Ahavaniya swayed her tail as she watched what was happening. She had stayed in the back, out of the way for the most part, unsure how this all made her feel. There were the sounds of fighting, which made her soul ache to be a part of it, but her heart ached for the reasons brother's fought brothers.
"This isn't right..." she whispered to Tan.
And then Shen treated the other one as if he were nothing, tossing him aside because he didn't fit into his larger puzzle scheme. That didn't sit right with her either. She began scanning the room, taking in those who were riled up to side with Shen, and those who were riled up to run. She chose her path on the outskirts of the crowd, towards the fallen male, not knowing if she would reach him without event she sent Tan forth to him. She knew his eyes were gone, but she still hoped for a pulse.
Keeping a careful eye on those she deemed as the 'radicals' who looked like they would fight just because there was a reason to, she made her way towards Ashur.
Posted: Sat Jun 25, 2016 11:14 pm
Verbal hostility had quickly turned to physical. Though the sight of brother turning claws upon brother turned her stomach on one level, on another, Samantha felt the burning desire to join the fighting, if only to end this pointless violence.
Of course, the irony of the thought of stopping violence with violence was not lost on her.
However, what truly stayed her paws was the modicum of sense that remained to tether the foolish burning instinct. This was stated to be a one-on-one fight between individuals. Though the battle itself seemed foolish, thus far, they had given no indication that they wouldn't follow their own set rules. And if she bound in there, interrupting their fighting by joining in, then she broke those rules. And at that point, there would be nothing stopping them from breaking them as well. She was a decent fighter...but there were many B'alam in the room and clearly not all of them seemed unhappy with this Shen character. Nans and Tahs alike.
Samantha figured, at this point, it was likely too late to knock any sense into these aggressive males' skulls anyway.
She was unprepared for what happened next. Shen's claws flashed and Ashur's agonized screams sent a shocked wave of revulsion through her form that nearly emptied her stomach onto the stones. Samantha quickly turned her head away, eyes clenched shut, taking deep, rapid breaths to try to regain some control as the poor Tah's cries echoed and faded. By the Weaver...! What...what had she just witnessed?!? This was the price for refusing to follow some self-proclaimed, war-mongering Tah, likely as freshly-woven as she?
She was done. Done with this...nonsense. It was infuriating before, but now...now she was sickened...and furious...and highly likely to do something stupid the longer she stayed.
It was both sickening and relieving to turn back and note that Shen seemed completely unconcerned with the fallen Tah now. Was he...was he dead? With startling concern for this stranger, Samantha felt no hesitation at this point in moving towards Ashur's fallen form. She did notice another Nan moving in the same direction as well as a small form darting ahead to the fallen Tah. At first, she tensed...going to finish him off? No...no, it seemed not. It seemed another sympathizer was on the way. Good, at least if there were two of them and someone had issue with them, they'd have a better chance of getting out of here.
Samantha could feel the tension still rising in the room...she predicted that escape and doing so as soon as possible seemed the best course of action now.
She tried to catch the other Nan's eyes, simply nodding towards Ashur's form and the familiar up ahead. An ally. As she neared Ashur, Samantha's ears laid back and she tried not to stare at the Tah's face. She wasn't sure she could do so and cover any reaction, so she forced her eyes to focus on the numerous other wounds the poor Tah had suffered. Was he still breathing? If so, would he even be able to hear or comprehend her?
He clearly couldn't see her, she reminded herself. In a hurried, whispered tone, she offered, "Brave sir...it is a friend. Please, don't panic or try to move." Ugh, she was no healer! Was there one in the crowd? Surely, if there were, even if they were a sympathizer for this crazy monster, they couldn't leave a brother to die like this! To endure such suffering! Heart hammering heavily in her chest from anxiety, she cast her eyes over the crowd in desperation. Could no one help? All she could do was stand in the way if Shen or his new followers decided to try to finish the poor Tah off...
She took a seat next to the nan as she stated her name and she gave a small nod of her head in acknowledgement. Glancing over towards the display she caught the others soft words. While Seiryu wasn't a fan of the display before them all she knew there wasn't anything she could do about it. "It's been my experience that Tahs like to use brute strength to make a point while we use our wits...." She said glancing over towards her for a moment. Why it was that way at times she wasn't entirely sure but the actions taking place before them right now only brought more truth to her words. "I think this is going to be quite the year for us..." She said it as an opinion almost, though she had meant it as a statement about the Tah that had stood before all of them and made a claim.
