It was supposed to be their biggest festival of the year, and yet a shadow was ruining the festivities. How could people enjoy a party when they thought that the extremists Alkidikes would show up shortly to try and claim Sauti?
Some were of the feeling that it was simply rumors and loud words by the extremists that would amount to nothing, others felt that they needed to prepare. How they would prepare was argued as people walked the stalls of the festivals, enjoying the small bits of peace and quiet while they could.
Finally, as the day was coming to an end of the first day of the festival, Freya and Vescillea, the two most known women on the joint council of Zena and Sauti, appeared and stepped out onto the largest of the stages set up for dancers to perform upon.
"Quiet please!" Vescillea called out to the gathered crowds. "It's depressing that things have come to this but we've decided that our people need to reach a decision on the current... potential threat we may face. I wanted to wait until after the festival but..."
Freya snorted, "Better to get a plan in now so that we can enjoy the festival afterwards! Word is that the Alkidikes, some of the more extreme and arrogant ones at least, want to come to Sauti and claim it... Maybe they think you're easier targets the Shifters.."
"Freya..." Vescillea sighed.
"What? Why else would they come here, where the land is so different than their home lands and so far?" She looked out over the crowd, a scowl on her face. "We need a plan. But this is something that we feel should be asked to all of you and not decided in our council since it involves more Sauti than us... but we are allies and will be here to aid you."
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Chimelu could literally feel the tension that was suspended in the wind like a coming storm. He wondered how long it would take before all chaos broke loose and people starting hurtling threats and other nasty things at the Alkidikes. What was his stance on the matter? Really, he didn't have one at the moment. He felt like they should at least try to settle things in a peaceful matter like Vescillea was suggesting but he had never met an Alkidike and were the rumors about them true? He was slowly beginning to train with a bow, a process that was proving difficult, but he wouldn't be much of a fight against someone like them.
Of course he realized he was being incredibly narrow-minded at the moment, but what could he do? Speculate one way or the other? Wouldn't it be better to know what was going on before making such a huge decision such as war? They had really taken a hit with the last one. Tensions were still present even now. "Is there any way to win in this world?" He asked with a frustrated sigh, rubbing at the back of his head. What he needed was a calm place to sit down and think for a minute. Eventually that led him into Eira's shop where he hoped he could gather his thoughts and maybe get a better feel for how everyone else was taking this. Chimelu wasn't sure if he was in the mood for a celebration anyways.
Orpheus Solon
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Posted: Mon Jun 22, 2015 4:45 pm
Araie Post 1
Araie shook her head, trying to ignore the worry cording its way through her. She had heard rumors, of course. It was hard not to. The tension with the Alkidikes had been reaching critical levels recently, but she still wasn't convinced that it meant they would come storming Sauti in an attempt to conquer it. Not all of the Alkidikes were extremists. She was sure that there were others that didn't wish to attack. Or at least she hoped there was.
"Do we even have any idea that they will try? Or are we just jumping to conclusions here?" Araie asked, glancing over the large crowd that had gathered. Surely there were others that thought like she did. She didn't want to jump into a potentially life-threatening situation unless she was sure the need was absolutely there. Still, perhaps it was best that they had a plan in place just in case...No. She couldn't encourage that type of thought. If people got scared, they would want to take it out on the Alkidikes, even the ones that didn't deserve their scorn.
Posted: Mon Jun 22, 2015 5:14 pm
Ming'we Post 1
Ming'we had made the journey to Sauti, the place she called her home, even though she was badly injured. As it was she was still unable to use her limbs to their full potential. What's more was that one of her antennae seemed to droop lower than the other. She had wanted to celebrate the festival in her home but what greeted her instead was news that Alkidike's wanted to take over Sauti. It scared her that she would have no home to stay in if those women took over. Her pure blue eyes went to Vescillea and she limped closer to the leader of the wind nomads. "Please don't let them take our home." She seemed to beg.
Turning to face the gathered crowd she looked at everyone, chin held high despite her beaten appearance. "This.." She did her best to motion to herself, the bruises, cuts, wounds, and seemingly broken antennae. "This is what they did to me. Unprovoked. I don't want it to happen to anyone else." The blonde hybrid, though she now identified herself as a Wind Tribeswoman only, turned her head back toward Vescillea and had to wince at the strain it put on her muscles.
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Posted: Mon Jun 22, 2015 5:17 pm
Eira Post 1
Eira was a grown woman, one that was mature, damn it! It was likely the only reason why she wasn't screaming at the moment in frustration over the idea of things coming into Sauti to mess it up. She had finally gotten her inn put together and looking beautiful, everything was perfect if you asked her... and now some people from Chibale were trying to mess with Sauti? Talking about wanting to just claim the place? Could they do that?
