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 Posted: Mon Jan 26, 2015 6:38 am
 The trip through the Mountain pass had been uneventful, the pass had been barren and empty, almost as though any creatures which might reside there had fled at his coming - it was an image that rather pleased Drathan even if it meant that the passing had been somewhat dull. The thought of all the local residents fleeing in terror at the mere rumor of him was enough to make the stallion inwardly swell with pride, only the most mighty of warriors brought about such a strong response and he, Drathan, was hell bent on becoming the mightiest of them all. This was a good start.
In any case if the mountain pass had been dull then the lands beyond were anything but, descending into the valley beyond Drathan saw before him a vast and fertile land, although his herd this trudged through the harsh and snow covered heights spread out below them was a sea of green, forests and meadows and a hint of blue in the far distance hinting at something else entirely, it was nothing like the enclosed and maze like land of the mountains he had come from, here the land was wide and open, greenery filled the land as far as he could see and was not sequestered in small valleys and gullies, not enclosed by mountain paths and craggy cliff walls...no here it was all open and he would rule it all, here he could conquer not just an empire of small valleys but an entire land. It would be glorious and he was eager to start.
First thing was first however, he must get his herd to more hospitable ground, although the draft beasts were carrying suitable forage items it would not keep the herd for long...no they must move down into those warm and lush looking lands and with a glance at his cold and weary herd he doubted that any of them would complain. Once below they would find and establish a suitable base camp..there his warriors could rest and regain the energy they had used up trekking through the high mountains.
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Posted: Mon Jan 26, 2015 6:55 am
 The pass had been much longer than Morgella has anticipated. Granted she had been occupied with ensuring the herd would have enough food and healing herbs for the journey and the days to come that she had not been able to find out exactly what the journey would entail. Even though her legs were tired from the long walk, Morgella couldn't help but feel her heart lift upon exiting the pass. There spread out before her was not only Drathan's army but just beyond were the lands he would soon be conquering. Even though what she saw was only just a sliver of the lands she could see already that they were rich with life. This would be Drathan's legacy here, crossing these lands with his army and forcing all those in it to either join him or bow to his authority.
Walking over to Drathan the mare inclined her head before casting her gaze out to the lands once more. "So much potential." She said, her voice tinged with awe. There would be so many new plants she and her healers would discover and need to test to see if they contained healing properties or were something to avoid. It had not been easy to stand and watch the rest of the herd venture into the pass while remaining behind. But Belocc knew how important it was for Drathan to leave him behind until the end. Though the warriors had been organized, one could never predict what would happen in the hours in took to move from one side to the other. And so he remained here passing on further instructing and getting the odd report on the progress of the army. They were making good time considering the length of the pass and how many Soquli were moving through. When it was at last his turn to make the journey with the final group, Belocc took this moment to leave a final set of instructions with those few who would stay behind to continue gathering supplies. They would remain on this side of the pass until summoned, likely a few days after the herd had settled and come to fully understand their new lands.
Though his body registered how long the journey was through the pass Belocc felt like it passed in mere moments. Before he knew it he was emerging from the rocky walls to see Drathan and his many warriors. A quick survey told him everyone had made in through without issue. There was an obvious weariness that radiated from the herd, but such was to be expected after such a journey. But even in their current state Belocc knew that the warriors could rally immediately if a threat came upon them. Moving to Drathan the stallion inclined his head to his commander. "Everything went smoothly I see." He said before nodding to Morgella as well. "Those who remain behind will continue to gather supplies until they are summoned. I have left a few warriors with them in the off chance they encounter trouble but I do not see that happening." After all, Drathan had thoroughly ravaged those lands, so it would take a long time for those destroyed herds to reband and put up anything close to resistance.
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Posted: Mon Jan 26, 2015 7:08 am
"Indeed." Drathan agreed as Morgella joined him "I have never before seen such a wide expanse, a land not hemmed in by rock walls and small passes..." The stallion stated. "Even from these heights I can see trees I do not recognize and that hazy blue in the distance...it looks like water but it is far larger then any water I have ever seen." Yes there was much potential in the lands below and Drathan would ensure that such potential was put to good use.
