Rezi
Novice
Let the Sky Fall
Posts: 31
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Post by Rezi on Jul 2, 2014 3:26:40 GMT -8
Watching the mothers with a blue glare as he hears the matrons explanation to Terris's question. Coloration and strenght is what all that matters when a mother chose a fawn? He lets out an angry sigh, then again it is the survival of the fittest out here in the wilderness, he cannot blame the mothers yet he would never want to experience such heartbreaking separation. He looks to watch the golden doe walk off silently, blinking in surprise when Amerlan runs up to her.
Looking off to the side, he sees that Terris has already approached one of the fawns, as well as Amerlan, after she had a talk with the elder and Chain. Who only a few seconds ago was cracking his joints, a noise that made Rezi shiver. He did not want to be at the end of that skeleton's anger. His blue eyes looking around at the two groups of fawns then at the leaving heard of Kurboks. Shaking his head at the leaving mothers he gaze moves back to were the riders are. Rezi starts to silently following Chain a few meters away, as Chain stops he keeps on going, further into the outskirts of the group of fawn that cry pitifully and painfully at the loss of a mother.
He blinks, to make sure that his not blind, he spots a pure white fawn standing away from the group. Slowly but surly, he approaches her, stopping a meter away from her so she does not feel uncomfortable with his presence. He thinks for a moment of what to say to her, as he has over heard the others talk to the fawns they had singled out. Moving a little closer to the young one, he takes a breath, then talks softly in a hush tone, " It's ok little one, i will not hurt you, but take care of you and help you recover from this torment..." He then blinks, lowering his gaze to the fawns hoofs, unsure on what else to say, hoping it will be enough and alright with the fawn.
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Taki
Handler
Posts: 333
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Post by Taki on Jul 2, 2014 17:19:26 GMT -8
It had been the sensation that had led her here. The feeling of pain, joy, and a sorrow so intense that the Myrgwae walked under the rain with her head down and tears mingling with the water on her face. Beside her, bounding rather cheerfully in the rain, was her newly-connected Kitsune kit, Tam'kar. Although Taki managed to smile at him, it was only a buffer against the aching that battered her normally strong empathic shields.
{It must be a lot of sadness, to make me feel like this,} she thought to herself. {I have to go help! I have to!} Every instinct in her body cried out to help whoever suffered like this; it was what the fae felines were born to do. So she'd started walking, thankfully close to the source.
By the time she got close enough to see what was going on, her heart was breaking and her feet were stumbling in the desert sands. Tam'kar repeatedly bumped against her, physical and mental support, as they crested a rise and saw two things: a herd of the creatures she'd seen before leaving with tottering foals... and much to her horror foals crying out as they were left behind. With a gasp, she rushed first towards the departing group, thinking surely they just didn't realize what they were doing. But the quiet determination to keep walking she picked up on from the herd told her the truth: they knew full well what they were doing. For a few long moments she just stood there, trembling all over, then turned and, with Tam'kar bounding at her heels and sensing her urgency, she ran back to where the other people, more than she'd seen yet, were trying to tend to the abaondoned foals.
The emotional intensity was even stronger here, with the people's emotions blending with the hurt of those fawns left behind. It was enough to nearly drive her to a knee. With a deep breath, Taki looked around, seeing what they were doing, and broadcast her 'voice' to everyone who might be willing to listen.
*Please! I want to help! Someone, how can I help?* Seeing that they were approaching the fawns and trying to comfort them, she looked around and saw one still alone, and moved towards it. It was almost completely white with some steel-colored flecks in its pelt.(The Wounded Knight) Not too far away was another foal, being tended to by of all things a walking skeleton! Normally Taki would've been surprised and curious about this person, but right now, like the skeleton, she was focused on the foal. Wiping away her tears even as more fell in their place, she managed to smile, taking off her hat to offer the fawn some shelter from the rain.
*I know it's not a mother,* she murmured to it, *but please don't be sad, little one. I'll help you.* Although she knew she might feel the repercussions of this later, she focused on the foal's pain and Drew it into herself, trying to lessen it's hurt even as she Pushed feelings of affection and warmth and safety.
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Post by Terris on Jul 5, 2014 16:49:33 GMT -8
The matronly golden female bobbed her head politely at Amerlan as she spoke of the situation getting better. She knew, better than the humans that this would be the case. Life had already gotten quite a bit better for her amongst the herd. To say her twilight years were going to be rough without the humans was an understatement. She had been pushed out to the peripheral of the herd, the closest to any predators that may be lurking, and forced to survive off the trampled grasses the kurbok closer to the center of the herd had rejected. Now, though still somewhat an outcast, she had been given a purpose, was a useful adjunct to the herd as a diplomat, if not exactly a traditionally important part of it.
