(I'ma start a new part)

Colchi: “Not really.” he said nonchalantly. “I s’pose I could‘ve brought one of my siblings along. Though it’s nice to get away from them for a time. Maybe I’ll meet someone here.”

Hawkflight:

He sighed and frowned. "I see." He mumbled underneath his breath. Hawkflight inhaled deeply and hesitated. He shifted his weight from hoof to hoof and flexed his wings. "Should I prepare the fliers for war, sir?" He asked cautiously, afraid of the answer.

Ben:

He blushed as well and nodded once. Embarrassed, he tried too focus on Colchi's meal. He poured the potatoes into the simmering pot to cook, then flicked his tail. He worked in awkward silence for a moment before asking, "And you Colchi? Do you have someone to share your vacation with?"

Reba: She smiled slowly, “You flatter me too much.” Really, even if he didn’t seem the suave type, he certainly managed to turn everything into a complement.

Coalwing:

"I'm afraid there is nothing that I can do to get that centaur away from our herd. He's connected to it through Fawnroot, and she won't certainly leave him," he said, shaking his head.

Hawkflight:

He flinched when Coalwing had exploded in rage and frustration, but he was determined to stand his ground. He lowered his head respectfully and tried to keep his voice steady. “I know, sir. I just thought I’d inform you of their attachments.“

He arched his neck and opened his wings. “I agree and even if they do care for each other, I still don’t like Fawnroot with him. Even before they were bonded, Fawnroot was willing to die for him…I don’t understand it.“ Hawkflight shook his head.

“What would you like me to do about them, sir? Unlike Fawnroot, I am going to protect my herd. Any means necessary.”

(funny how Fawnroot and Hawkflight have two different definitions of “protecting“ the herd.)

Sultaan:

"I've endured it before, so I can endure it again. Although, it was much easier this time with... with you," he signed softly, pricking his ears at her.

Coalwing:

He threw his head back and pawed the ground wildly. "I KNOW THEY'RE IN LOVE!" He brayed, whipping around at Hawkflight. "And what are am I to do about it!? That centaur has been treating my herd like his new home, as if he's one of US! I can't just kill him, or that will certainly begin a war that we will lose. And besides, now that you've told me that whatever Fawnroot can feel, that centaur can as well. Or vise versa. I would kill them both. As much as our only medicine mare is a stubborn-hearted steed, she's still the best we have." Coalwing flared his wings and then folded them, shaking his jet-black mane.

Reba: She wondered how Sultaan’s life must have been only a few weeks ago. A vein of gold, right outside of camp, that’s no one bothered to mine. “Happier, despite the wolf attacks, extortionate vendors, and Gopnik’s disrespect?”

Colchi: He could not help but blush too at the gratuitous display of heterosexual affection. Content, he stayed quiet to let the telenovela play out further.

(Telenovelas are Hispanic soap operas known for their romantic intrigue and cliff hanger endings)

Sultaan:

His eyes locked with Reba's for a split second, and then he looked down again. "I feel happier than I have been..." he signed slowly, and then fiddled with a large splinter of wood. He had definitely felt lighter and warmer in the last couple of days while Reba had been there. Having a friend in his home was certainly nice than living by himself. (I gtg again. Stinkily XD)

Rayla:

She blushed, "Sure, I'd love to."

(*giggling*)

Ben:

He looked at Rayla as she answered, then playfully flicked his long flaxen tail towards her. "Perhaps we should go sometime. I need a vacation. And I definitely know that you need a vacation." He laughed with a grin.

His grey eyes suddenly widened and he turned towards the fire to try and keep himself occupied. Combing a hand through his red hair, he bit his lower lip."Did I just...ask Rayla out...oh brístí torc," (Boar bristle XDD)

He cursed himself quietly, then rolled his shoulders to regain his nonchalance.

(ooooooooooooOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO)

Rayla:

"A few times. But my work tends to keep me too busy to go to the beach."

Ben:

As he put another pot on the fire to cook the potatoes, Ben flicked an ear in Colchi's direction. "Me? Oh, no. Like I said before, I'm from the mountains and my family joined this herd when I was a late teen. By the time I bought and started up the Tavern, I had so much to do that I never got around to it. A vacation was, and still is, the last thing on my mind. Perhaps my brother and I went together when we were colts, but since then, I've never been to the beach."