Posted: Sun Jun 26, 2016 11:04 am
Ah. This Nan was speaking her language. Where they lacked in strength, they easily made up for in smarts. A quick wit and a silver tongue was just as strong (in her opinion) as pure muscle. In most cases, you only needed a few well-placed and nicely timed words to make an equal impact.
Her tail twitched and her chin lifted, small smirk curling up the corner of her lips. "Very true, sister..." she half cooed. Perhaps her and this Nan could become friends in the cause. Better than making enemies at the very least.
She then grimaced a bit as Shen took the final blow. Point or not, going for the eyes? Ouch. Even her own eyes seemed to scream in pain at the mere sight of it.
"Poor soul..." she started softly. Yet she showed no effort to get up and check on him. Besides, there were a few others already doing that. Each of them appeared scared and angry all at once. She couldn't blame them.
Her red eyes then turned to Shen as he returned to the dias. He held a few scars, the smaller whelp seemed to have put up a good fight, at least. Otherwise, he was unaffected! He was the definitely the vision of power and strength that the Fire Tribe needed. There was no doubt in her mind now.
The display before her only sealed it. Never had she seen such a display from another balam. Other than herself. It was wonderful, she was giddy! There was some movement, Thyra noted toward the fallen Ashur. The Nan ignored them for now, she could play with them latter she garnered. Thyra approached Shen only stopping at a respectable distance. Thyra gave a low bow looking solemn. Perhaps he was indeed worthy of her attention, especially after that spectacle. He gave her chills it was wonderful. The poor child had no idea how lucky he had been to be made example of, what a treat it was.
Thyra Raised her head. Despite her feminine form she was well muscled and quite strong. However had she meant ill on Shen she would have attacked him much earlier.
"M'lord, you have my support as the new Emperor of the Fire tribe. It is as you've said," she paused before motioning to asher and those who joined him "and shown." Her eerie voice joining the sound of battle behind. The Armored balam fought quite well, and so too did Xavier as he tried to fend off his attacker. The battle was decided though before it had even began.
Posted: Mon Jun 27, 2016 7:58 pm
Vinny tensed as the other made eye contact, and then rushed to Ashur as she was doing, relieved that it was not to finish off the fallen one, she hastened to his side.
His wounds were great, and far past her experience, but she had an understanding of how injuries worked, and she was confident she could do....something. Anything.
She inclined her head to Samantha, as she quickly assessed his body. Using her claws she tore off a strip of fabric from her haunch plating, and doing her best to keep her voice steady "My name is Ahavaniya, but Vinny will do. Now i don't know if you can hear me, but I...we, are here to help you, this will be uncomfortable" She warned as she placed the strip of cloth over where his eyes used to be. "Tan, keep watch" she said softly to the familiar. Being this close to Shen made Vinny very uncomfortable. "We have to get him out of here." she said to the other Nan "it's not safe for him" She had no idea how Shen would react if he saw others helping the fallen Tah, she might last a little longer in a fight against him, but she had no doubt the outcome for her would likely be the same or worse.
Vinny kept a physical paw over his eyes, while doing her best to slow the bleeding down of his other wounds, and gesturing for Samantha to do the same."He needs a healer, i can only do so much, i don't know much past stop the bleeding..."
-Shady Mooo-
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Thalion Crew
Conservative Seeker
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Posted: Mon Jun 27, 2016 9:55 pm
The world had been swallowed by darkness. Every nerve in his body seemed to be on fire. There was no easing the pain in his face. Even squinting as he forced himself to breathe sent lightning through his blood. It hurt to open his empty eyes, it hurt to close them, it hurt to move or shift himself. Sweet Weaver, why did he leave him in such a state?! Surely even beyond life- if there was such a thing -it had to be better than this.
His mind hadn’t yet caught up with what his body was slowly starting to realize- he couldn’t see. He would never see. The pain swallowed all reason and sense, leaving him in a fog of desperate panic. Even the voices around him, some closer than others, seemed to fade into the violent ringing in his ears. Even if he could make sense of their words, it was likely that attempting to speak would only twist his gut further. He made a sound but it wasn’t quite speaking. His tight throat and bruised ribs forced out another moan in reply.
Another set of paws touched him- this time with a gentleness that Shen hadn’t afforded to him. Even so, the movement sent hot coals through his face and earned another hiss of pain. Fabric was wrapped around his wounds and tightened around his eyes, stopping the bleeding but he had to fight not to lose his lunch from the violent twist in his gut that the simple, gentle motion caused. A paw returned to his face and he hissed again, pressing his ears back against the back of his skull. Damndamndamn.
