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 Posted: Tue Aug 13, 2013 8:18 pm
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Posted: Tue Aug 13, 2013 8:22 pm
 It was exploring time!
Vanwyn was excited. Usually her small family only stayed close to the inner center of the Flock territory, on occasion going out toward the Artisan's Guild or the meadows. But today they were going toward the boarder lands. So yes, she was very excited. She could see where their lands ended, since there were a few older horses patrolling the area. But that didn't matter to her! Oh no, Vanwyn was far too excited to really care about any other horse that could be about. She started forward at a run, somewhat slow still since she was unused to her legs even now.
Which was why she tripped. Stumbling, and rolling some, she laid in the grass for a few seconds, before her head popped up. Letting out a chirp of distress, she looked back over her shoulder. And sure enough, her family was not far behind her. Standing up once more, she moved toward them, and ran her body along her mother and father's, nuzzling them lightly, before giving a playful tug at Vaniania's mane, and then started forward once more. Bounding forward, she peered somewhat at the lands past the boarder, and stared, as if it was some unfamiliar land that would always seem mysterious to her.
"Mama! Mama can we go out there?" Vanwyn asked, looking over her shoulder at her mother once more, little tail giving another small wiggle of excitement.------------------------  Vanmoriel was a little behind her family, nose buried in the grass as she looked for flowers and leaves for her art. A little satchel hung at her side and she had already filled it halfway with flowers. She had left her net at home, much to her dismay. Her mother had told her she would get lost if she ran off chasing butterflies. Even now, it was only when Vanmoriel looked up to search for something else that she noticed how far behind she was and hurried after her family to catch up. Moments later, her head was buried in the flora and she was in her own world.
Today was exciting for her, she had not seen these flowers before. New flowers meant new paints and new collages. She ruffled her feathers and let out a happy chirp as she pulled a bright pink flower from the ground and put it in her bag. She hurried up to her family once more, chirping and chasing after her sisters with a giggle. When Vanwyn stopped, Vanmoriel joined her and looked over the other lands. She let out a sigh of amazement and turned to her mother, awaiting the answer that would allow them to go running down the hill to the other lands.
'There could be a wonderful array of flowers down there, Mama," Vanmoriel pleaded.------------  Vaniania however was focused more on sounds than things like flowers for dyes, leaning into the tug a bit before her attention went to an old hallow log of a fallen tree, peering inside to make sure it was empty before she thumped the top with the sides of her claws, hearing the resonating -thunk- of the natural drum, tapping it in different parts to hear the thicknesses change the tone. However, while it was loud and rapped with a nice beat, she soon grew bored of it -- the wood was rotten and the sound wasn't as nice as the wooden drums crafted in the guild that fascinated her so much, nor the ones made with stretched leathers or out of tongues of wood or metal bells or ceramic drums that some of the musicians played to create the intricate dance rhythms of the flock's many dances and songs and ones brought in by the captured stallions and joined mares.
Vaniania laughed softly, kicking her feet as she returned to dance through her parents feet, head lifting to tickle her mothers's stomach before she pounced on her fathers legs, clutching them as if trying to capture him away, chirruping a bit before darting off after her sister's, noting a bit of a drumming beat of reeds against stones -- there was a stream near by, "Wait for me you two!"
----------------------  Taarab however was uncommonly nervous -- he didn't really care too much for venturing the edges of the territory, feeling too exposed outside the safety of the Flock, but some of the brewers 'lodge' he was a member of had tapped some maples and birch trees for their sap, so valuable for some of the brews of future guilds, and he knew wormwood grew in the area for similar items and medicines, though it had to be careful to not be used by expectant mothers with healthy children.
He smiled fondly at his daughters, feeling they were brave rather than sheltered, unafraid of the world that surrounded the flock. He wanted to call them back, keep them safe from whatever it was out there, but he knew it was not his place to give them the permission to venture, and they clearly seemed to understand it; it was their mother who had say over where any of them could go.
-------------------------  Vanya walked beside Taarab, eyes never leaving her daughters, even when the youngest, Vanmoriel, trailed behind. She was showing them the extent of the lands that belonged to The Flock, where they were safe and when their flock-sisters would not be able to reach them in time should danger appear. It was an important lesson, but they didn't seem to mind or realise this, all three of them running around and laughing as if it was an adventure.
Vanya smiled fondly. They had grown so quickly, running around in what seemed like no time at all. Sometimes, like today, she wished they weren't as fast or eager. But that's how they were. They were happy, curious and spirited. Though she was their mother, she did not have the heart to take that away from them. They would learn these lessons in school, at least and there the teachers could be the bad guys rather than her.
They came to the edge of the lands, a hill that fell sharply before smoothing out into plains. This was it, the borders. Vanya had heard of the dangers that lurked in the lands outside her home. She didn't want her children to know of such things, but it was the way of the Flock and thus out of her hands.
Vaniania broke her trail of thought and she eyed her three girls, wound up and ready to burst like a stream caught in a dam. "No, little ones. That's outside our territory; outside the safe zone." Her eyes moved over the lands once more, scanning for any signs of life. She could see none; which wasn't necessarily a good thing.
"Come on, then. We'll keep moving along the border to see what we can find," she smiled and leaned down to nuzzle her daughters. "It's for the best, my dears."
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Posted: Tue Aug 13, 2013 8:28 pm
 Dozing up in the highest heights of the tree, the small purple bat had no dreams, but yet no peace in her sleep. It seemed these were the times when she would get flashbacks of what she used to be. She never remembered them upon waking, but it always left her with a sour taste in her mouth. Neva had taken to many of the habits of a bat since she was cursed, and sleeping upside down in the trees during the days was the perfect sort of defense in her mind. With so many do-gooders out to destroy evil, she liked being protected way up high when she was most vulnerable. While it wasn't the most pleasant sensation transforming, she was willing to do it if it meant not getting her killed.
Currently though she was wandering around what she thought was near harpy lands. Neva cared not for these magical borders, but also knew that while she could destroy most anyone, she would have a challenge against these harpies. A group versus just lonely ole her, not her idea of a fair game. But she was curious to see just what kind of a threat she'd be up against if she ever came across one or a group, and so she was here, essentially scouting around.
Her ears twitched as she heard the sound of voices nearby. Eyes blinking open, she listened for the voices and as soon as she pinpointed the direction she flew off, keeping more to the top of the trees where she couldn't be seen. Following the voices she finally located them, a family of harpies it looked like, with young ones. She couldn't pass up the chance to potentially go after the young ones, and so Neva made herself comfortable up in the trees, following after them quietly until she could find a chance to get one or more of the children alone.---------------------------  Vanwyn pouted toward her mother. No? But it wasn't like they would go far! She peered down along the hill, watching the land quietly, before shaking out her head and let her claws tap at the ground. They wouldn't be out for long either! The small filly didn't see the reasoning of being told no, but she also didn't want to disobey her mother. But the concept... It was too tempting. Deciding not to go against her, instead, she moved toward the boarder and walked along it, looking out toward the out-lands. On occasion, her ear flicked up, pointing toward a noise she heard.
"Mama, what's out there? Is there bad things?" She asked, walking a bit more hyperly. Vanwyn was still very much so excited. She wiggled some, before her eyes flickered, and caught sight of a grasshopper. Excitement taken from the out-lands to this bug, she moved after it, trying to catch it within her claws. When it kept eluding her, she started to pout, ears pinning. She crouched down as best as she could, claws scratching at the earth, watching the bug hop from one location to another, until it sat still. The filly inched forward slowly, her tail giving a half flick, before pouncing. And as she pounced, she slid.
Straight down the hill.
The filly let out a distressed screech, sounding almost like an owl or falcon, trying to stop herself by digging her claws into the ground as best as she could. She slowed slightly, but continued to slide, until the ground leveled, and instead, she rolled somewhat, and ended up on her back. Vanwyn wiggled for a moment, before rolling over onto her stomach and shook her head out, causing her mane to go in every which way. Her fur was covered in dirt, and grass and leaves stuck to her body, mane, and tail. Blinking her lovely eyes, the filly looked up toward the hill, eyes scanning for her parents. She sniffled some, realizing a Harpy should be strong, but being a filly, couldn't control herself. A small whimper escaped her throat, before she cried quietly, standing up on somewhat shaken legs. "Mama... Papa...?"------------------- Neva followed the family as she waited for one or more of the foals to split away from the parents. It was getting vastly boring though waiting, and she was getting the impression that the parents are the protective sort. Something to file away in her memories about this particular group. Which made her somewhat glad to have waited instead of jumping in headfirst or she probably would have been pretty much dead. But then, considering what she is, most everyone already considered her to be dead anyways.
Then a wonderful sound came to her ears, the sound of a young one falling. It didn't seem like the parents were all that aware of what was going on, and so the bat quickly flew quietly ahead to find the unlucky foal. A few moments later she spotted the young filly and landed on the ground near her.
My oh my, what have we here? A lost little filly is it? Neva called out in a gentle caring voice from her hiding spot. By this point she was already transformed and had made some noises in the process, but nothing that should have scared the little one off. Why don't you come here little one, and help me back up? I tripped a little while ago but I seem to be caught on something.
The young filly would be in for a surprise though if she came to help Neva, because Neva wasn't trapped at all, but instead waiting for the young one to come find her. Perhaps she'll be able to torment the young filly for a few minutes after all. Especially if she managed to keep her quiet and not alert the adults if the adults hadn't heard her fall by this point. This thought made her smile, but her smile wasn't a nice welcoming smile.--------------------------- "Vanwyn!"
While Vaniania had immediately wandered further into the border, though still wandering a bit away from them, when their mother told them to stay away from the boarder, instead investigating the edges, she was still protective of her siblings. She had taken after the slightly sturdier build of her father than her lanky, delicate looking siblings and developing muscles in unusual ways by taking such a keen interest in the creation and playing of the various drums in the musicians quarter, the young mare was the first to notice her sister hadn't simply jumped into the shrubbery, but tumbled down the hill. It only took that to send her racing after her.
