|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
 Posted: Thu May 16, 2013 3:02 pm
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Thu May 16, 2013 6:56 pm
Prentice Solo #1: "A Typical Day"
"YAHOLO! Are you ready yet?" Cusick called. It was always the same around his household. He was the first to be up, he was the first to have eaten, and he was the first to come bounding into Yaholo's room to wake him up. As usual, Yaholo hadn't even begun to creep away from his dreaming, and leaped from his bed with such force that it shook the floorboards! Sometimes he didn't know what to do with such a silly boy, but he was his, and he loved him none the less. "What are you standing there for, you lazy toad?" He laughed, pulling Yaholo into a tight hug. "We have hunting to do! Hustle now! Hustle! Don't keep your friends waiting!" And with that he turned and left the room.
Yaholo stared at the door for a moment more before rolling his eyes. Typical dad behavior, always waking him up in such crazy ways. He bent down to the floor, picked up his shorts and slipped them on before leaning into a good stretch. "Aaaauffuuua..." He sighed, turning to grab his hunting gear. "Well, time to see what he has planned for me today..."
He padded leisurely down the hall and into the kitchen, where his step-mother, Walvia, was fussing over a bowl with some leaves smashed inside of it. Yaholo watched her curiously as he tip toed towards a covered vessel, which was filled with a root that he enjoyed munching on while he hunted. Just as he lifted the lid, he felt a firm tap on his shoulder, and reluctantly put the lid back where it belonged. "Aw, but you know how much I like to nibble on those!" He whined.
"Not after what happened last time, sweetheart." Walvia scolded. "Those Poscuta were ravenous! I was surprised you didn't bring twelve of them home in your pants because of how much of that root you were carrying! I'll have none of that happening again!" She sighed and patted him on the head. "Besides, Yaholo. You've slept in and made yourself late for hunting again. You'll probably find something to snack on while you're out, but for now, your father is waiting! Hurry up and go!"
Ah, just like the day before, he had been ushered out of his home before he could begin to come up with an argument. He scaled the trees and hopped down to the ground below, green eyes gazing through the faces of his tribe. There was that lady who had just given birth to her sixth child, one of her daughters was already causing some sort of stir with the newborn child. Another member was gathering his brothers around him for a group huddle as they tallied their hunting equipment. The tallest, a friendly gentleman, waved to Yaholo as he passed.
"Good luck today! Bring home a prize worth working for!" He shouted, his brothers grinning and chuckling after him. Yaholo smiled and waved before sighing. He never did bring back something worth working for, he was far too distracted to accomplish something like that. He wandered past a group of Younglings playing a game of "Follow The Leader", and found himself wanting to join in with them. As he paused to consider a quick game, a familiar bop on his shoulder broke through his child-like trance. He turned his head to see none other than the tribe's eldest member, Kuthun, with his same wrinkly smug grin and his favorite wooden walking stick held ready for another quick jab to his arm.
"What, you want to play with the young ones?" He scoffed, rolling his eyes. "Ah, you best be making jest, 'Holo. Those days be gone from you, long time gone, as they be gone from me." He chuckled and tapped Yaholo's shoulder with his walking stick. "Not quite as long gone as mine have been, mind you. You, yes, you are still quite young. That does not mean you can play games with them Younglings all day long. Ha! You'd look like a galloping lunatic!" Again, he chuckled hoarsely into his sleeve, but smiled kindly up at Yaholo. "Go on now, boy. You be keeping your team waiting." He turned and hobbled away, only stopping once to wave and giggle at the Younglings as they played.
It was true, Yaholo was no longer small like the "young ones", as Kuthun had said. But was it a crime to want to play along with them? To be the "big brother"? To want to pretend that he was still a child, for just a little while? His elders always had something to fuss over, something to worry for, or something to cry on about. Where was the time for peace and play? What happened to the sanctity of childhood? He found himself pausing again, just as he reached his team, a rather serious expression upon his face. It wasn't until Tayyib, his closest friend, patted him on the back that he bothered to look up at the three men before him.