He replied with a pitiful shrug, then checked on the turkey.

Ben:

His eyebrows lifted as Colchi listed all the things this herd mines and how he plays a part. "That's quite impressive. Both your mines and you. Your professions seem to be very crucial." He complemented with a smile before nodding approvingly to Rayla.

Rayla:

She nodded, carefully started to cut the potatoes

Ben:

He smiled down at Rayla then nodded. 'Yes. Since Colchi got the full meal, potatoes are also included. They're in a sack against the wall over there if you want to start cutting them up." He pulled out a knife that wasn't as sharp as a hunting knife, but it would still do it's job in cutting.

"Just be careful with the knife." He reminded gently, even though he knew Rayla was competent with such a thing.

Wanting to spark up conversation again, he called, "So, in your mining town, what did you do? What are your people mining for?"

Reba: She really was not alone, and she had not been for the last several months. “Thank you, for your patience.” she signed deeply.

“And Sultaan, what are you feeling, in the depths of your heart?“ she asked, looking into his cool green eyes, and the gentle hair that shaded them.

(i'll get to Coalwing, i gtg)

Sultaan:

He reached over and placed his hand on her arm comfortingly. "You're not alone, Reba," he signed, meeting her gaze affectionately.

Callum:

He hummed softly to himself as his mind drifted from memories, the present, and the future. He deeply hoped that he and Fawnroot would have moved on to a more serious relationship than they were in then.

Rayla:

She glanced at Ben, "Can I do anything else to help?"

Reba: “Well, I am certainly not thinking with my brain.” Yes, the hormones thick in her blood were doing the feeling. “I miss my parents. I cannot communicate with most centaurs here; I see them abuse you.”

And there is a centaur growing inside the womb.

(I just don’t know when to have her tell Sultaan!)

(SWEET SULTAAANNNNN AAAAWWWWWW)

Hawkflight:

"Sorry, sir." He mumbled, then paused briefly to collect his thoughts. "I hate to be the one to tell you this, and I'm not sure how accurate it is, but Fawnroot told me that her and Callum have been...bonded. I'm not entirely sure what she means, but Fawnroot said that they've been connected and whatever pain one goes through, the other will mirror. This could be false or just something Fawnroot made up to protect Callum, I'm not sure, but she was right about one thing- she isn't going to stand down and allow them to become separated. And he feels the same way for her."

Hawkflight pinned his ears and stared up at the back of Coalwing's head. "I'm just wondering what the plan is. You know by now that a few centaurs are planning a peace summit. Are we really going to trust them that easily, just because our medicine mare has a crush on one?" (That's....very blunt and offensive Hawkie...and inaccurate XD It's more than a crush by now 😳)

Fawnroot:

Through the thick haze of sleep, she heard the soft, mumbling sound of Callum's voice but she couldn't make out what he was saying. She exhaled deeply and relaxed again. She didn't need to know what he had said.

His warmth, his strong, yet gentle arm around her, and the promise that he'd be there when she woke up was all she needed. (-heart stops-)

Sultaan:

He paused, looking at Reba. "I meant my hut not being a prison and how you can easily move out and begin a life of your own," he signed slowly, and then his hands fell silent. At length he gestured, "Reba, what are you feeling in your heart right now that would make you this way?"

Coalwing:

He snorted, but didn't turn to face Hawkflight. "About what?" he growled with a stomp of his hoof. "You're lucky that I'm not too much in the mood of no talk, Hawkflight."

Callum:

He rested his cheek on top of Fawnroot's as he breathed out slowly, letting his entire body relax as he lay next to her. "Good night, sweet fawn. I love you," he murmured almost silently. He didn't want to wake her, because she already looked asleep. But if she was awake, then she would certainly hear.

Colchi: “Well, I knew a beach vacation would be relaxing, and the air and water are clear. Plus, there is all sorts of things to do: wade, sunbathe, make sand sculptures. And this town was the closest coastal one.“ That‘s a pretty way to put it, he thought. Actually, his doctor had practically commanded him to come here for his health. But Colchi did not want to be that poor convalescent in these people‘s minds.

