Hawkflight:

His expression sobered as he listened to Callum’s words, but then hardened once he finished. He didn’t answer for quite some time, trying to think of something smart to say. Callum was wrong. Hawkflight wasn’t being selfish and he didn’t have a big ego. (Mmm no try again XD)

This was Callum and Fawnroot’s fault, not his. Hawkflight wanted was peace. Everything was fine until the centaurs showed up.

He glared at Callum, but his gaze wasn’t as harsh. He couldn’t think of anything snarky to say back, so he scrambled to change the subject. “I’m just trying to understand. You were dead. How are you even alive? Fawnroot is a talented medicine mare, but she’s not a miracle. I saw you dead in that cave. What did you do?” He asked, flapping his wings, creating a breeze.

(when in doubt, change the subject because your too stubborn and arrogant to admit your wrong 👍🏻 Way to go Hawk)

(Hold on, I'ma make a new part!)

Callum:

His heart skipped a beat as he remembered descending from the cliff, hitting slick stone, hearing Fawnroot's terrified cries and feeling pain for her and in himself.

He closed his eyes for a moment, inhaling slowly. "What could I do? You were forcibly taking her away, against her will." He opened his eyes and the moment he did they flashed with fury and pain. "If you hadn't come, things wouldn't be this way. Your over-protectiveness of the mare is hurting her. You don't care what she thinks, so you do everything in your wretched power to tear her away from her desires! She's not JUST a medicine mare! She's not a tool! No one is. Fawnroot's a living, thinking, intelligent pegasus that has thoughts and feelings of her own. But you're too SELFISH to even care! For once, stop thinking of yourself, Hawkflight! Stop being a fool. You know you can't convert her, so why try?"

Callum rubbed his face. "And if you try to hurt me, you will probably prevail. And also prevail in hurting her as well. Why don't you let it go? It's may injure your ego a little bit. But that's not important. Let go of your pride! It does you no good. How about you start looking around you and see where your deceitful and selfish heart has led you. Look, Hawkflight, I would never try to hurt her. Ever." (BOOM BABEE)

Kelly:

She smiled at Merrick, and straightened at Aaron's question.

Blushing, Kelly grinned at Merrick. "Umm... not long I guess. But it feels like we've been together... forever." Kelly ducked her head, her face reddening.

(IM GONNA DIIIEEEEEEEE AHH MELLLLYYYYY)

Raven:

She nodded.

Rayla:

she lay back down. "I hate resting."

Merrick:

He stared at the fabric of the tent for a while. “Like I could ever let that go. You may have forgiven her, but I doubt I can. Or ever will.” He felt her hand holding his tightly and it pulled him from his thoughts . He looked back down to Kelly and exhaled. “I’m sorry.“ He mumbled gently and squeezed her hand in return. He looked back up to his father and smiled. ”I’ll try.” He said before glancing back to Kelly. Aaron grinned as he watched them. To get the conversation back to carefree and enjoyable, he asked, “So, Kelly, how long have you two been...together?” This immediately made Merrick’s face burn and he smiled sheepishly.

Zayne:

"You know, I don't really know. I like the adventure stories," he said with a shrug.

Ulrani:

"Just let your body rest, it needs it."

(OOOOOO ROASTED HAWKIE) Hawkflight:

He bared his teeth and lashed his tail. “Funny you should say that. I don’t go tackling others and sending them both tumbling off a cliff.“ He countered and raised his wings threateningly. His voice became coated in ice.

”Imagine watching the one you love fall from the sky. I wonder what that must’ve looked like to your Fawn. She had to watch you, her beloved, fall off a cliff while all she could do was cry out and plead with the Ancestors not to take you. Don’t accuse me of causing you or Fawnroot harm. You caused her enough pain yourself. I did what I had to do to keep my herd safe.“ He snapped, then arched his neck. (AH HAWKIE DONT GO THERE!!! GOSH YOU ARROGANT JERK)

Kelly:

Her shoulders sagged and she looked at Merrick, gently grabbing his hand and squeezing it. She intertwined her fingers with his and held his hand tight.