"This is just the Obans all over again." She muttered to herself, lifting a hand to rub her temples, feeling a bit on the frustrated side. She had finally gotten her inn built, up and running, people visiting, and now it was in jeopardy? A shame she couldn't just move the inn somewhere outside of Sauti with magic. She wasn't so mean as to try to force Makani and Sinny to do that though, especially when she doubted highly that that the two could move an entire inn anyway. It meant that they were going to have to defend the inn against intrusion was all she told herself. The inn was a place that was supposed to be peaceful, not dangerous, where people could relax and enjoy themselves. That meant she wouldn't just give it up. She didn't fight herself, not usually, but that didn't meant she wouldn't smack someone if they tried to mess with what was hers.
"Gyuri! Tell the others that we need to be prepared just in case. I don't want outsiders allowed into the inn if they are armed. I don't want any weapons inside, got me? I won't allow my inn to be messed up." She told her giant of a bodyguard before heading toward the inn, pausing as she spotted a young blond man coming their way. She lifted a hand, waving as she put on her best smile, "Hello there, welcome to my inn."
*****
Gyuri Post 1
Gyuri looked from where he was sitting as he heard Eira calling out to him, something that had him instantly on his feet before gave a smile and a nod. It seemed that the news they ahd been getting about the extremists possibly coming their way had gotten Eira more riled up then he'd seen for a while. The last ting that he wanted was to risk was riling her up all that much more, best to try to soothe her, "Gotcha. No weapons." He said, turning head toward the inn, going toward the inn, ready to guard the front door, to keep weapons out and keep things calm just as he'd promised Eira that he would.
This was the job that he'd been hired on for, to keep the inn peaceful, and now was the time it would seem for him to do his job. Here was to hoping none of the extremists bothered iwth them. They were far from most other things after all, instead near to the border between Sauti and Tale, so hpefully they weren't near... whatever it was that the group wanted from Sauti. He'd rather not get into a battle against a bunch of extremists, but at least he wasn't all alone. Gyuri gave the blond boy a glance as Eira spoke with him but, seeing that he didn't spot a weapon straight away, he felt that he was likely safe and could be left to chat with Eira without Gyuri interfering.
*****
Makani Post 1
Makani was sitting alongside the river, listening to the sound of the water as it went flowing by. He gave a smile before he laid back against Rae, his fluffy Raptrix, and gave a sighing sound, "Best that we keep an eye out girl. Don't really know what is gonna happen from here on out but it's not like Gyuri can do everything on his own." He told Rae, lifting a hand to scratch her behind the ear before let himself get comfortable.
"I wonder where everyone else is? Oggie, Viveka, Natsu, really everyone that we are friends with. I hope their all alright." He murmured to her, sighing a bit. He didn't want to fight again, didn't want to have to patch up people that had been fighting. Just thinking about it made him feel ill. He'd been up to his elbows in wounded and covered in blood during the war against Oban, it was something he didn't want to do again... it had been awful. Lifting a hand he rubbed it against the back of his neck, "I don't want to deal with healing the wounded again... but if I have to I will. Just stay with me, alright Rae? I could use your back up."
Posted: Mon Jun 22, 2015 5:40 pm
Dezani Post 1
Dezani had hoped to forget about the growing threat and have fun with the Sauti festivities. He had finally made up with his father and was helping him with the little booth he had set up to sell his wares and show off his tamed creatures. Raiha had even joined in and was becoming a great distraction, helping crowd people closer to the both whether they liked it or not. The little bird was doing wonders for business, even so he still worried. If the extremest were coming they should be preparing, not worrying about the festival. It was only natural for people to not want to think about such dire things, but they needed some sort of planning at least. They couldn't just ignore what was happening. The constant nagging of them potentially getting closer to Sauti borders made the lancer nervous. He just wanted everyone to make a decision and find out what exactly was going on. Hearing stories from the others about what had happened made it all too clear that it was indeed a threat, but was knowing enough to get these people into action?
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Posted: Mon Jun 22, 2015 5:41 pm
KDAL POST 1
Light eyes darted rapidly from face to face, searching. She'd lost sight of her friend during the festival, and now she felt that it would be impossible to find him in the crowd. One that had gathered for a reason it appeared. Biting her lip Kdal fisted her hands in her skirt, the soft colorful fabric easy to hold onto. A war? She knew it was coming from the rumors, any merchant worth their salt knew how to separate fact from hearsay. But to have it confirmed on this day of all days?
It was setting a tone for the rest of the festival. Oh how the Gods must love conflict.
Swallowing Kdal straightened her spine and rolled her shoulders back. Well, untrained or not she wasn't going to back down. It was her duty, no, her reason for wanting to learn how to fight. To protect others before harm could befall them.