However, like her sister, she wasn't quite as nimble as an adult, and her leap over the bushes caused her back legs to catch, and sent her thudding down the hill with a squeak, crashing into some brushes near her sister at the bottom soon after she began calling out.
She snorted, chirping at her sister before standing up, realizing she heard someone talk. A stranger?, the cameo colored mare gasped, eyes widening in fear -- she and her sisters had been told by her parents about how dangerous strangers who were not part of the flock were, and young foals are shown to all of their future sisters-in-arms, their names presented and learned so any mare, in case of emergency, could call them to their protection during an attack or natural disaster. If this person didn't know who they were....
"Vanwyn, are you ok? We need to go -- that person is a stranger to the flock." She Chirruped loudly, calling for her parents while watching the direction the sound came from carefully, backing, calling out loudly with a series of shrieks and trilling whistles, sharp and loud -- if the skinwalker was going to make a move to try and separate them further from their parents so she could eventually have her torment with them, she'd have to do it quickly.
------------------------- Vanwyn's ears snapped up, her head swerving and locking on some noise that caught her interest. She waited for a few seconds, before the sound of her name, and the quick movement, caused her to glance back at the hill. Her younger sister was soon with her, picking herself up from the brush and ground. Moving toward her, Vanwyn's ears pinned somewhat, and she pressed her body close to Vaniania's. She was scared, honestly. Where was her mother and father? Did they end up too far away from teh Flock? But she pressed her mind away from that and instead focused on her sister, worried somewhat that the earth toned filly had gotten hurt when she came to Vanwyn's rescue. Taking a deep breath, she trembled, and let her ears flick.
It was then that she heard the voice, and went on full alert. Vanwyn backed up from the sound, her claws bracing in the ground, holding her up. Who was that? Help? They needed help? For a few seconds, she considered going to do so, but remembered the lessons her mother had pushed onto them almost as soon as they learned to walk. Strangers equaled danger. They weren't like the Flock, weren't safe. She whimpered softly, letting out a frightened chirp, before backing up again, and nudged Vaniania with her to do the same, hoping to somehow, some way, be the elder and protect the younger of the two. In the back of her mind, she prayed that Vanmoriel would stay up in the territory, and not follow the middle sisters example of being protective and close.
"Vaniania.... we should go. I'm scared. What if we can't find our way back to the territory!" She said, her voice trilling in panic. She eyed her sister for a second, before quickly starting to copy her vocals, letting out the same chirps and cries, ears pinning.------------------------- Drat it! Another young foal tumbled into the area but this one was smart enough to give out warning noises. This would foil all of her plans! But thankfully the skinwalker was quick thinking and developed a new plan. It would probably have all the harpies of the land after her, but if it meant harming two of their young ones in the process it may very well be worth it.
Neva crashed out of her hiding spot, her bat wings spread wide, making herself look as menacing as possible. The talons on the foals startled her slightly but they were little and she was bigger. She could handle a few scratches. "Get going little ones and stop making that awful noise. You are mine now. Fight me and I will make sure I find everyone you care about and make sure they die slow and painful deaths." She snarled as she hoped that this threat would make it easier to get them to listen to her. Besides, it would be no fun to kill the little ones now. It was more fun in her mind to make them miserable and suffer, so that way they would always remember her, and she would always haunt their dreams.
"Now, are you going to go, or are you going to watch all of your loved ones die before you?" The batwalker edged up on them, stalking them almost as she waited for them to get moving.--------------------- Vaniania hesitated, eyes widening -- while she had never seen one herself, she had heard her storytellers speak of Skinwalkers. They were the enemies of the flock, unnatural abominations either cursed into wild forms by dark spirits or Evil spirits of cruelty and horror given mortal form. They were the polar opposite of the Great mother that watched over them all and blessed them.
Until this point, the pale and earthen colored mare with the brilliant aqua eyes had thought they were just stories made to frighten little foals, but before there was one of the cursed. Her legs quivered slightly, unsure of what to do -- until her sister ran, she could not flee, and if they ran they'd only be further from their parents and safely, and they were still only a couple months old, and had yet to develop the strength to climb tree's to escape danger without their parents.
However, her attention flickered momentarily to behind the mare, hope swelling in her chest, before she nipped Vanwyn once to get the mare to spring into action and turned to Flee, frightened as she looked for a place to hide until danger had passed.
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Posted: Tue Aug 13, 2013 8:39 pm
Taarab's anxiety was nearly palpable as he tried to keep good attention of where his three children were, but they were spread out and he had found himself distracted, moving with Vanmoriel to show her a few of the wild flowers and what their various uses were, relaxing slightly as he spoke. Showing her the different types with a warm affection, remembering his father's lessons and how he had spent time with his other children, showing them and getting varied degree's of interest, Laveda being more interested in the medicinal uses of plants, but quickly tiring of the inefficiency of the lessons, preferring them to simply be gathered by others and identified once in one place, giving the teach
"And this one is Spiderwort -- the Flowers make a good blue dye, but the plant itself has various uses, such as a way to soothe bugbites and infe."
He paused, hearing the screeches and chirps of the slide down the hill, feeling his heart fill with dread as he realized he had not been paying attention to the two older girls and, to make it worse, distracted their mother, and didn't know where they were.
"Vanmoriel -- stay with you're mother" He smiled softly, hoping to not frighten her, "I need to get your sisters since they seem to be getting themselves into trouble... I'll stay within earshot."
He smiled at both his current mistress and youngest daughter, then turned quickly, leaping up into the trees to get a better look around.
---------
As event's played out for the two girls, Taarab neared their location, only a little ways away. Things were happening quickly, and while he too had never seen a skinwalker, all he knew is that his children were being threatened and there wasn't enough time to wait for help.
He shrieked loud and shrill as he burst from the branches of the trees he had been moving through, leaping tree to tree branch to branch towards the scene, causing the thinner branches of the tree's outside of the big oak grove they lived in to crack and snap, falling below until he leapt over the batlike threat to get between her and his foals.
Skidding and stumbling slightly in the leaf litter, he nearly fell on his side -- it was clear he was inexperienced in fighting in the difficulty he had changing directions to face the threat, his breathing already quick with a bit of quiver to it, having never needed to move so quickly before in his life. A stallions life in the flock was, after all, leisurely, and Taarab's fear was thick enough to be tasted on the air. He had no idea how many rules he might be breaking.
Lowering his head, his ears backed, he gave another loud shriek, wanting to make sure they could be found by the guards and warriors of the flock, and his fear was rapidly being replaced by anger, talons flexing in the leaf litter, "How dare you threaten Mistress Vanya's Children."
--------------------- Neva gave a sigh of annoyance as she heard one of the adults come flying at her. Seriously, this was getting really old now. She stood still and waited for the other to get between herself and the little ones, rolling her eyes slightly at the whole theatrics of getting over her. The batwalker eyed the newcomer, male, it seemed and she could easily tell that he was no good at anything of the sort. Either he was just pathetically weak or it was the same for all males in this area.
"See little ones, you didn't move fast enough. And now someone has to be hurt." Neva said, letting the start of blame and guilt form in their minds if she managed to hurt this newcomer. The fact that this newcomer is even mixed in with this mess should be enough of a guilt-trip for the foals even if he didn't get harmed. Now she focused her attention on the male. "Well well, Mistress? That certainly is interesting. Now either move or I will be forced to injure you. And I'm sure you wouldn't want those precious young girls to see you bleeding. They would feel responsible for your injuries." She paused a moment to give him a moment to think as she looked over him once more.
Again the claws were very obvious to her but this male was pathetic in her mind. It would honestly be better to put the fool out of his misery since he is obviously incredibly weak. "Do they not let you males do anything? Or are you left to just fade away?" She was curious but she also wanted to dig into his mind and cause him to lose some faith in himself if she could. "You obviously are in no shape at all to safe those precious little foals. I can easily take you down since you are so pathetically weak." At this point she started to circle him slowly, as a predator would his prey. ------------------------------- His eyes darkened with an edge of anger and strength. He wasn't a sparring stallion, a gladiator, or a harem guard. He was an artist, and stallions weren't trained to fight unless they had specific interest in doing such.
However, he did have some experience. Sure, he had gotten out of the habit, with his last set of kids having passed the point of needing him to help them learn how to capture stallions, and his sister no longer had need to roughhouse with him, but he had more training than most of the non-warrior stallions, even if it wasn't formal.
Harpies were a group, and he knew that guards were not too far away from the location -- he had sounded the call, so any within earshot knew there was a skinwalker in their territory and would be on their way, especially knowing there were foals in danger.
But most importantly, the stallion also had his brains going for him -- he had been picked by Aylin the Oracle due to his observational skills and intelligence, knowing he'd produce them valuable members of the flock, And the skinwalker had given him time to think.
"One never show's their true strength to an enemy." He smiled wickedly, eyes flashing, "And a stallion's life is less valuable than that of a foal. I'd willingly give my life to protect this flock, should the spirits will it... However, I'm not the one you have to worry about -- All I am is a distraction while the warriors come. Can't you hear them coming?"
Not giving her a chance to think about what he said, he sprang into action -- he didn't know how skilled she was, so he had to use brute force and surprise in his favor if he was to drive her off or kill her. He was a dancer, and he used that skill to twirl and move quickly, kicking his claws and bringing up a spray of dirt, rocks, and leaf litter aimed for the walker's eyes, before charging in, aiming for one of her protective wings -- if he could get a hit on it, he could at the very least break it, if not tear the the wing clear off with his massive and powerful talons.
( OOC: I'm not sure what rolling thing to use to figure out if its a glancing blow or not. So I'm not gonna roll die until we can figure out a system for it, but as long as we keep this believable and the group talks behind the scenes about the fight we should do this fairly well. XD I swear, Part of Taarab is going "WHY AM I HERE DOING THIS OMG" but this does seem rather natural to him -- he's not dumb, but not only are flock children being threatened, but they're HIS children. He's not the best representative of the Flock's fighting capabilities, but now that panic's passed something else is settling in. XD
Also, I'm assuming there's no real set order as long as we don't get too too far ahead and leave Lolly behind.) ------------------------  Vanmoriel nosed around in the flowers her father showed her, breathing in the wonderful perfumes. The colours were brilliant and she picked them all carefully and placed them in her bag. The medicinal meanings interested Vanmoriel. Perhaps, while she was collecting supplies for her art, she could also collect supplies for the healers. She may even one day like to know more.
