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Post by Blindside Tex on Oct 20, 2017 14:20:23 GMT -5
I haven’t been told much of why, or how. But since as long as I could remember I have been in the wilds, protected by the only person I would consider family, though he is not blood. His name is Allister. I know nothing of his past, as he has told me he was sworn to secrecy and cannot speak of it. The tribal law he says. The tribe cast me out at birth. Though, Allister has taught me to respect the wishes of the tribe, though I still do not understand it. It just seems wrong to wish someone into isolation. There is a test, a ‘proving’ as the tribe calls it that I can attend. Allister says that the Patriarch’s made the decision and that the only way that I am to know how and why this was done is to win the test, to come in first at our proving ceremony. I have been training for this since I was 5 years of age, I will be able to run in the trials in 2 months. I just hope that my training has been enough to prove myself worthy of this knowledge.
The mountains jutted up toward the sky, the highest of peaks held fluffy white snow for most of the year. The pine trees were tall and encompassing. The only break in the mountains had a gate built of logs and rope, keeping any intruders out. This world was a sacred land to the Kanzu tribe. Those who left the walls of the protective mountain were considered an exile. Cast out by the tribe. Within the valley that the tribe called home there were three settlements. Though the most important settlement to the Kanzu people was where the temple was located, a temple to The Great Spirit. This being was what powered everything that happened in the valley, and outside of it. The animals, the weather. Flood, draught….famine…anything that happened was due to The Great Spirit. The settlement that was backed up to the mountain of The Great Spirit was called The Spirit’s arms. Another settlement to the north was the largest settlement it was pushed back into the mountain and well protected, Spirit’s Heart. The last settlement was to the south it was smaller, but still a flourishing development full of Kanzu people. This settlement was called the Spirit’s Hold.
Perched upon a boulder in the distance sat a young girl, her eyes were an emerald green, her hair was long and a beautiful chocolatey brown that held darker and lighter hues. She held braids within her hair that kept it from her eyes. She wore simple cloth with a few plates of metal mended into the clothing for protection. Upon her hip was a quiver of arrows and within her hand she held a bow. She looked down over the valley, she glanced to the village that was nearest to her, Spirit’s Heart. It was this village that she would go to for the proving. To prove herself to the Patriarch’s so that she could finally gain answers of who her mother was and why she was casted out at birth.
“Aldora.” Allister’s voice broke the silence of the mountains. “Dreaming again?” He asked.
The young girl turned and looked to him, “Just thinking, Allister.” She spoke and stood. She was of a small build, though, she was strong, incredibly strong from years of training. Her staff hung from her back, it was beautiful. The design of her weapons took time. She slipped her bow to her back, it held beautifully colored feathers on it and the grip was wrapped in a blue leather that she’d dyed herself. Her staff was equally beautiful. It held a sharp spear at the end of it, wrapped with the same blue leather, feathers were attached. The grip was done nicely. She’d etched in images of the creatures of the land along the wooden staff.
Allister stood tall and broad, he had a smile on his lips as he watched her. He had a thick beard upon his face that protected him well during the winter. His clothing had fur of a wolf upon it that kept him warm. They lived high up on the mountain, so the nights were rather cold. Good warm clothing was a necessity. “I need you to go gather supplies for this evening. A storm is coming in.” He pointed to the sky. “I will gather wood and supplies to keep us warm. I need you to hunt for us. Okay?”
Aldora looked to the west to the dark clouds and gave a nod. “Of course.” She spoke, “I’ll get my pack.” She stood and headed up the trail where the log cabin rest. She walked inside and to her room where she reached up on the wall and pulled down a pack made from the skin of a boar. She took off her staff and set her bow on her bed before she pulled on a warmer long sleeve jacket for the incoming storm. She pulled the pack on and then positioned her staff and bow before she left the house.
Aldora made her way down the path from their home and found her way to a slip rope that Allister had hung years ago. She pulled her staff from her back and ran toward the rope. She leaped into the air and clasped both sides of her staff as it landed on the rope. She slid down the rope quickly and landed with a precise roll and was up on her feet within a second. A stick snapped just a head. She crouched and moved through the thick tall grass carefully. Just ahead of her was a creature of the land. A machine. It stood on two legs with a tale that stretched out behind it and its head the lifted up, it looked much like a raptor. She watched as its blue eye surveyed the land. These were called Watchers. She crept along, her staff in hand. She looked around the area, it was alone, thankfully. She made her move and leaped from the grass, her spear slammed through the metal and the creature fell to the ground in a burst of sparks.
Aldora rummaged through the creature for a moment before she threw the supplies into her pack. She reached up to her ear where a strange device sat, it was in the shape of a triangle. She pressed it and the world around her turned into a grid. She glanced around and sighed, the wildlife had moved to the west side of the valley for the storm. She pressed the button again and then ran onward. It took her a few hours of trekking across the land before she finally found her hunting ground. She crouched in the tall grass and pressed the device on her ear again, looking as it highlighted any movement in the area.
Aldora pressed the button again and then with a keen eye she pulled her bow out and took down a turkey with one shot. Aldora moved forward and with her dagger she gutted the creature and pulled what was useful from the carcass. She pulled the feathers and everything making use of almost the entire bird. She then crouched down again and continued to hunt. She did this for a few hours before she’d filled her pack with meat. She then moved and began to pick berries from the plants near the river. She filled a sack full of berries and moved to the next. She needed herbs, just in case either her or Allister became injured or ill. She took in a breath and made the trek to the north where a valley enclosed by trees held several herbs. She began picking them, her mind wandering once more to the proving that was coming up so quickly. She had to win. It was her only chance to find out what happened to her family…why she was outcast…
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Post by Raven on Oct 20, 2017 20:20:54 GMT -5
“Lady Aerwyn, why is there not a proving for other jobs, only the braves?” A soft and tender voice spoke. Their hands were holding stones, crushing and grinding away flower petals and roots. Two women sat on the floor, legs crossed, with the bowls in their laps. One was older with long grey hair that was braided and twined together, reached all the way down to her back. She had wrinkles, but she had much time left on this world. This old woman was Lady Aerwyn, a healer of the Kanzu Tribe, one of few.
The younger woman next to her was Nadine. An apprentice healer, some day to rise to become a Lady as well. The healers were second to the patriarchs and were one of the most considered voices in the tribe. Very few were selected to become a healer. It was not something one is born with. The Great Spirit sends A Lady a vision of her successor, and then they spend their entire life learning the art of healing, bonding the spirit with the earth, becoming one with the world. In other tribes they would be equal to a Shaman. The advisors to the patriarchs in the ways of the Great Spirit…
“In old days they called it the Great Hunt. Over the years it has transformed into a Proving… The proving has many purposes. The most important is installing confidence and bravery into our young generation… You see… they train their whole life to become a Brave. However the entire time there is always that fear of death. The Proving is the moment when they overcome their fear, face their greatest challenge and emerge victorious. After they are welcomed as Braves, fierce warriors of the tribe. This feeling gives them confidence as they are now respected and honored. Some of them have waited so long to feel this way..” she spoke and then titled her head as she continued to grind. “Us Healers… we are loved the entire way. It is just the nature of our position… we are chosen, and there for we instantly receive the tribe’s blessing. Our proving is everyday. When someone gets hurt and we tend to them. The most painful thing you will ever come across – is when someone dies in your care. That will be the day you truly Prove.” She spoke and then stood up.
Nadine glanced up to her and then back down, finishing her bowl. She followed her mentor and stood over a table. They packed the thick substance together and then placed them on a large leaf. They then rolled the leaf around it and put a small piece of wood at the end – to hold it together.
“Nadine – tell me what we just created” Aerwyn questioned as her hands moved fluidly. She could do this blind.
“Wound kit… it is meant for large cuts and gashes. It will cause the area to numb, and it is a minor antibiotic to keep out infection. After cleaning the wound you want to put this over the wound. The juices will leak into the wound, and then it will crust over, creating a seal…”
“And what is in it?” Aerywn questioned. She had almost triple the rolls that Nadine had.
“Stormblood root for the numbing, Peacebloom for the antibiotic, Yellowfin oil to enhance healing, and only a little bit of Spiritbloom as a blessing from the Great Spirit” she spoke and glanced to her mentor. Aerywn nodded and then finished the remaining.
“You only have 10.. You need to speed up your rolling. We want to stock up more on Wound Kits. I want you to go and collect more Stormblood and Peacebloom.” She spoke and then nodded “The next batch you are doing on your own..” she then placed the rolls in a satchel and set it aside.
“You are not going to assist me?” Nadine questioned, her eyes wide.
“You wanted your own Proving Nadine… so I will push you to your limits. I have taught you all you need to know. How avoid the creatures of the wild, how to escape them.”
“but not how to fight them” Nadine interrupted.
“We are healers – not killers. We must focus our mind on healing, being one with the Great Spirit. If we worried about training and fighting – what time would we spend healing, hmm?” she questioned and then nodded. “Off you go. I want you back before Sunset, or I will send Braves after you. Remember – mark your trail, and blow your horn in you are in danger” she spoke and then turned away.
Nadine moved her hand to her waist, hanging from her belt was a beautiful horn. She nodded then and grasped an empty satchel. She moved from the large tent and stepped into the town. There were people walking the dirt roads – it was a busy day. Everyone was preparing for the Proving. Decorations were being set, everyone was stocking up. This was the only time they took on other tribes – and were able to sell goods from beyond the borders.
“My lady” a Brave nodded as he passed. Nadine smiled and then slipped away out of the city. She walked to the gates and two Braves stood, their polearms in hand. “Gathering without Lady Aerwyn?”
“Yes Aldar… she is testing me today. I shall prove myself” she nodded and stepped forward.
“Understood… you make sure to alarm us, if there are any troubles… be safe, and may the Great Spirit watch over you” Aldar opened the gates then.
“And you Aldar..” she nodded and then stepped out into the thick forest. She turned and glanced to her home – Spirit’s Heart. It had a few tall wooden buildings, but mostly consisted of smaller homes, fortified tents and what not. It was bustling though. The smell of campfires, food cooking, and hard work lingered in the air. Nadine moved then and made her way down to the small river near by. Peacebloom liked to bloom near the river.
She stopped at the water and glanced into it for a moment. It was a slow moving river, about 30 feet wide. She leaned down and pooled a bit of water into her hands and splashed it on her face, washing it slightly. She then glanced into the slightly reflection… her hands moving her thick black hair about. She had short bangs that swooped slightly across her forehead. She was sure not to wipe her paint away… She had very unique pant. It has a base of light orange, two 2 dashes of white just under her eyes, all the way to her hair... In between the colors was several black dots. Then at her chin was two orange lines that went vertically downward, with white dots in between it…
She wore a leather head band which had a collection of feathers that dangled from the sides – mixed in with her hair. She had two braids that started at her ears and went across and then weaved into each other at the middle center of her head. Under the two braids her hair was loose and combed nicely. She stood up and then and glanced to her attire.
She wore leather pants and boots. At the very top of the boots was a braided leather than held a decorative fluff of black wolf fur. She wore a tribal kilt over her pants which had several pieces that barely overlapped each other, unevenly. Her belt was very intricate, it was wide and had a pouch on the side. Dangling from it was many feathers from many different birds. A few long white feathers, eagle feathers, one peacock feather. Collected into bunches and placed neatly about her waist. She wore a tight undershirt which over she wore a loose shawl over it which had bunched up scarf like material near her neck and shoulders. The scarf was a grey color, the shawl itself was a light tan. Wrapped at her arms were two rows of blue wiring about her bicep.
Nadine adjusted her scarf and then nodded. “Who am I going to impress anyways?” she rolled her eyes. She then continued down the river. She came across small white flowers with a yellow center. Peacebloom. She leaned down and with excellent skill – she plucked the head off of the flower. This was an art. Cultivating a flower without destroying it. The bloom would grow again.
Nadine picked a few more before she come across a rustling. She crouched down swiftly and moved slowly. She moved to a tree and glanced around the side. It was not a machine… no, this area was pretty quiet. She moved over and then saw someone. A woman. Picking flowers too? She observed for a long moment and then decided to approach.
“H-hey. You’re losing most of the flower with that technique..” she stepped over the woman. “here.. let me show you” she spoke and stepped up to the Peacebloom. “Peacebloom… very fragile. You want to try and keep the bloom whole. It is all about… how you pluck it. Spread your fingers like this…” she showed, and then reached down and easily pulled the bloom up. “Just like so…” she handed the flower over.
“I um.. I’m Nadine. Who are you? Not many out venturing the forests. You are not a brave I’ve met before, but many are coming in for the proving. Are you from the Arms?” she questioned, smiling.
Just then she was thrown to the ground. A small raptor like machine came jumping down from a slight rocky hill above them. Nadine hit the ground and rolled quickly, trying to avoid the pouncing of the this creature. The raptor came about to her and lunged – to snap at her. To break her.
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Post by Blindside Tex on Oct 20, 2017 21:45:13 GMT -5
Aldora looked up as Nadine approached her. Her brows pulled together, curious. A small smile curved up her lips as she listened to her speak. She watched the flower picking technique and took the perfect flower from this woman’s hands. Aldora then looked up to her as she stammered slightly in her speaking as she introduced herself and began asking questions. All the while a small smile curved up her lips as she looked over the beautiful tribal art on the woman’s face. She was gentle, not like most of the tribe she’d met. Most of the tribe would throw rocks at her, shun her. Not this girl. “Nadine.” She gave a slow nod and rose her brows as she let out a slight chuckle. “I’m not from the Spirit’s Arms…I….” It was in that moment that the watcher pounced down upon them, it’s hateful red eye keen on killing Nadine.
