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 Posted: Thu Jan 27, 2011 12:54 pm
 The morning was still early yet Kale was ready to begin what could prove to be a very busy day of training. Only a few days ago did he speak at length to Ironforge about becoming his pupil in order to learn the ways of being a good protector. He had worried that perhaps the shaggy stallion would have turned him away, saying that he was far too old to begin training, but obviously he was wrong. Whether it was the sheer determination that Kale had shown or something else the other stallion had saw in him Ironforge agreed to train him. They had arranged to meet again in three days time.
Today was to be what would hopefully be the start of Kaleidoscopes new life. He had always been a protector or sorts, helping anyone he came across who needed it, yet he had never received any formal training in the matter. And that was why he had sought out this stallion, whom was rumored to be a great teacher, if a bit tough every now and then. Well as far as Kale was concerned if training to be a Knight wasn't tough here and there then it was not true training. It was not something that could easily be learned in a day or two, no it took months, sometimes even years of hard training and even then not everyone completed their training. Day one often broke a few horses and made them reconsider their choices, Kale would not be one of those Soquili, for he was determined to see this to the end no matter how much blood, sweat and tears it took.
Trotting to the designated meeting place Kale let his eyes quickly roam around the area. One thing he already knew well was to be aware of ones surroundings, as you could never know where trouble could lurk. For all he knew Ironforge could have set up a little trap here as a first test, so he had to be ready for anything.
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Posted: Fri Jan 28, 2011 7:17 am
 Ironforge didn't leave his herd as often as he used too - with the added responsibility of being the beta it was damn near impossible to find the time, not to mention justify the need...which is why he'd tried at first to dissuade the colorful stallion that had sought him out for training, something had turned out to an impossible task.
Ironforge had at last concluded that the best way to deal with Kaleidoscope would simply to be to agree to give him a try out..or at least one day of his time . It was likely that after one day the rainbow colored soquili would disappear and never be seen from again like a hundred other hopefuls who realized that they didn't have what it took.
Of course if he did manage to make it through - well..Ironforge wasn't sure what he'd do then, bring him back to the herd he supposed and train him from there until he was ready to go off on his own. Pondering these thoughts he made his way to the place they had agreed upon to meet and was rather pleased to ind the beast already there - though he didn't let such a thing show outwards. "Good..your already here" He told the stallion in a gruff tone. "Though you should have been doing laps around the wood trail already - everyone knows they need to warm up before training" He stated - not at the stallion but merely as an observation to see what Kale would do. Prospector chittered slightly on the shaggy stallions back.
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Posted: Wed Feb 16, 2011 9:26 am
The sounds of hoof falls from behind him caused Kale to turn around, only to see it was Ironforge who was approaching. The colorful stallion nodded his head in greeting as the shaggy stallion spoke. He didn't see happy or disappointed, which could be a good thing. It was really hard to tell, Ironforge had been hesitant to take Kale on for training but through sheer persistence and determination Kale had succeeded in that. Still being scolded, perhaps no scolded but reminded, that a warm up was needed before training brought a slight flicker of a smile to the stallions maw.
"The journey here this morning was of a decent length and I only just arrived. Perhaps I was wrong to assume that would provide a good warm up for the training." If by chance he had been wrong in that assumption he would never make that same mistake again. Kale was after all a quick learner and he wanted, no needed to do this training and see it to the end for that had always been his goal in life - to better himself so that he may better help and protect others. His eyes roamed to the critter on Ironforge's back for a moment and then returned to the stallion. Kale stood patiently awaiting instruction from he new mentor.
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Posted: Thu Feb 17, 2011 5:17 am
Ironforge turned his head to regard the other stallion for a few moments in silence "I expect we will find out soon enough" He replied, if the stallion thought himself sufficiently warmed up then so be it, the grey steed wasn't sure just how far his colorful student had traveled to get here this morning and perhaps he was right - in any case the stallions muscles would let him know soon enough if more warm up was required in the future or not.
