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Post by cloeasan on Jul 15, 2013 15:39:47 GMT -5
[glow=red,10,500]Altair[/glow] Altair trotted slowly along the rocky cliff face that sheltered his lands from the hard desert storms. Since his herd was just starting out, with absolutely no members, he has to patrol his boards himself. On the bright side, though, he got to see if there were any potential herd members nearby. Picking his way carefully along the rocks, Altair finally reached a small valley where a small stream sprung out from the rock walls. Altair casually walked to the stream and bent down to drink. 'This will be a great place for herd...once I get members.' The Stallion thought happily. As he drank he noticed something coming towards him. 'A foal?' He realized as the little horse came closer. He stay towards the rock wall, hoping not to scare the little one away. "Hello...little one. My name is Altair...what's yours" He asked kindly. [glow=red,2,300]Ace[/glow] As Ace got to the river he seen a stallion there. Cautiously he drank, but was startled when the stallion asked his name. "My name is Ace" He said shyly. |
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Post by Gemini on Jul 15, 2013 21:55:07 GMT -5
Cedar
"ACE!! ACE!! Where are you? ACE!!" Cedar called, now cantering in the direction of the tracks. They had gone quite further then what Cedar thought Ace could actually go and Cedar was starting to get worried. He checked behind him to make sure Blaze was keeping up and alright, which she was.
Suddenly, Ace's scent got dramatically fresher as did the tracks. Cedar got a bad feeling and went as silent as a horse could go. Then he saw Ace and right in front of Ace was a lone stallion. A stallion that could've been a master, hunting for slaves. But again, his training kicked in and he also looked at the fact that this stallion could possibly also be a fellow knight or a new King looking for a herd. Either way was a possible danger and he would not let Ace get into danger without putting up a fight.
So he drew himself up, neck arched proudly and legs stiff as he squealed in rage and trotted over to Ace and the stallion. "You cannot have him. This foal is under my protection, as is the mare. State your business, stallion for you are talking to a Knight of the Old Code and I will not allow any harm to come to those under my protection." |
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Post by cloeasan on Jul 15, 2013 22:17:03 GMT -5
[glow=red,10,500]Altair[/glow] "Peace Knight of the Old Code. I am no harm to you and especially not to the mare and foal. My name is Altair and I am the King of this land." Altair addressed the knight in the manner that was dictated of him. He knew that any Knight that followed the Old Code would protect those they cared for till the last breath. To meet a keeper of the Code was a rare sight now days, he realized. Most Knights were nothing but snobby Noble that were looking to get better ranks without the effort. It disgusted him to see that.
"I may say it is refreshing to see a Knight still following the old ways. Most have given up on them." The stallion added, silently testing the attitude of this Knight. 'He might be a good addition to my herd...if he wishes to join. The foal and mare as well.' He thought as he looked at them kindly.
[glow=red,2,300]Ace[/glow]
Ace had been about to speak when he had heard Cedar calling out. As the Knight reached him, he instantly rushed over to the stallion and rubbed his head against his shoulder happily. "Cedar! I'm sorry...I shouldn't have walked off. There was this feeling that I needed to come here...and I didn't realize how far I went." The colt said, slightly ashamed that he had walked off without telling anyone. He hope that Cedar wouldn't be made at him.
[glow=purple,2,300]Blaze[/glow]
Blaze sighed in relief as she seen Ace. She had been so worried about him; especially with how far they had walked. She had feared the worse. As she caught up to Cedar and the colt she stopped and looked warily at the lone stallion. Sure, she wasn't that afraid of Cedar anymore...but she wasn't so sure about this newcomer. 'He's a King and he knows of the old code. Maybe the Gods just answered our prayers.' She thought as she nuzzled Ace tenderly; happy beyond belief that he was okay. |
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Post by Gemini on Jul 16, 2013 22:17:03 GMT -5
Cedar
"Ace, get behind me now and go stand by Blaze." Cedar said, fully prepared to fight to the death to protect Blaze and Ace. But it seemed that that was unnecessary. Shockingly, this stallion knew of the Old Code and was also a King. With the natural order of things, Cedar was reminded of his place and he bowed to the King, it was simple nod of his head; not a deep bow that he would give the King of the herd that he served but it was a bow nonetheless. "My apologies, Your Highness. I had to be sure you meant no harm to the foal."
