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| The Night of the Storm; Survival against nature's fury... [AW] | |
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| Topic Started: Nov 20 2007, 11:25 PM (658 Views) | |
| Solstice Autumnstone | Nov 20 2007, 11:25 PM Post #1 |
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Daycare Helper
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[dohtml]<center> <table width="600" border="0" table style="border:1px solid #000000 cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" bgcolor=#000000><tr><td> <center><img src="http://i122.photobucket.com/albums/o241/Falcoline/RannochMoor.jpg"></center><br> <div align=justify><font face="arial" color="#91B49C" style="font-size:9.5pt;"> The air was warm today...unusually so for this time of year.<br> <br> Solstice took a deep breath as she stood in the middle of the clearing, tasting the close stillness of the atmosphere around her. There was very little wind, but what breeze did lightly rustle the tree canopy high above was warm and moist, heavy with liquid and somehow slightly oppresive in it's feel as it gently rolled over her feathers like a wave on the ocean. The calm serenity of the air was at once both relaxing and a little unnerving, as though the entire forest was waiting with baited breath, pausing in quiet stillness in preperation for something as yet unseen yet to come, like a Hunter crouched waiting for his prey to come close enough to strike. The feeling of forboding was also overshadowed quite litterally by the heavy bank of dull grey cloud that had been spread across the sky since morning, steadily growing darker and darker as the day wore on, a shadowy inverted landscape of rolling hills and deep canyons looking down at the real world below. Even the everpresent background hum of birdsong was deathly quiet at the moment, adding to the feel of suspence and mystery hanging between the forest's thick trunks.<br> <br> She knew what it was, what was happening around her. Even the young children she often took care of had already learned the teltale signs of an aproaching storm. She had seen the symptoms before in many places, even back home on the plains from time to time. Still, she couldn't help but get the feeling that this calm, this quiet seemed somehow more profound than usual, more absolute in it's feel, unusually deep and penetrating compared to other experiences she had faced, and for some reason the heraldic atmosphere sent a slight shiver down her spine as she looked around again, feeling the oppresive heat. Something felt...wrong, somehow...<br> <br> Perhaps she was worrying unduly. Despite the atmosphere, there had not been a single peal of thunder all day, a single drop of rain to break the spell, and now it was looking like they would be long gone before the storm finally hit. She turned her head, looking over her shoulder to the edge of the clearing where another figure was rumaging through the undergrowth at the base of a large tree, sifting through the rafts of leaf litter from the fall as though looking for something. Yes, it was almost time to go back home anyway...there was no reason to call an early halt to the expedition.<br> <br> Her name was Taiya Maria Avran, daughter of Swift and Xylie, two of Sirius' most respected Hunters. She had turned fourteen just two weeks ago...perhaps a little old, some might have said, for the Daycare scheme the Pride ran, however in this case Solstice wasn't really here to look after her. Her parents had been concerned at her noticable lack of confidence in social situations, even small events with just one or two strangers, and had asked Sol if she might be able to spend some time with her and become her friend, with a view to helping her lose some of her shyness and nerves and become a little more confident. With that in view, Solstice had invited her to the Rainforest to hunt for edible mushrooms, generally quite prolific at this time of year, so they could talk and get to know each other a little better as they went. Now, as Taiya moved away from the roots of the large tree and began peering into the heart of a thick bush nearby, Solstice called over to her: "Found anything yet?"<br> <br> The girl looked round, her large emerald green eyes not quite able to meet Solstice's gaze due to her shyness. "Um...n-no, n-not yet."<br> <br> "Darn, they're normally all over the place at this time of year..." Solstice looked thoughtful as she wondered over to stand beside Taiya, the younger girl's sandy-yellow form almost as big as her despite being several seasons younger. "We'll have to go back soon too, it's starting to get late."<br> <br> "It's...a shame." Taiya murmured, her soft voice barely audible over the rustling of the trees around them as her head dopped to her chest at Sol's approach, eyes firmly rooted on the floor. "B-but I've enjoyed it out her all the same...th-thanks...f-for inviting me, Solstice."<br> <br> The older Griffiness smiled warmly in responce. "No problem, I'm glad you enjoyed it." she replied. "I did too...we'll have to arrange it again sometime."<br> <br> Taiya nodded too, grinning a little sheepishly as her eyes momentarilly darted up to Sol's face, unable to hold the gaze for very long, but before she could offer a reply, a deep, ominous rumble echoed over the treetops from somewhere to the west, a throbbing bass that seemed to shake the forest to it's very foundations as it rolled out over the canopy like a shockwave. Both girls looked up at the sky in surprise as the reprecussions from the blast vibrated through their bodies, Solstice with a hint of worry in her expression too. That roll of thunder was very loud for a storm that was still a long way away.<br> <br> Her espression returned to a warm smile as she turned back to her friend, however, not showing her thoughts outwardly. No, there was no reason to worry, it would probably still be a while before the storm hit, and even if it was somewhat quicker than expected, it was only a little bad weather. "Well, it looks like we're just in time too!" she exclaimed with a chuckle. "Let's get out of here before the rain starts!"<br> <br> (OOC: Taiya is an NPC, for the record) <br> <font color=#C1FFC1><b></b></font> <br> </font color></div> </td> </tr> <br> <tr><td style="background-color: #000000;color: #CCCFE8; padding-left: 10px; padding-right: 10px; padding-bottom; 10px; border: 1px solid #000000; line-height: 10px; font-family: verdana; font-size: 8.5px; text-align:center;">Table by Zaine</td></tr> </table></center>[/dohtml] |