(SRY, MY NOTIFICATIONS ARE BEING PICKY :(((

Rayla:

She attempted to get up, tired of resting. She immediately regreted it, her back was on fire with pain.

Raven:

She looked at Zayne. "Do you have a favorite book?"

Sultaan:

"I needed to get food anyway," he signed as he pulled out a small leather bag. "Grocery money." He got up and walked to the entrance, pricking his ears toward Reba as he turned to look at her.

Callum:

"Who? Kilroy? I hardly even know him!" he snapped, crossing his arms. "Do I look like the kind of centaur to go around killing pegasi for no reason?" He exhaled in an almost disappointed way as he shook his head. "The only pegasus that's done me wrong is pretty much the one standing right in front of me." (GET ROASTED HAWK .... *dat wasn't nice sry* XDDDD)

Rayla:

She wondered where Ben was.

Aaron:

He frowned at Merrick’s words and exhaled. “Merrick, she’s still your mother. At least visit her and let her know you’re alright.” Merrick looked away and sneered. Aaron continued. “I know you’re still angry at her about what she did, but you can’t stay mad forever. I’ve let it go, and so should you.”

Merrick gritted his teeth and glanced back to his sire, but then subtly reached for Kelly’s hand, needing to feel her warm fingers intertwined with his.

Kelly:

Her eyebrow twitched and she looked at Aaron. His words echoed in her mind, and she didn't know why. 'Have you talked to her recently? Your mother?'

Kelly's eyes shifted towards Merrick and she bit her lip, but didn't say anything.

Her eyes darkened and she blinked. Kelly lowered her gaze to the painting, and at Zeepa. Her cold eyes bore into Kelly's, so Kelly looked at Angel. Angel's grin made Kelly feel lightheaded.

Merrick:

He bobbed his head slowly and noticed how red and flustered Kelly was and glanced back to the painting. To give her time to catch her breath, he swallowed and stared at his father and mother in the picture. Aaron’s young face was alight with a smile, which contradicted the bored stare of the mare next to him. Merrick sighed then looked up at his dad. “You looked happy.”

Aaron stiffened, then nodded. “I was. Well, I am.” Aaron flicked his ears to Merrick. “Have you talked to her recently? Your mother?”

Merrick‘s eyes hardened and he shook his head. “No. Not since last month. I don’t want to see her, though. I don’t want Kelly to meet her either.”

Hawkflight:

He didn’t flinch and his eyes narrowed. “Really? Then who was that other centaur? The diplomatic one who went with you and Fawnroot to find Ragedrift. Even if you don’t have a herd, he obviously does-he admitted it. What does he want?“ He glared at Callum up and down, sizing up the other stallion.

He was surprised to realize that Callum had bulked out. He wasn’t the same weak hybrid clinging to Fawnroot for life Hawkflight had first found in the cave. Now he was an actual healthy stallion with round, firm muscles and a determined glint in his unique eyes. Hawkflight snorted, but didn’t shy away.

(oof, ello)

Callum:

"What do you mean?" He cried, setting down the basket. "Other centaurs? I'm completely alone. I don't have a camp, or a home! Yeesh, what do you think? I'm going to sneak up and slaughter you all or something?" (I actually gtgggggggg

)

(I gtg take a showerrrr)

Reba: The jewelry under her blouse felt cold with guilt. If Sultaan could not make the ends meet, would she help him?

Rayla:

SHe felt frustrated. She didn't want to rest! She wanted to be up and helping the wounded.

Hawkflight:

His eyes narrowed and he advanced Callum, but didn’t strike him or make any moves of aggression. “Good question, but I have a better one. What do you want? Why are you here? Why now?“ His cold eyes never left Callum and his voice was dripping in malice. “What do you and the other centaurs want with my herd?” He asked finally.

Rayla:

She sighed, "There has to be something I can do to help."

Rayla:

"Then I'm not helping with the wounded."

Reba: “Can you-can you afford it?” she asked delicately.