As it was, right now she was young and curious and too distracted to learn such things to much detail other than the simple terms her father used. All she was interested in was what she could paint with them.
Vanmoriel's ears perked up, moments before she heard the call of her sisters. It was like instinct, like a bond. She had turned to run to them, only to be stopped by her father. Stay here? But how could she help from so far away. Her bravado faded as quickly as it came and her father's logic kicked in. How would she help so close? She would get stuck and it would take longer to get the three of them back.
Vanmoriel wanted to believe that they had only fallen, but there was something in Vaniania's cry that chilled her to the bones. She turned to her mother who was nearby looking at a bunch of wold roses. "Mama!" She called out as she ran to her, sticking to her side.--------------------------- Vanya tried to keep eyes on all her daughters, but when it was two to three, the task was quite difficult. A few times her voice had risen and taken on a stern tone, but it was only for a second before their bright and smiling faces made her smile. Now, she was keeping an eye on Vanmoriel who seemed the most prone to wandering off, the colours of flowers distracting her more than the fact that they were so close to the borders.
She turned to her eldest and frowned lightly. "There are monsters out there, my dear. Things that wish to do harm to you for no reason other than you're there and it's in their blood." A chirrup from Vanmoriel, behind a tall bush brought her attention away for a split second.
The cry shattered Vanya and her head snapped around faster than light. Vanwyn? Where was she? The trail of rolling gravel and debris gave Vanya the answer she sought. If it had not, the sight of Vaniania tumbling down the hill to rescue her would have. Her muscles tensed as she prepared to jump to bring them home, but the sound of Vanmoriel's voice halted her and she turned to watch the girl as she clung to her side. And then Taarab was off; moving with leaps and bounds and her heart beat steadied, if only a little.
Moving forward, she looked down the hill, afraid of what she might see. But nothing she thought was as terrible as what she saw. A skinwalker? She let out a long, shrill cry. This many calls, surely the guards would be along any minute. Turning to Vanmoriel, her voice was strong and forceful. "I need you to stay here, do you understand? Do not move. You need to stay where it's safe." She nuzzled her daughter, heart beating as fast as it ever had in her life. She didn't want to leave her alone, but she didn't want to lose the others even more.
Turning, she looked down the ledge in time to see her daughters flee from the skin walker. She let out a sigh of relief; at least they couldn't be hurt in the crossfire. Vanya moved down the border some before launching herself down, powerful muscles from years of dancing propelling her through the air. She landed gracefully a ways away from the walker who was distracted by Taarab.
A quiet call came from her throat as she searched around. "Vanwyn? Vaniania?" Her eyes darted frantically and she wondered if they had run too far, if they had even stopped running. "Where are you?" Her voice was a little louder now, frantic and laced with panic. She had to calm herself, lest the skin walker turn on her and leave no one to rescue her daughters. Taking a deep breath, she moved silent, steps carefully placed and eyes moving in every which way for any sign. "Girls?"
--------------------- Vanwyn was terrified. Her ears pinned back. And when the walker came into view, her eyes widened. She may have been the eldest of the three, but this sight... it made her feel like she was the smallest, youngest of them all. It made her want to crawl back into the basket from whence she emerged not but a couple months ago. She took a half step back, but stopped soon after, when the female started to speak. Fear. That was what this feeling was called. Gulping thickly, her ears pinned back farther, and her head lowered a bit. She would hurt her family? Vanwyn didn't want that! Her Mama, Papa, and siblings couldn't be harmed, it wasn't fair! She let out a slight whimper of fear, before taking a step toward Neva, planning on giving herself up to save her family. Nobel, yes, but stupid. She was too scared though, so much so that she wasn't thinking straight.
But at the feel of a n** from her sister, Vanwyn's head snapped to the side. She glanced up for a split second, and saw their father, before turning quickly, and scrambled. She almost tripped, her claws slashing some at the ground. The mare's voice echoed in her head though. She was going to harm her father... But she had to believe that Taarab could take care of himself, that he could protect them. Taking a deep breath, she launched herself forward, following Vaniania quickly, her legs moving as fast as she possibly could, too scared not to move quickly.
Vanwyn moved as quickly as she could. And she didn't plan on stopping. On occassion she would nudge her sister's flank, silently begging her to go faster, to get as far away from the fued as possible. But, the poor girl was still not as graceful and swift as she should be. She still felt awkward moving quickly. And after a few more steps, she fell, tumbling some. Scrambling a bit, she tried to to get up quickly, and when she did, she was off again, her breath leaving her in pants, eyes wanting to squeeze shut and never open them again, never see that she-devil or her father fighting her off. She wanted to go back to the nest and curl up with her siblings, sleep, and never leave her mother's side again.
After a few moments, Vanwyn's ears perked up, and she dug her claws and heels into the ground, causing leaves and branches to fly up from how she was running. Her head snapped to look back into the trees behind her, breath still leaving in an audible way. She glanced back toward Vaniania, before shaking her head, and turned around fully, facing the way they had came from. That was her mother's voice! She knew it well, and the sound of it made her feel so much better. Gulping, she took a half step toward the noise, and hoped that Vaniania had heard it as well. The filly let out a few shrills and chirps, that beautiful voice unmistakable. She called out to her mother, but at the same time was hiding, in case it wasn't actually Vanya.
In case that mare could mimic voices.--------------------------- Neva couldn't help but laugh as she watched the male, and listened to him speak. Her sensitive ears could hear the other adult finally show up, but for the moment she had no interest in the mother. Right now, she wanted to cause someone to shed some blood, leave the image in the young foal's minds. Make them fear not only the night, but also the day. This was the type of skinwalker she was, for instead of tearing the flesh from the bone, she would rather tear the mind from it's safe sanctuary and drive it to insanity before she gets to tearing of the physical flesh.
She watched as the stallion started his movements, and while he was quick, she was able to pick up easily on many of the movements as those that she came from were considered "Skydancers", and the dances of the sky and of the earth were similar in many aspects. Because of her knowledge of dance she was able to react quickly. She moved just enough for him to not be able to tear off her wing, but it did cause her pain with the force at which he hit. So instead of being able to get in a proper counter-attack, she had to lash that wing out even with it now starting to bruise, and try to get him to back off enough.
"Bravo, for trying such a tactic. But you won't fool me because I once was part of a family that were skydancers. They don't exist anymore, which is a good thing. Dancers are useless and pathetic little creatures." she snarled, at him after she managed to back away from him for a moment, without even noticing if she even managed to scratch him with her wing or not. "Now, little ones, watch what happens when you don't listen to the demands of strangers like myself who have no issue with killing others. Neva called out as she quickly lashed out at the stallion, her front hooves kicking out, and her wings in the familiar attack position. She paid no attention to the other adult. Her current prey was the male, and after she finished with him then maybe the other adult would be next.
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Posted: Tue Aug 13, 2013 8:48 pm
Vaniania however called out to her sister and mother, chirruping as she tried to call them back -- She didn't want either of them close to the walker, and she had found a place where the hill of the ravine near the river shallowed out and they could get back up with ease, "Vanwyn! Mamma!... Vanwyn?"
She looked around, circling, suddenly realizing she was alone, panting in exhaustion and panic, "Vanwyyyyyyn! Vanmoriel?! Mama?!!" She danced in place, unsure of where to go. She needed to make sure Vanmoriel was safe, but her mother and other sister were in possible danger, and alone she was an easy target for a predator. Even without knowing what was going on with her father and the hunter, no longer within earshot, she was suddenly very afraid, and very alone.
------------------------- Vanmoriel whimpered when her mother told her to stay, but nodded her head slowly in agreement. She didn't want to be alone, but she didn't want her sisters and papa to be hurt. She felt a spray of dirt kick at her legs and looked up in time to see her mother leap into the air, powerful and strong as ever. At that moment, despite all that was going on, she couldn't help but marvel at her mother's form soaring through the air against the light of the sun. It was mystical.
Vanmoriel turned around and ran to a bush, hunkering down in it until it was safe. Until someone came for her and sent the monster away. She shuddered. What kind of monster was that? They hadn't done anything to it; why was it hurting them? She began to sob silently, holding in the sounds for fear of another monster finding her. The bush shook with sobs that wracked her body and she let out a light whimper.
Vanmoriel felt helpless, useless. Vaniania had run off to save Vanwyn. Papa had run off to save them and here she was curled up in a ball in the bushes, hiding. She wasn't a fighter. She was too young. But she felt like she had to do something. The help should be here soon. Would they know where they are? Did they hear the calls? Wiggling out of the bush, Vanmoriel took a look at the battle below between her father and the monster. Sucking in a deep breath, she turned and ran towards the flock, calling out as loud as she could.
"Someone! Help! Help!"------------------------------ A flash of white in the corner of her eye alerted her to the location of her eldest, Vanwyn. She moved towards her, carefully so as to not frighten her. "Vanwyn, my dear. Where is your sister?" She kept her voice calm, the same tone she used when she spoke to them the day they emerged from their baskets. "It's going to be okay; the guards are on their way and your father is protecting us," her breath hitched in her throat as her mind went to Taarab. He was not a true fighter and she feared for him. Would he come out of this alive?
Shaking her head, Vanya pressed on. "I need you to come to me, now. So we can find your sister and get somewhere safe." She looked around, eyes searching for Vaniania. She mustn't have gotten far, they were still so young. "Vaniania!" She called a little louder. Let the monster hear her and come; she didn't care as long as her children were safe.
Vanya's ears perked and her head snapped up, the sound of Vanmoriel's calls alerting her. They were getting further away? Was she hurt? Was someone chasing her. She began to breathe heavily, heart racing. She strained her ears, listening more carefully to the sound; she was calling for help, alerting every guard that patrolled the flock. Vanya smiled. "My brave little girl.."
Her attention went back to her two daughters before her. "Girls. Run to me!"