Cedar relaxed just enough to motion for Blaze and Ace and come forward beside him. Only then did he acknowledge Ace's words, "You had Blaze and I worried sick and I will deal with you later." His tone lightened, "I am glad you are ok, Ace."
After replying to Ace, he turned his attention back to the King in front of him. He held himself proudly yet with no arrogence at all, "Your Highness, may I introduce to you; the mare as Madam Blaze and the foal as Ace. I am Sir Cedar, Knight of the Old Code. I come to you to humbly ask if you would accept the three of us into your Herd if your herd follows the Old Ways." |
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Post by cloeasan on Jul 16, 2013 23:21:35 GMT -5
[glow=red,2,300]Ace[/glow] Ace did as he was told and stayed close to Blaze; never once taking his young eyes off of the situation. As felt horrible that he had made Cedar and Blaze worry about him, knowing that he should have told them where he was going in the first place.
He hung his head slightly low as Cedar stated that they would talk later. He knew he was in trouble. The little colt felt like he had let the Knight down by running off the way he did. [glow=purple,2,300]Blaze[/glow] Blaze could see the guilt and sadness in the colt's eye and she knew that he had realized his error. That was the reason why Blaze and not scolded him for it, because she knew that Ace felt guilty. She looked onto where Cedar and the newcomer, Altair, were talking. It really did surprise her that there was a King that still knew the Old Code. At the same time that is surprised her, it excited her as well. Maybe, she thought, just maybe, they would be able to get a place among this King's herd; all of them.
When Cedar introduced her, she bowed her head in respect; swishing her tail lightly at Ace to direct him to do the same. Of course Ace followed her lead and bowed his head as well, but she would expect nothing less out of the, mostly, well behaved colt. [glow=red,10,500]Altair[/glow] Altair listened to the knight as he spoke. It made him glad that there were some around that believed as he did. 'Maybe finding more members won't be as hard as I thought.' He questioned himself silently.
"No apologies needed young Knight. It is understandable that one of the Old Code would protect his charges." He said kindly as he watched the group's interaction. There was an obvious bond between the three of them; despite the fact that they looked unrelated.
"Greetings, Madame Blaze, Ace, and Sir Cedar. May I welcome to my herd lands, the Order of Light. The Order of Light is an organization that strives to bring freedom and peace to all by following the Old Code." He paused as he looked at Cedar and took in the stallions request. It was clear to him that he could not, and would not, separate these three from another. He quietly judged the character of the Knight from the little time he had seen him.
"Sir Cedar, Knight of the Old Code, I give you, and your family, my permission to enter into my her." He paused for a moment. "And I hear-by state that you are now a Knight within the Order of Light's Ranks." He concluded dipping his head ever so slightly to them. |
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Post by Gemini on Jul 17, 2013 15:14:31 GMT -5
Cedar [/size] The knight noticed how upset Ace was and wanted to comfort the little foal, he wasn't really mad at him, he'd just been so worried that something had happened to him that Cedar wouldn't've been able to save him from. He would make it up to Ace later, probably by teaching some defensive moves that he had learned in training. Ace would love that, he thought to himself.
But right now there were more pressing matters ahead of him. Like if this King would allow them to become part of the herd, then there was the issue of getting to know the others in the herd and seeing where they all fit in. When Altair started describing the ways of his herd, the Order of Light though, Cedar sighed in relief, knowing that that was a good sign.
He was wondering how the family thing would turn out, it had shocked him and he had almost tole Altair that the three were not family at all but then again, he didn't know what Ace and Blaze would think of that either. Especially Blaze because she was on the run from Talon and he didn't know if Blaze would feel excited or upset or afraid or what at the mention of being a family with himself and Ace. Cedar made a mental note to talk it over with the mare sometime when they were alone. "Thank you, Your Highness for this honor. We will not cause harm to your herd. And I will offer all of my services as a Knight to my new King." Sealing the deal, Cedar bowed low, the way a knight should bow to his king. [/blockquote] |
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Post by cloeasan on Jul 17, 2013 21:38:46 GMT -5
[glow=red,2,300]Ace[/glow] Ace watched as Cedar bowed to Altair. He was very interested in what was going on. Were they part of Altair's herd now? Would Cedar become Altair's Knight? What would become of him and Blaze and could he, himself, become a knight for this herd? All of these questions were buzzing around his tiny head as he looked on. He was happy when Altair called them a family. He thought of them as his family now and would have hated leaving anyone of them behind. He hope that, in the future, they would be able to continue to stick together. [glow=purple,2,300]Blaze[/glow] Blaze was shocked; to say the least. This King, Altair, had assumed they all three of them were a family unit. She wasn't sure how to think of this. Her mind said to tell the King that, no, they weren't a family. It was her heart that said otherwise. Deep inside she wanted a family, a true family, to be able to care for. She knew that she already cared for Ace like a mother would, but she was still having slight problems with being around Cedar.
