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Post by elesette on Jun 2, 2015 18:34:13 GMT -5
 Welcome to Olde Plot 006 : Defending the Homefront Plot:
As they watch their herd break apart to deal with the anxiety the exiles brought, and the oddities
that run wild over the herd - this team decides they must be diligent. If no one else will,
it will be their job to protect and scan the borders.
Time of day: Early Morning
Weather: Foggy, slightly cold
Team Captain:Lukan (Sapphiresquire) Team Members:Astra Marius
Checkpoints Reached:
None Rules:
1. The Captain of the team must post first 2. A posting order must be kept as people enter the rp. 3. No god modding 4. React to the Checkpoints as they come! (If you don't know what a checkpoint is - don't worry - you'll know when they come!) 5. Communicate with your partners! 6. Have fun!!!! How the posting order works: Lukan must post first. Anyone can post after Lukan. They can post back and forth until someone else posts, when someone else posts they must be entered into the posting order. Example. Lukan Astra Lukan Astra Lukan Astra Marius Lukan Astra Marius If your captain does not post by the 8th, please note elesette on her personal account. She will name a new captain.  |
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Post by sapphiresquire on Jun 5, 2015 3:10:13 GMT -5
Lukan || Olde Herd || Knight
Fog billowed up from the ground in the thick waves, moving slowly over the grass in the light cool breeze. The early morning chill and moisture coming off the river only made the mists thicker, laying a blanket of quiet over the heard. Despite the light of the sun beginning to peek over the distant city, it would do little to warm the fields until later in the day. Many of the herds horses had already awakened, preparing to go about their tasks; someone were off to investigate the strange happenings of late that seemed to plague their island while others had important matters to be discussed.
Lukan had been up and awake well before dawn, the almost eerie silence of the fog laden land leaving him jumpy and unable to find rest. Having given up on sleep that morning while a few stars still twinkled in the sky between the heavy hanging clouds the knight had walked about the herd studying each horse that he passed. The weight of the battle with the Bachelors was still apparent upon them - scars were forming where wounds had been. He could only be thankful that most injuries had been ones that would heal. Not for the first time, nor would it be the last he was sure, the dark stallion recalled his dread upon the battlefield and the fear that he might find a loved one or a friend slain senselessly. With the Bachelor threat upon his mind, Lukan moved away from the gathering of the herd to a rise in the fields that made for a strategic vantage point. From here he could watch over them all, his heightened hearing allowing him to hear even the most distant horse as they breathed deeply in sleep. His time passed here, standing watch over them as the predawn light turned gray and the fog began to rise with the horses as the waded through the transparent vapor.
For once the knight was truly glad for the noise. It had been too quiet to him as nothing seemed to move with the trees and only the sounds of the sleeping horses could be heard. The apparent silence had been the first thing to unsettle him, pulling him from his own fitful dreams. When quiet fell, he felt trouble could only be all to near; the Bachelors would not easily forgive nor soon forget the battle and every day he feared it would be their chosen time to retaliate. King Vasska's parting words to him still rang in his ears - ¨we expect the Bachelors to attack at any moment¨ - and so he had. While others in the herd had their duties to fulfill, Lukan would stand guard, the borders would be watched, and any strange stallion who dared to set a hoof on the island of Olde would not dare for long. Taking his king's words to heart, the knight would not look after the borders alone. It was an important job, now more so than ever, and required the attention of every knight that could be spared.
Words: 517
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Post by elkcreek on Jun 5, 2015 18:25:41 GMT -5
Marius, olde, knight
A chill in his bones made the stallion stretch out his head and curl up even more as he slept. For once he had got a good night's sleep after watching the herd in the late hours of night. Once his duties had been fulfilled he lay and slept in some distance away from the herd, though had kept his ears open for any sounds. He had seen the trauma and after effects of the recent battle, and although he hadn't participated in it, he saw the fear in many of the herd members eyes. The Bachelor's could approach any moment of the night and day, something said by the leader himself. Although Marius had never been a fan of Vasska's rulership he was still a loyal knight to the herd, and would listen and protect it in any way possible. It had been awhile since he had taken part in a fight, perhaps the fear of death still too close on his mind. Whatever the reason was he had decided that it was time to show his rank and come out of the shadows, for he had been living in them for years. Marius hadn't made a good friend in a while, let alone talked beyond the casual small talk he tried to force.
