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[Jasmine Stormblood]

36th of Fall 517 A.V.

Jasmine stood up with a sigh looking at her stomach. A soft smile appeared on her face as she gently touched the enlarging bulge. The mother to be was excited to meet her child finally, though it would still be many more weeks. The blonde walked out into the sun with the smile still on her face. Her argument with Maximus at the River Flower forgotten for the time being. She had went back to the peaceful existence that had become her home with her pavilion and husband. Syna was well into the sky when the girl walked over to where Asher was finishing off his tea for the morning looking over to her. Though her baby bump was more pronounced now it was still hidden fairly well under her shirt. The doctor at the River Flower told her that after a certain point, she would have to stop riding till the baby arrived. Something about all the jumping and bouncing being dangerous for the child as it got bigger within her.

“Morning, Asher. Where is everyone this morning?” Jasmine asked with a small smile.

“Ah good morning Jasmine. Azmere and Lodai are off to work, Haena disappeared earlier this morning off to who knows where. The children are playing until I need them and I have not seen Taurina this morning,” Asher said trying to remember everyone in the pavilion in one go.

“Ah thank you. Is there enough tea for one more glass?” Jasmine inquired while sitting on the log across from him.

“I believe so,” Asher said while grabbing a cup and getting her some before handing it to her.

“Thank you. What are your plans for the day?” the woman asked hearing the chickens close by.

She had not checked for eggs where the chickens were nesting within the last couple of days. The woman would have to work up the energy in order to do so. It would not do for them to go bad in the heat of Syna's reign. Blue eyes cast up to where the sky was mostly clear with the occasional cloud casting shadows upon the ground. The older man's voice caught her ear again causing her to pull out of the day dream and sip some of her tea.

“I am going to work on getting the zibri brushed down and probably cut some before this heat hurts them,” Asher explained looking at the blonde.

Most of the pavilion had been informed of Jasmine's encounter with Maximus. Thanks to Lodai that was, though all of them were understanding and very upset. It made the blonde feel all kinds of pride hearing them fuss over her. That reassured her that they truly did care for her as their pavilion member.

[Taurina]

The light of Syna bore down on the grasses, scorching all that was left. The people of the grasslands were left to dwell in misery and hardship as much of what they needed was stolen from them by the never-ending heat. It showed the strength of their spirit, their willpower and determination, that they still found it within themselves to carry on. They did not lie down and take the defeat, but pressed on in anticipation of better days around the corner. Whatever it was that had them carrying on Taurina did not fully understand, but she found herself fascinated and driven by it. If they could continue on than she could too, no matter the circumstances, until the gods decided her time in this life had finished.

It was still morning, the cool of night not fully worn from the air quite yet. Taurina had taken back to her routine of spending large portions of her nights awake and sleeping through the heat of most days, but remained awake through much of the mornings so that she might get things she could not do during the night hours done. This morning that meant she was cleaning -attempting to clean- bedding and furs out behind the pavilion, away from where anyone might witness her clumsiness in doing the task.

There was a scarcity of water in the land where the plague of the sun’s heat sought to destroy, so it made sense that to waste any of what water there was was frowned upon. Taurina was not so very confident in her skills in magic yet to use them to help out the pavilion and bring them more water than they had, she was still trying to be very careful in her usage since she did not wish to experience the worser symptoms of overgiving. She did practice, just not in any way that would bring a substantial amount of help to her family or people. The point being, there was not much water to use for the wash and there would not be until the heat spell broke or until they reached a river still full. It was with strength alone that the woman was working out the grime from the pile of furs on the ground beside her. One by one, they each were hung up on a taunt string and beaten with a sturdy piece of wood until the dust stopped coming out in waves. Then she would flip them around and do the other side. It was not a great way of keeping things clean, but they were cleaner than they might be if nothing was done.

