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Post by Terris on Jun 20, 2014 15:14:19 GMT -8
Terris was well and truly getting used to this whole dragon riding thing. The saddle he had been working on since first bonding Akanth was improving, and he was able to fly longer, faster, and maneuver better than he ever had before. The saddle was almost perfect now. As soon as he had leather straps to harness himself in, he would be well and truly able to stick to his dragon like glue, even if Akanth decided to fly upside down, or complete a midair barrel roll. And leather was the reason why Terris and Akanth were flying sedately over the black sands of Ebon Drifts. It was gazelle hunting time.
You may be in luck. It looks like rain over there Akanth said in the knight's head. Terris peered out over the expanse of sky to some ominous looking clouds in the distance. He sighed. He didn't like getting wet, and didn't really see the significance of rain, though figured being a little damp was better than getting bugs in his mouth, which seemed to happen often when he and Akanth flew at speed over the desert.
"What's the significance of rain?" he asked, curious now as to why rain would be lucky.
The Kurbok tend to give birth on the rare occasions that it rains in the desert. If you are lucky you will be able to get soft leather from the abandoned fawns. the dragon replied, a little impatiently. Terris was somewhat horrified at the prospect.
"Carve up newborns? That's a little sadistic don't you think? Im not a butcher!" but he was...images of a town on fire, young children ripped from their mothers, the elderly slaughtered, even the holy man, face down in the baptism font, the water red. It was generations ago, in a different realm, for all he knew an entirely different universe, but the memories still haunted him. Those deaths, that blood was on his hands, and he would never be able to forget that.
Hush now. None of that was your fault, not really. You did none of the killing, it was the men under you. You never ordered that. The dragon sent waves of calming warmth to the night, and slowed his pace as the first drops of rain began to fall on his soft, warm hide. He could see the herd now, and true to form, the vast majority were giving birth to their fawns, with a few elerly females on guard duty.
He landed a safe distance away, waited for the knight to dismount and then spoke once more. Wait here until the mothers choose which fawns they will be keeping, then you can go in and end the lives of those fawns they abandon. This way you will be doing them a mercy, because a swift death is far preferable than starving to death the dragon instructed, and was somewhat disheartened when Terris was still reluctant.
"I have a better idea, call the other riders, and anyone else you can find. When the mothers leave, we will attempt to save as many as possible. A quick death will wait for any we can't save. I will get my leather there. Also, get someone to milk the two herdbeasts, and bring the milk, and my rags to me." he said, and Akanth inclined his head in understanding, and disappeared.
(ooc: 500 word challenge. Mouth, baptism, sadistic - 572 words)
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Post by Terris on Jun 20, 2014 15:16:15 GMT -8
KUR-001 - The quiet priestess - Female - White with a few brown freckles on underbelly and a large black spot on an otherwise pink nose. INT:56 STR:29 DEF:20 SPD:55 END:55 DEX:32 MAG:20 CHA:19 LUK:22 Height:4'6" Weight:1197lbs Mindspeech:86afdf This little female lives a life of quiet contemplation. She is in tune with nature, and the gods, and often, it seems like she knows about an important event long before it happens. You may see her collecting items she deems useful for you before you even known you are going on a quest, but if you were to ask her she would deny all knowledge. Whatever secrets she knows, she keeps to herself.
KUR-002 - The Masquerade - Female - Black with cream underbelly and a white mask. INT:57 STR:21 DEF:20 SPD:51 END:45 DEX:36 MAG:16 CHA:16 LUK:27 Height:5' Weight:856lbs Mindspeech:7c18a3 It is very hard to really get to know this female. She is guarded, hiding much of herself, even from her bonded. She hides her true self behind a layer of masks, and one can never know for sure whether what she says is something she truly believes, or if it it is all just an illusion.
KUR-003 - The Masked Bandit - Male - Light grey, white mask, black dorsal stripe and leg stripes. INT:53 STR:36 DEF:35 SPD:46 END:44 DEX:40 MAG:11 CHA:16 LUK:21 Height:6' Weight:927lbs Mindspeech:62b648 This charming rogue will steal your heart, then your wallet. He should probably not be trusted, but people appear to do so anyhow. Even when he is pilfering your belongings, you cant help but be charmed by his good natured humour.