Before he could start to question Morgella on the time she would need to start documenting these new plants they were joined by Belocc and the stallion turned his head from the great view before him to give him second a respectful greeting. "It was almost dull truly...a compliment to the planning by both of you I'm sure." The stallion complimented both of them. Hearing Belocc's plan for his old lands the stallion snorted slightly. "The herds back there are well heeled - we will of course continue to send warriors and gathers back as needed to ensure they stay that way..and that we are well supplied, I am not sure that all the plants require to keep the gods happy will be found in this new land...but we won't know for sure until we descend into the treeline. That will be today's goal..we will move the army downwards until a suitable base camp is found."
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Posted: Mon Jan 26, 2015 7:20 am
Morgella nodded. Yes, it was a nice change of scenery from the previous lands. Granted Morgella did enjoy where they came from. It was a challenging land to live in, especially when it came to feeding and healing such a large herd, but she had learned well from her predecessors where to find the plants that were needed and how to use them. This land was lush, full of life but she had no idea what all the plants were and what their uses were. It would take a great deal of time to do all the research needed, so it was good she had left her more apprentice healers behind to continue to gather what they would need until she could determine whether those plants, or suitable alternatives, could be found here.
Seeing Belocc the mare bowed her head to the second in command. Though she still had things to discuss with Drathan, she knew that his conversation with Belocc was more important. So she would listen and wait for Drathan to return his attention to her.
Belocc inclined his head once more. He was pleased to hear that Drathan was happy with how the move had gone. Perhaps another warrior in the army could have done an equal job in organizing things, but the fact that Drathan always left such decisions to Belocc spoke a lot of his respect and need. "It would not serve the army any good to have them come into this land in a state of chaos." He commented. Nodding his head he let his gaze move across the land once more, noting the lay of the land, where the trees and streams appeared to be, but they would not know for sure what truly lay ahead until they were on their way. "I can have scouts sent ahead. Those which are land bound can find a suitable path for the army to travel on, while those winged scouts can fly ahead and find an area that fits our needs for the short term." This would after all only be their initial base of operation while they adjusted to his new land and made plans to take control of it.
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Posted: Fri Feb 20, 2015 8:02 am
Drathan knew that Morgella still had things to discuss with him but he also knew that the mare would wait while he spoke with Belocc. they could not stay here by the pass for too long or the warriors would get antsy and while this land was lush this tiny area so high in the mountains still would not support his army for long - no they needed to move downwards and Morgella knew that.
turning his attention to Belocc, Drathan nodded in agreement "Yes that was much to my thinking, this area is too sparse to support the herd for very long, we must move downwards as soon as manageable, send your scouts and tell them to be swift, I wish to begin set up on the forward base within a few days time." He told his second knowing that the stallion would pick his swiftest scouts. "Morgella? You have things to discuss as well I believe?" He questioned the mare, turning his attention back to her.
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Posted: Fri Feb 20, 2015 8:25 am
Belocc bowed his head slightly. "I will see to it immediately." Nodding to Morgella, the stallion left the two of them to see to his task. It only took him a few moments to select the scouts that he would send out. While all the scouts were efficient at their jobs, some he preferred for certain tasks than others. He had picked out eight this time, four ground bound and four winged. "We have made it to the new land, but our journey is not complete. This area will suit the army for only a short time. It is your job to scout ahead and find a suitable place for Drathan to form a base for the time being. You know what is required to keep this herd going, food, water and a secure place to formulate our next moves." He paused and looked over each of them. They woudl be tired from the journey but that wouldn't stop them from completing their orders.
"Time is of the essence. Fan out and find a place for us to settle. Report back immediately with your findings. Drathan wants us to be on the move in a couple of days. Dismissed." Immediately the scouts set off, some on land and some in the air. He had no doubt that they would soon return with a place for the army to settle down in. Gazing back at Drathan, he saw the stallion was speaking with Morgella, so he took this opportunity to make the rounds and check in with the members of the army.