She really wanted to trust him and become closer to him, but she was scared that, if she did fall for him, that he was harm her like Talon had. She had been in love before and it did not turn out well for her. Blaze silently shook her head as she thought. 'Come on Blaze. Stop with this already and have a bit of faith. Try to see if Cedar would even care for you at all...then make the decision to be with him.' She told herself firmly as she looked at the two stallions. She knew that she needed to try to move one from what Talon did. It would be the only way for her to be happy. 'I'll give it a shot.' [glow=red,10,500]Altair[/glow] Altair nodded in response to Cedar's acceptance and bow. He knew that it was protocol for a Knight to bow low to his King. Once formalities were over Altair smiled slight. "Let me show you into the herds lands and you may pick a cave to call home."Altair said as he started walking towards the entrance which was a small tunnel like opening in the rock walls. It was just wide enough to have one horse walking comfortably in it, but certainly no more than that. After walking a bit, the tunnel opened up to a huge valley with a large lake in the center. Trees surrounded the lake; creating nice shaded areas for herd members. "Welcome to your new home." Altair said proudly as he looked at them. |
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Post by Gemini on Jul 19, 2013 8:46:29 GMT -5
Cedar
You'll be alright
No one can hurt you now
Come morning light
You and I'll be safe and sound
Cedar looked at Ace and Blaze with a mixture of happiness and triumph, they did it! All three of them were part of a herd and not just any herd but a herd that valued the Old Ways and the Old Code! He smiled and touched Blaze's shoulder gently and in a happy way. He did the same with Ace, only on the foal's forehead. "Let's go you two, to our new home."
The knight followed Altair through the tunnel and his first thought was how easily defendable Altair's lands were. His respect for the King went up as he realized that the King knew exactly how important it was for the lands of a herd to be defended easily. In fact, once the herd got bigger, it wouldn't be too hard to station a couple horses at the entrence at both ends of the tunnel for watches.
Then Cedar saw the valley with the lake in the middle and trees surrounding everything. "This is perfect for a herd. How did you come across this land King Altair?" Cedar asked, completely bewildered and estactic to be part of such a wonderful herd. |
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Post by cloeasan on Jul 19, 2013 16:19:42 GMT -5
[glow=red,2,300]Ace[/glow] Ace smiled as Cedar touched his head. The colt could tell that the stallion was excited about this and, to be honest, he was too. He had never before had a true home before and it was exciting that he would be able to live happily with Blaze and Cedar. He eagerly followed Cedar, his little hooves trotting along the rocky path and his fluffy tail swishing in the air in joy. He looked at Blaze and Cedar and smiled at them brightly. Once they reached the valley; he looked at the sight before him with awe. "Wow..." He said as he looked at it. [glow=purple,2,300]Blaze[/glow] Blaze smiled at Cedar as he touched her shoulder, for once, not flinching as he did so. She had already made the decision that she would not allow her fear of stallions to keep her from being happy. And she was happy...with Cedar and Ace. She walked at a stead pace as they moved into the tunnel. She could see Ace trotting excitedly ahead and she shook her head as she smiled. She could tell that he was excited of having a home and she could not blame him. He had never had a home before; so this would be very new to him. Once she walked into the valley her eyes widened at the valley's beauty. "Beautiful." She said simply as she stood beside Cedar and looked around. [glow=red,10,500]Altair[/glow] Altair smiled and looked at Cedar. "I came across this place while I was crossing the desert. I did not come from this land...but one far away from here." He paused for a moment. "When I was forced out of my herd I traveled for a long time and during my travels I came across this place. It reminds me of my former herd; so I decided to claim it for the Order of the Light." He said as he eyes turned sad. He would never forget being forced out of his home; his herd. It was that experience that shaped his actions today.
