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 Posted: Fri Jun 01, 2012 10:39 pm
 Vanya nodded at Galla and kept supporting Taarab; she wasn't as strong as she normally was, spending her free time with her children rather than dancing; but what muscle and strength she had mixed with adrenaline and an urge to protect what was hers gave her the boost she needed. She felt Vanmoriel moved to her side and smiled down at her, trying to reassure the young girl. As much as she wanted to cuddle and sooth them, Taarab needed her attention at the moment. The girls had been lucky enough to not be harmed during this ordeal.
"We can go home once your father is with the healers, my loves." Turning to Taarab she frowned lightly. "I'll have the oracle let you stay with me until you're completely healed. You'll only make yourself worse traveling to and from. At least there will always be someone around if you need anything."
Her eyes moved forward once more and she took a deep breath. She wondered how the Oracle would react to this. Taarab was under her protection and while he hadn't died and would eventually recover; he'd still been hurt. The Oracle would have every right to take away her rights to see him and that thought scared her a little.
Vanya shook her head, ridding her mind of those thoughts. It wasn't her fault; neither of them were fighters and they were attacked by a walker. They'd both done their parts; he protecting the women and she protecting her children. Surely the Oracle would understand that..
"Not long now, Taarab. Hang in there."
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Posted: Fri Jun 01, 2012 11:57 pm
 Vanwyn blinked, her eyes blurry from tears that threatened to fall. Taking a deep breath, she tried to keep herself calm. But it all failed. She was scared. Defenseless. Nervous. Shaking out her head, she felt her mane of feathers and hair hit her neck and face a bit. Within moments, she let her body slowly stand. Vanwyn wouldn't sit here. Not so close to the boarders. Not so close to the danger still. Her heart thudded in her chest, and for a moment, she wanted to go to her mother and hide as best as she could.
The thought left her mind quickly though. Vanwyn's eyes fell upon her father's body. Bloody. Beaten. In pain. A strong stallion, in Vanwyn's eyes, was now possibly cripple. And it was all her fault. Her eyes quickly moved away, staring at the green grass beneath her claws. She gulped, taking a deep breath. She shouldn't have asked about the boarders. Shouldn't have even gotten close enough to fall. Mother had said no. She has warned them of the dangers. And yet Vanwyn still flirted with them, and eventually fallen, and got this huge mess. Now her father could die, and it was all her fault.
She couldn't help the tears this time, letting them fall freely, before she took a couple steps back, her breath coming out in short pants. Vanwyn couldn't see this, coudln't sit and watch as her father struggled and her mother seemed so upset. Her sisters distressed and in shock and fear. She couldn't see this. Not now. Turning as quickly as her little body could let her, Vanwyn ran. She made a beeline for the nests, wanting nothing more than to hide within the small place she called home. Smell the familiar smells. Feel the familiar feels. She wanted home, and she would run as fast as she could to get it.
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Posted: Sat Jun 02, 2012 10:15 am
 Skinwalker! The alarm call did not reach Aquilina until the skinwalker had fled, though she couldn't have known that fact. All she knew was that there were skinwalkers afoot and that it was her family out there being attacked by them. She had been enjoying a lazy chat with Morkin about his progress as an artisan, but such indolent pleasures were for another time. As soon as she heard about the attack she raced out ahead of him, not knowing whether he followed or not. Her bells rang shrilly as she bounded in a tense discord. She only hoped that when she got there she wouldn't find any of her beloved family torn to pieces.
She heard the foal running before she saw her. Aquilina caught a glimpse through the trees of a white foal with a sea green mane. "Vanwyn!" She instantly recognized her and bounded to the foal's side. Vanwyn was all alone. Aquilina wondered in a chilling instant what this meant for the rest of the family. They couldn't possibly have all fallen to skinwalker claws, could they?
"Vanwyn, what's going on? Are you hurt?" Even while talking she scanned the area around them for enemies approaching. If there were skinwalkers about, any animal in the forest could be their enemy.
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Posted: Sat Jun 02, 2012 10:28 am
She was unaware of the world around her. It was a blur, a mess of green and brown. The filly whimpered softly as she ducked her head, weaving through the trees, the bushes. She could feel her heart pounding hard against her chest. Se wanted nothing more than to go home, to curl up in the warmth of the nest. But she had to keep running to get there. She almost tripped at one point, but caught her footing at the last second.
A familiar voice hit her ears, and Vanwyn's head snapped up. Her bright eyes flickered, before spotting Aquilina, her elder sister. Claws digging into the grounds, the female stumbled again, and found herself once more laying upon the ground. She looked up at her sister in fear, eyes flickering, before breaking down into tears once more, her head ducking down, shoulders shaking some. She didn't want to face anything, didn't want to see anything back there.
