[ Metaplot ] The War of the Fire Crown [ Chronicle of the Phoenix - Prologue V ]
OOC
Meta Plot PRP Rules → This is an rp to introduce an FC to the Phoenix army, establish their character, the reason and events surrounding their joining, and to introduce them to their future leaders. → Each FC will have an rp opening with Feng and Volga, these can be assumed to be happening close together in timeline. → ONLY those tagged are welcome to rp but any are welcome to read along!
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Feng could barely feel his paws. Between the radiant heat of the sunlight glaring off of every slab and piece of obsidian, the unforgiving edges of the shale, and the long march between the walls of the flow that he called his shelter and the open plains where prey and resources could be found- the cub was dead on his feet. He couldn't afford to drag his paws or shuffle as his body so desired to do. He'd learned first hand that the ground was filled with natural blades that would not hesitate to draw even the blood of its keepers. Not for the first time, he quietly envied his winged companion, Ren, who at present sat perched between his horns.
Knowing his mentor was somewhere nearby, Feng slowly picked his way towards the lake and lowered himself down against the shoreline. The starlight and the twin moons shone brilliantly off the shining surface of the lake. By then, early dusk, the stones had begun to cool so laying against the stone was nothing short of a welcome comfort. He dipped his aching front paws into the lapping waves of the shallows and laid his cheek against his outstretched leg. His hind legs kicked out behind him and his long, sweeping tail curled around himself. Ren, unhappy that its ride had flattened itself down to the ground, fluttered to a nearby outcropping of stone to pick at one of its talons.
Ren let his mind drift as his eyes gazed into the waters- but somehow through them. He was unfocused, allowing his guard to slip in the knowledge that Volga's ever-watchful gaze was upon him. Often times he would watch the moons travel across the surface of the lake or across the darkness of the night sky and imagine that they were a pair of great eyes watching him from afar. What the moons were exactly was anyone's guess- but the thought of some benevolent giant who's face held the stars was both powerful and comforting. This same great being breathed cool breezes over an otherwise hot landscape. It was a merciful thing, a beautiful thing, and a thing so beyond comprehension that he couldn't rightly put an image to it. Somehow, this nameless giant seemed to have been more real to him than his own name had at one point in his life.
Sighing, he let his eyes flutter closed.
Seruta
GunSniper
Feng Word Count
650
Posted: Tue Jul 26, 2016 7:05 pm
Ling sighed softly as she walked. Her steps were becoming more sure. More stable. As was her thoughts on her destiny.
In her first few days, she'd been close enough to the capital to feel the winds change and flux the fires on their currents. She could tell there were dark days to come. Days in which just didn't settle right on her stomach. A part of her considered entering the great city to see first hand just what had made the Weaver cast dark clouds of smoke over it in her dreams, but the other part of her felt a more calm and welcoming tug away from the city borders and out towards the Obsidian Coast.
Her dreams were all based on interpretation, of course. She knew the Weaver didn't have any direct line of communication with her. It was merely a fantasy of hers. Ever since she woke, she felt that deep seeded desire to know the Weaver. To follow in his silent teachings. To understand him and teach his ways to others. Something about that idea just seemed right to her.
Yet, in order to do all that, she needed to know more... to see the Weaver's silent teachings in her own experiences. Learn from her mistakes. Learn from instances based on instinct and motions from her gut...
And right now, her gut was leading her out to the coast.
The long trek dried her throat and tore at her pawpads... but she continued to press on. She had to know what was next in her adventure. She had to know just what her gut was leading her to. What the Weaver was leading her to.
Managing to climb a stack of the flat obsidian stones, she finally rested her eyes upon the lake down below. A beautiful sight for her parched throat and sore paws. Purring faintly, she began the slow and careful descent to the water. The bells she wore faintly tingling in the wind.
As her paws drew her closer to the water's edge, she noticed a small aura emitting from an equally sized creature near the shore close by. She paused in her step, eyeing the figure a moment with a bit of caution. It was small. Unmoving... Well, faintly moving actually, via the soft rise and fall of breathing.... Her paws turned a bit to lead her to the unconscious cub when a small fluttering of feathers near him caught her attention. They were colored the same... perhaps they traveled together?
