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 Posted: Tue Mar 24, 2015 9:42 am
 Mama Blues had been dividing her time between the tree and her family for some time now. She was thankful her daughters were at an age they could understand why she was doing it, and even offered to help, but things had gone from bad to worse. So their time at the tree had been severely reduced unless they were really needed or if Mama Blues felt they had spent enough time away from it. It wasn't right to keep them completely from the place they had a connection to. She understood how that felt. She also didn't want them to grow up away from her own Fauny. The people that had crossed over with her and were the last memories of where they had come from.
She felt a continued heaviness settling onto her. As whispers filled the halls about these 'Blood Pae' she became more and more concerned about what that could mean for her and her little family. If anyone found out at all, what would happen to them? More so, what would happen to Xanthous? Would they hunt him down and murder him? Because by how some were acting they were out for blood. She couldn't blame them, after what had happened to them, but they weren't thinking clearly! Those in the city and those on the isle had to be different...
She and Sona had made it back well in time. She didn't need someone stopping them and questioning them. If they took a hard look at Sona, she worried it would raise more questions that could land them somewhere they didn't need to be. Inwardly she wondered how long they could keep this up. Maybe she had been wrong to want to stay connected to her people. Was it worth getting her family in trouble? Every time she went home she'd swear to herself this dual alliance was over, but then she'd feel the tug and be drawn back. She couldn't keep herself away with so much happening and so much need.Sona felt the tension land heavily on her shoulders. Her mom seemed so deep in though she wasn't sure if she had noticed the gathering and the commotion happening behind them. Quickly she tugged on her Mom's hand to grab her attention and gestured towards the group. They had been slipping away like they usually did, not really interacting with anyone else, just slipping away for the night. She wasn't ready to do that just yet, not with the words 'traitor' being whispered around them.Mama Blues stopped when she felt the small hand on her. She looked at Sona questionably, but got an answer immediately when the other was trying to show her that something was going on. She turned around and was met with the site of a small gathering starting to happen. She wrinkled up her nose as she and Sona stepped a bit closer. What was going on here? Fear instantly grabbed her heart. Had something else happened? Was someone hurt?
She was more shocked to see a Faun restrained and standing before Rais. It felt like her heart at halted in her chest and she couldn't breathe. So this Faun had been around other Blood Pae and now they assumed he was a traitor? She glanced around the room and slowly pushed Sona behind her as if to conceal her from other burning eyes. She could hear it, hear the whispers and the questions about this 'traitor'. Did they really judge so soon? Just because he had been around Blood Pae?
What would they call her if they knew about her family? The fact she'd been intimate with one of those 'heathens' and actually produced his kids? What would they do to Sona and Harmony if they new Blood Pae blood was flowing through their veins? She was trembling and couldn't do a thing about it. She was so scared for her girls and the hard place this placed them. Was this the end of their interactions with the tree and all who lived in it? How could she just leave her kind behind? She wouldn't, but apparently they'd give up on her so soon like they did this poor soul."This is your family!" the Chieftain's roar made Mama Blues flinch. She looked down where Sona we peeking out from around her and felt the tears begin to p***k at the back of her eyes. That's what it had been. She'd been torn between two families and didn't want to choose, but like this poor soul she was going to have to make a decision. Would she stay with them in the little house on the beach or fully give herself to the tree? What would her daughters choose? Would she have to live without them if she chose the tree and they chose otherwise?
She placed a hand over her mouth and turned her face away so her daughter wouldn't see her tears. She couldn't imagine living without them. She couldn't imagine leaving the only deep, passionate love she had known, but then would it keep him safe in the end? She'd do it just for that comfort. Sona wasn't sure she understood what was happening. Her family hadn't allowed her to be naive as to what she was, but she certainly didn't understand the negative feelings here. Her dad wasn't a bad person, but it seemed this group thought so. Anyone with that label was an enemy to them, and it hurt. Did this mean they would think the same of her?