There was his father, a look of concern on his otherwise humored face. Minal, the navigator of the group, had taken his other shoulder with a faint smile. And Tayyib, who was almost always smiling, was peering at him with a blank expression. His team had never been as quiet as this before, and with all honesty, it was fairly unnerving. Yaholo mustered up a smile and rubbed the back of his head with a chuckle. "S-sorry to keep you all waiting so long..." He said with a weak chuckle. "Kuthun caught me in another one of his stories again..."
Cusick began to chuckle loudly, as if a spell had been broken, and wrapped his arm around all three of the boys. "Oh, he does enjoy telling his tales!" He laughed. "Though, by the looks of it, he didn't want to keep you for too long this time. That's just as well, we need to start hunting!" Yaholo watched as his father leaped into the front of the group and struck a pose. "Onward, my lads! We have food to gather and no time to kill! Ooraa!"
"Ooraa!" Tayyib exclaimed, racing off after Cusick.
"Ooraa!" Minal cried, adjusting his hunting gear before hopping off after Tayyib.
"Ooraa!" Yaholo called. However, as he moved to take a step forward, a soft bop on his shoulder caused him to pause again. "Elder, please, I'm leaving now!" He yelped, only to turn and find that no one was standing there. "What in the...?" Green eyes darted left and right before settling on a small bundle left by his feet. "How did this get here...?" He muttered, kneeling to the ground and opening the package. Inside of the bundle were four of the roots his mother had said he couldn't have, along with a note.
"Couldn't help but notice you left without a food bundle again. That step-mother of yours has got to be quite the hoarder if she can't be bothered to pack you and your team a snack for the journey. Ah, well, I have plenty for when you need, boy. Be sure to share, and be wise while you're away.
Have a good hunt.
Kuthun"
Yaholo arched an eyebrow as he finished the note, but smiled towards his settlement. This wasn't very typical of the old man to be so kind to him and his team, especially after all the mistakes he has made. Still, he tied the bundle around his wrist and ran to catch up with his team. Perhaps Kuthun saw something special in him that he hadn't discovered yet, or perhaps Kuthun only pitied Yaholo for not being as skilled as the others. Whatever it was that made his elder change so suddenly, it was certainly a welcome change. How long this change would last, he didn't know. All he knew was that he would have to try and repay Kuthun for his kindness. Even if it meant getting up on time for hunting practice.
(Word count: 1336)
|
 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Sun May 19, 2013 4:25 pm
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Fri May 24, 2013 12:38 pm
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Fri May 24, 2013 12:39 pm
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Fri May 24, 2013 2:50 pm
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Sat May 25, 2013 3:07 pm
Prentice Solo #2: "Little Sisters"
As he grew older and the story of his life began to become more clear, Yaholo found himself spending more and more time in Jauhar and less and less time home in Tale. It wasn't like he wanted to stay away from his family, he owed them his life and loved them dearly, but half of his soul belonged to the rain forest to the east of his desert home. Half of himself lay sick in bed in a village within these trees, her body pale and weak, but her spirit lively and wild. Half of himself was an Alkidike, half of himself belonged here, and half of himself longed to feel like it belonged. Like he belonged. Like he had a reason to be here and walk upon this dark, hard soil. Years of determination and trying would pay off soon, he was told. They would turn around soon, they said. Patience and hard work, breathing and meditation, waiting and hoping, all these things were not futile. One day, he would belong. One day, he would become strong.
Makeshift sandals padded along the earth as he walked along his route, the same route he took every day. Today, it was pleasant, the dampness and warmth felt welcome and caused his skin to glisten against the crystals all around. All was quiet, all was calm, and Yaholo found himself smiling. He had grown accustomed to such a world of calm, such a world of stillness, that it made him feel as if his instincts were steering him towards a new life. A new life in Jauhar. He had lived here not too long ago, or so it seemed, with a tribe of Alkidikes who hadn't bid him much of a welcome. Perhaps it was the compass of his soul pointing him back to his proper place. Perhaps it was his heart telling him to take a familiar path.
Or, perhaps, it was the Youngling now firmly attached to his cranium.
"Yaholo!" Tahigwa squealed, snuggling her face into her brother's black hair. She had been clamoring around in the trees above his head, as usual, and took the liberty of leaping down for a hug as always. At first glance, she looked very innocent and cute, but Yaholo knew better. She wasn't all cuteness and sugar, even if she tried to be. Carefully, he reached up and plucked her off his head, practically melting into the cuddle that came afterwards.