Rayla:

"Is there anything i can do to help you with the wounded?" she asked Ulrani

Hawkflight:

He flew for several more moments before he spotted him crouching over the lake with a woven basket. The centaur was...collecting the water? For Fawnroot perhaps? Hawkflight grumbled and made no effort to hide his wingbeats as he fluttered down to Callum and landed several lengths behind him. Hawkflight didn’t fold his wings, in case he needed to make a quick escape, and glared at Callum. “Centaur. We need to talk.” But, his tone of voice revealed that this was more of a demand than a request.

Reba: She felt unsure, but she needed Sultaan’s help so she did not press the issue. She would make sure they did not stray too far from his home. “To the forest, then?”

Fig: Unexpectedly, he felt pierce of nervousness and shame. Would Ben recommend him, after the incident with AJ? He tried to play off those emotions with confidence. “Good day Ben. I’m interested in adopting Espen here, or at least getting to know him better. But he doesn’t know me so could you could guarantee that I am who I say I am? A character recommendation.”

Reba: “Do you feel well enough?“ she signed, hoping he was. She was not familiar with all the plants around here.

Rayla:

"I know, but I'd like to be doing them now."

Rayla:

She sighed softly, she wanted to be up and moving and helping her herd. "I understand."

Sultaan:

"Okay," he signed. "I could come with you, if you want."

Callum:

He soon reached the creek like Fawnroot had said and bent down to gather the water in the basket she had given him. For some reason that he couldn't even explain to himself, he looked around, feeling a little uneasy by the silence besides the gentle stirring of the water before him.

Ulrani:

"Anything you want to do that doesn't involve anything active that will cause your wounds to react."

Espen:

He inhaled slowly. "Well, I was going to get some food..."

Kelly:

She pressed her lips together and blushed, now feeling embarrassed after crying infront of him and Aaron, etc.

Kelly inhaled and nodded. "Yeah, I'm good."

Merrick:

He also exhaled and relaxed as he felt Kelly lean against him. He brushed her hair away from her eyes so he could see her face. He softly kissed her forehead, then held her hand.

“Are you alright?” He asked gently, his voice almost at a whisper.

Ben:

“I’ll be right back. I’m going to check on the Tavern.” He said before standing up and releasing Rayla’s hand. He moved through the kitchen door and glanced around his restaurant. Through a window, he spotted Fig’s figure with a...young boy? That’s an interesting sight.

His curiosity peaked, he pushed open the door and looked between Fig and Espen with a questioning glance. ”Um-the door’s open. You can come in...?” He asked, giving the young boy a small smile.

Fawnroot:

She snorted in amusement and flicked her tail as she watched him leave. Once his hoofbeats faded, she turned back to the cave and finished organizing the different remedies and plants.

Hawkflight: He stopped outside the medicine mare den and flicked his ears at Angelstar. He noticed Callum wasn’t in the cave anymore. Hawkflight spotted his hoofprints and his scent that led towards the lake and the stallion flexed his wings, an idea forming in his mind. He looked back to the filly. “Go inside and see her-I’ll be there soon.” He shooed Angelstar into the cave, before turning and leaping into the sky. He glided over the trees, scanning the terrain for Callum.

Rayla:

She sighed. "Maybe someone could bring some of the paperwork from my office or I can go there, and work on it."

Last Comment to Espen~

Fig: He sense that he was losing Espen, and he glanced back at the Tavern door. He hoped Ben would come out already and affirm his identity so he could take Espen out somewhere. Last comment in general~

Valentina:

She tilted her head and grinned. "Yep."

Reba: She went back to the fire pit and looked through the basket of nuts and fruits that Avery had given her. There was a little bit left, but definitely not enough to make a great pregame feast. “If it is all right, I think I will go out to forage some more.” she signed.

Rayla:

"I'd like to help the wounded but I'm guessing that is out of the question."

Ulrani:

She thought for a moment. I don't know, dear. It all depends on what you like to do. If you like to draw, bring a pencil and a notebook."

Rayla: "Ulrani, what can I do to pass the time until the council meeting?"

Could i has some recommentos)

Valentina:

She tilted her head and grinned. "Yep."

Kelly:

She swallowed and looked up, watching as he winced from the pain in his leg.

At his words, Kelly felt soothed. She smiled softly, "True."

Kelly leaned against Merrick and exhaled.