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Solstice's Bio. (Second character of Sekt Equinox.) | |
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| Vixan Torrentia | Dec 14 2007, 05:24 PM Post #2 |
Unranked -Hunter
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OOC: Forgive me, I'm about to wreck your wonderful RP... I dont mean to, honest. The air was heavy today. It felt oppressive, close. Vixan did not like it, it felt bad... She walked slowly through the rainforest, marvelling at the quiet stillness. How could anything be so full of life yet so tranquil? Vixan stopped suddenly. Looking up, she sawthe sky slowly darkening. A deadly storm was brewing, but it seemed far off. She need not worry yet. Strange smells assailed her nostrils, and she closed her eyes, trying to identify them. The air was wet, and humid. the earth smelled rich below her feet. The trees smelled of life, and of freshness. And there was another smell...gryphons...from... "Sirius Moors!" hissed the sandy huntress, instinctively crouching low to the ground, in case they were nearby. She fluffed up her feathers, but looking around she could see nobody nearby. She decided to look for the others. It was better that she found them before they found her, that way if they were after a fight she would have the element of surprise, not them. With her body low to the ground, Vixan crept through the trees, using all her hunters skills to remain silent. When heavy rain strated to fall, she ignored it, so focused was she on seeking the sirius griffs. She did not see the black clouds roll suddenly overhead. Soon she came to a clearing. In it were the two she had been looking for, one she did not recognise and another she knew was called Solstice. They had never spoken before, but as of yet Vixan had no reason to dislike her. Maybe she should announce her presence. She stood up straight and slowly approached, cautious but trying not to appear aggressive. The rain fell heavier, and lightening flashed in the sky, followed by a roar of thunder. Vixan reached the other two, un-noticed, and cleared her throat. "Miserable day to be out, isn't it?" |
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Avatar by Taelifoe/Steelshod. Fallen Dusk Sticks and stones may break my bones. But names are words of power that wound the soul. Silver Ravenwolf | |
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| Solstice Autumnstone | Dec 16 2007, 08:39 PM Post #3 |
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Daycare Helper
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[dohtml]<center> <table width="600" border="0" table style="border:1px solid #000000 cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" bgcolor=#000000><tr><td> <center><img src="http://i122.photobucket.com/albums/o241/Falcoline/RannochMoor.jpg"></center><br> <div align=justify><font face="arial" color="#91B49C" style="font-size:9.5pt;"> (OOC: You aren't wrecking it. On the contrary, thanks for joining^^)<br> <br> Taiya let out a cry as the other Griffin spoke, jumping nearly three feet into the air and scrabling away from her hurredly to put some distance between the two. Solstice, on the other hand, merely looked surprised for a moment as she looked around, before nodding respectfully to the newcomer. "Yes, it is...looks to be getting worse too." She had found herself instantly wary of this stranger, apparently from the Headlands looking at her coloring, due to how close she had come to the two of them before announcing her presence...almost as though she were trying to sneak up on them for some reason. Still, if that were the case, she surely wouldn't have announced her presence when she did, so perhaps Sol was just being paranoid.<br> <br> Whatever the case, the storm was dropping on them amazingly quickly, and there wasn't really time for thought. "Look, I don't mean to be rude or anything," she continued to Vixan, "but we were just about to head out. This weather is getting worse by the second, and if it gets too bad we won't be able to fly for fear of lightning. I hope you'll excuse us? It may be an idea for you to head home too..." She spread her wings as she spoke, in preperation for taking off, and Taiya followed her cue, getting ready to fly as well. <br> <font color=#C1FFC1><b></b></font> <br> </font color></div> </td> </tr> <br> <tr><td style="background-color: #000000;color: #CCCFE8; padding-left: 10px; padding-right: 10px; padding-bottom; 10px; border: 1px solid #000000; line-height: 10px; font-family: verdana; font-size: 8.5px; text-align:center;">Table by Zaine</td></tr> </table></center>[/dohtml] |
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Solstice's Bio. (Second character of Sekt Equinox.) | |
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| Vixan Torrentia | Dec 18 2007, 02:13 PM Post #4 |
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Unranked -Hunter
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(OOC: what does NPC mean? *feels like a stupid newb...*) Vixan nodded slowly as she looked at Solstice. she was still trying to make up her mind about whether she should attack them or befriend them. The latter, she thought. they were not intruding in any way, and she had disturbed them, not they her. Vixan may be bad tempered, but she was fair...usually. The sirius griffs raised their wings, apparently about to take off for home. "you're right," sighed Vixan, "before it gets worse..." Suddenly the heavens seemed to open, and Vixi shreiked with surprise. it was as if someone had turned a tap on in the sky, and now a torrent of ice cold rain had soaked her to the bone. water thundered all around her, accompanied by flashes of lightening streaking to the ground. the fawn huntress turned tail and ran, but before she reached the edge of the clearing she remembered Solstice and Taiya. Vixan couldn't just leave them, they would catch their death of cold. She paused in a moment of indecision, then howled, "Curse my conscience!" Then she turned back to the others, squelching through the mud that had taken the place of the firm ground. "Can you trust me?" she said over the noise of the rain. "Follow me, i know a place we can shelter. Theres a hollow tree, not far from here, big enough for all of us." She shivered as she looked at them pleadingly. She really hoped they would come-She couldn't just abandon them, and flying was impossible in rain this heavy. |