"Aw, who's being a snuggle bug?" He teased, fluffing her dreadlocks. To this, as always, she pouted and squirmed down to the ground. He laughed as she folded her arms and growled, she was always so cute! He knelt down to her level and proceeded to pinch her cheek between his thumb and pointer finger. "Don't be that way, you silly! Your face might get stuck that way one day!" Then he scooped her up again and began to jog down the path, laughing as Tahigwa's squeals and giggles filled the once quiet forest floor.
'Faster, Yaholo! Faster!" Tahigwa cried, climbing up onto Yaholo's head again. It was simple games like this that Yaholo knew made Tahigwa happy. All he had to do was scoop her up, run around like some sort of lunatic, and watch the giggles grow. Sure, maybe it wasn't the most flattering representation of himself as a responsible person, but it was worth all the giggles and smiles he was getting. Making Tahigwa smile was one of the most gratifying things in his life. It made him feel proud of himself.
The pair barreled down the path, leaping over known obstacles and cackling as they fell over those that they had missed. As they neared a fork in the road, Yaholo placed Tahigwa down on the ground again and stretched. Tahigwa gazed up to her brother and tugged him on his pant leg.
"Did you see that little girl back there, Yaholo?" She asked. "She kept waving at you..."
Yaholo paused and whirled around, his heart racing. Could it be? No. It couldn't be her. She wouldn't have! Green eyes squinted as they scanned the path behind him for any signs of the girl that Tahigwa had spoke of. Minutes went by before a small, brown haired girl came darting down the path, and Yaholo's heart dropped. Pahana. His sister from Tale had followed him all the way to Jauhar! How did she get passed their father?! How did she get by HIM?! He was in deep s**t! DEEP s**t!
"PA-HA-NAAAA!?" He whined, nearly falling backwards as she leaped into his arms. He quickly went to checking her over. Was she hurt? Did she trip? Was she crying? After a moment or so, a familiar sound filled his ears, the sound of high pitched giggling. Pahana was just fine, and she was laughing at how fussed he was about her. He heaved a heavy sigh and plopped her next to Tahigwa before bending down to scold her. "Pahana! You know you're not supposed to be here! You could have been killed! What were you thinking?!"
Pahana could do nothing but giggle at how upset her brother was. She thought running after him was no big deal, nothing to be upset about! Oh, ho, ho, was she wrong! He was going to get in so much trouble! Dad would hang him for this! Finally, once she had calmed down enough to focus, she did a spin and grinned up at him. "I was thinking about where you were going and why you need to be here!" She exclaimed, raising a hand to her chin, a mock contemplating expression forming on her face. "But now that I know thaaaat..." She grabbed Tahigwa's arm and pulled her forward. "You were playing with another girl! You should be training for hunting practice, you lazy nincompoop! Daddy won't like this!"
"Yes! I know that he may not like that!" Yaholo groaned. Well, he may not like that he wasn't informed about Yaholo meeting his half-sister and mother before he could, but that wasn't the point. Pahana being here wasn't good, she could get hurt, sick, or worse, LOST! He rubbed his temples, pulled her gently off of Tahigwa, and scooped her up into his arms.
"But what he would be really mad about is if his only daughter got lost out in the middle of Jauhar because she followed her big brother when she wasn't supposed to!" He sighed and turned to wander back down the path. "You're going home, RIGHT NOW, little one." He growled. "I'm going to be in HUGE TROUBLE, because of you. Thanks a lot..."
Just as he began to walk, Tahigwa hopped up onto his head again and began to stare daggers at Pahana. Before he knew it, the two girls were on the ground in the midst of a tussle. Tahigwa had Pahana by the hair, Pahana had Tahigwa by the antennae, and he had been knocked to the ground from the force of Tahigwa's legs leaping off of him.
"You don't talk to my brother like that!" Tahigwa growled. "He was supposed to be meeting our aunt today so he wouldn't feel like an outcast!"
