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Mel

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Everything posted by Mel

  1. [Offshore, The Fowadi (Talli)] With the galley crew officially off till sunrise tomorrow, Talli had found herself doing odd tasks helping the rest of the crew. Ember, the quartermaster, had gotten a gleam in her eye when she saw that Talli had marine training, and she had been kept busy—at least the Po-koronan crew knew their knots. They were less prepared for the knife and the attached bag that came out of the blue. In the ensuing chaos, assigned jobs changed rapidly, and it was some time before Talli was able to get a look at the hole in the deck. It confirmed what she already had suspected. Only a toa could have done that. Knife throwing was a party trick, highly ineffective most of time, and with half the range of hand-thrown disk. And that was with a knife designed for throwing. This looked like something used to fillet a ruki before market. You’d need a pakari for that kind of distance, although the accuracy was clearly not there. Makuta’s taint, he could have killed someone. Snatching the bottle of rum from the deck table, she moved to replace it in the hold. Alcohol was being rationed—she would hate to be on this ship when they ran out. At least the newcomer hadn’t decided he wanted any. Luckily, Skyra and Praggos were too busy arguing to notice. As she approached the hold, her eyes were drawn back to the pack and the knife, apparently forgotten against the railing. Well, if these toa were basically going to ignore her over getting into a circular conversation about some inside joke, she might as well find out what was actually going on. Tucking the pack under her arm, she slipped into the bowls of the ship. She bet she knew which direction the newcomer went. OOC: @otter @Snelly don't mind me @Razgriz @sunflower headed your way o7
  2. [Ko-koro, Rhanus’s Inn (Shuuan)] It turned out that we had been expected—don’t get me wrong, we certainly got no honor guard to shuffle us in to the classiest (and definitely warmest) inn in this city of ice. But it seemed like the guards knew Mako, and he must have been liked enough to let us pass without the obligatory rundown. The Vilda Grandma’s giant snake was something more of a problem, though. The innkeeper was nice, but apparently not nice enough to let it bask in the common room. Didn’t blame him per say, although if I had a giant opportunity like that I would keep it there at all times to eat disruptive customers. This is why I would never get into the family business. But as suffocatingly cozy as this place was, I didn’t feel like staying quite yet. It’s funny, I grew up in a jungle—I was pretty cold. But the physicality of the cold was still clarifying, rather than painful. I needed to be outside, in the glorious silence. I grew up in a place that was stock full of beauty, but not beauty like this. Sado couldn’t compare either, it was too…inhabited, too constructed, too bright. This place had been built of stone and crystal, but with a completely different aesthetic to it. This was not for markets and parades and royal pageants. This was for living, and speaking, and thinking. And it was pretty nice for walking too. OOC: Shuuan open for interaction, if anyone wants to interrupt her revelry. If we’d like to get the actual party in gear… @Geardirector @Endless Sea (Alaki Nuva) @Keeper of Kraata
  3. Content Warning: internalized victim blaming a slave | bone hunter stronghold The not-hunters give less straw to slaves than they do to rock steeds, but drifting in and out of half-sleep on hard ground is something, at least, that you have known for many years. The sounds of the market do not rouse you, for you know that you will not be required. Who would desire you, even as a tool? You have not the muscle power of courier, nothing that passes for good manners in a southern settlement. You wear the skin of a hated Skrall, yet you lend not even the illusion of honor from being captured in battle. Your best skills are avoiding notice, which you wish to continue to do, huddled in the corner.