On some level she was aware of the skeleton talking to her, her large ears flicked in his direction and her head nodded once in acknowledgement of his words. The way of the Kurbok is not to kill, but to ostracise the weak, unworthy, or those who no longer have a function within the herd. While you are here, I am useful again, as a line of communication, if nothing else, though, if it were possible, I would prefer to live amongst the humans, if for no other reason than to advise you on care of the young. Her eyes fall on the Sly Vagabond then, and she watches with curiosity mingled with hope as Amerlan approaches.
The Sly Vagabond is not aware of the matron (who is watching the situation, fascinated, like a young child might stare into a goldfish bowl). He is somewhat aware of Amerlan, noticed the hand held out toward him, and extended a long, slender neck, his nose now inches from that hand. He inhaled, catching the scent of her, then turned large, soulful eyes on her, making them as wide as they could possibly get (oh yes, even at a few minutes old, he was a manipulative little bugger), he spoke, soft and miserable. I'm hungry he whispered weakly, a slight falter in his voice. Mother left.... he added forlornly and then, on wobbly legs, attempted to stand...
The Lonely Warrior regarded Cain with what appeared to be a detached curiosity, one ear flicked in the skeleton's direction while he studiously licked his damp coat clean. I am not dead yet, come back later. he said, his voice almost bored. He knew he was going to die, be it by the claw or tooth of a predator, or the slow death of dehydration and starvation. He knew this, and was resigned to it, but gods be damned, he was not going to die while he was still damp from his birth, oh no, not him, he would not die until he was good and clean, so that...wait...was that a skeleton? He ceased his ablutions momentarily, tongue still halfway out of his mouth as he turned his full attention on Cain.
What areyou? he asked.
The shy maiden averted her cornflower blue gaze as Rezi approached, suddenly finding her hooves very interesting. She danced prettily on the spot, the nervous movements showcasing the slender, lithe form and the acrobatic grace she might mature into if she is given the chance to live. Though her eyes were focussed anywhere but on the talking humanoid, her ears were locked on the humanoid, and she listened to what he was saying with interest. She knew all too well if she did not get help, she was going to die, and so, with great force of will, she raised her head, her eyes locking with Rezi's as she allowed the tentative push of a bond to caress him, asking for acceptance. I accept your offer, do you accept mine? she said, her voice barely audible in his head.
BOND: KUR-008 - The Shy Maiden to REZI
The Wounded Knight fixed a steady gaze on Taki, his ice blue stare penetrating, and somewhat hostile. Don't need help, can look after myself, all by myself! Don't need anybody! he said stubbornly, and attempted to stand. To his credit, he actually did manage that without falling flat on his face, but those seemed to be the extent of his abilities. He took two shaky steps before his legs dropped out from under him and he landed with a quiet whump in the sand, legs splayed. If he was not covered in fur, Taki would have seen the crimson blush spreading all over his tiny body, what she could see was the expression of indignant humiliation on the fawn's face.
Terris left the matron in Amerlan's capable hands, and moved to approach a fawn, a milk-soaked rag dangling from one hand. The Twisted Sorceress looked at him helplessly for a long moment before her blue eyes drifted to the rag in his hand. Her mouth watered, and her bright blue eyes grew wide and round, and then she spoke, her voice honey-sweet, though it faltered a little. Oh, oh please, sir, may I? she asked, all innocent wide eyes and dainty, feminine movement as she gestured toward the milky rag. I feel so weak... Terris jumped into action, knelt before the little female and brought the rag to her muzzle, she drank hungrily, but daintily, careful not to mess up her pretty, feminine face. Dire situation or not, she just had to look her best.
(ooc: AAAHHH! a kurbok bonded already! More will bond soon, I promise, and my rate of posting here will also speed up. Do not fear if you missed posting last round, I'll probably post again today anyhow if others post, you have not missed out on a kurbok!)
(ooc2: 500 word challenge, goldfish, adjunct, acrobat - 926 words)
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Post by Tidfe on Jul 5, 2014 18:41:49 GMT -8
"I'm sure that can be arranged. I mean, how hard can it be to build a shelter with a dragon about? They can lift things far heavier than the strongest human can. Or so I'm assuming." Chuckling at the foal, Cain sat down as the ubiquitous darkness deepened as the clouds thicken in the sky. "Nah. I'll just wait right here. Speaking of waiting, wouldn't it just be easier to wait for the rains to come and help clean you?" And then came the question that Cain figured was coming. It was just usually one of the first reactions when someone met him without a disguise on. Well...That or attempting to shot him with a shotgun. Digging bullets out of bone was an activity he was glad he wouldn't be repeating any time soon. He was pretty sure he still have one in his ribcage somewhere.
"I'm exactly what I look like. A skeleton. What are you? Some kind of arcane reindeer?" Cain was not trying to be rude or anything as he sat in front of the young foal and reach out a hand to start taking away the bigger chunks of birth and throwing them away. They felt slimy and very slug like, but Cain did not care. At times like this, he had no stomach to upchuck and no real nose to smell it with so why not help out? The worst the foal could do was bite him and take away a finger if not his whole hand. Even then, Cain doubted he would get very far if judging by the other fawns were any indication. So it was with no fear that the skeleton touched the baby deer thing. Seriously. It wasn't a deer. It wasn't a horse. Just what was the little guy?