KUR-004 - The Special Snowflake - Male - Completely white male with a few black spots around the lower legs, close to the hooves. INT:58 STR:38 DEF:35 SPD:41 END:47 DEX:39 MAG:9 CHA:12 LUK:27 Height:5'5" Weight:1209lbs Mindspeech:fdc73d Everything had better go this little fawn's way OR ELSE. Or else what? Or else he will throw the tantrum to end all tantrums. He does not particularly get along with others of his kind, or anyone else for that matter, unless they are doing his bidding, or giving him attention in one way or another.
KUR-005 - The Lonely Warrior - Male - Light grey with dark grey points on ears, muzzle and legs, several large white patches. INT:60 STR:39 DEF:27 SPD:54 END:46 DEX:38 MAG:6 CHA:17 LUK:21 Height:5'7" Weight:916lbs Mindspeech:0e5276 Quiet and reserved most of the time, this male desperately craves company, but would never dare admit it. He feels needing someone is a form of weakness, and he strives to not appear weak in front of anyone. If he says he doesnt need anybody, and lashes out, it is when he probably needs you the most. Even though he has his issues, he is fiercly loyal and will defend his bonded and anyone he cares about to the best of his ability.
KUR-006 - The Twisted Sorceress - Female - Dark brown with black points on ears, muzzle and legs, white mask and several small white spots on her rump. INT:59 STR:26 DEF:38 SPD:51 END:45 DEX:31 MAG:20 CHA:15 LUK:20 Height:5' Weight:1161lbs Mindspeech:b51577 This little lady is a piece of work. She has a mean streak about six inches wide running down the middle of her back, though she keeps it well hidden. Sweet to your face, when your back is turned, she will plunge the proverbial knife into it, then smile innocently. You do not want to cross this little witch.
KUR-007 - The Wounded Knight - Male - Almost completely white with a few steel grey freckles flecked through his coat. INT:52 STR:25 DEF:26 SPD:57 END:57 DEX:37 MAG:11 CHA:15 LUK:22 Height:5'1" Weight:981lbs Mindspeech:626ec5 This gentleman is all about chivalry and manners. He pretends like nothing phases him, but deep down, harsh words will sting. The abandonment by his mother has left him wounded inside, and much like his brother, the Lonely warrior, he has a habit of pushing people away when he needs them most.
KUR-008 - The Shy Maiden - Female - Completely white female. No discernable markings. - BONDED TO REZI INT:58 STR:23 DEF:28 SPD:56 END:42 DEX:39 MAG:17 CHA:12 LUK:20 Height:4'1" Weight:1146lbs Mindspeech:2a7009 This female rarely ever makes eye contact or speaks at all. Social situations are not her scene, and she gets extremely uncomfortable if the spotlight shines on her in any way. This is not to say she is completely inept. She is comfortable with those she knows well, but it is breaking her out of her shell to begin with that is the hard part.
KUR-009 - The Sly Vagabond - Male - Dark brown with black points on ears, muzzle and legs, white mask, white zebra stripes on rump. INT:60 STR:36 DEF:38 SPD:47 END:44 DEX:39 MAG:19 CHA:19 LUK:19 Height:5'10" Weight:924lbs Mindspeech:ff8e15 This delightful rapscallion delights in adventure. He is always on the move, going from place to place and experiencing new things. He loves meeting new people and always has a story to tell. His motives may not always be pure, for he is a sly one, and will often be more than a little dishonest if it will give him some form of advantage, but it is in such a good-hearted way that most people forgive him easily.
KUR-010 - The Minstrel - Male - Almost completely white with very light grey roaning throughout the body INT:56 STR:29 DEF:22 SPD:52 END:51 DEX:40 MAG:11 CHA:20 LUK:18 Height:4'8" Weight:881lbs Mindspeech:a093b4 This little guy may not be much to look at, but he makes up for it with his voice. Extremely musically oriented, you will find him in taverns, enjoying the music, and often singing along in his own way. He loves anything creative, not just music. He will spend hours watching you plant flowers, or sit at your feet as you tell him a story. He loves good company, good food, and fun times.
KUR-011 - The Philosopher - Male - Dark brown with black points on ears, muzzle and legs, a black dorsal stripe and black stripes on legs. Tiny white spots all over body. INT:58 STR:32 DEF:36 SPD:55 END:44 DEX:33 MAG:9 CHA:15 LUK:16 Height:6' Weight:956lbs Mindspeech:e1cd3f This male likes to ponder the mysteries of the world. He spends long hours in quiet contemplation, often forgetting to eat or drink in his quest for the knowledge of why things are the way they are. He is full of questions, but if you happen to ask him a question, do not expect a straight answer. He loves to converse on an intellecual level, and to debate on minute details for hours.
