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 Posted: Thu May 31, 2012 5:45 pm
Setting: Clearing near a natural fruit orchard Players: Stormwild & BalrogOriginally Posted: Wed Oct 12, 2005 7:53 pm Kamiki ((RP for Storm and Balrog - others can join but let Sabin and I Have a few posts first if thats okay)) Stormwild had been sleeping on the ground, and part of her didn't want to fight trying to get up. But her muscles were starting to hurt from being in a rather uncomfortable position for a few hours. She would have never guessed lying down could have been such an ordeal, but it had taken her several minutes to get down the down with her large belly. And she knew it would take at least four times as long to get up. But finally the ache in her hip caused her to fight her way onto her feet. Her ankles were still store, despite their rest, and she said a quick silent prayer that she would drop her foals soon. She was estatic about being a mother, but she was getting rather tired of the pregnancy. Her heavy belly made it impossible to fly, a pastime that she loved, but having to wobble around all day was killig her legs and back.
She made her way over the river and drank for a while, then went to look for some food. She wasn't usually picky, but recently some grasses made her feel sick. And ironically she's been particuarly craving the soft leaves and fruits that were in the high trees, but she could reach them in her current state. She wander over to a thick tree and learned her rump against it, staring up into its bracnhes longingly.Sabin Duvert Balrog cut a firey path across the night sky, his ember hooves and burning tribal patterns along his pelt standing out like a brand, his wings beating fiercely as he raced against the wind. The cooler temperatures were finally settling in along the plains, and he exhilarated as his steaming breath was visible in the cool night air.
His whinny pierced the silence in his bold declaration of ownership - the skies, the plains, all of it he wanted to mark as his - as far as his eyes could see - and let the heavens be damned.
His eyes caught a figure plodding along the grounds, and his first thought was egotistical mirth. Balrog considered himself, well, literally above most of the earthbound soquili that were his 'lesser' bretheren, usually showing them nothing but scorn on a normal day - and perhaps - on a good day - patronization. However, his sharp eyes soon caught familiar feathers on her back and his curiousity was piqued. His kind was rare.
He set his flight in a downward spirial, broad wings catching the air as he finally landed with a grace in front of the - he could now see- very foal-heavy mare, his ears flicking forward. Kamiki Stormwild blinked in surprise as an impressive winged stallion landed in front of her, his orange runes blazing in the fading light like embers. She hadn't seen another wind soquili around this area...and never had she seen any soquili with such brands. Her interest in the fruit was quelled for the moment as she shook her mane and whinnied a greeting to the stranger. "Hello," she said friendly, flicking her tail. Sabin Duvert He snorted, tossing his mane, and eyed the mare critically before speaking a word. Her coat was well groomed, and her build spoke of good, strong breeding - quite a comely filly if he did think so himself.
He took a few paces towards her, his short, ebony fur rippling with the muscles beneath the thin covering. "I am suprised to see a mare heavy with foal without a herd - or even a stallion around for that matter." He said simply, his voice a heavy thunder - not bothering to even return her greeting. Kamiki Storm's eyes widened in surprise at his forewardness and she snorted a bit in frustration. "Couscous is around!" she said, actually having no idea where he was. She cared for Couscous very much, but she was definately a free spirit and didn't feel like she needed the protection of a stallion at all times. "I can take care of myself, he's not responsiable for what I do in my own time." She nodded defensively, thinking that sounded a lot better and convincing in her head than how she had spoken it. Sabin Duvert His nose flared as he lifted his head and sniffed the wind - the orangey-red of his nostrils evident as they pulled in the breeze and expunged steaming breath.
"I smell no other stallion close." He challenged, his tail audibly swishing in mockery. "And a mare so far along would have difficulty defending herself." He scoffed, nipping at her hindquarters.
"If I had a mare such as yourself, I would be certain to know where she was. Unable to fly with such a weight, protect herself from cougars or other dangers." He nodded assuredly. Kamiki Storm's ears flattened and she trotted away from his n**. She kicked up a bit of dirt in his general direction. "I could still take on a mountain lion if I had to," she said, lifting her chin up in the air. "And I could still fly if I really needed to." She wasn't completely positive abuot that, either, but she figured she could probably manage to get air when it came down to life and death.
"Well, its obvious then you don't have a mate like me, then, isn't it? For I don't see any mares around either." She smirked and tossed her mane, craning her graceful neck purposely. Sabin Duvert "Oh... of course you could." He smirked, sarcasm heavy in his voice as he eyed her swollen belly. "And what happens when you do have your foal, and your esteemed mate is absent - will you be able to feed yourself, your foal AND protect it from danger? It can take a while for them to learn to fly." He lifted his chin, looking up towards the heavens.
"I'm seeking a herd." He replied. "Set off own my own. Although I doubt that there are enough of us to even form one." He shook his mane. "Too many of those 'wingless wonders' soiling the bloodline." Kamiki "Me and my baby will be just fine. He'll be around when I need him to be." She tried not to look too bothered by his condiscending comments towards the flightless soquili.
To be honest, while she didn't hold such... digust towards them like this stallion obviously did, in her heart she knew the Children of the Wind where in a class all their own. They were different from them. Not better, per se, but meant to guide them and protect them.
It had never even crossed her mind that other wind soquili would dissapprove of her mating with a non winged stallion. She shifted her weight unfortably, obviously not wanting to point out that she was carrying such "weakened bloodlines" in her own belly. A tinge of guild passed over her features, but she held her head up high.
She wouldn't let a silly comment like that worry her. It was all poppycock anyway. Her children, winged or not, would be perfect.
So instead she changed the subject. "You're looking for a herd made up solely of Children of the Wind?" She wanted to join a heard, especially with children. And this stallion certainly looked capable. But obviously she wouldn't join a herd whereCouscous would be unwanted. Sabin Duvert "Well he is not here now to 'protect' you from me." He smirked. "Not that he could do much if I really wanted to hurt you. Not that I have any desire to do so against such a fine mare as yourself."
He raised his head proudly. "And of course. I would associate with no less than other Wind soquili." He affirmed. "What rubbish would it be otherwise? Running about on the ground when the rest of the herd soars above them?" His snort turned into a ridiculing whinny. "Let them be prey to the cougars or slaves to the men. It is what they were made for, after all. Let us soar above them - heirs to the winds themselves." He spread his wings for emphasis.((Vash - whee - ahhyes, he's an arrogant b*****d - but fun like that ^_~ )) Kamiki Storm didn't know quite how to react. He managed to insult her ability to protetct herself, insult her mate, and yet give her a compliment and seem quite charming all at the same time. So she just kind looked at him.
But her ears flicked back as she went off on their grounded kin. "Not so much different than us, if you ask me," she said. "I mean, just a set of wings. If we were to be injured or otherwise impared," she shifter her weight and looked down at her swollen belly for emphasis, "we are just the same as them. You shouldn't look down on them so much. You should use your advantage to your their aide." Sabin Duvert He just rolled his eyes in her defense. "We are different from them - in more than just our wings. We were given these wings by the Creator for a purpose - to soar - to set us aside. No predator of ours soars the sky like we do - we are removed from harm, and can find havens of food and shelter that they cannot access. We are thusly removed from them. By helping them we only hamper our own potential.
He eyed her belly. "And if you are so grounded - as you said before that you were not..." He let this hang for a moment, enjoying catching her in a lie "then you should have gone to safer ground with your mate before being so restricted." He tossed his head. Kamiki Storm didn't feel like arguing, so she just settled for agreeing to disagree. She tossed her head and shrugged, then looked down to her belly. "Well, I could still fly if I needed to," she admitted. "Its just harder. I'm heavy. This is hard work, you know. There's a reasons the mares carry the foals. Stallions don't have the sense or responsibility" she said teasingly.
"My name is Stormwild, by the way," she said, realizing they never made official greetings. Sabin Duvert He smirked. "Or perhaps Stallions have more sense than to be burdoned with the business of foals. The mares are tenderhearted enough to take on that weakness."
"And that is still no excuse for not finding safeground sooner." He tossed his head in affirmation of his statement.
"And I am called Balrog." he declared with a spread of his wings, displaying the markings that were etched into his hide. Kamiki "Nice to meet you, Balrog," she said, bowing her head a bit.
"And what's so... unsafe about this place? Its frequented by the others. And there is plenty of food. Her eyes wandered up to a peice of fruit hanging heavy on a upward brach. Sabin Duvert He gave an offhanded nod in greeting.
"And I suppose it is safe enough. But If I had a mare with foal I would demand she find a safe mesa valley, or mesatop... or somewhere that others could not easily access and had few mountain lions and humans." He proclaimed. Kamiki "Well, when you have a mare she will be and safe and bored and alone up on her mesatop," Storm smirked. "I want to be around the others of our kind when my foal is born so they are never alone." Sabin Duvert "Well that's good for you." He said, a slight tone of patronization slipping into his voice intentionally. "And when the cougars come after your foal, I'm sure you'll think of me" He snorted, flicking his tail and turning away. Kamiki Storm flipped her mane. "If I didn't know any better I would say you're concerned for me." she teased, as she stepped after him. Sabin Duvert He tossed his head. "I am no such thing." He stretched his wings. "Merely don't have any desire to see any fewer of us Winged Soquili. You or your foal." Kamiki "Thats sweet," she said flatly. "Maybe you and I should stick around for a little bit, then. I haven't seen any other of our kind around. But I know they're out there." To be honest, Balrog was so intimidating looking, she knew that any lions around wouldn't have to be fought because they wouldn't come anywhere near something that looked like him. Well, at least she wouldn't if she were a mountain lion.