She willingly stepped behind her mom, but kept her eyes on the commotion ahead. She needed to know, needed to understand what this could mean for her and her sister. Their whole family. They were caught in the middle of this hatred without any direction. She felt her mother's tremblings and glanced up in time to see her mom turn her face away. So, she felt it too. The only other time she'd seen her Mom as emotional as now was when the tree had been harmed. That's when Sona knew just how much her Mom loved those who lived here. Yet, they were the very people who were causing this very hurt.
She was scared. She was more than scared she was petrified, and just a little bit angry. There was no logic here, there was no forgiveness! What would they do to them? Could she prove to them she wasn't bad or would they jump down her throat just like this Faun? Would showing how she had been there to help them be enough? And what about their Dad if they noticed her and her sister? Maybe they could lie that they didn't know him...
The questions were too much. She found herself begin to tremble along with her Mom. She needed out of here. She didn't want to be found out. She didn't want something to happen to them. She felt her Mom's hand on her and looked up at her. Her mom's eye were glistening with tears which brought on her own. She wanted to cry and run away from this place. Her mom seemed to sense it and began to stroke her hair. It calmed her enough to regain some logic to her thoughts. As bad as she wanted to just run to their nook and hide, she needed to know what would happen. She needed to know how deep this hatred ran, because if they got caught... she'd need to know what would happen to her.Seruta Dunno if you want Harmony tagging along or not! I didn't mention her specifically in this post just in case you had too many you were working with XD
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Posted: Tue Mar 24, 2015 11:26 am
Ranuin's tail was soft in his hand; it always was. There was something about it, something in the texture and the warm, that seemed to always bring him to a safe spot when he grew anxious. Faelon didn't like being anxious... it was far better to be happy.
Right now, though, he was anxious. Anxious, and confused, and some other emotions he couldn't place...
Apprehensive...?
Scared...?
He visibly jumped and his ears folded down at the Cheiftain's loud words. Why was he shouting; what was everyone looking at; why were some turning to look at he and his brothers with... strange... unfamiliar... looks? His eyes averted and caught eyes at Haldir's hand being offered. Looking to him with a smile, he reached forward and took it. It was warm, as Ranuin's tail was. Giving it a slight squeeze, he looked up at his big brother for any cues as to what they would do now, ready to do whatever was asked of him.
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Posted: Tue Mar 24, 2015 2:16 pm
There couldn't be...no, there was no truth to that... Faroth couldn't speak for these unknown Pae in the sky, but his friends...his friends would never do that. They couldn't. They were incapable of such things.
He had paused to collect himself, not realizing it could be read as hesitation. "No. They're not. They're good Pae."
"They're Blood Pae," Rais practically spat. "They're lying, deceitful, violent, barbaric, monstrous..."
"...kind, loyal, compassionate..." Faroth knew he was being obstinate now. But he couldn't just stand there and listen to such horrible things being said about those who had been so kind to him. Just the briefest flash of Takeko's sad smile as he left, coupled with the horrible words he was hearing associated with her, even indirectly, filled him with irritation. He halted, however, his voice trailing off under the furious glare he received for his interruption.
"You've forgotten your place, boy. Too much time out on the isle, away from the Tree. You seem to have forgotten how things work. Here, we have rules, unlike those barbaric savages. Rules that are meant to be followed. Of course, I suppose too long out there, you start to forget. Makes it all so much easier to turn on your people, doesn't it, traitor?"
That word again. Faroth winced visibly as if from a physical hit. Did he have to keep saying that? It was bad enough this was unfolding in such a public manner...but he could feel the glares being aimed in his direction, heated and hateful, growing stronger the more the word was thrown around. He'd done nothing more than make sure his friends were safe. He'd not done so with any thought 'against' his kin.
"Please, sir...don't--" He paused, re-thinking the decision to try to tell the Chief to do or not do anything. He did shake off the guard's attempts to hold him back as he took a step forward, trying to lower his voice. "Do you really think I'm a traitor, sir? Chief...you know me. You've known me all my life. Do you even think I'm capable of such a thing? I only wanted to make sure my friends were safe."
The Chieftain's eyes narrowed, his stance tense. Not that the dappled faun presented any threat to him. Not physically by any means. No, but the challenge to his authority was something he couldn't ignore. This was supposed to be a time for solidarity, for him to hold his people together through the danger and fear. There was no room for rule breakers usurping the order and causing rifts of doubt and uncertainty.