Taurina had been at it since the early morning, once some of the others were up so she could grab the furs from their sleeping areas. She had left those still sleeping alone, letting their bedding wait for last. Anyone who could get their rest needed it, the Eth was not going to interfere with that. Living in a land where life was so hard, strength and energy were very much so needed to keep going. Plus, Jasmine was pregnant and needed what rest she could get. Taurina did not remember if she had ever been in that situation, if she had left behind a legacy when passed into Leth’s realm. Something within her told her she had, but she did not know for sure. Did not remember her family from that life.

The Ethaefal was tired from her work. Her arms felt weak and heavy, sweat poured down her face and filled her mouth with the taste of salt. She wore what she had worn throughout the summer, a sash of off-white and dirty fabric bound across her chest along with the worn pants that hung on at the seams by threads. Around her neck was the makeshift necklace with a cube crystal quartz acting as a pendant weighing it down. She wore it as a reminder still, never wanting to forget those lessons in reimancy ever again. Her hair was done up in multicolored braids with a wrap of fabric twisted throughout it, her gift from Azmere two seasons prior. She looked like a Drykas, but more than that, she felt like one now. As corded muscles moved beneath her skin and ached at the familiar work, she felt powerful. Like she actually was as strong and capable as any of the others.

The pile was nearly finished now, one fur left besides the ones that had not yet been gathered. Taurina put hung it up and began to beat away at it with what remained of her energy. Her movements were slow and heavy, but she got the work done. The fur was as clean as she could get it without soap and large amounts of water being used when she was finished. Afterwards she left the furs hung in a line to air out in Syna’s light before she headed back around towards the front of the pavilion where she found Asher and Jasmine to be. A familiar close lipped smile spread across the Ethaefal’s lips as she walked towards them, a light dancing in her eyes.

“Good morning Jasmine, Asher,” Taurina said happily by way of greeting as she approached them.

“Good morning to you as well Taurina,” Asher responded, one of his gentle smiles on his lips.

Taurina felt her own smile stretch just a little wider as she gave him a slight nod. Her gaze drifted over to Jasmine, the follower of Syna just as radiant as ever in her goddess’ morning light. Taurina’s caramel gaze swept up and then down the girl, as if checking to make sure she was alright. A new habit the Eth had taken up recently. There was a sense of protectiveness that had fallen over the Ethaefal when it came to Jasmine when news of the pregnancy and the reappearance of her “father” came. Not the same sort that she was sure Azmere felt over his wife and unborn child, but a fierce protectiveness all the same. Jasmine was, arguably, Taurina’s closest -human- companion aside from their shared ankal. She did not wish to see any harm come upon her and wanted for only light along with happiness to touch her. After her life as a child, Jasmine deserved to be loved and she deserved to be safe.

“What are your plans today Jasmine?” Taurina asked, her voice soft as hands shaped curiosity and request.

It was rare for Taurina to go anywhere with anyone, especially after what happened in the spring. She wished to branch out though and she was working on her strength. Both inner and outer strength. She was Drykas, marked by the bond to a strider and cemented with a brush of white paint on the stone they all touched, it was about time she start acting like one. Found that light within her she had been assured was there. This day she wished to actually go out and take Jasmine with her, leave the rest of the bedding for later. The Eth thought the blonde woman more important than the chores and in need of a day away from the pavilion. A day of distraction from all that might plague her mind.

“I have an idea, if you are interested,” Taurina admitted before she let her friend answer, “For us to.. Would you like to spend the day out today?” Away from home.

Common | Pavi | 'Thoughts'

Boxcode credit goes to Azmere

[Jasmine Stormblood]

Jasmine talked and joked with Asher for a while enjoying the companionship. It would not be long and he would be going with Lil Bit to do their rounds among the herds. The woman would take the time to go through slowly and collect any eggs left behind from the hens. Otherwise their food would start to run low; the blonde missed being able to go hunting, but the doctors told her nothing strenuous without help. The woman did not want to bother Azmere about going hunting of all things when she could go foraging for whatever Semele could still provide. Morwen had done a number on all the seasons and gods. Sighing gently, the woman looked up to Syna with a heavy mind trying to figure out if her people would overcome the trial or not. A soft voice caught the blonde’s ear making her turn to see Taurina walking up.