------------------- As the wing jerked out of the way then the other lashed out, Taarab danced back, the claw catching a bit of his nostril and tearing a bloody chunk from his nose, before he went back in, slashing once more to try and tear at the other's chest, taking a glancing blow to chest in the process, too close for there to be a lethal blow to be built up, though it still hurt and had its impact.
However he did not listen to her prattling chatter and mind games, and instead pressed at her with quick swipes, dodging and doing his best to avoid the sharp blows of the wings. He simply heard the blood pounding in his ears as he defended his children with the ferocity of an enraged bear protecting his cubs.
(OOC: Short post is short, however in a fight I dont wanna get too far ahead with it so we can exchange blows and react faster to each other XD)--------- Vanwyn whimpered some, ducking down a bit more in the brush. Her bright eyes flickered, trying to see the form of her mother. If it wasn't her, she wouldn't move. But then she realized something. Vaniania was gone. Where was she?! Head swiveling some, she tried to find the flash of white, but failed to do so. How could she lose her sister? Biting her lip some, Vanwyn let out a distressed chirp, aimed at locating her sister, before her eyes flickered, and she finally saw the heavenly form of her mother. That lovely form that stood out against the darkness of the forest. She practically burst from the tree, letting out scared chirps and screeches, her eyes filled with tears.
But she stopped short. Vanwyn had glanced over her mother's form, and saw just as her father got slashed by that horrible beast. The blood that shed caused her eyes to widen, and she dug her legs into the ground, shaking her head frantically and practically fell backwards from the force. Unable to feel her body any more, Vanwyn panted, and whimpered, before bursting into tears, her eyes closing, body feeling smaller and smaller. She felt her legs trembling, and somehow found herself curled up on the ground, trembling and sobbing.
She had got her father hurt. It was her fault. If Vanwyn had just gone with the female, than her father would have been okay! Scared and feeling sick, the filly curled tighter. She hated the outside world; hated the monsters and the bad things that would hurt the Flock. She would never leave the boarders again, ever. Instead, she would stay inside and stay with her music that her mother said she would excel in. Her heart pounding hard in her chest, she tried to make herself even smaller, tried to make herself non existent to the world of blood and anger.--------------------- The batwalker cared not that the male wasn't listening to her, for her mind games were for the young ones. The ones who have minds that are still innocent and naive. Though now her mind was more focused on the battle at hand, for this was a tougher opponent that she has ever encountered. Even though she considered him a weak and pathetic male for letting him be ruined so, she wasn't used at fighting against those with talons. So this was a learning experience for her because she couldn't quite use her wings to block off the blows or risk having them shredded to bits.
Her precious pelt was getting scratched up, and there was blood flowing freely from other wounds she was receiving. But she was lashing out just as quickly as the male was, while she didn't have the talons the male did, she did have her wings and her hooves, as well as her teeth if he ever got near her mouth. Though upon hearing the tears of one of the young ones, caused her to in a way re-energize and she fought even harder than she had been. This batwalker wasn't going to give up just yet, but also knew her time was limited before others arrived, and she was going to cut it as close as possible to cause as much mental trauma as she could to everyone in the area. --------------------------- Vaniania focused her attention, hearing Vanmoriel's calls, and her mothers, before calling out to her mother, moving back towards where she could hear the two, "Momma! Vanwyn! Over here! I found a way up!"
Heading up the hill, she made her way back, staying on the edge so she could run deeper in should they be attacked, panting as she raced back to her family, her head drooping as she slowed, spotting her mother's head over the brushes, though she couldn't see Vanwyn, "Haa.. Haa.. Up.. Up here! If.. Haa. If you go back this way there's a way up for Vanwyn.."
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Posted: Tue Aug 13, 2013 9:10 pm
]
The fight was starting to take a toll on the master artisan.
Blood trickled from his brow down over a swollen left eye, forcing him to favor that side as he fought, and filled his mouth, one of his teeth having been jarred loose, tearing at the gums slightly. His entire body ached from the beating he was receiving, though he was holding his own as best as he could, landing enough blows to know he was making enough difference.
Taarab swatted at the skinwalker's face, hoping to tear that smug smile off of her face, if not her entire muzzle or her throat. And despite the pain, he pushed forwards, trying to get her further and further away from the foals, his teeth grit and face determined to get her to back down or at least give the for of the girls enough time to all get away.
------------------  The first call had been in the distance when Kamunyak got it, causing her to pause on her rabbit lunch, the lagomorph's life force staining her muzzle and the tip of her masks beak. Her head lifted as she strained to hear, ears swiveling and crest lifting as the mares eyes tightened before widening slightly in realization.
The scrap of mutilated fur and meat fell from the branches she was resting in as she coiled herself up and took off for the boarder, sending out the call with loud, raucous shrieks and clattering cries "Skinwalker in the territory -- Foals are in danger! Southern River Border."
The last part clenched at the mares heart as she bounded tree to tree, claws digging into the tree trunks as she raced through the forest, calling out to insure every mare within distance could notice, sometimes yelling it in the common language so non-harpy mares could join into the battle, before going silent so she could be sure to hear where it was and find her way to it, not wanting the walker to get too much warning -- its lifeblood would drain away by her talons if she had anything to say about a Child hunter, if it so much has harmed ONE foal, flock or not....
She burst from the leaves to land behind Vanmoriel, looking around to insure the girl wasn't being followed, assessing the situation, hesitating slightly -- she had to make sure this girl was safe before abandoning her since she had no adults to defend her, "Vanmoriel... Where is the attacker?"
--------------------------  Galla Sile was heading back to the nests after guard duty when the shrill cry caught in her ears. The distress call echoed in her ears as she turned, her claws gripping into the dirt as she sped toward her endangered sisters. The cry of skinwalkers caused her to dig deeper and push harder. Kamunyak's calls reached her as she angled her way to the South border. She could hear others behind her taking to wing or hoof to help. Suddenly, the realization that there were foals out there sunk in--Vanya had been taking her foals out today. Her neck stretched out long and flat as she accelerated, the cries becoming shriller and closer. She could feel the sheen of sweat breaking out on her back as got nearer. This was her first encounter with a skinwalker--she'd never seen on before. She slowed down as she approached Vanya--"Are you okay?" She assessed them for damage, but they seemed to be physically fine. ------------------------ Vanmoriel let out a cry, hearing the thud of someone landing behind her. She cowered, head turning around to face the monster. She let out a sigh of relief upon realizing it was Kamunyak. She tried to catch her breath, having run at quite a fast pace for her age; adrenaline now wearing off and leaving her exhausted. She lifted a leg and pointed in the direction she came from. "That way. Keep going straight. There's a huge bush of red flowers."
Flowers.. It was the only landmark she could remember; but at least it was something and she had run in a relatively straight direction. She had faith that Kamunyak would find them; she was strong, powerful. "Please help papa," she choked out, sobbing. "The monster's attacking him."
Vanmoriel sunk to the ground, exhausted physically and emotionally. It was too much for her young mind to process now. When it was over, she would understand what happened, would react to the aftermath and her nights would be filled with the monster's face, the tangy taste of blood in the air, her sisters cries.
"Hurry," she choked out pathetically, resting her head on her forelegs. ----------------------------------- Vanya's heart skipped a beat as Vanwyn ran to her and she nuzzled the girl, cooing to soothe her. "We're going to be okay, I promise."
Vaniania's calling pulled her head in the opposite direction and she watched as she trudged down a stronger, harder side of the hill. They'd be able to dig their claws in and walk up like that. It was the only way, seeing as their legs weren't strong enough to jump just yet. Vanya nudged Vanwyn forward and let the girls go up before her, ready to catch them if they lost their balance.
The climb wasn't hard, but when they got to the top, Vanya was panting and ready to collapse. The fear of losing her family had drained her and she was now suddenly aware of how defenseless she was. She'd taken lessons in fighting, like all girls of the flock had, but Vanya had long since forgotten most of what she was taught, dancing taking over her mind. She'd taken the lessons for granted and may pay the ultimate price for it.
Mind clearing, she became aware of her surroundings and her eyes fell upon Galla. "I'm fine. We're fine," she breathed out, voice gravely from screaming. "It's Taarab that needs help. He's battling the walker." Her eyes fell upon him now and she spotted the blood before anything else. It was unnatural against his pale skin; it wasn't supposed to be there and she wanted to run to him, to wipe it away and tend to his wounds. But her place was not on the battlefield; now the guards were arriving she would only get in their way.
Vanya moved away from the edge and her eyes spun around for her youngest. "Vanmoriel!? She panicked and began screeching for a moment before she remembered she'd gone for help. Vanya fell to the ground and pulled her daughters to her sides, waiting for this nightmare to be over.
She just wanted it to be over.
----------------------------  The batwalker's ears swiveled as she heard the sound of newcomers, this wasn't going to be pretty if she was caught among a bunch of these taloned creatures. Neva was bleeding from a bunch of different places, her sides, legs, and face, but she could also smell the blood of the male mingled with hers and oh how it made her joyful to be causing so much pain to everyone involved.
"Now I must make my escape, I do hope you have a happy death." Neva said as she lashed out at the male once more with everything that she had. She was positive that upon contact of her last ditch effort that she broke something but she wasn't going to stick around and wait and see . With that last attack she quickly darted around the male, pulling some of her past life's dancing techniques from the very depths of her memory to get past him and quickly darted off as fast as her injuries would let her. Once she was confident that she was far enough away, she started the process to transform into her bat form, and if all went well she would fly off and get away from here as quickly as she could. --------------------- Vanwyn whimpered, her head shaking some, mane of feathers and hair hitting her neck several times over. She wanted to go home. To escape this. To never, ever see that blasted red color come from someone she cared about again! Her heart thudded against her chest, little white body trembling against the ground. The noises and movements around her, she ignored. If anything was making noise around her, she wasn't going to have it. She wasn't even going to consider it an option to listen to. She blocked out all sights and sounds from her mind.