Morgella nodded as Belocc left and then turned to Drathan. "Yes, there is something I must discuss with you." She said, her gaze ticking to the land before them before returning to the leader. "Now that we have finally made it to these new lands it is imperative that I find out as quickly as possible the resources that we have here. The further we move from the pass the longer it will take for the supplies from the other side to reach us. I would like to send out several groups to begin gathering native plants so that we can determine which ones are useful for us. Each group should consist of a healer, a drone and several warriors." She paused for a moment to consider before continuing. "Perhaps a scout as well if some can be sparred, as they can return the gathered materials faster than any other."
Since the herd would be here for a day or two while the scouts were looking for a base for them to settle on, this was the prime time for her to start gathering and analyzing, but she needed some of Drathan's warriors to help, and she would not take them without his permission. "The quicker we can determine how viable the plants of this land are, the sooner I can pull my remaining healers from the other side of the pass to better serve your army." One the battles began over here, she wanted her healers and herbs at full strength and not to have to wait days or more for a supply of necessary herbs to reach them.
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Posted: Fri Feb 20, 2015 8:40 am
Drathan nodded to Belocc as he set off to do what he was asked, if they were lucky the scouts would encounter suitable ground somewhere close by and they could begin the next stage of the plan swiftly, but even then it would take several days to move and establish things. Ah if only he could stamp his hooves and have such tasks accomplished instantly!
Sighing inwardly he turned his attention to Morgella once more, listening attentively as she spoke, he had expected this sort of request from her and so the stallion was not surprised..it made sense to start taking inventory of the items they could get here right away and he also knew that the mare would be eager to locate new plants with new uses.
"Your request for warriors comes at a good time, while we search for and then establish a base camp it certainly won't do to leave the warriors to their own ideas, they are fighters and used to being active...standing about will only lead them to boredom and trouble, guarding your healers and drones will give them something to do and we have more then enough to spare a few as well as keep a guard up here..you may speak with Belocc about which warriors you wish to use, as long as he has no issues with it you may choose whom you like."
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Posted: Fri Feb 20, 2015 9:03 am
She had full faith that Drathan would accept her idea and allow her to take some warriors to see to these gathering trips. But even so, she didn't ever assume such a thing. He was her superior, and as such she always asked him, unless it was a life or death matter, then it would be her decision - for the most part. "Idle healers are just as bad as idle warriors." She told him. Perhaps not in the same way, but healers needed to constantly have something to do to keep them happy, even if it was simply moving their stores around, gathering new plants or working on a new combination of herbs. "I will see to selecting those that will go right away, but leave a few behind to tend to those here." While there were no injuries now, it was always good to have a few healers on hand even in the quite times.
Bowing Morgella turned and sought out Belocc. The stallion was easy enough to find, walking among the warriors, checking on how everyone was. She approached as he left a group of four warriors. "I will be sending some of my healers out to start collecting native plants. Drathan has given me permission to choose which warriors and scouts to send with them, unless you have those who you wish not to attend to this duty, I will start picking them so they can be sent out."
The warriors were all in high spirits now that they were in the new lands. Sure they would need to wait a short time before things truly got started, but this was a major step for them. Belocc was going around speaking with them, it was good for them to have regular interactions with their superiors, when Morgella approached. He listened to the mare speak and then considered. "I have no issues with that. I am sure than any of them will be more than willing to get some activity such as this. As far as scouts go, pick any expect Urd, as I will be sending him back through the pass to report the armies successful journey to these lands back to those who remain on the other side."
After ensuring that there was nothing else that the mare needed, Belocc left her to her duties. After talking with a few other warriors Belocc made his way back to Drathan. "They are already discussing the battles ahead, eager to stomp on this lands herds and forcing them to bend to your will or fall." But that kind of talk would only get them riled up, and with no where to go they yet they would need to make sure that pent up energy wasn't put to ill use. Even in a well disciplined army like Drathan's too much idle time for warriors could lead to fighting among themselves simply to let off steam, but those fights could quickly escalate into something bigger.
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Posted: Wed Mar 04, 2015 11:10 am
Drathan nodded as Morgella left, it was intriguing to consider what new plants they might find here, although the uses of various plants had never been a focus of his he was always interested to know things that might help or hinder them in their progress..the saying that knowledge was power had a great deal of truth to it and more then once Drathan had used knowledge rather then force to beat his foes.