"There several large caves inside the fortress walls towards the back of the valley. You may choose one of those as your family's home. My cave is up there." He said as he pointed his head towards a rocky path that head to a large cave. It was elevated above the valley; so he could look over his herd easily. |
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Post by Gemini on Jul 21, 2013 20:09:31 GMT -5
Cedar
I'll be by your side
Whenever you fall
In the dead of night
Whenever you call
Cedar sniffed the area, catching the scents of the valley and the water. He looked at Altair with a look of understanding and concern but didn't speak. He then looked at Blaze and Ace and stated, "Go ahead and look at the caves and pick one for us. I will be ok with whatever you two decide on. I'm going to speak with our King."
After the knight had watched the two horses he had grown close to, he decided to tell Altair the truth. "The mare is not my mate, she is being tailed by a stallion who abused her harshly and cruelly. I swore to her that I would give her my protection. I thought you should be aware that there might be trouble. The foal was abandoned and I couldn't just leave him to be found by masters and him becoming a slave. Both are of noble blood. We have traveled together for a few days now, looking for a herd. I never thought I would be staying with them but I am glad that I am. Blaze has a chance to be properly looked after and Ace can get trained in the Old Ways." Cedar looked at Altair.
"I was chased off by my own herd too. What is your story, Your Highness? If you wish to tell it, that is." |
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Post by cloeasan on Jul 22, 2013 21:14:39 GMT -5
[glow=red,2,300]Ace[/glow]
Ace smiled brightly before he trotted down the slight hill of the valley. He was as curious as a colt could be. He walked to explore everywhere he could. Of course Ace had never been in a area like this, so the sigh of grass and trees was a new thing to him. "Come on Blaze! Let's Go!" He said excitedly as he moved along the rocky wall.
[glow=purple,2,300]Blaze[/glow]
She looked at Cedar and nodded to him. As she went to follow the, now exploring, colt Blaze gently touched Cedar's shoulder as she past him. Realizing her almost instinctual mistake; she flushed with embarrassment and cantered at the foal to avoid Cedar's reaction. She knew that that had been only the second time she had ever touched him and she did not even have the excuse that she was comforting him. She kept her head low as she looked through the caves.
Eventually she found a cave that would work for them. It was a large cave that rested at the base of the path that led up to Altair's cave. She nodded to herself and waited for an embarrassing conversation with the Knight.
[glow=red,10,500]Altair[/glow]
Altair had noticed Blaze's interaction with Cedar as she left. The simple touch was yet another reason why he was surprised when the Knight said he was not her mate.
"You two appear to be me mates in my eyes..." He said as he cocked his head at the other stallion. It was when Cedar mention the cruelty of Talon that the King straightened his head in seriousness. "You have nothing to fear Sir Cedar. A stallion that harms mare wouldn't be able to step a hoof inside the barriers...not without a serious fight. I do not fear those who display only cruelty towards others. They are nothing but cowards in my mind." He said as he focused out on the horizon for a moment. He couldn't help but sigh as Cedar question him about being driven from his herd.
"My story begins in a land far from here. In a land of blood shed and sorrow. Darkness was all around and there was only one group that stood against it; The Order. I was born into the Order...the son of the King and Queen...I was the heir. The Order's purpose was to be that place of peace...the one thing that could withstand all evil. I was taught as my father...and his father had been; what is now the Old Code. When I was two years of age; a flood swept across our home and it ended the lives of my parents." He paused for a moment as he remembered. "I was too young to rule...so my uncle decided to take my place until I came of age. That was when everything changed. Instead of helping those who were weak...we were being sent out to kill them. My uncle stated it was because only the strong should survive. When I stood in protest of the Order's new changes...he had them chase me out."He stopped and looked sideways at Cedar, smiling sadly.
"I cannot change what my former herd is doing...but I can recreate the Order in the ways that is was intended and that is what I will do." He finished as he snorted slightly.
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Post by Gemini on Jul 24, 2013 18:20:18 GMT -5
Cedar
The Knight was a little shocked himself at the touch Blaze had given him and felt a warmth within him that he somehow knew would blossum into a flower, given time. He turned his head to Altair and replied as calmly as he could, "The three of us have only just met a few days ago but there seems to be a bond there deeper then I've ever had the encounter of experiencing and I fail to understand it fully." Cedar said truthfully. He showed visible relief in knowing that Altair was going to be not only a good King but an excellent one in doing all he could to protect even the brand new members of his herd.
