Besian could feel his blood singing still from the day's festivities, and the grin that stretched his lips refused to fade even with the pressing matter at hand. At his side Naria stood scowling and muttering under her breath, words too low for him to make out clearly even at such a close distance. He chose to ignore her for the moment, and took to humming one of the more rambunctious festival songs he'd heard that day.
The two sat on a platform above the crowd, waiting until the last of the littlest younglings had been herded off for bed. There would be no hysterics from sensitive babies tonight, not when the crowd would already be hyper aware of each other.
When he deemed things as settled as it was going to get Besian cracked his knuckles and rolled his shoulders as he stood, groaning a little. Naria snorted but a quick smile flitted across her mouth and he could clearly hear her mocking him for his age. That pulled a laugh out of him, catching the crowds attention. Still humming he surveyed the gathered people, and noted the clear divide between the Obans and the Matorians. That brought his mood down a bit and he wondered just when the two races would be able to stand side by side without automatically segregating themselves.
Naria on the other hand just placed her hands on her hips and strode forward until her toes curled around the edge of the platform and stared down her nose at the assembled lot. "Alright you lot! I'm sure you've heard the rumors going around about the Alkidikes!" She called out, her voice ringing clearly in the abrupt silence. Everyone knew her, what she did, and everyone wondered what else she could do. Would do. No one wanted to be on her bad side. "With that said I don't want to see anyone swinging a fist at anyone else during this talk, do you hear?" She scowled at the crowd and took a step back.
Besian took that as his cue to step forward. "Our esteemed King has received a letter from Sauti asking for our aid in this conflict. This will be a show of good faith! A chance to prove to the others that we of Oba and Matori are more than our history!"
Naria cut in so smoothly that if Besian hadn't paused for a breath, she would have spoken over him. "We are still recovering from the war. We do not have to partake in the madness that the others are writhing in. Think this over, talk about it, do NOT fight over it. We're leaving this decision in your hands, people of Oba and Matori! It is after all, your lives as well that hang in the balance."
With that said both Besian and Naria took a step back, arms crossed over their chests as they listened as the hesitant conversations started up.
|| OOC || ||. Chapter 7: Rising Storm starts Monday, June 22 and will continue for approximately 2 months. ||. Following will be an event with the results of the Meta chapter. ||. If your character is not signed up for their thread, they may not participate. You can PM Suhuba for late entries. ||. For the Meta, every 7 posts may be counted towards a versatile point. You may earn as many points as you post. ||. Please limit to up to 2 posts between NPC posts (these should be spaced out by responses from others to your post, no needless posting just to get more points). ||. NPCs will post twice a week. ||. While the Meta is active, you may not start any new RPs (this includes characters not participating). ||. However, you may continue RPs that were started before the Meta starts. You are also welcome to write Solos/Journal Entries while you are participating in the Meta. ||. Growths and character quests will be closed until the time the Meta ends. ||. If you have any questions, please post them in the Main Thread.
He couldn't help it, but every time he moved through the crowd, his eyes would dart out and seek the blonde in the distance. She had to be around here somewhere, dancing or entertaining or enjoying it herself. He cursed himself for not seeking her out sooner, but it never felt like the right time.
Now, however, he wanted to see her and give her the gift he purchased during the event - special crystal sugar candies he knew she would love.
Distracted, he continued to lose focus of the person he was with. Saraf most likely wouldn't mind, but he hoped that the man wouldn't ask questions.
As the two leaders spoke up, however, he found himself drawn to the platform. So the rumors were true. Nuri felt himself frowning in thought. A war. It was inevitable, and he turned toward Saraf at last.
"The king is going to act, no matter what we decide. I've been training for months to prepare for this...it seems as if we are going to finally fight by each other's side, friend."
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Amarone Post 1
Amarone was at a loss. Before the two leaders began to speak, she was enjoying the new sights, smells, and music of the festival. Everything was so carefree and exciting - how could it turn so serious now? The Wind Earthling felt out of place, as if this wasn't her decision. She was no fighter, no strong force that would save the day. She was simply an inventor, someone who had great ideas and put them to use.
However, as the leaders spoke of Sauti, of her home, she felt drawn to the discussion, listening to others and trying to ignore the faces of her family that was apparently in danger. Rumors, she had thought they were simply rumors.