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Avatar by Taelifoe/Steelshod. Fallen Dusk Sticks and stones may break my bones. But names are words of power that wound the soul. Silver Ravenwolf | |
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| Solstice Autumnstone | Dec 19 2007, 11:38 PM Post #5 |
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Daycare Helper
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[dohtml]<center> <table width="600" border="0" table style="border:1px solid #000000 cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" bgcolor=#000000><tr><td> <center><img src="http://i122.photobucket.com/albums/o241/Falcoline/RannochMoor.jpg"></center><br> <div align=justify><font face="arial" color="#91B49C" style="font-size:9.5pt;"> (OOC: Non-Player Character ~ Character that can be controlled by anyone to advance the story ;D )<br> <br> Solstice shivered as the floodgates opened, looking up into the pouring rain in amazement. Just where had all this come from??? Never in her life had she seen such a sudden weather shift as this...so fast, so sudden, it couldn't be possible!<br> <br> Taiya had arched her wings over her head, peering out from under them like a Fox peeking from underneath a bush, and she quickly scrambled over to Sol's side as the rain beat down on them like a waterfall, her teeth gritted in discomfort. "Th-this isn't good! What do we do?"<br> <br> Solstice opened her mouth to reply, but no words came out. In truth, she had no idea herself...she had hoped to be well on her way home by the time the first spots of rain started to fall, but the storm coming early had caught her completely off guard. She glanced over at the other Griffiness whom they had just met, but sighed slightly as she saw her running off across the clearing on her own...Sol didn't blame her, considering how cold the water was. "We need to find some kind of shelter." she eventually responded to Taiya's question, turning back to her friend with a grim expression. "We can't get home in this...we'll have to wait it out."<br> <br> "Can you trust me?"<br> <br> Both Moorland Griffs turned as Vixan's voice called through the melee, looking surprised to hear her again. She'd come back after running off? "Follow me, i know a place we can shelter. Theres a hollow tree, not far from here, big enough for all of us." she continued, watching them for their reaction, and Solstice shrugged, glancing at her companion.<br> <br> "Seems like our best option for now." Taiya looked a little uncertain at the thought of following a stranger, but the discomfort at the cold rain won her over, and Solstice turned back to Vixan. "Thanks for your help. Lead the way." <br> <font color=#C1FFC1><b></b></font> <br> </font color></div> </td> </tr> <br> <tr><td style="background-color: #000000;color: #CCCFE8; padding-left: 10px; padding-right: 10px; padding-bottom; 10px; border: 1px solid #000000; line-height: 10px; font-family: verdana; font-size: 8.5px; text-align:center;">Table by Zaine</td></tr> </table></center>[/dohtml] |
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Solstice's Bio. (Second character of Sekt Equinox.) | |
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| Vixan Torrentia | Dec 20 2007, 07:26 AM Post #6 |
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Unranked -Hunter
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(Ta...) Vixan needed no second invitation. She shot off through the rain, as if she was propelled by a rocket, skilfully winding her way through the trees. She knew where she was going, she often came out here to hide if the pride was bothereing her. She skidded to a halt beside a huge old tree, with a diameter nearly twice asa big as her wingspan. About halfway up, there was a small opening and inside it was a huge space, large enough for all three gryphons to shelter from the weather. Vixan turned to the others. "we need to get up there. we can't fly, we'll have to climb." She laept at the tree and buried her sharp talons in the bark, clawing her way upwards. "Come on," she said to the other two, "get a shift on!" But Taiya was looking unsure. Vixan jumped back down to her to see what was wrong. "I can't climb up there," she said, looking scared, and a little embarresed. "sure you can," replied Vixi, "its easy." Taiya was still uncertain. "look, tell you what, go up ahead of me. If you fall, I will catch you" Vixan could see that she was still scared. Was it the climb, or Vixan herself? She turned to solstice pleadingly. She didn't know what to do, and if they stayed out, they would drown. |
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Avatar by Taelifoe/Steelshod. Fallen Dusk Sticks and stones may break my bones. But names are words of power that wound the soul. Silver Ravenwolf | |
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| Solstice Autumnstone | Dec 21 2007, 09:07 PM Post #7 |
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Daycare Helper
