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SilverStarrSapphire Vice Captain
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 Posted: Mon Aug 18, 2008 10:26 pm
 Two days had passed since the disturbance caused by Cerberus, and nothing had settled down. If anything, all the Fafners were now buzzing with excitement at the possibility that Cerberus would soon start rounding up as many supporters as he could throughout the Isle. There had been few attempts by the Commoners to speak to the Nobles, either out of fear or arrogance, and no one knew what the Nobles thought of the uprising.
Tora sighed as she sunk deeper into the shallow end of the lake, enjoying the cool water in the heat. Her pink ribbon was hung over a low branch to dry after she had washed it, and now it was her time to bath. But despite her efforts to relax, her mind kept wandering back to the problem at hand. She wasn’t sure what would happen now, although it would probably be smart to speak to a Sentinel about the situation. They were the only ones that came in direct contact with the Chevaliers. It would be devastating if the rebellious Fafners decided to rush ahead with a forceful assault rather than try and negotiate with the Nobles first.
Shaking her head to clear the bloody thoughts that were springing into mind, Tora took a deep breath before submerging herself entirely. She crouched low to keep her head under water, crawling a few steps before emerging from the surface again. The water certainly felt nice in her hair, now dripping wet but cool under the heat of the sunlight. Satisfied with her bath, she walked out of the water and shook herself on the shore. Finding a soft patch of grass, she lay down to let the sun dry her off. Perhaps it was a good time for a nap, let her mind relax after all the events of the past few days.
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Posted: Mon Aug 18, 2008 10:46 pm
Sheherezade walked slowly, lazily, along the side of the lake, eyes closed as she hummed a quiet tune to herself. The calming sounds of the lake soothed her troubled mind, made her forget the turmoil that had suddenly been thrust into her life. Cerberus had caused quite a stir, a storm in its own right...but, really, the storm was just beginning. Opinions and insults and loyalties would fly, families would be further pitted against each other...it would be a quiet sort of madness until first contact was made. At that point, it would be all out war.
Hopefully, no one would act too early. Just two Fafners arguing over the issue could turn into a physical squabble into a national bloodfest.
She sighed lightly, her tail swishing back and forth. The coral-and-cream hued creature moved, though lazily, with grace. Delicately. She was not a fighter, and would not fight in whatever was going to happen. And though she had an opinion on all of this, she would help all sides. Any hurt individual was her charge, her responsibility. It is the oath she took as a healer, and it was an oath that crossed Brynhild loyalties. Oh, if only everyone would understand that....
Suddenly, her ears picked up movement. The female's brown eyes opened slowly, and she halted, slight surprise on her face. In front of her lay a Fafner she recognized. A few steps more and 'Zade would have tripped over her! How embarrassing...
"My apologies, miss...Tora? Am I correct?" she inquired, smiling lightly. This Fafner had been present the day Andi delivered the news, and took part in the proceedings that followed. Hopefully she didn't hold any ill will t'wards 'Zade. "I didn't mean to intrude upon your sunbathing. I can leave, if you would like..."
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SilverStarrSapphire Vice Captain
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Posted: Mon Aug 18, 2008 11:33 pm
The sun bathed her with its warm rays, the high noon heat lulling her into a sense of comfort and security. Tora could feel her heavy eyelids drifting closed as she found herself floating towards the bliss that could only come from taking a midday nap. One of the few days she had a break from her Healer work and she intended on relaxing. And a nap was the perfect way to do so.
Just as she fell into the unconscious depths of sleep, a voice called her name and pulled her from the peaceful feeling. With a slight groaning growl, Tora pried her sapphire eyes open to see who had intruded on her quiet. A pinkishly cream femme stood before, smiling as if everything was right in the world. Which wasn't, because Tora had been about to fall asleep completely and had been rudely awakened! And she was very grumpy when she was woken up.
Thinking that she would like for the other Fafner to leave, Tora's manners wouldn't allow her to express her feelings as such. Instead, she lifted herself to a sitting position before smiling politely at the other female. "No, you don't have to leave. I have no claim over this area, so you may stay as long as you'd like."