(ACKKKKK)

Fig: He shrugged. “It’s just a way of thinking. It comes from

life. You and I have lived it.”

Merrick:

He tried to ignore his mother’s face staring at him and seeming to judge him through the paper. He felt Kelly flick her gaze to him and his jaw tightened, a muscle in his brow twitching. Unlike Kelly’s mother, Zeepa’s eyes were not bright. If anything, they looked cold. Merrick couldn’t tell if that was from the worn out colors of the painting or if she actually looked that way, but he figured it was the former considering his dam’s eyes constantly looked cold. Aaron spoke through the silence. “Of course, lass. Nothing could ever make death less terrible.” He paused to lay down again, groaning softly with a wince as he lowered. He continued, “Even though Angel isn’t here with you, she’s never really gone. Her love lives inside you, and you’ll see her again one day. In the meantime, you have others who love you and will listen when you‘re ready to talk.”

Valentina:

She giggled. "Huh, that's smart," she grinned.

Fig: He smiled, almost fondly. ”Once, back when I was a soldier, we had to march through hilly countryside. In the winter, I’d be happy, and my comrades would ask me why, ‘cuz they were freezing. I’d remind them of the lice and mosquitoes the summer brings. And in the summer, I would cheer them by reminding them of the absence of that bitter cold.”

Valentina:

She nodded. "It makes working there a LOT more bearable. It's MUCH better then the bar," Valentina said.

Fig: He cringed, knowing full well that one of those drunk centaurs could have been him. “Its good that you are at the bakery now.“

Valentina:

She tilted her head. "I think so. I've only ever worked for him, along with... well... being a dish washer and sweeper at a bar. But that job was much worse then the bakery, well, not that the bakery is bad!" Valentina straightened, and shook her head. "Working at a bar was a nightmare, especially when it got closer to night time. The customers would get drunk all night. I remember sweeping the floor, and one drunk man spilled his entire drink on my head." Valentina brushed back her red hair, her eyes wide.

Emberdream: She sighed and shook her head at Bladesky. "C'mon, you know if we leave the meadow Mom will be livid!" She said, trying to persuade her brother that they shouldn't leave. Bladesky scoffed and grinned. "No way! I'm going." He stated.

Valentina:

She straightened. (Idk what to do wit her)

Kelly:

She swallowed and took the painting, quickly wiping her eyes with her hand.

She shifted slightly and leaned closer to see her mother better. At Aaron's words, Kelly's head shot up.

Her lips tugged into a small smile. "I suppose. B-but that doesn't make her death any less... terrible." Kelly exhaled and looked back down at the painting.

She gently brushed her hand over her mother on the painting, but Zeepa caught Kelly's eye.

She guess that this was Merrick's mother after seeing how Aaron had his arm draped over her shoulder, and that she ever so slightly looked like Merrick.

Kelly swallowed but didn't say anything.

Exhaling, Kelly pressed her lips together, her blue eyes searching the painting.

Merrick:

He stroked her hair again and tenderly kissed her forehead. Merrick glanced at his father, who still didn’t speak, his eyes solemn. Merrick answered for him. “It’s alright. You’re alright. Don‘t worry.“ Aaron suddenly heaved himself to his hooves with a stifled grunt.

Without a word, he moved to his dresser and opened the very bottom drawer. He ruffled through it for a moment before pulling out a long, landscape painting. He moved back to the couple and handed the painting to Kelly. It was an old picture of 2 rows of centaurs-the captains and generals in the back with the explorers and recruits in the front. They were all standing shoulder to shoulder. There was at least 50 recruits and 50 generals.

Below the standing centaurs hooves, there were names beneath each one. Aaron reached out and pointed to a specific centauress. Merrick looked closer to see an older version of Kelly. Below her hooves, the name ‘Angel Nakoa’ was written. Aaron then pointed to 2 centaurs that stood next to her. It was a younger Aaron and Merrick’s mother, Zeepa. Aaron didnt have scars and his front leg wasn‘t lame, and his arm was wrapped around Zeepa. Merrick focused back to Angel, who looked very similar to Kelly. Angel‘s eyes were bright, even in the old, dull painting, and a corner of her lips were turned upward in a smirk. “Your mother was in the same squad as me. Her death brings me sadness. But, I‘m glad it also brought you to us.“

Kelly:

She inhaled softly but didn't pull away from Merrick. Kelly squeezed her eyes shut, before opening them and looking at Aaron.

