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| The Kestrel's First Hunt | |
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| Topic Started: Aug 30 2008, 01:16 PM (342 Views) | |
| Orion Fulcry | Sep 7 2008, 08:58 PM Post #21 |
Level One Writer
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The past couple days had been full of shocks for Orion. Somehow, he had gone from wanting to resign from the fort to inadvertently volunteering for a search and destroy mission. In the process, he had been handed the responsibility of training a squirrelmaid to use a sword - something he really didn't know much about. To make matters worse, Orion was rapidly discovering he was falling head over heels for Hazelrose - indeed, had already fallen for her. And to top things off, he was introduced to the wonderful world of seasickness. His stomach proved no match for the subtle swaying of the ship's deck on even the calmest of days. Half an hour on deck would find the squirrel wishing death on himself. Luckily, he discovered that as long as he stayed in the rigging, his body seemed to think he was just frolicking about some particularly-windy patch of forest. And that was why Orion was the lookout who spotted the smoke from the second village. ~~~ Standing on blessed solid ground, Orion had surveyed the ruined village with the rest of the crew. Then, his stomach had still been queasy, but for a different reason. Despite all he had been through, he had never seen anything as gruesome as what had happened at both communities. His face mirroring most of the crew's masks of rage, the images of dibbuns with pain and terror etched indelibly on their young faces seared itself into his mind. He dwelled on such things long after they had again set sail. ~~~ "Orion! Sir!" Orion was stirred from his thoughts at the sound of a voice right below him. Peering down from his perch in the crow's nest, the red squirrel saw Telm clinging tightly to the rigging. A tinge of admiration for the young recruit alit in Orion's mind. He had been one of the first ones to volunteer for lookout duty, even though it was readily apparent to Orion that the mouse (is he a mouse?) didn't fare well with heights. "It's my shift now...And miss Hazelrose asked to train some more." Despite the quavering in his voice, Telm winked mischeviously. It seemed just about everybeast aboard knew he was enamored with Hazelrose. Orion didn't know how in the world everyone had found out; he had hardly discovered it, himself, and was still coming to terms with that fact. Taking a deep breath, and letting it out, Orion reached down a solid paw and helped Telm into the crow's nest. "Thanks," the recruit breathed. "Don't mention it," Orion muttered, hopping up onto the railing and peering down at the ship's deck far below. He could see Hazelrose staring upwards, and Orion very nearly lost his balance. "Good luck," Telm chuckled. Growling in response, Orion dropped down into the rigging. |
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Lieutenant Orion Fulcry (((  )))Life + Universe + Everything = 42 Alt: Amos Charp | |
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| Tallulah Maris Skahr | Sep 8 2008, 06:49 PM Post #22 |
West Tower Commander
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Hazelrose stood at the foot of the mainmast, staring up through the rigging and waiting impatiently for Orion to hurry down. The lunchtime meal, skilly and duff (to Hazelrose's mum's recipe), was simmering in the galley under the watchful eyes of a young hedgehog named Thistledown. Thistledown had been relegated to kitchen duty as Hazelrose's helper after he tried helping with the rigging and...well, they had to replace several sails. Tally, to everyone's surprise, had barely been holding her laughter at the sight of the poor hedgehog all tangled in ropes and canvas... Hazelrose caught herself admiring Orion as he swung down the mainmast and mentally scolded herself. She was torn. Orion was sweet, attentive, and a very handsome squirrel. Anyone would admit that. But Ashbow had not been among the dead, Hazelrose knew; she had looked especially for his face among the twisted visages of her townsfolk. Did the fox take him? Was he even still alive? Much as it made her heart break, Hazelrose knew he probably wasn't. He had been the captain of their small militia. The fox would see him as a threat, even if he had been brought aboard as a slave. But she couldn't do anything about Orion's obvious attentions. Not until she knew for sure...not until she knew she had to grieve. ~***~ Tally bent over a small table in the captain's quarters, perusing a dog-eared chart pinned to the wood. Finishing her calculations, she made a mark with her ragged quill and straightened, groaning as her back cracked. Glancing again at the chart, her infamous grin stretched so wide it had to hurt. Rolling up the chart, Tally stuffed it in her belt and bounded onto the deck with a whoop. "Let's catch all the wind we can, crew! Make use of that storm astern! Batten down everything that could fall overboard, besides ourselves, of course; Telm, Kalvin! Straighten that foresail! It'll never catch anything the way it's flopping about!" Tally chortled and practically bounced up the stairs to the command deck. "Ruva, Roe, we're almost on them. With this storm helping us along, we'll catch up in half the time!" Tally gave the looming black clouds behind them a mock-salute. Edited by Tallulah Maris Skahr, Sep 8 2008, 06:51 PM.