Remaining in caution, she gave in to the nagging dryness of her tongue and - keeping an eye on the cub and the paroo, she took a good long drink before returning her full attention back on the pair.
Now came the new nagging questions in her mind. Were they alone? Was the cub alright?
She paused near the cub and looked around, looking for another anywhere. However, she was still mostly new to the whole reaching out and feeling nearby auras thing. So she came up fruitless in the effort.
Gold eyes refocused again on the cub as a gentle breeze ruffled her bells again. Her gentle orbs were filled with worry as she took his frame into mind. He was tired. Exhausted. The poor thing appeared to have been through something that seemed to push him to his very limit. Poor, poor thing!
Remaining quiet, judging her situation a moment, she began to realize that the tugging in her gut had seemed to cease. She now felt the need to stay with this cub. Is this what the Weaver had in mind for her? To adopt a cub? Certainly not. Still, that seemed to be the way it appeared...
She continued to mill over the various possibilities of her now current situation. What would the Weaver have planned for her now? What did the Weaver have planned for this little one?
((*Figured this would be a decent enough pause - her in mid confused thought - for others to react or post. :3*))
Word Count this post: 651 Word Count thus far: 651
Volga had recently become more comfortable allowing the cub out of his sight for longer moments at a time. With each passing day the cub grew stronger and more aware of the world. The time alone, Volga assumed, would help him expand on his skills and figure the world out through his own senses. There was only so much a teacher could do.
Still...
Volga watched the young cub carefully from a distance, keeping his presence mostly unknown. It was natural for any b'alam to sense another when they were close by.
His ears twitched and his attention snapped to the sudden presence of another, a Nantil... Immediately Volga made his way toward the edge of the river and to his adopted cub's side (or pupil, Volga never vocalized that he saw this young cub as a son). His head held high and his chest puffed slightly. Sometimes one only need to appear threatening to deter a fight. Possibly. A Nan or Tah alike could be dangerous.
As he made his approach he readied for anything. he was counting on this one potentially being hostile.
Seruta
Thalion
Posted: Sat Sep 17, 2016 8:30 am
Despite her internal struggle to let the sleeping cub rest, Ling was prepared to step closer to him and nudge him awake. Her muscles had barely twitched to consider the motion themselves when another figure came barreling into view and to stand over the cub as he was his own.
Taking a small step back in surprise, Ling's expression flashed from her worried look to surprise! Just as quickly, all of her seem to relax with relief for a brief moment before noting the possibly threatening stance this large Tah seemed to take on. Her own guard flared up, but only so much so.
She took another small step back, internally hoping that he would see her putting the distance between them and relax. She meant no harm. She wouldn't dare hurt a fly, in all honesty. Then again, how was this Tah to know that?
Her ears fell back as she steadied herself back on her sore and weak paws. Her efforts were put into standing her ground, yet still giving off her naturally humble appearance.
"Sorry..." she almost seemed to whisper. There had been little to no use of her voice at this point, and the idea of speaking was still new and foreign to her. Yet she seemed to do the action naturally, which came slightly as a surprise to herself. She continued, however, piecing her thoughts together to form the words correctly.
"I... I had thought the young Tah was alone. I am relieved to see he is not."
Word Count this post: 253 Word Count thus far: 904
It was Volga's movements, more than anything else, that stirred Feng's already fragile grasp on sleep. He sighed, knowing that attempting to curl up and let his guardian address the situation would not earn him even a wink of sleep. His mind was already awake and alert, picking at the night's silence for a hint as to what had alerted the adult Tah. Begrudgingly, he cracked his eyes open and slowly lifted his gaze to follow the shining armor under the moonlight. He didn't move, not yet. If there was a hostile it was best to remain as still as possible. There was a chance they hadn't yet spotted him and if they had, he could take them by surprise if they came closer, assuming him to be sound asleep.
As his mind slowly pulled away from the blissful haze of sleep into the cold reality around him he picked up the none-too-distant presence of another. This one... was strange. He'd only ever felt this kind of spirit a few times among those gathered here. A nantil?
Frowning, he shifted his gaze along the dark shapes in the distance. Sure enough, the moonlight caught a pair of predatory eyes. He froze, but it only lasted a moment. There didn't seem to be hostility in those eyes or in her posture. Her ears were perked forward and her posture was easy. If anything, she was only curious.