And she really didn't like being along right now. She didn't knew when her foal might come, though she was pretty sure it would be soon. Sabin Duvert "Maybe I will" He replied airily, not looking back at her, but gazing up at the sky. "If I found you, then maybe there are other Wind Soquili around. You and your mate make two, at the very least. Maybe there is a chance at starting up a herd around here." He glanced back with a grin. "Besides, with us, our range is much greater than other soquili - we can cover a lot more ground much faster." Kamiki She couldn't stand it anymore. "He isn't, uh, a wind soquili," she mumbled, slowing down a bit. I would love to start a herd with you. But I can't if you're going to completely close it off to all Soquili. I'm sorry/" Sabin Duvert "Whaaaaat?" he responded, incredulously, turning slowly back to her. He snorted in derision and tossed his head. He wasn't sure if he should be disgusted or pitious. "You... you coupled with an earthbound? Tarnished your blood and quite possibly stole the wings from your foal?" He said scornfully. "How will you properly care for a wingless foal? By living earthbound with it? Depend on the weak mate you coupled with?" He tossed his head, shuddering at the concept.
"And if that is your carefree attitude, then perhaps it is best you would not join a herd with me." He lifted his head, turning around again. Kamiki Storm stomped her hooves in frustration. "I already TOLD you I haven't seen any other wind soquili around here before, okay?? I didn't even know if I was, you know, the only one or something. You're the first I've ever seen! So cut me some slack."
She trotted in front of him, cutting him off. "And my blood is not tarnished by anything. Couscous is a fine stallion! Beautiful and pleasant and deserving of a great progeny! And it doesn't matter if my foal has wings or not! They will still be a superior foal with such a great father as Couscous! What you expect me to just feed my children to the wolves if they aren't born with feathers?! How disgusting. You aren't fit to ever be a father with that attitude!" Sabin Duvert Balrog's ears flattened and his eyes took on a firey sheen. He didn't need to take that, epecially from a mare. Let alone a mare that had coupled with a groundbound horse.
"Well glad to see that you were so selective." He said, dripping sarcasm and a gnash of his teeth. "No good mates in sight so might as well get with a homely but 'sweet' male, who is not even good enough to keep within sight of his mare." He shook his head again.
With a flick of his tail he leaped into the air and caught himself on his grand wings. He didn't need to stay here and be criticized. He flapped, gaining height and passed by the tree laden with fruit, snatching a particularly ripe one off of the higher branches, smacking it loudly and with satisfaction, driving home the point of the glories of flight. Kamiki Her ears were pressed flat against the back of her head and he watched him, her anger boiling more as she smacked loudly on the fruit she was craving so bad. "You know, I hope you fall for a grounded mare one day. That.. that would just be such sweet irony," she snorted.
She learned heavily on the tree with a huff. She hated bring angry. Wasn't like her. But his comments didn't settle right with her. Admittedly given the choice she would have rather had offspring with a winged stallion. But she thought she was the only one. ANd its not like she was "settling" with Couscous anyway. He was a fine, fine stallion. She nodded to herself and her resolve. She wouldn't let the arrogant stallion get to her. He was at least as young as she, which means this was probably his first season of age anyway. He was probably just jealous because he had no mate to speak of. Sabin Duvert "Yeah right~!" He called down to her. "As if that would happen. ME! Falling for a damn HORSE!" HIs whinnying laughter echoed down to her as he finished his fruit, "treading air" above her.
He plucked one more of the fruit off of the tree and tossed it down to her. "Let's see this "fine mate" of yours do that." He called back with derision as he soared higher, feeling quite proud of himself and curiuos to see what else this stretch of land held - more Winds, perhaps? The potential for a herd...? Let the mare chide him all she wanted. He would never lower himself to mate with a grounded mare, to have unwinged offspring. What a laugh! Kamiki Storm just whinnied to herself in frustration, her hooves digging into the dirt under the tree in annoyance. But she let him go. He would be around once he realize just how rare the winged ones were. She looked down at the fruit with derision. She shook her mane and held her chin high. She snorted into the air after Balrog, and started off to find Couscous.
A few minutes later, she came back and ate the fruit. She blamed it on the foal in her belly.
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Posted: Thu May 31, 2012 5:51 pm
Originally Posted: Fri Oct 14, 2005 1:49 am Kamiki After a rather exhausting day, Stormwild slept for the better part of the next day. When she finally awoke, she was famished, as well as sore and thirsty. Reluctantly she got to her feet and skretched. It felt so nice to be able to stand without the weight on her belly, and she flapped her wings a few times and let them lift her weight a bit. Ah, she couldn't wait to fly free again. But for now...
Storm nuzzled her three baskets lovingly. She knew the sleeping foals inside would not be able to come out until they were stronger and could walk on their own. So for now they were helpless and completely dependant on her. Knowing it was time to find Couscous and tell him the news, she began to devise a plan to get down off the mountainside. She started a system were she would pick up a basket with her mouth, fly downwards a bit, within line-of0sight, set the basket down. Then go get another. This ladder system was effective, but time consuming. Sabin Duvert Balrog, meanwhile, had had very little luck in finding any other wind soquili save for the petulant mare he had encountered the day before. Maybe she was right about htem being even rarer than he supposed, but that wasn't about to deter him.
He continued to prowl the night skies as if he owned them, and woe be to any ground soquili that tried to bother him.
Finally, after he had explored for some time, he had noticed that the dusky mare was no longer around the appletree or even within a good five miles of it, and he - though he wouldn't admit it- flew off wondering where she had gone off to.
After a while of searching, his ears picked up the familiar sound of the flapping of large wings and flew towards the noise where he spotted her - trim now - and trying to juggle three baby baskets... by herself. And just where was that good-for-nothing ground horse mate of hers? He snorted to himself and glided silently to a higher place on the mountain to watch her, wait for her to carry the second basket down, and then with a smirk, he glided silently over to where the third rested, picked it gently up by the handle in his teeth, and flew about 50 feet away to settle on a higher ledge with it... and wait for the fireworks. Kamiki Storm flew up tp the ledge where the third basket was susposed to be and froze. Dread filled her chest and her ear flicked back a few times as she stood motionless. Then her eyes went wide and reared up. Panic all over her face she took to the air and looked down. DID IT FALL? WHERE WAS IT??
She dashed all over the out cropping, then swooped back down to her two baskets on the lower level, just to make sure she had counted right, then flew back up. Tears started to well in her eyes and she scrambled around, looking for any signs of mountain lions or other trouble. Sabin Duvert A neighing laugh soon reached her ears, one in a familar, arrogant barrotone from a few dozen feet up from where she was frantically looking.
"Missing one of your little ducklings, hun?" Balrog's voice boomed down to her mockingly. "That's what a mate is supposed to help you do." Came the voice in a very 'I-told-you-so" manner. Kamiki Storm's eyes grew wiiiide for a second, before narrowing coldly. She dashed up to him and glowerd. She went to snatch for basket with her teeth. Sabin Duvert His ears flattened and he moved forward, forming a wall around the basket with his four legs. Lowering his head and glowering down at her, he spoke up. "Not so fast there, little filly. I think that I should get some sort of finder's fee for this little basket of 'luuuuve'" He snorted. "I suppose if you call abandonment love that is." He added with an obvious roll of his eyes. Kamiki Storm put all four hooved at the ground before pawing violently at it with her front hooves. Her new runes on her coat seemed to glow a bit as she snorted through her nostrils. "That's not funny!" She hissed through clenched teeth, readying herself to charge. Sabin Duvert He whickered and stepped aside, not belying a trace of fear, just his infuriating laugh. "You're pretty when you're mad" he teased. "And are those new?" He struck a pose. "Looks like I left an impression of sorts" Kamiki Once the basket was firmly in her teeth, she pushed Balrog - hard - with a thrust of her rump and flew back down to her other baskets without giving any response except a cold stare.
She didn't know where the runes came from. They had appeared sometime between going into labor and her sleeping for so long once the babies were safe in their baskets, but she didn't remember exactly when. She had a lot of strange dreams - and admittedly why several had involved Balrog in them (not like she would ever admit that) she didn't see why that would have anything to do with growing new markings.
Back at her baskets, she tucked the three of them close together and nuzzled them protectively, waiting for either Balrog to leave or offer to help before continuing down the mountain. Sabin Duvert He snorted dismissively with the shove and waited for her to get all her baskets together before gliding down to where she was. He wasn't done gloating just yet.
"So.... all alone still? Must have been tough, huh? No herd, not even a mate." He shook his head and made the clostest approximation to a 'tsk that an equine can. Sabin Duvert "A hard birthing does not a good sire make." Balrog intoned. "And three tainted groundhorses doesn't 'match' one fine wind soquili"
"And besides, what I meant was that you should have come here before you probably nearly killed yourself trying to fly up that damned mountain. And you should have a whole herd of Wind Soquili with you to see to you getting ample food and water to stay there until the foals are old enough to fly. Or at least a sire worth his salt. Now you're just hauling baskets around to get the food yourself." He shook his head. Kamiki "Well," she said with a huff, continueing to arrange and re-arrange all the little ornaments on the baskets, "if you're half as good as a sire one day as you boast about it, then you'll make a fine father some time," she droned condenscendingly. "But its so much easier to talk about how great you are, than to show it." SHe looked him sqaure in the eyes and clenched her jaw. She was doing her best not to look bothered by his presense, or upset by the insults he kept slipping into the conversation. Sabin Duvert Balrog just laughed. "Well, I sure as hell couldn't do worse than this "Couscous" you keep lavishing praise over." He said sardonically. "Sounds like all he did was knock you up and then ran for the hills to brag to his groundhorse buddies that he screwed a Wind soquili". The lewd smile broadened. Kamiki Stormwild flipped her mane and counted to ten. "You would so be regretting saying that if he were here," she scoffed. "That must be easy to say to me. I bet you wouldn't be saying that if he was around." Her muscles tightened under her coat and she clamped down hard on her jaw. "How do you dare claim to know anything about him anyway? huh? Or maybe," then the thought clicked and she just smiled. "Are.. are you jealous of him?" Sabin Duvert "I doubt that." He rolled his eyes and shook his head. He wasn't scared of ANY ground horse. He shifted his weight, consciously letting the firebrand runes cast a warm glow over his rippling muscles. "He doesn't scare me. I don't care if he's a damn clydesdale. He's a ground horse, and I'm not. And that's what matters." He tossed his head.