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This otter smiles when plotting; therefore, she is always plotting, as she is always smiling. Beware the smiling otter. Tallulah Maris Skahr West Tower Commander  Click If You Dare… | |
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| Tallulah Maris Skahr | Sep 8 2008, 07:34 PM Post #23 |
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West Tower Commander
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"Cap'n, we're almost t'Lost Mountain." Blackfang stood next to his impeccably dressed captain as Xavier finished his extravagant lunch, the black weasel's tawdry red pantaloons and notched scimitar contrasting sharply with the fox's prim green jacket and elegant rapier. Xavier dabbed at his lips with a lace-edged napkin, ignoring a small, shivering group of oarslaves being ushered belowdecks after the cook had chosen a mouse as his new slave-of-all-work; the last one had been a shrew. Xavier remembered the little creature fondly. He had screamed so loudly... "Very good, Blackfang." Xavier ignored the ominous black clouds roiling in the distance. The Scorpionfish had weathered hurricanes; a small storm such as that would not budge the great galleon. Lost Mountain, a great peak of dark stone, could already be seen just off the forward bow. Soon they would make their adjustments and head back to Scorpion Isle. But there was a strange feeling...Xavier had felt it at the hedgehog's village. Like there was something watching him...something dangerous... The fur on the back of his neck rose and a shiver ran down his spine. He scowled and stood abruptly. Blackfang blinked as his captain stalked gracefully toward a small set of stairs that led to his personal chambers. "Cap'n?" "Send one of the obstinate slaves to me, Blackfang." Xavier flexed his claws with a slow smirk. Some fun always managed to cheer him up. Blackfang stared after the moody fox, heavy brows coming down over shifty dark eyes. There was something bothering the captain. But it wasn't Blackfang's place to question Xavier Poisonclaws. With a snarl, he turned on a stoat loitering nearby. "You! Get th' big squirrel we put in th' brig. Cap'n wants t'have some fun." Blackfang turned to look back at the clouds. He squinted. There was a dark form against the clouds. He blinked, then shook his head. No one knew their course. It was his imagination. ~***~ Tally stared at the speck on the horizon that was heading a straight course to Lost Mountain. A vicious smirk lit her eyes. The wind whistled through the rigging as choppy waves, stirred by the storm, made the Kestrel buck and jerk as if angry herself. "Everyone, battle stations. We're almost there. Remember, no holding back, my lads. We're going to make sure these vermin never harm anyone again." |
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This otter smiles when plotting; therefore, she is always plotting, as she is always smiling. Beware the smiling otter. Tallulah Maris Skahr West Tower Commander Click If You Dare… | |
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| Orion Fulcry | Sep 9 2008, 02:11 AM Post #24 |
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Level One Writer
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Orion dropped lightly onto the deck and straightened slowly. The climb down had given him time to steel himself for the upcoming experience; both that of braving the swaying ground and that of spending time with Hazelrose. He was still at a loss as to how he had come to see her as he did. He had never been especially close to anyone outside of his family, and that was a very long time ago. To make matters even more awkward, he had eventually discovered that Hazelrose had been - and perhaps still was - married. And thus, Orion had even less of an idea of how to act around her. Realizing with a start that he had been standing in a single spot for several seconds, Orion brushed aside his thoughts to be sorted through at a later date. Now, it was time for training. Retrieving two lightweight swords, he made his way over to Hazelrose. They had begun with wooden swords - in fact, that was how Biffle had gotten a hold of one when the dibbun was on board. But Hazelrose had quickly requested that they spar with real ones. Although Orion had been a bit reluctant, he saw the reasoning behind it. What better way to learn real combat than by using real weapons? The actual training had progressed quite rapidly. Although Orion had never fought much with a sword, he understood the fundamentals of it; enough, at least, to teach Hazelrose. It had, however, gotten to the point where Orion was no longer teaching. The two now sparred, plain and