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 Posted: Tue May 29, 2007 2:45 pm
While her mother and new found friend were busy in the kitchen, Shelley got her father to start to tell her stories about the creatures of Joura and the heros of old. She always found those stories to be the best ones, and she always listened to them intently.
When everything was cooked and ready, Shelley's mother asked Sophia to set the table for them all while she brought out everything for dinner. And while the centaur set the table the mother brought out the pans and pots in which the food was cooked in.
Smelling the food Shelley got up and ran over to the table ot take her seat, hoisting herself up so she could see her plate. Her father wasnt to far behind as he took the seat next to her so he could finish his story about the heros win over the villians.
"Alright, enough stories for now. Its dinner time. Please Sophia, the guest gets first pick."
Her mother told Shelley before looking over to Sophia. Taking a seat she smiled and set a large spoon she had in her hand in the bowl of stewed vegetables. The Wadifah meat was next to that, and a pot of mashed potatos was beside that.
((ohhhh, you look pretty today.))
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Posted: Tue May 29, 2007 4:30 pm
"Oh, well, thank you!" Sophia replied. Taking a seat across from Shelley she listened to the stories her father was telling. "Ha, ha. My father used to tell my brothers and I stories similar to that all the time when we were young. We've grown out of it now that we've gotten older." Sophia said, spooning a bit of the vegetables into her mouth. "But most of the time he bored us to death over and over again with the history of our clan and out herd. Sometimes I could have sworn I would die of boredom if I heard one more story."
Sneaking a glance out the window, Sophia swore she saw a glint of metal through it. Shrugging it off, she continued to eat her meal. Wiping her mouth with her napkin, Sophia picked up her dishes and before she carried them to the kitchen, she asked "Anyone else finished?"
But before anyone could reply, a hunter burst through the door. "Well, Centaur, it seems my ship has come in. There's a fair bounty for centaurs where I come from." Leaping in front of Shelley and her parents Sophia promised herself she would protect them. "What do you want with Centaurs?" she asked searching for her weapon and finding it wasn't there. Rearing up slightly on her back legs to kick the hunter, but he was too swift. His scimitar had cut her side and he cackled and said in a low voice "Night, night, girly. Welcome to slavehood. We could use one like you." ((Thanks!))
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Posted: Tue May 29, 2007 4:40 pm
The family laughed when she spoke of how boring her father could be and they listened to what her father had to say when it came to glory stories about the centaurs he had once heard about. All th while they ate the food that was prepared for them and smiling all the way. One could tell they were a happy family for all their greif.
"Yes, we are about done."
Shelley's mother replied, gathering the plates and things to give to Sophia, though she was a bit reluctant to do so. It was about then that the hunter brust in. The mother tried to go for her weapon, but it was near the hunter and her father was rather weaponless anyway. Shelley was stuck behind them both.
It was only when Sophia was injured that Sheeley decided to do something about it, calling on all the power she had over the werebear that she was to help Sophia out. For the most part her transformation would go unnoticed, but it was when she roared at the hunter and cast aside the shreded dress that one would put attention on her.
Raising up to her full hight, which was now taller than most everyone in the room, her parents got out of the way and she took a step forward toward the hunter. Raising a clawed paw at the hunter she basically said to get out or die.
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Posted: Tue May 29, 2007 5:44 pm
Apparently taken aback by Shelley's sudden transformation the slave trader then smirked. "Not without my prize, girly." he said throwing his lasso around Sophia's neck and binding her hands together. "I'm takin' her weather any of ya like it or not. Besides, we need the business. She's a pretty young thing, I'm sure no one would mind her being gone." he said to them and grasping Sophia's chin. Struggling against her bindings and rearing up against him the slave trader yanked the lasso around her throat and violently brought her to earth.
"I suppose I'm going to have to teach you some manners." he said stooping down to Sophia apparently ignoring her pain and that she had landed on her wounded side. Dragging her back up the slave trader started her out the door. He pushed her into a cart that was large enough for just about anything. Hopping onto the back of the cart, he threw a razor-sharp metal playing card at the ground and laughed. "Now, perhaps, you will not forget the name of Ishmael Skybane!" as he rode off into the darkness.
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Posted: Tue May 29, 2007 5:53 pm
Shelley wasnt about to sit by and let her friend be taken off into the night by a slave trader. With a roar that shook the house she took off at a four legged run after the traders cart, catching up with a realitive ease considering her size and the speed a Lycanthrope had naturally.
Running past the cart with a speed one wouldnt expect of a bear she turned to face the cart and its steeds that pulled it and rose on her two legs to try and stop the cart in its tracks. If the Slvaer wanted Sophia, he'd have to kill Shelley to do it.
If the cart tried to veer off track or run by her she would bring her strong paw down on one of the animals to send it reeling and stop the cart anyway. Anything to help her only friend.
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Posted: Tue May 29, 2007 10:00 pm
Drawing his sword, the slave trader slashed at Shelley with all he could muster. Lying down in the cart, Sophia was dazed and slightly aware of what was going on. "Away girly! She's ours now! But don't worry, she'll have more of her kind to keep her company." the slave trader shouted. More of my kind?! Sophia thought. Throwing his scimitar at Shelley, he laughed as he barely caughter her on the shoulder. Letting out tears, Sophia tried keeping them in but it was difficult.