Aldora lunged forward and slammed into the side of the machine with her spear puncturing into its side. The two tumbled to the ground. The watcher clutched onto Aldora’s forearm with its claws. She let out a soft cry as she kicked into its stomach and rolled back. Instantly she pulled her bow and loaded in two arrows. She took in a breath and released the arrows, they cut through the air swiftly, the feathers flowing with the breeze. The metal tips of her arrow pierced into the eye of the watcher causing an explosion of electricity as the creature fell back and became motionless.
Aldora turned and her eyes widened, “Look out!” She cried as she rushed over toward Nadine, she shot two arrows as she ran, toward two different targets. The other watchers had heard the commotion and came to see what was happening. Watchers usually hunt in packs. Aldora grabbed Nadine and pulled her to the ground as one of the watchers rushed forward and nearly clutched onto Aldora’s side. “Don’t move, stay right here and keep quiet.” Aldora spoke, she’d landed with Nadine in a patch of tall grass.
Aldora rushed from the grass and loaded arrows into her bow again. She released the arrow on one as the other charged at her. In a fluid motion her bow flipped to her back and she rolled out of the way. She had her staff out as she made it back to her feet and she slammed into the creature, the spear punctured the heart of the machine. Aldora twisted it and took a step back. Her eyes trained on the final watcher. She took in quick breaths as she anticipated each move of the watcher. She jumped into the air and brought her staff down upon the machine in a burst of electricity it fell to its side, jolting. She stabbed the spear into it and twisted harshly. Aldora crouched after she’d killed the creature, she reached up and placed her hand over the device on her ear and glanced around, looking for any other threats. Her heard leaped into her throat as she saw movement over the hill headed their way. A beast that was much like a Saber tooth tiger, yet larger. “Don’t, move.” She whispered as she moved into the grass near Nadine. Her heart was pounding. Blood ran down her arm from where the watcher had clawed her. Though, it didn’t even seem to faze her.
Aldora waited as she stared over the hill. The creature burst over the hill, a jagged tooth, they called them. It had jaws that would easily crush Aldora. In one swift motion, she would be dead.
Allister stood before the young Aldora, “You will be the best brave in your tribe, once you’ve proven yourself.”
Aldora shook her head, young and strong willed. “I don’t need them, I’m only going to do it for answers, I want to know why I am outcast…”
“One day, the tribe will need you, Aldora. You won’t need the tribe, but they will need you.” Allister spoke in his all-knowing words of wisdom.
Aldora glanced to Nadine for a second before she looked back to the Jagged Tooth. “Stay here, don’t move, no matter what just stay here.” She whispered before she rushed from the grass. Aldora rushed the Jagged Tooth and leaped onto its back. It had a component on its shoulders that if ripped off would cause severe damage. Aldora pulled her dagger and slammed it into the back and began prying at the huge disc like component. The Jagged Tooth roared and thrashed. She hugged her legs around it tightly as she ripped against the disc. She stabbed into the creature more, cutting through wires and steel. As the disc came loose the Jagged Tooth managed to reach a piece of her clothing with its jaws. Aldora came off of its back and slammed harshly to the ground. She bounced and rolled, the air was kicked out of her lungs. She took in a gasp and rolled to the side as the Jagged Tooth tried to pin her down. This isn’t the end…don’t stop. Allister would consider this a test… She thought to herself.
Aldora rolled onto her back and loaded three arrows into the bow, each arrow had a special armor piercing tip that she used to hunt Jagged Tooth’s. The creature ran toward her and leaped into the air just as she released the arrows into the air. Aldora rolled just as the creature landed sparks flew from its body. She made it to her feet and spun around just as it came at her again. Aldora felt the huge paw of the creature slam against her side, shoving her to her back on the ground. She tumbled slightly and in the next moment as it leaped to pin her down her spear slammed through its body. Aldora scrambled to her feet and pulled her dagger from the shoulder blades of the Jagged Tooth. She held her hand up to her ear once again and pressed the button on her device. Her breathing was fast. She moved over to the tall grassy patch she’d left Nadine in. “Okay, it’s safe.” She spoke and reached her bloodied hand down toward Nadine and helped her up.
Aldora looked to the dead machines that lay around them. Several of the flowers in the field were ripped up and ruined from the fight. Luckily there were other pastures of flowers, and these would grow back. “To answer your questions….” Aldora spoke as she moved over to the Jagged Tooth and began pulling parts out of it. “You shouldn’t even speak to me…” Her voice was soft, “I am an outcast. Though I don’t know what I did wrong, I’ve been an outcast since birth.” She took in a breath as she moved to a watcher and began harvesting it for materials. “Though, since you’re already talking to me.” She gave a gentle smile, she hated the rules that the Kanzu Tribe had these rules, she hated that she was an outcast with no reasoning given to her. No one could tell her why. Not even Allister knew the answer. He stated that only the Patriarchs knew the answer to that question. “My name is Aldora, I live near the Spirit’s Heart, up on the mountain, you’d never notice that a home is there.” She let out a soft laugh. “I suppose I will be a Brave in a few months, I will be of age this year.” She spoke with a smile, “I look to win the Proving, to find the answer to why I was cast out from birth…”
Aldora finished stripping the last machine and walked over to Nadine, her arm still bleeding, though, it didn’t trouble her at all. She’d had wounds much worse before. Allister made her fight from a young age and he’d let her get injured, not to the point of death, but he allowed her to fight her own battles. She looked over Nadine for a moment, “Where is your bow?” She questioned, “A dagger?” She moved swiftly looking Nadine over again. “What if…” She shook her head. “What would you have done if I wasn’t here?” Her voice was full of concern. “You’ve no spear…no staff…” Her face was full of shock.
Aldora pushed her hair back slightly and looked to the blood on her arm, she sighed as she looked over the gash. “That’s going to leave a mark…” She muttered softly. Aldora looked up to Nadine, a bit of blood dripped from a cut on her forehead from the harsh hit she’d taken from the jagged tooth. It ran down her cheek over her tribal tattoo that Allister had pain-stakenly needled into her skin at a young age. It was with all white ink. It looked like a half sun beneath her left eye with a tribal pattern that continued up the bridge of her nose it widened between her eyebrows and tapered off into a line that ended at her hair line. It continued over her right eyebrow and to her temple. Allister had also tattooed blue dye around her eyes the line moved down in the middle toward her nose. It was absolutely beautiful art. It had taken several months to complete as the process was painful. The use of a porcupine needle and dye to inject the color into her skin, it took several stabs and would take a few weeks to heal at a time. Aldora reached up and brushed the blood away she looked at her fingertips and sighed slightly. “Are you injured at all?” She looked to Nadine, curious.
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Post by Raven on Oct 20, 2017 22:31:12 GMT -5
Nadine crouched in the tall grass, falling to her knees to hide. She watched as Aldora killed the machines. She was precise, fast and strong. She had never seen anyone fight like this. Some Braves had a few good moves, but never could keep such abilities up for such long periods of time. A warrior such as this – had not been amongst the Kanzu in a long time. People came and went too swiftly. The Machines were over populating – and out on a destructive hunt for man. It seemed just in her life time that they became increasingly aggressive. What was once a creature not to startle – was not one that hunted and sought out man…
She gasped when Aldora got bit… but seemingly it did not bother her. She was amazed, truly. She only hoped in that moment that perhaps this woman was performing In the Proving. Nadine moved to her chest, laying down against the ground – when Aldora warned to be quiet. She hit her face in the grass..
There was a flood of noises – the sound of metal crunching to Aldora’s staff. Then quiet. Nadine slowly lifted her head – looking up to Adlora. She stood up and approached her… “An outcast?” she muttered – her face slightly defeated. “You are right… Law is already broken now” she chuckled and then moved forward. “Let me see this…” she spoke and then took her arm. “Lets sit by the river… I need to clean this out” she spoke and pulled the woman over to the stream. They sat down on a large rock that was on the edge of the bank.
Nadine pulled out a linen cloth and soaked it on water. She then squeezed it over the wound, trying to flush it out. “I… I suppose the Great Spirit made it so. This was the first I have ventured alone. My master tasked me to it. And I suppose I would have failed. I.. I was distracted, I didn’t notice. But.. you are here. And you saved my life – Outcast or not” she smiled and glanced up to her.
Nadine pulled out a rolled up leaf and pulled the small piece of wood from it. She then squeezed from the bottom of the roll and pushed the thick substance over her would. She used her fingers to pack it down and close the wound. She then pulled out a long piece of linen and wrapped her arm – tying it off tightly. “You are so skilled” she spoke as she finished. “You will win the proving” she smiled then.
Nadine then glanced up to the mountain, where Aldora said she lived. “I am a Lady, to be, of the Tribe. A healer and a lesion to the Great Spirit” she spoke and then stood up. “If you are to be a brave, then perhaps us talking can be forgotten” she winked. “I… have never liked the rules of the village. As a Lady – I am to do no harm to any creatures, machine or living. It is against our way. But…” she stood and lead them down the river a bit – to continue to pick more Peacebloom.
“But I have this feeling… in my gut.. .something says I need to learn. I’ve had nightmares of terrors that wreck our lands. I fear for the worst. My mentor says they could be visions from the Great Spirit, but I fight to accept that. I cannot believe our world is to become that of my dreams…” she leaned down and plucked a bloom easily, storing it in her pack.
“I guess… I owe you my life. No law will keep me from repaying my debts… If you want to fight in the proving – you must be prepared. I will help you… and then when you become a Brave, one of the tribe… I will find a way to make it up to you. You have my promise, my soul.. is in your hands” she bowed her head slightly.
“But for now” she chuckled “My task was to collect Peacebloom” she pointed to the white flour. “And Stormblood, which is a little closer to the mountain base. I will split my shares, and offer you more of the healing salve. Also, of course – teach you to harvest properly” she winked. She continued forward and plucked another, putting it into her bag.
“So.. an outcast… You live with someone else, someone had to raise you right? I mean… I couldn’t imagine life from the village. I… I suppose that is why you are so strong. You have had to live with all of this, always on edge. No choice but to fight..” she looked away slightly. “It disappoints me that we would even do such a thing… Outcast people. A child even” she shook her head. “When I become a full-fledge lady… I want to try and change things. We are second hand to the Patriarchs, as the main communicator with the Great Spirit… I.. I just don’t think this is the way” she plucked another.
They continued on, until she got enough Peacebloom. They walked to the base of the mountain. She came across small red flowers. They looked like tiny ferns – a cluster of 6 or 8 long thin leaves that grew outward. “Stormblood causes numbing. In a solvent you should never use more than half a leaf” she spoke and leaned down. “You cut It just a thumb width above the base, that will allow it to grow back.” She pulled out a small dagger. She leaned down and sliced the leaves, and put them into her pack.
When she gathered enough – they made their way half way back to the town. “Here..” she split the herbs in half. She then also handed Aldora 6 rolls of the solvent. “Tomorrow morning you need to wipe that solvent off, and apply another roll. Let that sit for another day, and then remove it again. Afterwhich you should wrap your wound normally – to keep from over dosing” she spoke. “And if something else happens , that is the same dose. 1 per day, for 2 days, and then clean it normally.” She handed them over.
“Aldora… You may be an outcast to Kanzu, but not to me. I will not speak of our meeting. But… I hope we meet again, before the Proving. I want to make sure you are prepared…” she smiled then and then reached for a feather on her hip. She plucked a long white feather and handed it to her. “This feather belongs to the White Spirit Hawk… she lives atop the mountain. The Great Spirit has blessed her – she is the only creature that lives at the peak. She keeps him company… I am sure you do not practice our ways, but … Take this as a token from me, a blessing from The Great Spirit, and a charm to ensure your safety. I.. know it is not much…” she chuckled then and handed it to her.
“I wish you the best… May the Great Spirit watch over you, and Allistar” she bowed her head and then turned for her village. It was a slight hike – she plucked flowers along the way. She paid attention this time. She avoided a raptor with ease… she felt so embarrassed. She had been ambushed so easily. But perhaps this is how it was meant to be. Something about that woman… it felt right. Perhaps the Great Spirit truly meant it to be. She knew this woman would win the proving, she knew she would create a stir.. the impact on the village… they needed it. This was meant to be.
She returned to the village and began to create more rolls of Wound Kits. She would have to make up for the 6 she just gave away. Thankfully she was able to get more than needed. Aerwyn had tasked her to create as much as she could… after the storm rolled through she would return to the wilderness. They would need it for the proving, and to sell. This was an opportunity to increase the economy. The boost once a year truly helped…
While she crushed the herbs she thought of the proving. Aldora. How she hoped she could make time to see her while she was welcome in the village. Nadine knew she would be busy though. People would come to the village and ask for assistance… sick people would come and request healing, as their village was known for having the best healers. She would likely work from sun up and sun down tending to the wounded and sick…
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Post by Blindside Tex on Oct 20, 2017 23:43:47 GMT -5
Aldora allowed Nadine to pull her over to the river. She watched as the woman cleaned her wound with ease. Her eyes filled with amazement. She’d put peacebloom on her wounds, but it didn’t feel anything like this. She watched as the wound was packed and then she watched as Nadine wrapped it expertly. She listened quietly as Nadine spoke of the herbs how to use them, how to apply it. This was something that Allister lacked, he wasn’t a healer, he was a skilled fighter, he could keep someone alive and mend the wounds, but not like this. The sting of the cut was completely gone now. “This is incredible.” She spoke softly. “If the Great Spirit willed me to be here in your presence, I am glad that I chose this clearing to pluck peacebloom today…I usually stay a bit more to the east, but for some reason I was pulled here today.”