The boy had one point. Rais did know him fairly well. Back when the Tree rejoined the Isle, their numbers were still few. Though he was young, the boy had been one of the early few to come from the Tree. The new life and new hope for the Faun in a new era. He'd broken the rules then too. He'd disobeyed orders not to leave the Tree, had gone out to the Isle alone, a mere child. Granted, his motives had been pure, but he hadn't thought things through. He'd hoped to save the lost, scattered acorns that had fallen to the Isle before they were found by others. He'd failed, though the goal had been lofty for any single individual to hope to accomplish, let alone a child.
And here, he'd done the same as an adult. Once again, he'd broken the rules expressly set by the Chieftain for their own protection, no matter what his reasoning for doing so. The insubordination could not stand.
Did he believe Faroth had set out to commit treason? Not particularly. The boy was well-meaning, but didn't think ahead. That being said, rules existed for a reason. And the boy needed to realize that he was not above those rules and that there was a price to be paid for breaking them.
Stepping closer, he fixed his stern gaze on the boy. "It doesn't matter what I believe. The truth of the matter is that you knew your actions were forbidden...and you took them anyway. You knowingly broke the laws set forth to protect the Faun of the Tree, your kin...and possibly brought danger to our door by doing so. You have disrespected my authority, put your people at risk, and the stated cost of such actions is imprisonment on the charge of suspected treason. It doesn't matter what I think, boy. You're the one forcing my hand...not me. There are known consequences for your actions. Now, live with them."
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Posted: Tue Mar 24, 2015 2:43 pm
 The commotion in the commons had greatly disrupted feast time. Hungry, and curious, the starving pink-striped faun had slide behind and weaved between the other gawkers and gossipers, gathering what she could from whispers as she got as close as she was comfortable getting to the chieftain. He was raging, that much was painfully obviously, so using the Kishi equation for the safe distance from Rais, that meant she rubber-necked from a spot that allowed her to easily skitter to her nook on the second floor without knocking many others over should he shake the tree again.
She recognized Faroth by name and face only. She'd never really interacted with him because he always seemed to be very busy. Though rumors did travel fast in this tree, and Kishi certainly didn't help matters as she was a key component on that grapevine.
She just couldn't wrap her mind around it. How in the Great's Tree's dew could Faroth be a traitor? He was such a good guy, even if all she knew was second-hand information. He led the lost fauny here, he has even adopted lost babies, and is helping one of the fancy faun with her two new babies. He has adventures out on the island and comes back to tell the tales. In a way, he was like a mini-Rais. Except not giant and intimidating. Mini-Rais couldn't be a traitor, he was too good and gentle.
But the energy directed towards Faroth was so intense. Maybe he had one too many adventures? Did he have a secret home on the isle somewhere? Kishi furled her brow at Rais, but the rumble in her stomach startled her, confusing her for an instant. Sorry, sorry, sorry Laisidhiel, I know he's your son.
It was then that she noticed the familiar luxuriously flowing mane of the fauness that saved her life. "BELVAH!!" Kishi whisper-hollered at the chief's ex-wife, trying not to interrupt Rais. Kishi hadn't seen her around so it was good to know she hadn't been exiled. And she carried a baby, oh! Wait, whose baby? Did she have her kid already?
Making her way between several other on-lookers, Kishi approached Belvah. She'd never truly expressed her gratitude for saving her life, and since it'd been so long since she saw the role-model, she took this incredibly awkward chance to do it. She ducked and hid behind some faun as she made her way over, so she wouldn't be noticed by Rais. Then fear struck her heart and she froze. Ex-wife .... New wife ceremony....
Rais' voice suddenly sliced through her ridiculously thoughts. There are known consequences for your actions.