Sriina put her fists on her hips, looking up to the leaders that took the stage. Well that hadn't lasted very long now had it?
She nodded her head to Naria's words. She supposed she sympathized with the rest of Tendaji... but she wasn't about to risk herself for them. The last war was everything, and if she could avoid being a part of that again, she would without a doubt.
She felt like her mind was already made up, and she saw that Naria couldn't have said the words better for her.
She looked around the crowd, trying to judge what the general feeling was. She wasn't very please with so many looking like they agreed with Besian.
Posted: Mon Jun 22, 2015 4:37 pm
Saraf Post 1
Saraf looked away from the leaders, finding himself with a bitter taste in his mouth. Not only were they getting an announcement like that from a Matori woman, but also being told that they were going possibly going to be aiding the Wind Tribe, "Seems like a waste of time, helping out those savages to the North. Let them destroy themselves, it was bound to happen." The only reason they teamed up to begin with was to fight against the Oban army. Now that they were no longer the enemy their alliance seemed to be falling apart, "A shame that they weren't at each others throats when our army went against them, it would have been a cinch to have won then." That part was said quietly, not wanting anyone to think he was questioning their king or his approach in that failed war so long ago. Not as though they could have known this would happen in the future after all. Still a shame though.
Turning to look over at Nuri he gave him a smile, "Well, fighting is fighting, I suppose? Even if we need to fight alongside those savages it might still help the two of us as far as climbing in the ranks of the army goes." That he could go for, "If there is anyone I want at my side if we do go it's you, Nuri. At least then I would have someone that I could trust nearby." He really didn't want to fight with the Wind Tribe, against them maybe but with them no, but better that he had someone he trusted nearby just in case he had to. Just as Nuri said the King would act no matter if his soldiers like the idea of not.
"All that aside... who are you looking for, Nuri? You keep looking around like you're looking for someone." He asked, finding himself rather curious about who or what it was that Nuri was looking for amongst those in the gathering crowd.
Orpheus Solon
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Posted: Mon Jun 22, 2015 4:42 pm
Kalliope Post 1
Kalli stood with a sweet bun in her hands, watching everything. Her kinfa perched on her shoulder and nuzzling into her lovingly. The young prentice was captivated by what was happening and she wondered what the final decision would be. It wasn't until Lyier tugged at her hair ribbon that she noticed she had failed to give him a piece of the bun. Quickly she rectified this but then sent her eyes to look around at the crowd.
Was there perhaps someone she knew, other than her family of course, standing nearby? Incanthis maybe? Or even Istanell if she was lucky. She moved through the crowd and when she heard the voice of someone else, not a leader, she did her best to find them to see who it was. She was curious.
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Gael Post 1
He had been in Oba at the time of the gathering. The thing that surprised him was the news that came. Alkidikes were really such a threat? Even though, the more he thought about it the more he didn't think helping Sauti was there problem. After all, it was just an excuse for another tribe to try and enslave the Matori. He shook his head and rolled his eyes.
Gael's earfins gave a twitch and he moved back so that he could sit on a bench and listen to the arguments of others. How many were for and how many were against. His mind was set on ignoring the problems to the north. If the Alkidikes came at the Oban's then he might be concerned because to get to Matori land you had to go through Oba.
Posted: Mon Jun 22, 2015 5:40 pm
Cerith: Post 1 Biting the inside of her cheek, Cerith watched the spectacle on the platform, sizing up the Matori woman with a quiet appreciation. So this was the woman who had helped free her people - not that Cerith's feelings on the matter were unambiguous. Shaking her head, the young Matori let her eyes move through the crowd, knowing Jelanii was around here somewhere - they had come together to this event, but gotten separated in the throng of people - and Cerith was certain that if anyone in this crowd was to start a fight, it would be him.
Now that she, herself, was a fighter - even if she was still a novice at swordfighting - Cerith supposed that the question posed affected her. On the one hand, she didn't fancy the idea of intervening in the affairs of those to the north. That being said, if the alliance with the northern lands fell then there would be no pressure on Oba to keep up their end of the bargain - and what was to keep this king, or a future king, from reinstating slavery over Matori, without that pressure?
Heaving an annoyed sigh, Cerith cut through the crowd, body shifting to get through tight spaces,or chirping a sweet 'Excuse me, please! Thank you!' when necessary to shimmy through. "Jelanii!" She called, loudly - knowing that amidst the quiet buzz of conversation it wouldn't take long for him to respond.