Once again he found himself shivering with a cold sensation moving through him. The same sort of chills you feel when you've seen a ghost, even though he had never laid eyes upon one he knew the foal stories well. The chills up and down your spine, the cold touch on your back, and all the other components. Finally he picked his head up, blinked and yawned as he did every morning, and sat up slowly. Fog had draped the plains and nearby forest, enclosing everything in a cold and wet feeling. Through the fog he saw outlines of other horses, some still sleeping while others started their day. Through the mist they were only white outlines, ghosts if you didn't look close enough. This morning, without bright sunlight shining down, seemed usual and calm. With another large yawn and a stretch Marius stood, rubbing his leg while watching the herd for several minutes. To his left and over the small stream that flowed through the isle was the silver forest, a quiet place he liked to watch over. And to his right was the expansion of open land where herd members went about their life. He breathed in the wet air and exhaled a large breath, taking in all the sights of this home. Yes, this was his home.
The stallion then walked forward through the fog, which was beginning to lighten as the morning progressed on. He frowned, almost liking the cloak of grey around the isle. It was comforting, cold, though somewhat peaceful. Skirting around the edge of the group of horses he walked back and forth, watching and taking in the morning events. Many still slept, a tranquil noised in which he was grateful for. He strategically placed his large hooves softly on the ground, not wanting to cause any noise. He then began to approach a small hill, glancing up at the few remaining stars. With a sigh he picked up his pace and as he squinted through the fog, made out a figure standing on the incline. Although cloaked in a grey film the figure was tall and of a deep dark brown, a knight from first glance. Keeping his distance Marius continued his walk, eventually standing a handful of feet away from the other knight. Turning his head to the stallion beside him he let out a whisper, a greeting like approach, "It's a quiet morning, perhaps too quiet?"
words: 621
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Post by asantesana on Jun 5, 2015 23:13:25 GMT -5
Astra || Olde Herd || Knight
Soft, mossy green eyes opened as the young mare slowly became aware of her surroundings. It was a foggy morning, she could not make out the shapes of the other horses very clearly. A cold tingle ran up her spine as she watched a few pale shapes move on the horizon, immediatelly catching Astra's attention. She quickly got to her feet, ears flicking around, trying to pinpoint any disturbance that might indicate a possible attack by the Bachelors. Slowly moving forward, she paused and nodded slightly to the horses of Olde that were already up. Shaking her head slightly, Astra padded around aimlessly, thinking about the recent war - a war she did not take part in, her mentor refusing to let her do so until she had graduated into full Knight, which meant she would be able to follow the orders given to her... Or most of them. The fights with the Bachelors seemed to have put everyone on edge, something Astra wasn't quite sure of how to react.
Her entire life was spent by herself or with her mother, sometime the occasional acquaintance. It was another reason she wouldn't bring herself to fully relax that morning... Not ever since she had joined this herd. The dark mare watched as some patrols left, either to investigate the odd happenings of lately or just to pad anxiously, remembering of how it had been to answer to no one. She would have liked that, if not... If not for the fact that she hated being alone more than anything. With an annoyed huff, Astra decided to go and do something, keep her mind off the same questions that had been plaguing her ever since the death of her mother, like should she stay there? Did she trust these horses? Did she want to get caught in a war now that her mother had died and with her her reason to be loyal to Olde? Did she believe in Vasska enough to follow his leadersh-
Right. Get her mind off things.