Why was that suddenly frightening? She didn't disobey Rais, ever, for fear of those consequences. She didn't realize just yet how scared she felt for one of her own, a good faun. It had never even crossed her mind that disobeying Rais' laws was even an option in life, but now she's witnessing the effect of such decisions. Why was Rais suddenly ten feet taller? Dementia Requiem Asumi Belvah - you don't have to interact, but I wanted you to see that Kishi noticed her
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Posted: Tue Mar 24, 2015 3:42 pm
 Harmony was in sheer bliss! She'd heard and seen stories of the great tree between her mother and her sister from their last trip here! It was everything she could ever imagine! Granted, their last trip was a shaky one. What with the explosion and the new curfew and rules. The idea of such actions upon such a wonderful society tied a knot in the pit of her stomach.
It also didn't help that their grandpa Tassos came back to live with them after his short "retirement" to the city. He almost seemed shaken and worried about the people there. And once, she even overheard him whispering to himself... how he'd lost all respect for the city folk for what they did.
Were the "city folk" grandpa talked about what the Fauns called 'Blood Pae'...? And if so, didn't that make her father one? And didn't that also make her and Sonata half blood pae?
Meh! She was enjoying herself on this trip! It was such a beautiful place! Far different than their little cabin by the beach! So far, her first experience in the Great Tree was rather enjoyable! She'd definitely have to come back again next time! She wouldn't miss all the excitement for the world!
A rumble sounded to her right and she blinked, rubbing her eyes a moment to be sure she saw correctly.
"Mama...?!" she asked, a small startled tremble to her voice. She tugged gently on Mama Blues' arm and half whispered.
"... Look!
Over there!
Is that a Fauny?
Riding a bear?!"
She felt a small twinge of pride at having remembered what her mother called her flat hooved brothers and sisters from another land. The yellow one even had wings like her, but no horn like her mother or antlers like the Faun. Her words fell short, however. Mama's attentions were elsewhere...
Harmony then followed her mother's eyes, ears now picking up the raised voices and the commotion.
'Traitor?' she asked herself, only now allowing realization to dawn upon her at just what was happening. The color to her face drained and panic slowly began to rise as Mama ushered Sonata out of view. Harmony did her best to help, ducking behind their mother and hugging Sonata close, nearly sandwiching (without squishing!) Sonata between them.
Could the faun really be so against the blood pae that they'd point out a "traitor" like this out in the open? From Harmony's standpoint, they weren't all bad. In fact, both her father and grandfather had been relatively against the actions of the city. Daddy had even refused to associate himself with the sky drifting city once he met Mama. At least, that's how he put it. Something about things being more peaceful that way...? She couldn't remember most of it. But now she was even worried if she should even mention their 'Blood Pae' relations. Judging by Mama's reaction to hide them once things started to heat up near the center of the tree, she supposed it best to keep them quiet. Probably best to not mention them at all, at this point.
Looking up, she saw Mama turn her head. She'd never seen her Mama cry before, but she could tell that this was her way. Harmony would have done the same. Heck, she nearly wanted to now. The tree had quickly lost it's fun. She found herself quickly fighting down the urge to beg to go home.
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Posted: Tue Mar 24, 2015 3:57 pm
 Aloe had been out picking herbs and things for her make-shift spa. Rumor had it that a certain Stallion would be stopping in for a massage and hooficure later on that week and she wanted to make sure that she had all the necessary things ready for his visit!
She managed to come back just before curfew, basket in hand only to tilt her head as the guards seemed to urge one of the Tree-dwellers inside. Odd... She'd only ever seen the ... er... stallion? in passing during her stay in Laisidhiel, but he always seemed to have his heart in the right place...
She paused just inside, watching as the commotion escalated. This didn't sound good for the furred and pawed stallion at all. And the chief...!
Eh... She might have to pay the chief a visit later. He seemed far too tense in the moment. She could only assume that all these things happening about he tree did little to calm his nerves... if anything, he might just be the one true candidate in the tree in more desperate need of a little pampering than anyone else! He even had stress lines on his face!! Tsk tsk! She'd have to remedy this soon!!
She shook her head....
There she went again, thinking about work and not about the true issue of the moment.
So apparently the furred one did something that was against the rules? Clearly he would have had a very good reason to do it in such a time. Otherwise, he wouldn't be all too smart and she could tell by just looking at him that he was smarter than your average bear...