"I still can't believe that you've weakened your brood with a groundling's blood." Kamiki Stormwild just shook her head, still exhausted from giving birth, and still very hungry and very thirsty. But she obviously wasn't getting anywhere fast. She laid down and tucked her legs up under her and rested her long, graceful neck over her three baskets. "Please just leave me alone," she mumbled exasperated, Balrogs incessant nagging finally starting to wear her down. "My babies will be the most beautiful Soquili ever to grace the earth. Winged or not." Sabin Duvert
He sighed and rolled his eyes. A part of him was tempted to stay and antagonize her - but she had asked humbly, and admittedly, he was rather hungry himself and had seen a rather lush-looking field of grass just over the ridge... That would be more enjoyable than tormenting Stormwild anyway.
"Sleep then - and be wary of the pumas as you do." He advised. "Without the your perfect mate about and all."
He flicked his tail as he turned, as if swatting at a fly and started to pace off before taking wing. "And we'll just have to see about that claim." He called down to her as he flew of towards the meadow.
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Posted: Thu May 31, 2012 5:59 pm
Originally Posted: Tue Jan 24, 2006 6:00 pm Kamiki *~ New RP Start ~* It was early evening late in winter. The air was crisp with a chill, especially very high up, so Stormwild found herself spending more time down the base of mountain to get away from the chilling cold. At least it wasn't snowing as much, and she found herself hoping it would be spring soon. This day she was grazing lazily in the feilds, spending from time with her son, Sequoyah. He had been going on and on for days now about sighting a mysterious new Soquili with a horn and scales. Storm had heard legends of Soquili who sported a supposidly magical horn - but scales? She had never seen such a thing. " But you said yourself you haven't been flying around as much recently." The young stallion said around a mouthful of browning grass. "That's true, that's true..." Storm replied half-heartedly, nosing around for another patch of grass. It seemed to her more like her son was getting an early case of Spring-Fever. It wasn't surprising... Spring would be his first season of Age. She knew how easy it was to get caught up in the moment. Every beautiful young mare probably looked magical to him right now. Sabin Duvert Balrog, meanwhile, with his head full of late winter restlessness, had braved a flight from the plateau he had been spending most of his time. It was safe, there was good grazing that the ground soquili didn't have access to, and it was a clear view of any predators. However, it was also lonely.
And with spring promising to be breaking relatively soon, and with it new grasses and fruit on the trees again, Balrog had half a mind to think that it would be a good time to raise a foal. Besides, if any of the wind stallions deserved to be spreading his genes, it was him.
And as he soared, he spotted a familiar purpley-silver mare. Cresting downwards, he landed heavily with a snort, seeing her with her overgrown ground foal. His ears flicked back in a mocking 'greeting' to the boy, and turned to address Stormwild, ignoring Sequoyah.
"Isn't it past weaning-time?" He jeered. Kamiki Sequoyah lowered his ears right back, holding his head up and giving a snort. He was, admittedly, an impressive looking stallion. At least, as Balrog probably would see it, would have been had he been winged. He was large, despite his young-age, and a capable-looking. He narrowed his eyes and ignored him right back. "Well, mother, I think I'll be leaving now." He had reluncantly come to realize that Balrog and Storm kept seem to "convienantly" run into each other. And he also learned a young age it was easier to just ignore the brute then bother arguing. He flipped around and trotted away, not even giving a look back. Meanwhile, Stormwild sighed and shook her head at Balrog. "As much as you like to ignore it, he is still my son."Sabin Duvert Balrog muttered "Good riddance" Quietly as Sequoyah left, not caring to discuss matters in front of the young stallion.
"Oh I'm quite aware he's your son. Still a pity.... such a pity" Balrog shook his head. "With such a fine physique as you have, you would have made beautiful foals had the stallion been right."
He whickered a laugh. "Instead... you rob your children of the wings they could have soared above all the mere ground horses. And burdoned yourself for months with their ... rather limited range." Kamiki Storm flicked her right ear back as once again, Balrog slipped his sickenly flattering remarks into a tiride of judegment. "We've been through this before. I didn't... rob him of anything. And anyway, my daugher gained her wings. Gained. Not lost." Well, it made sense to her. But she did have to admit she didn't like being a wind soquili while raising a grounded son.
"And I still made beautiful foals. I wouldn't help it if I wanted to." She let a small smirk curve around her mouth as she flipped her tail. Sabin Duvert As much as Balrog would never admit it, he liked the tet 'a tet with Stormwild, she matched his snippings, and it was a fun 'game' to him.
"No, your daughter was lucky that the impure blood still had enough oomph to grant her flight. Though her offspring may not be as lucky and may not breed as purely with that horse influence.
"And their markings might be fair to look at, but that's not where it matters." He flashed a sneeringly dashing grin. "Now we have the best of both worlds. Though from what I saw... your daughter got the unfortunate side from her sire as well or a rather .... dull coat." He shook his head. Kamiki "Your modesty is staggering," she said, looking him over. "So any Soquili that just happens to have wings is suddenly a superior being? I say, I'll take a grounded a stallion with good withers and a broad chest over a skinny thing with from feathers."
"Anyway.." she turned and nosed around for some more grass. "If you're so perfect why don't you have a herd of supple young fillies fluttering around you? From what I've seen your biggest fan is that little girly colt." Sabin Duvert "Winged soquili ARE a superior race!" He stamped. "They are strong, courageous, and the humans sing lagends about us. And with good reason. And I have yet to see a winged soquili anything shy of a beautiful specimin. No, 'skinny things with feathers'." He tossed his head and retorted.
"And that young colt ... while perhaps more... ah... graceful that barrel-chested is still a fine soquili."
"BUT~ I have been... choosy." He looked to her sideways, letting his eyes trail over her withers. Kamiki "Graceful's putting it nicely. Too bad, isn't it. You'd two make fine mates." She grinned again and raised an eyebrow as he caught him looking at her. "Choosey? I have a hard time believing any female could match up to your mind. Or does the only qualification you require a set of these?" She stretched her wings out, then tucked back back by her side. Sabin Duvert Balrog sneered in distaste at that suggestion. "I am looking for a fine mare" He returned quickly. "Though Xandir might make a good wing-stallion in the herd... he is not a mate." His ears flicked back and his tail swished.
"And yes, thank you, I do not care to distribute my genes to any undeserving earth-horse, sullying my line. But no, that is not the sole qualification. Well muscled... intelligent... able to fend for herself... and beautiful markings. That is the mare I seek." His eyes trailed over her features as he listed them off. Kamiki Stormwild tossed her hair and meandered to a new patch of grass. Though she knew exactly what he was getting at, she wasn't quite ready to process that, so she just chose to play coy. "Well when you find this mare, lets hope 'pleasant dispotion' isn't on her list of requirements." Sabin Duvert His ears swiveled back. "Well, I am perfectly pleasant when the mare in question isn't being petulant." He lifted his head. "She knows the things that are important to him and apparently enjoys pressing the matter."
He struck a stance with his head lifted boldly. Kamiki "Ha!" Stormwild belted with a laugh. "You couldn't be charming if your life depended on it. Boy am I telling you... you're going to be sorely dissapointed when this mare you seek turns you down on the spot beause of that ego of yours." She lifted her eyes to his, challeningly. Sabin Duvert Balrog strode forward, quietly, seeming to smoulder with a fireyness, his runes seeming to intensify their dull glow.
"Then she would be missing out on the chance at something great" He said barely above a whisper as his nose was mere centimeters from hers, his fire-hot breath on her muzzle, eyes that stared with such strength and conviction. Kamiki Storm was a bit surprised at the reaction. Apparantly Balrog was more serious than she had judged. She dropped her mocking tone and took a step back. A puzzled expression came over her face as her ears dropped onto her head, leaving her that to stumble of her words for a moment. Sabin Duvert Balrog didn't let the moment slip, he strode after her, keeping the proximity and the intensity behind his eyes. His 'fraternal clock' was ticking. And her jests had really hit a spot that had been irritating him for quite some time. He had originally met this fine mare she had already been tupped by the 'ground horse' that set his anger aflame, igniting his already existing disdain for the wingless.
Now, she was far from that earstwhile mate, her foals were grown, and it was coming up on a season that foals would do well in.
"There is no longer a reason for metaphors and bush-beating, now is there, Storm." Kamiki She swallowed. "I uh... I didn't realize you were serious." She took her mane nervously. "You can't... I mean... all you do is insult me and my family." Sabin Duvert "Why wouldn't I be serious?" He challenged. "I've been boasting to your heritage since I've known you. And admittedly some poor... decisions. I see no hide nor hair of the sire to your foals that left you in that situation." He lifted his head. "And how does that speak better of ground horses? If there is anything good in that wingless son of yours it must come from whatever he got from his wind heritage."