Walking past shapes that looked more like spirits of the dead in the foggy morning - and oh, what a lovely thought to have, she grumbled quietly - Astra distanced herself from the main bulk of the herd, glad that there the fog seemed slightly thinner here. She had decided that since everyone was freaking out over the strange signs that seemed to be happening all across Olde's territory, someone ought to keep a lookout for possible attacks. Besides, keeping watch was a relaxing activity for her, focusing solely on possible danger usually didn't let her thoughts stray back to her constant worries.
Making her way to a rise not far from the herd, where she could keep watch over anything suspicious, Astra realized she wasn't the only knight with such ideas. And - oh, great - both seemed to be stallions. She wasn't too fond of stallions. Ugh. Oh, well, hopefully they would be able to coexist peacefully and fulfill their duties to Vasska and Olde. As she approached the two males, she was able to catch the few words one muttered to the other. "...perhaps too quiet?"
"I surely hope not. I could do with a boring day without many surprises, for once." She commented, keeping her distance from the stallions but nodding politely to each of them. After a moment of hesitation, she added a "Good morning", hoping that she didn't sound very awkward. It was already hard to talk normally and about trivial things with mares, with her lovely socialization skills. The opposite sex always presented a harder challenge.
(601 words)
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Post by elesette on Jun 6, 2015 0:09:00 GMT -5
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Post by sapphiresquire on Jun 6, 2015 23:47:50 GMT -5
Lukan || Olde Herd || Knight
It was impossible for the dark coated knight not to notice the approach of the second stallion, but still he remained motionless, seemingly unresponsive to his approach. His ears flicked in Marius' direction of their own accord, easily catching the sound of his fog muffled steps as his hooves touched the ground. And still despite the fog, he recognized the horse - though he had never really spoken to the stallion like so many of the other members of the herd. Even as he stood next to him, Lukan did not tear his eyes from the wide scope of the herd until Marius spoke, voicing the very thoughts in his own mind. Concern evident in his watchful blue eyes, the knight turned his head to the older, nodding grimly.
"I am afraid so. Quiet is one thing, but the air feels heavy this morning." He hoped it went without saying that it was because of more than the fog. It was a time and morning like this that the herd was vulnerable. Most of the herd was still cloudy with sleep, not yet as alert as they needed to be. The fog made it difficult to see at all in the thickest places and in others made it difficult for most to discern who exactly was approaching them, the figures of the herd turned wraith-like in the cover of mist. Lukan was not the most gifted tactician, but it was potential weaknesses like these - advantages in the case of possible attackers - that set him on edge. Bachelors were not as unskilled in battle as he had previously thought, having seen their ways of war first hand, and he wouldn't put it past them to use anything to their advantage, to take any opportunity.
When Astra stood nearby, Lukan only nodded to her in a return greeting. His lapse in manners would normally have made him feel guilty, especially towards a young mare and a fellow knight at that, but his mind was still focused, or perhaps only preoccupied, by the chance of threat. Taking a step backwards from his sentry point, he turned to narrow his eyes in the direction of their borders, unable to see the land bridge from there, but acutely aware of the threat it presented nontheless.
"Astra, Marius," He began with a tone of authority to his voice that was foreign and midly startling to his own ears, "I would like you to accompany me to check the borders before anyone goes wandering off too far." Without waiting for an answer, Lukan fell into a trot, the fog and his feathered hoofs quieting his steps against the dewy grass. His ears turned back to listen for any response they might have made and hopefully their hoof beats as they followed. They hadn't gone nearly as far from the herd as the dark stallion would have liked before a rabbit sprang from the undergrowth, startling him into a halt and making his hooves dig into the grass as his momentum tried to force him forward.
It's only a rabbit. He thought in exasperation at himself, snorting as he regained his composure. Upon inhaling, he froze once again, eyes widening as he flicked one ear in each direction, scanning the foliage beside them, an all too familiar and unwelcome scen assaulting his nose.
"Bachelors." Lukan half growled under his breath, flicking his tail in signal for his companions to stop. "Someone is here."