Aldora listened as Nadine spoke of her nightmares, of the world coming to an end so to speak. She furrowed her brows and carefully plucked a peacebloom, she wasn’t as agile and quick at picking the herb, but she was helping at least. “Does the Great Spirit speak to you in such ways?” She asked, curious, “I’ve never heard of such thing….” She trailed off as she looked around, keeping an eye out for any machines. “Though, I would agree that the machines have become more aggressive…I remember when I was young, I would say I was 5 or so when Allister first started training with me. The Watchers, you could keep your distance and be safe, they would leave you be. Now if you’re not watching your back they will sneak up on you, in formation…” She shook her head.
When Nadine stated that she owed her Aldora bit her lip slightly, “No, healer, you do not owe me.” She gave a gentle smile. “You’ve patched up a wound that was a lot deeper than I thought, that must be why it didn’t hurt much, huh?” She let out a soft chuckle. “If I am to become a Brave, I should be honored to help you and keep you safe, for the tribe. Right?” She then fell quiet as Nadine spoke of how she wanted to change things, a smile curved up her lips again. “I do hope that you can change something, but from what Allister has told me of the tribe, it is fairly set in stone. He is outcast for life…how can someone wish that upon any living creature? To live in solitude?” Aldora sighed slightly, she hated being an outcast, she hated that she didn’t really have control over it.
Aldora fell silent then as she picked the flowers and listened to Nadine speak of the Peaebloom and the Stormblood. It was then that they had to split ways. Aldora took in a breath as she was handed the bundle of herbs and gave a nod. “Thank you.” She bowed her head slightly. She then looked to the rolls of medicine that Nadine handed her. “You…didn’t have to give…” She had never received such kindness from a Kanzu before. Her jaw was loose as she listened to Nadine speak again. Aldora looked to the beautiful perfectly white feather that Nadine held out to her. She took it carefully and looked at it, she’d seen that white hawk before. Though, she’d never come close. She gave a gentle smile to Nadine. “I hope we meet again too, Nadine.” She spoke just before they parted.
Aldora turned and made the trek back toward home. She glanced to the sky to look to the ominous clouds that were leading the head of the storm. Thunder clapped in the distance. She would make it home just in time for the snow to start falling. Aldora made it to the cliffs after about an hour worth of hiking. This was what made their home safe. It was positioned high up on the mountain and one had to be an adept climber to reach the cabin that was tucked back into the pine trees and hidden away. Aldora took in a deep breath before she jumped up and gripped onto the ledge. This climb was just another preparation, another test before the proving. Snow flakes were beginning to fall on her now, melting against her clothing and sitting happily upon her hair.
Aldora leaped to another hand hold, her legs dangled from the cliff-face as she held herself up by her fingertips. She moved over and grabbed a foothold once more as she summited over the top easily. Aldora walked up the long trail to Allister’s home and she stepped inside where she began pulling out her kills. Her pack was heavy. It had made the climb challenging. She’d never caught this much at one time. But she knew she needed to just in case. She began threading wire through the meat and soon enough she had the meat in a round metal bin that would dry it out and turn it to jerky so that it could be kept for a long period of time without spoiling.
The door opened and Allister walked in, “A good killing today huh?” He marveled at the meat that she was still prepping, he took in a deep breath to the smell of the meat in the dryer. His eyes then looked to her arm. His brows pulled together slightly. He caught a glimpse of the cut on her forehead then. “What happened Aldora?” He questioned. He grasped her arm gently and turned it over, inspecting the wrapping. His curiosity turned to a bit of frustration then. “A healer…” He muttered. “Did you break law?” He looked to her, his eyes angry.
Aldora took in a breath, she was silent for a long moment. “It was not I who broke the law.” She spoke softly, “But I will not speak of it.” She looked to him, her eyes dead on his. “The healer who helped me I saved, a pack of watchers and a Jagged Tooth would have killed the healer. If I had not been there, the healer would have been ripped to shreds in the middle of a peacebloom field.”
Allister backed up and paced slightly. “The proving is less than two months from now, Aldora. You can’t slip up now and ruin your chances. If the tribe caught you breaking law…”
“No one saw, I am sure of it. We were very far out. The far field to the west. No one saw. I promise you that.” Aldora spoke. “The healer vowed that she owed me her life, that she would not speak of our meeting. She vowed that when I become a brave she will make it up to me…”
“You need to be very careful. You know what could happen. Everything that you have worked hard for will be lost. Everything. They will not allow you in the proving if you are caught. Especially with a Lady…do you know how high they are in the tribe?” He paused for a moment, though he didn’t give her a chance to answer. “One rung below the Patriarchs. You would be outcast for life for breaking the law. They will blame you, not the Lady.” Allister crossed his arms, he then shook his head as he looked to the rolls of healing salve. His brows rose. “Did she give these to you?” He smiled slightly. “All of these?”
Aldora placed the last of the meat in the dryer and let out a sigh. “I understand the gravity of the situation, I did not intend on speaking to any of the Kanzu, she spoke to me first. She did not know I was an outsider. I told her. She did not care.” She then paused for a moment, “Yes, she gave those to me, for future wounds, and to heal this wound.”
“These…” Allister grinned then, “These are incredible at healing, The Great Spirit offers blessing to these healing tubes, nothing in the world will heal you better…the village sells these at the proving, for a top price. It’s incredible that she just gave these to you…you must have really saved her life…”
“A watcher pounced on her…it was going to rip her to shreds…the rest of its pack came too, and then the Jagged Tooth, she would have been dead if I hadn’t been there.” Aldora spoke softly. “She said that the Great Spirit wished this to happen. That it was fate.”
Allister gave a nod, “I see, The Great Spirit does converse with the Lady healers.” He then looked outside as a huge rumble of thunder shook the home. “This storm is going to set in hard…” He spoke softly.
Aldora gave a nod. “I know.” She stepped to the door of the cabin and looked outside, the snow was already piling up quick. “I’m going to turn into bed for the evening.” She spoke and left to her small bedroom where she climbed onto the bed and pulled her armor off. She slipped her boots off. Soon she wore a tightly fitting knitted top and tightly fitted pants. It was her under layer, it kept her warm during the harsh winters. She lay on her bed, she couldn’t stop thinking about the day. The events. Nadine. Was it all real? Was it all just a test from the Great Spirit?
**
The storm set in hard. Piling up snow for six days. The sun didn’t shine until eight days later. The snow was 3 quarters the way up the door when Aldora and Allister began digging out from the home. In the valley below the snow hadn’t been as harsh. In the lowest areas of the valley it only rained for several days. The Spirit’s Heart camp was included in this, frost came, but mainly rain fell. They were low enough in the valley that they avoided the harsh storm. Aldora pushed through the snow drift digging through until they made a path. “Go and gather food.” Allister ordered her. “I will get the home dug out here.” He spoke.
Aldora gave a nod and gathered her things. She then slipped off through the heavy deep snow that was up to her waist most of the way to the slip rope. She dug a pathway at the slip rope to allow her to run and jump. She nearly slipped, it would have been a fatal fall. Though she caught her footing and leaped into the air sliding down the rope and landing in a fluff of snow. She tumbled and rolled down the hill unable to get her footing. She looked around, a lot of creatures were still in hiding of the storm. She would have to get lower in the valley to find food.
Aldora made the trek down and into the heart of the valley where she perched herself up in a tree. She then began hunting. She waited for several hours before the first boar wandered by. She killed it with one single arrow. She slipped down the tree and began harvesting what she needed from the carcass. She then moved on, she crouched in the grass and found herself a deer. She waited for just the right moment, watching it, and then she struck. Her arrow pierced right through the heart, perfection in her aim. Aldora rushed forward and slammed her staff into the creature, as it was writhing in pain, still alive. She ended its life swiftly before she began gathering things from it. She had a full pack now. Aldora looked up the mountain, to where Spirit’s Heart was. Soon the proving would come. Though it couldn’t come soon enough. She smiled as she came to the river. Posts had been put into the river, as a challenge to the braves, very few could make the leaps and get across the river. With a full pack this would offer quite the challenge. Aldora backed up and calculated for a moment before she rushed forward. She leaped into the air and bounced from post to post across the water, soon enough she landed with a skid on the other side.
“You’ll never be a one of us, Outsider.” A voice spoke and in the next moment she felt a harsh stab as a rock smacked into the side of her head.
Aldora stumbled slightly. She held her hand up to the wound on her temple that was already bleeding. She heard laughter from up the hill. It was a group of braves to be. Children she’d seen around the valley since she was young. She grit her teeth and turned walking up the pathway toward her home. She knew better than to start something with them, especially this close to the proving. Any fight would be considered her doing. She couldn’t fight back. She heard their footsteps as they approached, though she didn’t turn to them. They’d always taunted her since she was a child.
“I’ll be sure of it.” A voice came, a man, he’d been the worst since childhood. Thorn was his name, and he was a real thorn in Aldora’s side. She felt his hands slam against her back. She caught herself and then suddenly she felt a pain against the back of her legs. “You’d be smart not to come to the proving, outsider.” He said through grit teeth. The trio kicked at her and threw more rocks at her. Thorn ripped her pack from her and stole all of her kills. She knew not to put a mark on them. She knew what they would say. The world eventually faded to black as they beat her. “Leave her for a Jagged Tooth.” One of the boys said with a laugh behind the words. His voice was hateful. Aldora lay in the middle of a hopi flower field. She had a black eye, her nose was bleeding. She had bruises all over her body.
She woke a few hours later, it was hard to breathe. She stared up at the sun. “If there is a Great Spirit…why…do I deserve this?” She whispered, her voice weak, tears welled in her eyes. This wasn’t the first time the boys had beaten her. Though each time she came back stronger. She learned not to fight back after the first time. She’d given a small cut to Thorn, and she was blamed. Even though he had broken her arm, and he had started the entire fight, she was only defending herself…
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Post by Raven on Oct 21, 2017 0:41:09 GMT -5
The storm came and went – They had buckets all around the village to collect the rain water. It seemed to never end. The entire while during the storm Nadine rest in the tent… she spent the few days grinding and rolling. Before long she sat before a table with a huge stack of tubes. Even then it wasn’t enough. Her fingers were sore, her hands were worn – but Aerwyn wouldn’t give her a break…
The entire while Aerwyn was absent – she was tending the village. Aerwyn lead and attended the prayers and blessings. She had held open walk ups, where she tended to the village openly, rather than by appointment. She had to cram as much as she could – before the Proving began. All the while Nadine continued to work up their supplies. She had done enough Wound Kits, and moved onto crafting more special units. Antidotes for spider and snake bites, tea packets to lower fevers, antibiotics for infections…
Finally the sun emerged and Nadine came from the tent. She looked up to the clear sky and shut her eyes for a brief second. “What do you feel, Nadine?” Aerwyn approached.
“Balance.” She spoke “The air is fresh, the world is renewed, the rain washed away the darkness. Though, I fear only temporary” she spoke softly and then raised her eyebrows.
Aerywn nodded slowly and handed her an empty satchel. “I have not taught you to gather Hopi yet.. we shall do that today. Do you know what Hopi does?”
“No… I do not” Nadine took the satchel and followed Aerywn as they head to the western exit of the village.
“It washes away corruption of the heart and mind. When someone is suffering.. often they turn to the darkness. Hopi enlightens and eases the heart to balance. This way one can make the choice without influence of external horrors” she spoke. Depression medicine.
“I see…” she spoke and glanced to the gate doors as they opened.
“I made it my goal to find a way to help others during times of suffering. Losing a loved one… it can be so painful. And that pain leads to worse things… Hopi seems to absorb this suffering..” she spoke and then continued onward. There was small talk along the way… discussion of how the Proving will be different this year. Both Aerwyn and Nadine could feel it. But Nadine knew why – the entire while she thought of that woman. She wanted to say something – but dared not.
“Here we are… you see these.. Tall stalks and many small buds, orange and red.” She spoke and leaned down. “We want the bud, and then a little bit of the stalk…” she cut the flower stalk, it had 3 smaller stalks that each had their own small bloom.
“Try not to crush them… there is a special way to cultivating the medicinal value from these herbs, do it wrong and we will have a different problem on our hands..” Aerwyn spoke.
Nadine leaned down and followed suit. They plucked for a minute, continuing through the field when Nadine noticed something. “Master – “ she pointed. Something was laying in the grass.
Aerwyn approached the mass, and then paused. “Oh dear…” Aerwyn whispered. She turned and shook her head. “I am sorry Nadine, we cannot help this one. She is an outsider…”
Nadine slowly approached. Her breath got caught in her chest and she shook her head. “We are healers… we can’t just… leave her there.. she could be internally bleeding or”
“I am sorry Nadine… it is forbidden” she spoke, lowering her head. Nadine looked to Aldora for a long time and shook her head.
“This is insanity” she stepped forward. Aerwyn barred her path.
“Turn away and go back to the village. If you even think of breaking the law… I will not have it. Nadine” Aerywn placed a hand on her shoulder.
Nadine clenched her jaw, biting her lip. She turned then, facing her back to Aerwyn. Aerwyn then stepped forward – to lead her away. Nadine slipped her finger into her pocket and dropped a smaller tube on the ground. Pain medicine. And then stepped forward, following Aerywn.