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[dohtml]<center> <table width="600" border="0" table style="border:1px solid #000000 cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" bgcolor=#000000><tr><td> <center><img src="http://i122.photobucket.com/albums/o241/Falcoline/RannochMoor.jpg"></center><br> <div align=justify><font face="arial" color="#91B49C" style="font-size:9.5pt;"> "We'll both be here." Solstice interjected, backing Vixan up as she stepped alongside the younger girl, staring at her with a reassuring, determined gaze. "You can do it, Taiya. Just grit your beak and climb!"<br> <br> The girl looked round, tears coming to her eyes and mingling with the rain as she turned her head in Solstice's direction, still unable to look either of her companions in the eye. "I...I'm scared!"<br> <br> "I know." Solstice extended her wing over Taiya's sodden shoulders, drawing the girl close to her side in an attempt to calm her. "I am too, Tai...you aren't the only one." A slight expression of surprise flitted across the girl's features as she heard the news, but Sol spoke again before she could reply. The Daycare Helper had always been closely in tune with the emotions of those around her, and now she knew it was up to her to give Taiya the confidence she needed. "But I think we can beat this, if we work together. What do you say...will you try and do it for me, if I try and do it for you? Will you help me, Tai...please?"<br> <br> Taiya was looking straight at her now, despite her shyness, an expression of confusion on her features. "But...you're so..."<br> <br> "Afraid." she finished over the deafening roar of another thunderclap. "I've spent my life looking after children, so I've learned not to show my emotions when I feel bad, but I'm scared just like you. I know we may not survive out here, but I want to get home to my family and friends again...and I want you to see your parents as well. They asked me to bring you out here, Tai...if anything should happen to you it'd be my fault, and I'd never be able to forgive myself." She reached out a paw to grasp Taiya's arm, a pleading air in her brilliant blue eyes as she stared at her companion hard, the rain dripping in small rivers from the drenched feathers atop her head. "Help me to help you. Let's help each other. We can do this, Tai!"<br> <br> The girl still looked uncertain, but she eventually swallowed hard and nodded her head, turning her gaze to the towering side of the tree once again. Solstice pulled back her wing to give her some room as she slowly stepped forward, crouching low into the mire the forest floor had become and tensing her muscles for a moment before leaping up at the old, rutted bark and digging her claws into it's surface. As she began to slowly climb, Solstice waved to Vixan. "Go on, I'll follow you!"<br> <br> As she called out the words, a strong gust of wind suddenly blasted through the mass of thick trunks, turning the torrential downpour into a stinging sideways-falling squall, each raindrop impacting like a stone in a landslide through their thick feathers and fur. The trees swayed too and fro in the blast, their leaves rustling like the sound of waves on the ocean, and somewhere up above in the tree canopy, a loud, long groan of splintering wood creaked ominously from the shadows.<br> <br> The storm was just beginning...<br> <br> <font color=#C1FFC1><b></b></font> <br> </font color></div> </td> </tr> <br> <tr><td style="background-color: #000000;color: #CCCFE8; padding-left: 10px; padding-right: 10px; padding-bottom; 10px; border: 1px solid #000000; line-height: 10px; font-family: verdana; font-size: 8.5px; text-align:center;">Table by Zaine</td></tr> </table></center>[/dohtml] |
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Solstice's Bio. (Second character of Sekt Equinox.) | |
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| Vixan Torrentia | Dec 27 2007, 11:49 AM Post #8 |
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Unranked -Hunter
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As vixan watched Solstice persuade Taiya to climb the tree, she couldn't help feeling just a little depressed. She didn't undersrtand peoples feelings. She couldn't reassure them and most instantly disliked her. Perhaps that was the reason for her constant bad temper. Taiya leaped into the tree, and Vixi nodded aS solstice told her to go next. For the second time she sprang at the tree trunk, but a gust of wind hit her in the side and her grip nearly failed. For one panicked moment she thought she would fall back to the slushy ground, but fortunatley her claws gug deep and held her up. She made her way laboriously upwards, her muscles screaming in protest, and after what seemed like an eternity she dragged herself over the lip of the hollow. Inside it was dark, but it was dry. The hollow was huge and the walls were smooth where the heartwood of the tree had been scooped out by some unknown force. But because the sapwood was still in place, the tree still lived. Vixan flopped down on the floor, exhausted, thankful that now they could rest in peace. But as she recovered her breath, she could not ignore the way the floor shook ominously, and the boughs above groaned wearily. The huntress was uneasy, but surely her fears were unfounded. The tree was ancient, it had seen hundreds of storms before. It could survive one more. Couldn't it? |
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Avatar by Taelifoe/Steelshod. Fallen Dusk Sticks and stones may break my bones. But names are words of power that wound the soul. Silver Ravenwolf | |
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| Solstice Autumnstone | Jan 1 2008, 08:45 PM Post #9 |
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Daycare Helper
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[dohtml]<center> <table width="600" border="0" table style="border:1px solid #000000 cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" bgcolor=#000000><tr><td> <center><img src="http://i122.photobucket.com/albums/o241/Falcoline/RannochMoor.jpg"></center><br> <div align=justify><font face="arial" color="#91B49C" style="font-size:9.5pt;"> Solstice was quick to follow Vixan up the tree trunk and into the small hollow within, brushing her soaked feathers from her eyes as she dropped the short distance to the floor, relived to be out of the rain and wind. She had an almost irresistable urge to shake all the water from her fur, to be free from the horrible waterlogged feeling of her plumage clinging to itself and to her skin like a freezing, sodden blanket of moss, but she knew it was pointless. If she shook herself, then the others would too, and they'd only end up soaking each other again with the water flying from their coats. Besides, this hollow probably had limited drainage...if too much water were to be freed too quickly into it's depths it would probably form an icy cold pool beneath them that they would be forced to lie in for the duration of their stay, an even less appealing thought than sitting with damp fur.