Wait, did the other call her by name? Tora tilted her head quizzically as she observed her companion, trying to recall where she had seen this female before. Something told her that they had met in the Healer's Hut, but then again, almost every single Fafner in the clan's been there. Tora was horrible with remembering faces, much less names, and she felt kind of bad for not knowing this particular Fafner who clearly knew her.
Or maybe they had confronted each other two days ago, or even yesterday! Tora had stepped on so many claws, without meaning to do so either, that she was kind of nervous now. What if this Fafner was a vigorous Cerberus supporter that she had unwittingly insulted the other day? Which, apparently, she had done a lot of without intending to do so... at least not so harshly. But it wasn't her fault that the other Fafners would not listen to reason. Talk about stubborn.
Smiling sheepishly, Tora ventured to ask, "I'm sorry, but I have terrible memory and I can't recall your name. Have we met before?"
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Posted: Thu Aug 21, 2008 7:48 pm
Sheherezade smiled slightly, dipping forward in a gentle bow.
"I am Sheherezade, a Healer. We met in the...discussion, a few days ago, regarding the issue of possible Rebels and what may come of them." she explained, cocking her head a little and sitting. Her tail moved back and forth slowly as she watched Tora, a far cry from the twitching that normally accompanied one angry or upset. Sheherezade had calmed from that day, the normal serenity replacing that foreign anger and annoyance that she felt t'wards....certain members. Yes, all the ill will was gone. But...the female truly did not remember her? Heh, she figured that her behavior was deplorable, at least in her own eyes - something most memorable. 'Zade couldn't exactly be surprised - she had an impeccable memory for names and faces, and even she had a hard time keeping straight all the names and faces from that day. The many different emotions helped a little - anger, confusion, sadness...
Mostly anger. Too much anger in one day.
"Oh....and I'm not here to, you know, attack you or something. I may be a 'Rebel', so to speak, but I am not a savage," She added, smiling.
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SilverStarrSapphire Vice Captain
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Posted: Fri Aug 22, 2008 12:03 pm
Relaxing her tense shoulders as Sheherezade sat down and spoke calmly, Tora felt that the other was not here start yet another confrontation. Ah yes, her words brought forth some memories, most of which involved a most interesting debate with Andi. "Oh right, I remember now. You're the one who clashed with Andi."
Tora smiled, trying to let Sheherezade know that she meant no offense. The argument had been quite intriguing to observe since both fafners proved to be intelligent yet stubborn. Despite coming from different sides, the two had managed to settle into some sort of respectful agreement. A rare conclusion in the midst of all the angry words thrown around that day.
"No, I wouldn't have thought you a savage," Tora replied with a soft chuckle. True, appearances could be deceiving, but Sheherezade looked like the calm and logical type. And if Tora was correct in her assumption, they actually worked together.
"You're a Healer, aren't you? I'm pretty sure I've seen you around the Healer's Hut, but I'm horrible with remembering faces. I probably only know half of the Healers in this clan," Tora admit with a sheepish grin. "And none of the patients." What would other fafners think of her, not even remembering her own patients? The shame!
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Posted: Fri Aug 22, 2008 12:31 pm
'Zade laughed - a lighthearted, bell-like sound. "Yes, I was the one who had that...rousing conversation with Andi. I should have known that this is how I would be remembered.
She knew that Tora meant no ill will - now, Sheherezade could look back on the confrontation and laugh, knowing that it was rather funny that it was allowed to happen in the first place. At least it ended well; haughty as it may seem, the coral and cream fafner attributed that to her own skill. Had she allowed herself to get as hostile as Andi, the words may have become violent.
"I am glad," she responded, nodding a little. "And yes, I am a healer. You must think me odd, a gentle, helpful...'rebellious' Healer. Quite the combination, if I do say so myself. But as nothing has come of Andi's announcement and the arguing that followed, I suppose labels like that aren't needed yet. The Healer's Hut has even been relatively slow lately - I would think that the opposite would be true."