simple; learning together the art of swordsmanship. Normally, Orion may have been a bit stronger physically, but the queasiness in his stomach - and the fact that he was a bit reluctant to go all out - led to the two squirrels being a fairly-even match for each other. ~~~ The clang of steel against steel had long since ceased. Orion and Hazelrose had sparred for quite some time, the only conversation their heavy breathing. But when the call to arms had been given, they decided to stop. Now, Orion was again in the crow's nest, Telm sent below. Both were doing their best to regain control of their stomachs. Peering straight ahead, Orion gripped his bow tightly. The corsair ship was closer; no longer just a dot on the horizon. He could already hear the cries of dying vermin. Not long now. |
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Lieutenant Orion Fulcry ((( )))Life + Universe + Everything = 42 Alt: Amos Charp | |
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| Tallulah Maris Skahr | Sep 12 2008, 01:37 PM Post #25 |
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West Tower Commander
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"We're gaining on them. Looks like they haven't spotted us yet." Kalvin murmured, the older mouse jogging past Tally to his designated spot. Tally smirked. Her gaze pinned the corsair ship across the ever-dwindling distance between their ships. The Kestrel was smaller than the big galley, but she was light, and fast. If they could only get in range, they would be able to take down the bigger vessel. Tally knew they would. Hearing the ropes thrum with the strain of the wind, Tally cast a glance back at the storm. She frowned at the seething mass of black clouds that flickered with lightning. Blast, that's getting really close...if we can catch them before THAT catches us... But she knew that was a big if. She had underestimated the speed of the storm, but they should be able to at least give the corsairs some damage. Tally bared her teeth in a vicious grin, red edging her vision as she stared at the pirate galley. We may not catch the vermin, but they'll see us and know... The hunters are now the hunted. ~***~ Blackfang roared at the vermin crew as they scuttled about the decks. "Lash ev'rythin' down! Ready yerselves for a rough ride, me buckos! Bludrag, Gringe, stow those barrels rollin' amidships or I'll have ye flogged!" "Sails astern!" Kildrane, a ferret with a predilection for shiny knives and a taste for skinning his victims, was waving frantically from the crow's nest. "Don't look like one o' us!" "What?" Blackfang dashed to the rails. Sure enough, a craft was approaching, a small, but well built ship with a strange flag flying from the mainmast. Blackfang squinted; he could barely make out the ship's name, but like most sea vermin, he couldn't read. "Kildrane, git th' Cap'n!" "No need." The smooth voice had Blackfang whirling around and saluting quickly. The fox eyed the storm with distaste as the heavy winds rustled his fur, then turned his attention on the quickly gaining ship behind them. "Blackfang?" "Not sure, Cap'n. Never seen th' flag afore." "Hmm." Xavier's eyes traced the name, then lifted to the proud flag. He blinked. His lips lifted in a wide grin, and he opened his mouth and roared with laughter. "Sir?" Blackfang eyed him carefully. "Well now! That, Blackfang, is the Kestrel." Xavier wiped tears of mirth from his eyes. "Apparently, Black Arch Fort has finally managed to scrape together a ship to protect their pitiful existence from the likes of us." "Black Arch Fort?" Blackfang snorted. "They're just a bunch o' land warriors. They know nothin' of the sea." Xavier smirked. "And we'll use that to our advantage. You know what to do, Blackfang." Xavier flicked his gaze to Lost Mountain. "I don't want them surviving the coming storm." Blackfang's grin, with the two blackened, rotted fangs he sported, was vicious and gruesome to see. "Aye, Cap'n." Xavier turned his back, letting his crew do their work as he kept his golden gaze on the oncoming Kestrel. You have come for victory, but you will gain only death. He promised silently, lips curling in a smirk. ~***~ Hazelrose was on deck, despite protests to the contrary. She wanted to see, wanted to join in the battle, but her heart was doing flips as the storm finally rolled clouds over their heads and blocked out the sun. She glanced at Tally, standing on the bridge. The genial otter was frowning, tapping a footpaw on the deck as she glared, not at the other ship, but at the storm. Hazelrose shivered in the wind and faced forward with determination. She was going to do this, for the sake of her husband and her child. ~***~ Tally was