Welcome to Gaia! ::

The story: ((OOC: We'll be using titles instead of the names we selected for the characters in our write-up, just so that it will be easier for everyone to understand!))



Tension was palpable among them all, but in the interests of resolving their conflict to the betterment of both cultures, a meeting was called to order. The disbelief and skepticism on the part of the Rebel Leader was obvious, and it was necessary for it to be addressed in the beginning of negotiations. The story of the daughter's birth was explained, in precise and civil terms, by the Ambassador; she explained that her former love, a purebred Hippogryph stallion, had been a hero to their people and revered to them for both his bravery and his knowledge. His feats in quelling a small, intolerant rebellion inside the alliance were mentioned, briefly, as was his position as a revered Lorekeeper to the Alliance. With her daughter's lineage laid bare for the Rebel Leader, he acknowledged that as she carried racial traits of both species, it was clear that she was a product of their cultures mingling -- however, he seemed skeptical of her father, an apparent pureblood Hippogryph, having been revered and honored in the Alliance society. Still, he kept his thoughts to himself just then, as there were more important matters at hand.

The Leader, though thrust into her position due to circumstances, kept a level head and treated the Rebel Leader with both civility and respect as she requested the safe return of Tierra. However inexperienced as she was, she was wise enough to understand that without compromise and offering up something of theirs in return, they had no ground to stand on for the negotiations. With this in mind, she offered to allow the Rebel Leader and his close comrades -- those who had joined him in these negotiations -- to be led into the Temple of Lore, a sacred place in the Alliance territory.

The Ambassador visibly started at this, but she kept her own counsel, allowing her daughter to speak to explain the significance of this. All of this conflict had arisen due to the lack of communication, but there was a way... one way, that the Alliance could prove their sincerity to the Rebel army, and she was willing to be their guide. The Temple, she explained, was a sacred and protected place for the Alliance people; it was here, through the tireless work of the Lorekeepers, that the history of both the Ulun'Suti and Hippogryphs had been recorded and painstakingly maintained. Pictures and symbols depicting the long and proud history of both peoples decorated the walls, deep scratches with faded colors gouged into the rocks from where desert clay had been ground down and carefully applied. The offer to lead them into this place, long protected and constantly being added to as the history of both peoples expanded, was the ultimate olive branch that the Alliance could offer.

While the Rebel Leader was still skeptical, the daughter explained that her own father had been a Lorekeeper, verifying the information they already had and adding to it. The invitation was extended for them to not only peruse the temple and correct any errors they found, but add valuable information on their current history and culture, in exchange for the safe return of the hostage, as well as an agreement of full non-aggression between the Alliance and the Rebels until they could meet a peaceful resolution and make new arrangements for their people.

Curious as to see whether there was actual truth to their story, the Rebel Leader agreed to the temporary chief's terms, on the understanding that if either side made a move of aggression toward the other, the punishment would be swift, severe, and agreed between both of them. All were looking toward a future where their needs could be met as individuals as well as cultures; while the temporary Alliance leader and the Rebel Leader continued negotiations, the Ambassador kept a watchful eye on them, arbiting in their discussions when it seemed that they became heated or misunderstandings arose. With her daughter's input, and a tenuous bridge of trust between them at the halt of aggression and the safe return of the hostage, the group ventured toward the sacred temple to gain a better understanding of their mutual heritage.

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Any Plot ideas of what will happen to them after the event?: Most of our plot ideas center around the idea of retaining the unique heritage of the Hippogryph and Ulun'Suti species while at the same time slowly integrating them with the Kawani! Our basic ideas are as follows, to be discussed with anyone who currently owns a member of either species to continue further plotting in the event that we win. =)

• Integrating their cultures.
  
  While there is a deep respect for the individual cultures of both races, the leaders will be looking toward creating a community that openly celebrates both races without falling into the old ways of segregation and isolation. The Lorekeepers and the Temple will have a big part in this; their histories are etched into the stone by Lorekeepers, renowned members of the society, and they are constantly recording significant events as well as important cultural changes so that there will be a verbal as well as pictoral record of their people. It is the goal of this generation's leaders to show that they can respect and revere the past as well as celebrate a joined future.
  
  To this end, when the Rebel Leader and the temporary Alliance Chief address their people, it will be in such a manner that explains as honestly as possible that both sides made mistakes, and that rather than cast stones at one another, they have decided to work together to rectify the mistakes of the past and build a more tolerant future together. They will broach the subject to their people as both a challenge and a testament to their strength of character, expressing the hope that everyone can learn to look past what has been done and become proactive in shaping a future together.
  
  
• Expanding their Lore
  
  Because these are such an important aspect of sharing and celebrating their culture, with the recent total integration of their people, they will be having many meetings in order to share the details of their histories and make certain they are recorded as accurately as they can. There will be many opportunities for gathering and storytelling, especially as they expand further into the world, as detailed below...
  
  The Temple itself is very large and well protected, similar in structure to the Temple of Shifting Sands deep within the Rebel territory, so there will be plenty of room for them to record their history for years to come.
  
  
• Retaining the traditional nesting grounds.
  
  Because the nesting grounds are so sacred and important, neither the Rebel Leader nor the temporary Alliance Chief will want to abandon their homeland. Rather than relying on the artifact and isolating them from the rest of the world, however, they will agree to work together to train a special military force to protect their sacred homeland. Because they have witnessed the strange medley of humans and Soquili in the Kawani lands, they believe that the dangers of the outside world have changed -- perhaps not lessened, for that is still to be seen, but at least changed -- and they are looking toward a future that allows them to acknowledge and adapt to the times while still retaining their culture and traditional grounds.
  
  
• Exploring the outside world.
  
  Because they have spent so long in isolation, once the Alliance and the Rebels are comfortable in their interactions with one another, they will begin to explore the Kawani lands. However, they won't do this in a rush; as careful, long-secluded people, they will venture out slowly and begin to make alliances and treaties with nearby herds as they learn more about them and the Soquili that inhabit the Kawani lands. The goal for this will be knowledge, vast amounts of it, but also the sharing of their own culture -- rather than allow their traditions and lore to remain unheard outside of their own people, they wish to learn about the Kawani Soquili as well as share their stories and establish themselves as part of the modern world.
  