Rayla:

She nodded and put the turkey meat on the fire

Ben:

As they worked to prepare Colchi's dinner, Ben turned back towards the dining room, "So, Colchi. What made you choose this place as a vacation? Why not the beach?" He called to the stallion questioningly.

Waiting for his response, he peeked over Rayla's shoulder then grinned and gave her a thumbs up. "Perfect. Place that on the fire, would you?"

Rayla:

She followed his instructions

Colchi: He watched the pair depart to the kitchen contemplatively, then sipped at his water. Annoyingly, that seemed to set off his lungs and he coughed quietly once or twice into his elbow. He quickly gulped more to quell it.

Ben:

Smiling, he guided her back into the kitchen. He washed his hands off, before unraveling the last bit of turkey meat. He set it on the counter then pulled out different seasonings and peppers. "Okay, start to season this. I'll get the fire going."

As he tossed some kindling onto the fire, then relit the hearth, "So, Colchi. What made you choose this place as a vacation? Why not the beach?" He called to the stallion, before setting a pan onto the fire for the turkey.

Rayla:

"Of course!" she followed him.

(it makes sense! Especially since she's hormonal and pregnant, mood swings are really common!)

Ben:

Nodding, he poured Colchi a glass before glancing at Rayla. "I could use some help if you want to help me prepare a meal?" He offered with a kind smile before exiting the bar and moving towards the kitchen.

Reba: ”No.” she whispered softly before elaborating. “It is a prison. What am I supposed to do? Swim back to Magheil? Wander until I find a different town, one were they will not be so tolerant of my language and my skin and my fur?

“And it is not just me. You are in prison too: trapped with bars of poverty, silence, and depression,“ she signed, voicing thoughts she doubted Sultaan ever let escape from

his mind.

(She’s in a dark mood now. I’m trying to give her a realistic personality, with the occasional mood swing)

( .-. oof I kinda forgot about Hawkflight too heheh)

Hawkflight:

He has been flying for most of the day, yet he wasn't tired. Not even a little. His anger and confusion kept his muscles loose and his brain alert. He didn't understand Fawnroot, much less her Callum. Did he believe Fawnroot's words about her being "bonded" with Callum? No, not really. But, there was definitely something going on, and it was much more than just love.

Hawkflight grunted at this before twisting and falling into a nose-dive. Even if Callum has good intentions, Kilroy's herd and peace summit is suspicious. Okay... maybe two centaurs want peace. So what?

There are bound to be other centaurs who see the pegasi -Sun herd- as a threat. Heck, an angry mare with a death-wish against Callum stormed into Sun herd and very nearly succeeded in killing him, Thornhill, and anyone else who stood in her way. And this was one centauress. What could a whole army do?

Realizing the ground was coming up fast, Hawkflight reopened his wings and pulled up. Hooves skimming the treetops, he bared his teeth before whipping around and flying towards Coalwing. Hawkflight hasn't seen his over-stallion since Fawnroot and Callum confessed their love and the stallion had simply vanished. He nickered a stiff greeting as he approached before landing behind the stallion. "Coalwing, we need to talk."

Fawnroot:

Hearing him come back into the cave and lay down beside her, she scuffled away from the wall to give him room. Without saying or asking anything, she snuggled close to him and placed her wing over his horse back. Fawnroot's eyes closed as well, and she felt herself sink deeper into the moss.

She hadn't realized how exhausted she was until she felt Callum's warmth and protection next to her, holding her close and sheltering her. With the endless day behind her and the love of her life right besides her, she fell asleep.

(aaaawwwwwww MY HEARTTTTT AAAAAUUUGGHHHH)

Sultaan:

He cocked his head a moment, his eyes rounding slightly as if sensing the slimmest gesture of insult in what Reba had said. But even if he had, his facial expression turned back to the tired look of a long day.

"I will always be glad for you company, Reba. But you can take your leave any time. This isn't a prison," he signed, taking her overturned bowl to the bucket to wash it.