That was until she felt her mother nudge her. And with the force of it, Vanwyn was forced to her feet. She opened her eyes, stumbling forward from the nudges, before allowing her mother to force her around. Eventually she was climbing the hill, and her claws dug into the surface as she moved, pushing her forward and catching her whenever she slipped. She made it slowly up the hill, tail flicking, before her ears pinned. She tried to look back toward her mother, tried to keep everything straight in her mind, but the fear of that monster was going to haunt her for the rest of her life.
The filly eventually made it up. Vanwyn found straight ground, and almost collapsed again, but her mother had urged her forward more until she was for sure within the grounds. Her eyes flickering, she found her body too stiff and scared to move, and slowly laid back down in the grasses. Let the adults talk. She just wanted to lay there and pretend it was all over.--------------------- Taarab caught the attempt at a blow last second, only barely managing to dodge the brunt that could have broken ribs and possibly speared internal organs or even have broken his neck, but what he did get still staggered him, causing him to wheeze and see stars in his eyes.
He stumbled sidewise than lashed out, meeting only air with his bleary eyes, only finding air to resist his claws, the rump of the skinwalker vanishing into the shrubbery. Shrieking, unsure of if the mare was making an attempt for the children, he began his charge after her.
--------------------------- "I'll do what I can. Now stay here, I'll send your family here to get you." her heart went to the filly, though she wasn't sure she fully understood it. The mare never knew her own father growing up, though she knew who he was as most mares, if the mother knew, were taught. He was a male, and the only males that mattered to Kamunyak was her adoptive son, even though he did not come from her blood, and whatever current partner she had, though even that was rare and purely business.
Vanya and the other two children's safety was top priority, followed by the hunting of the skinwalker and casting its life blood as an offering to appease the spirits as to end its reign of terror and remove the threat it presented. The well being of a stallion, even one as valuable, loyal, and productive within the flock, was not nearly as important to her as that, though...
Running the yards to the fighting scene from the slope, she noted that Galla was with the mother and children before she took a flying leap down the ravine to the river. The Pale hunteress spotted Taarab just as he took off after the skinwalker, further from Flock territory, "Taarab, Stand down!"
The stallion stumbled in his steps, turning away from the skinwalker too quickly for the physical state he was in, and tumbled onto his side with a squawk, and remained on his side panting for a few moments as the petite warrior stood over him. He lifted his head, panting, his eyes unfocused and pink foam in his mouth, "The.. The girls... Vanya... Safe? Skinwalker -- need stop.."
Kamunyak couldn't help but feel a bit of respect for the stallion; Vanya, as graceful and elegant as she was, and with as much stamina as she needed to dance, was no warrior and her pretty feathers and long flowing hair would have simply dragged her down and possibly exposed her throat, especially since she knew the other mare, having grown up just a year younger than the lanky dancer. She never really took to the fighting classes with the same gusto as Kamunyak did, but not all mares were fighters, hunters, or warriors, many were gatherers or artists and only fought or hunted when in danger.
The male had recognized that Vanya and the children were more important and put his life on the line to give them a chance of survival during the attack. Sighing, Kamunyak decided to hold back on chasing the walker -- she had made a promise to a little girl to try and keep her sire alive. She looked him over, carefully opening his swollen eye with the dull round backs of her claws, placing them together and opening it gently to get a look at the two eyes. She note the difference in his dilated eyes -- the multiple hits to his head clearly gave him a concussion, and he was hanging onto conciousness. Touches and sounds alerted her to different injuries -- a cracked rib, not broken all the way through there, a torn muscle here.
She snorted, turning to the other guard, trying her best to not be impressed with how much damage he put up with, knowing how intolerant of pain most stallions were, "Galla! I want you to do a patch job on the Oracle's Pet here and get Vanya, The children, and Taarab to the closest Guard Camp -- they can call for a proper healer there, but we need to gather up the warriors for the hunt."
Turning her head, she addressed the two daughters she could see, ".... Vanwyn.. Vaniania. I'm going to need you to be strong for your mother."
She hesitated, glancing down at the stallion, biting her bottom lip, but she kept her voice soft and soothing, the older mare's maternal instinct making her heart go out to the children. "... As well as... Your 'daddy'. You keep an eye on him and make sure he does everything the healer tells him to do, okay? You were all so very brave today. It's only going to be a bit longer."
------------------------  Galla's head spun quickly to see where Taraab and the walker were. Her eyes fell upon Kamunyak sliding down to the ravine where Taraab rested. Galla could feel a catch in her throat--she'd grown up with Taraab. He was just a few months younger than her, and these were his foals. She dig her claws in, her wings fluttering as she kept guard and awaited some direction from Kamunyak. "It's okay, Vanya," she said soothingly. "The others are on their way, your safe sister. You're all safe." Nothing appeared to be approaching. She heard Kamunyak's order, and hastily made her way to the edge, "I'll be right back." Sliding and running, she reached Taraab and Kamunyak. He looked awful, bruised and battered worse than most other injuries she'd ever seen. She'd never been a very proficent healer--it had never been her gift so she had trained rarely in it, something she was regretting at the moment. Leaning down to him, she touched her horn to his forehead. "I'm not very good at this, but we should be able to get you back to someone more accomplished in healing." She closed her eyes for a moment, focusing on trying to do what she could. Hopefully, it was enough to help him be at least little less confused and able to walk. She backed away, "Can you rise?" ----------------------------- ] Hissing softly at the first harsh sting of things beginning to stitch closed, the cuts on his face starting to knit and regrow lost tissues, he finally relaxed as the dulling agent of the Unicorn healing magic settled in. It was weak, the mares healing more by instinct than training and being of mixed blood, but it was enough that the swelling of his face over his eye and brain, the pain in his chest and ribs lessened. However a quick overview showed he was still badly hurt, but it wasn't likely lethal, if he took it carefully.
Trying to roll over on his own, the stallion cried out a bit, his legs curling up as he flinched inwards. His sides hurt horribly and he panted in pain, having trouble working through the pain on his own, "I... I can try, but I think I'll need help."
He had never felt more vulnerable in his life before, except for the times he had sat alone, a hundred miles away from home and waiting for the Queen to return from the hunt on his way too and from the temple of the ancestral lands, or when he lost his brother to the river. And never before had he felt so much physical pain, so much fear, so much anger. Now that he knew his children were safe, he found himself trying to call upon reserves of energy he wasn't sure he had.
Kamunyak sighed softly, glancing nervously towards the forest, knowing the walker was getting further away by the second, then back at the injured stallion. She shifted, trying to help brace the much larger stallion. Her feet shifted and skid on the leaf litter, the 'arena' slick with the blood of both combatants. It was horribly difficult to get a grip on the ground, even though his bleeding had slowed almost to a stop and his body refreshed by the innate healing abilities of the dark blue mare, he was weak from the loss and the pain.
Finding a tree root, she dug in, pushing against the back of the stallion to try and roll him over, talking to distract them both "Taarab, I'm going to need a description of the skinwalker. Anything you can tell me about it would help... And I'd rather not upset the girls more by asking them. Gender, breed, color, markings... Pure or cursed?"
Struggling to get up, he whimpered softly, rolling onto his stomach to get his legs under his body, but still having issues getting up, especially with how small in comparison Kamunyak was -- a swift and deadly warrior she was, but she wasn't build for brute strength.
"Ah. Pale, I think female... Purples pinks and blues... Had leathery wings and big ears -- A batwalker? Can Skinwalkers even be bats?" He panted, still in pain and still disoriented, but good enough that if he got some leverage and had someone to lean on, he could likely get to his feet and walk, though slowly.
"I'll tell you after I skin her myself as a trophy." Kamunyak joked, leaving Galla to the grunt work of helping the stallion upright, knowing she would likely strain a muscle or get him part of the way up then find herself trapped under him, "You did good today.. You know... For a stallion. Just leave this to the experts."
She pointed a claw at him, giving a stern look, sounding for all the world serious, "And don't tell anyone I said that; The other hunter's may think I'm going soft."
The two shared a soft laugh, the mare feeling rather awkward about the whole situation, unsure of what to think. She then shook her head, "I trust you have this under control, Galla.. And if you don't, assistance is on the way. May the Great Mother watch over you... Wish me luck on the hunt."
Moving to the actual scene of the fight, the hunter observed the markings, judging how the scuffle went before sniffing at the splashes of blood, at times nibbling at it. She licked her lips, eyes tightening slightly. She followed the path of the fight before taking after the trail of the predator, watching for signs, watching as the hoofprints shrunk down, shifting shape, then the temporary moment where only the back claws touched and the front wings tapped the ground before she took to the air, instead leaving a trail of blood.
Smiling slightly, Kamunyak's crest slicked back, her brilliant eyes piercing through the ivory facemask she wore to protect her face during attacks, Let the hunt begin.
(OOC: Aaaand Kamunyak is now out of the rp! If you want to read her part of story past this point, you can follow it here:
The Hunter is Being Hunted)
---------------------------  Galla made a promise to herself then and there--she would learn how to heal enough to actually be useful. It had been foolish of her o neglect it wholly when it was an asset to the flock and her people. She watched as Taraab struggled to his feet, and she moved toward him to help support his weight. "May the Great Mother keep you and grace you in this hunt," she inclined her head to Kamunyak as she tried to adjust herself next to Taraab. "We just have to make it up this hill Taraab, then it'll be more flat going. Vanya and your little ones are there. Just lean on me." She dug her claws into the soft earth as they began to move.
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Posted: Tue Aug 13, 2013 9:19 pm
Vanmoriel shivered a little; not from cold, but from fear and loneliness. Her ears twitched and she noticed that for the first time she couldn't hear anything and that scared her more than the sounds of her sisters' cries and her father's grunts as he fought the beast. Was it over or had they lost? She decided she didn't want to wait to find out. Picking herself up from the ground, she quickly moved back to where it all happened.
Her eyes scanned, looking for the walker relieved to find she was no where to be seen. She spotted her mother laying on the ground and ran to her, nuzzling her and chirping. "Mama.. It's okay now. The monster's gone." She nipped at her a little before running over to her sisters and doing the same. She sniffed the air a little and her father's familiar scent began moving towards her. She ran to the edge of the hill and peered down at him. "Papa!" Her heart threatened to jump out of her throat; he was so beaten, so hurt.. She turned around.. Where was Kamunyak? Was she going after the monster? Vanmoriel bit her lip, worrying about the older mare and praying to the Great Mother to keep her safe; to keep everyone safe and make her Papa better.