Sighing, he stood up and moved to the young warrior's back to grab anything he missed. "Doesn't that stuff taste awful?" Picking up a piece of the discarded birth bath, he studied it. It looked...Like intestines if he was being honest, but knew that couldn't be it. If he could have made a disgruntle face, he would have as he tossed the mucus and blood away. "So, the way I see it, you can either finish cleaning yourself and either someone else kills you or I kill you, or...And now listen a bit carefully and don't just say no right away. You bond to one of us and we will take care of you until you are strong enough to survive on your own. You have been given another chance young one. The next question I have to ask you is, will you take it or spit on it and walk away from it?"
He didn't actually meant walk away since he doubt the Lonely Warrior had much energy to walk, but it sounded a lot cooler if he said it like that.
(400 Challenge: ubiquitous, Arcane, Reindeer 482 words)
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Post by Duzell on Jul 5, 2014 20:45:21 GMT -8
Duzell watched as the last of the mother Kurbok made their choices and left with the foals they had chosen. The sound of the fawns crying out for their mothers was nearly enough to break his heart. He had no idea if he had a family, so he had never had to be concerned with the wellbeing of family members. It was only since he had come to the Weyr that he had found a family and he could not imagine leaving a single member of them. He wondered how hard it must be for the mother Kurboks to walk away from their own children. The Kurbok matron had said she did not like the practice. He would bet that a few mother’s hearts were breaking as they walked away yet they were powerless to break the chain of this cruel tradition.
They may have been unable to help their unclaimed babies, but Duzell had no such restrictions. Grabbing one of the milk soaked rags Duzell cautiously walked over to one of the fawns. It felt like an infinity as he approached the brown fawn with the black stripe down his back and the tiny white spots. He moved carefully, so as to avoid spooking the little guy. Duzell knelt down near The Philosopher and slowly offered the milk soaked rag to him. “I’m so sorry little guy, about everything. If you’ll let me though, I’d like to help however I can.”
Duzell had to smile as he saw one of the Kurbok fawns bond. It gave him hope that the fawns, at least some of them, would accept their help. He saw some of the others talking to and feeding some of the other fawns. There were so many fawns though. Duzell knew there would be no way to help them all, even if he wished they could.
Ooc: 300 word challenge, 309 words chain, infinity,
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Taki
Handler
Posts: 333
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Post by Taki on Jul 6, 2014 4:14:26 GMT -8
Taki almost flinched at the barrage of emotions bombarding her from the Wounded Knight, hurt and pride and fear. They clashed back and forth, exploding like comets hurled in some deadly wizards’ war. She stood when he did, keeping her hat over him and thinking that he was incredibly strong, both in body and will, to force himself up like that. But when he stumbled, she gasped in shock, dropping down to make sure he was alright, and shuddering slightly as his embarrassment flooded in, adding to the tumult of feelings rocking her to her core.
*Oh! Are you alright?* Then she quickly caught herself, adding, *This sand can be so hard to walk in. I tripped at least half a dozen times on my way here.*
True, she did! Tam’kar added in. Like down that huuuuuge dune! That was fun! We were like wheeeeeee! The playful kit somersaulted a few times in the wet sand around the fawn and Myrgwae. Taki smiled at him, his joy helping to steady out the sorrow, before she addressed the Kurbok again.
*I’m not doing this because you need help.* Carefully, watching and sensing for any sign that he might reject the contact, she reached out and began gently pressing the water from his pelt with strokes of her hand, starting over his back so she wouldn’t startle him or upset him and make things exponentially worse while at the same time projecting sensations of warmth, safety, and friendship. *I’m doing this because a friend can always do something nice for another friend, just because they want to, and I’d really like it if we could be friends. I mean, everyone could use a friend sometime, whether you’re a Myrgwae like me, or a kitsune like Tam’kar, or a human, or an elf, or…* She looked around for some inspiration for the right words to say. *Or a skeleton, or a knight, or a dragon, or even a -* She looked back at him, and suddenly realized something. *Oh, I’m sorry! I haven’t really talked with anyone, and I haven’t been here long. I don’t know what you are.* Her embarrassment was clear in the posture of her ears and the wry, sheepish smile she directed at him.
Kurbok! chirped Tam’kar as he bounced by on what must’ve been his sixth circuit.