“Those marks are from human fists… not a machine, not a boar..” Nadine spoke.
“Nadine… we are not speaking of this. I will not tolerate it… pick more and we will be on our way. I expect better from you… Do not think I am happy about this… unfortunately I will have to assign you more tasks as your punishment.” She refused to look at Nadine.
Nadine let out a long drawn sigh. “So be it” she spoke and followed along.
The night was incredibly long – she had to go to the Elder’s Hall and check up on the elderly. She gave them all sponge baths. Medicine and check ups. It was not until the late night that she received a break. And even then Aerwyn gave her another list of tasks. The grub work.
Before she knew it the sun was rising. She had not eaten, nor had rest. It was then that she was sitting before a fire – holding her gut as hunger pains wracked her.
“Nadine…” a Brave stepped forward. He was a younger Brave, only a year into his new role after passing the Proving. Nadine had saved him from near death, when he was injured during the Proving and faced infection from his wound. “Here…” he handed her a bowl. It had eggs, ham, potatoes, a whole load of food. “I noticed you had been working all night, while I was on guard…” he sat down on the log next to her. “Have you made Aerywn mad?”
“I wanted to help an Outcast… she was beaten, just west of the village. Surely by Kanzu hands..” she spoke and glanced to him. “Aerwyn did not even tolerate the idea, and punished me for thinking of it.”
“Ahh… the rules of the tribe” he spoke and spoon at his own bowl. “Such madness” he spoke and glanced to her. “Is she going to be at the proving you think?” he questioned.
“Kore.. can… I tell you something, it is very secret” she whispered then.
Kore looked to her, perking up. “Of course… I am in debt to you” Kore always hate the rules anyways. Rules stated that a Lady could never marry. And Kore was very into her.
“I ran into this Outsider previously – when picking herbs. I was attached by machines, and she saved my life. I… I owe her” she shook her head. “then to have to walk away from her, beaten on the ground… by my own people. It makes me so angry” she shook her head.
“Did you speak to her then?” Kore questioned.
Nadine did not respond. He knew what that meant… “Kore…when she arrives for the proving… can you befriend her? I may not get the time to give her a grand welcome. I just know the village will not take her presence lightly… I owe her much.” She looked up to him – with sweet eyes.
“Your secret is safe with me. I will, as you wish. You owe her, and I owe you. No matter what… I have your back Nadine” he smiled then and stood up. “I must resume my post… Maybe… later I’ll drop off some tea and a snack for you. I know Aerwyn is working you hard..” Kore smiled then and then stepped away.
“That would be nice” she spoke and finished her bowl. Sleep came swiftly, as soon as she returned to her tent. It seemed the next few days were so busy… the day turned into a week. Then a month. It seemed the entire time was a blur of hard work and sweat.
“Nadine” Aerwyn approached her. “I have been hard on you lately… Tomorrow is the Kanzu festivities before the Proving. Take tomorrow off.. Relax. For the Proving will be hard work.” She spoke and placed a hand on her shoulder. “You have done well…” she smile and then stepped away.
Nadine let out a long sigh and plopped onto her bed in the middle of the tent. She was always on call. Anyone could come storming into the tent requesting aid, and she would rise and tend to the needy. The morning came with a burst of song. The entire village was awake. Decorations were up – banners and flags, colors and ornaments. Feasts were being prepared. This was the only time of the year when they let it all go. Ate as much as they wanted, enjoyed as much as they could…
Nadine walked into the crowd of people – listened to the drums and singers. People selling things. Games being played. She knew she had a lose agenda. She had to attend the Lunch Prayer and give her blessing to those performing in the Proving. Then she was free to do as she please…
As soon as she thought it – it was suddenly lunch. The 3 Patriarchs stood in the center of the town, people crowding. “Warriors to be Proven… please come forth…”
“Every year we hold this beautiful ritual of right and passage… the growth of our finest warriors and protectors – to become full and whole. The Great Spirit challenges our warriors, putting them to the ultimate test. Should the warrior emerge - they would become Proven. Great Brave of the Kanzu tribe, defenders of the Great Spirit and blessed lands. There is no greater honor” Mother Matriarch, the leader of the 3 – rose her hands into the air. “Before we begin the festivities, a blessing from our upcoming Lady…”
Nadine slowly stepped to the center and she held her hands outward, palms up. She focused long and hard and let out a slow breath. Every since Nadine had been discovered as the blessed – she had lead every major blessing… A gentle white glowing orb float in her palms, created by her…
“The Great Spirit walks with us today. Kanzu has been gifted very fine warriors – who should become Proven in the following day. With each step, each fire of their bow, thrust of their stave, each leap – they shall be blessed by the Great Spirit. Should they Prove themselves they will emerge a vessel of The Great Spirit’s power, a warrior of the mountain, a guardian of all of Kanzu. The Great Spirit guides you” The white ball of energy released and a wave of energy burst from her hands – shooting to each warrior before her.
Nadine knelt down and bowed her head. The entire village grew quiet – each bowing their head as well. “Take his strength and become Proven” she spoke lastly. She looked up then and brought her hand to her nose – slyly wiping away a bit of blood. She then stood and the entire village broke out into cheers, whooping and hollering – the real festival began now…
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Post by Blindside Tex on Oct 21, 2017 1:26:54 GMT -5
Aldora could hear the two, she could hear Nadine’s familiar voice as she fought to try and help her. Aldora tried to move, she tried to sit up, to open her eyes. Her body wouldn’t listen to her. Darkness crept over her and a strange weight covered her body.
Day turned to night. The sun left the skies and soon the moon bore down on Aldora as she lay in the field. Her breathing was slow and shaky. Her lips had begun to turn blue, her body couldn’t take much more of the chill in the air.
“Aldora!” The voice was distant. Familiar. “Oh Great Spirit….what has happened…?” She felt her body lifted into the warmth of Allister’s arms. She was in and out of consciousness as he carried her home. He had to go a long route through the caves to make it up to the cabin, he couldn’t climb with her in the condition she was in. Once she was set on her bed he began to strip her armor, inspect her wounds. “No…defensive…wounds…” He whispered, his voice sounded murky and far away. “These marks…” A hot heat ran through her body as he touched her wounds. “Kanzu…those children…” His voice was full of pain. “Great Spirit she does not deserve this…” His voice pleaded. “She has fought hard to become a Kanzu to be blessed by you...”
The night faded away. Aldora was in and out of consciousness from the wounds for days…. days blended into weeks of her recovery. It was only a week before the proving that she finally had gotten back to normal. Allister tended to her day and night. Mending her wounds, the best he could. He would sit behind her and hold her body up to allow her to sip the soups that he made to heal her. It took time. They had beaten her harder than ever before this time. They meant to keep her from the proving, if she missed it, if she missed the proving she would never be allowed to try. That is what the foolish boys wanted.
The day that Aldora was to go to the proving Allister stood on the deck of the log cabin, while she was ill he mended her clothing and stitched new armor plates in. He hunted a Jagged Tooth for pieces of the metal from the machine. He worked hard to make her armor better, to protect her. Aldora woke and stepped outside in the early morning light. She wore the new armor that he provided her with. Her forearms held armor plates, her shoulders held metal attached to the thick leather of a wolf hide. Fur tufts stuck from beneath the metal pieces, adding a beautiful flair to the armor. “Thank you, Allister.” She spoke softly.
Allister pulled her into a tight embrace. “Today you begin your final journey, no one can stop you from doing this, Aldora.” He spoke. “They can beat you, but you will always come back stronger.”
They didn’t speak much on the walk toward Spirit’s Heart. Aldora couldn’t stop thinking about the day the trio had beaten her. She couldn’t stop thinking about the old woman’s voice, shunning Nadine from helping. She told Nadine not to speak to her, she knew it was dangerous…she hoped Nadine hadn’t suffered too terribly from even expressing interest in helping her. Once they stood near the gates of Spirit’s Heart Aldora stared at the walls that protected the camp, the large gate. “What if they don’t let me in?” She asked softly.
“It is your right to perform in the proving, to become a brave. They cannot deny you that, you’ve lived for 19 years an outcast, that is plenty enough time…”
“More than deserved of a newborn…” Aldora muttered softly.
Allister took in a breath and pulled his necklace from around his neck. “I want you to have this.” It was the tooth of a grizzly bear that he ripped from the jaw after killing the beast. It had markings etched into it and beautiful designs swirled about. “To remember me by.”
Aldora shook her head slightly, “I’m not going anywhere….” She whispered looking to the necklace, he’d always had that necklace, as long as she could remember.
“No, once you become a brave you can never speak to me again, Aldora. It is law.” Allister spoke, his eyes showed sadness.
“I will not leave you…I’m only doing this for answers…Allister…” She shook her head. “I won’t leave you, alone.”
“This is goodbye, Aldora.” He hugged her, “You will not find me.” He whispered to her and kissed the top of her head. “May you be blessed by the Great Spirit.” He whispered before he turned and left down the trail.
Aldora stood there, her fingers laced through the string of the necklace. She stared down the mountain for a long time before she turned to the walls of the city. She listened to the singing, the drums, the cheers, the laughter. She took in a breath, “I can do this.” She whispered to herself as she stepped forward toward the gate.
“Get back outcast!” A man ordered, his spear aimed at her face. “You are not allowed within Spirit’s Heart! Go back to where you belong! You don’t belong here!” He pushed the spear against her chest plate.
Aldora looked to him, her face almost defeated, “I am here for the proving…” She spoke her eyes watching him.
“Outcasts are not braves!” He snarled.
“Step aside!” A voice ordered. “It is birth right of a child outcast to come and prove their worth when they are of age. She is welcome.” The voice was of an old woman. Patriarch. She stood in the doorway. “Come child. There is much to do.” She spoke.
Aldora stared to the old woman, her jaw loose. She stepped passed the man. “Thank you.” She spoke softly.
“No need to thank me, it is law.” The Patriarch spoke. “Don’t forget about the blessing over lunch, it will begin soon, do not be late.” She then stepped off.
Aldora was left standing in the middle of the hustle and bustle of the settlement. She looked around and was bumped into a few times. Kanzu people muttered remarks under their breath about her, about an outcast in the holy city. How wrong it was.
“Hey.” A voice spoke from behind her, a man.
Aldora turned her eyes to him, he was dressed in tribal armor, a brave. She locked eyes with him. “Me?” She asked, surprised.
He smirked, “Yes you, come on.” He pulled her from the crowd, “You’ll be late for the lunch blessing.” He towed her along, “I’m Kore.” He spoke and looked to her, “You’re the outsider girl huh?”
“Y-yeah…” Aldora stuttered slightly as he dragged her along. “Why are you helping me?”
Kore chuckled and looked to her as he stopped pulling her along. “Let’s just say a friend asked me to?” He winked before he pushed her into a seat carefully and sat down next to her. “Just enjoy the blessing, hm?”
Aldora looked up as the Patriarchs spoke. She looked around to her competitors, the other young Kanzu that looked to become braves. Not all would pass the test. Aldora’s eyes then fell on Nadine as she came onto the stage, she looked up as the ball of light appeared in her hands. She held her hand up to her Focus on her ear and stared at the device. It had an unknown energy signature. The device didn’t recognize it at all. She listened to the beautiful blessing and then as the orb shot into her body she felt an overwhelming warmth.
It was a cheering mess after that. The crowd pushed Aldora around she lost Nadine in the mess of people. Aldora searched around and eventually found herself sitting in front of a fire. “You shouldn’t even be here!” Thorn spoke. “Go home outcast.” His voice was like nails on a chalkboard.
Aldora stood and faced him. She clenched her jaw as she stared into his eyes. “You only gain from hurting those around you.” She spoke. “You’re a disgrace, how can you even call yourself a brave to be with the hateful actions you force onto others.” She turned and stormed off from him. Pushing through the crowds of people, trying to get away. Where was Nadine?
Aldora stood at an overlook now, a small fire pit behind her. It was quiet here, unlike everywhere else. It was loud everywhere else. She stared out over the valley. It was beautiful, it reminded her of the view from the cabin. She leaned against the wood fencing and fumbled with the necklace that Allister gave her. She hated the thought of never seeing him again. How did he expect that from her?
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Post by Raven on Oct 21, 2017 12:22:26 GMT -5
Nadine snuck around the crowd, swiftly Kore was to her side. He had his hand her back, looking to her. “You’re bleeding” he spoke and stepped in front her.
“I’m fine” she spoke and glanced up to him.
“You are a terrible liar..” he spoke and then handed her a small hankerchief. “Each blessing seems to get harder and harder hmm?” he questioned softly.
“Yeah… I… I don’t know what’s happening. I need to enter the heart again. I need to speak to the Great Spirit…” she whispered and shook her head. “But the door is corrupted and I cannot cleanse it” she shook her head. “I’ll be fine Kore…” she then peeled away and walked into the crowd, now that her nose stopped bleeding.
Along the way many stopped her – to thank her, to say hello. After hearing some shouting – Nadine quickly weaved through the group. She stopped right in front of Thorn. Thorn looked to her – his eyebrows were creased tightly, his teeth grit. He slightly relaxed and recognized her “Lady Nadine” he spoke softly.
Nadine stared to him with angry eyes and then shook her head. “You are better than this. You are going to become a Brave. Some day you will have to grow out of this” she shook her head and passed by him. Thorn turned and watched her walk, his face even angrier.
