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 Posted: Sun Mar 27, 2022 9:09 am
Odina was practicing once again in the forest near her family home. Thankfully the twisting tree house was on the edge of the settlement in Chiume and away from the main village built around her mother tree. Odina honestly preferred it this way since she didn't have to worry about nosey neighbors whenever she wanted to focus on training instead of socializing. Today was one of those mornings where she was pushing her limits against the training dummy, her training staff creating loud cracking noises like thunder as she railed against it. Still though even the teen had to admit she may have overdone things when she finally took a moment to splash some cool water from the nearby stream against her face, the feeling refreshing against her flushed skin.
"Maybe I should take a break." Odina frowned at the very thought even though she had the feeling it would be for the best. It was just hard to not want to train, especially after hearing all those stories about legendary warriors showing up. Why couldn't she get something amazing? Her golden gaze softened as she thought about her own mother who had been blessed with strange traits. Couldn't she earn something awesome like that one day? But only if she trained hard now so that she could do lots and become a legendary warrior!
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Posted: Sat Aug 13, 2022 5:49 pm
There had been much talk of these so called "legendary" traits popping up all over. The source of these traits was unknown, but it seemed that race was of no influence. Just those with more experience and age. When her own wife had suddenly started sporting one of those blessings.. well, it made one wonder. She'd never doubted that her precious Danika was worthy of extra blessings, but what about herself? Would she ever get there?
She knew her daughters had caught the legendary interest bug as well; some more than others. Vermina smiled when she reached the family's small training grounds and spotted Odina. Just as she had suspected. "Are you just starting or finishing your break?" she asked as she held up a basket for display. "I brought a few snacks that I thought you might enjoy. Something to help boost your energy with all of your hard work."
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Posted: Sun Aug 14, 2022 2:08 pm
Odina brushed her hands across her face for the last time, scattering the few remaining droplets of water that had clung to her flushed skin. "Still going." She managed as her mother approached. The larger teen loved her mothers but she always bristled at the idea of being babied so she nearly protested before the idea of boosting her energy made her mouth close again. "Sounds good." She finally managed before going over to a giant tree stump that she plopped down on. After a moment she patted the area next to her for either the basket or her own mother to sit down if she wanted.
"It's hot today." She managed after another moment as she watched Vermina carefully, the muscular teen not the best at displaying her emotions even though her mind was racing with a million thoughts. Mostly about the changes in her family, her mother's own legendary traits and how her older siblings were already out in the world. That was something which gave Odina mixed feelings since she was resolute in her decision to stay and protect her own mother tree despite the appeal of adventures. Would she one day leave as well? Surely not! But could she become legendary by just staying home and acting as a guardian? Odina's lips pursed at the thought.
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Posted: Sun Aug 14, 2022 7:08 pm
Pleased that her daughter gave in, Vermina accepted the seat and pulled aside the small cloth. "Yes, it's quite hot. I believe the weather will be changing soon though. You will have cooler mornings soon." She knew Odina could train at any time on any day, but her own preference was in the morning hours when the world had yet to be baked by the sun. "Here. I know you are quite focused on your training. You mustn't forget that for every inch you push yourself, you must also take care of yourself." She smiled lightly and held the basket over. "I looks as though you have been working much harder than usual. Is something else going on?"
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Posted: Mon Aug 15, 2022 8:14 pm
"Mmm. That'll be nice and then we can settle in for the cooler months." It was better to train those days as long as she didn't risk cramping her muscles by overdoing things during the morning chill. Unlike Chibale their home here had a bit more of a bite to the seasons with crisp air during the autumn and winter months. Even if she wasn't overheating in the sun there were still several other factors to keep in mind, things which Odina had only learned through her own stubborn mistakes over the past years. She was always pushing her limits which despite her grumpy exterior the young teen was thankful for Vermina bringing her snacks and encouraging the break, even if she didn't always show it well.
"Yeah." Odina nodded her head and took the basket so that she could pluck one of the snacks out. After munching on it the teen paused and swallowed thoughtfully at the question. Did she even want to admit to things? But one glance at her mother softened her expression and slowly Odina nodded. "I suppose." She started with a quiet sigh. "It's just with all of these rumors and then Mother coming back with her own traits got me thinking. I want to get stronger so I can earn those one day....what do you think of it all though?"