"I... Monster hurt daddy... It's all my fault.. I... I shouldn't have left the boarders..." Vanwyn whimpered, tears streaking down her face. She shook her head some, before taking in a shaken, quivering breath. "K... Kamunyak... went after the monster... Mama and my sisters... are okay... Daddy... Daddy is..." Once more she couldn't speak, her voice leaving her as she cried. It was the first time that she had ever had her voice sounding like so.
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Posted: Sat Jun 02, 2012 10:33 am
 Morkin smiled lightly, his hoof fall quiet. He talked in a soft tone toward the Harpy. He enjoyed every second he was with Aquilina. When they were apart, he was hard at work training to be one of the best welders in the Flock. His ears perked up though. Something wasn't right. Within seconds, he heard the cries, the alarms of a Skinwalker. Frowning, he stopped for a split second, before his eyes flickered, and watched as Aquilina bolted forward. Somewhat shocked, the stallion followed as closely as he dared, his eyes narrowed slightly with worry. He spotted the foal after Aquilina had addressed her. He stopped when he spotted her as well, listening with an intensity that he didn't know he even had.
A frown made it's way over Morkin's features. He lifted his eyes, scanning the area, thankful that he had the eyes of a Harpy at the least. He could see movement a little while off, but it was slow. There was no way it was the Walker. Glancing at Aquilina, he watched her for a few seconds, before murmuring soft enough for her ears only. "Mistress Aquilina... I am going to run ahead and see what is going on. I will come back and report word as soon as possible." He inclined his head lightly toward her, before taking to running once more.
When he finally saw what was making the motions, he relaxed for a moment. Morkin was glad it wasn't the walker. But at the state of Taarab, a very valued member of the Flock and a high ranking stallion, he got worried. Supporting him were two females, both smaller, and though they looked to be okay, Morkin knew that Vanya at least needed to tend to the two children that were currently trying to get some ease and comfort. Gulping, he moved forward quickly, and walked up beside Vanya. He dipped his head lightly, in a sort of greeting, before staring down at her. "Mistress... if I may, I can support Taarab easily enough." He said, voice soft, soothing.
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Posted: Sat Jun 02, 2012 11:04 am
 "Run swiftly," Aquilina whispered after Morkin as he left. She needed to know what was happening. If what her sister said was true, their father was hurt... maybe more than hurt. Harpy mares were not meant to be overly consumed by sentiment, but the prospect of her father dead or dying struck her deeper than she would have admitted. Belatedly she wondered if Morkin had just sent himself forward into that danger, but she couldn't follow him now. It would be the pinnacle of irresponsibility to leave her young sister alone in such a dangerous situation.
"It's going to be all right." She leaned down to nuzzle at Vanwyn and forced herself not to embrace the fear and uncertainty that pulled at her. She raised herself up again quickly to stay alert. "I'll protect you, and Morkin will..." Morkin had no fighting abilities at all that she was aware of. He wouldn't be help in a fight except maybe as a distraction. "Morkin will help our father."
A branch snapped and she whirled to stare, but it was only a rabbit. "The skinwalker, the monster... is it nearby? Or did Kamunyak chase it away?"
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Posted: Tue Jun 05, 2012 9:04 pm
 Vanmoriel sucked in her breath. Would the healers be able to help? Would their father make a full recovery? She wondered if he would ever be the same.. If any of them would ever be the same.. Vanmoriel knew this day would haunt her for a long time to come. Most likely she won't be sleeping willingly; only passing out when exhaustion takes her or her parents give her some herbal remedy.
She watched as Vanwyn shot off and her heart beat heavy in her chest. Her sister must feel so guilty.. So terrible even thought it was an accident, a freakish coincidence and something out of her control. Vanmoriel wanted her to know that but knew that no matter how often she said as much, Vanwyn will never forgive herself. At least not today. Not while her father was bleeding.
Vanmoriel understood, in a way. She felt useless during the whole ordeal. She had run to get help that was already arriving but that was only an excuse to get away. An excuse to hide and be a coward. Of course, it didn't occur to her that she did the right thing. All she knew was that her family was in danger and she hadn't done anything but cry and hope for the best.
Scratching at the dirt, she sighed before looking up at the stallion arriving. She had seen him around before; he was a friend of her older sister, Aquilina. That meant she was around somewhere; perhaps with Vanwyn. She was glad Vanwyn wasn't alone, at least. "I'm going to make sure Vanwyn is okay." She took off in the direction her sister had shot off without an answer. They were close enough to the nesting grounds that she wasn't in any danger and the guards were all on alert now.