Trotting around in place, she went back to her mother's side and waited for orders from Galla. ---------------------- ] Vanya's ears twitched in response to Galla's all familiar voice. It soothed her and she was glad the mare was here. She felt safer with her family around. Despite that, the feeling of uselessness still outweighed everything. She felt as if she had been defeated and she hadn't even fought. Galla was gone, useful in more ways than her fighting skills. Her ears flicked as she heard the pitter patter of approaching feet and looked up in time to see Vanmoriel coming towards her. She was safe, thank the Mother. She returned the nuzzle and realised how pitiful she must look. She was a mare of the flock; weakness was not something she should show. Not at a time like this, not when she had three daughters who were looking at her as an example.
She sniffled and wiped her eyes on her arm before rising. She watched as Vanmoriel ran back and forth, taking charge in motivating everyone and smiled lightly. Her attention moved to Taarab, now approaching the flat grounds at the top of the hill. Galla supporting him and soothing him with kind words. She took a hesitant step towards them and then another and then she was half running towards them. "Taarab..," she breathed out, half whisper half choking sob. "You fool!" Tears rolled down her cheeks as she took in his appearance. Galla's healing had taken away any danger of him dying right then and there and the healers would take care of the rest.
Of course she wasn't angry at him for doing what he did. She believed him to be the bravest of all the stallions in the flock and could never repay him for what he did. But the thought of losing him.. the thought of their daughters losing him after knowing him.. She moved to his side and supported him along with Galla, nuzzling his side a little; trying to be mindful of his injuries. "It's okay.. You saved us."
-------------------
It took a little while for Taarab to get up the hill, but he was smiling at Vanya as she scolded him, one ear stitching itself closed as she watched, though it was clear the residual magic of Galla's was already wearing off, his eyes holding pain as he moved and he accepted the extra support with a sigh of relief, limping slightly and trying to breath slowly. It hurt to take deep breaths, but he knew if he was going to get to the guardcamp, he was going to need to avoid hyperventilating.
"It's simply an honor to be able to protect you, the children, and the flock." Taarab laughed once before wincing with a hiss, before biting his lip, not wanting to frighten the children worse.
---------------------- ]
Cuddling up against her sisters but staying near her mother's side, Vaniania chirruped softly, "are you sure we're safe now?"
Her eyes were big, soft and sad, crest fallen and head drooped low. She was nearly underfoot as they walked, not wanting to be out of the safety of the adult's presence.
Her gaze turned to her father and Galla, pouting as they walked, her heart breaking at the sight of one of the few stallions in the world that actually mattered at all in such a condition, "are we all safe?"
Glancing over at his daughters, he smiled weakly, realizing they were too young to have yet hear the childhood stories that made Guards, warriors, and Hunters sound nigh indestructible, Not officially old enough to start their joint classes where nannies and nursemaids would tell them the stories, though they would be starting for them soon.
They'd learn the truth eventually, but for now, it was better for them to think they were safe, "We're safe now..You see the clawmarks on the trees behind us? Those are the boarders written out by the guards, letting those to know that these lines are the Flocks..."
He paused to catch his breath, glancing away so his children couldn't see the pain in his eyes. Talking helped get his mind off of the pain, but it also was painful to do, making him lightheaded, "Only trained adult mares ever have real need to pass these without a protector such as Galla here. Adult mares, such as your mother... And now we're safely within the boarders, with not only Galla and Vanya, but more on the way, and Kamunyak or another mare going to slay the monster... I hope you girls can promise your mother you will not pass the boarders again until you're adults."
Sniffing, Vaniania nodded, eyes wet with tears as she nuzzled against her mother, eyes lifting to hers, "I won't go out again, mama. I promise!" She started sobbing in relief, releasing the fear, "I dunwanna go out there ever again! They'll make everything all better and we can play near the cave from now on! The Outland stinks and I hate it."
------------------ Galla could feel the thin sheen of sweat erupting over her skin as she helped Taraab up. She was not tall or solidly muscled thanks to her families more dainty heritage. She was not what one would expect of a guard--but she was powerful enough to make a difference and she could fly and hide well. Her wings were a great asset to the flock, or could be under different circumstances. She was smaller than Taraab, but it made it easier for her to support him with her shoulder muscles. It took some time, but they made it to the top. He seemed to be okay, his face possibly even brightening rather than draining at his family's appearance at the top of the hill. Her healing magic wasn't strong, and the wounds that had carefully knit together would begin to break back open with the effort he was exerting. Her voice was calm and measured, "We can't stop. We're safe. Kamunyak will take care of the threat until others can join her, but we have to keep going--try to meet those coming to find us." She felt the acid in her stomach start a little, this was something she felt helpless with. Fighting she had an edge, but not now in healing and helping injured--she felt nearly helpless. "Let's keep going Vanya," she tried to see the other mare on the other side of Taraab. "Let's get to safety and healers." --------------------------- Vanmoriel watched her mother run off to her father's side and stayed with her sisters until they too ran towards him. She quickly joined her mother's side and choked out a sob; she had tried to be brave but this, the sight of her father beaten and bloody. So close and so.. foreign. It was a lot more than her young mind and innocence could handle. She stuck to her mother's side and tried to help support her father, leaning against her mother and sniffling.
At least they were safe now. The monster was gone and Kamunyak was going to make sure it would stay away for good. Vanmoriel's eyes scanned the land around them. The flowers here were wonderful, different hues and colours to those that grew closer to the nesting grounds. But she would never come this far out again; it was not worth the risk of her life and the lives of others. She was terrified of the outside lands. If they had been any further out, she might have lost her father and she shook at the thought of losing him or anyone else for that matter.
They had been lucky; blessed with the protection of the flock and their father."Can we go home now?" She looked up at her parents with teary eyes, pouting.
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Posted: Tue Aug 13, 2013 10:33 pm
LOLTERNATIVE Vanya nodded at Galla and kept supporting Taarab; she wasn't as strong as she normally was, spending her free time with her children rather than dancing; but what muscle and strength she had mixed with adrenaline and an urge to protect what was hers gave her the boost she needed. She felt Vanmoriel moved to her side and smiled down at her, trying to reassure the young girl. As much as she wanted to cuddle and sooth them, Taarab needed her attention at the moment. The girls had been lucky enough to not be harmed during this ordeal.
"We can go home once your father is with the healers, my loves." Turning to Taarab she frowned lightly. "I'll have the oracle let you stay with me until you're completely healed. You'll only make yourself worse traveling to and from. At least there will always be someone around if you need anything."
Her eyes moved forward once more and she took a deep breath. She wondered how the Oracle would react to this. Taarab was under her protection and while he hadn't died and would eventually recover; he'd still been hurt. The Oracle would have every right to take away her rights to see him and that thought scared her a little.
Vanya shook her head, ridding her mind of those thoughts. It wasn't her fault; neither of them were fighters and they were attacked by a walker. They'd both done their parts; he protecting the women and she protecting her children. Surely the Oracle would understand that..
"Not long now, Taarab. Hang in there."
techabyte Vanwyn blinked, her eyes blurry from tears that threatened to fall. Taking a deep breath, she tried to keep herself calm. But it all failed. She was scared. Defenseless. Nervous. Shaking out her head, she felt her mane of feathers and hair hit her neck and face a bit. Within moments, she let her body slowly stand. Vanwyn wouldn't sit here. Not so close to the boarders. Not so close to the danger still. Her heart thudded in her chest, and for a moment, she wanted to go to her mother and hide as best as she could.
The thought left her mind quickly though. Vanwyn's eyes fell upon her father's body. Bloody. Beaten. In pain. A strong stallion, in Vanwyn's eyes, was now possibly cripple. And it was all her fault. Her eyes quickly moved away, staring at the green grass beneath her claws. She gulped, taking a deep breath. She shouldn't have asked about the boarders. Shouldn't have even gotten close enough to fall. Mother had said no. She has warned them of the dangers. And yet Vanwyn still flirted with them, and eventually fallen, and got this huge mess. Now her father could die, and it was all her fault.
She couldn't help the tears this time, letting them fall freely, before she took a couple steps back, her breath coming out in short pants. Vanwyn couldn't see this, coudln't sit and watch as her father struggled and her mother seemed so upset. Her sisters distressed and in shock and fear. She couldn't see this. Not now. Turning as quickly as her little body could let her, Vanwyn ran. She made a beeline for the nests, wanting nothing more than to hide within the small place she called home. Smell the familiar smells. Feel the familiar feels. She wanted home, and she would run as fast as she could to get it. Roniel Targaryen  Skinwalker! The alarm call did not reach Aquilina until the skinwalker had fled, though she couldn't have known that fact. All she knew was that there were skinwalkers afoot and that it was her family out there being attacked by them. She had been enjoying a lazy chat with Morkin about his progress as an artisan, but such indolent pleasures were for another time. As soon as she heard about the attack she raced out ahead of him, not knowing whether he followed or not. Her bells rang shrilly as she bounded in a tense discord. She only hoped that when she got there she wouldn't find any of her beloved family torn to pieces.
She heard the foal running before she saw her. Aquilina caught a glimpse through the trees of a white foal with a sea green mane. "Vanwyn!" She instantly recognized her and bounded to the foal's side. Vanwyn was all alone. Aquilina wondered in a chilling instant what this meant for the rest of the family. They couldn't possibly have all fallen to skinwalker claws, could they?
"Vanwyn, what's going on? Are you hurt?" Even while talking she scanned the area around them for enemies approaching. If there were skinwalkers about, any animal in the forest could be their enemy.techabyte She was unaware of the world around her. It was a blur, a mess of green and brown. The filly whimpered softly as she ducked her head, weaving through the trees, the bushes. She could feel her heart pounding hard against her chest. Se wanted nothing more than to go home, to curl up in the warmth of the nest. But she had to keep running to get there. She almost tripped at one point, but caught her footing at the last second.
