Stand Up and Fight

[lady shady]

OSER

“I didn’t know anyone could see her,” Kao remarked, obviously surprised by Oser’s reaction to the phantom-like feline. ”It seems that way,” Oser replied, still half-laughing. ”Though my own patronus rarely chooses to grace me with his presence.” Of course, there was still no sign of the arctic bear.

Flicking her ears, the mare asked conversationally, “So, by what reason are such able bodied stallions such as yourself here today?"

Once again, Kao beat him to the reply, and Oser smiled good-naturedly. He’d bide his time with this mare, just wait and see. “Actually, I am here for a purpose. I came to seek out an Alpha and an Alpha I have found, as well as another inhabitant of these parts. Everything has fallen under Ramaskith’s rule except for the North Lands where we now stand. I have come to offer my aid, for I do not wish to see everything lost to him.” Oser straightened. Forget about the mare, another recruit had come right to him!

”I believe I can help you there,” he returned, directing his gaze at Kao. ”I would be honored to have you as part of my forces.” He eyed the stag, wondering if he would have the follow-up phrase that so many of his recruits seemed to be so fond of. When there was no further request, he hesitated slightly, a bit thrown off. ”I suppose you wish for time…to say goodbye to a mate or loved one?” he ventured carefully, surprised that Kao hadn’t asked.

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[aPPY]

anniston

Oh, so this was a warrior? Seeking to join the ranks? She crinkled her nose, though listened to the rest of his words. At least he was fighting against Ramaskith, and not allied with him. Her face relaxed a tad, knowing that at least that was something. Although, it wasn't like it mattered much, he already seemed as if he had other things on his mind and wasn't too interested in herself, which was relieving. Once he finished, he sighed, and she could tell that he relaxed. Was asking to join such a big deal to him? And in what way? It spiked her interested; did he always aspire to be a warrior, or was it the opposite, not wanting to fight but finding that it was his duty to do so? Some would think that, since they were an able body and were needed, that they must fight, though the fact was most certainly not true. Unless, of course, you were so worried about the outcome of such a war that you would do anything in your power to prevent bad things from happening. Anniston wasn't very positive with the thoughts of the end of this war, and though she had thought about stepping up and fighting more than once, she didn't think she would enjoy it nearly as much as killing off those warriors who singled her out away from the battle field. She didn't want to see the lands under Ramaskith's aid either, as Kao had said, so should she be stepping up to help the defense?

Oser seemed glad that Kao had offered himself, visibly standing taller and transitioning into a different demeanor altogether. He accepted him immediately and Anniston pondered this for a moment. Were they really hurting for warriors that badly? How large was Ramaskith's forces? A chill ran down her spine and she fought not to shiver, surely there were more equines willing to fight against him? Or was she living in a world of cowards? There was a brief moment of silence and she looked at each of the stallions. Oser seemed to be waiting for something, though gave up and asked himself. Ah, yes. Goodbyes. Such sadness. She had never grown attached to anyone in such a way that she would think they would deserve a goodbye. If she had, she would probably leave without one anyway, it was such a waste of time. She turned back to look at Kao, wondering if he did have someone. He didn't appear like the time, and the beginning animosity toward her would lead her to think the same, but she could be wrong, she supposed.

In the silence, Anni's mind wandered. Should she join up? It would probably be the right thing to do, especially if Oser was hurting for fighters. And what better way to get rid of the brutes she hated so much, then to fight for the opposing side? Though, the kind she hated would exist on both sides, of course. She remained quiet though, not sure whether she should or not. She looked back up at the stags, returning to their conversation and storing her thoughts in the back of her mind. If they decided to bring up her involvement, then that was a different story. Though, of course, no one would think she would have the ability to fight so the likelihood of that happening was slim. And if not, she could always approach Oser at a later date, when things were really getting bad and her help was needed, right? She only hoped she wouldn't wait until it was too late.