Shen sneered as a few of the onlookers inched their way towards his fallen challenger. The battle between the crimson upstart and the armored loyalist waged on, though it was already looking like the loyalist was gaining the upper-paw. He had spotted a weakness in the other tah’s defenses and was ruthlessly perusing it. Brilliant… the B’alam wasn’t afraid to do what must be done to obtain victory. His aggressive nature in combat and keen eye spoke volumes of his character. That one was one he could depend on.
He shifted a short glance to the general standing mute nearby. He’d not caught the white B’alam’s name, but he was one he would have to sway to his side if he was to keep his claws in any root of authority.
He’d address that later. The tah glanced back to the group of B’alam crowding around the injured combatant. “If you’re going to leave, do so now. I will not tolerate division any longer- I feel this tribe has seen enough of that.” He lifted his head, his maw twisting into a sneer, “And take that filth with you. I’ll not spare resources on those who would drive a thorn into the paw of this tribe.”
Shen fell silent as he watched the battle continue, horn meeting horn and paws thrashing about in the dim fire light of the chamber. His attention was drawn away by a nan who spoke up, boldly, then lowered her head at the foot of the dais. Shen dipped his head slightly in return. “Well met, nan. Name yourself. I’ll make a point to know what names to honor among the loyal.”
Posted: Mon Jun 27, 2016 11:59 pm
Vinny's ears went back as Ashur reacted to her touches. She understood why he did so when she touched his eyes, or rather she understood the concept; pain. There was no way for her to know what he was going through.
When Shen dismissed them Vinny's whole body shuddered, and a growl emitted from her chest. Her hatred nearly boiled over and consumed her, but another hiss from Asher brought her back to the moment.
She took a few moments to calm herself, relaxing muscles she didn't even realize were tense. Idly she stoked the males shoulder, calming herself by petting him. "You don't have to answer, you probably can't even if you wanted to, if you can focus at all, try to follow my voice" Vinny spoke softly to him, almost trying to lure him back to the present. She knew it was a long shot, trauma was a hell of a time. How were they going to get him out of there...
Such a gracious return greeting Shen had given her. The lady smiled, though it was not a pleasant smile but wicked "Thyra, M'lord I have heard some among our tribe call me the Blood witch." our tribe meaning only those who chose to follow Shen. She was indeed quite entertained with the whole ordeal. The sound of the battle still rang out behind her. It was a wonderful sound very soothing. She hoped to hear more. This fracture in the tribe would not be without resistance. Even within the room there was many who feared shen and his display others were outright repulsed.
Her tail swayed back and forth comfortably her claws rested comfortably retracted within her paws. They would slip out easily, if anyone else called a challenge. Thyra quite happily hoped they would. However, after that display she doubted there would be another. But no matter in the coming time there would be enough blood to sate her appetite.
Thalion
Posted: Thu Jun 30, 2016 1:38 pm
The newly woven B'alam had headed towards the sounds of battle. Well maybe he shouldn't call it a battle but at least a challenge of some kind. When he got there he could see a few gathered about watching or helping. He recognized none of these particular members of the tribe, but well one wouldn't expect him to either. Gingerly the male moved a bit closer to the action that was going.
[Late to the party but I wanted to get something in, I feel its awful though. orz]
DavyJnah
Ruthless Werewolf
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Kyrieko
Hilarious Werewolf
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Posted: Thu Jun 30, 2016 7:36 pm
Horrified. There was no other word to describe how she felt. She'd known the pale tah wasn't a match for the much larger Shen - she'd finally figured out the usurpers name - but to use such brutality? Arill felt her ears pin back as she quietly hissed her disgust with him. She caught movement over by the white b'alam. Others that were moving to his aid. Her claws itched to leave their own mark on the large tah appointing himself the new leader.
Shaking her head, Arlii moved along to the outskirts of the gathered, making her way to where those trying to help the pale one were.
"Weaver help us," she murmured quietly before approaching the small group. "I am Arlii. Is there anything I can do to help? We should really move him. I do not trust anyone seeing this..." She honestly couldn't find a word strong enough to describe how her heart felt. "We should go." The nan kept her gaze away from the injured tah's face. Instead, she focused on those around them that might try to finish what Shen had done.