“Good morning to you as well,” the blonde said with a nod to the girl.

She had become great friends with the young dark-haired half Drykas. Though after bonding with a strider, the blonde didn’t see her as any different than a full-blooded member of the clans. The woman had been amazed her first time seeing Taurina’s second form. She often forgot about it because of their hectic life even at night it had just become another normal. But that was not true, it was one of the most beautiful things she had ever seen in her life. Her curiosity was peaked when the woman asked if she had any plans for the day. Trying to think of anything other than doing a few light pavilion chores, there was nothing else the female could think of.

“Nothing, but picking up the eggs and tending to some of the smaller animals,” Jasmine stated while listening to the girl.

The pair had not spent much time around each other since Taurina joined the pavilion. So the invitation to go out for the day was almost too tempting to pass by. The only problem was that Maximus was out there lurking somewhere. He had been at the River Flower the day Azmere and Jasmine had found out about her pregnancy. It was also the day he swore that she would lose the children before slinking out of the tent with her mother in tow. Blue eyes darted in the general direction of the amethyst clan as she gulped gently. Normally the woman would have launched herself at the ankal and ended up in a scuffle on the ground. But now she had to think of her child first, absent mindedly a hand went up to her stomach for a moment.

“I would love to,” Jasmine said forcing her fear away.

She had never run and hide from anybody. That would ring true no matter how pregnant she became; though the blonde would pick her battles more closely. Maximus was always a threat no matter where she was. Out and about, in the pavilion, on a hunt, or even tending the herd, there was nowhere that the man could not show up.

[Taurina]

With Syna’s light dancing in her eyes and a smile of happiness pulling at her lips, Taurina’s delight that Jasmine had no big plans for the day would not be hidden. There were always chores to be done around the pavilion. Bedding to be cleaned, clothes in need of stitching, animals to tend, dishes to wash… On and on the list went. When one ran out of tasks a new list could easily be made up and handed to them. It seemed endless, but things never got out of hand and there was always someone around to help pick up the load when another could not carry it for a time. It was important to help each other, be there for each other, and that was not always limited to making sure the chores got done. Sometimes helping meant being a distraction, helping another get out of the trap that was their own mind, helping them find release. Taking to the grasses, going fast, and never looking back. Not until one had to anyway.

Taurina knew what it was like to have a mind clouded by dark thoughts. The weight of that was a burden she had carried alone for longer than she even realized. It was not until coming here, being taken in by the Stormbloods, that she had been able to start to fight that. Let some of the light in. It was a battle she fought everyday still. She might be stuck fighting it for the rest of her existence. It had become a piece of her. If it ever disappeared completely, she feared that she would feel empty inside. Ironic since such darkness had a tendency to make her feel so hollow and her soul so lost.

When the Ethaefal looked at Jasmine, she did not see the same war against darkness. She saw fire and light. A brilliant passion that worked to destroy any enemy that came up against it. Yet, darkness was lurking. Around the edges, like a storm brewing. Just lying in wait for its chance to swoop in and snuff out the light. Taurina would not stand for it, would not have that for her dearest friend. Jasmine deserved better. Had earned better. And the Eth was going to do everything in her power to ensure the darling blue-eyed Drykas found something like peace for her troubled mind.

There was a moment of hesitation before an answer to the question presented was given. Taurina did not miss that protective hand that came up to cover the barely formed bump that was the proof of unborn life growing. She swallowed, slowly. Was it a risk to take Jasmine out? Would it expose her to dangers that were not present here at the pavilion? Would Maximus find them more easily out there? A wrinkle formed over the Ethaefal’s brow as she rolled the thoughts over. She knew that the so called “father” of her friend knew the pavilion where she had been taken in. It was not hard to find out such things in a community such as Endrykas where every story traveled by word of mouth. He could come here, find her. Enter the web to make sure he caught her alone if he so wished to. The risk was present even here where Jasmine was meant to be safe. Taurina did not think that the risk grew any more exponentially by taking Jasmine from the pavilion for a portion of the day.