  4. [Ko-koro, Approaching Outer Gates (Pradhai)] Pradhai looked to Mako. “Who was the name of that young man that Soraph was sweet on again?” OOC: @Geardirector @Keeper of Kraata @Endless Sea (Alaki Nuva) @Visaru
  5. [Road to Po-koro (Ranok)] Ranok let out a sigh of relief, audible to only himself and Timak. He’d had no idea of where to actually look after his revelation. OOC: @BBBBalta @BULiK @Snelly @Rahisaurus @Tarn @Lady Takanuva @ARROW404 @~Xemnas~ @EmperorWhenua
  6. [Road to Po-koro (Ranok)] “If I may suggest,” said Ranok, his voice slightly muffled by the wet cloth. “Perhaps we are following too much in other’s footsteps, instead of charting our own path.” “If this Keeping Place, as lovely as it sounds, held the secret to defeating Makuta, surely the Maru would have found it. Maybe, we need to look precisely what has been overlooked by the heroes of the past—what has been considered too public, to insignificant, too mundane.” OOC: @BBBBalta @BULiK @Snelly @Rahisaurus @Tarn @Lady Takanuva @ARROW404 @~Xemnas~ @EmperorWhenua
  7. [Ko-koro, Approaching Outer Gates (Shuuan)] Part of the many reasons I intend to get myself killed before I grow old is there’s no way I am going to go through thinking about my numerous aches and pains every day. At least the crabs were there, like a soothing balm on my conscious. Little conception of pain, no thoughts except food, rest, and the possibility of making more crabs. Truly, a perfect creature. Perhaps I am being unfair, but it’s hard to describe the quiet that embraced us as we got higher. The elders aches and pains only felt loud because there was nothing else, nothing in the mental plane that shouted and chattered and worried and murmured. Every one of my physical senses seemed more alive in its absence, the flickers of snow falling on my cheeks sharp and cold and wonderful. As the walls loomed above us, I felt the urge to soar above them and into that city of blessed quiet, but alas, the points of spears looked very sharp. I said I intend to die before I get old, not as soon as possible. I could wait. For a reasonable amount of time. OOC: Shuan, Pradhai, Mako, Cephala, Raiyo and Company from Ga-koro. @Geardirector @Keeper of Kraata @Endless Sea (Alaki Nuva) Sorry for the wait.
  8. [Road to Po-koro (Ranok)] Ranok listened intently to the conversation between Aurax and Nichou, but the usually talkative bard was silent—partly to avoid exposing his voice in the desiccating air and partly because the two matoran were giving shape to stories he’d only heard secondhand. The Keeping Place...that would make a lovely name for an instrumental piece, if he could capture the feeling of idyll... There was pattern in the story, like a barely-detectable leitmotif, though he thought it best not to voice it yet. Stannis, it seemed, had a habit of keeping to secret places. From what he’d heard of the toa of stone, it was a general part of the Maru’s demeanor, whether it was cultivated or simply the result of a long career of needing to stay one step ahead of Makuta’s servants. He had a hunch they might find any of the other Maru much more willing to speak. OOC: @BBBBalta @BULiK @Snelly @Rahisaurus @Tarn @Lady Takanuva @ARROW404 @~Xemnas~ @EmperorWhenua
  9. [Ga-koro, Inner Port(Yukie)] "I won't say it wasn't...difficult. Rhow's been through quite a lot. I did my best to be a help and not a hindrance, but I think she might want some time to herself to consider what she has learned." He nodded to Zyla in return, trying not to let the electric thrill of the word toroshu distract him from the strange feeling of familiarity--he was sure he had seen the dashi before. There was also the lure, the trap of that word. He would not let it define him--it was a tool, not an identity. "I am equally grateful for your work of diplomacy, Mistress Dastana. I am trying to care for my people, and you do us a great service by seeking understanding with the people here." OOC: @Void Emissary
  10. [Ga-koro, Inner Port(Yukie)] Yukie watched Rhow go, before standing up and walking back to the pair of Dastana. Evidently they had finished their interview with the reporter, and judging by Daijuno’s satisfied expression he wished he could have been privy to it—he must find a way to get a copy of whatever scroll the Mata-Nuians used to convey news. “I believe Rhow now has enough information to chart her own course,” he said, returning Daijuno’s appraising gaze. “Now, are there any other questions I can answer?” OOC: @Void Emissary
  11. [Forsi, the road out (Ranok)] Ranok adjusted the moist rag strapped around his mouth and nose. His contribution the shopping trip had been mostly finding a succulent for Lapu—the hen-and-chicks had been perfect. It was unwise to fiddle with any of his instruments in the harsh desert air, and he found himself stepping from one foot to the other in absence of the familiar distraction. He looked at his companions, waiting to see who would make the first step. OOC: @~Xemnas~ @Harvali @ARROW404 @Lady Takanuva @Tarn @BULiK @BBBBalta @EmperorWhenua @Rahisaurus [Po-Koro, Technology Emporium (Ferellis)] A Po-skakdi in Po-koro…was just about the most normal thing on the island. It disconcerted Ferellis that she felt so out of place in the village, er city of stone when everybody else seemed to pay her absolutely no mind. (There had also been moments when she would have killed to look more like a helpless tourist in order to be offered directions.) Still, she was here now. She was actually doing this. Ting. She stuck her hands in her pockets as she waited for the shop workers to respond to the call bell. OOC: @Perp @Geardirector...and anyone else who works here.