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SilverStarrSapphire Vice Captain
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Posted: Fri Aug 22, 2008 5:38 pm
Tora laughed softly at her companion's description of herself. Indeed, one would suppose that gentle and helpful while rebellious could be somewhat of a contradiction. But sometimes to do the right thing, one must walk the path less taken. Perhaps that was what Cerberus truly believed, that his actions were for the greater good. Then again, who knew what went on inside that unstable mind of his?
"Not at all, violence is not the only way to be rebellious," Tora acknowledged with an empathetic smile. But she was right, such labels were not necessary... and hopefully never will be. One could never predict the future.
"Perhaps, but I'm relieved that no fights have broken out," Tora admitted with a thoughtful look. She hadn't really noticed the lack of patients lately, too preoccupied by the past events. But now that Sheherezade had mentioned it... Tora took on an uneasy expression. "I still worry, though. I doubt Cerberus would simply lie down after such an announcement, and I fear that he might decide to take action soon."
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Posted: Fri Aug 22, 2008 5:51 pm
"I am glad that you realize this," 'Zade said, a twinkle in her eyes.
That twinkle soon disappeared, replaced by a troubled expression that was directed at the water. She remained quiet for a little while, listening to Tora's words and mulling them over in her mind. The look on her own face, reflected in the lake, scared her - it was the look of one who was preparing herself for revolution, knowing it was coming and that there was no way to stop it...and both reveling and wincing at the thought. She had no idea when the rising would begin. It was a sick sense of excitement - she was a healer, the thought of bloodshed should not excite her.
Honestly, it wasn't the blood that excited her. It was the prospect of change, the thought of a new era that she would be a part of....
A light shiver shook through her. The femme looked back to Tora, that foreign look of tentative forboding on her face. "The worst storms are often lax to hurry their way in...tell me, Tora, what do you think of all this? Really?"
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SilverStarrSapphire Vice Captain
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Posted: Mon Aug 25, 2008 12:58 pm
Tora observed her companion as Sheherezade looked away, seemingly in deep contemplation of her words. A troubled look crossed the other's face and Tora frowned slightly, suddenly feeling guilty for pointing out the sore subject. Of course she was not the only one who worried about the coming storm, one she predicted would happen very soon. After all, Cerberus was prone to spontaneous actions without a second thought.
"What I really think?" she echoed inquisitively, furrowing her eyebrows. Tora studied the other female carefully, wondering what implications came with Sheherezade's question. "I honestly don't know what to think - I personally have no qualms with the current system. But I can also see why many oppose it."
Pausing for a moment, Tora glanced at the other femme, wondering if she should go on. But Sheherezade seemed like one who could possibly be a supporter of the radical change, and if that was the case... "However, I know that two of the dearest males in my life will be involved with the rebellion, should it come down to such drastic actions. And my loyalties would be with them."
Yes, Tora could admit it. Despite outward appearances, she did care for her half-brother, as stupid as he may be. After all, they were still family, and someone had to keep an eye on that reckless fafner.
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Posted: Mon Aug 25, 2008 6:12 pm
 Solitare sighed as she cooled her paws in the lake. Today was a reasonably warm day, and her paws felt sticky with berry juice. But the calm didn't last for long; thoughts of the rebellion bombarded her mind, shattering the peace within it. She furrowed her brow. Would the Nobles really listen to them? Then she heard the sound of a conversation nearby. She walked a little bit closer, before noticing the conversing fafners were the two healers from the gathering in which Brynhild talked about the rebellion. Solitare was a bit shy at first, as she walked closer, but then she thought that she knew them anyways so she became a little bolder. She didn't want to eavesdrop, but she couldn't help hearing a few things as she wadded through the water, "Hello, I'm sorry if I'm interrupting your conversation, but may I join you?" Solitare asked in a polite voice as she waited for a reply. She definitely wanted to hear what the healers were saying. And after all, she could have a small break before she started to gather again.
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Posted: Sat Sep 13, 2008 8:27 am
"Aaaahhh," Sheherezade said, smiling a little and dipping her head. "You would join a cause that you only partially believe in to assist those you love. Noble, but I would be careful if I were you. An impartial mindset may not be tolerated. Though impartial may not be the correct word..."