Speaking of bears...!
It wasn't really a shock at this point, seeing a bear in the great tree. Aloe knew exactly who he would have belonged to. Leave it to Fluttershy to bring obscure animals into the village. Or in this case, the tree.
She smiled softly and crossed the edge of the crowd to Fluttershy's side. She reached up, gently placing a reassuring hand on Fluttershy's knee and giving it a soft squeeze. She hoped that seeing a friendly and familiar face would at least ease the frightened Fauny's nerves.
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Posted: Tue Mar 24, 2015 4:28 pm
More and more faun and fauny alike where pouring into the already public spectical, and Olea looked around to attempt to find someone, anyone, that she could potentially recognize. She felt so awkward being there alone. Across the crowd, she spotted a somewhat familiar face: Fluttershy. She hadn't interacted with the fauny since they had come to the Tree, but she remembered the female was one of the six who had saved the Crystal Kingdom from disaster.
Carefully, the fauny picked her way through the crowd until she was near enough to Fluttershy to place a hand on the others shoulder. Her touch was gentle, almost timid. "Are you doing ok?" She asked, concerned as it looked like Fluttershy was trying to hide behind some poor squished animals.
Again, the words 'Blood Pae' and 'traitor' were said again, and whispered rippled through the crowd, causing Olea's skin to prickle as if she were chilled under her fur.
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Posted: Tue Mar 24, 2015 5:22 pm
So much shouting and name calling, tension, tempers! All of this was about doing the poor Pegasus's head in...as well as probably her animals as she squished them tighter. At least until she felt a gentle squeeze at her knee and she loosened her grip, blinking down at the familiar pink face of Aloe. "Oh....Aloe....so good to see you.." she gasped softly, releasing all her little critter friends whom seemed grateful and retreated to the back of her bear companion.
"Sorry little ones, I shouldn't have squished you so hard. Its just so...." she squeezed her eyes shut then shook her head, sliding down the side of the bear and onto the floor. She hadn't realized another had approached until she felt another hand on her shoulder. For a moment she squeaked in surprise, spinning around to be face to face with one of the crystal faunies. She hadn't remembered her name but she recognized the other's face. "Y-yes....well...no..." she confessed, clasping her hands together and shuffling her hooves awkwardly.
She glanced between the two and tried her best to smile but one just wasn't coming. The bigger the crowd got the more this faunie wanted to run away to a nice quiet place with all her little critters. "Do you really think he did all that they say? He always seemed so nice.....I hope they are wrong and this is all a misunderstanding. Oh poor Princess Celsetia..." she squeaked softly. Very very softly.
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Posted: Thu Mar 26, 2015 11:01 am
Fear had captured her heart. She was so wrapped up in her own thoughts she didn't notice her girl's talking to her or trying to grab her attention. There was no where to go- they couldn't go home at this point if they didn't want to get questioned, and with how high emotions were right now who would know what would happen to them. She could feel her girls clinging to her from behind and she took a moment to compose herself. This was scary for all of them, but she needed to be strong for them. Once she could tell her voice would be steady she turned to look at them, "Girls, ya should head to the nook. Quiet like now, dun let anyone see ya leav'n, right?" she spoke softly.
With a gentle push to their rumps she set them off. She watched as Sona took her sister's hand and they slipped into the shadows behind those that had gathered. They were beautiful, strong girls. Fauny was evident in them, but the extra feathers and those halos that tagged along anywhere they went... It was such a clear message to those who'd ever pay a bit of attention to them. They had sworn their loyalty, and that's why there hadn't been an eye turned to them, but what now? Would this change their status with the tree?Sona led her sister out of sight of their mother, turning a corner before stopping. She peaked out from behind it before turning to her sister. She took a deep breath preparing herself to attempt her new found way to communicate. She was really bad at it, accidentally overwhelming others with emotions or images, but she needed to let her sister know her plan. With deep breaths she calmed her heart down before focusing on one thought of them standing here watching what would happen instead of going to their room like their mom asked. She so wanted to know what would happen. She was scared and frustrated by what was happening around them because she didn't fully understand it. She wanted to stay and learn what their possible fate could be.