  12. [Ga-koro, Inner Port(Yukie)] :̶̫͐:̵̫̋T̴̗̉h̷͉̄e̷̦͗y̸͔͐ ̸͖͝w̶̛̺í̸̟l̵͇̉l̸̘̓ ̷͉̍n̷̅ͅe̶̛̺v̵͝ͅe̶͎̕r̴̡̿ ̵̝̏l̷̫͌o̶̖̕v̸̹́e̷̤̋ ̷̗̓ỷ̶̬ö̶̹u̶̡͛.̷̡̍:̵̣̍:̶̣̓ ::..but will you?:: Yuki shook his head. “I can’t say exactly, certainly many on my ships have longed for home on the journey to Mata Nui. There’s something about the place you came from that draws you, no matter how terrible it is on the surface. You want to make it better.” He looked out on the waves. “But you can’t do it alone Rhow. You have people here, people who trust you, people who you have fed enough to make up for the starving that clawed away your old life. Do not go alone. Surely, there are others that feel as you do?” *** IC: [Ga-koro, Docks/Inland Thoroughfare (Pradhai)] “This fresh child is Plagori Shuuan,” Pradhai said, ignoring the glare across the cart. “Despite the attitude she is very much capable, or so I’ve been told. Always helps to have someone who can look above the snow.” She surveyed the cart while stroking Laka’s scales. “I do believe we’re ready to set out--driver?” With a clatter of crab feet, the caravan set off, winding along the road and into the foothills, towards Ko-koro. OOC: @Geardirector @Endless Sea (Alaki Nuva) @Keeper of Kraata Old people squad, Raiyo and Shuuan to Ko-wahi. @Vezok's Friend feel free to either reply or head out at this point; I know you have plans for Rhow.
  13. CW: torture, both shown and implied [Fort Garsi, Environs (Ipsudir/NPC)] The would-be surrenderer was watching for signs. He didn’t get any. The harpoon that Ipsudir carried was not, in terms of the technological wonders that Zakaz could produce, a very impressive weapon. But it did not need to be—the combination of well-oiled spring loaded mechanisms and sturdy barbed blade was fast and silent and gruesome in its work—the work of pain. It suited her. The blade streaked out of the yawning darkness of the entrance and stuck fast in the gap of armor under an armpit, embedding itself deep. Before his brain could process any of the terrible, ripping, wrenching pain Ipsudir had yanked him off his feet. The cranking mechanism in her weapon dragged him slowly, agonizingly toward the shaded entrance, but Ipsudir closed the rest of the distance herself, placing a foot on the prone warriors chest, pressing down as she drove the now compact harpoon deeper. “Surrender?” Her voice started soft, almost a purr, but it quickly rose in volume and intensity. “You come to my land, try to conquer my fortress, and when it turns belly side up you want me to invite you in for tea and crackers?” She twisted, so virulently that she sent the rifle slung across her back swinging, and the skakdi cried out as bloody foam spilled from his lips. “That ain’t how it works around here, sweetie.” She pointed at where Zenakra and Kirik were pummeling each other. “There, is where you should be. Such a fool, but at least she will die with honor. I will make sure her name is remembered.” With one last twist, she ripped out the weapon and spit on the skakdi’s face. Her eyes remained focused on the melee down the hill as she kicked him again for good measure. “Take this heu:nii to the dungeons,” she said, without turning toward her warriors at her her back. “Make sure he lives for as long as possible.” — Kerigor’s X-ray vision pierced through the fog, but he had stopped shooting once the group had achieved range—anyone brave enough to charge the fortress was dead already, and powder was after all, expensive. While scanning the remains of the battlefield, however, he caught the glint of unfamiliar copper. Grinning, he tapped his partner’s currently-holstered impact crystal launcher. “Shall we bring back a little bauble for the Lady?” OOC: @Geardirector @Techn0geist @ARROW404 @Visaru @Snelly