"We... owe it to posterity to pass on these genes... so that the winged soquili do not become rarer than they already are." Kamiki Stormwild flicked her tail. "I... don't know, Balrog. I don't know if I want someone with your...extreme view of things raising any of my children." Sabin Duvert He sneered. "As opposed to not raising them at all, like your previous mate?" Kamiki A frown tugged on her mouth. "Touche."
She paced back and forth a bit. Though she would never admit it, either, she also tended to enjoy Balrog's company when he wasn't -directly- insluting her family.
"This.. wasn't was I was expecting." Sabin Duvert "I'm surprised you hadn't discerned my thoughts sooner, Storm. You generally are quite witty." He teased good-naturedly.
"But think of how strong our children could be... they could be leaders... truly the stuff that the human legends sing of." Kamiki "I was surprised, I guess, because all we do is sit here and argue at each other."
Though she was avioding the direct question at the moment, the gears were obviously turning in her head. Sabin Duvert "You do not need to decide this moment, Storm.... " He trailed while flexing his wings. "But... I do not see how the decision could be a bad one." Kamiki Storm pawed at the ground with her hoof. "I should think on it. To be fair, Couscous was at least more romantic." Sabin Duvert Balrog rolled his eyes. "Well.... apparently he was all romance until you were pregnant, then he was scarce. Something tells me.... enjoyable arguments and seeing a mate from time to time is better than sweeping you off your feet and dropping you on your back." Kamiki She snorted lightly. "Maybe I want both?"
She flipped her mane and avoided his eye contact. "I think I'm going to head back up the mountain for now." Sabin Duvert "Well... think on it. My offer stands. The new shoots will be pushing through soon.... would be a great time for young foals."
He trotted and spread his wings, catching an updraft.
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Posted: Thu May 31, 2012 6:13 pm
Originally Posted: Mon Mar 06, 2006 1:28 am Sabin Duvert Balrog's spirits (and ego) were flying high - even more so than normal for the ebony stallion. Catching an updraft he soared over the plateaus, surveying the stretch of land with ample grazing areas, clear cold rivers that cut gashes through the dirt, and most of all, protection from the mountain-climbing cats that preyed on young foals.
There was a smirk on his face that would not wipe away as he returned to Stormwild, tail carried high and a prance in his step. HE had finally done it - snared the most beautiful wind soquili that he had ever laid eyes on, who was a match for his banter, and would make a fine mother of his foals. Their offspring would be stunning, and make fine herd leaders themselves one day, Balrog was certain of it. And he had finally convinced the mare that they could stregthen their legendary bloodline. Kamiki Storm was resting under a tree, her girth very wide and heavy. It would be soon now, and she knew it. She looked tired, but happyA, leaning against the tree for support. It hurt to stand, but her wide stomach made it even more uncomfortable for her to attempt to lay down.
Kamiki Awahi, a native shaman, sat cross-legged no too far off. She was diligently weaving some pale wicker baskets, the ones the Soquili tribe weaved specifically for the care of newborn foals. Sabin Duvert Balrog's ears flattened suspiciously at the human, and he snorted his distrust, despite the fact that he was well aware of the "bond" between the Humans and the Soquili.... The falling of the Soquili was that because of their intelligence, they were born weaker than the normal magic-less horses and needed the shelter of the baskets. But Balrog would prefer to have nothing to do with the two-legs if he could help it. He had seen some Soquili 'domesticated' and letting the creatures upon their backs. Balrog was sensitive about his back - ever since the pumas had attacked his herdmates - leaping upon them and digging into their proud backs with their claws. But he would never breathe a word of that.
Ignoring the human, Balrog approached Stormwild, nuzzling at her swollen belly.
"You will bear us fine children, Stormy. Fine, strong foals that will touch the heavens with their wings." Kamiki Storm leaned over and nuzzled at Balrog. "Its going to happen soon," she said, a bit out of breath. "Very soon."
Kamiki didn't look insulted by Balrog's absent acknowledgement. She didn't acknowledge him, either, instead she continue to hum quietly to herself, putting the final adornments on the current basket she was working on. They baskets looks so plain at first - a pale wicker color, and white and brown feathers for decorations collected from wild fowl.
Though without skilpping a beat, she put down the fisnihed second basket and quickly, effiently, began to weave a third. She was well-practiced at basket making, and the form started to appear within minutes of her labor. Sabin Duvert Balrog's ears flicked as he glanced over to the woman's handiworks only briefly. "Three baskets? You think that you shall dam three foals?"
He swelled with pride. Stormwild truly was a fine mare - she had bore that poor excuse of a soquili - that ground soquili three foals - and it appeared that she would do no less for him. "This proves that it wasn't that other 'horse's' doing for your numerous foals last time." He stood straighter. "And here I am by your side now... not absent and probably chasing other tail like he."
Balrog was never shy about boasting his own accomplishments - even when labour was close at hand for Stormwild.
It also helped cover him, as Balrog had no clue what he was supposed to do. Kamiki Storm glanced over to the working woman, then back to her mate. "I'm not sure. I heard there are a lot of mares out there that are heavy with foals. Perhaps she is just getting a head start?"
Something inside her turned, and the pinks of ears grew pale. "Please help me down, Balrog, I need to lie down..." Sabin Duvert Balrog harumphed at the dissuasion of the number of baskets - content to believe what he wanted to believe.
However, before he could protest her command was followed. He nodded and leaned against her, helping her steady herself and carry her heavy weight as she sunk down to her knees.
"This is good, Storm - they are fine, strong children - that's why they are so heavy. If I do say so myself, you look much fuller than you did when I saw you with foal before." Kamiki Storm layed down on her side, breathing heavily. She wasn't trying to hide her pain very much - she was fine with letting Balrog see the effort she was putting forth for him. She panted and snorted, wiggling a bit in an attempt to get comfortable, to no avail.
Kamiki finished threading the third basket and then was quickly at Storm's side. She smiled and lay a hand on her, gently stroking her belly, mumbling a few human words under her breath. Sabin Duvert Balrog's ears flicked back at the approach of the human. He stamped a foot and clacked his teeth at her as he stepped forward himself, leaning down to nuzzle at Storm's muzzle.
"You're doing well. You are strong - stronger than this pain, Storm. Push! You are giving birth to our future!" He coached. Kamiki Kamiki backed off at Balrog's threat, but didn't look scared.
"Its okay," Storm said, "we need her for the baskets."
But Kamiki seemed content, for now, to just stand aside and let Balrog take the spotlight.
Several minutes, and much whinny-ing later, the first foal was born. Small, fragile, and a solid shade of sickly grey, the baby was scooped up by Kamiki, this time pushing through to Storm quickly and resolutely. She said a quick prayer and placed the hardly responsive foal into the basket. Sabin Duvert Balrog crowed a whinny of triumphant pride at the birth of the first newborn foal. The sight of his first child nearly lending a foal's youthful energy into his steps. It was only Stormwild's wheasing, not yet complete struggle that kept him from capering about the clearing.
He watched carefully as Kamiki placed the newborn into the basket - ready to n** at any sign of rough handling, although his concern was unnecessary.
"You're doing beautifully, Storm! One fine foal thus far!" Kamiki "There's definately... more... coming..." she panted, her tail managing to flip in a proad way.
Kamiki weaved the first basket sealed, then took a decanter of oil from her pouch. Continuing her prayer, she wiped the basket's wicker with the oil. Satisfied with her work, she gingerly set the basket down at Balrog's feet. The basket was heavy and warm, and slowly, over the next few minutes, colors began to gradually seep into the wicker, from the seams outwards. It would take several hours for the baskets to reach their full luminosity.
Once the first foal was born, the other two came relatively quick...each emerging with dull grey coats, and darker grey manes. Kamiki took each one the moment they were free from the mother and repeated the ritual before Balrog could so much as even determine the gender. Between Kamiki's rush, the birthing fluids, and the overall blandness of the foals, Balrog couldn't even be certain if they sported wings.
When the third basket was finally sealed and blessed, Kamiki soundlesslly gathered her tools. With a smile and a quick pat on Storm's muzzle (and Balrog's if he would let her), she started to accent back up the mountain to her teepee.
Storm had yet to move, content with trying to catch her breath.
Sabin Duvert Balrog paced around Stormwild throughout the whole process, checking frequently on how her progress was coming - often reluctant that he did as the birthing process is not a very glamorous event.
As much as he would loathe to admit it as well, the human did her work capably and efficiently. He watched with awe as the baskets were sealed and blessed, the colors seaping through them.
He tried to interpose himself once or twice to try to get a better look at his three offspring - but he knew the process was delicate. But he would have given his fetlocks for a better glimpse to see if they sported wings... or if they would be fine strong stallions.
He was also ripe with questions. "They will develop their markings as they slumber, right? Are they males? Do they sport wings?" But most of them fell on either occupied (in the case of Stormwild) or incapable of understanding (with Kamiki's) ears.
Finally, however, they baskets were sealed and he (tensely) allowed a patt on his nose (with eyes that said that this was Kamiki's 'reward' for all of her hard work - and she was lucky to grace his velvety muzzle with her hands). Balrog settled next to Storm, pulling the baskets closer to their sides.
"Three baskets..." He mused, pride filling his eyes. Kamiki Storm nuzzled them happily, almost splitting at the seams with pride. After she caught her breath, she gazed up Balrog with adoration, feeling the closest to him now then she ever had. "They will be beautiful when they are ready to emerge," she said, putting her cheek to on the baskets and feeling the warmth seeping from inside.
"Watch after them while I rest?" she asked after a few tranquil moments. Sabin Duvert Balrog whickered in contentment as he lay by Stormwild's side, their baskets surrounding them. "Of course I will." He replied, no taunt or arrogance in his voice for perhaps the first time Stormwild had heard.