Posted: Mon Jun 22, 2015 5:45 pm
Araie Post 2
As Araie's eyes landed on the blonde hybrid that spoke to the crowd, she could feel her heart wrench and tears p***k her eyes. By the gods, had the Alkidike really done that? To one who was one of their own? Sure, she may not be full blooded, but would they really attack someone for that reason alone? Araie stood a little taller, moved by the woman's appearance. It had made up her mind for her. If the Alkidike really were coming to Sauti, she would do everything in her power to stop them. She palmed the runes in her pocket, trying to find her voice again. As much as she deplored violence, it might become necessary. She just wasn't sure she was ready to speak in favor of such things yet.
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Posted: Mon Jun 22, 2015 5:53 pm
Aselia Post 1
Aselia yawned as she threw her hands over her head. She had been lingering on the outskirts of the earthling festivals, all while searching out a specific creature, the Suruhama. The journey from Chibale Isle had been long, troublesome and full of obstacle's. Thankfully she was not traveling alone a tiny section of her sisters had gone to accompany her, all in the name of keeping her safe. She was their beloved mystic, and in turn she would do what she could for them. They deserved it after all.
The downside to the first day of festivals had been the lack of what she had been searching for, however the beauty of the land had captivated Aselia right from the start. 'If only Aisha could be here to see this...' she had mused to the few who traveled with her. It wasn't like her heart wasn't breaking she was missing the festivals back home, missing her mothers celebration. But it was the only time of year that seemed to be focused on the auspicious bird... that was what rumor had told her. And she was starting to doubt the rumors. The longer it was taking her to find the bird, the more agitated she became. What if the bird only showed itself to those who owned the land? It had only been musings of a strained mind.
Turning to Neibet Aselia shrugged her shoulder. "Perhaps today will not be the day either. I know this bird exists it's in my blood. So why isn't it at the festival like those fools said it would be!?" Her eyes darted towards the gathered crowd and the strange 'others' odd need to display her injuries. "Would you look at that. Even an other can have guts. how repulsive."
Lirende
Posted: Mon Jun 22, 2015 6:05 pm
Eije Post 1
There wasn’t much that could bring Eije back to Zena, especially anywhere she could run into her grandfather…though she wouldn’t mind visiting Viv’s father along the way. But one of those rarities that could bring her back to the mountains was the festival, a tradition she still continued even with her father’s passing. As she made her way through the crowd, closer to the women who stood upon the stage, she felt her anger rise. So the rumors were something to believe, there was a real threat to the land that extended out from the forests. Her hand tightened on the grip of her father’s swords, there was no doubt about it. Though she wouldn’t have a title to bear, she couldn’t stand by and watch her friends and family be hurt by the Alkidikes.
She had to turn away from the beaten hybrid, knowing full well that she would become too angry if she thought about it too much. More support for the rumors, “there’s only one thing we really can do,” she murmured mostly to herself, though her sailscale peaked his head out to lend an ear.
Jawaad Post 1
A fresh of fresh air from the house. That's all the festival was supposed to be. But now, listening to the spectators and two of the most powerful women in their land, it was seeming like it wouldn't end up being that easy.
Maybe she was a bit too sheltered in Secer, but Jawaad didn't hear much of the rumor mill. She actually barely heard anything about alkidikes other than the stereotypical 'amazon warriors,' and the like. Her hand gripped her necklace as she grimaced at the bruised up Alkidike hybrid. It was such a terrible thing to see, to hurt your own, mixed blood or no. But she appeared to have had some tending to at the very least, and she was thankful for that. With her arms crossed and a glance across the gathering crowd, Jawaad wasn't ready to make any declaration of war until she had heard what others had to say.
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Posted: Mon Jun 22, 2015 6:17 pm
L'lhynd Post 1
If Kdal hadn't been there one minute and gone the next L'lhynd would have swore that Zuberi had planned it some how. He had mixed feelings about the festival... it was a chance to see many different styles of dress and how different fabrics were used, but at the same time... all of the earthlings! The crowds were abundant and L'lhynd was feeling sick to his stomach because of it... or maybe from whatever it was he'd eaten last. He found himself walking closer to Zuberi than he would have liked... but what could he say? The Oban had one of the most intimidating resting faces he'd ever seen, and he'd use that to his advantage tonight. "Do you see hi-her?" He still found himself confused still about Kdal's gender, though it was also interesting to him.