"HE'S MY BROTHER, TOO!" Pahana screeched, tugging roughly on Tahigwa's antenna. "AND HE HAS TO TRAIN TO BE A BETTER HUNTER! DADDY SAID THAT HE SHOULD BE HOME AND TRAINING!" Tahigwa shoved her to the ground and went to leap on top of her, causing Pahana to put her hand out in defense. "That's more important than meeting an aunt that was never there for him! HE SHOULD BE WHERE HE BELONGS!"
"ENOUGH, THE BOTH OF YOU!" Yaholo screamed, leaping forward and shoving both girls far from each other. He glared daggers at them before taking a deep breath. What he was about to say was something he had been dealing with for a while, something he feared to express. First, he turned to Pahana, and fluffed her hair. "Paha..." He paused, moving a stray hair from her eyes. "I'm not going to be a hunter, sis. I just haven't had the heart to tell dad, yet. My heart belongs in another field of fighting, I'm sorry if that upsets you."
Then, he turned to Tahigwa and fluffed her dreads. "Tahigwa, I'm sorry if Pahana seemed rude to me." He said, pulling her gently towards Pahana. "But things are different at home in Tale than at home in Andile. Pahana is sort of allowed to be my boss, even if I don't enjoy it. She helps me to not forget important things, like training with my tribe elder or the fact that I promised to carry baskets of roots with my friend, Tayyib." He paused, putting both girls together and smiling. "Now, you're both my baby sisters, and I love you equally. Neither of you are more of a priority than the other, so NO. MORE. FIGHTING. Are we understood?"
Tahigwa was the first to nod. "Yep, sorry about that..." She said, sighing. "Sometimes people get to me..."
Pahana puffed out her cheeks and gazed between her brother and Tahigwa before heaving a heavy sigh. "Alriiiight..." She whined, standing up. "No more fighting. BUT..." She looked to Tahigwa and placed her hands on her hips. "I GET TO RIDE ON HIS SHOULDERS. Got it?"
Tahigwa glowered and folded her arms. "NO. I GET HIS SHOULDERS!" She replied.
"NO. I DO!"
"NO YOU DON'T!"
"YES I DO!"
"Will you two be quiet?" Yaholo sighed, scooping both girls up into his arms. "You'll each get a shoulder if YOU BEHAVE..." He paused, wandering towards the fork in the road again. "Now, HOLD ON!" He cried, barreling down the path to the right. The giggles that were produced were as ear shattering as they were beautiful.
(Word count: 1633)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Sat May 25, 2013 3:11 pm
Class Affinity Solo: "Protect"
It was to no surprise that Yaholo had forgotten to bring Pahana home before spending the night in Jauhar. Luckily for him, he had brought a few extra blankets and a deck of playing cards, in case he needed to be amused. It had been a longer journey than usual, due to the addition of two very wild, but giggling Younglings. Several times along the way, Pahana would stop and ask a detailed question that Tahigwa would then spend an hour answering, and or demonstrating. But, even if he had wanted to get to Andile to visit with his mother for the afternoon, spending that time chasing his sisters around was both fun, and gratifying. They saw something to be proud of inside of him, something that no one else had ever made him feel before, and it made him feel special. It made him feel wanted.
It made him feel needed.
As nightfall approached and the two, now very sisterly Younglings, were beginning to show the classic signs of tiring, Yaholo decided to pick a spot for them to camp for the night. By the time he had laid out three towels and made suitable "pillows" out of foliage laying around, Tahigwa had nestled herself up onto a tree trunk, with Pahana dozing not too far behind. The sight of his sisters following each other, even as they fought their growing sleepiness, made him chuckle and sigh with relief. It appeared as if they were going to get along after all, which was a major concern for him. He didn't want to stay the mutual brother of two girls that would never get along, that would be terrible. He rose with a smile and scooped them up off of the ground before tucking each girl into their makeshift sleeping bag. Gentle hands cupped the sides of their faces and brushed the hair away from their eyes, before he moved to lay down upon the middle blanket. He curled up into his usual ball-like position with his hands resting against his satchel, deciding that it would be best to nap while he could, for he knew that having energy was the key to keeping up with his sisters in the morning to come. Eye lids hovered a moment or two before lowering, and within minutes, Yaholo had fallen asleep.