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Post by Tidfe on Jun 20, 2014 23:30:20 GMT -8
Cain was just out for a walk with Able. No Dorth to worry about. No chicks trying to eat Able (which had proven to be a bad idea as the Hyper Imp's bark wasn't near as bad as his bite had been). All around, a calm day. Even with the rain clouds off in the distance darkening the horizon. Able kept close by Cain, on the look out for anything that could be consider edible. He was hungry and Cain was just glad he didn't have a stomach any more. If he had, he would have probably heard it grumbling and rumbling much like the Eld'rani's. Reaching down to pet the still young cub, he jumped as Dorth's voice echoed across his mind.
He even looked up at the sky and had to resist the groan as he noticed she was already getting ready to land. As if his fear and tension was contagious, Able stiffened as well. Ready to pounce on anything that got too close. Blame the Knight for this one. He is even more of a bleeding heart than you are my Cain. Picking them both up, she started to fly towards the rain. Explaining on the way, Cain was really tempted to bash Terris's head in. He hadn't realized yet that if he could get a kurbok, he wouldn't have to fly as much. All he thought about was the fact that he had to fly to this place. Able didn't share his fear though and highly enjoyed the ride, flinging out his paws to catch the wind. All too soon it seemed like, they were landing beside Terris. Hello. I have brought Cain and Able. I'm sure you do not need me. I merely make them nervous. Guard what is mine well Knight. I would hate for Akanth to lose what is his by my claws. She wasn't being too serious, but she didn't want to lose Cain due to a hoof to the head. Picking up skull pieces was a tedious task after all.
Taking off to the sky, Dorth soon disappeared as well as Cain stood there and softly petted Able so as to restrain him from going after the birthing deer things. "So what is the story on this exactly?" He wasn't going to mention what Dorth had said. The skeleton wanted Terris's side of the story too.
Ooc: 300 word: Contagious, Bark 396
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Post by Arlene on Jun 22, 2014 22:03:34 GMT -8
Arlene grabbed a bucket and a basket full of rags from the tears on her dress handing them to her dragon before for going the more practical leather milk bladder. the pen was about ready on the ostriches and maybe she could talk the others into heavy lifting for the barn later. After all, if they were like earth ostriches one good hard rain and well byebye birdie. Hopefully this wouldn't take long so much to do so little time to get her own home established.
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Post by Duzell on Jun 23, 2014 20:27:37 GMT -8
So based on this pattern, every time some poor creature stubs its toe we are going to fly half way across the Weyr to come to its rescue. Nysath sighed as they flew towards the desert. First with the cubs and now you want to go save Kurboks. “Are you saying we shouldn’t have gone to help Saint?” Duzell admonished. “I’ll have to tell him that when we get back.” As much as Saint had wanted to come Duzell was not certain that bringing a natural predator to a place where there would be an abundance of easy prey would be the most helpful thing. In the end Duzell put Saint in charge of watching the Saydar chicks and whispered a prayer that they would still have seven little Saydars when they returned.
That is not what I am saying and you know it. But this is the natural order of things. This is how the Kurboks have lived for centuries. Do you never worry about upsetting the natural balance of things? A bead of sweat ran down Duzell’s forehead and he was uncertain whether it was caused by the heat of the desert or the fact that he had never considered Nysath’s question. After a long period of silence Duzell finally answered. “Just because it’s the way things are done doesn’t make it right. It’s never been in my nature to let the dominos fall where they will. If I can help I’m going to. End of story.” And that is why we are going. I just hope your crayon-soft heart does not get you into too much trouble one of these days. Duzell tried his best to convince Nysath that this was the best course of action but Nysath had already decided the conversation was over so the subject was dropped.
Nysath flew straight into the desert rain and deposited Duzell on the wet sand near the other riders. Duzell adjusted his coat and wished he had something a bit more suited for the weather. He was going to have to get some new clothes eventually, especially if he wanted to explore the rest of the Weyr’s less hospitable areas. As soon as Duzell had dismounted Nysath turned to leave. “You’re not staying?” Duzell was not surprised; Nysath never did anything he was uninterested in. Last time I stayed around you when you decided to “help” I ended up saddled with 5 unwanted Saydars which you refuse to allow me to eat because “they are our babies.” So no, I am not staying. Besides I did not like the way Saint was staring at Ulysses. If your Pload eats that cub I will never hear the end of it. Duzell laughed as Nysath flew off. Someday he would tell Nysath he knew he cared, even if Nysath loved to pretend he didn’t. For now, however, there were more important things to attend to. Duzell headed over to where Cain and Terris were standing. “Hey guys. What can I do to help?”