fuming. Stupid storm! Taking all my fun, I wanted to take them down NOW! Oh well. Life was too short to be focusing on the unfairness of it all. Tally turned her attention again to the pirates, her confusion appearing again. The corsairs were up to something, she knew, but she couldn't figure it out. They were tacking, moving much too close to Lost Mountain for her peace of mind... They were close now, so very close. Tally's eyes landed on a genteel green jacket trimmed with lace; the creature who wore it...Tally's eyes locked with golden ones filled with mocking superiority. Her claws dug into the railing; unmindful of the sure-to-be-painful splinters, she bared her teeth at the fox in a grin that promised nothing less than death. Then the rain appeared. It poured in buckets, drenching the crews of both ships. Tally blew rainwater from her whiskers, her brow furrowing as the fox gave a mocking salute and he turned his back. She looked at her crew, all practically vibrating with eagerness. When she looked back up, black rock filled her vision. Their plan hit her like a bolt of lightning, even as thunder cracked in the darkness above their heads. "Everyone to posts! We need to move now! They've drawn us in to the current; if we keep going like this, we're going to hit the Mountain!" Lost Mountain was an anomaly in the midst of the ocean. Placed in the middle of a great ocean current as it was, it split the current, creating a whirlpool-like effect. Poor ships caught in the strong currents were swept along and without the experience needed to use the wind and currents to advantage...well, there were many ships below the white-capped waves, splintered coffins for their crew's watery graves. Tally knew their trap; the fox wanted to lure them into the current's range and dash them against the Mountain as the vermin made their escape. Not going to happen. Tally snarled, dropping to the deck to grab a few wayward ropes. Not on my ship! ~***~ Xavier ignored the rain and thunder, striding toward his cabin. Wet clothing was such a bother... "Blackfang, once we're out of danger, head home. We'll need to stop at the closest island for provisions." "Aye, Cap'n." "I shall be in my cabin; I am not to be disturbed." "But Cap'n, what if they..." "What if they manage to escape?" Xavier cast an eye at the struggling clipper within the sheets of rain, lightning giving him a good glimpse of the frantically working crew. He smiled slowly; Blackfang shivered. "They won't." ((Sorry it took me so long; school hit me with a double-whammy of tests.  ))
Edited by Tallulah Maris Skahr, Sep 12 2008, 01:39 PM.
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This otter smiles when plotting; therefore, she is always plotting, as she is always smiling. Beware the smiling otter. Tallulah Maris Skahr West Tower Commander Click If You Dare… | |
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| Tallulah Maris Skahr | Sep 12 2008, 01:51 PM Post #26 |
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West Tower Commander
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The rain had stopped. It had finally stopped. Tally slumped against the mainmast, wet, bedraggled, enjoying the warmth of the morning sun. She could hear groans and complaints; she snickered slightly when someone yelped about a fish stuck in their shirt. Her good mood evaporated when she realized that their prey had escaped. I should have seen it coming! Tally shook her head, standing straight and issuing orders. "All right, everyone who is not needed for duty, stand down and get some sleep. Hazelrose, we'll need something hot to eat, preferably. Those who are on duty, get moving. Clean-up crew is with Ruva; the rest of you are with Orion. Get the sails in order and try to untangle those ropes." "Cap'n, we've got a problem." Young Telm appeared beside her, his eyes wide. "Bo'sun says he needs to speak with you below decks." "Roe, come with me." Tally bounded down the stairs, and landed knee deep in water. She wrinkled her nose and sighed. This was all she needed. "How bad is it, Craig?" The bo'sun straightened, his long ears flopping. "A hole as big as a bloomin' gooseberry pie, marm. We'll need to stop to fix it." Tally cocked her head at the hare. "Can you fix it temporarily? I'll find the closest island and we'll head there, but we need to be able to GET there first." "Course I can! Be a challenge, wot!" Craig rubbed his paws. "C'mon the, young Telm!" Tally turned to Roe. "Roe, once we get to that island, I want you to take a small party and scout the place out. We'll need fresh supplies, and if there are any threats, we'll need to know." |