She could have kicked herself, she could feel all of these emotions flow out of her and she gave her sister an apologetic look. She didn't mean to! She just got distracted thinking about all these things while she was attempting to communicate. She hugged Harmony, before motioning towards the events on the other side of the wall. Did she want to stay with her or had she overwhelmed the other? Maybe she was too scared to stay? Sona knew she herself was about ready to run away at any movement, but something was compelling her to stay...
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Posted: Fri Mar 27, 2015 1:02 pm
 Everfree stood as apart from the gathering faun as he could and still see what was going on. A thought had crossed his mind to fly above the group, but that would bring too much attention to himself. Every thing he heard made him more and more uncomfortable. The continued restrictions stepped over caution right into paranoia.
He understood what the blood pae had done to the tree, it was evil and unforgivable. However, Rais was threatening to weaken the tree from within. Interacting with and knowing the blood pae was a benefit. Forced separation was going to lead to more hostilities which could lead to more violence. Even worse, looking at the faces of the onlookers, could cause division within the tree.
Eyes fell first on Fluttershy with her animal friends in-tow. His expression softened as a deeper worry set in. This seemed too harsh a place for such a gentle Fauny. The enforced being in the tree like this, when there was so much life outside, the Prince feared her following her heart outside the tree and getting caught in this mess. Could it have been him or her on trial right now? More disturbing, one of the Princesses?
Glancing to the side as not to be caught staring, he spotted another faunie he knew. The crystline like faunie, Olea. The materials for her stunning baskets had to be gathered outside. How easy would it be to harvest and lose track of time?
This place was going from the feeling of safety to something not. He tried to empathize with the Chieftain, this would not have been easy on anyone. Traitorusly, the fauny harbored thoughts that Celestia would have handled this so much better. Luna would have as well, once the royal we calmed a little. Celestia and Luna often balanced each other.
Balance was exactly what the Chieftain lacked. Where was Vanya?
Glancing then to JustMo, a look of confusion settled on the stallion. Why did he not step in? Or pull the Chieftain aside and say a few words. Surely he as well as Rais had to feel the fear in the gathering?
None of this sat well with him at all, but he hardly had the power to do anything about it. If only there were another safe place for their kind. The division would be disastrous. At the same time he feared the jail getting full of faun and fauny alike. Picturing the likes of the gentle Fluttershy locked up - it was unbecomingly humorous to picture what Angel would do-- to the creative Olea. Then there was Twilight and the Princesses. How easy was it to get on the bad side of the Chieftain when someone he knew from when he was young could be treated like this?Quote: he is free for interaction
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Posted: Fri Mar 27, 2015 5:29 pm
Harmony nodded and locked fingers with her sister. She didn't know the way to the nook just yet, so she had not choice but to follow her sister. She chanced a worried glance over her shoulder to her mother. Would she be ok? Would someone notice her sending them off and label her as a traitor too?
Oh! She hoped not! Her mother was the definition of loyal to Laisidhiel! She talked of it fondly back home. Even more so than her old home in Equestria! She bit her lip and then ducked behind some oblivious onlookers and around the bend.
Here, Sonata had stopped. She blinked as she nearly toppled over her and saw the worry dancing in her sister's eyes. She could even see the dancing turmoil of how to express something she wanted and Harmony quickly held up a hand. In a whispered tone, she started.
"Hush little sis.
There is no need.
I wish to stay
and watch indeed.
But would it be safe?
Our mother said to scoot.
But this whole ordeal has me worried
and curious, to boot!"
She inhaled sharply then as the emotions washed over her like a tidal wave. It was almost like her own emotions were amplified and she nearly stumbled backward from the impact! She quickly gathered her footing and brought a hand up to her chest. That was... bizarre! She honestly didn't know what came over her in the moment. However, as she looked to her sister, she noticed the apologetic look... the one she gave whenever Harmony fell during one of their games back home was hurt in the process. Sonata then hugged her tight, fear and sorrow both swimming over her. Her features then skewed - more so out of curiosity than concern - and she plucked a stray hair from Sonata's face.
"We can stay...