Then Cedar settled down to listen to Altair's story and once it was finished he marveled, "I'm so sorry you had to go through that. I am very glad that you are restoring the Order to where it originally was and now it all makes sense as to why you so readily took me in and not just Ace and Blaze. I am very thankful for that. I will do whatever you wish of me, my Lord." He bent his head slightly, "Even if that is just talking, King Altair." |
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Post by cloeasan on Jul 24, 2013 20:10:06 GMT -5
[glow=red,10,500]Altair[/glow]
The king nodded a bit as Cedar spoke. "I am glad too. I believe that by recreating the Order, I can help assure that there is always a place for others to be protected." He stated truthfully as he nodded to himself.
Altair smiled a bit as he looked at Cedar and the the herd lands. "Come Sir Cedar...we do have some thing to discuss regarding the herd." He said as he starting walking down the hill. He knew that there were some things that Cedar needed to know now that he was a Knight for the Order.
"First of all, I wish for you to know that you are actually the first Knight to be accepted within the Order. Currently there are only a few herd members here." He said as he swept his tail as he talked. "Once we get more members residing here...then It will be easier to guard and protect the herd lands...but as of now, that task is up to you and I." He added as he sighed a bit. He was glad that now that he had a knight, it wouldn't be JUST him doing the patrols, but Cedar as well.
ooc: I am leaving Ace and Blaze out of the thread till Cedar goes to talk to them again. To hard to post as them when they are not doing anything. lol |
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Post by Gemini on Jul 24, 2013 21:11:49 GMT -5
Cedar
Cedar nodded and stood beside the other stallion, watching and observing and studying the layout and views that this land had to offer. He figured it would take a while to get to know hiw new home but once he did, he would know it like the back of his hand and never second guess where he was going. That was a comforting thought to Cedar. For that also meant that Blaze and Ace would come to know that land and be comfortable here.
The knight followed Altair down the hillside, his ears and eyes always watching and listening for sounds, his nostrils always smelling for scents that shouldn't be there. He listened to his King's words and heard the sigh of relief behind him. "That is ok that we are the only two. You will not have to do it all on your own anymore. We can take it one day at a time and in shifts. I'm also going to be working with training with Ace. That will take some time but the little colt is going to be eager to help once he is old enough." His words were calm and patient, understanding and sincere. |
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Post by cloeasan on Jul 25, 2013 20:23:32 GMT -5
[glow=red,10,500]Altair[/glow]
Altair nodded as Cedar spoke, the knight voicing his own thoughts. "Yes, it will be a bit easier I agree." He spoke as he stopped at the lake for a moment and looked out over the clear water. The King smiled a bit as Cedar spoke of Ace.
"Yes, the colt will defiantly make an excellent Knight when he grows up. It is good that the young colt has the willingness to take on such a role." He said as he thought of the painted foal. Yes, it would take some time, but when Ace got bigger, Altair could see him becoming a honorable and kind knight; one that would the Order well.
Altair stopped his stray thoughts and focused on the matter at hand. He knew there was other things that needed to be talked about. "I would also like to explain our ranks to you...as they differ slightly from tradition." He paused for a moment. "Like always the Order starts off with a King and Queen, like any herd. Next is my Advisers, who aid me in basic decisions. They are followed my King's Guards...who are in charge of keeping other from assassinating the Queen and myself." He stopped for a moment and looked at Cedar. 'Maybe after I see his abilities he can be promoted to a King's Guard.' He thought as he starting talking again.
"After the King's Guard are the Knight, like yourself, and you will be my main fighting force. The Guards are the eyes and hears of the herd and allow us to know when trouble is coming close, so they take the rank behind the Knights. We will have a Priest and Priestess...as I believe that we need to keep the Gods and Goddesses in mind. The Nobles and Peasants come next, followed by the Servants. I do not believe in slavery...so the Servants are to be treated with respect like any member of the herd." He looked at Cedar for a second as he spoke of the Servants.
[/b]"Lastly there are the Prisoners...those who have gone against the herd of the Old Code. No one is above becoming a Prisoner if they have broken the laws...not even me."[/b] He finished and sighed silently. He had wanted to explain this to Cedar so he would know how the herd worked and when he went to teach Ace. [/blockquote] |
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