For the moment he remained, allowing his protector to investigate.
Seruta
GunSniper
Posted: Mon Oct 31, 2016 2:16 pm
Volga instantly dropped his aggressive posture. However, he still remained ready to brawl if need be. As he always was.
His ear flicked back toward Feng, but all of his focus remained on the nantil. There was no sign of harmful intent in her voice or her posture, her backing up was quickly noted as well. A small grin formed on Volga's maw.
"You have no need to appologize M'lady, not unless you intended harm on my cub." The words slipped out instead of 'lord'. Volga gauged it best not to reveal that quite yet.
"Have you business here?" He cut right to the point. Prowling around the bush was not often a habbit of his. The sooner her intentions could be known the better for everyone. And given their current predicament, turning away a potential ally would be foolish.
As Volga seemed to drop his stance a bit, she did as well. Her figure visibly relaxed and shifted on her paws, adjusting the weight from walking the long distance thus far so her paw pads wouldn't bruise any more than they had already.
His question seemed to make her mind whirl into thoughts again. What was her business here? Even she didn't know the full extent of her own reason. And somehow she got the idea that blurting out that the Weaver had sent her traveling in this direction wasn't all too smart of an idea. Perhaps she'd come across as crazy in doing so. That was definitely not the impression she wanted to give.
"To be completely honest..." she started and then softly rested herself on her haunches. Her ears rolled back softly in the motion, giving away that she had traveled quite a ways already. Her aching muscles and bones seemed to bother her slightly in the motion of sitting. "... I'm not entirely sure myself." "It seems the Weaver works in mysterious ways. When I awoke I was alone. Once I learned to walk, my paws led me here. To this place..." she took a brief glance over the waters before returning her gaze back to Volga. "I stopped to gather a drink when I spotted your cub." she then added and took another peek at the small and tired Tah. Her maw formed another warm smile before her tingling bells caught the wind again.
"Have you two been traveling long? The young Tah looks worn. Tired to the bone..."
Word Count this post: 264 Word Count thus far: 1168
Thalion
GunSniper
Posted: Mon Nov 07, 2016 7:39 pm
Try as he might, even the most subtle of sounds was doubled between the silence of the night and the echoing stone walls of his den. Despite the better efforts of the stranger and his master, every word made its way into the cub's den and echoed clearly for him to hear. At first, it would seem as though Volga would send the stranger away, but his greeting softened at her approach.
Feng cracked an eye open as a strange sound accompanied the stranger... it was...lovely. Light, musical, but somehow a little haunting. It echoed as much as it chimed, carrying sweetly over the distance between them and filling the silence with gentle music. Curious, he shifted onto his belly and, despite his attempt to stifle himself, his mouth parted in a long, wide yawn.
Shifting slowly, he pulled himself to his aching paws, stumbled, caught himself, then padded forward. What was that sound? Weaver, why did it sound so soothing...?
He perked as he came up behind his master, his eyes still droopy from sleep. Traveling?
He laughed lightly and shook his head. "I'm afraid we've not been traveling, stranger. This is the only home we know."
She inhaled softly as her ears rolled back. Sorrow? Worry? Perhaps both? Golden eyes began looking around them again, taking in the scenery a little better than before.
The earth was torn and jagged. The air was warm and thick to breath (to some other than those of the Fire breed.)
"Well. I suppose for a home... it could do." she half trailed.
Her eyes settled back upon the young Tah. Her gaze immediately softened as the internal struggle of what to do next seemed to steady into a more resounding thought. Perhaps she should stay here? What harm could that be to them? She, after all, was a harmless soul looking for the will of the Weaver in almost everything!
Something was telling her that this Cub was important. There had to be a reason as to why she suddenly had the urge to rest here and help these two. Could that be the Weaver's encouragement? His soft whispers into her very heart and soul? Or was it just simply her tired paws and body wanting an excuse to rest for a few days?
Thinking back to what the cub had spoke, he seemed to stand up and speak for the pair. A very strong personality for one so young. Golden orbs flickered up to the other Tah. Perhaps the younger had a very skilled teacher in a father. Wait, was he the father? The two looked nothing alike, after all. Ah, but it is probably for the best that she didn't go prodding on that topic for a while.