ooc: 500 word challenge, 503 words: bead, domino, crayon
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Rezi
Novice
Let the Sky Fall
Posts: 31
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Post by Rezi on Jun 25, 2014 1:18:12 GMT -8
Blinking his eyes at the light from the desert sun, he watches as dragons and their riders fly towards on point close to him. Observing the sky, he noticed the clouds gather, become heavy with water as they turn form a white to a heavy grey. Shifting his bag over his shoulder to get a better look in it, he looks at what is inside it; his smile suddenly turning into a grin. Crouching down on the sandy grass that lines the sparse forest of the Everleaf Grove, he opens his bag and takes out a container of milk power and a bottle of water. Unscrewing the caps on both containers, he puts some of the powered milk into the bottle of water. He then closes both containers and puts then back into his bag, except for the bottle of odd stuff that has yet to mix.
He sighs quietly as he puts his bag on his back and starts to shake the bottle vigorously, making the power and water mix until only very nice milk is in the bottle. While doing so he lightly jogs to the spot were the others are gathering, it may take a while but he may get there in time.
Rezi's grin turns back into a smile, besides the only reason that they would be here is for the calves...
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Leyora
Global Moderator
Posts: 316
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Post by Leyora on Jun 25, 2014 7:39:52 GMT -8
Leyora and company were in Everleaf Grove, as Eyrdith so fondly called the place where the echee had swarmed the picnic. Once the chaos had settled, she had noticed some herbs that looked not only familiar, but also ideal for keeping in practice with her apothecary training from her old home. She was no healer, by any means, but should a healer need certain remedies, quickly, Leyora was modestly decent at finding the herbs needed and concocting some teas, salves, and poultices. In other worlds she might be considered more of a pharmacist than a doctor. It was something her mother had urged she learn, though her true calling was cooking. The two did coincide nicely, together though and she was thankful for her mother's insistence. Some part of her sorely missed her parents and made her fret over how they were doing back home.
There was no sense in worrying about what could not be readily dealt with though, so she tucked the memory of her family deep in her heart and continued picking herbs. She was delighted to have found some lemongrass near the outside edges of the Nexus sands before they left. Leyora not yet fully trusting what she knew of this world, nibbled at the grass and sure enough, the bitterness of almost true lemon flavor rang true on her taste buds. She now sat amidst small piles of plants however, fashioning a basket from braided bamboo grasses. It was not exactly quality work, but it was serviceable and would do to carry her goods back to the sands. She had very little to move into her new home in the town, but she was taking her time as she waited for a very patient Ayman to hatch the strange egg that he seemed to have adopted.
It was then, as Leyora was putting the finishing touches on her basket that Eyrdith alerted her to new disturbances in the animal kingdom. She failed to be surprised that the knight was right at the heart of it. She inquired if the rags and milk had been acquired yet and it seemed that it was being taking care of. Hesitating, Leyora wondered how to make herself useful. Looking at her herbs and considering the nature of the distress call, she decided that maybe her apothecary skills could come in handy. Mothers rejecting their spawn, no matter the creature type often ended in bloodshed.
Sifting through her piles, she chose some crisp comfrey leaves and the lemongrass. One would work in a pinch if a poultice was needed to reduce swelling and encourage swift recovery of damaged muscle or bone. The other would help ease aches and lower fevers. The rest of her herbs, she folded into the leather scrap that had once held fish flakes. This she gave to Eyrdith for safe keeping. She also tucked a shoddily carved wooden bowl and a rock into her basket. "I suppose with the upcoming rain, there will be no lack for water in case poultices are needed." She was mostly just thinking out loud but both Eyrdith and Rasmus agreed with her, in unison... again.
Giving her niche of the woods another look around, she decided she had all that she could need and readily find. Leyora tucked a couple of smooth, broad leaves over the contents of the basket to preserve them and to give Rasmus a place to ride that didn't involve her clothes being shredded by his claws. Once cub and rider were ready, Eyrdith took off and flew toward the rest of the group. Nothing much was said during flight as all seemed to be of the same mind that hurt the heart to know of motherless newborns. Oncwe landed, the ever curious Rasmus wished to come with and help, but Eyrdith reminded the cub that the kurbok would likely consider him a threat. Cupping cub and leather packet safely in her hands, Eyrdith flew up to a small cliff a fair distance away, where she could watch and intervene, if needed, though the dragon held high confidence in the riders to handle the situation with care.