  
• Establishing trade routes.
  
  Once they have formed alliances and established themselves as friendly peoples, they will open up routes that can be safely traversed from the Kawani lands to their homelands. While some places will remain sacred and unexplored (mainly the nesting grounds), they will be opening up their home to friendly visitors and trading in their wares, providing safe escort through the desert to their new allies and friends. This will hopefully strengthen bonds between the Kawani Soquili and the Hippogryphs and Ulun'suti further.
  

“Once social change begins, it cannot be reversed. You cannot uneducate the person who has learned to read. You cannot humiliate the person who feels pride. You cannot oppress the people who are not afraid anymore.

We have seen the future, and the future is ours.”

The story:
Having stepped aside to discuss the matters before them, Althalus, Terepia, and Huapala settled down to business. “Why should we trust the Leatherwings? They could still be lying to us!” Terepia insisted.

Huapala shrugged. “Unlikely,” he said in his booming voice. “They’d have to have faked the crossbred mare, and she’d have no joy, little likelihood of survival, and no love from the Leatherwing mare, who appears to be her mother. That’s quite a bit to fake, so it is highly unlikely that they are lying to us. Althalus, what do you think?”

Althalus nodded. “I agree. It’s pretty unlikely their scheme is this elaborate, and if they were lying to us, I seriously doubt the crossbreed would agree to go through with it. The signs that they’re lying just aren’t there.”

Terepia snorted. “They may have picked a lone mare and her half-orphaned foal to do that stuff. Besides, they could have brainwashed everyone or maybe half-Leatherwings are treated as minor miracles and are spared unhappiness.”

Huapala sighed. Of course Terepia was sticking to her ground. She’d never let go of something she believed in so fervently without just cause. “Let it go,” he said. “If the Leatherwings really were oppressing us all this time, there’s no way they’d even tolerate a halfbreed, miracle or no. Besides, some of the story checks out: nobody’s talked to a Leatherwings in ages, unless they’re on the Council, so it’s probable that the mares are involved with the Council.”

Althalus took a deep breath before Terepia could protest further and further insist that the Council mares were definitely looking brainwashed. “Look, there once was a stallion who saved his people from a pack of coyotes. Everyone was so happy that he’d saved him that they never stopped praising him. He got so full of pride for having killed those coyotes that he told himself that he didn’t need anybody’s help, and that only he was fit to protect his people. Well, one day, a sickness came into the land, a sickness that couldn’t be stopped. Some Leatherwings came by his people, Leatherwings who could heal the sickness, but the stallion chased them away. What made them think they could save his people when it was his sole ability and right to save them? Then, he got sick, too, and realized he couldn’t save himself from everything, let alone everyone else. By that time, the Leatherwings had gone, and his people were beyond saving. His last thoughts were, what if he had accepted help when it was offered? Everyone would have been saved. His pride would smart, but what was that next to the safety and survival of everyone? He should have taken the opportunity when it was offered.”

Terepia was looking down by the end of the story. “I get it,” she said reluctantly. “If the Leatherwings are offering to save us, we should take the offer. But what if they punish us?”

Althalus grinned. “I’m sure they’ll understand. I think we owe them an apology and should release that Leatherwings mare, Tierra, right?”

Terepia grumbled, but agreed, while Huapala nodded his majestic head.

They came back and Althalus continued further. “May we have the pleasure of speaking with you ladies? We’ve come to a decision.”

The mares came forward, Nia Furaha in the lead. “What is your decision?” she asked in her deep voice.

“We’re sorry for the rebellion. We honestly didn’t know what was really going on. Maybe that’s our own fault, maybe that’s the Council’s fault, maybe that’s the Leatherwings’ fault, but regardless, we’re sorry, and we’re going to hand over your Tierra to you ladies,” he added, smiling warmly and in a conciliatory fashion. “So. What happens next to everyone?”

Nia and Padma Rukmini exchanged glances. He’d apologized and gotten the others to agree to an apology and to release Tierra Avani. This was pretty big, so it was fair to fill him in on the future plans. Nia said, “Well, we have some plans, plans to educate the members of the Clearspring Alliance as to the true history. Gigage Awoyeni is increasingly too small for Ulun’suti and Hippogryphs, while these lands, the Kawani lands, are now friendly and filled with many new wonders for our breeds to study. We will be taking those who are willing out into the Kawani lands, setting up trade networks, and working to maintain peace.”

“I’d like to take some Hippogryphs who are willing and join in the move to the Kawani lands, if that’s all right with you.” Althalus grinned broadly. “It sounds like fun. Since not everyone will be going and those who come with me will be helping to support Ulun’suti and Hippogryph alike, I’d like to request a pardon for those rebels going home.”

Nia and Padma looked at each other again, briefly tongue-tied. “Well, I’m fine with a pardon, just don’t cause trouble again,” Padma said, regaining some composure quickly.

Nia was still gathering hers, but powerfully as she spoke. “I’m also willing to pardon the rebels, provided the three of you who led the rebels join me for a little project to target young adults who are troubled, in Hippogryph gangs, or may revolt again; it will be helping with Council work, and you will be supervised, but it will be a sign of goodwill to all, that the Alliance is intact. Is all of that all right with you?”

Althalus grinned, Huapala nodded, and Terepia looked mutinous at Nia’s request. Huapala gave her a nudge and she sighed dramatically, nodding. Althalus, unaware of the exchange behind him, nodded and stood up proudly. “We’ll take the offer, Council representatives. Pleasure working with you, glad that everything’s sorted out, and I’ll get in touch with you later, Council representatives,” he added as Huapala retreated to retrieve and return Tierra.

Any Plot ideas of what will happen to them after the event?: Nia Furaha and Padma Rukmini feel that, with the revelations of the Kawani lands, it may be time for the herds of the Gigage Awoyeni to move on and out. There’s only so long the oasis will be able to support both booming populations with no real predators and a dropping mortality rate. Not everyone will be in favor of moving out into the Kawani lands, but Nia and Padma are keeping those in mind, too. Peace and knowledge will be a major new goal on both sides, too, driving the rest of the projects in the plots.