But stranger? Oh, nono. She didn't much care for the term. No matter how true it may be! Returning her gaze to the young Tah she gently dipped her head, sending a few small bells to tingle and mix with her words. "Please, call me..." A millisecond of a pause as she recalled the name she made for herself. "Call me Ling." The sound of her bells...
She smiled warmly and then looked between the pair. "If it's not too much trouble, May I stay in this area for a while? I fear my paws may need a day or two at least to heal..." she offered, making note that the rough terrain had been more than a little rough on her still fairly new pads.
Word Count this post: 387 Word Count thus far: 1555
Thalion
GunSniper
Posted: Fri Dec 30, 2016 12:01 am
Volga had stood back and watched the two interact for a moment more. Each movement from both were noted. Feng did not seem on edge and the nan did not seem to have any malice in her eyes. Though there was still reason to keep guard. Volga remained standing.
"Your story is not uncommon. There have been some guided here already, however, the decision is for this one to make." Volga spoke to Ling before slightly turning his head toward Feng, holding him at a side glance.
"Will you permit Nan Ling to remain here?" He repeated the question for the cub.
Seruta
Thalion
GunSniper Crew
Blessed Prophet
Offline
Thalion Crew
Conservative Seeker
Offline
Posted: Tue Jan 10, 2017 9:31 am
A...home? He glanced back behind his shoulder. It was a home, more or less. It was hardly a place of comfort, at least in the physical sense. It was uncomfortable, dangerous, sharp, and full of hazards. It was, perhaps, why he was woven here. While living within the obsidian sea was harsh, it was a place few would dare enter freely. Even fewer would assume that any life thrived here. Hunts took his protector away frequently, forcing Feng to hide within the ebony caves along the coastline. All of this was only understood because it was told to him. Somewhere out there beyond the rising fangs of the flow was an enemy. Not his personal enemy, Feng hadn't yet experienced anger, hatred, or any other emotion that would make an enemy of a stranger, but an enemy...
Volga had told him of a Tah who had claimed a position of power that had opened like a fresh wound. He crushed those that opposed the move and filled the ears of those that would listen with sweet promises. Somehow, it had earned him the support of many. Voga sought to remove this Tah from power and replace him. It went over his head, and Feng felt...somewhat wrong about it all. What right did he have? He was just a Tah. Perhaps the enemy was no differnet than him...
He shook himself from his thoughts and glanced to the Nan's paws. Mentally kicking himself, he stepped forward and gave her wounds a short inspection. "You aren't used to this place. The earth has fangs." He glanced up and offered her a smile, "If you aren't a foe, then I count you a friend. Volga-", he glanced back to his protector and nodded, "She can rest here- and remain if that is what she desires."
He glanced back to Ling, "Though... we do ask that you understand our caution- you may be watched for a time. We've heard of troubles outside and we cannot invite such things here. In the meantime," He stepped away and gestured for Ling to follow him, "I know a place where you can cool your pads."
Seruta
GunSniper
Posted: Thu Jan 12, 2017 3:07 pm
Ling tilted her head slightly as the larger Tah seemed to place all command and decisions in the younger's paws. Whatever the case may be between them, they truly had a unique and very trusting bond for one as large and strong as the older Tah to put so much faith and responsibility upon one so young and small.
Or perhaps that was his way of raising him? Teaching him to make decisions on his own? Let him make his mistakes and triumphs and learn from them? Seemed like such an odd tactic, but for now Ling decided to shrug it off. She'd likely delve more into the topic at another time. Given their obvious caution she felt it necessary to not pry too much right from the start. Perhaps she should also be cautious of them? They seemed nice enough... and her gut wasn't delivering any uneasy feelings...
She inhaled deeply, rose to her paws - despite their protest - and bowed her head softly. "I thank you, Young Tah. May the Weaver watch over and bless you both for your generosity." She silently acknowledged their desire to watch her. There was no need to show any support in denying them the opportunity to ensure she wasn't a threat. As it stood, she'd likely be doing the same with them over the next few days without really realizing it.