((500 Word Challenge: ideal, crisp, bitterness = 691 words))
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Post by Terris on Jun 25, 2014 16:26:43 GMT -8
Terris ran a hand through his long blonde hair and sighed. He was about to address Cain's question when other riders began appearing, so instead held up his hand in a "wait a minute gesture" and turned back to watch the kurboks birthing. He would answer questions when more people arrived.
He had a sudden compulsion to creep closer to the herd, and get a better look at what was going on, but was afraid getting too close while the females were in various stages of labour, or in the processs of choosing which of the fawns they would keep, and which they would abandon, might cause the entire process to go haywire, ending with many more fawns than were usual being left parentless on the sands of the drifts.
As more people arrived and started to look to him for answers, like he was head of some official "save the Kurboks" committee he could not help but laugh to himself, despite the direness of the situation. He knew what he was doing about as well as the next person, he just couldnt see newborn babies die a slow, miserable death in the desert, because their mothers liked one of their siblings better. He knew what it was like to be rejected by one's parents, having been sent away to the barracks by his family as a young boy, essentially sold to a lord as a trainee soldier, to feed the older children in the family for another year. It was not pleasant.
He turned to the assembled group, a hint of emotion still swimming in his eyes from the painful memories of his childhood, and spoke, his voice clear and crisp.
"Thank you all for coming. Akanth has brought to my attention that the Kurboks over there have a very strange, and disturbing custom. while most have two, sometimes three fawns, they only ever keep one for themselves, and leave the others to die. I cannot imagine their deaths would be very pleasant out here. The lucky ones may be picked off by predators, but the rest...they probably die from exposure, hunger, or thirst." his eyes moved from person to person, trying to gauge their reactions to this news.
"I, personally was horrified by this prospect and thought....well, some of us managed to bond to the eld'rani cubs, and dragons, so maybe we can do the same here. We can wait for the mothers to make their choices and...." he stopped, a glimpse of something golden approaching out of the corner of his eye caught his attention.
A somewhat elderly Kurbok, well past breeding age stepped forward, her golden coat and white zebra-stripped rump shining brilliantly in deep contrast to the black sands of the drifts. She bowed low, her eyes a brilliant blue behind the white mask of her face, and then she spoke. The mothers welcome you to the birthing. She said quietly, righting herself and peering regally at those gathered. They ask that you do not interfere here until after they have made their choices, but say you are welcome to attempt to bond with any that are left over. They do not, however, want to make contact with you themselves lest they find themselves trapped in a bond. We are wild creatures, proud, and most of us wish to remain free. She said the last somewhat apologetically, and turned her proud head toward the area where the mothers were birthing.
I will stay here with you, to answer your questions, and to get to know your kind. I will also supervise the....the mercy you will give to the unchosen that fail to bond, to make sure it is done swiftly and painlessly....and I...I thank you for doing this. I have never been comfortable with the custom myself...old softhearted fool I am. She laughed bitterly, her blue eyes full of emotion though none gathered could see it.
(500 word challenge: creep, committee, haywire - 666 words LOL)
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Rezi
Novice
Let the Sky Fall
Posts: 31
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Post by Rezi on Jun 25, 2014 17:00:24 GMT -8
Letting out a huff as he stops near the group to catch his breath, he then walks over to the group. Coming to a stop beside Cain and Duzell, he pauses for a moment before he bends down to take his shoe off, emptying the sand onto the ground then putting it back on and doing the same to the other shoe. Standing up just in time to hear Terris's speech. While listening to his explanation, his blue eyes flicker around catching the sight of different colored Kurboks in labor. Thinking about the large milk bottle he made, he feels grateful that he paused to do that so then he was in no rush to get ready.
Coming back to the present he gasps slightly at the elder Kurbok. He'd never seen one up close before so it was all but a little shock to him. Suddenly he stepped back in hesitation and surprise when her voice enters his head, he listens to her words and gives a little sigh. So the fawns are most likely to be killed, he stashes that information away for further use. After gaining back is composure, he looks at her with a little bit of awe. He blinks again when she laughs, but keeps an eye on the birthing mothers.
(OOC: 200 word challenge: hesitation - 216 Words )
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Post by Tidfe on Jun 25, 2014 18:50:18 GMT -8
Looking up at the clouds as he waited for an explanation, he thought that today would be a lousy day for an arsonist. The incoming rain would have made it hard for any fires to be lit or even stay aflame. But it sure was going to make the conditions deadly for any of the foals left behind. He could just be thankful it wasn't that cold out. Last thing he needed was frostbite. Not that he could actually feel it. It was just that frost was hard to get off his bones and frozen bones liked to try to break into a million and one pieces. He did not need to find a new leg bone because the Knight had another bleeding heart incident.