L'lhynd pointed towards the gathering crowd, figuring it would be a good place to look. But as they got there a wind earthling seemed to command attention from all. With her stood an ice earthling, from what L'lhynd could gather. Their words caused murmurs through the crowd and someone bumped L'lhynd as they moved forward to speak. He found himself automatically grabbing for Zuberi's hand, his mind already starting to be seized by panic. He'd heard the rumors but... surely they hadn't been true? War? Here? Here where they were? "W-we have to find Kdal... now... We have to leave..." His voice was barely above a whisper, his hand tightening on Zuberi's more and more. The need to feel safe had struck him hard and already he was beginning to pull at Zuberi, wildly as he turned, frantically looking for Kdal now.
Posted: Mon Jun 22, 2015 6:37 pm
Shukri post 1
The weather was nice, the air smelled of half a dozen delicious foods on offer and Shukri had made a hefty profit and a few nice private trades so far. Sure some of the things he'd sold had been made by Faiza and not himself but he was still getting some of that coin and traded goods as a vending fee. The wind earthling couldn't be happier, and then of course some of the council members had to go and end a perfectly nice day with an announcement of doom.
As he placed his wares, charms and festival carvings, found goods from other lands, rocks from the highest mountains in Sauti and specially crafted items, away the young man sighed.
He didn't think Maya would be amongst those potentially coming for his homeland but if the rumors were true being a dissenting voice was just as dangerous as being on the front lines. He'd have to see about sending a message to Jauhar tomorrow, perhaps one of those expensive trained birds that had stations popping up all over much of Tendaji. Of course how to actually then get the message to Maya once it was in Jauhar he was unsure. She no longer resided in her old residence and he didn't know if anyone could or would take a message across to the Alkidike's sacred island for any amount of money.
For the moment Shukri was too deep in though and personal concerns to voice his opinion on what ought to be done about a possible invasion.
She had been locked away for too long, this rumor was one that she hadn't heard. When she had been back in Jauhar, after the war, things seemed to be getting better. But now this? And the Alkidike didn't even want to take over Jauhar but come all the way over here? She didn't like this, and didn't wholly believe it. Even with the young hyrbid standing in front of them she wasn't sure they were getting the whole story. She would fight if needed, it wasn't like she had anything better to do, but she didn't want to unless they had too.
Posted: Mon Jun 22, 2015 7:28 pm
Zuberi Post 1
Zuberi had been watching L'lhynd and so when he turned around to speak to Kdal he was surprised when she wasn't there. He scowled a little and some people either backed away or scowled back. He had noticed Kdal had a tendency to wander off. He supposed that is what people meant when they called someone a free spirit. Still it wasn't completely a bad trait, after all it meant sometimes he got to be alone with L'lhynd. And right now alone meant that L'lhynd was pressing against his side as people from the crowd passed them.
Zuberi used his height to look over the heads of the crowds. He hadn't caught sight of her yet. He shook his head and followed L'lhynd to the gathering crowd until their attention was called to an ice and wind earthling. Usually Zuberi would have ignored them, after all, the affairs of a country that weren't his own didn't really matter to him, but this was about the Alkidikes, a race known for their warriors, and probably the one race that Zuberi felt might actually be a threat to his home. He listened intently, his hand automatically resting on his sword. From nearby he heard someone mumble about it being the Obans all over again and he had to agree. And to push the point, his people had almost won in their endeavors, so he had no problem taking the potential threat seriously.
The thought of being in a battle wasn't an unpleasant thought for him and if he could stop the Alkidikes in their tracks before they thought to expand their need to conquer towards Oba, then that would be worth it.
But all those thoughts halted when he felt L'lhynd's hand slid into his. He immediately whipped his head in the Matorian;'s direction. L'lhynd was stuttering in an obvious panick, but for the moment all Zuberi could focus on was that L'lhynd had willing touched him, was now clinging to him as if Zuberi would protect him from all the terrible things in the world, which Zuberi would. He squeezed his hand and nodded. They had to find Kdal and leave, not because Zuberi thought running away would do anything, but because L'lhynd could not fight and L'lhynd mattered to him more than wars and Alkidikes. Perhaps they should head back to Oba, where he could keep L'lhynd safe and then leave to fight this new threat. He turned that thought over, but decided he would figure that out later. First they had to find Kdal.
He tugged L'lhynd closer. "Stay close." Then he began purring over the crowd for their guide.
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Posted: Tue Jun 23, 2015 8:41 am
Talin post 1
He looked over the crowd and snorted. His people were really very quiet weren't they? Much preferring to move away from combat and live freely. Which he liked.. but he also loved a good fight!
"If we leave than that'll just mean we'll be stuck in Zena.. somehow I doubt our icey cousins will want all of us smooshed up there in the mountains! And why should we let those amazon's take our land? They're worse than Obans for wanting more land. already having taken stuff from the shifters now they want to focus on us?" He called out at the leaders from his perch upon a stalls roof.
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