Big Sister
Nia Furaha plans on instating some kind of “big brother” project for troubled yearling Hippogryphs, who seem to be a magnet for trouble. This trouble is likely what caused this rebellion, and so, Nia Furaha plans to find a way to prevent such an event from hurting anyone ever again. To do that, she will push for older and more responsible Hippogryphs and Hippogryph crosses to actively mentor younger Hippogryphs, maybe expand it after a while to other breeds, too; she’s also going to prefer Soquili who may do ambassadorial work or other such responsible work that would expand the horizons of the young and troubled. The younger ones would be following the elders around, helping them and observing them, while also participating in various community service endeavors. To prevent another rebellion, things need to get down to the grassroots level, hit the kids when they’re young and before they cause real trouble, and this kind of project fulfills that need.

Ambassadors/Fact-Finding
The herds of Gigage Awoyeni have been separated from the main stream of Soquili for so long that they barely even remember the ground Soquili, the only ones they really remember from before coming to Gigage Awoyeni. Keeping in mind that the world may have changed enough for it to be safe to leave Gigage Awoyeni and in light of the recent rebellion, Nia Furaha is keen on finding ways to reach out to all other breeds and promote peace, as well as learn about the world beyond Gigage Awoyeni. Padma Rukmini is very interested in learning about the Kawani lands and breeds of Soquili therein, not to mention their culture. With these goals in mind, Nia Furaha and Padma Rukmini will push to establish a team of ambassadors who will go to the other breeds and folk of the Kawani lands in the name of peace, and also study the Kawani lands while doing so. Putting their heads together and pushing together for this project, they have high hopes that the Council will agree to their plans to promote peace and gather information.

New Opportunities
The oasis won’t be able to support all the Ulun’suti and the Hippogryphs forever with an exploding population and just about no predation to prevent things like overgrazing. Keeping the land in mind, Nia Furaha and Padma Rukmini plan to gather those willing to move into Kawani lands and go out to join the rest of the Soquili herds. Not everyone will want to take the risks inherent in this new opportunity, so Nia and Padma will negotiate for those Hippogryphs to stay behind with those Ulun’suti to protect them. Between those who leave and those who stay, Nia and Padma will arrange to set up some kind of a trade network that will also carry messages between any families and friends split up by this lifestyle change.

The Truth
Most of the rebels did not take knowing the Truth well, neither the true history of the Clearspring Alliance, nor the news of the Kawani lands. Althalus, however, has expressed an interest in joining the movement into Kawani lands with those who have come to terms with all that has transpired. At some juncture, Althalus will most likely return to Gigage Awoyeni to visit old friends who stayed behind. He has also made a request for no punishment to be dealt to the rebels who stay behind for their crimes. Padma Rukmini is willing to let the rebels go, provided they’re really sorry and they stay out of trouble; Nia Furaha has stated that she will let them go, provided those who are liable to be taken to task for greater crimes join her Big Sister Project, as an expression of goodwill between the rebels and the rest of the Clearspring Alliance.

Education
Padma Rukmini understands not everyone will be willing to uproot and follow her to living in the Kawani lands. She wants to set up learning programs back home and in the Kawani lands. What she learns will be sent back to her home for anyone who wishes to learn about what she's discovering in the comfort of their own territory, to gain more understanding of each other and expel the fears of the past that they no longer need to have. She also hopes that her people will take some things from the new lands back with them to better their own living conditions.

Will try to add a few more RP examples within the next 24 hours. Type up and proofreading done by elfstar89, including the majority of the storyline RP (with input from pippi18848 and Hoshi Lockhart).

The story: Continue the story (even as a rough concept) of the interaction between them and how they come to a conclusion.


Accompanied by the three mares and two of his own men, Algernon lead the group to a quiet grassy area where they could seat themselves comfortably enough. His mind was cluttered with the thoughts from the short exchange already. He sat slowly and turned his gaze to the ladies, his eyes lingering upon the halfbreed girl. "I suppose, the first thing we should do before proceeding is to begin with proper introductions. My name is Algernon."

Karna stuck close to her mother's side, the young half breed allowed her gaze to roam, eagerly taking in everything that she saw. From hippogryphs they passed by to the environment in general. 'These were rebels!' ran through Karna's mind. Like the ones she would hear of in stories. Admittedly is was all over a misunderstanding, but that didn't dim down her excitement. Every little thing about this trip just sent her young mind into an over active buzz. So much so that she couldn't stop herself from chirping out her name, "Karna!" Realizing what she had done, she coughed and cleared her throat before repeating in a much calmer manner, "I am Karna."

In Lumana's opinion, many from this conflict would be downright alarmed by the way the young one so readily gave up her name. The Ulun'Suti mother's features reflected calm and she even smiled a gentle smile at her daughter's eagerness. Such open friendliness was quite often the best way of throwing water on the glowering coals of harsh feelings. At the same time, she was well aware of how readily a less honorable being would analyze such a thing and seek to tap her daughter for a hidden wellspring of information. She eyed the stallion with a contemplative eye; his manner, while not putting her completely at ease, at least assured her that he was no such being. She inclined her head in a low and formal nod. "My name is Lumana."


The last mare, Winifred, couldn't help but smile at the stir Karna was causing. The combination of soft wings and slick scales spoke volumes, and her introduction was...over-eager, maybe, but she couldn't fault Karna for nerves. She was quaking in her own hooves. The Gryph had been entrusted as the final voice in this missive. This was it, this was where the real negotiations began. But hearing Karna introduce herself with such bold faith, and Lumana with her usual genteel grace, she felt her words would not be the most important ones spoken today. Humility, more than anything, was needed to ensure a good outcome. "And I am Winifred," she said.