Though, as he listened to the explanation from both Terris and the herd mother, he did like the idea of giving them all quick deaths. No sense in dragging out the inevitable. Pain was something he remembered well. Back from when he had better nerve endings than what he had now. Looking around, he decided that many of the cubs had a good chance of bonding off to someone. There was him, Leyora, Terris, Rezi, Duzell and Arlene. They were all here to help out and make sure at least some of the left behind foals made it out of here alive.
From that point, it was really out of their hands. "Why do you not change the custom? Surely you are respected in your herd if they chose you to come speak with us?" Rotating his shoulders, he wondered how a foal's circulatory system was laid out. Hitting a major artery was usually a good bet at a quick and painless death. Usually. You had to hit it just right or the death was just long and drawn out. The skeleton doubted anyone wanted that to happen.
Studying the birthing mothers as he waited for an answer, he suddenly realize that might be an invasion of privacy. Turning his head away, he study his fellow Riders instead. Beside, that was a much more pleasing past time. Plus the nice thing about not having eyeballs was that it was hard to tell where he was looking. For instance, he was admiring how nice Terris looked in a pair of pants or he could be fascinated by the way Leyora had her hair today. Maybe he was looking at Duzell's eyes or even Rezi's face. You never quite know with him and that was how he liked it usually. In his old profession, it allowed him to study someone with raising an eyebrow and here, it allowed him to study his Riders without being thrown out for where he might be looking.
Not that he made a habit at looking at inappropriate places. It just happened sometimes.
Turning his gaze onto the herd elder, he wondered how her mother had chosen her. Was it cause of her coat? Some inner instinct to pick the right foal? How did the mothers know their choice was the right one and what influenced their decisions. All good questions and Cain wondered if he would ever get an answered to them.
Ooc: 500 Word: Circulatory, Frost, Arsonist- 531 words
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Post by Duzell on Jun 25, 2014 22:12:17 GMT -8
This was not exactly what Duzell had thought he had been signing up for. Nysath had told him Terris wanted to save the foals. Saving babies he was good with. It was the reason Nysath complained that their home would look like a circus. He was always willing to do what he could to help, including taking as many babies as possible home with him. Killing though, that was an entirely different matter. While he agreed that it was terribly cruel to let the babies die slow and painful deaths of hunger and exposure, surely there had to be a better way than to simply but them out of their misery. Then there was the other not small fact that he had never actually killed, well, anything. Sure, the occasional insect when they would get into his shop, but never anything bigger. He couldn’t imagine killing something that could think and talk. And why? Because of some custom. This was what Nysath had been talking about, he supposed. The “natural order of things.” He supposed the Kurboks might only keep one baby because it was all they were capable of raising, but it didn’t make the practice of abandoning over half your offspring any less distasteful. Nysath had known that Duzell would not have the stomach for this and he had been quite right. He guessed he understood where the knight was coming from; it would not do any good to let them go to waste. Not to mention that he had been eyeing Terris’ saddle. It would be a fine thing to ride around with something a bit more decedent than rope holding his to his dragon for once. And yet he was still having reservations about the whole thing.
No, never mind all that. Duzell shoved those thoughts to the back of his head. He would deal with that later when it once again became an issue. For now there were the much more important things happening. There were babies being born and it didn’t take a prophet to know that soon those who were not kept by their mothers would need taking care of. Duzell was glad that both Arlene and Rezi had brought milk along with them. One of these days he was really going to have to learn how to milk whatever cow type thing was here in the Weyr, particularly if he was going to keep running off and attempting to help little baby creatures. Or, gods willing, he started ending up with baby creatures of his own.
Duzell turned his full attention to what the matron Kurbok was saying. He was glad to hear that the mothers were okay with them trying to help their unwanted offspring. Although he was a bit saddened that they would not get to meet the mothers he did understand their hesitance. Hopefully talking to the matron Kurbok she would be able to help them understand how to best care for the young Kurboks they were going to bond here today.
ooc: 500 word challenge, 503 words, decedent, circus, prophet
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Post by Amerlan on Jun 29, 2014 22:53:30 GMT -8
Amerlan clung to Seroth's back as they flew through the storm. Her cloths were drenched and the cub squished between her and Seroth was shivering. "Can't you fly higher?! We need to get out of this storm!" Amerlan shouted through the bond. There was no way he would have been able to hear her had she tried to speak normally, all audio besides the thundering of the storm was drowned out. Even Keeva wouldn't have heard her and she was squished between the two! The poor cub was hanging on tight, so tight that she had her claws out digging into Seroth's thick hide. If it wasn't for the turbulence taking up all of his attention he may have complained.