If only for a bit
Just a few more minutes...
And then we have to 'git." she offered, hoping that coining a word from their mother would help ease the tension if only for a little.
For the moment, she merely mulled over what she had experienced. Could her sister really express her emotions in such a way? Overwhelming someone with just a touch? If so, that was a neat little trick! Far easier than her own, she had noticed. Harmony found that she could emit emotions through song... so hers had needed a little more effort to accomplish than Sonata.
But that was not her main focus now.... Now, they had to eavesdrop on this whole issue unfolding in front of them in the commons. She pulled (reluctantly) from Sonata and knelt down by the corner, peering around it so she at least had one ear able to perk forward and listen...
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Posted: Fri Mar 27, 2015 7:44 pm
 Leaning against the doorway to his pub, the foxfaun just watched the commotion. He could hear the murmurings of the crowd under Rais' chastising of Faroth. It was unfortunate how many of the denizens of the tree considered Rais crazy for his actions. The chief has a lot on his plate, and has to enforce the rules otherwise others would know they could walk all over their chief. Without enforcement of the existing laws, there would be anarchy. Everyfaun would call the bluff and Laisidhiel would not be safe for anyfaun.
It made Mojo question the ruling styles of the Princesses in their native land to create such prejudice against law enforcement.
Rais has to make the unpopular decisions. It's just unfortunate that this young faun is to be the example to the others. He could see the pity in Rais' eyes. Mojo could tell that it Rais him as much as it hurt Faroth.
It was a little amusing to Mojo that this mob was rooting for the accused. Most mobs usually enjoy a good public thrashing.
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Posted: Fri Mar 27, 2015 11:50 pm
 Out of the way of the main traffic of the bar, the dark-furred Seer was curled over the table, nursing a cup in both hands. She was turned away, her back towards the events outside the bar, but she didn't need to be present to know what was happening. Whether she wanted to or not. Dammit.
She could feel the anger...the fear...the confusion... This was what they were trying to prevent! Did they have to be so open and dramatic about this? Why make a public spectacle of this? It should have been a simple matter, over by now. Why drag it all out in front of everyone? Ugh, men...
She lifted the cup, sipping the contents slowly. When it lowered again, her eyes were closed...physical gesture only. It kept others from trying to engage her in conversation if it looked like she were focused inward. Of course, she was always focused on what was beyond her...she could feel the boy's regret...as well as the Chief's. She knew this wasn't easy...but necessary. The Circle must remain united. The Faun must remain united. Lest chaos find some c***k in their armor and find its way in to destroy them from the inside out. They wouldn't need to worry about the Blood Pae at that point; they'd destroy themselves.
"...more 'ffective than you, eh...?" It was a quiet statement, not even to herself, but some figment of a memory in her mind. She lifted the drink to toast some imaginary foe, then tipped it back to drain it completely. She set it down with a bit too much force, also hitting the edge rather than placing it flat, creating a bit of noise as it slipped from her grasp to fall over, roll across the table, then clatter down onto the floor. Luckily Laisidhiel wood was legendarily strong. Nothing breaking here.
Other than her composure.
Grumbling and snapping off a curse under her breath, she huffed and quickly set her chin in her hands. She didn't want that stupid cup anymore anyway; it was empty.
They were getting loud again out there...emotions swelling. Those fools. They knew nothing of true horrors. They thought the attack on the Tree was bad... It was, and yet...she had seen so much worse. Heard. Felt. Experiencing terror and pain that they couldn't imagine, over and over and over again until she was willing to take any drastic measure to end it all. When nothingness would be a blessing. Madness was ever lurking just out of sight, ready to pounce and maul and rend flesh. They had no idea of the horrors this world was capable of.
And that was the point of all this. To prevent them from ever having to learn of such things. To go on thinking that their petty concerns were as bad as it got, that such things were 'so terrible' because the things lurking in the darkness were so much worse than anything they could comprehend within their experience.
She started to push herself up onto her hooves...kicked the wooden cup on the floor and toppled back into her seat. Fine...she didn't want to go out there right now anyway. She'd just stay here for a while. Curling over the table again, the Seer quietly slumped over to lean against the wall, keeping her post here.