Words: 578
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Post by elkcreek on Jun 7, 2015 18:52:35 GMT -5
Marius, olde, knight
The knight turned across the vast expanse of land with his head high and neck arched. He was proud to be a knight, it was something his father, an advisor, always wanted his son to achieve. Marius's sister never got the chance to live her life as a he had and still the stallion wished she was here beside him. With a greater task ahead of him he pushed the thoughts of his sister away when another horse approached. Another knight it was and Marius greeted her with the dip of his head. "We all could Lukan, we all could." he mumbled in reply to the stallions comment on his question. Marius only kept his head straight as the mare greeted the two with a good morning. He was not one for small talk or speaking and so avoided it all together. Still he found himself glancing side to side at his companions, waiting for the silence to break. Perhaps a foal would whinny and the herd would start to rouse, Marius needed something to keep him awake this morning. "Heavy air could be the sign of rain or a storm and with this fog I'm not so sure if we can tell when that's coming. Let's pray the winds remain calm." He spoke up, trying to ease the gap between him and the two and still found himself staring out at the herd.
When Lukan had asked the two to check on the borders with him Marius perked his ears up and eagerly trotted after him as soon as the stallion had started moving. Marius kept up with Lukan, although not the quickest mover. The fog still was dense but the dark figure of Lukan was easy to make out. Marius swung his head back to look for Astra but immediately stopped when he found Lukan was no longer in front of him. Skidding to a stop, dirt flying into the air as he rocked back and forth from the sudden stop Marius turned back to the leader of the patrol. Lukan had slowed and appeared as if he had seen a ghost like Marius thought he had earlier. With one look and several large inhales of the heavy air Marius realized what the other stallion meant. And then, when he spoke, Marius's heart began to skip a beat every so often. "Bachelor's, curse them." he snorted with exasperation as he slowly joined Lukans side once more. Realizing whoever is out there might hear him Marius quieted his voice and lowered his head to the ground, trying to pick up a scent. "You're right, it's...strong. I can't tell where it's coming from though?" The knight looked back at Lukas waiting for answers and hoping for the worst, no bachelors, no trouble. That he had been wrong about the eerie silence in the air.
words: 478
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Post by elesette on Jun 9, 2015 13:07:11 GMT -5
New Rule: If someone does not post for 24 hours, you may skip them.
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Post by sapphiresquire on Jun 9, 2015 18:16:26 GMT -5
Nodding slowly and trying to appear as nonchalant as possible, Lukan turned fully to the side, staring into the foliage. He had not yet developed the skill to see very far and so he closed his eyes, straining his ears for any sound that might give them a clue or some sign that would lead to the intruder...or intruders Lukan now feared. A strong scent meant there was either more than one horse here or they were very close. Both scenarios were also a strong possibility, but that was the worst case possible and the knight was not yet ready to admit it. It was still quiet, but there was bird song in the air and the rustling of small animals in the brush, within hearing but not close either. The dark coated stallion opened his eyes slowly, still unsure if they were being watched or not. Turning to Marius, he flicked his ears forward and started walking again, slower this time trying to appear as calm as possible.
"I don't know how many there are. It could be one or more, but they are definitely on the island. Scent like that wouldn't be carried on the wind." Lukan said carefully, whispering as Marius had. That was wise, he had thought, in case the Bachelor was within earshot of them. If they could keep the element of surprise at all it would be better than nothing. The scent was still in his nose as they walked, the knight still intending to get as close to the land bridge as possible. It was doubtful a Bachelor would have swam to their island, so it seemed that had to be where they were coming from. "We may be able to pick up a trail better closer to the bridge?" He suggested, wanting to the other knight's opinion on the matter. There wasn't much difference in their ages, but experience was experience, and anything either of them could contribute would be an advantage and better protect the herd.
With that in mind, Lukan wondered if this would come to a fight. Marius had not been present at the last battle and so he had no idea what the other stallion was like in that kind of situation. And then there was Astra. The mare was very young, though she had graduated from being a rook, there was no way she had any practical experience with a real fight. That fact alone set Lukan even more on edge. If it came to it, he would fight and he was sure they would too, but that was the least desirable course of action now even more than it had been before.