For Algernon the outright exuberance expressed by Karna in merely offering her name was another stone turning under his hoof. How could he see these three mares as possible threats? How could he listen to their words, seeking for possible untruths or misleading remarks? Her mere presence made him feel as if he were in the presence of one of the younger foals, full of life and innocence. Merely happy to be included in the activities of those older and wiser. Yet she was no foal was she? She was a fully grown mare with notable plumage. Of a mixed heritage that, until this moment, he never would have believed was possible. Beside him he could see either of the two shuffling beside him. "Karna, Lumana, Winifred." His head nodded slightly, the feathers on his neck rustling slightly as he greeted each of them. He needed to focus on these negotiations more then on... Karna...."It is rather clear to me at this point that perhaps what we need most right now is understanding. My people have no knowledge of anything you have shared with us thus far. It is not their fault that this misunderstanding has led us to be moved to take such drastic measures, though it seems that it is not your fault for long honoring the wishes of our ancestors. The question that needs to be addressed is how we are to change this."


Karna found herself listening to the calm manner in which her mother and Winifred introduced themselves, which in turn caused heat to blossom on her cheeks. She failed to notice Winifred's nervous quaking. To her, both seemed to radiate a level of professionalism that was on par with this stallion, this leader. He must truly be great if these hippogryphs believed him capable of guiding them to freedom. Like a hero. Like her father.

Karna visibly shifted her stance while bottling her excitement deep inside. Now was not the time to let it take control. History would be made this day, and she was fortunate to be an audience. She prepared to take mental notes on just what her mother, Winifred, and this stallion could teach her on this day.

Still, she could not keep her talons from digging into soft Earth. An unconscious venting of energy brought on by the excitement that still boiled in her belly.

Lumana's smile was genuine as she would listen to the words of the stallion. No ragtag rebel here, as some of her people would be made to believe, but a leader with a good head on his shoulders and a real concern for the well being of his own. She sympathized with his plight while comparing it to her own and those who surrounded her. So much pointless fighting, so much refusal to communicate......she would focus all of her energy on ensuring that her daughter would not grow up in such a world.

And while she was on the thought of energy..... She turned her head and looked over at her daughter, so eager to be involved and to set things in motion. For there to be healing, fresh young minds like her were needed to bring it about. She nodded at the stallion. "Change will not be easy, or happen in an instant, but from experience I find that the first steps are the hardest. We need someone with passion and energy to move things forward." She looked at Karna with a mixture of pride and something akin to impending sadness. "I can think of no choice better than my Karna."

Winifred had been afraid she would have to wrangle with bullying and threats, but the most forefront concern from both sides seemed to be curiosity. "I agree," Winifred said quietly. "Establishing a venue for the exchange of information is crucial," And exchanging students was ever-preferable to exchanging prisoners. "What do you think, Karna? Would you be willing?" She asked as a follow up to Lumana's suggestion of her daughter taking part in the proceedings for peace.

Algernon could not shake the feeling that came from knowing he was being watched by Karna. She should not have been as great a distraction as she was, yet he could not keep the small part of his mind drifting to the odd thoughts filtering through it. The horns of the Ulun'Suti looked striking against her dark feathers. Her wings looked strong and the plumage full of shine. She made him think of moonlight reflecting upon the surface of a pool of water when the night sky was clear.

Yet he knew he was not here to try and impress her. He was here to focus on his herd's future! Algernons tail shifted behind him while focusing on Lumana. "If change happens too quickly, there are often things that get overlooked." He remarked with a small degree of agreeableness. Yet the suggestion that came from Lumana, and then having it echoed by Winifred brought his gaze back upon Karna. "I would..." He paused, the feathers upon his head lifted upwards slightly as he tried to subdue the sense of excitement threading itself though him.

"I would be honored if Karna would be willing to stay and speak to me...us... about your people. I believe that, all things considered, my people would be more willing to hear the words of one who shares our heritage. It would be a good example of the true potential for peace we have." Algernon turned his head a little, so as to take into his gaze the expressions of his fellows. What he searched for from them was assurance of their faith in him. The knowledge that he was making the right choices. Algernon did not doubt himself, but it was always good to ensure that those he looked out for still showed the strength of faith he needed to lead them.

It took every ounce of will that Karna possessed not to leap at this opportunity. Every muscles within her young body tensed, her breaths halted, and the feathers upon her tail stood up straight. This was the sort of chance she craved. The chance to make a difference. To do good. To be a hero.

Taking in a deep breath, Karna willed herself to relax. The words that she spoke now would no doubt be important. And this pleased her.

"I am honored, and humbled, that you think me worthy of this task," said Karna as she bowed her head. It astounded her that her voice did not waver as she spoke. Lifting her head, she continued, "Tierra will be allowed to return to her home?"

Lumana's eyes widened and she could barely contain a startled wicker. Leave it to her daughter, with her dear late father's forward ways, to so quickly arrive at the most delicate subject in this entire meeting! Still, there was no hint of command in her voice, and protective mother that she was, Lumana had not missed the steady and meaningful glances the stallion kept sending toward her Karna. She knew she ought not to take advantage of such feelings to steer the situation, but she felt a small stab, like a new horn to her chest, as she observed them.....reminded of how her own mate used to stare at her so, how he all but leaped out of his skin and feathers in his eagerness to protect her, even more so when she had learned she was with child.... Those had been the happiest times of her life, and the thought of giving her daughter the chance to have that same happiness....

But to the matter that was now before them! Lumana nodded her head gravely at Algernon. "Yes; I think now we can agree that a misunderstanding was made, and there now exists no more reason to hold poor Tierra against her will." She took the moment to look the stallion in the eye steadily and calmly. "Your people may not understand at first, any more than mine will, but it falls on all of our shoulders to bring this to a close; it will only succeed if we work together." Lumana wisely ended with a small tilt of her head.


This was going very well, so then perhaps it was time to bring their negotiations to a end? "Then, with your leave," Winifred said after receiving confirmation from both Karna and Lumana, "Tierra will return with us, and Karna will stay as a diplomatic representative of the Alliance's goodwill, and as a student of your culture," Winifred paused. "In addition, I would like to extend a similar invitation to any young members of your tribe who are interested in life outside the Valley, and it would be my pleasure to suggest that we reconvene one week from today. We have a lot to learn from each other."