Teigra
-Shady Mooo-
Thalion
Posted: Thu Jun 30, 2016 9:24 pm
Although he had wanted to watch Shen fights, Smaug's entire focus was upon his own fight. However, the heavy metallic scent nearly pushed the Tah into a blood frenzy. Pulling hard breaths into his body he tried to fight it, but it was the words Shen had ordered that rang within his soul, which kept that frenzy in check.
Mind clear he was able to keep his task at the front of his mind, making it the only thought that he had. He needed to end this fast and quickly without killing. Seeing his opportunity he took it as he opponent's leg as sprawled out he took this chance and forced his entire weight upon it in one quick motion.
A solid 'crack' sounded through the hall as the bone gave way under his paws. Good, this should end it. "Stay down" he warned with a heavy breathed growl. "Or I will break the other." These were the first words that Smaug had spoken since the brawl had started. He had been too focused with his the task he had given himself as well as the task that Shen had bestowed upon him. Not even a thought to taunt the other till now had crossed his well focused mind.
The tah's pained groans and cringing tugged at Samantha's heart. Outwardly, she was trying to keep a strong front in case the arrogant tah or his supporters decided to try something. Best defense was to look like you'd be a challenge rather than appearing shaken or weak. Whether you could handle yourself or not, if they thought you might, it at least made them hesitate and think about it first before they struck.
But then, a sudden moan from the fallen tah and her eyes accidentally flickered towards his face for just a moment. She winced in sympathetic, phantom pain...she couldn't imagine the pain he must be in. While just thinking about it started to make her ill, it did more than that.
It made her furious.
Though she quickly turned her eyes away, within she was seething. What she would give to see that bully's cocky grin battered right off his smug muzzle... As furious as she felt, the fire would not yet grow to devour her sense, however. She wasn't going to rush such a foe head-on, not after what he'd just done. Besides, he also had support, it seemed. Too foolish an action; she'd end up like the poor tah on the ground...or worse.
Shen's words were infuriating, and a number of things passed through her head to snap back about who the filth was around here...but she voiced none of them. Still, she snarled as she turned away, letting the growl that ripped from her throat do all the speaking she needed to do on the matter.
Do what you can now. Live and fight another day.
Her emerald eyes passed from one nan to the other. "Vinny? Arlii? I'm Samantha. I don't know much about healing, but we can't leave him here. I'm not sure he can move like this...but if we try to move him, are we going to hurt him worse?" It was a risk, yes; but perhaps a risk they would have to take. The poor tah needed help, and if none of them were healers, then they would need to get him out of here and to one as soon as possible.
Samantha seemed deep in thought for a moment, considering their options. For a tah, he didn't seem as heavily built as most. And for a nan, she wasn't exactly petite either. Making the decision, she carefully knelt, laying beside Ashur. She then focused her stare on the other two nans. "Do you think you can get him onto my back?" She nodded over her shoulder. "See if you can get his chest onto my shoulders. I'll be as careful as possible not to jostle him...but we need to get him out of here. I think I have strength enough to do that...with some help to keep him balanced."
-Shady Mooo-
Kyrieko
Thalion
Posted: Fri Jul 01, 2016 12:27 pm
Xavier
The world around Xavier seemed to have slowed down from the collective events that would forever be imprinted in the crimson Tah's mind, heart and soul forever.
As Xavier was struggling to get up with both forelegs and right hind leg with his left leg extended and feeling the pain radiating throughout that side of him, the large Tah had looked over to see how Ashur fared in his battle with Shen after hearing a harsh cry of agony. The crimson blazed Tah hoped those cries belonged to Shen. Yet with that single glance alone Xavier forgot that he was in his own battle and left vulnerable to the mercy of Smaug. There on the ground with others slowly inching their way toward Ashur's fallen form, he realized that the harsh cry of agony was from the pale Tah as the large form of Shen was on the dais above them all seen from the corner of his eye. Xavier didn't know nor couldn't see the extent of Ashur's injuries but it had to have been severe if the pensive, tensed and saddened and anxious energies of those surrounding the male were anything to go by.
Through this distraction of shock and sadness that stopped him in his mid-elevated position the world came rushing back to him. Realty set in with a swiftness that left him breathless. Xavier's eyes widened as if they were about to pop out on their own and he threw his head back with his own harsh howl of pain that shuddered and shot through his body. His back arched with his body falling back down to his side from the echoing sound of a 'crack' that opened deep memories of a long ago past, roaring back to the forefront of his mind. The past of a volcanic eruption that broke his perfect leg while saving his sworn-sister from immediate death.....but all those memories were replaced with a new scene that would ultimately follow and alter Xavier.