// 614 words
anniston may be interested in joining, but she isn't sure. but she doesn't want to wait too long and then be stuck with no where to run because it's too late either.
what a predicament. D:

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[twi]

A mate or a loved one? Kao, caught off guard, blinked in surprise. Did so many equines have someone else that it was just assumed he did as well?
“No, “ he said rather gruffly, “I have no one. I am at your disposal, for I came here for the express purpose of offering my aid.” He hesitated a moment, considering whether to follow up and decided to continue. Might as well let Oser know. “In fact I just came from the East Lands, escaped from Ramaskith. He attempted to recruit me into his army and I pretended to go along with it before leaving him in the heat of battle. I came to warn Rasta, but finding you here, I assume she already knows of the threat. ”
Kao hated the sound of the words as they issued from his mouth. Escaped from Rama? He had made himself sound as though he were a frightened colt, running from the tyrant’s grasp. He was a truthful stallion however, and had to bring himself to say what had happened, not his wishful thinking. If only he had somehow defeated Rama or ran him off and then jauntily chosen to leave his company instead of the truth. Anything but the truth. His pride had suffered a severe blow and he was not pleased to admit the fact.
He glanced over at Anniston, listening intently. So the mare had to hear his shame too.
You were the one who chose to tell them, Kao. Do not begin to blame them for hearing the words you said aloud. He eyed Sliene, flicking his ears in annoyance. How he hated it when his patronus reprimanded him.
As though she had not even noticed his agitation, Sliene calmly began to prowl about Oser again.
So he has a ghostly companion too, she said. I never would have thought. I wonder where he or she is…

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[lady shady]

OSER

”Well…” he was temporarily at a loss, not expecting this response. These days, it seemed like everyone had someone. That was, of course, everyone except him. Stop pitying yourself, you fool. The more you think about her, the worse it gets. Forget her and focus on the war. ”Well,” he repeated, facing Kao, ”as a start, you could go to the Cave of Elders to seek advice from Serendipity the Bard. I shall be glad to accompany you if you do not know the way.”

Oser turned briefly to Anniston, flashing her what would have been, if horses were able, an apologetic half-smile. ”Please excuse this talk of war. I do not mean to be impolite in the presence of a lady. These matters are just…time is of the essence, as they say.”

--behind the post—
o.o SO SHORT
but, dialogue for you both to respond to. I apologize.

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[aPPY]

anniston

Anniston's ears perked as she heard that Kao had come from the other side. Silly Ramaskith, trying to keep warriors for himself that didn't want to be there. He wasn't as terrifying that people would stick around, she assumed. Especially when he was preoccupised with his bloodlust and killing off Oser. He was obessessed with winning, but didn't take the time to make sure his precious warriors didn't take off on him. Though, there was always the chance he would come after you, or find you later and kill you because of what happened. It was a likely outcome if he did succeed in taking over Forma Silvestris. If he did, there would be nowhere to go to escape him. The thought almost made her shudder. To be under the rule of Ramaskith again was the last thing in the world she wanted. For everyone. He was a cruel leader. Running from her herd was the best choice she had ever made. She could hear the bitterness in Kao's words though, as if he regretted admitting his actions. She saw him glance at her, though she just appeared interested in his story. It was somewhat similar to her own, in the fact that they have both ran from the false Lord. She believed it to be a brave move, to run from him, considering what could happen if he caught you, though, listening to the way the dark grey stag spoke, he felt much differently about it. She gave him a small, reassuring, or what she hoped was reassuring, smile before looking away as Oser began to speak.

Serendipity the Bard? The name piqued her interest, she had heard of it before, but only breifly. Then the stag turned to her, smiling crookedly and apologizing for their conversation. She shook her head lightly, giving a short laugh. "Oh not at all. At least someone is doing something," she said, "I certainly don't want Ramaskith to take over. I've lived under his rule before, and refuse to do so again." She shook her head again. "Actually, any help that I could be would be greatly appreciated. I hate standing around doing nothing while he surrounds the borders, biding his time." She knew she didn't want to be a part of the attacking forces, even if she could be used in some way, though if Oser could give her some sort of job, something to do, at least she couldn't spend her days worrying when Ramaskith would attack and take over. When she would be trapped under his rule with no other choices, no place to run. A free spirit can only be trapped for so long until they start to disappear; what defines them eroded away by the turbulent flow of emotions as they try to break free. No way out. She couldn't let that happen.

// 486 words
Okay. So I tried to give something for both of y'all to reply to. :B
Anniston understands that Kao had to run, and even if he sees it as a sort of defeat and cowardice, she thinks completely differently.
And, she wants to help, really bad, but just doesn't know how.