Algernon felt that, to some degree, a great deal of progress had been accomplished. With a little nod of his head he turned to murmur to the pair flanking him. "Go and inform the others to release the captive. She may return home with her companions." Algernon waited for the two to stand and make their leave. He returned his attention to the three mares, then bowed to both Lumana and Winifred. "I thank you for your gracious understanding. If you would follow my friends, you may rejoin Tierra to begin preparations to return home. I am sure the members of your herd will be eager for the good news of this meeting." Casually Algernon flexed his wings, as if stretching them to loosen any kinks that would have formed during their time folded. Though in truth it was more to show off the deep richness and shine of the feathers colors as he took a step towards Karna. "And if you would accompany me Karna. I would enjoy talking to you about my home a bit..." He paused in his words and eyed the other two females so as to ensure they were a few paces ahead before murmuring. "And I must say...you have stunning plumage...."

Any Plot ideas of what will happen to them after the event?:

A period of discovery as Algernon attempts to learn more about the Alliance by visiting their Homeland and speaking more with Winifred.

Interactive periods with other members of the rebels as Algernon and Karna try to ensure that peace is established.

Karna will seek tutoring from Winifred concerning leadership qualities

Algernon, Lumana, and Karna will research together the effects of the broken artifact and if there is any way to fix/replace the item.

A exchange of information between the Rebels and the Alliance pertaining to understanding each others species and establishing favorable relations between the two.

Karna and Lumana will seek information pertaining to the disappearance of their mate/father. (A quest to have him obtained for the joy of RP)

((OOC: may have tiny changes before tomorrow's deadline))








The story: Once they got out of ear-shot, the rebel leader rounded on them, "Alright," he cleared his throat, "Let's talk."

The temporary leader of the Alliance took a deep breath. Her feathers ruffled and settled as she composed herself, "We feel its necessary that we should cover the terms of the treaty that stand."

The rebel leader scoffed, "Oh, here we go," he chuckled ruffling his wings, "Fine, let's have it." He glinted an aside sneer at his companions.

The brown Hippogryph mare went on in more precise detail regarding what was specifically laid out by their forefathers.

The stallion looked as through he was disinterested. He wasn't shy of making a loud provocative sigh. He flexed his wings. When he was done appalling the enemy he looked the mare square in the eyes, "Are you willing to hear our demands?" His common defiant smile crossed his face once again. He didn't want to hear about ancient rituals, he wanted the freedom for Hippogryphs everywhere.

The Ambassador and her daughter grew weary of the rebel leader. They kept quiet, but the Ambassador kept a careful eye on her friend. The Alliance leader sighed and glanced at her friend. The "icy" colored Ulun'Suti stepped forward and smiled at him, "We are only interested in a peaceful release of Tierra Avani. However, we will otherwise continue to uphold the treaty."

That wasn't what he wanted to hear. Especially from someone who obviously had a tryst with one of their own, throwing a heated glare over to the mixed breed offspring.

"Now wait just a minute," he snarled, "Why should we just hand over our little POW to preachy peace-loving leather-wings?"

By this time the Representative of Unity stepped forward, "Excuse me," she began. The rebel leader scowled at her. "I really don't know what has brought on such hostility when it seems to have been a horrible misunderstanding?"

"What do you mean?" he scoffed again; trying to regain a sense of dignity once more.

She stood beside her mother looking over at her and then looked back at him, "At first, we felt the same as you. Thinking that we couldn't live in harmony with others. We were in a sense accepting of those that look like ourselves, myself included, being a mixed breed. However, on our journey here we ran across a tribe of two-leggeds. We were surprised when they were accepting of us, they saw us as equals, along with such a diverse community of other Soquili, living in that idealistic harmony, of which we seek to recreate with the Hippogryphs, your herd.

"You see, we only wish to keep our pacifistic ways with you, however, we see that things won't be exactly how they were. We are willing to make changes to keep peace, yet, maybe in time, we can meet such a universal harmonic world with those we have encountered."

The stallion faltered at the comment of two-leggeds being harmonious, "I don't believe you," he had been shaken, rather, quaked to his core over it.

The mix shook her feather mane and looked at her cohorts. The other mares confirmed what she had said.

The rebels whispered amongst themselves. Their leader hushed them. He looked up at Alliance troupe, "So, harmony... that's what you want?"

They all nodded. The Alliance leader's eyes brighten, "That's correct."

He sighed, thinking perhaps he himself was jaded in thinking so close-minded. The rebel leader agreed to sit down to peace talks. The rebels grimaced as their leader seemed to have been defeated by the "enemy." He smiled wearily as he watched them leave with the newly released earth Ulun'Suti.

Under his breath he said, "You just have to keep up your end of the bargin, leather-wings..."

Any Plot ideas of what will happen to them after the event?:

- Missing Father/Husband:
+ Gets into contact again after being presumed dead. Family doesn't know how to respond to it, feeling many an emotion.
+ Has been secretly detained in an unknown territory

- The Dust Storm Barrier:
+ The future of the barrier, will it be re-erected or destroyed permanently

- Future of the Rebel Leader and the Rep of Unity
+ What will become of the youth of the herds?

- Future of the Ulun'Suti and Hippogryph herds
+ Will they be able to fully accept new terms or will the Hippogryphs seek revenge again?
+ Will even the Ulun'Suti be able to accept the terms that the Natives are less dangerous now than before when the treaty was realized?

The story:
Ata lead the others to a secluded place, far enough that their worlds would be private, but where he could see, and signal, those still watching the captive. Signals and codes were another thing that had followed from being a foal, that had become useful. He kept glancing at the little hybrid girl. Oh, she seemed to be full grown, but something about her made him think of her as a foal. He wasn't sure if it was the way that she kept to her mother's side, or if it was that he couldn't think of the union of their races as an adult, a peer, or what. Still, he kept glancing at her, as if by doing so he could see some proof, some slip to show that she wasn't real, that she was a scale wing masquerading as one of them. He looked at each of the others. "Call me Ata," he said. No need to give them his full name. Not when he didn't know how this would go. "This is Huapala, and this is Terepia."