Then, at that moment, she heard familiar hoofbeats. Looking to her right, her spirits lifted at the sight of all three brothers. Raising a battle cry, all three boys attacked at once. Going for the driver, Xander fought the driver while fighting to keep up. Ohan and Jin-ho both went after the slace trader and the cage.
After a few exiting minutes, the cage stopped. Both taking the Slave trader by the arms, the twins threw him to the ground. Pointing their swords at him, Jin-ho said to him in a dark voice "Get out of here. Run, run away and never come back." and sent both of them off with a huff. Smirking, all three boys high-fived and laughed. "So, the Inseperables finally decide to help out." Sophia said jokingly. Laughing, Ohan said "Don't worry, sis, I'll bust ya out....I think..." whilst struggling with the lock. "Hey bro, move over, I'll get it." Ohan said pushing his twin out of the way. Rolling their eyes at each other, Xander shooed both of them out of the way. "I'll get it. Swiped the key from the driver."
Swinging open the door, Xander darkly received his sister. "You're lucky we nearby, sis. Or you and your little friend here would have been killed." Wrenching herself from his grip, Sophia went to the injured Shelley. Taking the cloth band from her head, Sophia wrapped it around Shelley's injured shoulder. "I return the favour to you."
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Posted: Tue May 29, 2007 10:41 pm
While all the driver could muster was a good bitm it was still fairly weak to the eyes of a Werebears thick hide. Still, under that skin was the nine year old girl that had not but minutes ago been enjoying dinner at her parents. With a roar at the driver she brought her paw down again right after the driver struck her shoulder and knocked the sword from his hand, breaking his wrist in the process.
It was about then that the brothers arrived, and she took the moment to bow out and take a look at her deep wounds. Taking refuge behind a tree near the side of the road, Shelley watched as the brothers took care of the Slavers.
When it was over and done with, Shelley went back to nursing her wounds, leaving the centaurs alone to have their little reunion while she sat away. Hearing the sound of Sophias hooves coming close to her she turned to look, an odd look of saddness on the Werebears face as Sophia wrapped her wound.
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Posted: Thu May 31, 2007 2:25 pm
"What is it, little one?" Sophia said to her, gently touching her face. Coming over to Sophia the twins folded their legs under themselves. "Hey, kid, you alright?" Xander gently asked her kindly. Taking her hand in hers Sophia smiled and took Shelley on her own back with the twin's help. Escorting her home, Sophia and the boys yook Shelley back to her parents.
"Don't worry, Shelley will be just fine." Sophia told them. With their help, Sophia helped Shelley into her bed. "For now you must rest, little friend." Scoffing at her, Ohan looked at her with a slightly surprised look on his face "Friend?! You dare make a friend outside the herd, let alone a human?" Giving him a reprimanding look, Sophia scolded him "Yes, I dare, Ohan. Shelley is my friend and I will remain as such."
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Posted: Thu May 31, 2007 3:59 pm
Getting up she walked with the centaurs back to her house, the form of the werebear was just over the height of the cnetaurs horse half. There was alimp to her injuried side, but other than that it was just a slow walk home. She would tell her father to get rid of the cart tomorrow when she remembered.
Re-entering her home she looked up to her parents with the bears face and they returned a look that said so much without words. Hanging her head she walked into her room and began to change back into her little form. Quickly slipping under her covers as the rest of the bear from withered away, she lokoed up to Sophia with a smile.
"Thank you."
She said, refering to all the centaurs that had helped. Even after her brothers complaints at having a human friend. Cause, well, she wasnt human according to the rest of them.
Hiding under her covers she looked at the other centaurs and tilted her head slightly as he parents came in the room.
"Are you all going to stay the night too?"
Her mother asked, having missed the part where her brother didnt like humans.
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Posted: Mon Jun 04, 2007 4:33 pm
Gently smiling and taking Shelley's little hand in her's Sophia nodded. "I will stay as long as you need me." Looking to her brothers, she continued "But these boys will have to return to the herd." Each gently placing a hand on her shoulder as they left, the twins laughed, clambered to their feet and started to walk home. Xander merely nodded and walked away with a quiet huff. Gently laughing at Xander, Sophia shook her head. "I swear, sometimes that boy..." Gently touching Shelley's hair Sophia took a look at Shelley's wound. "Hmn, it isn't too deep. You'll be just fine in a few days." Taking a few herbs out of the pouch on her belt, she applied them to her wound.
"But these will help the process. It'll sting some, but don't worry, it's a sign of healing." Sophia assured her and her parents. Gently rebandaging the wound with a fresh dressing, Sophia took her headband to wash it. Smiling at it, she gently touched the family crest of a pegasus as she washed it clean once more. After a few minutes, it was clean and dried. Walking back to Shelley's bedside Sophia folded her legs back under her. Placing the headband on Shelley's own head, Sophia smiled saying "A gift for you. It is a Centaur tradition to give a symbol of their clan as a gift of trust. Well, I suppose that this is a symbol of my trust. Wear it well, small one."