Words: 447
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Post by elkcreek on Jun 10, 2015 19:13:07 GMT -5
Marius, olde, knight
Marius stood, waiting, watching. He studied the other knight, his expressions as he thought about what to do. Marius stiffened as he inhaled the scent, worried that any minute a patrol might be upon them and another attack would occur. He wouldn't miss out on a battle this time, no, and he would fight for his herd. Lukan started walking and obediently Marius followed, keeping his eyes open as well as his ears. Every rustle and cry of a bird made him turn his head and take a look back. They walked slowly, the hanging mist still heavy and cold. For a minute he thought he felt rain but it was only his mind imagining things. Marius wondered if there were eyes really watching them, and could feel an itch on his back with the thought. Everywhere around them appeared empty and dark, though who knew what could be hiding in the shadows.
I don't know how many there are.With the knight's words Marius's heart sank, hoping he would have more answers. So they stood in a situation that could be great danger without any answer. Though they had trained for this, long and hard to fight for their herd. We may be able to pick up a trail better closer to the bridge? Marius bowed his head and started to walk on, still listening for any noises. "Lukan," he hissed, lowering his voice. "A wild idea but don't you think this could be a trap? Other patrols might be out and their luring us away with scent, hoping we'll follow their trail. With those who are the strongest and most trained at fighting away from the herd what's left is the young and rooks and others, a handful of knights but not enough to fight off the bachelors." He took a breath and drew closer to Lukan so his words were heard by the other knight only. "I could be wrong, very, though we have no idea what we're getting into."
Marius drew back to a halt, catching his breath and surveying the area along with mentally preparing himself for the task ahead. Most likely this would come out in a fight if there were bachelors here and he worried how it would go down. Together Lukan and himself were strong and able to fight, at least by the looks. Though in another battle Marius really wondered if he had the stamina to put up with the enemy. He didn't turn to face Lukan but instead whispered straight into the mist. "No matter what happens, we will go down fighting." a promise he swore then and there, with all of his heart.
words: 447
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Post by asantesana on Jun 10, 2015 22:30:44 GMT -5
((My apologies for the wait! I have finals tomorrow, friday, and monday ;-; I should have more free time after that!))
Astra froze, hating the words that came out of the brown stallion's mouth - Lukan, if she remembered correctly, with the other being Martius. It was almost as if her words had summoned the smell towards their small patrol. It had been the first time Astra had smelled Bachelor scent in many, many years. It felt oddly familiar, reminding her of her adoptive mother's milk-scent. But at the same time, it was also strange, tingling down her spine and making her shift her weight uneasily. Years of training with the Olde horses also made her perceive that smell as the one of enemies, which right now, instinctively, was making Astra's mind confused over how to perceive then. Family or foe?
Then, the conscient part of the mare's mind kicked in, and she remembered how her only friend - well, sort of friend - Evelynn, had been captured by them. Despite being her original home, Astra had been a loner for far too long to have even the slightest bit of loyalty towards those horses. So, she followed silently the two stallions, being careful not to trip over anything (that would be just her luck), or make any real noise. She had to be swift and silent in her feet in order to survive on her own, and now she prided herself in being quite stealthy.
She came up on Lukan's other side, quiet and almost as still as if she was his shadow, just her ears and eyes trained on the possible threat. She heard as Martius whispered his thought, and supressed a shudder as she considered charging at a group of Bachelors, and other few coming up at them. She hesitated, thinking her question was one of a young and inexperienced mare - and really, she might not have any practice with strategies, but she had her fair share of fighting when younger - but asked anyway. "Maybe one of us could follow the trail before the others? The rest of us could follow them." Astra murmured, in an almost inaudible way, "If they haven't seen us, they could think it was just a random stray."
Again, her conscience was torn. While she knew she had to stay calm and alert, her body yearned to fight already. One thing Astra had realized during her training, and that her mentor had worked tiredlessly to fix, was that her biggest problem when fighting was actually waiting for the fight to start. She started fidgeting and used to attack without thinking. So, the mare begun breathing heavily but silently. It was better to close her eyes, but right now it was obviously impossible.