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[twi]

The Cave of Elders. Kaodran frowned thoughtfully, trying to recall where he had heard the name before. He knew he had never heard of Serendipity the Bard and wondered who she was. A bard? Wasn’t that some sort of story teller? He could not help but wonder what Oser was thinking, sending him to ask for advice from a teller of tales in some mysterious cave. Surely there were more pressing matters to get ready for the impeding attack. Still, he did not want to question Oser’s judgment outright. Who knew, perhaps the trip there would be a welcome escape. He could use a respite from life.
Kao dipped his head respectfully, saying “I will be glad to seek out Serendipity the Bard. And while I do not know the precise location, I have an idea of where the Cave of Elders is and would not wish to drag you away from what must be grueling preparations for war. Having been born in Forma Silvestris, I am well acquainted with the land. I’m sure I will have little trouble finding the Cave. Please, do not expend yourself on my behalf.”
He looked at the two equines standing next to him, one golden, one grey, and paused awkwardly. The sooner he left the better, but he did not wish to appear in a hurry to escape. Wouldn’t want to give either of them the wrong impression.

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Gack, sorry, took me forever to reply! I totally forgot...

So we can probably conclude this pretty soon, but if you guys want to continue with Anni/Oser go ahead! I seriously don't mind. But Kao can leave whenever and yeah

[lady shady]

OSER

Oser nodded to Kao, briefly wondering why he had even sent him to Seren. Surely the stag was too polite to say it, but he must think it odd that instead of sending him off to battle, he sent him for advice. He didn’t know what made him do it, but the request had rolled off of his tongue almost instinctively. Deciding not to question his gut, he nodded again, this time more firmly, as if settling things with himself. ”All right then, it will be done. Your offer is very much appreciated, Kao.” He smiled and took a step along the riverbank. ”We can part ways whenever you are ready.” Turning to the mare, he added, ”Oh, I apologize, you wished to help as well! Perhaps you could…accompany Kao? Are you familiar with the island as well?” There was a question in his eyes—quite honestly, he didn’t know what to make of this mare. By sending her off with Kao, she both could help, and Kao could quite possibly find himself…enjoying her company. Oser chuckled silently to himself, both delighted and pained at his attempt to play matchmaker. Even if he couldn’t choose his own mate well, perhaps his judgment would be better when it came to others.

--behind the post--
so, Oser just tried to set them up xD
I figured that since Anni wants to fight, she would speak up at this point and tell him more of what she had in mind.

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[aPPY]

Accompany Kao? The stag hadn't seemed much enthusiastic about her company before, why would she want to distress him further? Though, she didn't want to seem ungrateful for the oppurtunity, it just wasn't the right one. She was familiar with the island though, and that made her feel worse. Kao said that he didn't know exactly where the cave was, only and idea, and she did know exactly. Perhaps it would be best if she did take him there, despite his obvious discomfort. She shrugged it off. He would find the cave just fine on his own.

"I was hoping for something a bit more productive? I've already tried to send a few wanderers this way from the Neutral lands, though I'm not sure how far they may have gotten." She wanted to fight though, just a little. Something really productive. That is what he needed, right? She just didn't want to be another warrior on the battlefield. That wasn't her. Perhaps she should gather a few others and attack from the other side? Or perhaps from within. She desperately just wanted to help, but she didn't want to go bouncing off to some cave while everything exciting happened over here!

// 210 words
rofl. xD I think Kao is actually with Rae... hahaha.
blehhh short.

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[twi]

Kaodran cast a grateful smile at Anni, glad she understood. He wanted to travel alone, to be alone with his thoughts. His thoughts and Sliene, that was. Sometimes, he felt that they were one and the same, which got annoying.
I can help with the directions, Sliene piped up. I have a…how do I put it? Unnatural instinct for locations, especially those of power and the Cave of Elders just reeks of it. “Sliene says that she would be more than happy to help guide me to my destination. I wouldn’t want to burden this pretty mare with my company, as I can see she has other things on her agenda and I’m sure Sliene and I will manage just fine.”
He dipped his head kindly to Anni, casting her another smile. He really should take more interest in the good-looking mares that seemed to populate Forma Silvestris. After a slightly awkward glance around, Kao decided that he had nothing holding him back from beginning his journey.
“I’ll take my leave of you now, Oser and Anni. It was nice to meet you both. Oser, you can always count on me to be your ally, and once I’m back I will do my very best to aid your cause.”
And with that, he trotted through a splashing brook, the ghostly figure of Sliene close at his side, both eager to begin their journey. Little did they know what was in store for them…

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and Kao gallops off into the sunset. xD
but feel free to continue this if you'd like.