<br> <br> Taiya had retreated to the back of the hollow as soon as she had entered, still shivering strongly as she curled up against the wall, partly no doubt of cold, but Solstice couldn't help but wonder how much of the movement was also out of fear at their situation and the climb she had just had to face. Fear, even, at being out in an unfamilliar place with strangers that she didn't know, considering her shy nature. Slowly the Daycare Helper moved across to the girl, once again extending a friendly, calming wing over her whoulders as she smiled at her disarmingly. "Thanks, Tai...for your help." she murmured quietly. "And well done too!"<br> <br> She didn't look up, but the slight glimmer of a smile touched her lips, a fact not missed by Solstice's alert eyes. Good, she was feeling at least a little better anyway. Reassured (and aware of not overwhelming the shy girl), Sol turned her attention to their new companion Nodding her head respectfully as she began to speak. "Thanks for helping us out back there. We owe you a debt."<br> <br> Another deafening roar of thunder momentarilly blanked out all further conversation, but as it subsided, Solstice continued: "Well since it seems we're stuck here together for a while, we may as well get aquainted. I'm Solstice Autumnstone, Daycare Helper for the Sirius Moors Pride." She didn't bother mentioning the Pride Mistress bit...in truth, she still felt a little uncertain about the role herself, unsure if she was ready or even worthy for such responsibillity, and she had no idea how this stranger would view the news anyway. "And this is my friend, Taiya Avran. Can we be so bold as to ask your name?" <br> <font color=#C1FFC1><b></b></font> <br> </font color></div> </td> </tr> <br> <tr><td style="background-color: #000000;color: #CCCFE8; padding-left: 10px; padding-right: 10px; padding-bottom; 10px; border: 1px solid #000000; line-height: 10px; font-family: verdana; font-size: 8.5px; text-align:center;">Table by Zaine</td></tr> </table></center>[/dohtml] |
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Solstice's Bio. (Second character of Sekt Equinox.) | |
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| Vixan Torrentia | Jan 3 2008, 09:28 AM Post #10 |
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Unranked -Hunter
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Vixan watched Solstice and Taiya blankly, momentarily lost in her own thoughts. She jumped as Solsitice turned to her and said they owed her. "Dont mention it," said Vixan. She still wasn't sure why she had helped them, after all, in her own pride she had a reputation for being really bad tempered and at times incredibly selfish. What they would say if they had just witnessed this act, she did not know. A huge rumble of thunder shook the skies, and vixi flattened herself to the floor. She really hatd thunder. It wasn't so much fear, but the loud noise it made. When it passed, Solstice spoke to Vixan again, introducing her and her companion and asking her name. "Vixan Torrentia, Huntress for the Axe Headlands pride" she said slowly to Solstice, nodding to Taiya. Then, thinking it would be polite to make conversation, she sked, "So, what were you doing in the rainforest then?" She sat back to wait for a response, but in truth she couldn't have cared less. She was cold, miserable and starting to get hungry. 'I hope this storm passes soon,' she muttered quietly to herself. |
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Avatar by Taelifoe/Steelshod. Fallen Dusk Sticks and stones may break my bones. But names are words of power that wound the soul. Silver Ravenwolf | |
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| Solstice Autumnstone | Jan 9 2008, 07:18 PM Post #11 |
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Daycare Helper
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[dohtml]<center> <table width="600" border="0" table style="border:1px solid #000000 cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" bgcolor=#000000><tr><td> <center><img src="http://i122.photobucket.com/albums/o241/Falcoline/RannochMoor.jpg"></center><br> <div align=justify><font face="arial" color="#91B49C" style="font-size:9.5pt;"> "Looking for mushrooms." Solstice responded with a slight sigh as she sat down, glancing up once again to the small opening they had clambered through to enter the hollow. "It was more of a fun trip than an actual mission to find anything." By now the water on her feathers was really beginning to irritate her, and she couldn't resist turning her head round to preen her wings slightly, in some small attempt to alleviate the discomfort. "How about yourself?" <br> <font color=#C1FFC1><b></b></font> <br> </font color></div> </td> </tr> <br> <tr><td style="background-color: #000000;color: #CCCFE8; padding-left: 10px; padding-right: 10px; padding-bottom; 10px; border: 1px solid #000000; line-height: 10px; font-family: verdana; font-size: 8.5px; text-align:center;">Table by Zaine</td></tr> </table></center>[/dohtml] |
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Solstice's Bio. (Second character of Sekt Equinox.) | |
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| Vixan Torrentia | Jan 10 2008, 04:45 PM Post #12 |
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Unranked -Hunter
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Vixan laughed grimly. "I come here when I want to escape the pride. I find it so stuffy there sometimes...Gryphons everywhere, wanting to ask me things, asking me when I'm going hunting, what I'm gonna catch...Sometimes I just want a bit of time to myself." She glanced around the hollow. "Thats why I come here. It's quiet and peaceful, and I can relax without fear of being disturbed." Suddenly a thought crossed her mind that she did not like, and she looked worriedly at Solstice and Taiya. "You won't tell anyone about this place, will you? Otherwise I'd have to find somewhere else..." |