Shalvesta: Post 1 War, again? Shalvesta hummed under her breath, her voice slightly husky, shifting and readjusting the weight of her sword-belt on her hip. While war should have been alarming, the Oban woman had to admit that she wouldn't mind lending aid - not for any charitable reason, but out of a wish to leave Oba behind, and as an excuse to head north as she had tried to do only weeks ago.
Even so, she didn't see why Oba would even think of offering such aid to the people of the north who, only months ago, had been enemies. Even now, many in the crowd sneered or laughed at the idea - those who didn't support the new king prominent among them.
Besides, couldn't the other tribes resist these bug women, who lived in such a small swathe of land? Surely their population wasn't large enough to risk full-scale war, like Oba had? That being said, Shalvesta thought about the Alkidike woman she had met - the tall, massive and intimidating thing that still made her feel vastly outmatched. "They certainly are a threat, but tree-women won't be interested in conquering a desert, even if they could." Shalvesta muttered, more to herself since she was standing alone.
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Lirende
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Posted: Mon Jun 22, 2015 5:40 pm
ILLIAN POST 1
Illian frowned as he stood, hip cocked, listening to the leaders speak. This wasn't his home though it was the closest he felted to it in a long while. He would aid them in their efforts if it really came down to it. Memories of being taken and used still fresh in his mind. Sure the Alkidikes had helped defeat Oba but now? Now they were being foolish, prideful children. Perhaps the victory went to their heads and they couldn't see past their egos at how wrong an action they were partaking in was. Either way, he wouldn't allow another set of would-be conquerors to reign unchecked.
Posted: Mon Jun 22, 2015 5:57 pm
Dexurn Post 1
Chewing on a piece of bread, Dex stood back at one of the far edges of the crowd. Rumors about the Alkidikes? A conflict? He had no idea what the pair on the platform was talking about. The others around him seemed to know though. If it was something that others might fight about while discussing, it must be something big. Sauti... That was north, right? He wasn't trying to go north though! He wanted to find home in Matori. This wasn't anything to do with him.
Yet.. the way they were talking... 'The people of Oba and Matori.' The people... As if they were one thing. He was a Matori in lineage, but was born and raised in Oba lands. He was of both Matori and Oba. He'd never known much of a difference, aside from the obvious. He was rather pleased to hear the two groups were willing to work together, but he was still uncertain of his own position. To join in a fight in one of the other lands?
He kept his head down, but his ears alert to listen and find out what was going on.
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Posted: Mon Jun 22, 2015 6:35 pm
Jelanii Post 1
"Don't start a fight," Jelanii mumbled with a snort. Was that an order or just wistful thinking? With so many Obans and Matori next to each other and a hot topic of conversation in the air, it would be a miracle if a fight didn't break out. Jelanii had to admit he would be perfectly fine having an excuse to punch a few Obans in the face. Still, with his sister in the crowd it probably wouldn't be the best idea. He knew Cerith had actually be training with swords, but he couldn't help feeling protective of her.
He sighed and leaned down to lick at his hand, where the ice cones he had gotten for him and his sister dripped in the hot Oba sun. As he moved he glanced over the crowd. He had hoped to catch Illian in the crowd and at one point he thought he had caught a glimpse of his long flowing hair only for him to lose him. He sighed and shook his head. He had really wanted to spend time with him...
"Jelanii!" The sound of his sister's voice distracted him and he turned in her direction. He pushed through the crowd, mumbling an apology and maybe shoving a little harder than necessary against some of the Obans. Still he was smiling. It felt like a dream to be there, even if it was in Oba, with his sister at a festival.
When he reached her, he held out the half melted snow cone. "I heard these were good." He lifted up one cherry and one grape. "So what do you think of what those two said?" He nodded at the stage.
Posted: Mon Jun 22, 2015 6:49 pm
Istanell Post 1
Things were falling apart in such a spectacular manner. Istanell had thought everything would come easy once he started to find his younger brothers... but again and again he found himself to be wrong. The only good that had come from finding Illian and Incanthis had been his renewed spirit in training with his bow. He moved through the Oban festivities with a scowl on his face, he knew there'd been talk of the festival for a long time but he'd forgotten it was tonight of all nights. His bow was strung across his chest, making it easy for him to use his hands if need be. He would have walked the long way back to his camp if he'd remembered the festivities tonight, having no wish to join the Oban in their mirth. Why did they deserve to enjoy themselves?
