot how he might appear to others outside his clan. At home he was revered as a warrior, yet, here, he might be mistook for a monster. As Rune continued over head, trailing the elven beings, Kail'tor extended a hand toward Reema, as his pace slacked some, drawing closer to her. He spoke then, calling out to her in a voice which echoed with age like the mountains, and experience like a long river. Stop! He bade her, I must speak with you. |
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"In sleep dreams embody our hopes and our future, but when dreams escape into reality, they become nightmares" | |
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| Tasha the Gypsy | Dec 28 2013, 04:39 PM Post #38 |
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Reema watched for a moment as the others headed in the direction of Renae before descending the hill in the direction they had come from, heading directly for the creature that had been following them. She stopped short as it called to her, her eyes narrowing as she gripped her staff with her right hand; the white stone set in it glinting in the sunlight. "What do you want with my companions and I?" she asked cautiously. Reema remained alert, knowing this creature could be trying to take her off her guard. She carefully slid her other hand over to rest on the hilt of her dirk. "Why are you following us?" |
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| The Inkweaver | Dec 28 2013, 09:03 PM Post #39 |
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By the time the three Murindans arrived at the edge of Renae, the green gem had stopped glowing. Laurel tucked it safely away under her tunic. She shared a glance with Moraenor. "Stone," she observed. There seemed to be no other term to describe both the town and its inhabitants. Stone-cold faces peeked out of windows from inside stone-and-mortar houses. Laurel scooted closer to Moraenor, feeling the old dread of those suspicious stares awakening old insecurities within her. Renata tried to put on her best smile and wave amiably at anyone she saw, but the further they walked, the more everyone stopped their activity and just watched the three newcomers. Laurel felt Moraenor's grip tense. "We're being watched," he murmured without moving his lips. "No kidding?" She hissed back. She could feel the stares like knives cutting into her back. "Not them," Moraenor nudged Laurel to prompt her to look up. "There." Laurel shifted her gaze upward, and saw--barely a speck in the blue sky--a lone bird circling lazily over the town. Laurel almost dismissed it as heightened paranoia--but the bird seemed to be following a distinct pattern to maintain sight of them. Where had it come from? Why was it following them? "We need to find Shan," She whispered to Moraenor. "I think he might know why the stone keeps glowing and what the voices mean. If no one in this town is going to offer their help, we might have to ask for it." They had reached the well at the center of town. All around the wide market square, close-lipped folk with weirdly-glinting eyes sat among their wares and watched them. Laurel deliberately stared back at a few, daring anyone to come forward and make the first move. |
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| Amaurea | Dec 30 2013, 02:42 AM Post #40 |
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Andolla
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~It's rather sad~ Thought Kail'tor, ~I remember once upon a time, when all kinds were greeted by all others with kindness. Darkness truly has robbed this land of trust.~ The creature's quick eyes watched the woman's every move, and he stood like an unyielding stone wall, ready should she wish to start something violent. The horse-half of him was quite use to outrunning dangerous enemies, but the human head on his shoulders rarely made use of his quick four hooves. What ever the case, he'd come to learn never to underestimate an opponent, no matter the size difference. As she asked her question, Kail'tor stopped fully now, standing before her, eyes looking down upon her with some measure of curiosity. She was, after all, the first living two legged being he'd seen up close in many a year. Finally he spoke again, in answer to her cautious questions. Do not be alarmed. I am Kail'tor, a swift messenger of the southern Centuar clans, from the plains of And'whill. He paused. That seemed rather... formal, but what was he to do? Schooling of outside manners rarely fell upon his slightly pointed ears. He continued, attempting to be as informative as possible, because this particular person didn't seem to like him around much. And I haven't come to bring violence, on the contrary, I've come to bring a warning. My people have been made aware of a growing threat to, not only our lands, but yours as well. He looked about him for a moment, before settling his eyes back on Reema. The stars foretell of war, the ground trembles, even now, below us. It has been many years sense any of my kind have left our home, and I have traveled far. There is more to tell, but I won't continue, unless you wish it. He didn't ask her who she was, or attempt to divulge any information from her. To him, she seemed on so much of a defense, that wondering about such things out loud would only drive her away, and he thought she seemed more approachable than any elf, especially now. And yet, something still made the creature uneasy, as if even they were not alone. Perhaps, with knowledge and understanding of these people, he might be able to piece together the puzzle of his warnings, because they were incomplete. But small stony towns were seldom as quiet as they first appeared. From a far corner of a building, the chatter and squealing of children, oblivious to the state of things at the well, could be heard. The sound leaped and bounced from building to building, as energetically as it's creators, and soon said children appeared, one right after the other- right after the other. Apparently two messy, muddy young boys were attempting to enact some sort of vengeance on a small, obviously guilty looking girl. The impish smile which had adorned her lips just a few minutes ago, had replaced itself with a look of terror, as she ran mere foot steps ahead of her pursuers, braided blond pig tails trailing behind her. And, like most blindly running creatures, the girl payed little attention to where she was going. But that was ok, where she was going found her rather quickly, and rather firmly. Without warning her foot caught on a loose cobble stone and the young child toppled through the air, finding her unintentional destination, and running into the tall form of Moraenor. With out hesitation, or a glance upward, she darted behind the larger person and peeked cautiously out at the two boys giving chase. To her surprise, they both stopped and stared up, wide eyed and opened mouthed at her chosen barricade. Of course she had no idea who she was hiding behind because everyone knew everyone in a place like this... unless.... of course... other people showed up. So, to her, the baffled, almost terrified expressions on the other's faces was rather overboard. Perhaps, if she saw what they saw, she'd not be so quick to judge them as little pansies... But she couldn't, so she did. Edited by Amaurea, Dec 30 2013, 02:49 AM.
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"In sleep dreams embody our hopes and our future, but when dreams escape into reality, they become nightmares" | |
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