  14. IC: [Sado, Imperial Gardens (Hatchi)] Hatchi chose a large steamed bun from a cart. It was mostly onions and gravy, with only a bit of meat, but the cook was well versed in her command of spices. They took it to where Tama had secured a pair of stones, much to Hatchi’s relief. They had learned to eat standing up in the stalls of the Imperial capital, but zi wouldn’t turn down a seat in the relative peace of the garden. The two ate in companionable silence for a few minutes, Tama heartily slurping her broth while Hatchi savored each bite of the savory-sweet mixture wrapped in spongy, filling dough. Hatchi wondered if Tama had a purpose in staying, or if she, like many of the other Ageru, was here because she was a sword on the side of a people too large to be packed in ships. As good as Hatchi was at reading intent, Tama seemed tired and hungry first and foremost, and the former caravan leader did not want to push her—seeing how much zi layed bare the last time they met. Zi opted to start with a gentle question. “What are your plans after this, Tama? Do you ride under the banner of the Rakumetsu Toroshu?” Kilanya’s deeds had reached even the rabble—Hatchi conceded it was a great symbolic gesture, and proof that she was willing to die for her people. No doubt the Ageru General’s skill was great, but arrows had been a lot more effective. OOC: @Geardirector
  15. [Ga-koro, Inland Thoroughfare (Shuuan)] "Not sure, I worked very hard to forget most of it." OOC: @Endless Sea (Alaki Nuva) @Geardirector @Keeper of Kraata
  16. [Ga-koro, Inner Port(Yukie)] Yukie did not say anything. What could he say, that would not ring hollow? His clan, for all its struggles, had lived in the abundance of jungle, where sustenance was assured, if not health. Famine had been a list of old war reports, or the domain of folktales of the ancient past. He had known, intellectually, that people could be driven to terrible things in the name of hunger, but seeing and experiencing it so vividly was another matter. He settled on the only thing he could think to say, a question that felt altogether too intimate. “What will you do now, Rhow?” Now that I’ve dug up so many old ghosts. I’m sorry. [Ga-koro, Inland Thoroughfare (Shuuan)] I squinted at the dull-colored not-datsue. Huh, so maybe these foreigners weren’t all impressively hued. Some jaanu bird she was. “I don’t recall asking your name, Granny, so why would you be interested in mine?” OOC: @Vezok's Friend @Endless Sea (Alaki Nuva) @Geardirector @Keeper of Kraata
  17. Content Warning: internalized victim blaming a slave | bone hunter stronghold You have become unused to judging people—this is not a luxury that a slave has. Yet, something about the fire in the prisoner’s words stirs approval in your chest. She is brave, defiant. She should have been born Skrall, and you— You should stop this. It is foolish ramblings, the world cannot be anyway than it is. You can never be anything but what you are, a failed attempt at Skrall, only useful to propagate those not flawed as you are. You bow before the not-hunter’s bitter gaze, silently turning back down the hall. OOC: @a goose @Toru Nui
  18. Content Warning: internalized victim blaming a slave | bone hunter stronghold You halt in the darkness as you hear the prisoner’s words. She does not not know that you are not skrall. Curiosity is part of what is so wrong with you. It halts your desire to flee, keeps you straining to hear how the not-hunter will reply. Will she lie? Or will she tell the truth of your shame? You remain still in the shadows. OOC: @Toru Nui @a goose
  19. For those in the Fort Garsi battle, I talked with Smudge and agreed to hold off posting as Ipsudir and NPCs until people reply to give Jojax a fair chance. We're still waiting on @Snelly @Nato G and @ARROW404, I think. No pressure, just thought I'd clarify the situation.