"Rest well. You deserve it." Kamiki Storm curved her neck around one, making sure the other two were snugly fitted between Balrog and herself and closed her eyes, quickly drifting off into a exhuasted sleep.
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Posted: Thu May 31, 2012 6:24 pm
The Omen
Xandir and Sequoyah find a new member of their family.
Originally Posted: Tue Sep 11, 2007 4:59 pm
For the fifth time in an hour, Xandir had to quickly spread his pink wings to catch a puff of updraft, saving him from a terrible fall as his hoof slid off a piece of unstable rock on the mountainside. He quickly recovered, hoping his friend didn't notice his blunder, despite the sound of loose rock tumbling down.
But the ground horse ahead of him tossed his mane and looked over his shoulder. "You okay?" Sequoyah asked, slowing down momentarily.
"I'm fine," Xandir squeaked through a fake smile that was little more than a baring his teeth. The wind Soquili had no idea how his grounded companion was able to do it: scale up the hard mountain terrains with so little effort.
While the mechanics of it boggled him, Xandir knew why he was so adept at the mountain climbing - he was raised by a Wind Soquili like himself. It couldn't have been easy, his mother Stormwild was not close with his grounded father, so she raised her little grounded boy all by her lonesome in her teepee up the side of the mountains. Xandir supposed it was pretty impressive, being able to so gracefully navigate the rocks... not something easy to do with hooves.
Thankfully the terrain started to level out a bit as they reached around the easternmost side, where the slope was less dramatic and the foliage was thicker and green. It was peaceful up here, away from the crowded fields and forests in the main Lands below. It was one of Sequoyah's favorite spots, and as long as Xandir was up here alone with him, he figured it was well worth the trek.
Sequoyah rubbed his rump against a towering pine tree, relieving an itch and sore muscle from the long walk through the mountain trails. Xandir took a deep breath of the fresh air and shook out his curls, relieved that he finally found a little shade. The main Soquili Lands had been overly opulent lately Xandir had been noticing, new Soquili arriving nearly everyday from all corners of the world it seemed. Xandir was friendly enough, he had no qualms about meeting new friends, but lately, much to his dismay, Sequoyah's attention has been peaked by several of the young mares now in great abundance in the Lands. Thankfully Sequoyah was shy and untrusting of them, but the fact that he seemed so interested did little to ease Xandir's heart or mind.
Sequoyah has laid down by his tree now, nibbling on some of the grass nearby. Xandir went to join him, laying close to his friend and flicking the crawling mountain insects off his coat with his tail. A crow began to caw a few trees over, its ominous voice giving the secluded cove a creepy feel.
"I think..." Seqouyah started, not looking directly at his friend, "I should trying to talk to some mares..."
Xandir's expression immediately soured, his ears shooting up and jutting dangerously forward. "Why? I thought you were... shy?" Terrified was the more correct word, but he tried not to let his agitation slip into his voice too much.
The silver stallion rolled his shoulders. "All the baskets and foals around recently... have you seen them, Xandir? They're beautiful. I...I think I would like to be a father." He pawed at the ground with his front hoof, avoiding eye contract.
Xandir gave a derisive snort, completely unaware that he was already a father himself. "There's nothing wrong with wanting to be a father, I guess..." he looked over the woods, the crow in the tree still cawing his haunting song. "But its just not that easy for us stallions, you know? Unlike mares, we can't just go out and...and... you know, and then we have baskets. It gets complicated!"
"That's my point," said Sequoyah defensively. "If I ever want to be a father, maybe I should start seeing if maybe, I dunno, I click with a mare or something."
Xandir's ears flattened against his head. "Fine, well, you know how I feel about that." He snorted and turned his snout upwards.
Sequoyah sighed and shook his head. "If... and that's a bif if, I dunno, I found a mare I liked, it wouldn't mean I would be any less of...what I am to you." Even Sequoyah didn't really know what him and Xandir more. It was a weird grey area between best friends and mates he supposed, but he knew they could never really be real mates. That just wasn't something stallions did. At least no stallions he knew. Balrog would have his hide if he knew he even thought such things. He felt his ears go hot in a flush at that train of thought and shifted in the uncomfortable silence.
There was silence because Xandir didn't immediately respond. He was being huffy, but then something caught his eye. The crow they had heard was sitting in a low hanging branch, a few pieces of jet black hair in his beak. No, not hair... it looked like pieces of horse mane. The crow ruffles his feathers then flew off, and as Xandir watched him go, his gaze came across a large circle of buzzards off around the lower part of the mountain, quickly closing in on their next meal.
Sequoyah finally mustered up the courage to look back and Xandir and noticed his expression. He followed where he was looking and saw the buzzards, too. "They're close... you think everything's okay?" he asked softly.
Xandir slowly got up. "Let's check it out, someone could be hurt."
Sequoyah raised to his feet as well as he nodded.
The two made their way down the east side of the mountain, going slowly as not to startle anyone. There was an ominous feeling in the air as they got closer to the ring of buzzards, the crows getting thicker as well and cawing mercilessly in the boughs above their heads. The air was thick with an ominous presence, and they stayed so close to each other their bodies were basically pressed against one another. Sequoyah saw the blood first, jumping back with a bit of a startle and whinny.
There was a clearing, wrought with blood and feathers. Rainbow, large Soquili feathers that obviously belonged to a Wind were scattered everywhere... some blowing in the breeze, others sticky and heavy with crimson blood. In a swallow next, a brilliantly colored basket was ripped open, enchanted wicker pieces scattered about like straw.
"My gods..." Sequoyah breathed. "What happened?"
Xandir stood there with his jaw slack for a moment, until he looked down at his hooves. "Wolves," he stated pointing to a trail of bloody pawprints leading back out into the woods.
Sequoyah came over to examine them. "No, too big. I've never seen wolves that big. Not to take out a full grown Wind mare and her baby."
The only other answer struck them both at the same time and they exchanged nervous glances. As if saying it would make it real, they stood in silence before Xandir finally whispered, "... Skinwalker?"
Sequoyah swallowed. "It had to be."
They were obviously too late as they looked over the grisly scene. Sequoyah bowed his head in respect, and Xandir followed his lead. But after a moment of silence, he looked back up, his ear's twitching. There was something he was missing. He gave a glace towards Sequoyah then took a few cautious steps into the clearing, towards the homespun nest nestled by a pile of boulders.
Sequoyah sensed the movement and looked up. "What are you doing?" he whispered in a harsh silence. "We should leave, what if its coming back?"
"There's nothing left to take," Xandir said as he approached the next, peering in, "Unless...." His intuition was right. Slightly scraped up and pushed over on its side was a second basket, but otherwise looked relatively unharmed. Xandir gently took the basket by its top weaved and gingerly pulled it out, righting on the ground by his feet.
"Another basket? Its it still sealed?" He was aghast.
Xandir nodded and gave a slight smile. "I think so.. looks bit beat up, but its heavy, and warm."
"What are...what do we do with it?"
Xandir's eyes sparkled as he looked between the basket at his friend. The crow few low overhead, cawing. "Don't you see? Its an omen! It’s a sign, Sequoyah!"
The silver stallion took a step back. "What do you mean?"
"Don't you see? You were just talking about wanting to be a father! We were meant to find this basket!"
It clicked and Sequoyah's jaw dropped this time. 'You mean you think we should... keep it?
"Of course we should!"
"You can't just... keep a basket you find laying around!?"
Xandir looked pointedly around at the feathers and blood around the clearing. "You know what happened to its mother, to its sibling."
Sequoyah swallowed nervously. "What about... its father?"
Xandir frowned. "We can't just leave it here. You said youself, the skinwalker could still be close. Maybe he'll come back, knowing there's a perfectly good foal laying here just waiting to be taken. Even those monsters can only eat so much at a time." He paused for a second. "And... well, if there's a father that comes out, he'll be grateful we saved his child. But I doubt there is."
"Why do you say that?"
Xandir puffed his chest. "Then where was he to protect his family when they needed him?"
Sequoyah rolled his shoulders and kicked the dirt. "Good point."
"Its fate, Sequoyah." Xandir picked up the basket again and brought it closer, placing it at the silver stallion's feet. "Its an orphan. It needs us."
Sequoyah leaned down and nuzzled the basket tentatively. Xandir was right - it was warm and pulsing with a little life inside, he could feel it. He instantly felt himself falling for whatever little colt of filly lay inside. "You really think it was fate?"
Xandir watched the crow with the rainbow mane pieces in his beak blink at him, almost like he was winking. Then with a flutter of jet black feathers, he flew away.
"I'm positive," he said, nuzzling Sequoyah's neck.
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Posted: Thu May 31, 2012 6:37 pm
Kamiki Players: Stormwild & BalrogOriginally Posted: Oct 2007 Stormwild landed carefully, the clay pitcher full of salt water spilling over slightly. She held the pitcher via a rope that Kamiki had tied around it for her, but it was still steady and hard to carry when it was full. She put it down for a moment, caught her breath, then picked it up again, walking towards her little thicket in the mountains where her water-basket was. It was near Kamiki's teepee, in a little rockey alcove. She pushed aside the few branches and found the shell safe and sound, sitting cozily in the giant water-skin like basket. The water level had dropped only slightly in the shade, as planned, but regardless Stormwild poured the whole pitcher in, overfilling it. Out with the old, in with the new. Sabin Duvert Balrog lazily circled over the mesa, eyes scanning the surrounding for other soquili or new grazing areas when his eyes lit on a familiar dark mare. With a cocky smirk, Balrog angled his body and began slowly pumping his wings in a descent.
It had been some time since he had last seen Stormwild, but his pride in their two lovely daughters never left the stallion. However, when he got closer and noticed the large basket that the mare was settled next to, his jealousy and suspicion flared.