Vanmoriel spotted her sisters and trotted up to Vanwyn, nipping her rump before nuzzling Aquilina. "Papa's going to be okay. Morkin's helping. Kamunyak thinks he'll be fine once he gets to the healers. Galla helped him some." Sitting down next to Vanwyn, she nuzzled her. "It's gonna be okay. Just rest. We'll be able to go home soon."
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Posted: Tue Jun 05, 2012 9:13 pm
Vanya grunted as they walked, beginning to feel the exhaustion a little more than she had when her adrenaline was pumping. She didn't give up though or falter. This wasn't about her; it was about protecting something she cared about. She would rest when everyone was safe. Vanwyn had taken off before she could even protest and at current, she couldn't even chase her down and console her. She had known being a mother was going to be hard but this made it the hardest thing in the world. She couldn't juggle being a harpy and a mother at this time and it was showing.
She looked up, ears twitching as Morkin arrived and she managed a weak smile. "I thought I told you Vanya was fine." She eyed Taarab and her lips pursed. He was the strongest, bravest stallion she knew at current and she didn't want to leave his side. She wanted to protect him; believed she was the only one for the task. "I'm fine. Can you take Vaniania to the others and bring them to the healer caves? I'd like them checked over, too, just in case."
Vanya shifted her weight. "Let Aquilina know.. Tell her I'm sorry." She chewed on her bottom lip, tears threatening to spill and reveal her insecurities. "Tell her I'm sorry I couldn't protect him."
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Posted: Wed Jun 06, 2012 8:25 pm
"Vanw-" Taarab's voice caught in his throat as he coughed, unable to call back the eldest from running on without them -- he understood her fear and desire for the safety of the nests, but she shouldn't be alone in the woods -- it had been a day trip to get out to the southern edge of the territory, their group nesting temporarily in some Traveler-nests, often used by guards, hunters, and foragers heading out on a hunting party of sorts. She'd be alone with a skinwalker out and about, and he was too injured to chase after her.
He picked the pace up slightly, though he found himself running of breath as he struggled through the pain, eyes tight as he tried to catch up with his spry little girls.
However when Morkin arrived, Taarab's eyes tightened slightly in confusion, the stallion staggering to a slower pace, wheezing as he tried to catch his breath, seeming more confused than he normally would be in the situation, "...Morkin? What... Shouldn't you be heading back to the nests, there's a skinwalker in the area.."
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Posted: Tue Jun 26, 2012 1:51 am
 Galla Sile shouldered Taarab's weight along with Vanya. It was just a little further and they were home and to the healers. She had been foolish to not focus on healing as a foal. It had been stupid to think that she wouldn't need it as much a a guard--idiotic to think that it wouldn't be useful or life-saving. She took a deep breath, they were nearly home. Morkin, the stallion came close and she could see hear the offer of help. "Vanya, it's okay--whatever you need to do," she wasn't sure what was going through Vanya's mind at current, if she wanted to stay or go. She wouldn't know what to do herself either if it had been her. ((sorry guys X_X))
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Nyx Queen of Darkness Crew
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Posted: Fri Jul 06, 2012 11:41 am
 Morkin blinked, his bright eyes locked on Vanya, before lingering to Taarab. He looked horrid. Usually that stallion was one he admired and dreamed to be somewhat like, but right now, he wished nothing more than to help him get to safety. Flicking his ears, he looked back toward Vanya, and blinked, letting a small smile shift over his features. His eyes flickered to look over their shoulders, staring toward the boarders, before he turned his attention back down to Vanya. He nodded easily, body firm. "You can rely on me, Vanya. I will get little Vaniania to Mistress Aquilina, and then ensure they are all taken to the caves." When she seemed to get farther upset, he pressed his body to hers in a somewhat comforting way, letting his nose lightly nuzzle her neck. "Don't fret. I am sure my Mistress will not be upset with you. But I will relay the message. And we will see all of you at the caves."
He started forward, lightly nudging Vaniania to head toward where he knew Aquilina was. Morkin only stopped when he heard Taarab speak. He looked back, staring some, before shaking out his mane, and let out a small grunt. "You're right... But when we heard the cries... Mistress Aquilina ran off, to go aid everyone, and I followed. I suppose I should have gone back to the nests. We ran into Vanwyn. She's fine, and safe. Vanmoriel is there as well, I caught sight of her as I was coming here. Don't worry, Taarab. Your daughters, all of them, are safe. As are you. We will see you soon. I promise." He said, before turning and nudging the little filly forward once more. "Come, Vaniania. Let's get you to your sisters."