Taurina recognized the gulping down of fear, the bravery, it took for her friend to agree. A lopsided smile formed on the Eth’s lips as the wrinkle in her brow smoothed to nothing. She admired Jasmine for deciding to come no matter the fears that were no doubt plaguing her thoughts. The Eth knew how hard it was for her, herself, to do the same. It was no small feat to push down fears, doing things in spite of such clouded thoughts.

“I do not pretend to be a great warrior, or know much about how to fight. I will protect you though. As best I can, I will make sure you return just as you left,” Taurina promised her friend with accented pavi, meaning to reassure the blonde.

A step forward was taken and a hand reached out. If the blonde allowed it, fingertips brushed against her upper arm and gave the slightest of reassuring squeezes. If there was a shying away, the Eth kept her hands to herself without showing any signs of being disappointed. There was understanding in Taurina’s caramel eyes. With one hand she signed that she would keep safe, protect her dearest friend. And so she would. Taurina did not say it, but she knew that, if it ever came to it, she would give her life in exchange for keeping Jasmine safe. For keeping any of those close to her heart safe. Well, as safe as one could be in the unpredictable Sea of Grass.

“Come, let us get ready our striders and head out for the day,” Taurina encouraged as she stepped away towards where the stallions would surely be found.

It never took much to find Starfire. Not only did his white coat shimmer in the light of the gods, but he was always near. Never leaving his rider to fend for herself. She saw him there standing in the tanned grasses with some of the others. Lips pursed and a choppy whistle let out through a stream of air pushed out from the Eth’s lungs. She was not good at the whistling, but it did not matter much for the stallion recognized her call. He came with tail and mane tangling with the air around him. He moved as one regal and proud with a fire in his bones and power flowing through his veins. He stopped not two feet away from where Taurina stood and she smiled as she pressed a hand to his warm, soft, muzzle. He would protect her just as she aimed to protect Jasmine. She knew that without a doubt through to her very core.

“Time for a little adventure,” she told him with a smile before looking to Jasmine with excitement dancing in her eyes.

Common | Pavi | 'Thoughts'

WordcountPost Total: 1,041
Overall Total: 2,119

Boxcode credit goes to Azmere

[Jasmine Stormblood]

Jasmine laughed gently at the excitement in pavilion sisters eyes. The girl was so easily excited since she and Azmere began to get closer. The blonde was happy to see the young ethereal starting to open up and relax some around the other pavilion members. The blue eyed beauty watched with knowing eyes as the girl began running around getting her yvas and weapons. Shaking her head the blonde went to get her yvas along with her bow and quiver. With the weather unnaturally there was a very real chance of the two coming across wild predators. Humming gently, the woman walked over to the edge of camp and whistled loudly. Shortly after a small thundering noise could be heard, Chaser's form soon came into view of the two girls and other strider.

“Easy,” Jasmine cooed gently as the stallion seemed to instantly calm down some.

The blonde worked the yvas over his head and in to place on her back before starting the long process of getting everything buckled. She was touched when the her young companion had assured her of safety, but in the back of her mind Jasmine knew who and what was waiting beyond the pavilion walls. The man had not been brazen enough to come straight into the encampment to “teach” Jasmine a “lesson.” Of all things the man could be doing with his time, the blonde was confused as to why everything seemed to revolve around her. First it was a relationship with her mother that had gotten strained, then he turned on Jasmine when she reached the young age of thirteen.

“What all do you have planned for us today?” Jasmine asked with a smile looking over at Taurina.