Callum:

"I know that, sweet fawn," he said gently before going outside the cave. He observed the warmly-tinted landscape as the pegasi settled down for the night by calling to their foals and nestling under watch of the over-stallion. (I've forgotten about Coalwing ._.)

A brief thought passed through his mind as he got ready to go back in the cave. Where was Hawkflight? He hadn't seen him for awhile. It was probably for the best, because likely that pegasus still hadn't forgiven Callum mostly for being with Fawnroot.

With a shrug, the centaur strode back in side and lay down beside her. Putting an arm around the mare, he closed his eyes.

Colchi: He nodded appreciatively as Ben told his story. Hearing about successful social climbing made him happy, and he could not help but compare Ben’s story to his own.

“Ah. Just water please,“ he requested. He would have liked something more… interesting then water, but hydration is key or whatever.

Fawnroot:

She stared up at Callum quizzically and nuzzled his cheek in response. "Alright... I'll be here if you need me." Fawnroot doubted she would be able to sleep very peacefully without Callum beside her, but she lowered her head and folded her wings anyway.

As the sun slowly set behind Sun herd's horizon, Sunpond had retreated into a separate room without another word, but Fawnroot could hear her also settling down for the night. Fawnroot switched her attention back to Callum and smiled softly.

Ben:

He pursed his lips and took a moment to truly ponder his question. "Hm...it's been a while. My family joined this herd when I was a late teenager. I started out doing any job I could get my hands on-anything to keep my family going and put food on the table. But, I realized that that wasn't a solid, long-term solution. So I opened the Tavern in my early thirties. So, about 10 years, probably."

Ben shrugged as if it was no big deal, before nodding to Colchi. "Of course. Could I interest you in a drink before I head to the kitchen?"

Sultaan:

"Okay," he signed, sipping some soup from his bowl. "I was just wondering if you were planning on getting a job, or maybe checking out the village more. Getting to know its residents, you know?"

Reba: She felt annoyed at Sultaan’s question. Since she got here, she had been completely reliant on him for everything. What did he think she was going to do? Go hang out with non—existent friends, write poetry in a language she did not understand, help her missing parents with their chores? “No plans for me.”

Colchi: “I’d like turkey, please, and I will take the room as you give it,“ he answered, reflecting that Ben must be a generous man to have such a policy. “How long have you been open?”

Sultaan:

He looked up at her from his bowl. "I probably have a few jobs to do, but not much," he signed with a shrug and a sigh. "You?"

Ben:

He cocked an eyebrow. “Would you rather pay for your room?” He asked with a teasing smirk. “Rooms are free to anyone.” His gaze darkened as a memory came to mind. His mother, nine months pregnant with her second foal, was declined a room at an Inn in their previous campsite. Ben, being very young at the time, followed his parents to a nearby cave instead. It was the beginning of winter and the nights were growing ever colder. Thanks to his father and all the blankets they had, his mother and unborn brother managed to make it though the freezing night, with no help from the Innkeeper or the healer.

All because his parents couldn’t afford to pay for the room. The thought still made him angry. Who would dare decline a pregnant centauress in need? Especially one with a family, not to mention a young boy? For one measly night? In winter?!

Ben blinked and shook his head. “S-Sorry. Got lost in thought. Uh...so what would you like?” He struggled to shake off the sudden memory. “I-I ran out of deer and rabbit-I need to get more tomorrow. But...but I think I have some turkey or lamb left.“

(little more of an inside as to why Ben runs the Tavern the way he does, and why rooms are free)

Ben:

He blinked at Colchi, then shook his head and chuckled. “It’s not a problem.” He replied and grinned. What an interesting and odd centaur.

Ben was about to ask what Colchi wanted, then paused and looked the stallion up and down. “Erm. It’ll cost you, just so you know. Rooms are no charge, but the food is.”

Colchi: He was inclined to accept Ben’s offer as he could use some food and water after the day’s trek. “That would be nice… if that is not too much of an infringement on your hospitality?” he answered, mocking himself inwardly. When did he become so fancy in speech?

Fawnroot:

She stared up at Callum quizzically and nuzzled his cheek in response. "Alright... I'll be here if you need me." Fawnroot doubted she would be able to sleep very peacefully without Callum beside her, but she lowered her head and folded her wings anyway.