While their own foals were long since grown and become impressive soquili in their own right, who was she to go off and get knocked up in his brief (in his opinion) absence without even a courteous notification?
So, Balrog was already in a sore mood by the time his hoofs touched the ground. And even though by the time he had gotten that close he noticed that there were certain odd things about the basket - namely that it was so large, and filled with water, but facts weren't about to get in the way of his irritation. Kamiki Stormwild set the pitcher down next to the water-basket and turned around to help usher out some of the collecting water on the ground when Balrog landed near the entrace of the alcove. She blinked in surprise, her ears suddenly up at attention as his approach. It was been quite a while since she had seen Balrog and she was certain weary of the timing. This was going to be hard enough to explain, and he certainly hoped Xandir, Seqouyah, and their new daughter Dahlia didn't decide to come visit right about now.
"Balrog!" she explained, stepping in the direct path between him and the basket. "It's been a while."
Sabin Duvert Balrog lifted his head in ascent, and to try to get a better look around Stormwild at the contents of the large basket. He could make out the edges of something colorful, shiny, and wet but not really well enough to discern what precisely it was, although there was a distinct odor of seawater.
Sparing civilities, Balrog tossed his head proudly. "And it seems that you once again have found yourself as caretaker, Storm. Although that looks like no ordinary basket to me."
His ears flicked back skeptically. "Don't tell me that you have decided that horses bound to the land were not low enough for you, but you've found yourself a sea-horse to sully your bloodlines?" Balrog whinnied at his own joke - not having been privvy to the arrival of the kelpi and mer-soquili, he thought that he was making a rather clever pun. Kamiki "Oh, push off," she snorted, tired from the water-toting and feeling snippy in Balrog's presence. He already saw the basket, so hiding it was fruitless, and turned her back on him and walked over to it allowing him to see, peering into the water. "It was giving to me," she said defensively. "By the fish-people. So haven't 'sullied' anything. I didn't mate with them or anything."
She hated how defensive (or guilty?) she sounded - it was really none of Balrog's business who she chose to mate with. He hadn't been around much, its not like they were lifemates or anything anyway. She snorted softly in annoyance, more at herself than Balrog. Sabin Duvert "Fish people??" He asked incredulously. "You mean there are sea-horses?" He shook his head in disdain.
"And you're caring for one of them?" Well, at least she hadn't mated with one. He told himself it was because he didn't want to tarnish their bloodlines, but there likely was more to it than that, a possessiveness at the least.
"Don't you remember how burdensome it was to care for even a normal land-bound foal? You couldn't fly to higher retreats, you couldn't pick the good grazing grounds in safety. What on earth are you going to do with something from the sea? Last I checked, you did not have gills." Balrog's mouth drew into a grimace. "And what are you going to feed it? Seaweed? How are you even going to get it??" Kamiki "Haven't you heard?" Stormwild looked at him, as if she known about the fishpeople for months as opposed to a few dasy, "They have made contact with us. Have you not seen the fish-bodied and fish-tailed Soquili that have come to our lands?" She shook her head. "And yes, I am caring for one of them. It was a gift, what was I supposed to do, leave it there for the gulls? He entrusted me."
However, a sinking feeling came over her as Balrog continued his accusations. He actually had some good points. "I'll make do," she said, puffing up. "Kamiki is helping me, and perhaps once it emerges I can find a seahorse to help him learn the ways of the oceans..." the certainly had faltered in her voice now, but she did her best not to back down. Sabin Duvert Ignoring Stormwild's accusations of his ignorance, Balrog picked up on the quaver in the mare's voice and snorted victoriously. "You should just let the human take care of the freak,then" Balrog continued. "It does not suit you to take care of something so different from you. You are certainly not suited to taking care of it. You will probably only wind up confusing it, or feeding it the wrong thing, and it will leave you vulnerable."
"After all, a bird may love a fish, but there is no where on this land that they may build a home together." He quoted with a smirk.
"Or perhaps you will keep it in that little bowl like a pet?" His prodding intensified, perhaps overstepping the line between a critic and an a**. Kamiki "It's not a freak," she seethed, once again hovering near it protectively. "And it wasn't given to the human, it was given to me, and I am a mare of my word. I am thankful for Kamiki's help, but I am at least going to see that this baby emerges, safe and sound."
She tossed her head flippantly. "And we will not have to 'build a home' together. I will hatch it, then take it back to the ocean. It is not going to be my 'pet'." She narrowed her eyes challengingly at him. Sabin Duvert The scowl remained plastered across Balrog's face as he eyed the indignant mare. "And what exactly does this fish-man expect you to do with the ... foal? Fish? If you're just going to release it into the sea once it emerges, then what will keep a shark from eating it?"
Balrog wasn't concerned. Not at all. Of course not. And seeing Stormwild filled with fire at his riling didn't appeal to him at all. Of course not.
"It should be with its own kind." Kamiki "I'll find a one of its own kind to help it once it emerges. Or maybe it can live in the river! I'm not sure yet, but until something better comes along its staying right here with me. I'm responsible for it now, and even if I'm not the best suited for the job, I'm going to do my best, Balrog. Its not a fish, its one of us.... just with fins instead of feathers" Sabin Duvert "Why wait?!" Balrog challenged. "You shouldn't risk your neck for this foal that isn't even yours. For this foal that isn't even a wind soquili. If it even really can be called a 'foal.'"
His ears flicked back again and he paced around in a small circle at the mouth of the alcove. "It's just ridiculous." He scoffed. "Fins!"
He shook his head and stretched his wings, filling the entrance with his pride-worthy wingspan. "You are too much of a soft-touch, Stormwild, and some day someone will take advantage of that, and you will be hurt." Kamiki Stormwild stopped her feet and snorted. "Because I'm not going to just dump it in the ocean, that's why. I don't suppose you just happen to know any sea-soquili do you, hmm?"
At his comment about the ridiculous fins, she narrowed her eyes. "Jealous?" she asked sarcastically.
But her gaze zeroed in on him as he displayed his wings and she glared at him accusatorily. “Oh will I? Gee, I wonder who would ever do that to me.” Sabin Duvert "And I suppose when it 'hatches' that you will magically find one to give him to. I know you, Stormwild. You will risk danger to yourself to watch this little minnow."
Balrog snorted. "I would have thought that you knew me well enough to know that while I do not sugar-coat the truth, I am honest, and why would I want to hurt our breed?" He tossed his head again and echoed her foot stamp.
"Just remember, I warned you." He said, turning and stepping back into the sun. Kamiki "You're just arrogant, she shouted at his back. "You refuse to acknowledge that there's no difference between you and Soquili like Sequoyah except a few measly feathers!"
She was seething. "Maybe I'm just so good I know I can do it. Maybe I'm just ready to step up. You're just terrified that you can't do it. I'm not." Sabin Duvert Stormwild could feel Balrog's fury before he turned back to face her with a glare that could strip flesh from bones.
"No difference? NO DIFFERENCE!?" HE spread his wings again, filling the entryway. "There is EVERY difference between Soquili like us and Soquili like him. They are bound to the hard earth, to the places that they can walk. To the predators that prey on them. They are weaker and more vulnerable and inferior in every sense of the word." He spoke with conviction bordering on obsession.
"And good. I hope that you are. I am trying to protect you. Protect our Race. And you do nothing but scoff. I have no doubt that you are good - you are like me. But I do not see why you bother." Kamiki "Sequoyah could defeat you in a fair fight - if you'd actually stand there and fight and not just fly away!" she yelled, stepping up to him. "I'm proud of my children and my grand-chidren... I don't care if they are ground, wind... or adopted. And I'm willing to be strong for them." Sabin Duvert Balrog snorted derisively. "There are methods of combat using our wings. Another way we are superior. Using gravity, using the fact that our hooves are strong and powerful and you can kick down on their soft flanks without risking your own. And you cannot be everywhere, Stormwild, nor will you always be around to protect them. You must let your bloodlines be strong and not sully them like you did once before. I thought you had seen that light." Kamiki She snorted again and lifted her chin. "What's the purpose of being so strong if you can't use that strength to protect those who need it? What's so bad about taking in an abandoned shell and helping it along? Or adopting a little pretty basket that was saved out of the jaws of a skinwalker? What do you do? What makes you so superior? What do you do to show your strength except gloat about it?" Sabin Duvert Balrog's mouth remained closed, but with the strength of a vice. She could hear the teeth grinding in Balrog's seething anger.
With a stomp of finality, Balrog turned away from her again and began to purposefully walk away. "You don't even know what you're talking about." He spoke with an eerie steadiness as he unfurled his wings to catch an updraft. Kamiki Stormwild stepped after him, but as he went airborne, she bit her tongue and held back. She would let him go, there was no use in arguing with him. She shook all over, trying to melt away the tension. She took some deep breaths and lay down next to the waterbasket, finally trying to relax before having to fetch water again.
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Posted: Thu May 31, 2012 7:09 pm
Posted: Mon Nov 12, 2007 5:53 pm Disapproval
Balrog has the "pleasure" of meeting Mahi  Stormwild stood at the bank of the river, bucket of saltwater in her mouth as he poured it over her new addition. The baby frog-horse squealed in a high-pitch delight as the warm water poured over her scales. “Warm wahta, momma,” she said, shaking and prancing about in the mud. “River wahta is coooold.”
”Well,” said the older wind soquili, “As soon as your legs are strong enough, you can walk down the ocean. That’s where the warm water is.”