It seemed like just a split second later that he was jogged awake by the sound of screaming. Yaholo's back lurched forward and his heart began to race. Was someone in trouble? He listened, again, the scream. It didn't sound too far away, who could it be?! He turned to his left, to grab his satchel, and let out a shriek of his own. "Pahana!?" He screamed, his eyes flashing to his right, where he let out another ear shattering scream. "Tahigwa?! OH s**t, OH s**t!" Both girls were gone, with not a trace of movement to their name! Where did they go? What happened to them?! His legs couldn't have leaped any faster if they had tried as he sprinted towards the direction of the screaming he had heard. If anyone happened to be screaming for help tonight, he hoped it was his little sisters calling for his help.
After he had ran for a few minutes, he saw something scuttle around the side of a tree, and leaped after it. There, resting among the crystals along the base of a tree, was a terrifying sight. "Menzuri..." He muttered, his skin going cold. These things were deadly and could catch you in a net without a second thought. He leered away from it and crouched down, peering at it for a moment. Then, from above his head, rose the scream. Green eyes snapped upwards and arms pounced outwards, latching onto a net spun high above his head. Someone was trapped in this net woven by the Menzuri! If he didn't get them out soon, they would suffocate!
"Hold on, I'm going to get you out!" He screamed, tearing through the webbing as best he could. Slowly and surely, he was able to pry the net open and release the person inside, before he found himself latching onto them. "PAHANA!" He cried. "Are you alright?! Are you hurt?! Where is Tahigwa?!"
Though visibly stunned and covered in the sticky web, Pahana managed to hold onto Yaholo with a strong grip. She coughed, whined, and cried for a minute or two before pointing upwards into the trees. "She got away!" She cried. "But I don't know where she went! I thought I heard her say something about a sprite in the tree, but I told her to go get you!"
"A sprite...?" Yaholo pondered, his eyes growing wide. The Menzuri have been known to cause hallucinations of strange sprites living in the forest, it was caused by Menzuri Poison. If Tahigwa had been poisoned, she would most likely be seeing things that weren't there! Without another thought, he dashed off with Pahana in tow, to look for Tahigwa. "TAHIGWA?!" He screamed. "Tahigwa where are you?! Please be okay!"
And so, big brother had lost his cubs, the most important things in the world. He was supposed to be the teacher, the lover and the guardian, the one they could always trust. How could he have been so careless? One was nearly Menzuri food, and one was still missing in action, what a wonderful way to show how responsible he could be! His mother would never want to see him again! His father would disown him! Both villages would purge him from their history books, given that he was there already! Tears formed and rolled, cascading down his cheeks and vanishing into vapor as he ran. How stupid, how incapable, how rotten! He was such a complete and utter idi-
"THERE SHE IS!" Pahana cried, pointing a web-clad finger forward. Sure enough, just up ahead, was Tahigwa... Tahigwa being carted away by a band of male Shifters! A growl burst forth from Pahana's chest and the little girl sprung forward, intending to lash out at the men. "PUT HER DOWN! THAT'S MY SISTER!"
The group spun around and glowered at her. The one carrying Tahigwa motioned to another from the group, who bent down to scoop her up.
"Come here you little freak!" He barked.
Just as he touched the fabric upon her dancer sleeves, he was struck down by a rock, and knocked unconscious. The other Shifters stared at their comrade for a moment and glared daggers down the path where the rock had come from. "COME OUT YOU COWARD!" One screamed.
"LEAVE MY LITTLE SISTERS ALONE!" Yaholo cried, barreling towards the group, and massive stone in his grasp. He teetered, and raised the stone up above the man holding Tahigwa, slamming it down as hard as he could upon his head. Instantly, the man's head split open, killing him. Lifeless arms dropped Tahigwa, who was quickly caught by Yaholo, and held close to his chest. "You're safe now, Tahigwa!" He said.
The other three men, including the one knocked to the ground, were stunned at the gruesomeness of what had happened. Yaholo knew he only had a matter of seconds to find a place of refuge before they would release all hell upon him and his sisters. He grabbed Pahana by the arm, tugging her upwards and into his arms, before dashing back down the path. If there was one group of people that could help him, it would have to be the Alkidikes. The question was... Would they?