His inner thoughts were interrupted a short time later with the return of Belocc "It is good to hear they are in good spirits..I do not intend to let them linger overly long, the scouts will no doubt locate some locals nearby whom we will have t deal with." He stated before continuing "Morgella has spoken with you? She seemed eager to get her healer out and working as well."
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Posted: Wed Mar 04, 2015 12:47 pm
So, she would have the pick of the army. With only one stallion that she could not pick Morgella had a bit of work ahead of her. She knew well who was who and what strengths they had. Really, she could randomly pick several warriors and just go with that, but as this was a critical mission, she would not rush into the decision. Instead she began wandering through the warriors, looking them over. Any that looked overly anxious to be on the move would likely be the ones she would pick, as they would become a problem for Drathan if left idle for too long. But so far none stood out to her in such a way.
Even so she continued her inspections, stopping to idly chat with a few of them as she went. She did select a few as she moved through the throngs, whispering to them, giving them a few instructions to gather in a certain area, before moving on. She had no idea what they would encounter, so she would need a decent sized group to accompany her, a few other healers and some drones out. Since it would take many trips to work out what plants were useful, she would rotate through the warriors that weren't actively being used by Drathan for her purposes.
"I have no doubt that we they will find out initial targets as they look for a place for the army to settle." The scouts had, before the army moved through the pass, ventured a far distance out to see what lay in these lands, and had encountered quite a few Soquili. Some of those appeared to be travelers, others were established groups, but they had not stayed long enough to judge whether they resided in that territory permanently or temporarily. Either way, Belocc was looking forward to spreading Drathan's message across these new lands.
"She spoke with me." He said with a nod. "I gave her free range in choosing who she will take with her." He informed his leader. He doubted Drathan would mind, as the herd would be fairly idle until they found a location to set up camp and march out from there. "It will be good to have her analyzing the plants here. Some look similar, but that does not mean they can be used in the same way as the ones we have encountered before." Belocc didn't know a great deal about plants, but he knew sometimes there were mimic plants that looked, smelled and even tasted like a useful plant, but was indeed poisonous. Best to let those knowledgeable in that area do the work.
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Posted: Thu Mar 05, 2015 9:11 am
Drathan nodded as Belocc voiced the thoughts he had been having himself, and while it was welcome news it was also something to ponder in other ways. This was a larger land, and while his army had been adequate in the old world it would have a limited reach here unless they grew...as such the stallion planned on keeping an eye out for potential recruits as well as enemies. New lands called for new ways of thinking but that was a subject the stallion would broach later - he certainly wouldn't take recruits from any herds in the immediate area, that would be too great of a security risk..no recruiting would have to wait until his hold here was secure and strong. His army was large enough to do that as it was.
"I'm sure she will choose well." Drathan commented, Morgella was no fool she would pick those best suited to the task at hand. "Yes, I have seen some plants already that I have never seen before and as we move farther down I expect that number will only increase..there is a great deal of green in the distance." He remarked, Certainly far more then had ever been seen in their homeland of rock and snow and thin tough plants.
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Posted: Thu Mar 05, 2015 9:19 am
After a little bit more time Morgella had her first group ready to go. It was a decent sized group for the task she was undertaking, but with so many unknowns in this land she had be be prepared for anything. The last thing she did was gather a few healers and some drones. There were many plants to gather and bring back, so having more healers with her was essential. Satisfied with the numbers in the group Morgella led the way.
She paused for a short moment beside Drathan and Belocc before leaving. "Let the pillaging of the land begin." She told the stallions with a smile and then set off with her group, ready to see just what this land had to offer for them.
"She knows them well. She will pick the best." He confirmed. Morgella had spent nearly her whole life among this army, she knew the warriors just as well as he or Drathan did, and he knew that she appreciated the way that they could work together regardless of the task set before them. Herb picking wasn't the most glorious of things to do, but the warriors would do it because one day they may need healing and then they would be at the mercy of Morgella and her herbs.
"The healers will certainly be kept busy as we move forward." Indeed the land was very green, far more so than the old lands. As Morgella stopped, Belocc nodded to her. He stood with Drathan as he watched the mare and her group venture out, beginning another step in their domination of these lands.
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