*Thank you, Tam’kar* Taki had long ago stopped being surprised at what the little kit knew. *Even the strongest Kurbok might find a friend useful, sometimes. Though I admit I’m making a pretty poor show of being a friend. I don’t even have anything to offer you to eat or drink.*
Maybe someone has some to spare! suggested Tam’kar. I’ll go check! He bounded off merrily. Taki smiled at him gratefully, then returned her focus to the Wounded Knight. Everything she had said had been in the utmost sincerity; unless they are keeping a good secret like a party or a gift from someone, Myrgwae are notoriously horrid liars.Grrr… come – over – here – you! Tam’kar was returning with the strap of a waterskin clenched between his teeth, growling as the heavy sand fought with him for it. He finally set it next to Taki, panting slightly. *I found this just sitting on the sand* Taki glanced around, but everyone had a bag, so she supposed someone brought a spare and had just left it. Oh well. Fortune favors the Myrgwae, as the saying went back home, and she’d just return it after she was through. Fishing out her faithful scarf, she folded it into a pad and, after a sip to make sure it was good, tasty milk for the fawn, soaked the cloth and held it out to him.
*Well, I’m Taki, and he’s Tam’kar. Would you like to be friends?*
(500 word challenge; Words: Comet, war, exponential(ly), word total 631)
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Post by Arlene on Jul 7, 2014 18:26:27 GMT -8
Arlene had sat numb through the explaination. How could any mother's heart abandon their child? Especially so callously just because it wasn't male or almost black as the dunes. Even deer tended their young until adulthood or a predator taking either mother or fawn out. Even mares had been savaged for defending their foals from a new head stallion who took over a herd and same with lions. Any that didn't go home with them it would mean the child was doubly rejected. Worse still to imply the herd's wisdom in it's elder was expendable. What kind of messed up logic was that? At least they were going to be allowed to take some to save them.
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Post by Amerlan on Jul 9, 2014 17:17:54 GMT -8
With soft eyes Amerlan gently stroked the forehead of the Sly Vagabond. "Stay right here, I'll be." Her sentence was cut off by the small footfalls of Keeva coming up behind her. In the cubs mouth were two soaked milk rags. Holding out her palm Amerlan accepted one of the rags and held it out for the fawn to drink from. "Thank you Keeva. Here little one, drink, it'll quell the hunger."
Keeva nudged her, but Amerlan was too involved with the fawn in front of her. She nudged her bonded again, more persistent this time. Flashing an image of a fawn and a milk rag she got Amerlan's attention.
"Yes Keeva, this little one needs to eat." Amerlan was being quiet ignorant at this point, her focus being trained on the fawn she was trying to feed. Huffing Keeva sent the image of two fawns to her. There hadn't been one fawn there, but two this whole time.
Her eyes widening Amerlan gently grabbed the second rag from Keeva's mouth and held it out to the fawn she hadn't noticed before. "I'm so sorry little one, how could I have not noticed you before. Here, come eat. I'm sure your belly is grumbling too?" She felt absolutely awful for not paying more attention.
Keeva smacked her lips and cleaned her muzzle of the milk that had been left behind. The milk was thick and had a slight coconut flavor to it. She wondered if this was the milk from the same type of herd beast that had fed her and her siblings when they had been brought to the Nexus. Mewing softly Keeva too urged the fawns to drink. She knew what is was like to be without a mother and how awful it had been. Of course her own orphaning hadn't been as severe as these fawns. Her mother hadn't willingly left her.
Amerlan had been vaguely aware of the matron watching her and the fawn (now fawns) and turned her head slightly to give her a smile. "I promise to help them in what ever way I can. There are others here, who could use some of your wisdom I think." She didn't want the matron to think she was pushing her off, in fact, she would have loved it if the matron would stay. However, a few of the others seemed to need the comfort of an elder, so maybe the matron could do it. If they matron wished to stay she wouldn't bring up the subject again. She herself could use a bit of comfort, but her focus wasn't really on herself right now.
Keeva pressed herself to her bondeds side and purred. She knew Amerlan always secretly liked the soft rumbling. It was comforting in an odd way.
The bonding of one of the fawns put an enormous grin on Amerlan's face. That was one fawn saved, and proof that they could bond! Hopefully more would follow and it wasn't just some fluke or special circumstance.
(( 500 word challenge : ignorant, coconut, severe : 502 words ))
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Leyora
Global Moderator
Posts: 316
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Post by Leyora on Jul 9, 2014 20:16:46 GMT -8
Leyora counted help being frozen in place as she listen to the exchange between the matronly kurbok and those who were brave enough to ask questions. Mostly she just stood, sadly absorbing the information though occasionally she would brush away the rain and hair from her face. The talk that clean ends made have to be made disturbed her, but she understood all to well about the sacrifices that life sometimes forced upon one's self. It did dishearten her, though and left her staring down at her make shift medical kit, wondering if it would end up being useless after all. Looking at the bowl and pestle she had so hastily thrown together, she decided it was just as well that she had not tried to make flatware as well. Not only would it likely not be needed, but her skills with wood and rock were far less than impressive. Perhaps it would be for the best. Rain water was not exactly the best dissolvent to use if she needed to mix a poultice, after all. Although, if it came down to it, she would take what she could get.