Nosing Prospector Ironforge encouraged the Wopletinger to hop down, the little beast was happy to do so and apparently decided that Kales Knight training didn't really interest him as he wandered off towards some berry bushes along the clearing to amuse himself by stuffing his face...typical Wopletinger. Having rid himself of his companion Ironforge turned his attention back to Kale.
" Expect we should get started then - come along and on the way you can tell me what you think you already know about being a Knight" He invited the other before turning about and setting off a a brisk trot down a nearby path in the woods.
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Posted: Mon Mar 07, 2011 6:42 pm
Kale took up stride beside the other, though he took a moment to think on his answer before giving it. He had a good understanding of what being a Knight meant, but rushing into an answer without thinking on it first was like rushing into battle without any training, it got you no where fast. "A Knight is more than just a title one carries with them. It is a lifestyle. Knights should be strong, brave but also intelligent, kind and compassionate. They must know when to fight and when to back down. They protect the weak, defend against those who wish to harm others." He fell silent for a few moments as they continued to walk, though if Ironforge looked at him the stallion would be able to tell by the look on Kale's face that he was once again thinking.
"But it's so much more than that." He started again once his answer had been formed. "It's upholding justice, righting wrongs, maintaining and teaching discipline, respect and honor." With his answer given Kale turn his eyes to the stallion who would hopefully remain his mentor for some time, long enough for Kale to complete his training. "I'm certain there is more to it, but that is what I know so far."
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Posted: Tue Mar 29, 2011 10:57 am
ironforge listened carefully as the stallion described what it was to be a Knight - and even he had to confess that Kale wasn't that far off, in act he'd told the white stallion the mot important part and proven that he understood this was no lark to fiddle about with and then drop on a whim later on.
It was indeed a lifestyle and Ironforge wouldn't train anyone who didn't understand that, the risk was simply to great that those half-knights would then run off and cause trouble somewhere down the line...and it would be so very distressing to have his teachings harm others. "It is a good start" He told Kale "By you words you say this is a lifetyle...but are you truly willing to take up sch a life? To live it in full every day until your body is frail and can no longer do so?...And even then if the need arises are you prepared to take that old frail body and place it in the line of danger to protect another..even if you know without a doubt that doing so will cost you what little life you might have left?"
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Posted: Sat Apr 02, 2011 3:29 pm
It took a moment or two before Kale gave his answer, not because he was unsure whether he wanted to take such a lifestyle on or not, but because a hasty answer was often the wrong one. It was like rushing into the fray of battle and not know what side you are on or what you were fighting for. "Yes." He said and then elaborated a bit. "I have always felt that the life of protecting others was my calling, to always be there when needed and push yourself when you feel there is nothing left within. Should I have to lay down my life to protect another from harm, then I will accept that fate, but I will never stand idly by while others are in danger. That is a greater sin that being the one inflicting pain and suffering upon another."
Kale felt happy with his answer. He knew that a knight should not only be knowledgeable in fighting, but in communication as well. Simply talking could in some cases render a situation to come to an end without unnecessary bloodshed. It is why he spend a good deal of his youth with a wise old stallion who taught him many things, mostly how to use his mind to think things through instead of his hooves or teeth. Kale was grateful for what that stallion had taught him and now this was the next phase of his training, for Ironforge to teach him what the other stallion could not.
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Posted: Tue Apr 05, 2011 11:16 am
Ironforge merely nodded at the other stallions answer neither giving him a positive or negative response so much as simply acknowledging that he had spoken. He would let Kale decide for himself if it was a suitable answer - after all if was not Ironforge's duty to give the rainbow stallion a reason for becoming a Knight so much as he just wanted to make sure that his reasons were pure. So far they seemed to be and Ironforge was glad of that fact. He did not want to train someone simply because they wanted to impress mares..or had some romanticized notion about what being a Knight meant - no Ironforge was looking for a much more worthwhile Protege.