"An honor to meet you each," Peta said softly, acting for the moment as the spokesperson. She knew that Aquene would step in if she felt it necessary. "I am Peta, this is Aquene, and her daughter Tiariana."

Ata nodded once t each of them. With his two, they were three against three. And then there were his other rebels, and the hostage in the mix. Still, his people held the stronger hoof. Great if they were playing kick stone, however Tiariana looked like she'd shatter if asked to race up a field. Peta though... she looked like she'd be fun to run with. Or maybe fly with...

Aquene looked at Ata carefully. "Or people honored your ancestor's wishes, even when we disagreed with them. Those who were curious and chose to have contact with us were welcomed. For the rest of you, we honed the agreement and did not push. Now with the artifact and the sand wall both destroyed, however, things have to change. We no longer have a choice. The wide world awaits."

Peta sighed her breath out and eyed Aquene. "If your people are willing, there is a choice, for those of mine who wish it. Could not the sand wall be repaired?"

Playing opposite sides of the discussion, so that the other could get no word in? Well, they hadn't planned that, but she was game. If she was reading Peta right, and she was playing, that was. "And lead to this again in a few more generations? And maybe next time they wont take a live captive?"

Peta hid her surprise. Where had this come from. Had she misread the other? Was Aquene angrier then she realized? She had thought the other was as capable of thinking rationally as she was, else she would have attempted to convince the ambassador to leave the talking to her...

"Wait, wait. If we did put the wall up again," Ata asked quickly, cutting in, "What about those of us who don't want to be stuck under the leather wings again?" he winced and changed tactics. "I mean, as she said," he hurried along, nodding to the scale wi- the ambassador, "wont this all just happen again if we keep on the way we were? What if some of us, I don't know, went outside sometimes, or maybe if we took a turn controlling the artifact, and knew how to work it?"

Aquene shook her head a bit. "What your ancestors wanted was a clean separation from all other races."

"However, the lack of storytellers among our kind, the lack of those who passed on that this arrangement was a choice is what lead to this tragedy."

"Working under the assumption that everyone gets out of here unharmed, I am not so sure this is a tragedy, Peta."

"I am not sure that I follow," Peta admitted.

"Look at all we learned out there already, all that we saw. We were stifling back behind that wall, all of us. There were too many of us in too small a place, and the world outside changed so much without us..."

"Wait, what did you learn? What changed?" Ata asked, eager and wide eyed. This sound like fun. "What is it like out there?" Now that there was a chance to learn what was out there, he wasn't going to pass it up. Wasn't that half the point of all of this? To gain freedom to learn about the wider world?

"If the wall can be repaired, then how about this," Peta said before anyone could answer Ata, "What if we repair it. The artifact's escort is made of both races, and twice a year the wall is lowered, so that whoever wishes to go out and learn, or to return home can? And our race will keep story tellers, tradition keepers to bring forward the words of our ancestors? This way, we can honor their wish that we not loose our culture, but we can also learn from others, and from past mistakes."


"I am not certain that the magic can allow the wall to work that way, but we can certainly look into it," Aquene agreed, nodding a bit. "That sounds like a reasonable place to start, if Tierra is set free, that is, and no further hostile actions are taken."

"Will we be among the ones allowed to go out?" Ata asked Peta.

"I think it likely that any adult who wishes to go would be allowed," Peta said respectfully.

Ata nodded to the others to set the mare free. They move back to the main mass of his people, and began to mingle, while some of his went to gather food. The promise of stories shared over the meal kept his people knotted around him, but at least they were attempting to talk to the others. Well, some of them were. Meanwhile he had to set a good example. He turned to Peta and gave her his brightest smile, one that always was followed by a groan from the recipient when he was a kid. The smile that meant that he had all the energy in the world and had found a single soul to lavish that attention upon. "So your name is Peta?" he asked at full verbal gallop. "I know I said my name is Ata, but it is short for Hinto Atahladte. I am also called H.A. sometimes, and even Ha, or Haha, you know, like laughing. Do you laugh much? I haven' heard you laugh yet, but you look like you'd have a nice laugh. Have you ever raced up hill without being allowed to use your wings? Well I did, you see, and this one time...."

Any Plot ideas of what will happen to them after the event?:
Hinto Atahladte will probably latch onto Peta, deciding that they will be best friends. Peta will probably get practice in polite ways to attempt to extract herself. Both will be amongst those who go to explore the wider world, though Peta will not necessarily have made that choice for herself.

As for Aquene and Tiariana, they will probably also go into the new world to learn all that they can about it. Tiariana will want to pursue a relationship with someone from the outside, in hopes that she can find love there, where she had yet to be able to at home. However, she still wishes to be perused, not pursuer. She will spend much time with her mother, and will not allow any courtship to go terribly far without her mother's approval. Having looked around during their brief time out, Tiariana has become fascinated with all the myriad kinds of wings she had seen on other Soqs, and will be entranced by some of them, especially flutters whose wings are neither leathery, scaly, nor feathery. Aquene has no desire to have another life mate, but if someone perfect finds her and is persistent enough, and if Tiariana approves of him, who knows what the future might hold...

The story:
The rebellion leader reluctantly lead the members of the so called 'peace delegation' deeper into his territory, instructing his vassals to escort Tierra to a secret location until some sort of deal could be worked out between the negotiators. His head was still spinning as he cast side glances at the ambassador's daughter who walked just behind her mother. His mouth twisted in distaste as his gaze slid from her elegantly curved horns, so out of place against her feathered hair, to her long snakelike tail capped with a spray of blue and black feathers. It severely disturbed him to see such an attractive young Hippogryph female sporting hated Ulun'suti characteristics... No, not Hippogryph, what was it they had called her, Hippo'suti. The leader grimaced, "Unnatural,"he muttered bitterly under his breath.