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Posted: Mon Jun 04, 2007 5:07 pm
Shelley replied to her with a smile, appreaceating the kind words from Sophia. Most other people would have run away when they learned the little body of a nine year old really held a giant werebear. But she figured, Centuars werent like humans when it came to judging others, at least Sophia didnt.
Shyly waving as the other centaurs left, Shelley watched them go from under her blankets, while her parents stepped aside to let them pass by. Looking up to Sophia as she spoke about her brothers she gave a laugh, but stopped when the sting of her wound reminded her that she really shouldnt do that. Looking down at her wounds when Sophia addressed them she gave a weak smile.
"Well, I prefer to have the wounds if that means your safe."
She said, tilting her head slightly with her smile. She was such a child, and yet, so could be so adult when she needed to be.
Wincing slightly at the touch of the herbs she closed her eyes tight and waited for the pain to go away some, her parents standing by like parents should. When Sophia returned from washing her headband, she never expected her to give it to Shelley, which explained the supprised look on her face when it was put on her head.
Touching a hand to the crest lightly, it took her a moment to realized what happened and she smiled.
"Thank you, Sophia."
She said, laying her hand down on the bed once more.
Seeing the little one was tired, her mother walked over to Shelley and Sophia and put a hand on her head.
"Its bedtime. Do you want to sleep in here? I can get you a blanket."
She said to Sophia.
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Posted: Mon Jun 11, 2007 11:13 am
"Yes, I will stay here. I wish to watch over her." Sophia replied to her mother. Humming a song she had heard as a child, Sophia tried to comfort Shelley as much as she could. "On the wind, 'cross the sea, hear this song and remember. Soon you'll be home with me, once upon a december..." she sang gently, stroking Shelley's hair. Watching as Shelley fell asleep, Sophia soon fell asleep herself.
After what only seemed like a few minutes, Sophia jerked awake and realized it was morning. It's still early morning, good. she thought. Quietly folding the blanket and setting it down beside the bed, Sophia walked outside. Drawing her bow and an arrow, she hunted down something for breakfast whilst enjoying the fresh air.
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Posted: Mon Jun 11, 2007 12:09 pm
"Alright then, I'll get you a blanket."
Her mother said, walking out of the room to fecth a blanket for Sophia. Returning a few minutes later she set the wooly blanket on Shelleys bed for the cnetaur to use if she wanted it, then she left to go to bed with her husband.
Shelley listened to the other hum, then sing softly. While she, like every child would do, tried to stay awake, it really didnt work out very well. After a few minutes she fell asleep and dreamed.
Reluctantly waking up the next morning she looked around her room with blurry eyes only to find Sophia to be gone. Jumping out of bed she threw on a white dress and ran through the house to the front door to see if Sophia was out there. Not seeing her she walked back into the house a little sad and sat at the table. Her father was the next one awake, her joined her at the table, fully dressed for his job.
"Whats wrong Shelly?"
He asked.
"Sophia's not here."
She said, running her finger in figure eights on the table.
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Posted: Mon Jun 11, 2007 4:52 pm
Taking in the early morning air, Sophia headed back to Shelley's home. Ducking into the doorway, Sophia smiled. "Good morning everyone." Looking out the window, Sophia noted the the sun was just rising. "I'm sorry if I worried you. I've almost made it a custon to go for an early morning run." Leaning into Shelley, she placed a gentle hand on her shoulder. "If you wish, you can come watch the sunrise with me." Taking a glance at her parents, she added "If that's alright with your parents of course."
Smiling, Sophia stood at the doorway. Striding outside, Sophia took in the sunrise and did a ritual praise of it's glory. Saying her morning prayers in her head, Sophia nodded her head and took a deep breath.
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Posted: Mon Jun 11, 2007 5:25 pm
Shelley offered a big smile when the centaur returned, twisting around in her seat to look at Sophia. When she asked if Shelley wanted to go watch the sunrise, Shelley turned back in her seat properly and looked at her father.
"Go on then. Your mother still needs to get up."
He said, wavinghis daughter away while he got up to get something to drink.
Getting down from her chair, Shelley ran outside to stand next to Sophia, looking at the sunrise as it peeked over the horizon. Caught up in the beauty of it, she almost didnt notice Sophia, but something she did finally caught the little girls eye. Looking over at Sophia as she did her prayers, Shelley tilted her head and smiled, unsure, but accepting of it.
"Girls, you hungery?"
Came Shelleys mothers voice. Turning sharply Shelley ran back inside, bare feet thumping softly on the dirt and grass before heading into the house.
Taking her seat at the table Shelley looked over the food set out for them. Eggs, bread, butter, jelly, some fried Wadifah meat, and milk was layed out of everyone to have. There was more than enough.
Looking over to Sophia when she entered, the father finished chewing what he had and cleared his throat to speak.
"When are you heading out, Sophia?"
He asked before stabbing some eggs with his fork and taking a bite.
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