The crowds were making everything confusing though, which street was this again? He grunted and turned himself around, moving with the crowd now. He slowed as an announcement was made and frowned, thinking back on the brawl in the marketplace. War was coming, again? He'd come to a stop beside a pale skinned, blonde earthling. Wind, if her crystals were anything to go by. He found himself putting out an arm to block someone stumbling back, glancing down at her and then looking ahead again. He didn't bother telling her to be careful, what was the use? "If the Alkidikes are headed for Sauti we should come to their aid." He called out, uncaring that Oba wasn't his home and it wasn't really his place to have an opinion in this. "No race deserves the devastation that comes with war... the deaths and freedom being snatched away..." His eyes swept over many Obans in the crowd, his face one full of scorn. From Jauhar, he knew quite a bit of the devastation that Alkidikes could bring. He held his tongue as his last thought rolled through his head, knowing it was one that could have dire consequences. How could anyone trust the Oba race, after what they'd done? They were just as likely to turn on the rest of Tendaji and join the Alkidikes.
Eleina hadn't enjoyed this festival as she did the others before it. Even though she was now a Spirit Worker she just didn't feel the celebration. Her distaste of the Gods and Goddesses had to be what was messing her up. As the leaders started to talk she frowned, moving towards the front of the crowd.
She wanted to help, but looking around realized that most people did. It would be the right thing to do, of this she was sure, so why didn't people agree? Looking around she tried to spot the archer Ichil. She had been looking for the girl all day to tell her about her success in finding a teacher but hadn't been able to find her. She wondered what her friend thought about all this.
Posted: Mon Jun 22, 2015 6:59 pm
Eziya Post 1
Eziya had heard of the bad blood and everything that had happened during the war involving the Oban and Matori, but being an outsider she was nervous about the situation in general. Her home was in Jauhar, much closer to the threat than they were. She worried about her mother, while they tried to make a decision without attempting to fight? She really was out of her element among the other races. She was there to help though, and if that meant assisting the people of Sauti then that was what she would do. She'd help heal every last one of them and get Gift to carry supplies if she could.
"I don't have as much say in this seeing how I am an outsider, but as a healer I will assist in any way I can. If the Alkidike really are planning to trek all the way to Sauti to conquer the area then we may be in more trouble than we think," The Shifter said hesitantly, not wanting to draw too much attention to herself. If she had to leave Oba and make her way to Sauti to help she would, even if the others didn't. She just hoped the two races would consider helping Sauti even if it was some small way.
Kani Post 1
Working together with the Oban oppressors? It was foolish. Why spend all their time and energy dealing with the Fire Earthlings when they could be back home celebrating their own festivals. She did admit, helping Sauti would be advantageous to the Matori. It would mean a strong ally for them if the Obans did ever want to attack them once more. It was also her duty. While she had learned to do more things for herself while training with Aza, she still felt she inevitably had to do what was right. No, she wanted to do what was right. Leaving Sauti to the hands of the tree women when they needed assistance was a cruel fate, and one she didn't wish to see happen to anyone ever again.
"I for one think we should help them. I would hate to see them end up like we were for so long under Oban control," Kani grumbled, glaring at said group of people.
Festivities! Aseara could not have been more excited. She’d been asked to dance for a part of the day but the evening was her own and once she’d played her part well she’d gone off to visit some of the stands hoping perhaps to see Nuri. They hadn’t spoken in a while and well, she wanted to see him and see how he was doing. Though as the crowd died down Aseara found herself disappointed at not seeing her friend and decided it would perhaps be better to return home. That was until the elders spoke up and made her turn towards them.
War? Sauti… Her parents… Old feelings began to surface but Aseara calmed herself. She was not a child anymore, she had a new home and people she loved and adored now. She would not be abandoned, not by anyone. Things would be different this time she assured herself. Her thoughts halted when she spotted a familiar face and Aseara pushed her way through the crowd towards Nuri. “Nuri!” He was in the army, if the king decided to move and help Sauti it would mean he would have to leave as well. An uneasy feeling settled over Aseara.
"I've been looking for you." Aseara said with a smile.