“One day I’ll rip her flower” Thorn spoke under his breath, talking to his friend. Valstar looked to him with confused eyes and shook his head. “That would mean death... Perhaps she is right Thorn, perhaps you need to start rethinking yourself. If honor is what you seek – you are going down the wrong path” Valstar then walked away, joining the other braves – to – be, as they went off to get food… leaving Thorn alone in his spot.
Nadine then saw Aldora standing over the Overlook, looking directly over the homes and bustling trade center. She stepped up next to her and glanced to her. “I’m sorry… You are Kanzu blood, you do not deserve to be treated this way…” she glanced out. “I… I had to leave you in that field” her voice grew incredibly soft. “I’m sorry… but…. I am glad you made it through. You are here. You will prove yourself. And if the town does not accept you – I will fight. They will listen to me. And if they do not… I will outcast myself as well. I cannot bear to live in a village corrupted with such selfish terror…” she shook her head and then looked out to the village.
“If anyone is prepared for this Proving – it is you. None of the kids have spent more than 1 evening out in the wilderness. I am supposed to be biast but… I believe you will win, and I will be rooting for you” she smiled then and glanced to Adlora.
“What.. is that?” she questioned – pointing to the triangular gadget on above Aldora’s ear. “Is it a pendant or something?” she smiled and then turned when she heard footsteps. 3 Brave men stood before them.
“My Lady – you should not be conversing with the outsider. Come, there are some sickly who could use your blessing” the tallest spoke to her.
Nadine turned and faced them. “Braves..” she smiled “I am exactly where I need to be. This is Aldora, one of Kanzu blood. Today she is no outsider, she is one of us. And two days from now we shall find if her spirit fits among us. The Great Spirit will decide her fate, not us… and as for the sickly… Aerywn is tending to all in need, tell them to visit the medic tent… I would like to spend this day amongst the villagers.”
The brave then chuckled. “You are young, naïve, much to learn before you become a true Lady” he spoke and then shook his head at her.
Nadine lifted her head, but was relaxed - she did not show the anger that was boiling within her. “I am sorry you feel this way. It appears you have never been one to approve of Aerwyn’s choices either. I suppose age doesn’t matter in this fact. I will tell you… I have work endlessly the past month to ensure we are prepared for this day. While you have tirelessly guarded our village.. I would heed that you should never take for granted the others who help this village operate. Should you become hurt – I would wonder who it is that heals you. Think twice before opening your mouth to anyone in this village. We work together. Any and all who press against the flow of the way would cause a disruption. The consequences for even the smallest action can cause a ripple effect bigger than you can imagine. So then..” she stepped forward and looked to him. “It is not I who is naïve and young. You, Brave, still have much to learn” she spoke and then nodded.
He stared to her for a very long moment and then the Brave behind him smirked. “It sounds like our Lady here is almost ready… Lady Nadine, please forgive our Brother… we shall ensure he regrets his words” they smiled then and pulled the man back.
Nadine watched them leave and then turned around. “Braves” she scoffed. “Think they own the place, act like they are the only ones who work in this village. They are dead wrong. We might celebrate their coming, but there is not a single soul who is the pivot point to this tribe..” she shook her head. “I have this feeling that when you become one – you will change everything about this village. For the better. It is almost the time…” she then nodded. “Come.. lets partake in the celebration, let me show you the greatness of the Kanzu” she smiled and lead her down into the festival.
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Post by Blindside Tex on Oct 21, 2017 13:31:05 GMT -5
Aldora looked to Nadine as she approached her, her eyes held a bit of sadness. She’d been treated this way since she was a child. Though, being in the village seemed to be worse. Every turn she made she heard something whispered under a Kanzu’s breath. “If I am not to be treated this way…I do hope it gets better after the proving.” She sighed softly and looked out over the embrace as well. “I knew it was you…” She whispered and glanced to Nadine, “I heard your voice, you are very brave to stand up to your proctor like that. I can only imagine what they must have done to you for even giving the impression that you wished to help me.” Aldora brought her brows together as she listened to Nadine, “You do not want to wish exile upon yourself, Nadine…” Her voice grew softer, “It is something that I do not believe should be wished upon anyone. To have Kanzu spit in your face, throw rocks at you…beat you…and there is nothing you can do…if you fight back the entire ordeal turns against you, even if you are the one who was attacked. The thinking of this tribe….I…I just don’t understand…” She shook her head.
Aldora gave a slight chuckle when Nadine spoke that the other braves-to-be hadn’t spent more than a night in the wilderness, and she was willing to bet it was nearly as far to the west as the proving would be. She knew the far west region of the embrace was becoming more and more dangerous. The machines seemed to be angered by something, they seemed to be growing stronger each year. “Thank you.” Aldora gave a nod as Nadine said she would be rooting for her. “You’ll be the only one, you know?” She let out a small laugh and glanced out over the village once more.
Aldora’s heart leaped when Nadine mentioned the Focus. She grit her teeth slightly, the Kanzu people hated technology. It was the demon’s work. They would say. “Uh…” She began only to be cut off by the braves.
Aldora turned and watched as Nadine stood up for her, she cringed slightly on the inside. She knew this could be looked down upon. She stood silently as this protest went back and forth until Nadine put the brave in his place and his friend pulled him away. “What is it that they mean by almost ready?” She asked, curious. She then gave a soft smile when Nadine said that she was capable of changing things, making the village better. “I only hope that after the proving I am accepted.” She gave a nod. Aldora thought to the question about her Focus, her stomach sank, she didn’t want to think of what would happen if the Kanzu discovered that this was more than just a ‘pendant’.
Aldora gave a smile as Nadine spoke of the festivities. “That sounds really nice, I’ve never seen so much feasting and celebration…I’ve never seen anything like this to be honest…” She whispered at the end. She glanced around to all of the people and moved up the hill with Nadine. “Living out there, is so much different than this. Allister and I didn’t ever have festivities, it was always keep stocked and hunt more, gather and make sure we are prepared. These people…” She smiled as she watched a group on the stage beating upon drums and those in the crowd dancing around foolishly. “They laugh, they play…” She chuckled, “I’m not sure what to think of it.”
Aldora moved along through the crowd and glanced up to another stage that had singers upon it that were singing in the native tongue. Their voices were beautiful. She smiled as she listened. “So…” She looked to Nadine as they moved along. “The prayer earlier…” She thought of the white orb. “How was that possible? Is that the Great Spirit working through you? I’ve never seen….nor felt something quite like that before…” She thought for a moment as they came up on another crowd at the feast. Aldora grabbed food with Nadine and munched on the boar’s leg. It was delicious. All of the meat that Allister cooked up was always jerky, to preserve it. She’d never had meat this fresh, this juicy. She sunk her teeth into it and grinned.
Before long the Patriarchs called all to stand before them at the great lodge. “Tomorrow those who are to become braves will embark on their trials in the proving.” The main Patriarch spoke, her old eyes appeared almost grey in color. Her skin was wrinkled, her hair grey. This was Patriarch Luna. She was the one that allowed Aldora into the village. Out of the three she was the most hospitable. The others would have left her out of the village easily. “The great spirit will bless those that are worthy of becoming braves. May the Great Spirit run at your side and protect you, be your shield when you need it, be the light in your path in the dark night to come. I wish all the Braves-to-be well as they embark on their journey tomorrow.”
The crowd cheered and hollered. Aldora looked to Nadine for a moment. She went to speak just as a Brave walked up, he had a thick beard. “Outcast.” He spoke. His name was Locke, he was the war-chief of the tribe. “I believe you have spent enough time with Lady Nadine for one evening.” He bowed his head to Nadine. “It is time for rest now, for tomorrow the Great Spirit will place his judgement upon you.” He looked to Aldora for a long moment before he looked to Lady Nadine, he bowed a bit deeper now. “Your blessing was beautiful at lunch today, Lady Nadine. Thank you.” He paused for a moment before he stood. “Come, Outcast.” He spoke and began walking away. Aldora looked to Nadine for a moment before she hurried to catch up to Locke. She walked along with him silently, she felt like a prisoner. This Brave commanded respect. Locke stopped outside of a cabin, his eyes bore into hers. “If you have tainted the Lady it will be I who casts judgement upon you, not the Great Spirit.” He spoke, his voice was low. “This is where you will sleep.” He pointed. “May the Great Spirit Judge you as you deserve.” He turned and walked off then.
Aldora was left standing outside the cabin, she watched as the war-chief walked off. She didn’t feel like he’d just wished her luck. Not at all. It felt more like a stab at her, like he was telling her she didn’t belong, she didn’t deserve to be blessed by the Great Spirit. She took in a slow breath and stepped inside the cabin. Aldora walked in and glanced around the cabin, all of the other braves to be were there. Thorn glared at her from across the room.
“Why don’t you turn around and go back to the wilds were you belong, outcast. You’re not a brave.” Thorn spoke hatefully.
Aldora took in a slow breath. Fighting will not solve this. She thought to herself, she kept the anger inside of her and appeared calm and collected on the outside. “It is true, I am not a brave. I will be a brave in less than 48 hours. I assure you of that.” She spoke back with a sly smile on her lips.
“You’ll never make it.” Thorn spat back, “You’re an outcast and you deserve to stay an outcast.”
“If that be so, the Great Spirit will cast that judgement upon me. I only hope that the judgement of the Great Spirit favors you, for what you have done in your past is far from anything that a Brave should have committed. The Great Spirit may not look upon you as favorable.” Aldora spoke, she stood before Thorn now, her eyes stared into his, she wasn’t backing down.
Thorn raised his fist and his fellow brave-to-be caught his wrist before he could punch her, his hand stopped just inches from her face. He’d be disqualified from the proving if he hurt her now, with all of the witnesses. “Not now, Thorn. In time.” The boy whispered to him.
Aldora smirked to him before she turned. “Over here.” A voice spoke, another brave-to-be. “How do you stand up to him like that?” The young man spoke, he looked up from his bed. “You’re stronger than you look, outcast.” He chuckled. “You really have a chance at winning this huh?”
Aldora watched him for a moment as she sat down on the empty bed next to him. “That is my goal.” She spoke back as she relaxed back onto the bed.
“I will be stiff competition.” He grinned. “So will Thorn….he has been training since he was an infant for this day, as have I. My name is Nano, by the way.” He spoke as he lay on his side and watched Aldora. “You’ll be a brave, in less than 48 hours, how does it feel?”
Aldora smiled and let out a chuckle. “I’ve been training for this for as long as I can remember, it almost doesn’t feel real, you know?” She smirked. “I’m Aldora, it’s good to meet a friendly face here, Nano.”
Nano smiled, he wore a single black strip of face paint that ran horizontally across his face, with several white dots. His eyes were dark as with his hair. He didn’t act like the others. It was nice to meet someone that allowed her to be in the presence of the Kanzu. “Lady Nadine has taken an interest in you, thus the Great Spirit has already offered you a hand in the proving.” He smiled, “If a Lady favors you, you are sure to do well.”
“Oh?” Aldora asked, curious. “You think so?”
“Oh I know, it has been proven in the past. Each time a Lady has shown any remote interest in a brave-to-be the performance of that brave in the proving is incredible.” He grinned, “Though, you’ll have to keep up with me.” He smirked, “That may be a challenge, even if the blessed has allowed the Great Spirit to grace you.” He yawned slightly. “It is time to rest now, I look forward to competing against you tomorrow, Aldora.”
Aldora watched him for a moment and gave a nod, “And you too Nano.” She rolled to her side. With a full belly from the feast she fell swiftly into sleep.
**
“At the ready!” A voice yelled, waking them in the early hours of the morning. “Braves-to-be the time is now!” A horn blasted, a war horn. That was loud.
Aldora nearly shot out of the bed as she heard all of the ruckus. She moved and stood only to fall flat on her face, someone had tied her feet together in her sleep. Her nose began to bleed as she lay on the cabin floor. She heard chuckling as Thorn and his gang walked over her back, literally. She lay there for a moment as she watched them exit the cabin.
“Hey…” Nano’s voice spoke. “Come on.” He rolled her over and held a handkerchief to her nose. He reached down with his dagger and cut the rope that was wrapped tightly around her ankles. “Don’t let them destroy you.” He spoke and helped her to her feet. “Come on.” He walked out of the cabin.
Aldora held the handkerchief to her nose as she walked from the cabin into the early morning light. The other braves-to-be looked to her and snickered, going along with Thorn’s prank. She looked to Nano who offered her a friendly smile.
“What is this?” Locke walked up to Aldora, his brows pulled together. “What happened to you outcast?” He questioned.
Aldora glanced to Thorn for a moment before she looked back to Locke, “A bit of clumsiness…I am ready, sir.” She spoke, refusing to rat Thorn out.
Locke looked to Thorn a smirk on his lips, he knew Thorn did this to her. “Very well. Off we go then, breakfast and a blessing from Lady Nadine.” He led them up the hill to a breakfast feast that was prepared for them in the main lodge.
Aldora still held the handkerchief to her gushing nose. She leaned her head back as she sat at the table, trying to get the bleeding to cease.
Nano sat next to her and watched her for a moment. “You fell pretty hard huh?” He asked as he looked to the handkerchief that was once white and now stained red.
“Yeah…I wasn’t awake yet…I didn’t even put my hands out to stop the fall…” Aldora spoke, a bit embarrassed. She sighed as she continued to hold her head back, awaiting the morning blessing.