Syna's heat was already becoming unbearable for the day, yet the sun had not risen to its peak yet. The sea of grass had dealt her people a rough hand lately making it more stressful to be away from the city. Predators were the mother-to-bes biggest fear at the moment other than her stepfather. She made sure everything was tight before mounting up and strapping her bow into place. Jasmine left her quiver attached to her hip. She was already used to it being there, so she did not see the reason to move it. Azmere had gotten on to her often about not keeping it in front of her while riding so that the woman could reach it, but she did not see what the big difference was between the two spots. Of course she did not have to fight from Chaser's back often like her husband did from Skylla's back.

NaNo Count443

[Taurina]

Hands moved with gentle rhythm and a loving touch as Taurina placed the yvas upon Starfire and began to tighten the straps so it might stay in place. She was keeping the bags light, only taking what she thought essential to their trip. Some coin, her dagger, the journal with a piece of charcoal that she always kept with her, some dried jerky, and the waterskin. Outside of the yvas bags were the bow and quiver full of arrows that she knew was smart to bring with her even if she was not the most skilled with them. There were predators out there. Beasts hungry and desperate. Humans, and those like them, did unspeakable things when desperate; Taurina could not imagine the creatures of the wild being much different.

Taurina rubbed her hand down Starfire’s neck, taking in the warmth of him and the shear strength that lie beneath his coat of snow white. A shaky breath of awe was inhaled before being exhaled in a slow sigh. She would never get over him, never get over the fact he had chosen her. Her promise to him was to cherish him, take care of him as he did her, until the day the gods decided their time together was over. She truly hoped that day had the distance of years upon years away from where they were now.

Jasmine’s question came and Taurina looked over to her companion to witness a smile as brilliant as the blonde who wore it. The Ethaefal’s own smile twisted as a smirk upon her lips at the same time a sparkle of playfulness lightened her caramel gaze. She decided not to answer the question right away, but instead mounted Starfire and checked that her quiver of arrows along with her bow were secure in their places. Once she was sure neither was going to go flying the moment Starfire began to move, her gaze lifted once more to her blue-eyed pavilion sister.

“Cannot give all my secrets away now can I?” the Ethaefal played, before adding more seriously, “trust me.” Plan.

That was asking a lot of Jasmine and Taurina knew it. She knew that if someone other than the few she did trust asked that of her things were sure to end poorly. Last time she had given her trust to someone unworthy of it, things had ended only in grief and a season’s worth of misery. Things were different this time though, that was what she was telling herself. She was not taking Jasmine on a journey that would last through the night and she was not taking her to a random valley of trees outside of the tent city. They would likely not be leaving the tent city at all, though that depended on where this day out took them. Things could always change, decisions made to sway the course of their little adventure, nothing was ever set in stone.

“I will tell if you demand it, but surprises are much more fun do you not agree?” Taurina added, just in case her pavilion sister was not quite ready to trust her yet.

Once a reply was given, whether Jasmine asked to be told or not, Taurina gave a smile of challenge and squeezed her legs against the sides of the stallion beneath her. In a blur of white, Starfire took off faster than the Eth had anticipated. There was a handful of moments spent with heart in throat as her body was sent flopping around and she came near falling, but Taurina held tight with a grip like death on the yvas handle and a chunk of mane. Bearings were gathered, breaths steadied, as fear was released and the Eth leaned back like she had seen many others do to slow the horses. Words soft, but demanding ordered Starfire to slow. The stallion was not quick to heed, but as his rider pressed the full weight of her small body into his rump, he finally did. The strider slowed into a trot and then a walk. A panting Taurina, patted the base of his neck and praised him before she looked back to see if her companion still followed.

“He’s a little excited it seems,” she laughed despite the flash of panic that lingered in her face.

Taurina kept smiling, kept sucking in breath after breath as she calmed. Nodding to the right, she started towards the heart of the tent city. Starfire’s little outburst of desire was not going to ruin their plans. Not today. Not when a distraction from the everyday was so greatly desired.

Common | Pavi | 'Thoughts'

Boxcode credit goes to Azmere