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Avatar by Taelifoe/Steelshod. Fallen Dusk Sticks and stones may break my bones. But names are words of power that wound the soul. Silver Ravenwolf | |
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| Solstice Autumnstone | Jan 15 2008, 12:43 PM Post #13 |
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Daycare Helper
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[dohtml]<center> <table width="600" border="0" table style="border:1px solid #000000 cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" bgcolor=#000000><tr><td> <center><img src="http://i122.photobucket.com/albums/o241/Falcoline/RannochMoor.jpg"></center><br> <div align=justify><font face="arial" color="#91B49C" style="font-size:9.5pt;"> "Don't worry, we won't say anything." Sol responded, shaking her head. She knew the feeling of having a special place where one could go to get away from life...the large, flat rock in the clearing near her cave was like that for her...and for Vixan to have brought them to her hiding place and allowed them entry as she had must have been quite difficult for her.<br> <br> The howling of the wind outside had steadily been getting louder and louder as they spoke, and suddenly a flash of light flickered at the entrance to the hollow, followed almost immediately by a peal of thunder far louder than any they had heard before, a rock-shattering blast that seemed to shake the very ground beneath them. Taiya whimpered and curled into an even tighter ball of feathers in the corner, while Sol shivered despite herself. "It sounds like we could be here for a while..."<br> <br> She glanced over her shoulder at her companion, then back towards Vixan, her expression set in a thoughtful frown. "Say," she continued to the Headlands Griff, "we're all soaked through here, and the air is very cold...if we aren't careful we may end up catching our deaths, never mind the storm itself! I know we've only just met, but might it be an idea to huddle together some, try to keep each other warm with body heat?"<br> <br> Meanwhile outside, the last bolt of lightning had had an effect the girls had certainly not expected. The energy had hit the branch of a dead tree a little way away from their hiding place, blasting a large branch clean off the trunk in a splintering explosion of wood. The branch had fallen to the base of the tree, the end where the lightning had struck glowing orange with heat in the darkness, sparks showering around it in a burning orange rain...<br> <br> And on the dry wood of the dead tree's roots, hidden away from the worst of the rain by the thick covering of branches up above, one of these sparks took hold, a small, smouldering ember that quickly began to expand as the fire took hold, beginning to eat away at the dry wood of the tree's trunk as it gained power, burning hotter and brighter.<br> <br> And as the scathing wind blew, it began to fan the flames, egging them higher despite the torrential downpour from above and spreading it's flickering ashes out across a wide area of the forest... <br> <font color=#C1FFC1><b></b></font> <br> </font color></div> </td> </tr> <br> <tr><td style="background-color: #000000;color: #CCCFE8; padding-left: 10px; padding-right: 10px; padding-bottom; 10px; border: 1px solid #000000; line-height: 10px; font-family: verdana; font-size: 8.5px; text-align:center;">Table by Zaine</td></tr> </table></center>[/dohtml] |
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Solstice's Bio. (Second character of Sekt Equinox.) | |
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| Vixan Torrentia | Jan 17 2008, 06:47 AM Post #14 |
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Unranked -Hunter
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"Well..." Vixan thought for a moment, then slowly picked herself up and moved over to stand between Solstice and Taiya. She spread her wings wide then sank to the floor so that her wings covered the other two. Immediately she began to feel warmer, yet still she shivered due to nerves that she could not quite suppress. "Thanks, for saying you won't tell" said Vixan to Sol. She couldn't bear it if anyone found out. As the vicious weather battered the rainforest, and rivers formed in the slushy earth, Vixan was uneasy. She disliked being in close proximity with other gryphons, but now that the storm made it necessary, it was taking a lot of self control to battle her instincts, which screamed ‘Fight!’ Suddenly a strange smell reached the huntresses nostrils on a stray gust of wind, and she raised her head questioningly. She turned to Taiya and said, ‘Did you smell that?’ Taiya was clearly mystified. ‘Smell what?’ she replied. Vixan scented the air again, but the smell was gone. ‘Never mind.....’ Vixan laid her head on her paws, but her ears were pricked forward. It had not been the smell of flowers on the air, it was a bad smell, and it spoke of danger. Had Solstice noticed it? And what had it been? |
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Avatar by Taelifoe/Steelshod. Fallen Dusk Sticks and stones may break my bones. But names are words of power that wound the soul. Silver Ravenwolf | |
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| Solstice Autumnstone | Jan 21 2008, 07:28 PM Post #15 |
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Daycare Helper
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[dohtml]<center> <table width="600" border="0" table style="border:1px solid #000000 cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" bgcolor=#000000><tr><td> <center><img src="http://i122.photobucket.com/albums/o241/Falcoline/RannochMoor.jpg"></center><br> <div align=justify><font face="arial" color="#91B49C" style="font-size:9.5pt;"> Solstice too raised her head at Vixan's question, scenting the air for whatever the huntress had been speaking about, but all she could smell was sodden earth and the musky scent of wet feathers. Taiya queried Vixan about the matter, but she simply shrugged it off, so Sol mentally did the same, snuggling a little closer to the other two in an attempt to get all three of them more comfortable.