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Post by Raven on Oct 21, 2017 14:25:19 GMT -5
“When they mention I am almost ready.. they mean I am almost ready to become a Mystic. The leader of the healers, the right hand to the Patriarch, to come out of my life long training…When I am to become a Mystic – I am sent on a pilgrimage to visit the 5 temples of The Great Spirit, for which I pray and receive his blessing. Aerwyn is a Mystic, but soon to retire…” She spoke as they walked…
Nadine looked to Aldora and then paused when she asked about her powers. “In the heart of the mountain there is a room with old relics gifted to us by The Great Spirit… I stumbled upon a blue crystal. I remember, as a little girl, it glowed and was so pretty. When I touched it – the spirit of the crystal merged with me. I became one with The Great Spirit, his essence joined me. Ever since then I’ve had these gifts that he bestows on me. Healing, visions…” she looked to Aldora for a long moment.
“Though using it can make me weak. I used to go into the Heart of The Mountain, beyond the door to the Great Spirit Shrine… A greater crystal rest there. Touching it would rekindle my connection to The Great Spirit, my strength would return. Unfortunately – something has happened. A corruption has overcome the door and I do not have the strength to cleanse it. Ever since the machines have been growing more aggressive. Something is linked. I think… something is attacking The Great Spirit.” She shook her head. “I have not voiced this to the Matriarchs yet, I want us to celebrate and enjoy this time. Not to install fear… after this I will tell them.” She nodded then.
It was soon that Locke had taken Aldora to rest. Nadine stood and watched her walk away, she bowed her head. Kore stepped up behind Nadine and spoke. “You have taking a liking to Aldora” he spoke and came around infront of her.
“No one deserves that… she was outcast as an infant. There is nothing she could have done to deserve that, you know. And now the entire village is against her. She has been through much, The Great Spirit has brought her this far. He has allowed her amongst us. Her presence brings me much peace. I don’t think she just fits here, she belongs here. The village needs her. The village just doesn’t know it yet.” She spoke and then turned, leading Kore into the village.
Kore followed, listening to her. “I wish I knew what it was like – to commune with the Great Spirit. You know more than this village could dream of. We often just make things up, swearing it to the Spirit, but you… you are the only one who actually knows.” He stopped her and looked to her. “I am glad you are in the right mind to lead us. If you believe Aldora is one of us, I back you. I will tell the Braves, they will follow you too. She will prove herself, and you will be right again.” He nodded then and then bowed his head. “Lady Nadine…” he then stepped away to go tell the others.
Nadine made her way to the tent and sat down on her bed. Aerywn approached her, a cloth in her hands as she washed a bit of blood away. She had cleaned out someone’s wound a moment ago. “You did very well, Nadine” she set the rag down. “You pity the Outcast?” she questioned.
“No… The Great Spirit has willed her, welcomes her here. My nightmares have grown, my fear is worsening. Her presence brings balance to these feelings. She will play a great role in what is to come… I know it” she looked up to Aerwyn, who studied her closely.
“If that is how it seems… you are the closest to our Spirit. You will have to battle the Village, but they will come to… Stay strong Nadine. This won’t be the first time you have to change the village’s mind..” she stepped over and placed a hand on her shoulder.
The next morning came and she stood before her people. All of the braves to be stood before them. Nadine stepped up and shut her eyes for a moment. “Our young train their entire lives for this day… to Prove themselves as a true Kanzu Brave. The Great Spirit has willed the youth amongst us, and today they should go against the Trial of the Spirit. Each will be tested… The heart, the mind, the spirit. To emerge victorious is to become A true Brother, A Sister, to the Kanzu Brave. To fight together, to command peace amongst the blessed lands. As our protectors, guardians.. the village relies on our Braves to keep that peace… Today – we honor Thorn, Nano, Liayth, Corvo, Ferlas, Wiskal, Xina, Trevis, and Aldora. Should they overcome this trivial test… they emerge Braves of Kanzu. To be whole. No matter the past – they are reborn on this day. I stand before you a soul belonging to The Great Spirit… he watches over you today Young Braves. Let his spirit guide you.” She bowed her head and then there was another giant burst of white light. It flooded the entire village this time. Everyone received the blessing.
Kore rushed forward and wrapped his arm around Nadine, holding her up as she collapsed forward. Everyone was cheering and shouting happily. Kore quickly pulled Nadine away, setting her down on a log bench. “Nadine… don’t push yourself like that” he spoke and held a cloth to her nose. Aerwyn approached with a glass of tea.
“Kore… you need to go with the Braves… I will patch Nadine up, she will join you at the Proven Campsite..” she nodded and helped Nadine up. “Come now child..” she spoke.
“Young Brave!” Locke spoke loudly. “Fall on me – we are to head to the Campsite. The Proven will begin at Midday!” he threw up his arms. Every Brave in the entire village let out a rhythmic chant, a deep chesty “hoo” all in unison.
Nadine looked up to her men and then stood up. “I can go” she spoke and then rallied with the Young Braves. A collection of 15 Full Braves, and Locke, lead the group to the Village Gates. Headed West – to the Proving Grounds. Kore turned and looked to her, he stood next to Nadine and nodded. “You are strong, Lady Nadine” he spoke and smiled. “I will make sure you don’t fall…” he promised and then followed the band…
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Post by Blindside Tex on Oct 21, 2017 15:25:03 GMT -5
Aldora took in a breath as the burst of light came over the tribe. She lowered the handkerchief from her nose and looked to the blood stained into the cloth as she listened to everyone cheer around her. She glanced up and watched as Nadine fell, weak from the use of her power. Aldora thought of the crystal that Nadine mentioned, when she was young she’d ventured into the ruins of the ancient ones at one point. It was where she found her Focus, she’d gone in accidently, the cavern behind her collapsed and she was forced to search through the entire ruin to find her way out. Allister had pulled her through the roof of the ruin. He shamed her for taking the focus. But…something else she took, a small crystal. It was tucked away in her feathers of her clothing at her hip.
She thought of the weakness that Nadine mentioned, she noticed it well this time as Aerwyn pulled Nadine into her arms. She watched as Nadine stood and stated she would go on. Aldora as she marched with the group watched Nadine, her weakness. She watched Kore help her.
“She gets like that after a bit blessing like she just did. She will be alright.” Nano placed his hand on Aldora’s shoulder. “Lady Nadine is very strong. She will be the strongest Mystic we’ve ever had.”
Aldora gave a nod, “That she will, for the Great Spirit wills it.” She gave a gentle smile as they made the trek to the west. It was a good three-hour trek at a quick pace. The valley grew cold as they moved up in altitude toward the base camp. Aldora was quiet as they marched along, the other braves-to-be chattered and laughed all the while on the way to the camp. Once they arrived Locke stood before them. Aldora looked around for Nadine, her eyes curious yet worried. She couldn’t see her over the other braves that surrounded them.
“You have been blessed by the Great Spirit today and thus your trials of the proving will commence.” Locke spoke as he stood upon a table. Two days you will spend on your own. You are only allowed to return to this base came if you are severely injured. You must fend for yourself, feed yourself. But most of all you must get through every obstacle and collect the feather from the brave at the end, signifying that you have completed the event. The first young warrior back with all 7 feathers will be crowned victor of the proving and allotted any wish of their desire from the Patriarch.” He glanced to Aldora for a moment before he looked over the others. “Those who finish after will become a brave, so long as you finish, even with a few failed obstacles you will become a brave. The final trek is to the top.” He pointed to the top of a jagged mountain. “It is a hazardous climb, we lost three young braves last year to the Great Spirit. He willed it be that way.” Locke watched as small horns were handed out to each of the young brave-to-be. “If you are severely injured and cannot return to the camp, blow upon your horn and we shall assist you, remember if you do this you will be disqualified. You will no longer be in the running to become a brave and you will have to settle for a lesser arrangement. Only ¼ of those who begin this course will emerge victorious. That is a hard number that over the years we have found to become true. As ¼ of our tribe are braves, so the Great Spirit wills.” He gave a smile. “Be not afraid young ones, if it is your destiny, so the Great Spirit will provide.” He raised his horn and blew on it, signaling the beginning of the trials.
“Come!” Nano grabbed Aldora’s hand as she glanced around, still looking for Nadine. He jerked her along and into a sprint. “Stay with me.” He looked over his shoulder to her as they rushed down the mountain side toward their first obstacle.
Aldora gave a nod as she rushed along, she ran with him easily. They leaped across a break in the path, below water rushed violently. Aldora looked back as a brave nearly fell. She caught her hand and lifted her up, only to offer a gentle smile before she continued to run. She was here to win, but she did not want to see anyone perish due to the dangerous nature of this event. Aldora ran forward and easily passed Thorn as they raced to the first obstacle, the water poles. She leaped across with ease and rolled on the other side. She grabbed her feather and continued onward. Several obstacles. She came to several logs that were placed into the ground that reached up toward the sky, at least 30 feet tall. Aldora skidded to a stop as she calculated, she reached her hand up to her Focus and looked at the object.
“What’s wrong, can’t figure it out?” Thorn shoved her forward into the pole. He chuckled with his friends as they attempted to climb their own pole.
Aldora took in a breath she looked to Thorn and the others as they failed to climb. She pulled a few things from her pack that Allister packed for her. Metal shards attached to rope. She tied the shards to her boots and wrapped others around her arms. She winced slightly as the shards cut into her skin a bit. She then began to climb up the pole. She scaled all the way to the top and grabbed her feather. She carefully tucked it away with her other feather before she lowered herself. She looked over to see that Nano had made it to the top as well by use of a rope that he wrapped around the pole. Thorn and the others were figuring it out in their own fashion. Shooting arrows to stick into the pole to create points to climb with. Aldora lowered herself and took off in a sprint once again.
She rushed forward ahead of the others, gaining a significant lead. The next obstacle was to gather a trophy from a kill of a machine, ahead of her was a pasture filled with longhorns. If not careful the whole pack could scare and flee. Aldora crouched through the grass and when she finally made it close enough she brought her staff up through the chest of the machine, killing it instantly. She pulled out her trophy, the heart and then headed up to the Brave that handed her the feather for the event. She then sprinted onward, still ahead of the others. She couldn’t even see them as the left the last event. She grinned, she would win. The day was drawing on, the sun was lowering in the sky. She touched her Focus to bring up any threats around her and found none. Which was odd for this section of the embrace. Maybe the braves hunted them down? To make the proving safer? She shook her head, she had to keep on guard. As the sun began to set she came to the top of the ridge. The fourth obstacle was to take down a snap jaw, it was a smaller version of the Jagged Tooth. The proving required this of all the young braves, to ensure they knew how to fight. She slid down the side of the mountain through the rock and glanced up at the sky. Night was now upon her. She sprinted still though, her breathing heavy. She ran like this for nearly another hour to get to the next point when suddenly a burst of cold slammed against her body. She toppled to the ground and rolled. Her chest felt locked in place. She winced, her body hurt. The cold cut right to her bones. Aldora winced as she looked up to the sky, a huge bird flew above her, its wings flapped in the air. Another ball of cold flew at her from its mouth. She couldn’t breathe.
Aldora managed to reach her focus as she looked at the red that ran along the creature. She flipped to the side just as the beast came down and slammed into her with its talons. She slammed against a nearby tree. “Corrupted….?” She whispered to herself. She drew her arrow and lit it aflame. She released the arrow and it pierced the chest of the giant bird. It fell to the ground in flames, another replaced it and as she aimed in talons clutched into her shoulders and lifted her off of the ground. The birds were called Ice Feathers, they were rare…and never attacked humans. Aldora screamed as the creature dropped her harshly to the ground. She rolled to her back and fired another arrow to the chest, it fell to the ground. She limped slightly as she turned toward the other and brought it down. She rushed forward and searched the creatures, the material was melted like acid had gotten onto them. She furrowed her brows. “What…is going on…?” She questioned. She touched her focus and looked around, nothing else on her radar. Just as she stood she heard the loud flapping of yet another threat.
“Kill it! Storm Caller! Kill it!” She heard Thorn’s voice as the others caught up with her.
Aldora watched as the huge beast twice the size of the other birds swooped down upon the group of young braves. It slammed into them and unleashed an electrical storm. Aldora pulled a rope from her bag and nailed it into the ground. “Here goes nothing…” She spoke as she loaded an arrow onto it. It was a heavy arrow, meant to pierce and hold. She took in a deep breath and released the bow, it caught into the bird and held it down. She ran around to the other side and did the same thing. “Shoot it!” She called to them. It was held into place. She looked to the young braves as she pulled a small ball from her pouch and tossed it at the creature, as it collided with the machine it exploded into a fury of fire and the bird fell to the ground. A strange substance crawled along the ground and clasped onto her foot, it climbed up her leg, holding her into place. The substance was black and red. She winced, it felt like it was draining her, it burned and even more it felt as though it was crushing her entire body. She groaned and fell to her knees just as it disappeared.
“Let’s go!” Thorn called to the others.
Nano stood up from his spot on the ground, a gash on his bicep and chest, though it wasn’t too terribly deep. “Thorn, the wounded.” He called out and ran to the aid of one of the others.
Aldora rushed forward, her breathing jagged. She leaned down next to the girl that she’d pulled up the ledge. “You’re okay.” She whispered. “Come on.” She gave a nod. “Here.” She pulled a serum that Allister had made for her. “Drink this.” She held it to the girls lips.
“Call…for help…I…can’t…” The girl held her side, it was gushing blood. “I…can’t…”
Aldora packed her wound with one of the salves as the others rushed onward. “It’s okay…I’ve got you.” Aldora spoke. She held her horn to her lips and blew on it, calling out to the braves to save the girl. “You’re going to make it.”