Despite the chill of the river water, Mahi seemed to be taking to it rather well. From her observations in the past few weeks, she had gathered precious little about their aquatic cousins, but it seemed there were two kinds. One kind were completely fish from the midsection down, which made it impossible to leave the ocean. The other kind, like Mahi, seemed to just a regular Soquili with fins and scales instead of fur. They could walk on land, though not as confidently, and had to be kept wet to keep their scales from becoming dry and itchy. Even the fresh water of the river seemed to irritate Mahi a bit, but she slept soundly in her little water basket as long Storm kept it filled with the salt-water.
Currently, Storm was trying to train Mahi to walk long enough so she could lead her to the ocean and build her muscles. She could, in theory, just carry her down the mountain, but she felt that having it done for her would hurt her more in the long run. She would grow strong and confident if Mahi could do it herself.
Perhaps it was fortunate for Stormwild that Balrog had been kept occupied for the past week or so with the new additions to their herd. He certainly was taking his responsibility seriously as guardian of their herd, and her pride was soaring as high as he was with the three competent new members of the herd. Well.. perhaps two and a half. But he had decided, in his generosity, to welcome the little butterfly-soquili along with the majestic alicorn – she had called herself. After all, the little male could fly, and was unlikely to be challenging him for dominance. And now that they were both with baskets, Balrog made certain to keep an eye over the foaling grounds. Their herd would be even larger soon!
The other male that Maelstrom had found, Wild Wind, was a soquili that Balrog could respect – and one who shared his vehemence on the disregard of ground soquili. He hoped that Maelstrom would continue to associate with him, showing him around their herdlands, and perhaps more….
So, as Balrog wheeled closer to the home territory he saw Stormwild carrying another large pitcher of water towards that infernal water-basket. When would she learn?
But, as he was landing, he caught the flash of scales and fishy skin – it was no longer a shell…. Some… thing had come out of it.
“Dear lord, Storm… you’re still wasting your time with that thing? I thought you were going to take it to its own kind.” He pretended as if it wasn’t even there.
Storm set down the pitcher and flapped her wings with a sigh. “I am, eventually…” she said, hesitating as she looked down at the little froggish girl. “I’m teaching her to walk.”
The baby picked up they were talking about her and hopped a bit in excitement. Her eyes were huge and round as she looked up at the impressive stallion. “Da!” she said and ‘wagged’ her tail – which slapped unceremoniously on the mud like a stranded fish.
”Awww,” Stormwild chuckled, “she must have remembered me talking about you. She thinks you’re her daddy.”
Balrog scowled down at the fishy creature. It was slimy, awkward, and seemed slow in more than just the physical sense to the stallion. It was an affront – not only was it not gifted with wings - the only soquili that Balrog deemed worthy to associate with – but, if possible, it was WORSE. It had a long, heavy tail that hampered even movement on land. It smelled like the more unpleasant aspects of the ocean, and …
“you’re having to teach it to walk??” That was unacceptable – most foals did not have to be instructed in the most basic aspect of life. They were tottering around within minutes of birth, and within a day were capering about with the joy of being alive. This… thing was worse than a ground-bound soquili.
At the creature’s exclamation, Balrog’s ears plastered back to his head. “Oh no!” He snorted. “I am NOT that frog’s father! Why on earth would you tell it such things?! He is going to be a weakness to this herd, Storm – and I will not accept this!
“It knows how to walk, Balrog,” she insisted, “Just its better at swimming. I’m teaching her to walk, so she can walk to the ocean, and back, when she wants to.”
The little fish was attuned to the heightened emotions, especially that of anger, and slid to hide between Stormwild’s legs. A fishy tail clung to her back leg as the little filly continued to stare up at Balrog with giant eyes, now with a look of confused intimidation as opposed to adoration.
“And I didn’t tell her you were her father. I’ve been talking about your – and our herd. She’s never seen another stallion. See? She’s bright.”
As if on que, the little creature blew a few mucus-y bubbled out of her horse nostrils.
“Charming.” Balrog responded with droll sarcasm. Bright was not the word that he would have chosen, and he indicated no guilt as the little filly hid behind her surrogate mother’s legs. The bubbles did not enhance the stallion’s opinion, either. It just seemed to confirm the stallion’s bigoted opinion that these “kelpi” soquili were some hideous abomination that didn’t seem natural. And certainly not on land or anywhere near his territory.
Secretly, Balrog hoped that the fish would swim away once it reached the ocean, and would not be able to trek back up the mountain even if it could make its way down.
“It will be winter soon, Storm. Make certain that it returns to the sea. Soon. We may need to migrate, and food will be scarcer. We cannot afford to have this slow us down. And something tells me that it will not find itself at home in the ice.
“No need to lecture, Balrog,” she said with a sneer. “Superiority of a race does not mean it should leave those lesser than them to the wolves. I am teaching her to walk strong, so she can defend herself once she gets to the ocean. Carrying her there would do little good to teach her anything.”
”Ma –hee can walk” said the little filly. And she went about trying to illustrate. The little creature puffed out her chest and stuck out her limbs, one and a time, and stilted her way over towards Balrog. She was incredibly awkward, her joints stiff, swinging at the shoulder and hips joints like from kind of a wooden toy. She made her way towards the stallion, each of her hooves landing on the moist ground with a sinking thop.
“Apparently there IS need to lecture, Storm, as you have yet to listen!” He tossed his head at her arguments. “Do you think that all of these fish are taught to walk miles on land? Take her to her kind and they will teach it what it needs to know. It is not our responsibility to look after those weaker species.” He didn’t advocate to leave them to the wolves, but perhaps if they were not coddled by the strong, then the wolves would be more distracted by them.
He watched speechlessly as the creature jiltedly “walked” about the clearing. He leveled a stare at Stormwild while the filly was pointed away as if to prove a point.
When the little creature arrived before him, Balrog lowered his head and snorted once at Mahi. “Learn to fly, and perhaps I will be impressed.” He deadpanned.
“Ma-hee will learn to fleh” she said with a determined nod.
”Come back over here,” Stormwild said quickly, pawing with her hoof. On command the fishy filly did as she was told, toddling her way back to safety of her adoptive mother’s legs.
“Oh I listen enough, Balrog,” she said, narrowing her eyes. “I just don’t agree. I can’t just dump her off in the ocean, I have to find a proper caretaker for her.”
She gave an exasperated sigh and shook loose her mane. “Why do I even waste my breath. You do not understand. You do not think your wings are a blessing, you think they give you the right to exert power over others. I pity your foal hood, Balrog. What cold parents you must have had.”
“My parents are not the issue here!” Balrog protested quickly and vehemently. “And how difficult can it be to whinny for a fish-horse. Find one and have it take this thing to the world it belongs.”
“My wings make me strong – make me mobile, and when those with wings associate with those who do not possess them, it weakens the strong. They are a hindrance and prevent us from reaching the potential of the herd we are building. Where is your vision??”
He shook his head, at the pair of them, snorting in derisive amusement at the little filly’s determination for the impossible.
“You protest a little too fervently,” she said with a smug grin. “You lack confidence. Your like a … basket. Big and pretty but with nothing inside. Just air. You talk of superiority and this and that, but you refuse to risk anything. I am old – as old as you, if not a season more. I have mothered six children from my own womb. All of them still around, living. Most with children of theirown now. Some of my children, they have children! Obviously I’m doing something right.”
“You accuse me of weakness. But I have sired strong offspring as well – from your own womb. My wings are strong – I guard these mountains and I keep our herd safe. Do not forget this. Forget the predators that I have frightened off – the dangers that the perspective of the skies can see coming well in advance.” He stamped his own hoof and spread his wings with a snap.
“And your blood is strong, Stormwild. If only you had had the sense to breed true with those with wings alone and not mongrelize that strong bloodline with inferior horses.”
Mahi was feeling uncomfortable with all the yelling, and pretended to suddenly be very interested a few blades of grass peaking up from the mud.
Stormwild sighed and lowered her head. "I'm sorry, Balrog," she said. "You are not weak... I did mother your foals...and they are wonderful. But I do wish you would support me. Have a little bit of trust. Mahi does not carry my blood, just my love."
His ears still stayed back, his pride was rankled despite the apology.
"I have said before, Stormwild. I believe in your strength. You have my respect - and that is one reason I chose you for a mate. But I do not think that you should take unnecessary risks - to both yourself and our herd."
He snorted, finished with this conversation.
"I won't dissapoint you," she said seriously. "But I have to do this. She'll be swimming on her own before the first frost, I promise."
She sighed and turned her back, nudging Mahi back towards the teepee.
Balrog did not look pleased. Not in the least. But he did stop arguing.
"Make sure of it." He clipped. "Meanwhile, I will watch for predators." And with that, he took to the air again.
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Posted: Fri Jun 01, 2012 5:41 am
Posted: Mon Apr 06, 2009 7:41 pm Storm & Balrog Have Been Accepted into ELDERHOOD! Original URL: http://www.gaiaonline.com/guilds/viewtopic.php?t=15039111&page=1Sabin Duvert Name of Soquili and Link to Image: Balrog Balrog's CertLink to Teepee:Sabin's TeepeeBalrog & Stormwild's Herd ThreadLinks to RP(s) that show the Soquili has met both the first and second examples of 'what makes an Elder':Balrog's life has been focused on proving his strength and mettle, not just of himself but of his herd. He started out as a brash, secretly insecure young stallion fleeing from a decimated herd of primarily ground soquili - one being his own mother. He had been seen as a protector of that herd, being the only gifted with wings from a father that had not stayed. In order to cope with his failure, Balrog adopted a scathing opinion of the weakness of ground soquili who could not protect themselves from predators. He set out, seeking other soquili like him - to be surrounded by such strength. Over time, Balrog joined with Stormwild, a beautiful wind mare who he saw worthy of his affections, after taking it upon himself to point out the error of her ways in mating with a ground soquili. His herd thread, of which Balrog is the protector, is Here and not only logs most of the RPs of the herd, but also has all of its members and the herd philosophy. He very much considers himself a leader of the herd, and has been instrumental in shaping the ideals of the herd (which were his own) - focusing on the strength of the blood, the power of those soquili blessed with the ability of flight. But over the years, his pride and (some would probably say bigotism) in favor of his own wings has evolved into a pride in his family lines and herd group. What follows are a selection of RPs that highlight Balrog's story: his development over time and some of the main conflicts and life-shaping incidents:
Balrog meets Stormwild - The Brash, argumentative young stallion Balrog meets his future mate, Stormwild, and is quite vocal about his ideals.