They reached the relative security of the secluded grotto that had served as the rebellion's center of operations since they escaped the prison of the Gigage Awoyeni and escaped with the artifact and their hostage in tow. "We will negotiate for the earth Ulun'suti's release shortly," he began bluntly, "I imagine you'd also like to discuss the artifact now in the possession of the rebellion, but first, I'd like to hear the story behind that," he jerked his head towards the crossbreed without meeting her eyes. "Don't try anything funny," he cautioned them, "I know of your elemental powers, if one of you so much as twitches in a way that makes me uncomfortable, I'll send the signal to have Tierra relocated, you'll never find her without my cooperation."

Ghara picked her way carefully along the rough path the Hippogryph was leading them down. She caught his discreet glances at her and couldn't help but feel a bit smug, she was not ignorant of her looks. Many a parent had come around her mother's door asking after her, but her mother was a believer in choosing your own mate. Tien Mu was one of few of her generation that had refused the stallion her parents had chosen for her, and she believed that only good had come of it. Even though he was gone, the time she had spent with her daughter's father was some of the best times of her life.

She glared at the stallion, having heard the muttered comment that Ghara was sure he hadn't meant for her to hear. Instead of letting it get to her though, she turned her head away and made sure that he could see exactly how much of her was a blend of the two breeds. She let her tail slither along behind her like a graceful snake, hoping it was bothering him as much as his comment had disturbed her.

Tien Mu glanced at her daughter and smiled to herself, the girl was taunting the poor boy, she could tell. As they approached a secluded area and came to a halt, she shook her head subtly; it was time to focus.

"I think you are misunderstanding our purpose for being here. We don't want to cause anymore misunderstandings, we just want to negotiate this situation to a peaceful and beneficial end for all." she spoke evenly.

It was best for the moment not to reveal that they did, in fact, not have any elemental powers to speak of at the moment. Better he think they had the power to do what they pleased and chose not to exercise it than think he had them at a disadvantage. This would be a delicate negotiation to get everyone out of here happy and satisfied with the results.

"Rest assured, good sir, that we have no desire to take Tierra back by force." she soothed.

They spoke for hours, Tien Mu told the story of her romance with Ghara's father, the birth of their child and finally, of his disappearance. Then she spoke to Pythius and his fellow rebels abut life among the other Clearspring tribes, which were not nearly as segregated as the Gigage Awoyeni Soquili were. She explained how the two legger's devastating attacks against their kinds had forced the Ulun'suti and Hippogryph to unite against their mutual foe and how Pythius' own ancestors had called for the 'Suti's aid in protecting their homeland from the encroaching outsiders. "That is why you grew up in the eye of a sandstorm, we agreed to protect you, at great physical cost to ourselves. We would have nothing to gain from enslaving or imprisoning you, our neighbors would rise up against us if we even tried!"

Pythius took all of this in calmly although the set of his mouth grew more and more grim as their talks wore on. They turned to the subject of Tierra, "She will be released," Pythius answered shortly, "When I have secured a promise from you that there will be no retaliation against my fighters."

Wren quickly assured him that they had no interest in harming him or other members of the rebellion. They were here to retrieve Tierra and to negotiate for peace, not to add fuel to a senseless war. "We're all on the same side after all," she said firmly, "You have our word, we are looking for a beneficial outcome for all"

Mollified, the Rebel Leader subsided and discussions were underway.

The delegation from the Alliance laid out their demands; the hostage, Tierra, was to be released without harm and the orb that was stolen would be returned. It was admitted by the rebel leader that the orb had been damaged during the attack. Troubled by the news, the Ambassador was silent for a time before deciding that all was not lost on that front. She deftly proposed that the group of rebels, led by Pythius himself, be charged with searching for a way to repair the stone. At her daughter's urging, she included that Angharad would be the Alliance's representative in the group to assist them in anyway she could. In return, there would be no consequences for the small band of rebels and they would be allowed to return to their homes (or whatever they wished to do afterwards) once the orb was repaired. Once the quest was underway, Pythius and his fighters would be fully briefed on the purpose and importance of the stone statuette that had been stolen. They were still wary of trusting the fiery young leader with the truth of it while it was still in the rebellions possession. Despite his apparent willingness to make peace, his dislike for the Ulun'suti was clearly evident in his words and actions and he had already proven himself capable of terrible deeds in the name of his rebellion.

Wren, the one granted with the authority to make decisions on the Alliance's behalf, found this compromise agreeable and personally assured Pythius that should he agree to this there would indeed be no legal repercussions for his group.

The thought of aiding the Ulun'suti made Pythius grit his teeth but he reluctantly agreed. It was what was best for his people after all and he felt it was only fair that he help to undue whatever damage had been caused to the 'Suti's because of his rash actions.

The sandstorm barrier was brought up, but Wren explained cryptically that until the orb was repaired there was no way to know if they could return the storm. The only hitch in the negotiations was here, as Pythius immediately demanded the sandstorm never be returned to its place around the Gigage Awoyeni, citing that they were simply prisoners within. The Ambassador soothed him, reminding him that it was their ancestors that had desired the protection and that if it was no longer needed then they would not force it upon the Hippogryphs of Gigage Awoyeni.

Things were rapidly tied up with a few more agreements (see future plots) on both sides, and the group returned to the place where the rebels were holding their hostage. Tierra was released and the groups went back to the place Tien Mu had left their backup to inform all parties of the decisions reached that day.

Any Plot ideas of what will happen to them after the event?:

A Pilgrimage
It is agreed upon by the leaders that there is no way things can return to the way they once were. It would be taking a step backwards to separate the breeds once more and many do not want to anyway. The rebellion was born out of ignorance and misinformation, something that the leaders recognize as a problem among the older generations and most especially among those who reside in the Gigage Awoyeni. There is also the new connection with the outside world to be considered. It is decided that children of a certain age (not quite foal, not quite adult) will be asked to make a journey to gain experience in the cultures of this new world the Alliance has found itself in.