With careful footfalls now, she fell in step behind Feng, keeping a small but still generous distance behind him. Her golden eyes latched on to the younger's steps, watching how he moved about the terrain. Her own paws seemed to attempt the same movements, though bigger paws took over bigger places upon the terrain. Still, the effort made the trip a little more bearable than before. It seemed as though there was still much to learn in surviving in this world. Perhaps the two would honor her with a few lessons in survival before she parted ways with them? Something to keep her going until she discovered just what the Weaver had planned for her?
Oh! That would be a splendid idea, if she ever had one! However, having just stumbled into their home, perhaps it would be best to not be so eager on such things. Ah, well. She could ask in due time.
She followed as she could, carefully stepping and attempting to further mimic the steps of Feng as he led her to the place she could 'cool her pads', all the while her bells only making minimal sounds as she moved. Enough to let Feng know she was still following, but not so much to give one a headache from all the racket.
Word Count this post: 445 Word Count thus far: 2000
Volga kept close watch on the newcomer while she followed Feng to their camp. His former failure was still fresh on his mind and, despite the nan not seeming at all threatening, he would be ready to save Feng's life in case looks were deceiving.
Hopefully they were not... Volga knew they needed more people swayed to their cause before the throne can be reclaimed. There was something special about this nan as well. Something about her was calming. It was as if the weaver was drawing attention to her presence.
There had been a few he had already meet fleeing the capital who had such a feeling about them. Slowly it was all coming together.
Seruta
Thalion
Posted: Fri Apr 14, 2017 10:08 am
Feng moved like water spilling over the stones. Every muscle and bone shifted in just the right way to keep him moving forward without so much as a stumble or faulter. Learning the method of moving had been a painful process. There were days he had fallen asleep before his head hit his paws, too tired and sore to even dream. His paws had been swollen, cut to ribbons, and burned. Now he had hard, calloused pads and paws that knew the land and the fangs it lay hidden behind the obsidan shale. The heat that beat down from above and reflected upwards from the shining surface of the ebony stone was familiar now- though it was still uncomfortable during high-sun. This, too, he would have to learn to deal with. Volga had spoken of a sea of the sun within the mountain that belched smoke into the air. He said the ground there was hotter, more hostile, and far more dangerous. The B'alam that lived there were likely twice as dangerous as the land they lived in.
Eventually they wound their way to the obsidian lake. The water was so clear that the black bottom was clearly seen from even the depths. Rainwater had no where to go and while water was plentiful, the stone around it made the area too hostile for even the heartiest shrub to grow.
Feng nodded the nan towards the waters. Be cautious of the slopes- they're slippery. The water will swallow you up if you turn your back on it." He smiled a little and bobbed a shoulder, "Or so I've been told."
Ling continued to follow. Her ears perked fully on the young Tah as he spoke, soaking in his knowledge like a sponge. Her eyes had shifted to the deep black waters for only a moment before returning her gaze back to the path at paw.
"The water seems clear." she spoke, mostly to herself. Another habit she seemed to have accumulated. Talking to herself with no one around to hear. Though she supposed now she'd have to pay more attention to the fact that others were in fact present. She wasn't alone for the moment and they might just find that sort of behavior odd.
As if to continue on the thought, she gestured towards it with her maw before pressing further on the rocks with even more so careful pawsteps. "Are there any unseen creatures within it? Or is it simply the dangers of..." Oh she hoped she was able to grasp the right word here. "... of drowning?" Yes. That was it.
"You are very brave to be living in such conditions, young Tah." she half purred. "To be here where the ground bites, the prey is few and the conditions are generally harsh..." There was a brief clanging of bells as a paw slipped on the stone. A bit of a hiss escaped her lips as she managed to catch herself yet split a pawpad in the process. She lifted it a moment to survey the damage then took a deep breath.
"Perhaps there's a reason for my being led here." she then continued, looking between the two as she oh-so-slowly lowered her paw back down and willed it to accept her weight a little longer. "You've an admirable spirit, little one. I am also still very much new to all of this. You know far more about all this than I've been able to comprehend. And yet, despite the conditions you live within, there's still a smile and pleasant nature surrounding you."
There was a small ping of relief that washed over her then. As if she felt comfortable with them now that she noticed this. How can such a bright ray of sunshine in this dark smoky plane of existence be anything but good?
Word Count this post: 368 Word Count thus far: 2368