Changing course Seroth decided to fly above the clouds. He had only wanted to do that if the storm was too rough to ride, he actually quite liked flying through a storm, but he wouldn't endanger his bonded. Quickly he climbed through the updrafts and out into the open sky. With a roar he challenged the storm.
"Quite pleased with yourself huh? Why were we in that stupid storm anyways?! I'm completely soaked and look at poor Keeva!" Amerlans voice was stern, but had an underlying glee to it. Secretly she had enjoyed the thrill of the storm. "If Keeva or I would have fallen off what would you have done? Eaten us to cover it up?" An odd thought spun into her mind, "Since we're completely linked and all, would that be considered cannibalism?"
Her question completely shocked the Dragon and almost made him drop from the sky in a fit of laughter. "You're joking right? A Dragon eat his bonded. You know that I would die to right? I don't think dead things eat each other. And I certainly hope you wouldn't try to eat me if I wasn't able to go Between!" He chuckles evened out leaving his voice slightly hurt.
Patting his hide soothingly Amerlan apologized, "I'm sorry, I wasn't meaning to be serious. My mind wanders to odd places sometimes." From their vantage point above the clouds everything seemed endless. If she didn't know there was land beneath them she would have sworn they were flying over a bottomless pit.
"Akanth has called us. The Kurbok are birthing and Terris has decided to bond with them. Naturally I couldn't leave you out of the bonding! I can't have you riding me everywhere. Too much exercise will ruin my lean physique!" He continued flying, with much more haste this time towards the herd. Soon they were close enough Amerlan could even spot them. She had been so busy looking up at the sky that she didn't even notice they weren't over the storm any more.
"If you're going to dry yourself better do it before we land. Don't need the others seeing you body and oogling when they should be bonding." Seroth advise.
Nodding Amerlan stripped what she could easily and wrung the clothing out before re-dawning it. "I'm going to get sand stuck to me every where!"
"Not if I do this!" The Dragon dipped down into a free fall and then quickly spiraled back off before repeating. "There now you're air-dried!"
((500 word challenge : bottomless, cannibalism, audio : 537 words))
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Post by Terris on Jul 1, 2014 14:37:24 GMT -8
The matronly Kurbok pinned her soft blue gaze on Cain, her voice sad. I am past the age of breeding, and have mothered no bucks, my word counts for nothing amongst the herd. That is why I was sent to you, not because I am respected, because I am not she sighed then, her gaze shifting back to the herd.
Though Terris was too polite to really say anything about it, at least for now, he found it quite appalling that such intelligent creatures would abandon over half their young. It just didn't seem right to him. He stood, watching the new lives come into existence with his companions, and wondered, if he was a Kurbok, how would he choose between one fawn or the other. Could he do it? Just walk away from a baby that had as much potential as any other? The blankness his mind threw back at him when he presented it with such a situation suggested probably not.
A Kurbok he would never be. He would probably have ended up one of the forgotten babies if he had been born a Kurbok anyhow, crying bleakly for its mother on the desolate black sands of the drifts, as the herd walked away without a second glance at those they had left behind. He'd been given up once before, the unwanted child, life as a Kurbok would not have been any different.
He sighed, his gaze drifting over to the golden female, who was staring out at the scene with the same look of quiet contemplation he had worn just moments before. He moved to stand beside her, rested a gentle, comforting hand on her shoulder. She had said she had not been comfortable with the custom, did that mean, perhaps others in the herd felt the same way?
"I don't mean to disturb you, but you said you would answer questions, and I am curious. How are the young chosen?" he asked, polite, but careful.
The female studied him a moment with soulful blue eyes, swimming with emotion. When she spoke, her voice was very quiet inside his head. Colour is the main way. Most mothers want young that are as near in colour to the black sands as possible, so barring a major deformity, the darkest offspring is chosen. Some mothers have even gone so far as to abandon all of their young to pick up a darker fawn from those left behind. After that, if there are two likely candidates, the mother tends to choose the strongest of the fawns, though I have known some who abandon the tradition of colour entirely in the hopes that they will raise a strong buck that might take over a herd, if you manage that, you are well looked after for the rest of your life. She laughed bitterly, her eyes drifting out over the birthing area.