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Posted: Wed Aug 17, 2022 11:27 am
Vermina nodded and leaned back to take in the warm day. While she wasn't much for fighting herself, it really had been a while since she had done any serious training. Perhaps it was time to pick it back up for her own sake? Maybe even train with Odina a little!
She glanced over to her daughter and smirked. Ah, training with her old mom probably wasn't cool anymore.
The rumors and traits? Oh, those! Vermina smiled and nodded. "They are quite the curious things, these blessings. I'm not sure how they've come to be.. but it seems as though anyone to receive them has truly earned them. Your mother is definitely one of them. She did so much during her time as a mystic, and still works so hard for the community." Her smiled softened. "I have no doubt that all of my daughters will earn the blessing one day.. but it will take a lot of time and hard work. You are all up to the task."
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Posted: Fri Aug 19, 2022 2:41 pm
"Mmm." Odina mumbled as she chewed on the snacks, the Aishan teen quickly making her way through the goodies prepared by her mother as she pondered these legendary traits. "I wish I had that much confidence about such a thing. It would be interesting if we could truly gain such traits together." She finally admitted as she finished off a final bite and twisted her hands together, almost nervously. "You seem so calm about it. Honestly if I appeared with someone strange I wouldn't know what to think. Do you think it would just be more spikes like mother has?"
Could there be other traits? Some rumors talked about feathers, glowing eyes or even vines that moved unnaturally from ones' dreads. Earthlings apparently could receive these legendary traits as well and the very thought made Odina frown. If any earthling could gain them why couldn't she? "I would like to be one of the first to come back with them." She admitted quietly. "But it's not like there's any major world crisis for me to work through like what happened before..." It made sense that a mystic would get the traits but what could she do to personally stand out now that the Dretch were mostly gone from the world, living more in stories like before?
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Posted: Sat Aug 20, 2022 9:55 am
Vermina chuckled lightly. "Well, I am your mother. I see you differently than you see yourself. I know you have the potential to earn the blessing." The only one that might worry her would be Seiong, that poor clumsy girl. Not that it made her love the girl any less, of course.
"Well, I suppose I'm not too concerned about getting it myself. Your mother has been very receptive to her changes, which makes it easier for me." She smiled lightly. "I have heard a few different traits coming through on different sisters. I do not know why though. You and your mother are similar, but also very different. I would not be surprised if you got the same trait, but neither would I be if you got something completely different." She chuckled and shrugged. "I do not know enough about it to even guess."
Chewing on one of the snacks, she gave a small nod of understanding. Of all the girls, she was not surprised to hear Odina's wish to be first. Always competitive and pushing herself... "And I hope you never have to live through a world crisis," she murmured softly. She reached out to give Odina's shoulder a squeeze. "You don't need to be in a large battle to honor yourself, you know."
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Posted: Sun Aug 21, 2022 7:08 pm
Odina's cheeks darkened slightly at the compliment. "I suppose." She mumbled with embarrassment. While she appreciated her mother's support Odina had mixed feelings about the situation and was just thankful it was a private conversation. Anyone else could compliment her but she felt like her mothers were too biased and it made her feel a bit childish whenever they complimented her. They weren't the type to put others, especially their own children, down after all! If anything it made Odina afraid to disappoint them and her desire to prove herself only grew whenever she saw how supportive her mothers were.
A small smile crossed her lips. "Yeah, I wouldn't mind the spikes. I'm sure they would help in a brawl." She blinked at the thought before holding up her hands. "Not that I would go after traits just to fight...but they do seem helpful." She didn't like looking reckless either even though she was somewhat notorious for being stubborn with a short temper...oh boy. "Mother is just fortunate that she didn't get glowing eyes or something. I feel like that would be more of an appearance thing with no real benefits." Based on the rumors Odina truly doubted someone could fly with a few feathers or see well in the dark simply because their eyes glowed. Yeah, she definitely would prefer spikes or something to help harden her skin.
"You think?" It was an honest question and Odina didn't mean to be rude. She was just genuinely curious. "I'm not much of a healer nor am I good at really performing...I just fight. Hunting is what I'm good at so unless I find some legendary beast I wonder if I can get enough points with Aisha or Azehra to gain something unique. I understand that peace is great and all but it definitely prevents a warrior from truly stepping up to their full potential."