The remainder of their trip was taken in silence as Ironforge let the other stallion stew over his words for himself. He didn't have to long to stew however as before long Ironforge drew to a top before a long and deep ravine, if one turned his head fin either direction they could see that the ravine seemed to go on for quite a ways though it disappeared from view in the foliage of the forest about ten feet in either direction, a thin but solid looking log lay across one side while a wider but semi rotten looking one lay across the other. Turning to the rainbow stallion Ironforge said only one phrase "Cross the Ravine"
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Posted: Mon Apr 18, 2011 8:22 pm
He remained quiet while following along, and when Ironforge came to a stop he simply nodded to the instructions. "Alright." Cross the ravine, how hard could it be? Walking forward Kale let his eyes sweep over what lay before him. It only took the smallest of glances to realize the ravine was far too wide to jump across. Peering over the edge he saw how deep it was, which honestly wouldn't be that large of a problem to climb down and cross, except for the fact that the sides of the ravine were far too steep for him to climb down. Two options down, but there would certainly be some option that would work. Next he looked between the two logs.
Walking over to the larger yet rooted looking one he pressed his hoof against it. Well it was wide enough for his hoof however he certainly didn't like the way it creaked and cracked under the slight pressure he placed upon it. There was a change he could make it across, but only if he moved really fast and had a good chunk of luck on his side. Kale then moved to the smaller yet more sturdy looking log. Repeating what he had done before on the rotted log. This one could certainly support his weight however his large hoof would have a very hard time staying on the narrow log. So once again he could cross it with a bit of luck, however if his hoof slipped he would certainly fall to his death. Then he turned his head to look down the ravine each way. He was curious, and since Ironforge had not put any time restrictions on this exercise he figured it was okay to take him time and explore all options.
Following the edge of the ravine towards the forest he poked his head into the thick branches. Huh. Well that he didn't expect. Pushing his weight into the foliage Kale stepped through and then disappeared. To his surprise the ravine actually ended a few feet inside the forest. Just proved that things did not always appear as they were at first view. Looping around the end of the ravine Kale pushed his way through the trees once more on the opposite side of the ravine. Moving into view he looked over at Ironforge and awaited either his approval or disapproval of the situation or perhaps his next instructions.
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Posted: Tue Apr 26, 2011 11:03 am
Ironforge remained silent as the rainbow stallion inspected the ravine, he fixed a mock look of boredom on his face so that the other stallion would not be able to pick up any hints should he happen to look back to try and gain a clue from Ironforge's expression. but while the look on his face might indicate otherwise Ironforge was indeed very interested in what the Rainbow stallion would do - he rather hoped the beast wouldn't try the logs it would be distressing to watch him plummet into the ravine...but it would also indicate that the beast likely wasn't good Knight material as well.
Knight had to learn how to think outside the box - to look a a situation and find solutions that might not be obviously present but were there none the less - and kale did not disappoint, while he looked over the obvious choices he made no move to actually attempt anything more then a weight test before moving on and Ironforge ducked his head to scratch his leg so that he might hide a smile of approval when the rainbow stallion discovered the ravines secret.
By the time he lifted his head Ironforge's face help nothing but a bland and unreadable expression on it "Well" He remarked in a dry tone "At least we know you are aware of your brain and how to use it" Was all the shaggy stallion said before turning and walking away back in the direction they had come from. Oh he was pleased with the rainbow stallion of course but Ironforge would not show such things - not quite yet..too much praise early one merely caused the growth of an unhealthy ego and that led to many problems down the road. no he'd save the praise until later...when the rainbow stallion had really earned it.