((436 words))
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Post by sapphiresquire on Jun 12, 2015 0:40:25 GMT -5
(Thanks for letting us know! ^^)
Lukan || Old Herd || Knight
The thoughts the other two knights proposed made Lukan mentally pause, the validity of their words striking a cord with him. On the one side splitting up would leave them all more vulnerable and open to attack, that also being the exact reason he had been reluctant to leave the body of the herd. Sure there were still knights and rooks left among them, as Marius had said, and many of the members of the herd were far from completely helpless despite lacking in any sort of combat training, but a greater majority were the ones in need of protecting. Then again, how much more danger would they be in if their protectors allowed unknown threats to roam about the island unchecked. The possibility that they were wandering into a trap was very real he supposed, recalling that the Bachelors had been far more disciplined than he would have thought.
The dark knight paused for real then, turning his head to look first at Astra and then to Marius on his other side. This is why I'm glad I don't have to do this job on my own. Lukan thought, gathering his words together carefully. "We could go back to the herd, but I don't want to lead or lure these intruders any closer to them than we have to. The safety of the herd is our first priority, and that means finding the Bachelor - or Bachelors - and getting them off of our island." He said firmly with partially narrowed eyes, the expression one of determination. "It could be a good plan Astra... but I'm hesitant to make one of us bait."
It was a morbid thought. The first option he had considered was going on ahead himself, and letting the other two follow. He would be able to hear any attackers coming first and therefore be more prepared if he was ambushed, but that fact stood whether he was the bait of the one following. Besides that there was the chance, though slim, that he might be recognized after the battle. And then there was Marius who struck and imposing figure like himself, but as a lone horse could still be viewed as a target. Coming to the last on their very short list, Lukan looked back at Astra, studying her carefully, his light blue eyes gentling for a moment. It was no secret that Bachelors would go for mares first whether they were just attacking or meaning to capture them. Astra would make the best bait in that regard, but it also made Lukan that much more apprehensive about asking her to do it.
"Astra...Knight or not, you'll look like more of a target to them. If you go on ahead it could draw them out." Lukan said carefully, flicking his ears to keep watching while he spoke. "Stay where I can hear you," He added, thought admittedly that was a far distance, "just call out if anything comes after you. Bachelor or beast. We'll be there as fast as our hooves can carry us. Don't engage them until we're with you if you can avoid it." The last of his cautionary words seemed necessary, thinking back on what the younger mare's training had been like.
Words: 548
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Post by elkcreek on Jun 14, 2015 11:04:32 GMT -5
Marius, olde, knight
Marius nodded at Lukan's words, gazing back at Astra. "I don't like the idea of using anyone as bait, mare or stallion." The night snorted and look between Lukan and Astra with a sigh. They were a small group and he knew the bachelors had great power in numbers. Using a mare to entice them seemed wrong, though he didn't mouth his opinion. As he looked at him companions Marius swallowed hard and turned to the mist, somewhat tempted to defy Lukan's command and go instead. There was more silence, more waiting for a trail of voices or the sound of a twig snapping. "We should follow Astra though, perhaps someone flanking her from a far distance. The bachelor's don't know our land as well, we have that advantage." He mumbled, trying to figure out how this was all going to work, even after realizing they were too small of a group to take on anything. "I can follow behind Lukan and if this is a trap, we need someone to stay further back." He turned his head and stepped back, still glancing into the mist every few minutes. "That's just my opinion, but we should act fast." Marius grumbled and continued walking beside Astra, his fear growing.
words: 211 (sorry for the wait & short reply!)
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Post by asantesana on Jun 15, 2015 21:17:36 GMT -5
Astra nodded. She knew that, especially given that there were just three of them, making one bait might be a mistake... But Astra couldn't think of a better plan. "At the same time," She muttered, "I'd use going back to the herd as a last resource, maybe not even then. Lead them to our families..." Not that she had any. But Astra shook her head, ears flicking back in anger at the the thought of more horses getting killed... Captured...