“You’ll lose…don’t stop…for me…” The girl spoke, “You must be a brave…” She gave a soft smile, her body trembling.
“I’m not leaving you.” She gave a nod.
Nano held another severely wounded young brave. Burned from the electrical storm. “You saved us, Aldora….” He spoke, his eyes still wide, he’d thought he was going to die. Not many face a Storm Caller and live to see another day. “Do you have any potion?” He asked.
Aldora nodded, “Yes.” She tossed a bottle his way. “You’re going to make it.” She looked back to the girl. “I promise.”
Nano pulled the other young brave to the side of the girl. “He won’t respond to me.” He looked to Aldora. “He’s in trouble…” He poured the healing cream onto his burns carefully.
Within minutes a group of braves rushed to their aid. One looked to the carnage with wide eyes. “What happened here?” He asked as he knelt down next to Nano.
“A Storm Caller, the outcast, Aldora, she saved everyone….the others ran on. We stayed, we had to protect them.” Nano spoke.
Aldora looked to the brave whom gave her a slight nod. “Only a true brave would give up victory to save another Kanzu.” He spoke, “In my heart it is you who has won.” He bowed his head to Aldora before he lifted the girl on a stretcher and his brothers lifted the boy.
“Come on.” Nano spoke and pulled her along. “I know a short cut to the next event!” He called over his shoulder. “Stick close!”
Aldora rushed forward though, she had a limp, her thigh was sliced badly from the attack of the smaller birds the Ice Gliders. She grit her teeth and forced herself to run on. She’d willingly given up winning to save the two that were badly injured…only her and Nano had stopped the others couldn’t care less, all they saw was the trophy at the end. Being crowned the victor…
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Post by Raven on Oct 21, 2017 15:56:38 GMT -5
Nadine sat in the small tent just for her. She was drinking a remedy tea, something that always gave her a little bit of her energy back. Kore sat by her side the whole time, ensuring she was well. Other than liking her… he was hoping he would be chosen to join her on her pilgrimage. He knew that they could never truly be together, but he would rather live to serve her. It was an honor to him.
Night threatened the world – when suddenly there was a horn blow. Nadine stood up and instantly felt a pit in her stomach. 5 Braves left in a hurry. About 30 minutes later they returned with 2 young braves. “Bring them in the tent, on the bed!” she shouted and grabbed her pack. She leaned over the woman who was bleeding from the side. “I’ve got you” she spoke and leaned over her. “What happened?” she asked as she handed the girl a small ball of herbs, to quickly eat. It would numb her pain.
“Storm Caller, and Ice Gliders… The others they just went ahead. Aldora – she saved me. I would have bled out…” she cried softly and winced as Nadine cleaned the wound. The brave that had spoke to Aldora was with Nadine.
“She took out the Storm Caller, and the 2 Ice Gliders… unheard of. She gave up the trophy to save these two…” he spoke. Nadine looked up and nodded.
“Not even a Brave and yet…” she sewed up the large gash with a needle and thread.
“You were right to choose her, My Lady” The Brave spoke and bowed his head. “I will make sure her story thrives, we should be honored to be in the presence of such a soul.” He spoke and then left the tent, to tell the others.
Nadine covered the sutures with a solvent and then wrapped her up. “Brave or not… you are still one of the Kanzu. You will still be honored… you fought well, and you survived. The Great Spirit has better plans for you” Nadine spoke and then smiled softly. “Now rest…” she then moved over to the burnt victim.
“Your arm is burnt pretty bad” she spoke as she peeled away bits of clothes. “I am going to give you some meds.. you will likely fall asleep. When you wake – you will be all patched up, okay?” she promised and then gave him a med ball. He chewed on it, and within minutes fell into a deep slumber. She then stood over his arm and gave a gentle sigh. She spent 3 hours cleaning the dead skin from his body. She held her hand over his wound – and it glowed a gentle white. It was cleansing the flesh of bacteria and dirt. Once clean she used over 8 tubes of the solvent to cover it, and then wrapped his arm. He was burnt from the shoulder all the way to the hand.
After the finished she collapsed into a chair and dabbed a bit of sweat from her eyebrows. By now all the Braves were raving – telling the story as it was witnessed from the trial watchers, the ones handing the feathers out…
Locke stepped into the tent and stood before Nadine. “I was wrong” he spoke and then looked over to the burnt victim. “It will not be easy for the village to accept her. But she is a Brave.” He nodded and then grew quiet as he looked to the two. “Shunned and yet… she came back for these two… our family.” He whispered and then turned from them. He nodded his head to Nadine and left. She did not need to speak of anything.
Soon night came. Nadine lay in her bed – unable to sleep. She worried over Aldora and the rest of the Braves. She ate quietly amongst the others. For them this was exciting and fun. For Nadine it was terrifying. Whoever came in next – she would tend to, hoping they wouldn’t die. When morning came she rose, having only a few hours of sleep. She stood in the middle of the camp, listening to the words about her, watching.
Why did those birds attack? Generally they left people alone. This is why she feared. This corruption… it was getting worse. What was behind it? She crossed her arms and waited patiently. Kore stepped up next to her and broke the silence. “It’s going to be okay. She will be fine. She made it through all of that… she will continue onward.” He spoke as he looked to the mountain. “I’ve climbed the mountain… it seems Nano has been there to aid her. Nano is a great and kind warrior, they both will be unstoppable. No need to fear” he smiled and then nodded. “As Aerywn would say – Fear shows weakness. You are our voice. Stand strong” he then offered her a slice of banana bread. “Plus… your fear doesn’t change their outcome. It only hinders you” he spoke and took a bite, looking out to the mountain as well…
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Post by Blindside Tex on Oct 21, 2017 16:42:17 GMT -5
Aldora rushed on through the night into the mountains. She winced as she climbed up a cliff face behind Nano. He reached down and pulled her up. “We can’t slow down, you have to keep pushing.” He looked to her leg. “Here.” He pulled a tube from his pack and a cloth. He packed the wound and tied it off. “You’re not bleeding out on me.” He smiled and pulled her along. “Come on, Aldora.” He held her hand for a moment as he pulled her forward until she was up to speed.
Aldora looked to his back as she rushed along behind him. Such kindness. Not many of the Kanzu would show this, especially during a trial such as the proving. They cut through caves and crevasses to get through to the next point. They were just behind the others, the bodies of the Snap Tooth’s were still sparking. Aldora rolled to the side as she shot her arrow into a snap tooth. It landed on top of her, nearly crushing her. She shoved against it only for Nano to lift it off and offer her a hand.
“I owe you my life, Aldora.” He gave a nod and a smile as they ran up to the Brave that handed them their feathers.
“Better hurry up, you’re falling behind.” He warned.
Aldora ran along with Nano up another path that was off the beaten trail. As they crested a ridge she heard yelling below, fighting. “What is that?” She asked softly, breathless.
“Thorn and the others…” He could see the lights of machines below, red machines like before. “We must hurry!” He spoke as he rushed down the mountain face.
Aldora skidded along behind him she toppled and tumbled once but got back up to her feet. Within a few minutes they were with the others. Prowlers. Several of them. Machines that could turn invisible. Aldora touched her focus. “Stay low.” She whispered as she snuck up on one that was invisible, she stabbed through to its heart and ripped her spear from it as it fell over lifeless. She stayed crouched and glanced to the others. Thorn was gone, he’d run ahead with Corvo and Wiskal. Leaving only Liayth and Ferlas to fend for themselves. Xina was the girl that had gone back to the camp, and the burned boy was Trevis.
“Help!!!” Liayth screamed, frightened. Her arm was bloodied. She was sitting over Ferlas who was unconscious on the ground. “Help!!” She cried again, her horn was gone…somehow, taken?
Aldora leaped from the grass as a Stalker charged the two, snarling viciously. Liayth screamed and held her arms up only for the creature to fall to the side, shoved by Aldora in the last second. “I’ve got you.” She spoke softly as she crouched down and scanned the area.
“Aldora!” Nano called as he released an arrow. It missed the Prowler and the beast pinned her to her back. She whimpered as the weight of the creature felt as though it would crush her. Nano let out another shot that distracted the machine it snarled and rushed him.
Aldora scrambled to her feet, she rushed after the beast and slammed her staff into it. The morning sun was rising over the tops of the mountains at this point. “Nano?” She asked as he stepped forward. She had a gash on her shoulder.
“Are you alright?” He asked as they jogged to the two wounded. He knelt down. “Where are your horns?” He asked.
Liayth was sobbing as she sat there. “Thorn…he took them…he promised to keep us safe, he stole them and he ran…”
Aldora pulled her horn from her waist and blew it to call the Braves. She handed the horn to Liayth. “Did Thorn attack you?” She asked softly .
Liayth took in a breath and shook her head, “I…I don’t know..I…the prowlers came out of nowhere…they…and then Thorn and the others were gone…” She whimpered. “My horn…it disappeared. But Ferlas lost his horn too…they had to take it, we had it just before the attack.”
Aldora let out a heavy breath, “He sentenced you to death, to gain his own lead.” She muttered.
The braves made haste and arrived and with that Aldora and Nano took off. “We have to catch them!” Nano spoke. The sun was rising in the sky. “There are still two more challenges, one more day.” He pushed forward and pulled her up a cliff. “We can do this.” He gave a nod.
Nano led her to the next activity as the sun crested in the sky, it was high noon. They climbed up a cliff face and pulled the feather from the top and rushed on. As they raced toward the base of the mountain Nano took her on yet another of his short cuts. They raced across poles that were threatening to give way. The old trail. It was crumbling. It hadn’t been used in years. It was tough, but it was much shorter. All they had to do was make it to the top gather their final feather and make it to the end point that was just across the ridge at the top.
They rushed through the ropes and cliff faces. Leaping at points to get to the next grip. Nano and Aldora worked well as a team as they fought through the climb, darkness took over. The climb was daunting. It was easily a 10 hour climb, and 7 hours to get back down. Enough time to spare. They made it to their feather and soon enough they were sprinting back down another trail toward the bottom of the mountain. Aldora glanced over as the sun began to rise, running parallel to them she could finally see Thorn and the other two. The trio that had always beaten her as a child. They had a few more hours of running to do, she was exhausted. Thorn and the others had time to stop, she and Nano did not. They were almost there though and they were pulling ahead. Aldora grinned as she pushed herself, trying to run faster. Suddenly a pain struck into her leg, Aldora went tumbling to the ground with a scream of pain.
Nano skidded to a stop. “Aldora!” He turned around and looked to her calf. An arrow pierced through it. He glanced over the ridge to see Thorn standing there, a grin on his smug face just before he took off again. “This is going to hurt, but we can’t waste time.” He broke the arrow on both sides and packed around the wound. He packed in the Stormblood to numb it and gave a nod. “Run, Aldora.” He lifted her to her feet. She couldn’t put weight on her leg. “You must win.” He nodded and lifted her onto his back. “Hang on.” He sprinted with her taking the trail quicker than he had before. He rushed along and as they closed the gap he forced her to run, he held her hand and as they approached the finish line he pulled her forward and shoved her across the line. It was Aldora in first, Nano in second and Thorn in third.
“They cheated!!” Thorn’s face was red. “They didn’t run the route! They cheated! Outcasts do not belong among the Kanzu!” He breathed heavily.
The war-chief gave a smirk to Thorn, “You were never bound to the main trail itself, both Aldora and Nano saved lives, and you still lost. The Great Spirit has willed it so.” He stepped forward to Aldora whom was collapsed on the ground, her breathing heavy. He knelt before her and lifted her head to look into her eyes. “It is today that you have proven yourself worthy to become a brave.” He pulled her to her feet and she collapsed against him. “Nano.” He nodded. “Get her to Lady Nadine before she fades away.” He spoke. “We will celebrate the winners after our victor is patched up from her wounds that she has suffered. This has been the first year in a long while that all braves have survived and more than half of you finished.” Locke spoke and glared at Thorn. “Working as a team allows advantages, we are one with the tribe, but without the tribe we might as well be exiled.” He turned away from the trio and walked away then.
Nano lifted Aldora into his arms. “Come on.” He looked down to her, she’d lost a lot of blood. He wondered just how she’d stayed strong. How did she keep going like this? He looked to all of her wounds. He rushed into the tent. “Lady Nadine…” He set her down on the bed, “Aldora has done it…she is the victor…she collapsed, Lady Nadine…please save her.” He bowed his head. As he had roughly set Aldora down onto the bed the feathers upon her hip shifted and the beautiful crystal glowed in the presence of Nadine. It was easily visible. Aldora came in and out of consciousness. There was something on that arrow…her whole body felt heavy…
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Post by Raven on Oct 21, 2017 18:18:11 GMT -5
“This is your first proving out in the field, isn’t it?” Locke stepped up to Nadine. Nadine looked to him and nodded.. the feathers in her hair bouncing slightly. She crossed her arms and thought for a long moment. “It is never easy. We send the cubs into the wild for the first time. They make many mistakes…” he spoke softly and then sighed when there was a blow of a horn. “Mother lion should lick their wounds, hm?” he smiled to Nadine and then nodded – his arm waving to Brave to go.
Locke was always sweet to Nadine. Rumors spoke that he often saw Nadine as his distant daughter. His had died at a young age, Merdia, she was good friends to Nadine. Nadine had always shown compassion and kindness to his daughter, and in her daughters last moments - Nadine was there by her side, holding her hand. Locke had a soft spot in his heart because of that… Nadine did what Locke could not, at the time… Locke was out on a mission. Merdia was home – sick. This was the one of the faults of a war-chief…
Nadine looked to Liayth and Ferlas as they were brought in swiftly. They were placed on a bed as well and Nadine tended to them. Liayth was still awake – she spoke of what happened. How Thorn had stolen their horns, left them for dead. Nadine looked to her arm and then cringed. “Take this… I will be back in a just a second – Kore, can you hold this to her arm, compress for me. I need to make sure Ferlas is okay, before I continue” she spoke and rushed to Ferlas side.