She could see the shock and sadness in his eyes, which made her feel worse.

Kelly swallowed. "I'm so sorry," she said quietly.

(SRY I LEFT, STUPID SCHOOOOLLLLL)

Rayla:

"What can I do to pass the time until the council meeting?"

Merrick:

His ears sagged and his heart sank. He hated seeing her so sad and hated seeing her blame herself for something she couldn’t control. Neither of the stallions said anything for several seconds as the weight of her words pressed down on them.

Merrick was the first to move as he reached out to her, wrapping an arm around her shoulder and the other around her waist, then pulled her against his chest.

“Kelly...” He started, then faded out. He wasn’t sure what to say to comfort her, so he didn’t speak and simply held her close, stroking her hair and wiping her tears. He spared a glance to look up at his father, who was too stunned and saddened by the news to speak. Merrick‘s eyes returned to Kelly and he pulled her closer against him. (AAAAAIIIIIIIIIIII I LOVE THEM)

(I just had an idea for KR!)

Kilroy: He worked until noon, when it was time for his lunch break. But instead of going home or eating something packed, he sent a letter and then walked across camp to his father’s house. It had been several months since he had been here. He had moved out two years ago, and now he hardly went even near it. He knew that Fig would not be home, so he let himself in and slipped through the tented rooms to the backyard.

Kilroy hardly looked up, or took note of any of the new, clean changes. He did not care to know anything more about Fig. He retrieved the hidden key from under a bush and open the padlocked door of the armory shed. The vial was there, where he knew it would be. The liquid glinted darkly in the sunlight. He slipped it into his satchel and left, making sure to return everything else as he had found it.

He was back in the silo, working, by the end of his break.

Kelly:

She smiled softly and chuckled as he spoke, leaning closer to Merrick.

She understood that Aaron didn't know. He didn't know that... Angel was dead. Kelly stiffened and glanced back at Aaron, and bit her lip gently.

A single tear rolled down Kelly's cheek, but she quickly swiped it away. "Y-You don't know, d-don't you? From the way you speak about... h-her... i-it doesn't seem like you k-know." Kelly pulled her hand away from Merrick's and used it to brush back her hair.

"Aaron, my mother is-" Kelly's voice cracked and she buried her face in her hands.

"I'm the reason both of my parents are dead. It's all my fault," she said in a quiet, muffled voice.

Yep. Great job, Kelly. Oh, and so much for a good first impression, her mind growled at her.

Rayla:

She wondered what she could do in the meantime, the council meeting wasn't for a few hours

Fawnroot:

She snorted in amusement and flicked her tail as she watched him leave. Once his hoofbeats faded, she turned back to the cave and finished organizing the different remedies and plants.

Hawkflight: He stopped outside the medicine mare den and flicked his ears at Angelstar. He noticed Callum wasn’t in the cave anymore. Hawkflight spotted his hoofprints and his scent that led towards the lake and the stallion flexed his wings, an idea forming in his mind. He looked back to the filly. “Go inside and see her-I’ll be there soon.”

Reba: She went back to the fire pit and looked through the basket of nuts and fruits that Avery had given her. There was a little bit left, but definitely not enough to make a great pregame feast. “If it is all right, I think I will go out to forage some more.” she signed.

Fig: He sense that he was losing Espen, and he glanced back at the Tavern door. He hoped Ben would come out already and affirm his identity so he could take Espen out somewhere.

(I’m not impatient, but Fig is)

(heyyy!)

Rayla:

"Thank you."

(Bye)

(I gtggg)

Rayla:

SHe shrugged. "It varies, usually just hearing trials, sometimes helping question centaurs or giving meals to the poor and so forth."

Espen:

"Sure," he said softly, looking down. Espen wasn't sure in anything right then, what his heart's deepest desire was just to settle in a warm home with a family and be a kid again.