A familiar voice hit her ears, and Vanwyn's head snapped up. Her bright eyes flickered, before spotting Aquilina, her elder sister. Claws digging into the grounds, the female stumbled again, and found herself once more laying upon the ground. She looked up at her sister in fear, eyes flickering, before breaking down into tears once more, her head ducking down, shoulders shaking some. She didn't want to face anything, didn't want to see anything back there.
"I... Monster hurt daddy... It's all my fault.. I... I shouldn't have left the boarders..." Vanwyn whimpered, tears streaking down her face. She shook her head some, before taking in a shaken, quivering breath. "K... Kamunyak... went after the monster... Mama and my sisters... are okay... Daddy... Daddy is..." Once more she couldn't speak, her voice leaving her as she cried. It was the first time that she had ever had her voice sounding like so. techabyte  Morkin smiled lightly, his hoof fall quiet. He talked in a soft tone toward the Harpy. He enjoyed every second he was with Aquilina. When they were apart, he was hard at work training to be one of the best welders in the Flock. His ears perked up though. Something wasn't right. Within seconds, he heard the cries, the alarms of a Skinwalker. Frowning, he stopped for a split second, before his eyes flickered, and watched as Aquilina bolted forward. Somewhat shocked, the stallion followed as closely as he dared, his eyes narrowed slightly with worry. He spotted the foal after Aquilina had addressed her. He stopped when he spotted her as well, listening with an intensity that he didn't know he even had.
A frown made it's way over Morkin's features. He lifted his eyes, scanning the area, thankful that he had the eyes of a Harpy at the least. He could see movement a little while off, but it was slow. There was no way it was the Walker. Glancing at Aquilina, he watched her for a few seconds, before murmuring soft enough for her ears only. "Mistress Aquilina... I am going to run ahead and see what is going on. I will come back and report word as soon as possible." He inclined his head lightly toward her, before taking to running once more.
When he finally saw what was making the motions, he relaxed for a moment. Morkin was glad it wasn't the walker. But at the state of Taarab, a very valued member of the Flock and a high ranking stallion, he got worried. Supporting him were two females, both smaller, and though they looked to be okay, Morkin knew that Vanya at least needed to tend to the two children that were currently trying to get some ease and comfort. Gulping, he moved forward quickly, and walked up beside Vanya. He dipped his head lightly, in a sort of greeting, before staring down at her. "Mistress... if I may, I can support Taarab easily enough." He said, voice soft, soothing.Roniel Targaryen  "Run swiftly," Aquilina whispered after Morkin as he left. She needed to know what was happening. If what her sister said was true, their father was hurt... maybe more than hurt. Harpy mares were not meant to be overly consumed by sentiment, but the prospect of her father dead or dying struck her deeper than she would have admitted. Belatedly she wondered if Morkin had just sent himself forward into that danger, but she couldn't follow him now. It would be the pinnacle of irresponsibility to leave her young sister alone in such a dangerous situation.
"It's going to be all right." She leaned down to nuzzle at Vanwyn and forced herself not to embrace the fear and uncertainty that pulled at her. She raised herself up again quickly to stay alert. "I'll protect you, and Morkin will..." Morkin had no fighting abilities at all that she was aware of. He wouldn't be help in a fight except maybe as a distraction. "Morkin will help our father."
A branch snapped and she whirled to stare, but it was only a rabbit. "The skinwalker, the monster... is it nearby? Or did Kamunyak chase it away?"LOLTERNATIVE Vanmoriel sucked in her breath. Would the healers be able to help? Would their father make a full recovery? She wondered if he would ever be the same.. If any of them would ever be the same.. Vanmoriel knew this day would haunt her for a long time to come. Most likely she won't be sleeping willingly; only passing out when exhaustion takes her or her parents give her some herbal remedy.
She watched as Vanwyn shot off and her heart beat heavy in her chest. Her sister must feel so guilty.. So terrible even thought it was an accident, a freakish coincidence and something out of her control. Vanmoriel wanted her to know that but knew that no matter how often she said as much, Vanwyn will never forgive herself. At least not today. Not while her father was bleeding.
Vanmoriel understood, in a way. She felt useless during the whole ordeal. She had run to get help that was already arriving but that was only an excuse to get away. An excuse to hide and be a coward. Of course, it didn't occur to her that she did the right thing. All she knew was that her family was in danger and she hadn't done anything but cry and hope for the best.
Scratching at the dirt, she sighed before looking up at the stallion arriving. She had seen him around before; he was a friend of her older sister, Aquilina. That meant she was around somewhere; perhaps with Vanwyn. She was glad Vanwyn wasn't alone, at least. "I'm going to make sure Vanwyn is okay." She took off in the direction her sister had shot off without an answer. They were close enough to the nesting grounds that she wasn't in any danger and the guards were all on alert now.
Vanmoriel spotted her sisters and trotted up to Vanwyn, nipping her rump before nuzzling Aquilina. "Papa's going to be okay. Morkin's helping. Kamunyak thinks he'll be fine once he gets to the healers. Galla helped him some." Sitting down next to Vanwyn, she nuzzled her. "It's gonna be okay. Just rest. We'll be able to go home soon." LOLTERNATIVE
Vanya grunted as they walked, beginning to feel the exhaustion a little more than she had when her adrenaline was pumping. She didn't give up though or falter. This wasn't about her; it was about protecting something she cared about. She would rest when everyone was safe. Vanwyn had taken off before she could even protest and at current, she couldn't even chase her down and console her. She had known being a mother was going to be hard but this made it the hardest thing in the world. She couldn't juggle being a harpy and a mother at this time and it was showing.
She looked up, ears twitching as Morkin arrived and she managed a weak smile. "I thought I told you Vanya was fine." She eyed Taarab and her lips pursed. He was the strongest, bravest stallion she knew at current and she didn't want to leave his side. She wanted to protect him; believed she was the only one for the task. "I'm fine. Can you take Vaniania to the others and bring them to the healer caves? I'd like them checked over, too, just in case."
Vanya shifted her weight. "Let Aquilina know.. Tell her I'm sorry." She chewed on her bottom lip, tears threatening to spill and reveal her insecurities. "Tell her I'm sorry I couldn't protect him."
mindsend "Vanw-" Taarab's voice caught in his throat as he coughed, unable to call back the eldest from running on without them -- he understood her fear and desire for the safety of the nests, but she shouldn't be alone in the woods -- it had been a day trip to get out to the southern edge of the territory, their group nesting temporarily in some Traveler-nests, often used by guards, hunters, and foragers heading out on a hunting party of sorts. She'd be alone with a skinwalker out and about, and he was too injured to chase after her.
He picked the pace up slightly, though he found himself running of breath as he struggled through the pain, eyes tight as he tried to catch up with his spry little girls.
However when Morkin arrived, Taarab's eyes tightened slightly in confusion, the stallion staggering to a slower pace, wheezing as he tried to catch his breath, seeming more confused than he normally would be in the situation, "...Morkin? What... Shouldn't you be heading back to the nests, there's a skinwalker in the area.."
Nyx Queen of Darkness Galla Sile shouldered Taarab's weight along with Vanya. It was just a little further and they were home and to the healers. She had been foolish to not focus on healing as a foal. It had been stupid to think that she wouldn't need it as much a a guard--idiotic to think that it wouldn't be useful or life-saving. She took a deep breath, they were nearly home. Morkin, the stallion came close and she could see hear the offer of help. "Vanya, it's okay--whatever you need to do," she wasn't sure what was going through Vanya's mind at current, if she wanted to stay or go. She wouldn't know what to do herself either if it had been her. ((sorry guys X_X)) techabyte  Morkin blinked, his bright eyes locked on Vanya, before lingering to Taarab. He looked horrid. Usually that stallion was one he admired and dreamed to be somewhat like, but right now, he wished nothing more than to help him get to safety. Flicking his ears, he looked back toward Vanya, and blinked, letting a small smile shift over his features. His eyes flickered to look over their shoulders, staring toward the boarders, before he turned his attention back down to Vanya. He nodded easily, body firm. "You can rely on me, Vanya. I will get little Vaniania to Mistress Aquilina, and then ensure they are all taken to the caves." When she seemed to get farther upset, he pressed his body to hers in a somewhat comforting way, letting his nose lightly nuzzle her neck. "Don't fret. I am sure my Mistress will not be upset with you. But I will relay the message. And we will see all of you at the caves."
He started forward, lightly nudging Vaniania to head toward where he knew Aquilina was. Morkin only stopped when he heard Taarab speak. He looked back, staring some, before shaking out his mane, and let out a small grunt. "You're right... But when we heard the cries... Mistress Aquilina ran off, to go aid everyone, and I followed. I suppose I should have gone back to the nests. We ran into Vanwyn. She's fine, and safe. Vanmoriel is there as well, I caught sight of her as I was coming here. Don't worry, Taarab. Your daughters, all of them, are safe. As are you. We will see you soon. I promise." He said, before turning and nudging the little filly forward once more. "Come, Vaniania. Let's get you to your sisters."
Morkin moved slowly, just in case Vaniania was still startled. His long legs moved easily, and his mind was a flurry of activity. He was nervous, and scared, but was refusing to show it. Aquilina was waiting for him to return, waiting to hear news. And he was going to ensure that she got the news that she needed. He would ensure she got it as swiftly as he could deliver it, and they would make their way to the caves. He knew Taarab would be okay...
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxHe was too strong of a stallion to be able to die here and now.techabyte Vanwyn whimpered, her little head ducking as best as she could. She wanted to just escape and never have to go back again! She felt the nuzzle of her elder half sister, and opened her small, tear filled eyes. Staring up at the bright purple blue feathers and the serious face made her scared all the more. But she seemed to relax ever so slightly at the feel of her sister near her. Shifting a bit, she leaned closer to where Aquilina was, and opened her mouth to answer, but only a whimper came out, and she ducked her head once more, her white body trembling from fear and stress.