"ARJETA, MOTHER, SANIYAH, NESRINE, ANYBODY!" He screamed, stumbling over his own feet as he entered Andile. Please be there, please be awake, please help! His mind and heart were racing. Would anyone answer? "PLEASE! WE'RE ALL IN DANGER! HELP! HELP!"
At last, five Alkidikes swarmed around him, and stared. At first they appeared cross, but as soon as one noticed Tahigwa, she screamed.
"She's been poisoned!" She screamed, tugging Yaholo to his feet. "Hurry! She needs medicine!"
"WAIT!" He stammered, handing both Pahana and Tahigwa over to her. "There are four male Shifters that tried to kidnap my sisters, they've probably followed me! I managed to kill the one who had Tahigwa, but the others are going to want revenge!" He paused, tears forming in his eyes again. "Please take care of both of them! They are my world!"
He turned to run back into the forests but was taken aback, the Shifters were already behind him! He growled, narrowed his eyes and grabbed the nearest weapon, a simple mallet. "You've just ******** with the wrong group of warriors!" He bellowed, lunging towards them. "LEAVE NOW OR DIE!"
The Shifters were prepared and launched a counter attack. One went for Yaholo's stomach, but was met with a good numbing smack to the head, and fell to the ground where the other Alkidikes were waiting to finish him off. Another went straight for Yaholo's chest and managed to slice his chest, causing Yaholo to scream in pain.
"Had enough yet, kid?!" The attacker screamed, only to leer back as Yaholo towered over him, mallet held at ready. Three smacks later, his body was lifeless.
The third Shifter, clearly a very young and inexperienced Prentice, shrunk back into the forests and tried to get away. When Yaholo nabbed him by the shoulder, he shrieked and went right to his knees. "Please! I'm just a kid!" He begged. "I don't want to die!"
Yaholo looked him over and sighed. He wasn't letting anyone leave, no one was getting away, but if this kid was really sorry, he could let him be safe. He pulled him towards one of the huts and sat him down, giving him a stern look.
"Don't move or bother anybody, and you won't be killed, understand?" He stated, before rushing back to the battle.
The fourth Shifter was the eldest and held a rather large sword in his grasp. So far, he had evaded most attacks from the others and hadn't harmed anyone, but as soon as he saw Yaholo approaching him, his eyes narrowed. "YOU KILLED MY BROTHERS!" He screamed, lunging towards him, his sword drawn. "PREPARE TO DIE, YOU DISGUSTING MIXED ******** style="color: #8A3324">Yaholo held his own as his foe approached and held out the hammer to block the sword from coming in contact with his skin. He managed to keep the blocking up for about ten attacks until the Shifter decided that he wasn't getting anywhere with attacking him from the front. Yaholo could only watch as the shifter leaped behind him and sliced at his neck, back and legs, dropping to the ground like a sack of rice.
"Aaaaugh!" He cried, rolling onto his back just as his foe held the blade above his heart. This was it! He was dead! Green eyes darted to where Tahigwa and Pahana had been taken and a heavy sigh was heaved. "I love you guys..." He mumbled.
But before the sword could be driven down, a rallying cry from within the forests caused the Shifter to cast his weapon aside. As he did, the blade went over Yaholo's right antenna and sliced it off, eliciting another agonizing scream from Yaholo. Then, three Leaf men appeared with bows and arrows drawn, all pointing right for the Shifter.
"WE HAVE YOU SURROUNDED!" One screamed.
"STEP AWAY FROM THE TRIBE AND YOU MAY JUST KEEP YOUR LIFE!" Another screamed.
The last tribesman darted straight towards the Shifter and knocked him flat onto his back before scooping Yaholo up off the ground. "You're going to be okay, don't worry!" He said, ushering him into an open hut. "Daddy's got you, you're safe!"
Yaholo's vision grew blurry, but he held onto his focus as he was whisked away. How did his father get here?! Holy s**t, he must've followed Pahana! He held his breath as he was laid in a spare bed, expecting a rousing argument from his father. Hours of painful healing went by, but he was still focusing on his father. Was he in trouble? Did he even want to yell at him? As the elder man wandered around the hut, talking to the Alkidikes as if he had known them all his life, he let out a low whine towards him.
"Don't you want to say anything to me, like..." He cringed. "... Like how careless I was...?"