The Formation of the Herd
A Proposal - In his own headstrong way, Balrog offers to be Stormwild's mate.
Balrog's First Children - Balrog begins to mature with the arrival of children.
The Herd Grows - Balrog is a very important decision-maker in the herd, making sure that new members understand the philosophy and are willing to follow it.
They All Will Pay - Balrog is fed up with ground soquili in his herd and his feeling of being out of control, and his affair with what he perceives is a more like-minded soquili, Anemone.
Stormy Skies - In which there is a fissure in the herd, and Balrog's grand ideal is finally realized. His herd becomes only comprised of winged soquili, the other 'lesser' members of the herd leave.
Aftermath - in which Balrog's future children with Anemone is discussed with Stormwild and decisions are made. Balrog realizes that his herd is most important, and with Stormwild, makes the decision to focus on the future of their herd and the strength of its members.
Welcome Little Prince - Balrog's son, Firestorm, is born and welcomed into the herd by him and Stormwild.
O Restless Warrior - Solo RP with Balrog reflecting on his life and his herd.
Rebellious - A strong son is sometimes more a headache than a boon. Firestorm takes a great deal after Balrog, and not as mindful as Balrog would like. A hint at things to come in the future!
Why would your Soquili (IC) choose the Elder path? Balrog sees himself as more than a role model for his herd, but as a driving force shaping their beliefs. He is a teacher to the foals, instructing them in the ways of the herd, but more than just the power of those with wings, but also valuable life skills. He teachers the young colts how to defend their territory and fledgling foals against cougars and other predators. He teaches the foals how to fly, and how to embrace the winds and exalt in the miracle of flight. He has embraced the teachings of his and the herds' totem, Thunderbird, and seeks to model himself and his herd after his ideals of strength and power. He sees new life in the herd as the ultimate success. He values the herd and its overall strength above anything else. And he sees himself as an authority in the herd, a source of knowledge and enforcer of the rules. He does not balk at confrontation if he sees it necessary, frequently patrolling the border of the herdlands to ensure its safety. Why have you chosen the Elder path for your Soquili OOC? Not only is Balrog my first soquili, but he's become over the years kind of the mascot for my soquili herd and interest. I've commissioned artwork of him (by the artist who did the original soquili lines, Leelakin!) , I've grown very attached to him, and have built up multi-leveld plots around him and his herd and family group. He's evolved as a character, and yet still stayed true to his stubborn nature. Of all my soquili, he really is the only one I see who truly fits the concept of an elder - both in his position in life and his force of personality. Not only that, but for a long time, I have really wanted Balrog specifically to take on the mantle of Elder. Despite the fact that he's old enough for me to have had his stats go to 100% automatically when stats were done differently when the shop was new, I lacked the foresight of having a teepee in the early days. While I did RP him before I had a teepee quite regularly, I didn't make a teepee until October of 2007. Since then I've RPd him very regularly and have built his stats up to 100% from that point, and have continued playing him (and certainly will continue to do so!) after that ^.^ Kamiki  Name of Soquili and Link to Image: Stormwild
Link to Teepee: [The Teepee] [The Herd]
Links to RP(s) that show how the Soquili has grown over time, proving his or her development into an Elder:
These are the RPs I think most directly influence Stormwild's progression from a young stubborn filly to a proud, weathered, experienced matron of her own herd:
Stormwild meets Balrog - Young and heavy with the foals from her union with Couscous, Stormwild meets the pround Wind Soquili that will shape her life forever. This was an in-thread RP on Oct 12 2005.
Thoughts - Storm begins to realize the difficulties of raising her non-winged son, making her consider Balrog's words more seriously.
Herd is Official - Stormwild and Balrog form their herd, and she stands her ground about letting her son be a part of it, even though he does not have wings.
A Proposal - Tensions rise between Sequoyah and Balrog; Balrog offers to be Stormwild's mate.
Stormwild gives birth to Barlog's children
Sweet Shell of Mine - Stormwild saves a mysterious shell from predators, which turns into a kelpi she adopts as her own. This was an entry to an RP contest that I won during the kelpi event.
Sequoyah's Exodus - Sequoyah sees the pain his mother is going through. It's evident she loves Balrog with all her heart, but tensions between the ground and winged members of their herd have come to a head, and he tells his mother he is leaving.
Stormy Skies - Balrog and Stormwild have a conversation long-coming: regarding the leaving of their herd by the non-winged soquili, and Balrog's mating with Anemone
All things in time... - Stormwild learns to put aside petty jealousy and be strong when Balrog needs her the most, after Anemone leaves.
The Coming of Spring - As Stormwild and Balrog wait for his basket to open, they reflect together. For the first time, Stormwild feels her age, but with it - peace.
Welcome, Little Prince - Stormwild welcomes Firestorm into her life, accepting him as her son
Why would your Soquili (IC) choose the Elder path? Stormwild feels a deep responsibility for everyone in her herd. She arrived in the Kawani lands as just a young inexperienced filly, but quickly the events in her life swept up around her. She was a mother at a young age, and faced many challenges in raising a son when he could not share the skies with her.
She has fallen in love with a stallion who both challenges her and completes her. Her relationship with Balrog has not always been affectionate, or even kind. She has learned the hard way that love is complicated and trying. Balrog has brought out the best in her: her beauty, her strength, her courage. Through their tumultuous relationship she has learned to mature and rise above a painful situation.
She has experienced the sharp pain of sacrifice, and the soothing success of compromise. For her herd to survive, Sequoyah had to break away from it, and he took all the other non-winged with him. Sequoyah made the choice for her, but she had to eventually learn to accept the fact that her son's exit from the herdlands was necessary to keep the herd strong and true to its heritage. However, her children are not far from her; Sequoyah making his own herd in the valley at the base of the mountains. Storm makes an effort to visit them frequently, and would gladly fight to the death for any of them.
Her life has been a true journey, and you can see real growth in her attitude and view on the world. Being an Elder would feel so right to her. Being a Soquili who has experienced so much, she would feel that she had wisdom and knowledge to lead many more generations of Soquili to their paths.
Why have you chosen the Elder path for your Soquili OOC? First of all - she's old! xd I got her on September 2, 2005. Not only was she my first Soquilil, she was the first Wind Soquili in the shop, and won from the first custom auction. I've made an effort to RP her over all my other Soquili and she's still my most treasured ones. Playing Stormwild ICly, I won an RP contest with her during the kelpi event, which is how I got Mahi. I feel that she's perfect Elder material because of her long life, wisdom, and experiences. Of course her stats are all at 100% - I feat she made before the major overall of how stats are calculated. She has been the constant in my life at Soquili, and I want nothing more for her than to finish her journey with such an honor!
Soquili After much deliberation, we have come to our decision.
The following have been accepted into Elderhood:
Balrog, roleplayed by Sabin Duvert
[shall be colored by Merangue]
Bella, roleplayed by Uta
[shall be colored by Natsube]
Draven, roleplayed by Skye Starrfyre
[shall be colored by Endejester]
Eloran, roleplayed by Talencia
[shall be colored by Lilwolfpard]
Helaku, roleplayed by Excited Apathy
[shall be colored by Lilwolfpard]
Nagual-An, roleplayed by EchoLimaFoxtrot
[shall be colored by King Inversitle]
Stormwild, roleplayed by Kamiki
[shall be colored by Sirenz]
If any of you would like a tattoo added to your Soquili, please PM your colorist within 24 hours to let them know which tattoo is to be added on to your Elder. If you prefer no tattoo, then please disregard this note.
To the rest who participated, we want to thank you all for applying, and please please do not be discouraged. Many of you are on the right path to having your Soquili meeting the Elder criteria, and a couple of you are extremely close to achieving the status. A few things we noticed that entries lacked were:
- roleplay outside of family. While development is key and a Soquili's family is a wonderful way to achieve that development, an Elder is a role model and leader in the community, not just in the family. Have your Soq get out more and RP with others! Have your Soq give advice, or be put in a situation where they perform a role an Elder would do. Would they give advice, assist a creature in need, take charge in a dire situation?
- develop the role of a leader. Many of the entries did wonderfully in showing the development of the Soquili's character, from the start up until the current point in time. Part of that development, however, to prove worthy of Eldership, needs to show your Soquili as a capable leader figure. This can be developed through further roleplay where your Soquili takes charge, or finds him/herself in situations where a leader is needed.
This is not a competition, so we do not want any of you to walk away feeling as though you've "lost" in this application process, if your Soquili was not approved for Eldership this round. Just as in this opening, we have every intention of keeping the applications from being limited, so that all who are qualified for the honor will receive it, and none will be turned away due to slot limitations. Consider this as an opportunity to have your Soquili progress to the next stage of their life, where they are judged against themselves and not against other contenders. With effort and hard work, most Soquili who possess the desire and ability to be a leader in the community are capable of achieving the status of Elder.
We will open another round for applications in the next few months, and we hope to see you try again in the upcoming opening. <3
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