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This otter smiles when plotting; therefore, she is always plotting, as she is always smiling. Beware the smiling otter. Tallulah Maris Skahr West Tower Commander Click If You Dare… | |
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| Orion Fulcry | Sep 16 2008, 07:32 PM Post #27 |
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Level One Writer
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Orion groggily began to untie the lifeline from around his waist. He had lost track of how many times it had saved him as the ship bucked to and fro. Limbs aching from the long night spent staying alive, it took him longer than expected to loosen the knot on the rope. Finally succeeding, he staggered to his feet and looked about. The ship was in shabby shape. Ropes everywhere were tangled about themselves, and here and there, pieces of wood from mysterious sources littered the decks. "All right, everyone who is not needed for duty, stand down and get some sleep. Hazelrose, we'll need something hot to eat, preferably. Those who are on duty, get moving. Clean-up crew is with Ruva; the rest of you are with Orion. Get the sails in order and try to untangle those ropes." The sound of Commander Skahr's voice helped to focus Orion's mind. Sodden tail twitching, sending water droplets flying, he saluted - something that came much easier to him now - and made his way up into the rigging. The overbearing feeling of seasickness that had stayed with him all through the night instantly began to lessen. Taking a deep breath, and letting it out, the red squirrel scurried up to the top of the mainmast and took closer stock of the situation. After a good look, he frowned, muttered something to himself, and turned to address those who had clambered up after him. There were more than he had expected. Blinking in surprise, Orion could think of nothing to say for a moment. Finally, he gathered his wits as best as he could manage, and cleared his throat nervously. "Alright, just like Commander Skahr said, we need to get the sails into working order, and the ropes untangled as possible." He ran a paw through the wet fur on his neck and looked at the group thoughtfully. "Okay, well...I'll take five of whoever feel comfortable enough to work on the sails. We'll start on the main sail and work towards the front, then to the back. The rest of you, go ahead and start untangling ropes." There were nods and yessirs and the crew began to go about their tasks. "Oh, and one other thing." They stopped and looked curiously at Orion. "Take extra care while up here. We made it through the storm without losing anybeast. It would be pointless to lose someone now." ((It's alright. My classes are slamming me pretty hard right now, too)) Edited by Orion Fulcry, Sep 16 2008, 07:33 PM.
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Lieutenant Orion Fulcry ((( )))Life + Universe + Everything = 42 Alt: Amos Charp | |
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| Riptide Ruva | Sep 21 2008, 12:22 AM Post #28 |
Level One Poster
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Riptide appeared to have thoroughly enjoyed the storm, and this was partially true. Yes, he had been as gripped by fear as the rest of the crew as their ship was tossed about as though it was a toy, but a part of him was fascinated by the splendor of the storm. There was something awesome in every bolt of lightning that ripped across the sky, every roll of thunder that boomed overhead, and even the screaming wind seemed to carry an eerie, powerful song. The otter grinned viscously into the face of the storm and broke into a chanting song, an old tradition of his holt. ”Rage on, storm winds You’ll never beat me For I can survive Any storm on the sea Through flashing lightning Through thundering roars Though furling up sails And bringing in oars I’m a beast of the waves I was born of the sea So howl all you want No storm can best me Though waves may rise Taller than the mast And come crashing down Still this otter lasts Through pouring rain The wild wind is calling The decks may roll Tug ropes we are hauling I’ll shout and I’ll sing Though hungry ye be No storm lasts forever And no storm can best me!” As the storm tore at the Kestrel Riptide worked to keep the spirits of those around him afloat. By the time the storm had subsided he had been successful in teaching his song to at least four other beasts, and together they had shouted it to the winds. Riptide was happy to note that Telm had a very pleasant tenor voice that went well with his own deep bass. The otter made a mental note to remember this little detail for later. By the time the storm finally moved on Riptide was as tired as the rest of the crew, and he looked just as battered save for his ever-present grin. As Tally called for him to tend to the clean-up of the deck he shook his head and slapped his cheeks for a bit, willing life and energy to return to him. “Alright then you lot, you heard the captain! Get to work clearing the deck here. I want wood debris piled here, rope other in that corner, and everything else right here by the main mast, got it? Now get a move on, can’t be chasing after pirate scum with a dirty deck you know!” ((Woo! School seemed to have hit everybody pretty hard. XD Good to get this plot moving again though. Stick with it everyone.  ))