<br> <br> Taiya seemed to be relaxing a little after the initial shock of the storm, and as Solstice moved the girl laid her head on her firned's shoulder, closing her eyes as though attempting to get some sleep. Solstice smiled slightly, silently wishing she could do the same, but right now the wet surroundings and adrenneline from their escape to the tree were far too much of an intrusion to allow for that. Not to mention her worried mind...they certainly seemed safe for now, but this storm was already one of the most violent she had ever seen, and she couldn't help but wonder if that situation would last. And even if they did survive okay, the rest of the Pride would be worried sick when they didn't come home, particularly Taiya's parents - and Sol would be responsible for that, of course...<br> <br> Her musings were interrupted as her movements accidentally caused her flank to touch that of their other companion, and she blinked in surprise as she noticed how tense the Headlands Griffiness was. Maybe getting so close to someone one had only just met was more difficult for her than Sol had thought. Either way it wouldn't hurt to try and calm the situation a little more. "You okay?" she asked quietly, wearing her most sincere, disarming smile to try and put Vixan at ease... <br> <font color=#C1FFC1><b></b></font> <br> </font color></div> </td> </tr> <br> <tr><td style="background-color: #000000;color: #CCCFE8; padding-left: 10px; padding-right: 10px; padding-bottom; 10px; border: 1px solid #000000; line-height: 10px; font-family: verdana; font-size: 8.5px; text-align:center;">Table by Zaine</td></tr> </table></center>[/dohtml] |
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Solstice's Bio. (Second character of Sekt Equinox.) | |
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| Vixan Torrentia | Jan 25 2008, 02:26 PM Post #16 |
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Unranked -Hunter
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"Me?" said Vixan, startled by Sol speaking to her. "yeah, i'm..." She was about to say she was fine, but that was a lie. For some reason, she did not want to lie to the gryphoness. She wanted to trust her, but because of her nature she found it hard. She drew in a deep breath, and said, "No, i'm not okay. I'm terrified. i want to go home, I miss my cave and my pridelands. Even....Even my pride." Vixan was surprised when she said rthis, because she was not particularly close to anybody in her pride, but she missed the comforting thought that they were around her to protect her. "I've seen many storms in my time," She continued, "I live at the bottom of a cliff. And i can tell how bad they are going to be. Most of the time they will pass quickly, doing little damage. Sometimes they cause havoc, bringing only destruction. At those times I get far away. This storm is even worse that those, and we are right in the middle of it. And it scares me, i dont want to die." She finished with a whisper and dropped her head. Vixan was also scared of being around the others. Not because she was afraid they would hurt her, quite the opposite, She was afraid of being in close proximity because she new that sometimes her temper would get the better of her, and she did not want to hurt them. Shuffling uncomfortably, she turned her head back towards Sol, and quietly told her, so that she would understand her unease. |
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Avatar by Taelifoe/Steelshod. Fallen Dusk Sticks and stones may break my bones. But names are words of power that wound the soul. Silver Ravenwolf | |
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| Solstice Autumnstone | Jan 29 2008, 08:06 PM Post #17 |
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Daycare Helper
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[dohtml]<center> <table width="600" border="0" table style="border:1px solid #000000 cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" bgcolor=#000000><tr><td> <center><img src="http://i122.photobucket.com/albums/o241/Falcoline/RannochMoor.jpg"></center><br> <div align=justify><font face="arial" color="#91B49C" style="font-size:9.5pt;"> Solstice listened silently as Vixan spoke, giving her her undevided attention as the Griffiness explained her fears quietly. So skilled with empathy and understanding other's emotions, listening was one thing Solstice had practiced to an art form, never butting in or ignoring the speaker as they poured out their innmost feelings, allowing them all the time they needed to explain. And as Vixan slowly went silent after her confession, obviously considerably embarassed and upset by the situation, Sol waited a time, allowing a pause punctuated only by the howling wind and lashing rain outside, partly incase Vixan wished to say anything else, and partly to allow a time of recouperation for the hunter, so she wouldn't feel that Solstice was becoming confrontational with her.<br> <br> As the moment passed, however, Solstice slowly reached out a paw towards Vixan, placing her palm lightly on the back of the other Griff's hand as she watched her with a calm, even gaze. "Thank you for explaining." she murmured, her voice little more than a whisper. "I can tell it was hard...but now, if anything like that should happen at any point, I'll be able to understand. I'll know how you're feeling."<br> <br> Another pause as she allowed the words to sink in, then she spoke again. "But don't worry, Vixan...I trust you. You've already helped me and Taiya out immensely, and I can't thank you enough for that. I trusted that you ment well even before you spoke just now, and now, seeing how painful it was to say what you did, I know it for certain. No matter what happens tonight, I'll believe that about you."<br> <br> She leaned her head slightly closer, her bright blue eyes seeming to gleam with a kind, understanding care. "If ever you're not feeling well and you need us to do something to help, even if it's something like 'go away and leave you alone for a while', please let us know, okay? We won't be upset...we'll understand. And in the meantime, I'll look out for you...we can all look out for each other. If we stick together we can get out of this, I'm sure of it. We'll both be here to help, Vixan..." <br> <font color=#C1FFC1><b></b></font> <br> </font color></div> </td> </tr> <br> <tr><td style="background-color: #000000;color: #CCCFE8; padding-left: 10px; padding-right: 10px; padding-bottom; 10px; border: 1px solid #000000; line-height: 10px; font-family: verdana; font-size: 8.5px; text-align:center;">Table by Zaine</td></tr> </table></center>[/dohtml] |