Still, it was hard for her to deal with the concept that sentient beings could so casually walk away from their young, leaving them to die. As she thought more on it, she realized that it seemed odd and even cruel that a creature of elevated intelligence would so readily bow before the laws of nature, rather than putting their higher thought processes into working out ways to save those that are so unfortunately colored as to become tasty targets. It would be a losing battle for her to continue fretting about it as she was, though, so she continued to watch on.
For a moment or two, Leyora lost in her thoughts enough not to realize that the others were already helping some of the fawns. a gentle nudge thought her bond from Eyrdith snapped her out of it though and she was blessed to watch a bonding happen almost seamlessly from "hello". She allowed herself to smile a little as the sight warmed her heart. Nodding to herself, she too, fetched a milk soaked rag and sought out a fawn to feed.
Not too far away, she spotted a nearly white fawn that seemed to be speckled like a grey roan, though it might just be the rain on his fur. Walking over to the fawn, she knelt and offered the milk. "Don't be afraid, little one. I'm here to help if you will let me." She kept her voice calm and quiet, remembering how easy the deer from her world were to scare. "Such a handsome fellow...." She was mostly thinking out loud, forgetting not for the first time, that these creatures could understand her words. Rasmus and Eyrdith sent both encouragement and amusement through their bonds as they listened to their human's musings. Leyora smiled at the sensation and at the young kurbok. Shyly she waited for the minstrel to drink, before reaching out to pet the deer behind the ear, if he would allow.
((500 Word Challenge: flatware, seamlessly, dissolvent = 519 words))
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Taki
Handler
Posts: 333
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Post by Taki on Jul 14, 2014 4:42:11 GMT -8
While Taki waited for the Wounded Knight to decide on whether to take her offering or not, she looked around at the other fawns left. There were just so many… it broke her heart to realize that there was no way to save them all.
{How cruel a fate!} she thought to herself. {To be born, only to have their mothers cast them aside, and for what? I think I heard one of the others say something about their coat colors, or who was stronger?} She looked at the Wounded Knight. {Well, he looks plenty strong to me! And I happen to – like – his coat!} She felt a rather uncharacteristic twinge of anger, at the ones who would cause such a catastrophe by sentencing such innocent, helpless creatures to death without a seeming care for it. Her tail lashed briefly, then settled as she let out a breath, trying to will her body out of the wire-tight posture it was in.
A soft sound captured her attention briefly, and she glanced to her right to see that when the Wounded Knight had tried to walk and had stumbled, he’d ended up only a couple of feet from another fawn, this one black as the dunes with a cream-colored underbelly and a fetching white mask around its eyes. It was a little smaller than the fawn she tended, and appeared more delicate so Taki thought that perhaps it was a female.
{Well, I may not be able to save them all, but I’m going to help as many as I can!} She looked to find Tam’kar bounding around them in yet another circle. *Tam’kar.* Instantly, hearing the focus in her tone, he stopped bouncing and came to her side.
What is it, Taki? Do you need my help?
*Yes. Hold this please, so he can drink. I’m going to bring that one there closer to me, so she can drink as well. We’ve got to do everything we can to save as many as possible.*
I can do that! Eager to help out, the little kitsune took one end of the milk-soaked scarf in his mouth, even sitting up on his hind legs and balancing skillfully so the other end came no where near the black sands. Then Taki smiled at the fawn.
*Please, drink as much as you want. I’m going to get that fawn over there, so I can help her – well, I think it’s a her – as well.* Standing, she went over to where the Masquerade lay in the sand, kneeling down. *Don’t be afraid, little one. I’m going to pick you up, and bring you to where I was so I can give you something to drink as well.* Carefully she put her arms around the fawn, listening and feeling for any adverse reaction, then carried her the couple of feet over to lay her nearby to the Wounded Knight, making sure to give each one some space from the other, just in case. For a moment as she took back the scarf from Tam’kar, Taki was baffled as she realized she didn’t have another scarf. But then she grinned and reached up to her hat, swiftly removing the cloth hat band from its cunning tucked-in place and unfolding it, then soaking it with more milk and offering it to the female fawn, addressing them both. *Please, take as much as you want. It’s all for you.*
(500 word challenge, catastrophe, death, wire. word count around 570; I hope no one minds me trying for two, and kinda assuming that the Masquerade would allow Taki to pick her up and carry her over like that. I was guessing the weights listed in their descriptions was full grown weight, not fawn weight. If I was mistaken in this, I apologize.))
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Post by Terris on Jul 17, 2014 14:33:37 GMT -8
As far as The Lonely Warrior was concerned, keeping a conversation going with the skeleton was a fine way to ensure he'd get a chance to clean up before his life was snuffed out, so he indulged Cain with some chatter. When the rains start falling they'll chill me to the bone and I'll die. I refuse to die covered in this awful stuff he began grooming himself again as he listened to Cain's words, and was surprised when the skeleton started helping clean him.
I am a Kurbok. he said simply, his mind searching the skeleton's for some kind comparison he could use. We are probably similar to an impala or a gazelle, not a reindeer. he looked doubtful, unsure if he had explained himself to the skeleton's satisfaction.