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Lieutenant Colonel Riptide Ruva Profile | |
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| Tallulah Maris Skahr | Sep 21 2008, 01:52 PM Post #29 |
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West Tower Commander
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Tally lifted her head from her hammock and groaned. She blinked at the sunlight streaming through the porthole. "Ugh, my head hurts, what happened?" Memory returned then, and she scowled, dropping from her hammock and stalking toward the door, grabbing her favorite chakram along the way. "Those idiots, knocking me out, who do they think they are? I'm still captain...I can go two days without sleep easily, so what if I was talking to my weapons, I do that all the time..." ~***~ Hazelrose, working on an early dinner in the galley (with what supplies they had left), could hear the indignant shouts of Tally as she chased the senior members of her crew around the ship. I told them knocking her out wasn't a good idea, but would they listen? Nooooo. A soft yelp alerted her to Thistledown's predicament; the small hedgehog had been trying to make pancakes with dried apple slices and candied nuts, but when he flipped them... "Here, Thistledown, give me the pan." Hazelrose pushed the poor lad toward the other end of the galley, avoiding the pancakes stuck on his spikes. "Go check the drinks, see if we have any cordial left." "A-all right." Thistledown hurried off, grimacing as he pulled pancake bits off his spikes. Hazelrose chuckled fondly and turned her attention to the food. "LAND HO!" Her tail shot straight up at the yell. Land! Finally, they would be able to replenish their supplies. And then it was time to go a-hunting. ~***~ Tally wiggled with eagerness as they dropped anchor in a tiny, secluded bay. Pines lined the rocky beach as white-capped wavelets washed ashore. The air was chilly, and seagulls cackled overhead as they wheeled about. "All right! Roe, you and your trackers take a look around. The bo'sun and his team are in charge of repairs; plenty of wood there, crew, so don't be stingy! The rest of you come with me and Hazelrose. We need more supplies. Keep an eye out for anything remotely dangerous." Tally watched her crew jump to work; a small tingle ran up her back. She shivered and frowned. I wonder... ~***~ "Vissssitorssss..." "Yesss. Tasssty oness, too." "Plump, sssssweet. Nothing like thosssse nasssty vermin, brother." A soft hiss and a swish of scales on grass. "Indeed, sssssissster." "Sssshall we?" "Let usss wait, ssssissster dearessst. Let them believe themsssselvesss alone." |
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This otter smiles when plotting; therefore, she is always plotting, as she is always smiling. Beware the smiling otter. Tallulah Maris Skahr West Tower Commander Click If You Dare… | |
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| Orion Fulcry | Sep 22 2008, 04:05 PM Post #30 |
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Level One Writer
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Orion gratefully hopped out of the small rowboat they had rowed to shore on. Splashing in the paw-deep water, he helped to drag the boat partway onto the shore. Straightening, he surveyed the mass of trees in front of him. It seemed peaceful enough, but there was an almost ominous feeling about the place... Attributing the feeling to how quiet it all was, he shrugged it off and joined the group of trackers. Although he would have secretly loved to go with the group gathering supplies - where Hazelrose was - he would be of much better use this way, and now was neither the time nor the place to be chasing after his awkward fancies. The trackers were bunched around Roe, quietly awaiting her orders. Taking up position amongst them, Orion kept his bow in paw - just in case. |
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Lieutenant Orion Fulcry ((( )))Life + Universe + Everything = 42 Alt: Amos Charp | |
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