Sultaan:

He smiled at Reba's ecstatic eagerness for a competition he wasn't exceedingly passionate about. But nonetheless, he wasn't going to do it for anything else but for her. In fact, it had been a long time since he did anything of this sort for someone that wasn't to be able to live.

Callum:

He picked it up, and with a flirty wink at Fawn, broke into a trot in the direction where the mare had pointed out.

Ulrani:

She smiled gently. "What kind of work is it, Rayla?"

(AAAAAAAA SWEETIE?!!?!?!? REEEEEEE) Fawnroot:

She blushed again, her wings sagging. “A-Ah...I see.” She nuzzled his cheek. “Be safe and hurry back.” She said simply with a playful smile, then nosed the basket closer to Callum’s hooves.

Ben:

He nodded to Ulrani. “Got it. I can do that. I’ll help her.”

(Hold on yall, I gtg take a shower)

Rayla:

She nodded, "How long before I'm able to work again?"

Espen:

He shrugged. "I don't really know, to be honest, Mr. Fig," he said softly.

Ulrani:

"If you are still going to the council, you must take it easy. And when the moment arrives for you to leave, go home immediately and rest," she advised, raising her eyebrows at Ben. "It would be best if you or someone else would help her keep with this task."

Callum:

"No need to apologize, sweetie. I was just messing with you," he reassured her with a tender kiss on her forehead. "I'll be back." (AIIIIISDLGKNSDGLKSDNF AIAIIIAIIAIAIIAIIIIIIIII)

Sultaan:

"It's usually on the third day of each month. It's tomorrow," he signed, his eyes rounding.

Fawnroot:

She stared at Callum, her heart skipping. Her face flushed and her ears turned red-she had also forgotten how he held her up with ease. Fawnroot inhaled slowly, and tried to find her voice. “I apologize-um...It’s-It’s right behind the cave a couple paces south. It’s very close.” She told him, then swallowed and sheepishly smiled.

(MUEEHEHEHEHEHE)

(aaaaaaaand for Sultaan XD) Reba: She smiled. “I will come out with you and watch! When is the competition?” Though Sultaan’s words were sincere, she could sense a spark of fear behind them. Was it because of the neglect he had suffered for so long? If it was, she would supply him the unconditional positive regard he needed.

(she‘s a humanist 😂)

(basically Rayla just woke up, Ben offered her water, and now they’re just talking, but Rayla still has plans to go to the council building that evening for a meeting)

Rayla:

She was still tired but in too much pain to sleep. "Now that my wounds are stitched up do you think they will heal faster?" Ben:

He shrugged. “I’m not sure. Ulrani will have the answer to that. But, I’d assume so.” Ben looked down at her again. “Do you need anything else?“ Then he looked up at the healer. “Is there anything else I can do?”

(Ya'll go so fassst....)

Aaron:

“I did know her. And yes, that sounds like something Angel would do.” He glanced up at the ceiling, his eyes distant again.

“I remember her because we were explorers and scouts together. She was a lovely woman, but as your father so accurately described, she wasn’t afraid to put herself out there. ‘As graceful as a butterfly yet sting like a bee.’ We used to tease her around the campfire. Needless to say she didn’t appreciate our banter-I‘ve gotten smacked upside the head at least twice.” He smiled and chuckled absentmindedly, then looked down at Kelly.

He noticed how conflicted she looked and he arched a questioning brow. Merrick silently shifted closer to her.

Ben:

He shrugged. “I’m not sure. Ulrani will have the answer to that. But, I’d assume so.” Ben looked down at her again. “Do you need anything else? A blanket?”

Kelly:

She straightened, and glanced at Merrick as he squeezed her fingers, seeing the sadness and worry in his eyes.

Kelly looked back at Aaron. "So you knew her?" She said with a smile. Her eyes were sad, but also happy that he had once known Angel.

"My father had always said she 'wouldn't let no one look at her without glancing away.'" Kelly grinned. "He used to say that if someone looked at her, she'd eye them to make them nervous." Kelly shifted her weight and looked down, chewing her lip.

(ack, sorry I left, had to have dinner)

Rayla:

She was still tired but in too much pain to sleep. "Now that my wounds are stitched up do you think they will heal faster?"