Well, it is not Mother's milk, that much is certain, but unlike you, I have no hands, so licking it off is the only way I have to get clean. Thank you by the way. he added, grateful for the help. The proposition that came next startled him enough that for the first time he looked directly at Cain, into the sockets where his eyes should have been, and unbidden, the first threads of a bond began to weave around the two souls.
He felt this, and looked to the skeleton, awaiting validation that this was okay, and wanted, before he let it continue.
BOND:The Lonely Warrior to Cain
The Philosopher, unlike the Lonely Warrior, was not one to turn down help when it was offered and took the milk soaked rag with little fuss. A slight inclination of his head was given in thanks, but no words were uttered until the last of the milk had been consumed. It was only then that he really acknowledged the presence of the human. You have my thanks he said simply, his voice quiet, but not weak as he studied Duzell, a look of quiet contemplation on his young face. Tell me, friend. Why does your species go out of their way to help creatures survive? I don't understand it. Our mothers would not save us, but you would? Why? You clearly do not intend to eat us... he trailed off, his eyes searching the man's for answers. Could this human give him the knowledge he sought?
The Lonely Warrior's skin ripples as Taki helps dry him off. He briefly looks toward his brother, not far away, and is surprised to see he has bonded. He will be looked after. He is safe. This is good, though he cannot help but feel a little hurt that every member of his family has forgotten him. He turns his attention back to the Myrgwae and her companion, listening to the emotions behind the words more than the words themselves. His eyes seek hers, and he allows the bond to slip into place. His family may be gone, but that doesnt mean he cannot forge a new one. I'd be more than your friend, if you would accept me he says quietly, a slight waver of insecurity in his voice, unsure if she will accept.
Bond: The Wounded Knight to Taki
Hello! Over here! a scared little voice rings out, calling Arlene over. The shy priestess, usually quiet, is desperate for care. Still half-stuck in the birthing sac and unable to get her hind legs untangled, she stares at the woman with wide, pleading eyes, hoping she will heed the call, and come rescue her, fearing, she, like her mother, will walk away and leave her to die.
The Sly Vagabond took to Amerlan's offered milk easily enough, suckling long and deep on the milk soaked rags. His eyes closed in pleasure at the flavour and he all but purred as his belly filled. Thank you, I surely needed that. he said cheefully when he was done, his eyes, wide and about as innocent as he could make them. Oh yes, he may still be wet from birthing, but that didn't mean he wasn't going to milk this for all it was worth. Could surely use a bit more though, when you are done with that one, of course. he added, tilting his head in the direction of the Special Snowflake.
The Special Snowflake was somewhat harder to please. While he took to the milk well, he was not content with simply having the rag offered to him, oh no...that would not do at all! He groaned softly, his head flopping about. I think I need both hands over here, my brother can manage on his own! You need to support my head, I can't right now...too...weak. He made a show of flopping sideways, his eyes closing...well almost. One was still half-open, and trained on the Elfling, to see what she would do.
The Minstrel happily allowed the first kind contact he had ever had in his short life, while filling his belly, he leaned into the comforting touch of Leyora's hand, shuffled a little closer to her warmth, leaned against her, closed his eyes and just allowed himself to be comforted by her presence for a few moments while he drank his fill. When his eyes opened again, they sought out her own. There was something about her gentle kindness that spoke to him and, not one to ignore his first instincts, the kindness she had shown was enough for him to make his decision. He allowed the bond to gently slip into place on his end before he even spoke his first words. If you will have me... is all he said...
BOND: The Minstrel to Leyora.
The masquerade did not struggle when Taki lifted her, whether this was because she was not afraid, or because she was too weak to do anything about it was anyone's guess, but if she was afraid, or weak, she did not let it show, raising her head proudly as she was deposited next to the other fawn. She drank the offered milk with no comment, her eyes surveying the situation with a kind of detached interest. She was being fed, she would live, for now, and this knowledge that she would be okay, at least temporarily, allowed her to take stock of the situation. Taki seemed harmless enough, all of those gathered to help did, and so, for now, she would play along. She would be pleasant for as long as they were, and would take time to form an opinion on them before deciding what to do. She put on her friendliest face and bobbed her head at Taki in thanks. Thank you for the milk, I feel much better now. she said, her voice pleasant and friendly, though inside she was still quite cautious.
Terris quickly knelt, offering the Twisted Sorceress the milk soaked rag. She drank daintily, not getting so much as a smear on that pretty little face of hers. When she was done, she regarded the Knight with a mild curiosity. He had heeded her call almost instantly, and seemed completely oblivious to her manipulation. Good. He'd probably do nicely, and if she could keep the other Kurbok away from him, and prevent him bonding with the others, all the better. It was not that she was jealous, oh no, but it would take some effort to ensure that he thought she was the sweet, innocent little maiden she made herself out to be, and she would not have other babies telling him any different. She turned her bright eyes on his, allowed them to widen, and allowed the bond to wash over them, gentle, for now, but insistent. Terris allowed the bond to fall into place with little resistence...and it was then that The Twisted Sorceress discovered her mistake. "You evil little minx!" Terris laughed, stroking the fawn's soft head. Well, how was I supposed to know the bond worked like that she huffed, her true nature discovered as soon as they had bonded.