It was nice to get out and celebrate a little bit. Karthodra enjoyed the festivities like most Obans but she enjoyed even more getting lost in the crowd and simply watching the others. Now that she was a guard she was a little more alert of her surroundings, a little keener to notice when someone was doing something they shouldn’t be. She had been to head towards an Earthling who was stealing from one of the Oban merchants when the elders spoke up and gave her pause. Her eyes narrowed on the thief but she turned to them to listen.
So the rumors were true, Karothdra grimaced. She personally wouldn’t mind a crack at an Alkidike, their warrior skills highly praised and she wanted to try out her own skills against theirs. This would be a good opportunity for such a thing. Of course helping Sauti was also important, but she rather liked the idea of a good fight with someone they called a true warrior. Karothdra spotted a familiar face, the girl she had found herself in a brawl with once in the market place. Curious, the Oban headed towards Eleina. “Fancy seeing you here.” She said when she reached the girl’s side.
There was never a better time to steal things then when people were gathering in masses. Solari smiled as she moved through the crowd and grabbed what she wanted if only to bother her parents. They didn’t want her causing a ruckus with the Obans, but what did she care? She did as she pleased. This day would be a good one and as things began to settle down Solari did as well. She took to simply browsing around the shops, asking questions when she was intrigued with the wares the merchants were offering. She hadn’t noticed everyone going quite until someone spoke up.
Who wanted to go to war? Solari sighed heavily; she didn’t want anyone going to war. Couldn’t they all just get along and stay in their own homes? The Matori sighed again. She wouldn’t have to go would she? She hadn’t bothered anyone and certainly didn’t want to go around bothering anyone else. As some voices spoke up Solari made a face. She certainly didn’t like the idea of working or even fighting by any Obans side whatsoever, hopefully no one sided with going. Though, from the voices speaking up and approving, she doubted very much.
Posted: Tue Jun 23, 2015 6:08 am
Vodyanoi | 1
He had had mixed feelings about coming here. He was excited about the festival, of course -- as all of his troupe had been, given that it was an excellent opportunity for them to earn money by putting on their drumming and dancing performances. But most of this troupe had never worked for Obans, and did not feel about them the same way that Vodyanoi did.
He has been afraid, perhaps, of seeing his old masters. Or perhaps finding out that nothing had changed, and that the people of Matori still slaved away under their control.
Neither of these turned out to be the case (although the relationship between the Obans and the Matori were hardly smooth), but something altogether different happened. A large crowd had gathered to discuss news from Sauti. It was about an impending attack from the Alkidikes, and a call for help.
Vodyanoi felt a bit split on the whole issue. The idea of one people stepping up to take control of another bothered him, for obvious reasons. And yet...
He shrugged, turning to the person closest to him and sharing a glance. "Well, we have nothing to do with this conflict. Who are we to decide the fates of others, and what's right for them?"
Her eyes were wide as she listened to everyone speak at once, the crowd going up into a frenzy as they discussed their opinions on the potential for war. Amarone couldn't help but become emotionally attached to their words - her happiness building every time someone argued to help, and deflating when someone shouted it was not their problem.
Swallowing, she began to shift her weight from one foot to the other, trying to figure out just how she could make an impact as well. She was just a visitor, and she doubted anyone would listen.
Suddenly, she felt overshadowed by someone, and looked up just in time to see a shifter's arm move up to block someone from running into her. Eyes snapped to catch his own, and Amarone couldn't stop the bright smile she flashed his way in thanks. As he turned away, she took the chance to really look him over, studying his hair and skin as well as his crystals. If she recalled correctly, his skin should change with the time of day, which made him even more fascinating to the little inventress.
Her focus was back on him as he began to speak, and she felt herself grow tense as he spoke of death and devastation. Growing up, she had no experience of the war...but she had family there, and they would need her help.
"You are right...you are absolutely right!" She spoke up at last, turning back toward Istanell to send him a bright and broad grin, "You are right...you are absolutely right!"
She moved to take his hands in her excitment, but stopped herself quickly as she noticed his scars across his skin. He had been part of a war, and it was clear he spoke from his heart.
"...when I came here, I didn't expect to hear talk of war...especially not a war at my home..." Turning back to face the crowd, Amarone took a deep breath as she tried to take in everyone and everything once more, "...if only there was something I could do."
|| IC ||
|| OOC ||