Cusick turned towards his son and knelt beside him. A hand went up to tousle his hair and pat him on the back, before being used to help him stand. "They've told me about how you protected your sisters from the Shifters," He said, smiling down to Yaholo. "You were very brave and knew exactly who to ask if you ran into such a problem. Who could call that careless?" He chuckled and turned towards the door as Pahana, along with a groggy Tahigwa, came bursting in. "Don't worry Paha, daddy's he-"
"Daaaaad! You're blocking Yaholo!" She whined, pushing her father aside and leaping up into Yaholo's arms. "YOU WERE AMAZING! SO COOL! YOU'RE THE BEST!" She tugged Tahigwa up onto the bed and snuggled into his arms. "Tahigwa didn't see you be so awesome, bro, but she's just as proud of you!"
Tahigwa yawned and snuggled into Yaholo's chest. She was still very weak, having been exposed to the poison for a quite some time, but managed to raise a fist to bop Yaholo on side. "You saved our lives!" She said, albeit softly. "Mom can't stop talking about how her son is a hero! You've really done a good job, 'Holo!"
A hero, him?! Yaholo couldn't believe what he was hearing! How did he go from being a virtual nobody, to being a hero?! Tears welled up in his eyes as it finally sunk in... He had saved his little sisters and protected his village, that was more than worth the title of "hero." He let out a sigh of relief, snuggled his sisters close to his chest, and felt himself drifting off to sleep. As he did, the picture of his future self began to take a new shape. No longer stupid, useless and without any power, he stood at ready, his eyes zeroed in on a foe, with a guard's hammer clutched in his hands. That would be his perfect fit.
(Word count: 2390)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Tue Jun 04, 2013 1:27 pm
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Tue Jun 04, 2013 1:29 pm
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Mon Jun 17, 2013 12:23 pm
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Tue Jun 18, 2013 2:06 pm
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Tue Jun 18, 2013 5:07 pm
Guard Solo #1: "Grown Up"
After traveling home from Jauhar with his hammer stung upon his back, it seemed all of Yera had taken to congratulating Yaholo in any manner they could think of. His parents had commissioned new blankets from the artisan down the path, Pahana made up her own batch of dances, albeit clumsily executed, and Elder Kuthun had refrained from bopping him on the shoulder for the length of the week. It was a strange, but welcome feeling, to be praised and give all these wonderful things. But as the week wore on, his mind began to wander back to when he wasn't given such high esteem. Was all this appreciation truly because he had made advancements in his chosen path?
It didn't take long for boredom to sink in, as well as guilt for feeling bored. He was being praised, he was being loved, he was being appreciated... Shouldn't he be content with this? Why was there always something missing in his life? The golden rays of mid-morning sunshine shimmered along his forehead and glared along his shoulders as he untied his headband and ran a finger along the space where his missing antenna used to be. The wound had healed nicely, no real pain save for the absence of proper sensation, but as for the wounds to his pride... Yeah, they were still as raw as ever. Pursed lips parted to heave a sigh as the caressing hand was slowly lowered to eye level, where the soft cloth of his headband came face to face with deep, discontented pools of green. He felt the need to cover up his mistakes, his imperfections, but was that ever going to get him anywhere? He shook his head, closed his eyes, and tossed the headband behind him.
His scars were all a part of him growing up, they were nothing to be ashamed of.
He continued along his path, waving to those he knew and giving the occasional pat on the head to a Youngling as they passed him by. A chuckle rose up from his chest as his sister twirled around with his aunt, Ita. Her daily dancing practice seemed to be paying off, she had only fallen over twice in five minutes. A new record for Pahana, it seemed. He shook his head, smiled, and wandered off the path. There was a small alcove he had been neglecting to visit in the time he had spent home, and there were two faces that spent most of their time there, just laughing and having a good time. He rounded a corner, slapped a few branches, and grinned.
"I'M HOME, BOYS!" He bellowed. "I come bearing gifts and stories! Get out here already!"
Nothing but silence echoed back to him, something which made Yaholo's stomach turn. Had he forgotten where his buddies spent their time off? Perhaps they were still hunting...? He shook his head again, nonsense! There was plenty to eat in storage, there was no need to gather more! They were probably asleep, just like they always were on days like this. It was humid and the timing ripe for a mid-morning snooze. With a rather smug look, he decided to try calling for them again.