BOND: The Twisted Sorceress to Terris
The Matron wandered from person to person, a word of encouragement here, a few words of advice there. She made the rounds, chatted amongst the humans as they tended to the babies, but for the most part, held back, content to observe the big picture. She was not sure when she'd made her way over to Duzell, but it was in time to hear the question the Philosopher posed, and she hung back a little, curious as to how he would answer the fawn, for she, also, wanted an answer to this question....
(400 word challenge - conversation, validate - 1400+ words)
(ooc: Yes! there are more bonds! And more coming, I promise! Just because you have bonded, doesnt mean you cannot bond a second kurbok, though the second will be harder to bond to, so be warned! Also, I hope nobody minds me taking the twisted sorceress, it seems nobody else had any interest in her)
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Taki
Handler
Posts: 333
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Post by Taki on Jul 18, 2014 4:44:37 GMT -8
While she may have been a novice any taking care of newborns, these two hardly seemed like the completely defenseless baby animals of her home world, and it seemed simple instinct, kindness, and a little practical common sense was serving her quite well.
Taki smiled as she felt the bond connect the Wounded Knight and herself, wrapping around her with the sensation of a strong protector at her back, shielding her from what might want to hurt her or Tam’kar with a proud determination. It came as something of a thrilling surprise, as she had come here with no thoughts of bonding with one of these wonderful creatures, only of helping them have a chance of survival. The sense of his pleasure that his brother is safe, as well as his sorrow at losing his family is keenly felt by the feline fae, causes a small sheen of tears in her eyes even as she put more milk on the offered pieces of cloth for the Kurbok pair.
*It would be my honor,* she replied to his words, *to be both your friend, and part of your family.*
Hearing the Masquerade’s words made Taki’s ears twitch in pleasure at her voice – and that she still wasn’t quite used to hearing so much telepathy, but not that she was complaining – and she gave a smile in return, tail flickering back and forth in a friendly way.
*I’m glad you’re feeling better. Do you want any more? There’s still some left in the bag; it was quite full.* Mentally she made a note to thank whoever it belonged to, and try to offer some sort of payment for using it. It’s only right after all. Then she picked up on a little but of the Masquerade’s wariness. Not that she can blame her! After all, less than an hour ago, she was born, then abandoned by her own mother! Hoping to put her at ease, the Myrgwae projected a sensation of safety and comfort. *You can trust me. I know that might be hard to believe, but all I want to do is help make you strong and give you a chance to live. You deserve it!* Then Taki blinked in surprise and some alarm.*Oh, you’re both shivering!*
I’ll help! Tam’kar chirps, sitting up on his hind legs for a moment and tails flickering in a playful, jaunty salute before he bounds over to snuggle between the two fawns, flicking a fluffy tail over each of them and doing his best to cover and warm them as much as he can, despite them being actually a little bit bigger than he is. It’s such a humorous image, the little kit trying to warm the larger kurboks, that Taki can’t help but giggle a little bit, hoping her laughter didn’t offend them.
She let them lap as much of the milk as they liked, or until there was none left, then closed the bag again and looked around. Everyone was so busy with the kurboks that she knew they wouldn’t pay much attention if she called out to find out who owned the bag, nor would they be any more willing than she to step away from the needy fawns.
I’ll find who its belongs to, Tam’kar offered. I’ll smell them out! Taki smiled.
*Excellent idea! And I’ll take over keeping our friends here warm.* She and the kitsune traded places, and on an afterthought Taki pulled out the carving she’d recently completed, of the dragon, and tied it to the bag with a piece of string before putting an arm over each Kurbok’s back to help give more body warmth, stroking them dry and hoping it gave them some comfort, though not pressing the contact if the Masquerade didn’t want it. *Ok, Tam’kar, it’s ready! I hope they like my gift in thanks for the milk.*
The kitsune kit sniffed at the ground and the bag, until he had a scent. Then he followed it right up to the bag’s owner and set it down at their side, pawing at them until they looked at him, pushing their bag back and with a foxy smile and flickering tails indicating his thanks, before bounding back to Taki.
((500 word challenge, word count 700+, novice, offers, salute. And OOC, whoever wants to can claim that the bag she used was theirs (obviously if no one else has). The carving is a level 2 woodcarving that she made, free gift!)