Already some of the mothers had chosen, and were urging one fawn or another to stand and follow. The cries of the abandoned had started ringing out also, the sound twisting his heart painfully, though he would not admit it to the others.
It is awful, isn't it? the female asked, and he was surprised to feel the warmth of her as she leaned into him for comfort. He placed his hand on her neck, and stroked gently trying to calm her as they watched the last of the mothers give birth and take their chosen fawns away.
The golden female waited several minutes, to make sure no mothers changed their minds, and when the last of them had headed over the dunes, far away enough that the humans would not disturb them, she addressed the congregation.
It is time now to do what has been asked of you. The fawns that have not lost the will to live and are likely to bond will be the ones still calling. Go to those first, as there is only a short window of time before they, too, will give up. I will be close by if you need me having finished her piece, she moved sedately toward the birthing area, not looking back to see who followed.
(500 word challenge, blankness, appalling, bleakly - 645+ words)
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Post by Amerlan on Jul 1, 2014 15:13:23 GMT -8
Amerlan had missed the first segment when the matron told of the terrible tradition. Her mind was racing will a million hectic thoughts as she watched some of the mothers leave the fawns behind. "Seroth, where are they going?" She said uneasily. It was commonplace for deformed babies to be left behind in most creatures. There just wasn't enough resources to take care of something that could never give back. She had never liked that, though she understood it, but here were perfectly healthy, strong fawns being left behind.
"It is the way of the Kurbok." He rumbled quietly so as to not disturb the others. "They choose the strongest fawn and leave the rest. Listen to what the matron is saying." He nudged her gently toward the others who had gathered around the matron.
Amerlan's heart hurt. What an awful foundation to build a herd on. Strength counted for much, but other qualities were needed too. Though she supposed she could understand it a little. Life in a desert was rough. You had to be the best or you would just tie everyone else down and risk danger to the herd.
Glancing at the herd she watched as more and more mothers left fawns behind. Soon they were all separated into those who were given a chance to live and those who were destined to die. She was about to go over to the fawns before they were allowed when the words of the matron stopped her. It was then that Amerlan understood. The matron was just like the fawns. She had no power in the herd, just like them, and just like them her usefulness with the herd may be coming to an end.
Running up to the matron on the side Terris had not been occupying she laid her hand softly on the matrons neck. "Things don't have to be like they were anymore. Our numbers are growing, albeit very slowly, but some day there might be enough of us that the fawns don't have to die anymore. We just have to keep going until then." She smiled softly at the matron and glanced back at her overgrown reptile. Seroth had taught her much, more in these past few weeks or months than she had learned in the past 207 years of her life. He had taught her to hope again. Addressing the matron again she spoke softly, "I would like to see some of the fawns. Will you come with me?"
Hoping the matron followed she approached a dark fawn with a white mask and striping. Crouching down she tentatively put her hand out in greeting. She didn't want to touch the fawn just yet. She didn't know if it would take kindly to a stranger putting their hands all over it. She opted instead to speak in a hushed tone. "It's alright now. You don't have to be alone. The others and I, we'd be happy to give you love and a home. All you need is to ask." Chuckling she remembered how Keeva had pounced on her. "Or take if that is what you wish."
((500 word challenge : hectic, foundation, reptile : 521 words))
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Post by Tidfe on Jul 1, 2014 19:06:34 GMT -8
Cain listened as the matron speak and didn't restrain himself as he cracked his knuckles and other joints to help relieve some of the frustration he was feeling at the thought that this herd would probably soon get rid of her just as easily as most of them seem to get rid of their fawns. He had not been abandoned at birth and couldn't even begin to image what it must be like to watch as your mother chose your brother or your sister and then walked away. Leaving you to die in the cruel and merciless elements. Oh sure. Maybe one or two fawns might beat the odds and survive, but as he turned to look over his shoulder, he saw the figure he would always remember. No. The only fawns living today would be the ones they bond too. All the rest would be enjoying a much more peaceful life.
"I know. I will make sure they get into your hands safely," he whispered as the last of the mothers left and disappeared. Following behind, he knelt down beside a mewing baby, and held out his hand. The Lonely warrior was the one before him, but he had not idea about that. All he saw was a babe that had been left behind and he was going to help him. And since his master didn't stop him, he knew this babe was being given a chance to live life a little longer. "If they ever decide to act on their thoughts, you are more than welcome to live among us. I probably speak for everyone when I say we respect those older than us for the wisdom they might offer us."
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