Lukan calling her name was what snapped her back to attention. Ugh, she really needed to stay focused. It wasn't common for her to be like that. Besides, focusing on the bad scenario would only pump her adrenaline even more. She resumed her breathing exercise as Lukan described his plan to her and Martius. By then, her mind was already carefully controlled and blank, the mind of one waiting to do as they were told. Her green gaze shifted to Martius and she nodded. "Those are good ideas... I don't like it either - we're too much of a small group - but they will most likely come at me, like Lukan said." The mare paused, looking at the mist before her. "Don't worry about me. I know I have a bit of a reputation, but I'm quite good at judging when to fight and when to flee. So stay calm, I've escaped large groups before."
With a final look to Lukan, Astra nodded quietly, and, following Martius' advice, begun to walk forward. The stallion had been right, every moment they wasted talking was a moment more for the Bachelors to notice them. She walked down the hill they were in, making sure to keep her posture calm and relaxed, as if she was just trotting without serious purpose, while at the same time not allowing the motion to appear forced. She was incredibly conscient of everything around her, though, from the small rocks under her hooves to the feel of the bushes on her legs. The mare hoped she was still within earshot from Lukan - if she was doing it right, she was - and that he and Martius were behind her.
As of now, nothing was wrong or out of ordinary, but she continued to walk around the scent, not necessarily following it but going in its general direction. She tried to appear not necessarily as a knight, but as a young, inexperienced mare who found a new scent and was trying to track it down. Her small frame and short stature helped quite a bit in it. Luckily for their little group, Astra rarely told the truth during her years as a Loner... Pretending to be something she wasn't, or do something different from her purpose, felt familiar and almost comforting.
(461 words)
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Post by sapphiresquire on Jun 16, 2015 15:06:23 GMT -5
Lukan || Old Herd || Knight
Before he could offer yet another word of caution, Lukan held his tongue, simply nodding as Astra began to move away from them. Full knight or not, experience could still be the best teacher and this was an opportunity for her to prove her words. He began counting her hoof beats as she trotted along, judging the distance to time when exactly they should follow. There was a fine line between being too close for their ruse to be successful, and being too far to help the mare if the need came about. Keeping his eyes trained of Astra, one ear flicked and danced about to listen in every direction, while the other turned to Marius.
"You are right I think." He said slowly, taking a moment to turn his ears to Astra, still catching nothing out of the ordinary. When he turned back to Marius, he looked at the other stallion, counting on his ears to watch over Astra where his eyes would fail the farther she went. "I'll go after Astra, and then you can follow behind me." Giving orders still felt foreign to him, but it was the first course of action that made sense. Putting himself between his two companions would allow him to hear them both while being a good distance farther from each other then normal. There was still the need for Marius to be able to hear him as well, but given the right motivation any call for help could travel a good distance. There were other cues they needed to pay attention to as well and relying on their ears alone seemed foolish.
Still counting the younger mare's hoof beats, Lukan began to move forward at a slower pace than hers, his longer strides eating up the ground between them faster than she would have. He needed to stay close, but coming up on her too fast would ruin their entire plan. When he had taken no more than a few steps, he looked back at Marius. "Keep me in sight if you can, but don't forget to watch out for yourself. They might be more likely to go after mares first, but any lone horse is still a target." With that said, he didn't want to think about what disaster could befall the herd if there were enough bachelors to attack the three of them separately. And even if it was just one horse - though the chances of that were becoming increasingly slim in the dark stallion's mind - it meant they were growing bold. It was an admirable quality in the right situation, but now it only made an uncomfortable tingle run up Lukan's spine.
No longer able to see the mare before him, Lukan focused on breathing carefully and looking nonchalant, just as he noticed Astra had, still hoping the intruders were unaware the knights knew of their presence. The element of surprise coupled with their knowledge of their own land was essential if they were to be successful in driving them out.
Words: 507
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