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Post by Arlene on Jul 18, 2014 20:51:36 GMT -8
Arlene heard the call for help from the young female stuck in a mild calamity. "Just hold still. This might be worrisome as I get the placenta off you since you won't be able to see me as I get it off and untangle your legs." She kept her movements slow to not startle her as she pull her harvesting knife from her belt to start cutting the egg sack off the little one. "Your mother is actually very very... silly. Humans don't eat the placenta because they think they're too civilized, yet it helps for mothers' recovery taking in the last of the nutrients from them." She cut as carefully as possible keeping her eye on the young spindly legs. She bit her lower lip thinking. "We'll get you out and fed soon this is almost..." She pondered how to get the hooves out of the mess. "Let's get you fed while I try to figure how to get your hooves out of this with your legs twisted." She reached back for the milk bladder and frowned seeing it walked but shrugged pulling out the rags dipping in the bucket letting it dangle in front of the priestess's nose.
200 word challenge calamity
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Post by Tidfe on Jul 18, 2014 21:05:27 GMT -8
Cain felt the whispers of the bond, lurking lurking there in the back of his mind as he stared back at the young fawn. Nodding slowly, he went back to cleaning the young one. "Giglan, you can bond to me. So long as you let me clean you up. After all, you are right, if the rains come you will catch your death of chill and I'm not wrapping you up in anything while you still have this all over you. I don't know what is in it and well...I don't think you want to be wrapped up in it anymore than I do." The fawn apparently agreed as it went back to cleaning once the bond locked into place. Cain cleaned him off the best he could before gently picking up the fawn and looked around for a place to put his young charge.
Dorth came down and made a winged shelter. Moving over, Cain nestled Giglan next to her warm flank and stared into the fawn's face. "I'm going to go see about your other siblings. I'll be back. Stay with Dorth, she can keep you warm at the very least." Patting Dorth, Cain backed out and away. Dorth closed her wings, making it as dark as a stage theater so to keep as much of the warmth in and rain out.
The skeleton moved off to attend to another one of the fawns. Kneeling down to see what another one of the fawns might be up too. "What about you? Would you also like a home or are you resigned to your fate as well?" Cain kept one eye on the darkening sky. Catching a glimpse of something, he saw Death hovering over this fawn. Looking down, Cain felt his heart clench as he noticed the labored breathing on this one. Looking around, all the fawns that didn't seem to be near someone had been marked for death in one way or another. A labored breath. Closed eyes. Faint mewling. All signal that the fawns didn't have long to live. And if that wasn't enough, the blazing (to him at least) mark of Death on their hides clenched it.
All expect one. Frowning, he didn't see Death around that fawn as of yet. Threading his way through the young, dying foals, he wished he could end their misery now. But that would have to wait until all was said and done. Kneeling down beside the Bandit, he laid a hand on the fawn's side to make sure he was still alive and Cain didn't miss something.
(400 Challenge: Lurking, Theater 431 words)
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Post by Amerlan on Jul 23, 2014 17:45:31 GMT -8
The soft pulls on the rag as the fawn suckled warmed her heart. "Go on drink deeply. There you go!" Amerlan praised the fawn as it drained the rag dry. He was just so adorable. When he turned those big, round eyes on Amerlan she was instantly put under his spell.
The charm however was broken as the Special Snowflake drew all her attention. Whether it was truely too weak to drink on it's own, or just wanted some extra attention, couldn't be determined. It didn't matter to her either way though as she laid her palm on the fawn's cheek to support it's head. Lifting the rag to it's muzzle she offered the milk for a second time. "There, now you must drink though. You need all the strength you can get, and the first meal is very important." Slowly she drew her hands with the fawns head near her lap. "It would be easier for you if you laid here. You can rest your head on my knee while you dink."
However, the Sly Vagabond had not bee forgotten. Turning her gaze back the adorable fawn she chuckled. With his baby face it was hard not to drop one hand on the Special Snowflake and give her undivided attention back to him. "Keeva? Can you do me a favor and fetch another rag? This one is willing to eat and grow strong." Her words were meant as both praise for the Sly Vagabond and as encouragement for the Special Snowflake to try and drink on his own.
The cub purred her agreement and bound off to where she had first gotten the rags. On her way she saw several of the humanoids bonding, just like Amerlan had to her. A midst all the sorrow it was thrilling to see all and the new bonds taking place. These bonds were hope, and hope was important in order to keep on going. Some of the fawns were still alone, but she knew the humanoids would help in any way they could.
Finding the pile of rags she retrieved two more and loped back to Amerlan. Cheerfully she set them on her bonded's leg. "They are bonding! They can be saved!"
Amerlan laughed in glee. To some she would probably look insane, laughing like this when all this sadness is going on, but if they couldn't see the wondrous aspects of what was happening then they were blind fools in her eyes.
Urging the Special Snowflake into her lap she now had a free hand to feed the Sly Vagabond with. "Now you are both welcome to drink to your hearts content! You know, bonding with humans or human-like things isn't so bad. Food any time you wish, and a warm home." She hoped these two would bond. She hoped even more that at least one of them or maybe even both would bond to her. "You're even welcome to stay with me if you wish. Plenty of others in my home to keep you company too."
(( 500 word challenge : alone, welcome, thrilling : 506 words ))
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