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Posted: Sat Mar 28, 2015 5:33 am
 Twilight followed Everfree, having decided she needed to keep her eyes on him. He was worlds better now, but that didn't mean her worry had ceased. In a crowd like this, she'd all but lost him. And then there was... That faun who'd led them home. What on Earth was he... Oh. Her violet eyes widened, realizing what was happening.
Is that really what would happen if she ever met with someone that wasn't a faun or fauny? She shuddered, hoping she'd never encounter such a fate. The cogs and gears all clicked into place. This faun was being called a traitor.... It wasn't a popular decision, but it was something Princesses Celestia or Luna would have done to keep their pae strong and protected.
With a shudder, Twilight gently touched Everfree's arm. "Be careful on your patrol. I don't want to be standing in one of these groups with you at the center of attention."
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Posted: Sun Mar 29, 2015 2:25 am
Faroth had withdrawn instinctively as the Chief had closed in, getting in his face and forcing him to step back warily. He hadn't expected this sort of response, either what was said, or the physical stand-off. Though he'd known the Chief since he was very little and their numbers very few, and as a result often forgot to keep proper protocol when speaking with him...the Chief was still a fairly intimidating Faun and his mere presence could make one feel less than a foot tall. And that was when he wasn't angry.
His ears laid back in dismay, the realization settling in that there was no talking his way out of this one. It was a sobering thought, realizing that he was destined for the dungeon for...who knew how long. He felt trapped, like an animal backed into the corner by the hunters, just waiting for the arrow to fly. Though he hadn't said as much directly, he got the feeling the Chief didn't believe he was a traitor...but why did he keep saying that then? The brief moment he'd met his gaze before looking away, he'd believed what the Chief said...he didn't want to do this...it was Faroth's own fault. Then...why...why keep saying that?
"So...that's it then? That's to be my fate? And everyone else with friends or loved ones outside the Tree? I'm not the only one after all. Are we all to be locked away then?" he asked, bitterness seeping into his tone.
Believing the matter to be finished, Rais felt a ripple of irritation at the response. Was he still challenging his authority? "I will do whatever is necessary to protect the children of Laisidhiel," he answered evenly, temper controlled for now.
"Until all questions are answered regarding the attack and whether that monster was working alone or with others, all connections to the outside are potential security risks. If there are those who would prefer those connections, then they forsake the offered protection of the Tree. They cannot have both. Either choose the outside, or your own people. I will not have potential agents of the enemy within this Tree. We've survived one attack, but another..." Rais' voice held a hint of a growl and the floor in the area immediately around him rumbled quietly. If anything happened to the Tree, it would be the end of every Faun...whether they were here at the Tree or elsewhere. If a few must pay a small cost for the many...
"These rules are necessary, to keep everyone safe."
It was as if he could feel the walls closing in around him already. Down into the darkness, away from the light and the air and freedom...soon to be joined by others who likely meant no more harm than seeing their loved ones and ensuring their safety...
"Safe? There's nothing in between? Either you're out on your own, or your safe by being locked up in here, either in the dungeon or in Laisidhiel in general? You're going to keep everyone safe by taking away their freedom then? Is that the only way? And you're calling ME the traitor?!?"
Faroth stopped dead, eyes widening in horror at the words that had just spilled from his mouth. He'd been panicked thinking of the dungeon, threatened...angry at being pointed as the bad guy in all this...but he hadn't been thinking straight. "Sir, I-I'm sorry, I didn't mean--"
"Silence!" All traces of pity had been replaced with rage in the Chieftain's eyes. This had been a mistake. The boy understood nothing. Nothing had been accomplished by this argument. His eyes scanned the growing crowd. No, this had complicated matters rather than spread any kind of understanding. And this had gone on too long already. Now he'd have to do damage control else this event would only create more division.
"Take him away."
There was no taking the words back now; it was too late, they'd already been said. Open mouth, insert hoof. Faroth's posture slumped, his head dropping forward in despair. He didn't fight this time as the guards took him by the upper arms to lead him away to the Root Cellar.
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