Morkin moved slowly, just in case Vaniania was still startled. His long legs moved easily, and his mind was a flurry of activity. He was nervous, and scared, but was refusing to show it. Aquilina was waiting for him to return, waiting to hear news. And he was going to ensure that she got the news that she needed. He would ensure she got it as swiftly as he could deliver it, and they would make their way to the caves. He knew Taarab would be okay...
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxHe was too strong of a stallion to be able to die here and now.
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Posted: Fri Jul 06, 2012 11:55 am
Vanwyn whimpered, her little head ducking as best as she could. She wanted to just escape and never have to go back again! She felt the nuzzle of her elder half sister, and opened her small, tear filled eyes. Staring up at the bright purple blue feathers and the serious face made her scared all the more. But she seemed to relax ever so slightly at the feel of her sister near her. Shifting a bit, she leaned closer to where Aquilina was, and opened her mouth to answer, but only a whimper came out, and she ducked her head once more, her white body trembling from fear and stress.
Vanwyn jumped when Vanmoriel appeared. She hadn't expected that. Lifting her eyes, she watched her youngest sister, staring some. She felt the nuzzles, and the comfort, and felt just a bit better. Pressing her head against Vanmoriel's neck, she let out a small sob. It was all too much for her, and despite being the eldest, and trying to be strong, it was hard, and only getting harder. She took a deep breath, before lifting her head and stared up toward her elder sister, heart thudding hard in her chest. "... Papa... Is going to be okay? Right...?" She whispered, voice trembling.
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Posted: Sun Jul 08, 2012 10:10 pm
Vanya's eyes met Galla's and her expression was as serious as it had ever been. "My place is here for now. My girls are stronger than they realise. They'll get through this." She hoped, at least. It would be hard, no doubt. For all of them. Nightmares and constant fear that they may never grow out of. Not to mention Taarab's wounds that may leave scars as a terrible reminder to them all every time they looked at him. Vanya's heart was in her throat as that thought crossed her mind and she swallowed hard to hold back the tears and sobs that wanted to break her. It was best not to think like that; she needed to be stronger for everyone.
Stiffening and masking her emotions, she nodded towards Morkin as a way of thanks and smiled at Vaniania. "Go with Morkin, dear. He'll take you to your sisters and to safety."
Eying Taarab from her place at his side, she strengthened against him, knowing he wouldn't last much longer. "We have to keep moving if we want to get him home before he looses consciousness. Enough chit chat, Taarab. Worry about yourself for once." She took a step forward, indicating she was serious and waited for him to follow suit. As harsh as she was being, she knew he'd understand that she didn't mean it. She knew he'd know she was just worried and stressed and upset. She'd make it up to him later.
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Posted: Sun Jul 08, 2012 10:16 pm
Vanmoriel nuzzled and comforted her sister, her young mind not knowing what else to do or say. Was there anything else she could do? Anything that would make her sister feel less guilty than she already did? Vanmoriel highly doubted it; but she kept that to herself. There wasn't anything anyone could do; this was something Vanwyn would have to work past herself. She was sure her sister would do just that; it would simply take time and patience from everyone else.
Looking around, she strained her eyes to see if she could see anyone arriving. A flash of colour caught her attention and she realised Morkin was returning with Vaniania. Good. At least they could be together. "Vanwyn," she nibbled on the filly's ear as she whispered. "Vaniania's coming. We'll be going home now I bet. Then we can wait for mama and forget this ever happened."
As soon as the words came out of her mouth, she knew they were the wrong words to say to Vanwyn. How would she ever forget this? Vanmoriel sighed and leaned against her sister, comforting her as best as she could. "We'll be okay."
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Posted: Mon Aug 20, 2012 11:47 am
Vaniania hesitated behind, looking back at her mother and father. Giving a stiff lip, she danced in place, looking back and forth before chirruping, "It's ok -- we'll get some healers and daddy'll be all better." before bolting off after him, though she wasn't sure how safe it'd be following a strange male in a time of danger, but he was of the flock, and her mother trusted him.
She chirpped and chirruped as she caught up with Morkin, keeping close to the older soquili, listening for her Basketmates, hoping they'd come meet them so they could run for the guard outpost and hopefully get ahold of a healer.
Cause their daddy was hurt, and him being hurt upset momma, and her sisters, and would likely upset Gramma Zahraa' and Step-sister Laveda. Even the Queen would likely be upset to know a skinwalker had attacked them -- though the girl didn't know the queen wouldnt be too upset about the injury of Taarab for his own sake, but rather the fact that a skinwalker had attacked flock foals.
Spotting their white forms, she chirruped loudly again, "Vanwyn! Vanmoriel! Come on lets go -- we're being runners!"
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