"Come on! One of you is up there!" He called, shuffling the sand around under his feet to create noise. "Rise and shine, there's stuff to discuss!"
Again, nothing. This time, his heart ached instead of his stomach, and he felt himself pouting. Where were they? This just wasn't like them! Minal would have poked his head out and asked where his basket of berries was! Tayyib would have clamored down the tree tops like a Poscuta in search of food! But... Neither of them were here! Had they moved their meeting spot? Was there something Yaholo had missed? They would have told him if they had moved to a new location!
...Wouldn't they?
His hands found themselves at his sides again as his body turned to wander back to the village. Maybe they were home today. Yeah, Minal would surely be sitting among his siblings, eating more than his fair share of fresh fruit from the pile his mother had brought home! Yaholo wandered across the path again and climbed up the side of a tree to peer into the window of his sweet-toothed friend's home. Sure enough, Minal was seated at his kitchen table, but instead of piles of fruit at his disposal, his eyes were busied with a pile of broken staffs. He looked tired, but transfixed with his work, his hands twisting, curling, twirling and maneuvering this way and that. Yaholo leaned away from the window and smiled, before making his way down the tree again. He would bother Minal later, he was making fantastic progress with his work. To ask him to play while he still had so much more to do would be both and shame and a crime.
Tayyib's home was at the edge of the village where most of the gypsies and bards took roost with their families and friends in tight knit little groups. Each had their own style, poise, and grace to how they sung and danced, making for quite an interesting bit of entertainment if more than one decided to perform in a group. His eyes wandered along the makeshift stands and stages crafted especially for practice dances, before he turned to ascend the tree closest to his friend's abode. But as he turned his eyes away, a familiar voice caught his attention, though the message at hand was not meant for him. Green eyes hovered back over towards a stage where he spied Tayyib, clad in red dancing attire, assisting his elder sister with what remained of what appeared to be festival decorations. Yaholo smiled again, and paused to watch Tayyib arrange everything to his sister's liking, before heading back towards his own home.
Everything was moving along just fine in Yera, it seemed. Tayyib and Minal had begun to find their places in the world around them, just as Yaholo had done. Though he wasn't certain if either of his friends were utterly content with whatever they had chosen to experiment with first, at least they had started searching for something worthwhile. He chuckled to himself as he found himself meandering back down the path and to the alcove he had set out to visit in the first place. As he sat among the dust and crystal that was the terrain of Tale, his favorite place took on a whole new meaning. This was where he learned how to swing from vines. This is where Tayyib told scary stories, day or night. This was where Minal complained endlessly about the lack of fruit in his satchel until Yaholo could bear to hear his voice no more. And this is where they would spend nights camping, laughing, and goofing off, until their parents came swooping in to scold them.
Yes... This place was special. But now, as an adult with a few trials under his belt, it wasn't as glorious as it had seemed those short years ago. The trees were no longer swinging poles. The sand wasn't as lustrous and magnificent. And the air that surrounded him was no longer filled with the same magic and excitement that it had before. He sighed and stood, taking one last long look at the alcove, before turning to wander back home. He had promised his father he'd be home before long, and he wasn't about to break that promise. Now that he was older, he could no longer dally and whittle his days away with child-like fantasies, he had a reputation to uphold. His eyes wandered back towards the alcove just as he turned the corner, but darted forward, a smile replacing a rather lack-luster expression.
There was nothing left for him to do but smile and move on, just like Tayyib and Minal had done. He was moving forward with his life, and he was more than proud of that. All scars are a part of growing up, and there were bound to be plenty more to come down life's winding road. No sense in dwelling on the smallest of scrapes when the worst of the battles could be waiting just around the corner.
(Word count: 1381)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Tue Jun 18, 2013 5:08 pm
Guard RP #1: "A Tour Of Sauti" (Yaholo meets Natsu)
[LINK]
(Word count: Y - 11 posts - N - 10 posts)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Tue Jun 18, 2013 5:09 pm
Guard RP #2: "To Zena!" (Yaholo is taken to Zena by Natsu)
Words words words woooords woooooordssss wordssss woooords...
(Word count: )
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Reply