She observed him – she had 2 broken ribs and a broken leg. She splint his leg and gave him medicine. “You will be okay Ferlas…” she walked back to Kore. “Kore, watch Ferlas’ chest – if his skin turns red and pink all over tell me. I need to make sure he isn’t bleeding from the inside” she spoke and then took the cloth on Liayth’s arm.
She took a few instruments and cleaned the deep gash, it went down to the bone. Laiyth was knocked out by the medicine. She grit her teeth, making several stitches. It was a clean cut… She then sewed her up and covered the wound with solvent. “You will probably have limited motion in your arm… I will pray to the Great Spirit to be kind to you…” she whispered and then stepped over to Ferlas.
Just as she finished with Ferlas – Aldora was laid down on the bed. “No” Nadine rushed over and looked to her leg.. then the rest of her body. A nice gash on her shoulder, a cut on her side, an arrow in the leg. “An Arrow?” her eyebrows squeezed together. She squeezed her fist and then released it. “Kore… I want you to get the statements of the Observers and other Braves. There is zero reason why I have 5 bodies on my tables, one with an arrow in her leg, 2 with stolen horns. Whoever is behind this…” she shook her head.
She then cleaned the wound on Aldora’s shoulder, it wasn’t too deep… and then stitched it and packed it, wrapping it swiftly. Then to her rib cage, she pulled up her clothing and observed it. “Not bad” she whispered, this one didn’t need to be stitched. She packed it and sealed it up. Then she came to her leg. She held her hand over Aldora’s leg – her hand glowing. She grit her teeth and blood trickled from her nose. Before it could fall – Kore caught it with a cloth, and wiped the trail away.
Nadine then grabbed the broken arrow shaft and pulled it in one swift motion. Blood instantly began gushing. She swiftly stuffed the hole with the solvent, pushing it in quickly with her fingers. This solvent would act like dissolving super glue. The then covered each hole with a bit of the wound care, and then wrapped her leg with several layers of linen, then tying it off. “You’ll still be able to walk… I numbed the pain.. it should heal quickly..” she spoke and then nodded.
She left the tent and stepped out to Locke. Within minutes each victim to the proven was put on stretchers, two braves carrying them. The camp cleaned up and they were all headed back to town. Thorn caught up to Nadine as they walked. “I’m a Brave now, eh?” he spoke and walked infront of her, walking backwards so he could watch her. “So then, would you take me on your pilgrimage?”
Nadine looked up and then away from Thorn, refusing to talk to him. Thorn scoffed and then rushed forward, to catch up with his friends. Soon they made it back to the village - who cheered to their arrival. The victims were put to rest in the healing tent, and Nadine met with the Patriarchs. “Kore, Locke, Valzar and Brindle – come with me please” Nadine called. They walked to the Patriarch temple, just before the entrance to the Heart.
Luna, and the 2 other Patriarchs welcome them inside. To talk. Nadine stepped inside and look to the mothers and then nodded. “Mothers… I have.. terrible news I wish not to tell..” she spoke and then looked to Kore, to Locke – who nodded to her. “This Proven was one of the worst I’ve seen. I have two topics to cover. First… the betrayal of a young Brave. Thorn…” she told the story… how Thorn left his brethren to die, how he stole their horns and ran away, how he shot to purposely harm Aldora for his own victory. She then spoke how Nano assisted Aldora, how he saved her life and she saved his, how Aldora saved everyone in the frenzied attack of the birds.
“What are you implying, Nadine?” Luna questioned softly.
“I want you to consider Outcasting Thorn for his traitorous acts. It is clearly in the rules that anything goes – except malicious attempts to stop or hurt Kanzu warriors equally performing in the Proven. He took it beyond just harming an Outcast… he put himself before the others…”
Locke stood uncomfortably and then gave a nod. “The boy is talented but he has committed treason. Even if he were a true Brave, I wouldn’t dare pare him with any of my men. I do not trust him…” the other few agreed.
The three Patriarchs nodded. “Then it is so. We shall Outcast Thorn for his deeds. Locke, please inform Thorn’s father. We will speak to Thorn in private. He will leave tonight. We shall send him to the far east, near the forgotten sands…” Luna spoke, they agreed.
“Locke… I want to make a personal request.” Nadine stepped over to the war-chief. “No one asked Nano to do what he did. He helped save our people, he selflessly gave the title to someone else. A selfless leader… I want you to consider him to be next in life for war-chief… that is my personal opinion – no Great Spirit involved. At the end… it is your choice, of course. But Nano has my blessing” she bowed her head.
Locke looked to her for a long moment and then smiled “I think you are right, My Lady… Nano would be excellent. I will look into your proposal..” he then turned and left the building. Kore smiled then “You are a kind soul, My Lady…” he left as well.
The Matriarchs stood – looking to her. “You have more to tell us… Nadine”
The four of them sat down and Nadine spelled out more. How she was losing her strength, unable to enter the Heart of the Mountain. How since then the machines have become aggressive, hunting – how she felt something was attacking The Great Spirit. “I want to begin my Pilgrimage, I think it is time. I am hoping I find answers along the way. Perhaps other doorways in the other temples are open, I could speak to him…”
Aerwyn walked inside the building just intime. “She is ready” she spoke, and then it was decided.
“Who shall you take as your guardian?”
“I want to take Aldora…” Nadine spoke softly.
“Aldora knows the lands better than any Brave among us. She would be the best protection. I agree… We shall appoint You and Aldora Temple Seekers. Should you find the source of corruption and need to cross boundaries – you are granted to do so. It is likely that only you and Aldora have the ability to save our Great Spirit…” they all stood. “Go now… the festivities remain. We can discuss more details further.”
Nadine left the building and made her way to the healer tent… where she continually checked up on the wounded. It was a few hours later when there was a loud commotion – the tent flaps were pushed back swiftly and a figure came after Nadine. Thorn pinned her down on the ground and choked her with one hand. “I’ll fucking kill you!” he shouted in her face. “You did this to me!” he gripped tighter. Just then he began to rip at her clothes, and then himself too. In one swift motion – he had done it.
Nadine shouted loudly – a scream of terror. She gripped his shoulders and struggled against him, her vision going out. He continued his motions. The greatest act of terror anyone could ever do to a woman. To a lady. It was in this moment that she would surely be stripped from her title. The Great Spirit would leave her. Nadine cried loudly, before finally.. blacking out.
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Post by Blindside Tex on Oct 21, 2017 19:13:12 GMT -5
Aldora lay in and out on consciousness she felt the movements of Nadine as she healed her. Her blood was hot as it leaked from her wound when Nadine pulled the arrow from her leg. She’d lost plenty of blood in the trial. She stood with the help of Nano as the announcement was made of the winner. Nano helped her up the stairs to welcome a talisman from Locke. As he helped her back down she leaned heavily on him. “I…need rest.” She whispered to Nano and to that he returned a nod. He carried her back to the tent where Lady Nadine would soon return to watch over the wounded.
Xina sat in the tent watching over the others while Lady Nadine was gone. She moved from the bed when Nano helped Aldora back inside. “Is she alright?” She asked as Nano lay her down, her eyes fluttered and she slipped from consciousness once more.
Nano gave a slow nod, “She will be.” He gave a soft smile.
“She saved us, Nano…” Xina spoke, “She saved us and she was shunned for all those years and she saved us…without a second thought.”
“I know.” He placed his hand on her shoulder.
“You…you saved us too, Nano. You and Aldora.” She smiled weakly, tired from her injuries.
“Rest, Xina, we can speak more later.” He spoke as he exited the tent. He had wrapped up his arm, it paled in comparison to the wounds that Aldora had. It was a good gash, but nothing he couldn’t handle. He stepped away from the tent then to enjoy in the feast.
Thorn slipped into the tent then. He gripped Aldora around her neck, and stared into her eyes as they fluttered. “You took everything from me, outcast.” He growled, his eyes full of hate. He’d heard word that Nadine had gone to the temple to speak to the Patriarchs about the proving. “Just wait, I will kill you.” He whispered into her ear. “I will take everything from you.” He slipped from the tent then.
Aldora’s eyes fluttered and she slipped once more out of consciousness. When the commotion rang out she heard the tent flaps fly open. Her eyes opened and she could see the blur of skin, she heard the screams. Why had no one come? How could he commit such a crime? It was in that moment that she moved quickly, her body fought against her but she would not give in. She gripped the back of Thorn’s shoulders and ripped him from Nadine. “No!” She cried as she realized it had been done. She knew from Allister’s stories how this could pan out. What could happen to Lady Nadine…
Aldora slammed against the ground, the weight of Thorn knocked the wind from her lungs. He spun around and his hands were around her throat. His eyes were wild and full of hate. Aldora choked as she pushed against him and rolled him to the side. He kicked her swiftly in the stomach. Aldora flew back and slammed against the tree that the tent was built around, Thorn grabbed a nearby spear and thrust it into Aldora’s abdomen and snapped it in half, pinning her against the tree. He pulled on his clothing and walked up to her a smirk on his lips. “I told you, I’ll take everything, outcast.” He gripped her jaw and looked into her eyes, blood had begun to drip from Aldora’s mouth.
She looked to him and took in a trembling breath. “You count…your winnings…before…you’ve won…” She whispered, blood running down her chin.
“What?” Thorn asked with a confused tone. “I have won.” He chuckled. “You’ll die here, she will lose her title. All because of you outcast. You did this. The Great Spirit says it is so.”
Aldora reached forward and gripped onto his shoulder, with a quick thrust she jabbed her dagger into his abdomen. “You’ll hurt no one else…” She spoke weakly and stabbed him again, and again, she held him against her. His breaths were jagged. “May the Great Spirit have no pity for you, Thorn.” She spoke before her dagger fell from her grip, her arm covered in blood. Thorn fell to his back onto the dirt floor of the tent.
Aldora let out a cry of pain as everything rushed to her. She fought to pull the spear from her abdomen. She gripped a hold of it and pulled though, it wouldn’t dislodge from the tree. The tent flap moved to the side as Nano stepped inside the tent, his eyes widened. “Lady Nadine!” He fell to her side and covered her with a blanket, he carefully wrapped it around her, his eyes full of worry. “Nadine?” He asked and cradled her. He looked up then to see Aldora pinned against the tree. “By the Great Spirit…” He gasped as he looked to Thorn, whom was still choking on blood as he lay on the ground, he was within a few moments from death. “I need help!” He cried loudly. “Help!” He yelled again and again. The festivities were so loud outside. He set Nadine down, “It’s going to be okay my Lady.” He brushed her cheek and rushed from the tent.
Moments later he returned with Locke and Kore. “I came to check on Aldora…and to bring Lady Nadine food….I fear…that…” He couldn’t grasp his words.
Locke stepped forward and lifted Aldora’s chin, her eyes looked up to him as blood leaked from her mouth. “Aldora, you stopped him…” He whispered. He knew what happened. He’d always feared that Thorn was a lose cannon. Locke looked down to Thorn whom lay on the ground, his breathing shook. He leaned down and pulled his own dagger. Locke narrowed his eyes. “How dare you do something so unforgiving, and to Lady Nadine of all our tribe. You may not live.” He spoke before he drove his dagger into the heart of Thorn. “May the Great Spirit condemn you to Hades.” He stood and then looked to Aldora, “Help me get the staff from her…I don’t know if she will make it…this injury…” He looked to the placement of the speak. She was lucky to even be breathing. She may bleed out once we remove the staff.”
Nano stepped forward and gripped onto the staff. “Don’t die on us, Aldora.” He spoke and looked to her. “You hear me?” He asked before he pulled the blade of the spear from her body.
Kore knelt next to Nadine, his eyes full of sadness at what had been done. He looked to the ripped clothing and then to Thorn’s corpse. Locke gripped onto Aldora and held her against him. As he moved her to a bed. He instantly began holding pressure on the wound. “Come on then.” He spoke. “Let’s pack it, hand me a tube.” He began tending to her the best he could. He was good with quick fixes to get her to the healers. Locke grit his teeth as he continued on.
Aldora choked slightly and pulled herself to her side. She reached down to her hip and ripped the crystal from her clothing. With her bloodied hand she reached it out and placed it into Nadine’s fingertips. “I’m…sorry….” She choked before her body fell limp and she lost consciousness.
Nano worked frantically with Locke. “We can’t do this without Lady Nadine…” He whispered, his eyes wide. “It’s too much…” He looked to Aldora’s face as blood dripped from her nose. “She’ll die…” He muttered.
“She won’t die…not on my watch.” Locke spoke. “Nano, go run and tell the Patriarchs what has happened, now!” He ordered as he continued to pack the wound and slow the bleeding.
Nano stood, his breaths shook, he stared at Aldora for a long moment before he ran from the tent. His arms soaked in blood he climbed the stairs up to the heart where he burst in on the Patriarchs. “Forgive me.” He bowed to the ground on his knees, his forehead against the dirt. “Locke has requested I tell you grave news.” He spoke slowly. He then detailed what happened to Nadine, Aldora….and finally he spoke of how Aldora had stopped the action and killed Thorn in self-defense.
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