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Posted: Mon May 02, 2011 6:31 pm
Well...that wasn't exactly what he expected Ironforge to say. Actually now that he had a moment to think about it, what the shaggy stallion said was exactly what Kale had expected. No outright praise, but certainly not a complete insult either - just stating that he had indeed done the task. This of course made Kale smile slightly as his mentor turned and began to walk away. Giving his head a bit of a shake to stifle a laugh that threatened to surface and made his way back through the thick foliage to return to the other side of the ravine. As far as he could tell Ironforge wasn't going to drop him as a student so he would need to follow the shaggy stallion.
Trotting a bit Kale soon caught up with Ironforge and fell in step with the stallion. He said nothing, best to wait for his next instructions, be it to preform another task or to get out of his sight - one could never be too sure when a failure occurred until it was pointed out. Still, he was fairly confident of his earlier success but made sure to not let that go to his head, Kale needed to keep a level and open mind for now. Casting a side glance at Ironforge to see just what the stallion was thinking.
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Posted: Wed May 11, 2011 5:59 am
Ironforge cast a sideways glance at the rainbow colored stallion as he caught up with him again, the beast was silent which was a plus, too often Ironforge found young stallions liked to prattle on about pointless subjects and in doing so failed to pay attention to the land around them - he could only guess at how many ambushes might have been avoided if someone had thought to stop talking long enough to notice something wasn't right.
Not that he expected an ambush now - not this close to his herds lands but it was nice to see the other stallion was capable of walking in comfortable silence none the less. It almost seemed a shame to break it and so the shaggy stallion jut continued walking, the rainbow steed keeping pace beside him - he supposed he would tell the other stallion to return in the coming days so that they might start training in earnest now that he had passed Ironforge's test - but in the meantime...this silence was nice. He'd tell him when they reached the clearing again and he gathered up Prospector.
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Posted: Wed May 18, 2011 7:04 pm
If Ironforge thought to break Kale through another length of silence then the shaggy stallion thought wrong. Kaleidoscope knew of the importance of silence, there was a time to talk and a time to not, this was one of those times when remaining quiet was to ones benefit. His ears and eyes remained alert to their surroundings, one could never be too certain if and when danger could pop up, or in his case a sudden test thrown at him by his possible mentor.
Soon he found himself noticing that they were nearly back at the clearing where they had first met this morning. Certainly he was wondering if returning here was a good sign or a bad sign. Either way, he would take whatever Ironforge told him in a mature fashion and should the shaggy stallion see him unfit for training then so be it, if he decided to take him on as his student then Kale would be forever grateful. As the entered the clearly Kale let his eyes sweep around, ensuring that there wasn't any possible new test lurking out there in the trees. Satisfied that they were along he turned his attentions back to Ironforge as he brought his hooves to a stop and awaited the stallions verdict.
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Posted: Wed May 25, 2011 8:27 am
As they reached the clearing Ironforge noted with Approval the way Kale inspected the open space before entering - he'd been quiet and observant the entire trip back really - and such things boded well for his future as a Knight. Sighing slightly Ironforge knew that he had somehow found himself saddled with another student - something he had told himself he wouldn't do again.
Letting out a sharp whinny Ironforge's ears pricked as Prospector reappeared at his summons, hopping back up on the shaggy stallions saddle to peer at Ironforge curiously though he remained silent - Prospector rarely spoke to anyone but Ironforge. A strange habit but Ironforge accepted it. Turning his attention back to Kale he gave the rainbow stallion a slight nod "I expect you should return her in the morning if your serious about the training" He told the stallion before turning about himself and starting down the path that would lead him back to his herd.
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Posted: Wed May 25, 2011 8:33 am
Kaleidoscope watched as creature came out of hiding at Ironforge's call and hopped upon the stallions back. Such a strange critter indeed, mostly looked like a rabbit but had antlers similar to a deer and wings as well. He should have asked what it was. When Ironforge spoke Kale nodded his thanks and respect. "Thank you." He would certainly show back up in the morning, as he did truly wish to see this training through. He watched Ironforge leave and then slowly turned and left the clearing himself a small smile danced across his lips.
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