  20. IC: [Sado, Imperial Gardens (Hatchi)] Hatchi shook zir head. “No, I was over-eager to get going, I think. I see you have been occupied with needed things.” They gestured to the menti’s missing pauldron—no doubt it was getting patched of the crack that had lanced through it before. “Now, let’s see what the tents have to offer, shall we?” There was no former “mess hall” in the imperial gardens, at least for the dashi and others refugees who could not lend their blades or their skills as psionics. However, a motley collection of former restaurant owners in the city had collected into a little hamlet of tents in the outside, with free meals exchanged for the price of a token, twice a day. The smell of steamed buns, roasting fish, and boiling broth percolated the air around them as the menti and former caravan leader collected their tokens from the dashi at the gate. OOC: @Geardirector [Sado, Yards (NPC)] The dashi bowed again. “When you have finished your meal, I will inquire with General Plagori as to the whereabouts of your flute.” At this, the other dashi, Usukō, returned, carrying a tray with a bowl of rice, miso soup, a small cut of roasted fish, pickles, and a cup of weak green tea. OOC: @Perp
  21. Content Warning: internalized victim blaming OOC: @Toru Nui
  22. IC: [Ga-koro, Docks/Inland Thoroughfare (Pradhai)] “Oh I’m far from a Toroshu. No need to wear yourself out, Dearie. I’m sure I can get some help in securing the creature comforts. After all, I certainly can’t let Laka get too chilly—ah there we are.” A coterie of young Vilda menti emerged from compound, carrying the elder’s bags, along with an absolutely massive amount of blankets. Pradhai’s massive serpent companion wound between their legs, as if it was making sure they wouldn’t be messing up. — The next hour could have best been described as “a controlled tornado” as Pradhai directed the packing of the wagons, much to the distress of the ussual driver. He warmed up significantly however, when the crabs seemed unusually well behaved. Well, that and the three bottles of premium Vilda-made distilled sochū that Pradhai passed over. When it was all over, one cart had been stuffed full of luggage, the other with blankets and heatstones for the comfort of the riders. Pradhai took a seat with a contented sigh, while Laka curled into a massive pile at her feet. “Now, this is what I call an expedition. Just a few minutes more, a little bird told me we might have a surprise visitor.” [Ga-koro, Inland Thoroughfare (Shuuan)] Wool clothes. Bow and quiver. Enough expensive-looking fabric and plum wine to bribe the locals. Right. That old-biddy had anticipated my arrival, no doubt, with her prattling away to the local wildlife, but an afternoon of crab thoughts was enough of a price to pay for an entire city of quiet. I took a seat on the back of the cart, as far from anyone else as possible. “You’re leaving for Ko-koro today, right? I’ll be coming with you.” OOC: @Geardirector @Endless Sea (Alaki Nuva) @Keeper of Kraata
  23. a slave | bone hunter stronghold you drew the short straw this time—the others do not envy you, because you all know that the not-hunter called Talrix hates skrall. you are not skrall, but you do not think she will understand this. so very little do. It is a long way to the cell block that you are supposed to go to, through twisting passages full of not-hunters that make note of you as you pass. you try not to memorize the way it goes. you do not open the door. any slave that wants to keep all their limbs knows which thresholds not to cross. but you knock softly, steadily increasing the volume. it is better than surprising her. the tray of victuals should be carefully balanced, no wine spilled, no grit allowed to penetrate the covering. you are good at this, at least. for those the night once called friend the sense of balance is key. you wait, bracing for a blow that might come. it is better to be prepared. OOC: @Toru Nui
  24. oops, will probably edit with ranok reaction later
  25. Content Warning: sexual assault, (heavily internalized) victim blaming. name: none tribe: none species: you are no longer skrall. you are nothing now. gender: none age: something between 20 and 40. slaves are young or they are dead. appearance: a starving physique picked out in shades of charcoal and dark red. slinking, deferential. better not to stand out. equipment: a slave has nothing but their scars. cybernetics: once the night was your friend, chill and diamond studded. you cloaked yourself in it, put in eyes to pierce it and gentle steps that would not. this is useful even now. it is useful to work at night without stumbling. it is useful to be seen and not heard, except when you surprise them and they beat you.
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