The pink and cream fafner trailed off, looking to the sky as she thought a bit more. The splashing of another creature approaching awoke her from such contemplation. Swiveling her head slowly in that direction, she caught sight of another familiar face, another fafner who had been present at the 'unveiling' of the rebellion. Oh, she wanted to join?
"Of course," 'Zade said kindly, smiling. "That is, if it's alright with you, Tora,"
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Posted: Sat Sep 13, 2008 3:14 pm
Tora smiled in acknowledgement of the other's warning, for she also understood the implications of taking a neutral stand among a group of radicalists. But she'd also thought herself quite capable of adjusting to the given situation, and she had little doubt that she could fit into the rebels. And she had Cerberus on her side... hopefully.
"I appreciate your warning, and I will certainly be careful," she responded kindly, glancing at Sheherezade with a contemplative look. Tora had an inkling that her companion would be a rebellion supporter, despite her otherwise calm demeanor. "And you should also take care of yourself, no matter what path you decide to take. For I believe that this coming war will be detrimental to everyone."
The sound of splashing also had Tora glancing in the direction of the third fafner, and the blue femme secretly admired the black pattern on the white fafner's fur. With a welcoming smile and nod of her head, Tora acquiesced, "I don't mind at all. The more, the merrier."
But as always, Tora was horrible with remembering faces and names. At least Sheherezade had been a familiar sight around the healer's hut, but this new fafner was only vaguely familiar... perhaps from two days ago? Glancing at the white femme, she introduced herself. "I am Tora, a Healer. May I inquire your name?"
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SilverStarrSapphire Vice Captain
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Posted: Sat Sep 20, 2008 12:54 pm
Solitare nodded in thanks and stepped closer to the other two fafners, "I am Solitare, a harvester of Brynhild. It is nice to talk without much argument now, away from the angry voices of rebellion." Solitare sighed, and let herself relax into the pool of water. "What a mess this rebellion is, separating families, implanting doubt in the hearts of best friends, and shattering the peace there once was." She pawed the bottom of the pool, "I wonder what the Nobles will do about this... Will they let is talk to them?" Solitare fidgeted some more and looked up to the other two fafners.
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Posted: Tue Sep 23, 2008 8:17 pm
"Welcome, Solitare," the female said kindly, listening to both her comments and Tora's following the introduction. 'Zade remembered Solitare from the argument days before but had forgotten her name, so she was glad that it was provided...not that names mattered in a discussion about politics. That's the way she viewed it, at least.
"Thank you, Tora. I will certainly try to be careful. Especially since I am taking the road less traveled, the one where I am sure danger will become commonplace," the pink and cream Fafner replied, offering a small smile. "I hope that the rewards will be worth it all, in the end, though I cannot say for certain that they will be. I would venture to say that no one can."
"Perhaps, perhaps not" she then commented to Solitare. "Though, to be honest, I wonder how steady peace was if it only took mention of change to shatter it."
It was like a tree, rotting from the inside. All could appear well for tens or hundreds of years...but one day a small gust of wind could send it toppling over. Is that what had happened, or did that still have yet to occur?
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SilverStarrSapphire Vice Captain
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Posted: Thu Sep 25, 2008 8:47 pm
Tora listened silently as Solitaire provided her opinions of the recent talks of rebellion. Indeed, a simple speech had grown from a flickering flame to a full-blown wildfire, and she could only imagine the dissent that coursed through all the fafners - between families and friends.
"Peace is always a fragile ideal," Tora responded to Sheherezade's comment, a sorrowful glow to her blue eyes. "To build a hut takes many days and lots of help, but it only takes one paw to tear it down within seconds. Dissent is so easily spread - all the more reason to treasure the peace." And that was what Tora intended to do, enjoy the calm while it lasted, for the storm was already brewing and she could see the dark clouds gathering in the horizon.
"Who knows what the Nobles are thinking?" she continued, glancing back at Solitaire with a heavy sigh. "That is the problem, isn't it? If the Nobles weren't so recluded, we probably wouldn't be talking of rebellion." Then again, there was always something for someone to be unhappy about. In reality, you simply could not satisfy everyone, and that was why it was so easy to cause conflict. There would always be disagreements in this world.
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