Baring his clenched teeth in pain, his lavender eyes shut out the world around him as he tried his best to control his breathing, to stop the shuddering coursing through him that only furthered the movement on his injured leg that made it worse no doubt. Panting harshly, Smaug's voice cut through the painful haze that made him open his eyes slowly to stare at the male and retorted with such fury that the force of it scared him. "You may break whatever other bone in my body, whelp! But you will never, do you heed me?!, NEVER break my spirit! Not you and not your master!"
From such force of his anger that he fell back but then grunted in forcing himself to curl to his broken leg, seeing that it looked mangled. There was nothing else that he could do. This battle belonged to Smaug physically but spiritually...Xavier didn't give up nor would he give up. However, what was ever to become of him as he stayed a live but physically stopped to do anything but snarl and back talk? Even at the moment that would be too much for Xavier to do as he tried his best to not move but the pain was overwhelming.
A blood witch? It was hardly the time to ponder over the meaning of the word witch or what interest one had in blood. It would certainly bear some explaining later. He wouldn't mind meeting with the nan- but perhaps in private. "Ah. Well Thyra I do appreciate your support. Seems you are in good company here."
The cluster of activity around the first fallen went largely ignored for the battle waging between Smaug and the crimson upstart. The challenger was foolish enough to divide his attention- and it cost him. As a crack announced a fresh injury Shen's expression remained unchanged. Clearly there was a lack of discipline among the ranks as well. Of course, the Fire Tribe hardly had an organized force- that much was clear. Only two had stepped up to challenge him. If this was the resistance he met then the tribe was likely in worse shape than he had originally assumed. There was work to be done.
"Enough." He ordered, his eyes narrowing. "Those of you with the pale one- drag his carcass out of my sight and take yourselves with him. If I see any of you at our borders again, you may very well share his fate. I will not suffer division a moment longer. Get moving." And let the tribe members who hadn't yet arrived see them retreat in disgrace. Let them see what became of those who stood between them and a proud future.
"As for that one-", He glanced to the crimson Tah laying on the floor, his bone shattered by his eyes blazing. He had spirit, he'd give him that much...but spirit clearly hadn't done anyone a sneeze of good. "We'll set up a makeshift holding quarters. I'll find a healer to set that bone... but we'll hold him. We'll need a standing example of what's to become of those that would further hinder us from accomplishing what must be done."
He smirked. "As for you, champion. Speak with me once you remove that waste of spirit from this chamber. You've proven yourself twice over. As for the rest of you..."
He turned back to those gathered in silence, "No steel is made perfect until imperfection is beaten out of it. Those of you that stand with me will fall under the anvil as much as any- but those that stand against us will be crushed while the rest of us are refined and sharpened. I swear by the fire in all of us- I will let nothing - and no one -" He shot a glare over to the fallen challengers, "Stand between us and prosperity."
He flicked his tail and easily stepped over to the old Magus' throne. Without hesitation or ceremony, he laid himself down into it and placed a paw upon the carved face of a roaring B'alam that decorated the paw rest. "If there are no other interruptions... let's begin this new age."
Ashur swore as he shifted himself to his belly and slowly pulled his paws under him. Every movement, subtle or great, somehow sent jabbing claws into the sensitive, raw nerves of his face. Despite the activity around him, and their gentle words of support and encouragement, he was determined to at least rise to his paws on his own terms. His claws scraped the ground under him as the world swallowed by red and black seemed to spiral around him. For some reason his paws felt distant. By the time he stood, or crouched rather, he was panting from the effort.
"Please..." He managed, biting back a growing lump in the back of his throat, "Just lead on...we can't-"
Harbringer lifted her head with a wide smirk. Well that was that. Two rebels had the backbone to fight for...what exactly? The status-quo? Poverty? Disgrace? A continued state of a leaderless society where each B'alam glanced with quiet shame to what would have been a great palace by now had a Magi sat in throne? What exactly did they break for? Nothing... how sad. At least those still standing had a cause- prosperity. Strength. Honor. Dignity. If this was the means to that future, it was worth the sacrifice of those who were willing to shatter for nothing. Perhaps it was the merciful thing to do.
She lowered her head with a smile as the large Tah took the throne, wordlessly declaring himself their new ruler. "For the new age."
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