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Posted: Mon Aug 22, 2022 2:31 pm
Vermina looked over Odina and chuckled lightly. "Spikes would be fitting for you," she teased warmly. "Whatever you end up blessed with, I know you will find the best use for it." She couldn't help another chuckle. "I will admit though, if I was an enemy out in the dark of the forest and saw a pair of glowing eyes.. that would be quite intimidating." Vines in the hair, though... What could that do?
"Now you sound like Aunt Pul." Vermina gave an amused but subdued smile. Odina wasn't entirely wrong.. but how could she explain that the youth wasn't entirely right either. "Well, what are you doing right now? You're making sure that you're ready to be there if such a time ever comes. However, until then, you've been helping everyone out by supporting the community with your strength and your passion. You could be the best fighter in the world, but I don't think it means much unless you're able to utilize those skills to better the lives of those around you." She smiled lightly and set the nearly empty basket down. "A warrior defends her family, and is always ready to do so. That's exactly you."
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Posted: Mon Aug 22, 2022 7:28 pm
A quiet chuckle escaped Odina, a rare sound from the usually stoic warrior. "I suppose that would be intimidating indeed." She agreed even though she most definitely hoped for something like spikes still. Could they grow scales or something like that too? As much as she wasn't especially impressed by earthlings the Aishan did think that those with a lot of gemstones had some advantages since that could act as a natural armor just how the spikes could act as a weapon or armor itself.
"Fair." Replied Odina quietly as she pondered over her mother's words. "I know it's for the best that things are quiet but at the same time...I don't know. I'm not one to leave my home to adventure like my sisters but I would enjoy having something challenging on occasion." It felt like the islands to the south with the Kahi or her mothers home on Chibale had more dangerous creatures nearby. Chiume was lovely and Odina absolutely adored it but it just seemed so peaceful in comparison to the other areas with their lurking dangers. Her gaze floated towards the basket and then back to her mother thoughtfully, a small smile crossing her lips. "At least I know I have my family's back and that there's snacks readily available here. I would be missing out on these goodies if I traveled across the world ." A soft sigh left her lips. "Legendary traits will come when they come I suppose."
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Posted: Tue Aug 23, 2022 8:35 pm
Vermina shrugged, her shoulders growing a little heavy. "Peace does not last forever," she observed softly. "It's a relative term, really. There is no such thing as everyone being at peace. There are still others out there who live for their anger and hatred. I pray that you won't have to deal with large wars.. but there will be smaller battles to come. Times when we will need you to defend either one of us or many." She couldn't help thinking of her mother, more than ready to go to war at a moment's notice. At least Odina wasn't like that.
She looked over when Odina pointed out the good parts, and felt her smile rise again. "We will always have your back, my love. Believe me, such things become a luxury in times of war and strife. Enjoy it while you are able." She held up a small pastry of flakey bread filled with jam. "No one knows the criteria for these special traits. Who knows? Maybe I'll get something because I came here to give food to the Great Warrior Odina so that she can keep on training~"
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Posted: Fri Sep 02, 2022 10:18 am
Odina's gaze softened as she listened to her mother's words and noticed her own mood shift. "I'm sorry." She managed as she reached over to squeeze her mother into a hug, an awkward movement from the usually reserved girl but an effort none-the-less. "Having peace is the most important. I'll find other ways to shine." She promised with a small smile. She could do work around the village, hunting, crafting things and maybe even do a few traveling missions or something to explore the local islands and make a name for herself. Her family had already been through so much that it only made sense to hope that the peace they had worked so hard for would linger far into the future. Even if it wasn't on the glorious battlefield, Odina would find some sort of use for her strength and resolve.
Another chuckle escaped her at her mother's antics. "Perhaps. These pastries are pretty divine so I think even Aisha would be impressed by them." She admitted with a small grin as she took one of the final ones and held it towards the sky as if showing it off before taking a bite. Definitely heavenly.
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Posted: Fri Sep 02, 2022 10:57 am
A sad smile rose with the hug. It wasn't Vermina's goal for herself.. but she understood it after spending her life in the environment. For a clan of warriors, there was little that was considered more honorable than success on the battlefield. All Odina wanted was to reach that Alikide pinnacle that others boasted endlessly about. I would have been such an honor.. but such honor came at a price. Always.
Trying to put the chill behind her, she chuckled and took a bite as well. One step at a time..
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