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Solstice's Bio. (Second character of Sekt Equinox.) | |
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| Vixan Torrentia | Feb 3 2008, 09:29 AM Post #18 |
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Unranked -Hunter
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"Youre very kind," said Vixan to Sol, "I can see why youre a daycare helper, you must get on well with the chicks". Outside the rain was still falling but not as heavily as before and hail was falling along with it. Seein it, Vixan shivered. She was glad she had not abandoned the other two out there, they surely would have died of cold. turning to look at Taiya, Vixan wondered why she had been out with Sol. She was young, that was obvious, but she was clearly no longer a chick. Why, then, was a daycare helper looking after her? the huntress turned back to solstice, trying to think of something to say. She felt uncomfortable sat in silence. "hey, Solstice? Whats it like in the moors, where you live? I've never seen it before." She geuinely was interested, because the only home she had ever known had been the headlands. She wondered what it was like where other gryphons lived, and if they all ahd the same culture and way of life. so focused was she, waiting for Sols reply, that she didn't notice the strange smell creeping slowly back into the hollow... |
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Avatar by Taelifoe/Steelshod. Fallen Dusk Sticks and stones may break my bones. But names are words of power that wound the soul. Silver Ravenwolf | |
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| Solstice Autumnstone | Feb 8 2008, 10:39 AM Post #19 |
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Daycare Helper
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[dohtml]<center> <table width="600" border="0" table style="border:1px solid #000000 cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" bgcolor=#000000><tr><td> <center><img src="http://i122.photobucket.com/albums/o241/Falcoline/RannochMoor.jpg"></center><br> <div align=justify><font face="arial" color="#91B49C" style="font-size:9.5pt;"> "It's very open and flat." Sol responded, smiling slightly as she realised she'd managed to win the other girl's trust somewhat. "Mostly open heathland with low, rolling hills. We have the occasional wood, but they're few and far between."<br> <br> Her eyes seemed to gain a dreamy, far-away look for a moment as she smiled. "You'll have to come visit sometime. It's wonderful when the sun shines down on the grass and the pollen is in the air, and you can just run for miles and miles across the moors. You feel so free, so alive! I think you'd like it."<br> <br> Outside, one of the flickering embers of burning wood had gently floated over the grass to land on the base of the large tree the girls were sheltering in, and the wood beneath it's glowing light was beginning to smoulder as the heat took hold. A spark of orange flame began to lick up from the spot, small at first, but slowly growing larger as it's heat increased, feeding itself under the shelter of the overlapping branches above... <br> <font color=#C1FFC1><b></b></font> <br> </font color></div> </td> </tr> <br> <tr><td style="background-color: #000000;color: #CCCFE8; padding-left: 10px; padding-right: 10px; padding-bottom; 10px; border: 1px solid #000000; line-height: 10px; font-family: verdana; font-size: 8.5px; text-align:center;">Table by Zaine</td></tr> </table></center>[/dohtml] |
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Solstice's Bio. (Second character of Sekt Equinox.) | |
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| Vixan Torrentia | Feb 18 2008, 12:33 PM Post #20 |
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Unranked -Hunter
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"It sounds wonderful," replied the huntress. Finally feeling relaxed, Vixan lowered her head slowly to rest in her paws and allowed her eyes to close. The exhaustion of their flight was catching up on her. "I'm glad its getting warmer," she murmered sleepily, and indeed it was. Vixan felt like she was back home, in her cosy cliffside cave. The steam rose from her body and floated on the air as the rain fell, lighter now, in the gale outside. pitter Patter Pitter patter Crackle Patter snap patter... What the?...! Vixans head jerked upwards, her questing ears moving from side to side as she sought the unusual sound. But no longer could she hear it. Once again, she lowered her head, but this time her eys sayed wide as she listened. And it came again. That myserious crackle-snap that did not belong. Looking over, Vix noticed that Taiya seemed to have heard it too; her head was raised, her expression worried, but she seemed frozen in place. Vixan heaved herself to her feet, noticing as she did so that the floor was unusually warm under foot, far warmer than it shold be. Now she was worried. Tenatatively she crept toward the opening of the hollow, dreading what she would see, but knowing she must look. As she poked her head out she nearly screamed as a blast of hot air made her feathers curl at the ends. Ignoring the pain, she looked aorund. Their tree was on fire, as was quite a substantial part of the rest of the forest. The sky was lit up with an orange glow, and flames licked at the branches, consuming them like...well, wildfire. Many trees had already been reduced to smouldering piles of ash, and vixi knew she, Taiya and Sol were headed the same way if they didn't get out know. "Our trees on fire," she said to the other two, in a calm voice that completely contrasted her panic. "we need to leave. Now." |
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Avatar by Taelifoe/Steelshod. Fallen Dusk Sticks and stones may break my bones. But names are words of power that wound the soul. Silver Ravenwolf | |
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