Vanwyn jumped when Vanmoriel appeared. She hadn't expected that. Lifting her eyes, she watched her youngest sister, staring some. She felt the nuzzles, and the comfort, and felt just a bit better. Pressing her head against Vanmoriel's neck, she let out a small sob. It was all too much for her, and despite being the eldest, and trying to be strong, it was hard, and only getting harder. She took a deep breath, before lifting her head and stared up toward her elder sister, heart thudding hard in her chest. "... Papa... Is going to be okay? Right...?" She whispered, voice trembling. LOLTERNATIVE
Vanya's eyes met Galla's and her expression was as serious as it had ever been. "My place is here for now. My girls are stronger than they realise. They'll get through this." She hoped, at least. It would be hard, no doubt. For all of them. Nightmares and constant fear that they may never grow out of. Not to mention Taarab's wounds that may leave scars as a terrible reminder to them all every time they looked at him. Vanya's heart was in her throat as that thought crossed her mind and she swallowed hard to hold back the tears and sobs that wanted to break her. It was best not to think like that; she needed to be stronger for everyone.
Stiffening and masking her emotions, she nodded towards Morkin as a way of thanks and smiled at Vaniania. "Go with Morkin, dear. He'll take you to your sisters and to safety."
Eying Taarab from her place at his side, she strengthened against him, knowing he wouldn't last much longer. "We have to keep moving if we want to get him home before he looses consciousness. Enough chit chat, Taarab. Worry about yourself for once." She took a step forward, indicating she was serious and waited for him to follow suit. As harsh as she was being, she knew he'd understand that she didn't mean it. She knew he'd know she was just worried and stressed and upset. She'd make it up to him later.
LOLTERNATIVE Vanmoriel nuzzled and comforted her sister, her young mind not knowing what else to do or say. Was there anything else she could do? Anything that would make her sister feel less guilty than she already did? Vanmoriel highly doubted it; but she kept that to herself. There wasn't anything anyone could do; this was something Vanwyn would have to work past herself. She was sure her sister would do just that; it would simply take time and patience from everyone else.
Looking around, she strained her eyes to see if she could see anyone arriving. A flash of colour caught her attention and she realised Morkin was returning with Vaniania. Good. At least they could be together. "Vanwyn," she nibbled on the filly's ear as she whispered. "Vaniania's coming. We'll be going home now I bet. Then we can wait for mama and forget this ever happened."
As soon as the words came out of her mouth, she knew they were the wrong words to say to Vanwyn. How would she ever forget this? Vanmoriel sighed and leaned against her sister, comforting her as best as she could. "We'll be okay." mindsend Vaniania hesitated behind, looking back at her mother and father. Giving a stiff lip, she danced in place, looking back and forth before chirruping, "It's ok -- we'll get some healers and daddy'll be all better." before bolting off after him, though she wasn't sure how safe it'd be following a strange male in a time of danger, but he was of the flock, and her mother trusted him.
She chirpped and chirruped as she caught up with Morkin, keeping close to the older soquili, listening for her Basketmates, hoping they'd come meet them so they could run for the guard outpost and hopefully get ahold of a healer.
Cause their daddy was hurt, and him being hurt upset momma, and her sisters, and would likely upset Gramma Zahraa' and Step-sister Laveda. Even the Queen would likely be upset to know a skinwalker had attacked them -- though the girl didn't know the queen wouldnt be too upset about the injury of Taarab for his own sake, but rather the fact that a skinwalker had attacked flock foals.
Spotting their white forms, she chirruped loudly again, "Vanwyn! Vanmoriel! Come on lets go -- we're being runners!"
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Posted: Tue Aug 13, 2013 10:36 pm
LOLTERNATIVE Vanmoriel stood and nudged at her sisters rump, coaxing her to stand on her legs and join Vaniania. She was glad of the Flock at this moment; glad of the sisters - and stallions - in their lives. Aquilina; their older sister protecting them; Morkin doing anything he could to help. Vanmoriel realised there would only be more help when they returned; more sisters to watch over them and make sure they were okay and that was something Vanwyn needed right now; she needed to not be alone with her thoughts that blamed her for everything that was beyond her control. Vanmoriel nudged her again, a little harder this time.
"Let's go home, Vanwyn. We'll wait for mama and papa there."
Vanmoriel butted her head against Vaniania, nuzzling her softly; glad she knew what to say and do. The filly shifted her weight between her legs and looked up at Morkin with a soft smile of thanks. She flicked the hair out of her face and waited for Vanwyn to join them so they could escape it all and work towards healing; physically and emotionally. mindsend Letting out a slight sigh of relief knowing the girls were being taken towards the nesting grounds, Taarab found it a little easier to travel knowing that they were being taken to safety, the tension and stress lifting from his shoulders, though his pace slowed as he stopped pushing himself so hard.
However a shuddering step showed he was still, indeed, very much hurt, "I think... This is going to take more than the hours walk it took us to get here to get to the guard outpost.. Perhaps we should try some... Ngh.. deep breathing?"
LOLTERNATIVE
Vanya looked forward, frowning. Taarab was right; it was going to take them a while to get him to safety and to healers. Though they had been walking for a while, they hadn't made a great amount of progress. She squared herself against Taarab, offering more support and looked at him from the corner of her eye.
"Is there something Galla can do? Perhaps more healing might ease the pain some."
Taking in a deep breath, she released it slowly, trying to calm her nerves. Deep breaths; it might distract him a little. "With me. In," she sucked in another breath. "And out." Releasing it, she found focusing on making sure Taarab was okay was distracting her; keeping her from her own thoughts of guilt and shame. She simply did not have time to wallow in her sorrow.Nyx Queen of Darkness Galla felt like a failure. Of all the things she had planned in her time in the flock. She had anticipated great battles--tales of her valour. She had even thought there might be one day celebrations in her honour or well...something. But the truth of the matter was boiling down to this. She was a failure. What did it matter that she coudl fight when when her crowning asset, a gift given by her ancestors was the gift she had neglected? How had she overlooked what would mean the most to her people in her own vanity? Taking a deep breath, she paused. "Vanya..." she let her voice drift. "I need to try to do more. I don't know if I can do more, I'm not trained...I'm not prepared for this. But he's lost so much blood...and he's in pain. I need to try to ease it, if you trust me Sister?" She looked at Vanya, asking her to trust her with this though she had no right or reason to trust her skill. "All I can do is try...." techabyte Morkin paused in his way of walking. He stared back toward the mares and the hurt stallion, before silently praying that they would be all right. Turning back forward, he trotted forward with Vaniania, keeping a careful eye on her. He refused to allow someone that was placed in his charge be put in pain. Tilting his head up, he flicked his gaze. A bird here, an animal there. Everything that stirred made him flinch and tense, but he didn't let the fear slip into his eyes. Instead, he surged forward, nudging Vaniania when he felt necessary.
As soon as Aquilina was in sight, he relaxed. Morkin sent her a small smile, before moving a little faster, and approached, his head almost going to nuzzle her, but he stopped himself, eying the three children with a careful stare. They were all safe. Now, he had to get them to safety, and to their parents. Taking a deep breath, he turned his eyes to his Mistress. "Taarab is badly injured... Vanya says she is sorry, but I assured her you would not be upset. I hope I was not in the wrong, Mistress. She asks that we bring the young foals to the healers caves to wait, until the others make their way there. I think it wise to do so, Mistress." He stated, before turning his eyes down toward the three foals once more, watching them interact. It almost made him want children of his own... but putting them in a circumstance like this... that was not something he wanted to go though. techabyte Vanwyn whimpered, her head ducking. Despite her Vanmoriel's attempts to cheer her up, she was scared. She wanted to just go back home, and have this day have never happened. Her ears flicked up, and she peered up at her elder sister, before down toward the youngest of her siblings. She leaned forward a bit, and nudged her sister lightly against the neck, eyes closing tightly. She took in a deep, shuddering breath, before slowly forcing herself to stand up on the grass, her legs trembling. She was scared. Way too scared. And felt to blame. She took a deep breath, before letting her eyes flicker, before locking at her sibling again.
It was then that she heard her other sibling. Turning her head, Vanwyn let out a sigh of relief at seeing Vaniania. Runners? What did she mean? Tilting her head, Vanwyn watched her with bright, scared eyes. "What do you mean... r-runners?" She asked, her eyes flickering from one sibling to another. She looked up at Morkin when he approached, staring at him with wide eyes. So her dad really was hurt. Biting her lower lip, Vanwyn lowered her eyes again, her ears drooping to lay against her head. mindsend "Runners!" Vaniania nuzzled Vanwyn's cheek, nosing it softly, "We're running a message, getting help." The terminology was usually used in the girls only classes of the second years, but the sepia colored mare had overheard some of the older girls talking about the different professions and what they think they'd be good at, and when they played Warcamp the older girls would often assign one of the girls as a 'runner', acting as a messenger to the "nest", a tree central to their play area.
The pale filly danced a bit in place, not comfortable just standing there when they had to go, "We need to go get help. The adult's can't go as fast"
She butted her head against her sisters rump, trying to get her to stop moping, pounding her feet on the ground in anxiety. All of her instincts were telling her to run, but she wanted to make sure her sister would be coming with.
mindsend Taarab took a deep breath and tried to shake his head, wobbling slightly as it rattled his head a bit. He let a breath go, still moving slowly, so very slowly towards the guard camp despite his cracked ribs, torn muscles, and mild concussion, "Mistress Galla... P-perhaps you should save your energy. There's still a skinwalker about, and if someone else got hurt.." He stumbled slightly, his leg nearly giving out and causing him to lean a little heavier on Vanya.
Standing there, he took slow, deep breaths, focusing past the pain. He'd never experienced pain of this level before -- accidents were thankfully rare, though sometimes the wild non-spirit touched animals they captured were vicious and could give a bite, gore, or trample if mishandled, which thankfully had yet to happen beyond a small n** breaking the skin, and he'd never encountered an enemy. Closest thing he ever had was when he was in his first year and played the outsider in the games of the fillies, oftentimes not by his own choice, and was often tackled and his ears nibbled on and he found himself sometimes led around by a vine.
This was no game. Steadying himself, he continued, "if someone else was to get hurt, I wouldn't want you to be unable to help them. With how close we are to the borders, you'd be the first they'd meet if any come back injured. Especially since I'm.. Slowing the group down."
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