Should they choose to accept, the young mare or stallion must spend one year with another group (in the Kawani village, with a herd, etc. as long as it is somewhere that is different from their home). They will then journey back to their home and share the knowledge gathered with their neighbors and with a newly formed group tasked with chronicling the knowledge. They hope that their efforts will foster the creation of a cosmopolitan group of young people who can lead the way for their more narrow minded elders into accepting the other races. The Clearspring Alliance has lived apart from the world for so long that there are a number of things to discover and learn about.

Exchange program
The delegates decide to propose to other important members in their government yet another way to integrate their two races. One of the largest issues between the Ulun'suti and the Hippogryphs is that despite the fact that they live together they have never made much of an effort to understand each other's cultures on a personal level. It is proposed that high ranking leaders of both the Ulun'sutis and the Hippogryphs send their children to live with the officials of the other breeds for a time, to experience their culture hands on. It is hoped that when these children grow up to take their parents places, they will be more open minded and accepting of all members of the Clearspring Alliance.

Tensions
While most of the Gigage Awoyeni Hippogryphs are happy to be free of the red sands that blotted out the sky for centuries, not all are. They fear the loss of their culture, as they did in the olden days before the storm was created, and the invasion of their homeland by unwelcome outsiders. The younger Hippogryphs are all journeying to new lands, to discover things they had missed for so many years being imprisoned in the sands. Left largely unopposed, a resentment for the new freedom festers within those that refuse to leave the nesting grounds.

Eventually, things would come to a head and the small group of conservatives would try to take over the Gigage Awoyeni grounds. They fail, and are banished for trying to make trouble into the desert, it will be as if they did not exist. Any who see them are to ignore them.

This is not to say that all of the grumbling of traditionalists are eradicated. There will always be those who cling to the past and resist the coming changes, they long for the days of the red sands once more and grieve for what they perceive as a dilution of their culture.

Unnatural
Despite the widely positive reception of the integration of cultures between the Gigage Awoyeni Hippogryphs and the rest of the Alliance, some of the Awoyeni cannot accept the existence of mixed breeds. For centuries they were pure Hippogryph and knew nothing else, so it is something of a culture shock to realize that a Hippogryph and a scale-wing/Ulun'suti can be in a relationship and successfully have children. They aren't necessarily being prejudiced against the 'Sutis, but it will take time for many of the older Awoyeni Hippogryphs to open their minds enough to see an Ulun'Suti in a romantic light and the relationships of the young are looked upon with disapproval.

Alliance Culture:
It is tradition for parents to choose a suitable mate for their children. A child is free to refuse once they reach a proper age to choose a mate but since they are usually raised around their potential mate it is not a common thing.

With the introduction to the rest of the world, this practice is nearly abolished over night and only the most rigid households still practice it. It is impractical with all the younger generation leaving to explore the world to hold them to the custom, since most would refuse anyway.

(OOC: This is just a brief example of an idea we threw around, a plot thread would be opened to all who own a member of the new breeds where any and all ideas would be heard)

The Bards:
After a few years of integration, the ones tasked with keeping the information gathered by the young ones making their Journeys decide to make pilgrimages of their own to see the things they have learned about indirectly. They continue to learn more and more about the culture of the Kawani and some even journey to outside lands to discover new peoples. They get a reputation of being most excellent story tellers and performers, and are usually greeted with enthusiasm wherever they travel. For this reason, a stereotype for the Hippogryphs and Ulun'suti arises, they are known as worldly and for having wonderful singing voices.

Reparations:
The original rebel group (plus the ambassador's daughter) is tasked with attempting to find a way to repair the stone they broke. They eventually succeed and a measure of power is restored to the Ulun'suti. Some of the damage is irreparable with their current technology so it will be no where near their previous levels, but the breed as a whole breaths a collective sigh of relief to feel their powers returned to a degree. This eases much of the tension that still exists between the two breeds and the orb is kept within a temple high in the mountains, in Wellspring Alliance territory.

In years to come it is a common place to make a pilgrimage to see the stone that changed so much for the two breeds. Other breeds of the Kawani lands are also curious to see it and the Gayatahi Adawehi Temple becomes something of a tourist attraction. It is still guarded over by the Master of Ceremonies, and there are the temple guards, who now include the Hippogryphs as well, ones who have chosen to dedicate their lives to protecting the artifact and other sacred treasures.

Individual Plots

Closure -
For Ghara (-[The Spoof]- and her mother, Tien Mu(AislingJuno): Either their father/mate returns after years of being gone and he returns to his little family that has been without him for several years. His daughter barely remembers him and his mate has built up an image of him in her head based on all the good times they had had. Both are over the moon to have him back, but it is a challenge for all. The three of them always dreamed of returning to each other and nothing changing but they find they are wrong.

Not sure where he was, perhaps he was held captive somewhere, maybe he was injured and lost his memory, etc

OR, they find out that he has been dead for years from someone who knew him/knew what happened to him.

Either way, what happened was he journeyed outside Clearspring Alliance territory and either was killed or lost his memory, or decided he liked it better outside, we haven't decided yet.

Change of Opinion
Pythius (Faithofthefallen) and Ghara (-[The Spoof]-):
Pythius, and much of the Awoyeni Hippogryphs for that matter, regard mixed breeds with a degree of disgust. This is how he sees Ghara, despite her close proximity to him and his brethren on the quest to repair the stone. Despite this he is also attracted to her and hates himself for it. She notices and, angered by his continued disgust of her, taunts him with her presence and the power she holds over him because of his attraction. Eventually, through a convoluted love story, they get together either briefly or forever.

A Journey
Wren (vblllvr5):
Wren is determined to make the new Alliance work. With the Hippogryphs of Gigage Awoyeni joining them, and the lot of them rejoining the Kawani Lands, she is determined to make everything work out. She journeys first to the Gigage Awoyeni to spend a year among them and learning the differences between Awoyeni Hippogryph culture and Alliance Hippogryph culture. Being separated for centuries, both cultures have developed in different ways and she studies them.

From there, she goes on to the Kawani lands to see all that has changed in the centuries since the Alliance cut themselves off from the rest of the world. She wants to see beyond the obvious differences, the fact that there are new breeds and nobody is trying to kill them for being different.