As the sun slowly set behind Sun herd's horizon, Sunpond had retreated into a separate room without another word, but Fawnroot could hear her also settling down for the night. Fawnroot switched her attention back to Callum and smiled softly.

Ben:

He tensed and tried to hide his red ears by combing a hand through his hair. He tried to look nonchalant, but clearly Colchi’s “Mrs. Filo” comment had affected him. Ben cleared his throat. “No need to apologize. The misconception is common. Rayla and I are...” He glanced at Rayla, then returned his gaze to Colchi. “Just close friends.” He replied stiffly. A part of Ben wondered if “friends” was an accurate word to describe how he felt towards Rayla...no, it wasn’t, but he wasn’t sure how or if he could admit that.

“Erm..anyway. Could I get you something to eat or drink perhaps?”

Rayla: "It's fine."

Colchi: “Oh…” he blanched. “I apologize.” He wondered why Ben was so protective of Rayla then, and why she seemed so at home in his place.

Rayla:

She blushed, "I'm Rayla. Just Rayla."

Colchi: He picked up the pen and wrote that he would be staying two weeks. “I‘m here on vacation. I‘ve been told the beach here is beautiful. Not quite as scenic back home.”

“Are you Mrs. Filo? Or perhaps just Miss?” he asked the Appaloosa.

Reba: “No, it’s ok,” she told Sultaan. Then she signed, “Next time I will cut the ingredients more finely.” Next time… hmmm.

”Do you have any plans for tomorrow?“ she asked. He seemed to be making a good recovery, his posture was better and he looked less pained… physically at least.

Callum:

Once they had come to the corner where Fawnroot slept, he had her lie down on the soft moss. "Sleep well, Fawn," he said gently, kissing her cheek. "I'll come in a little bit."

Sultaan:

He set his bowl down for a moment, watching the mare. "I'm planning on making silverware," he signed, his eyebrows wrinkling slightly in apology. "Would you like water?"

Ben:

He nodded and furrowed his brows in concentration, trying to match a name to a face. When none came to mind, he shrugged and moved behind the bar. Pulling out a black, leather bound book, he opened to the marked page. “Sign here and how many days you intend to stay.” He pointed at the space provided below other signatures, then placed a pen nearby the book.

“What is your business here anyway? Why come all the way from a mining town?” He asked curiously as he leaned his elbows against the bar, watching Rayla out of the corner of his eye.

Rayla:

She walked over to Ben

Colchi: He pranced in. “Nice place.” he commented, breathing in the soothing odors of a kitchen. “Dr. Edea. She told me she stayed here once, on a trip.“

He saw the redheaded mare, and gave her a brief, friendly wave before turning his attention back to Ben.

Ben:

His face flushed as Rayla’s voice came from the kitchen. “Ah...yes it is. Sorry, Rayla. You can come out.” Even though Ben didn’t think Colchi was a threat, that didn’t mean he trusted him. He watched the centaur carefully as Rayla exited the kitchen.

Rayla:

"Is it safe for me to come out now?"

Ben:

He slowly relaxed as the stranger introduced himself. Ben cocked an unamused eyebrow at him as he innocently bat his eyelashes. Ben’s suspicion melted away as he began to realize that this centaur was not a warrior. There was nothing about Colchi that was threatening and he doubted that Colchi had ill intentions. “Well then, Mr. Ian, come in.“ He replied and smirked, purposely using Colchi’s first name, even though he suggested to use his nickname. Ben opened the door fully, and stepped back. “May I ask which friend recommended my Tavern to you? Although I am from the north, I don’t know anyone from a mining town.”

Colchi: He batted his eyelashes, jokingly.

Rayla:

She stayed where she was.

Ben:

He frowned, but opened the door a little wider. “I am Ben Filo, yes.“ He studied the centaur. “Who are you? Where did you come from? How do you know of my Tavern?” Ben asked suspiciously and looked around, but this stranger appeared to be alone.

Ben:

His gut churned as the loud knock echoed through the Tavern. Whoever he is, this centaur wasn’t worried about being unanimous or covert. Ben exhaled sharply and crossed the room. “Uh...stay here, again.” He said, but he doubted Rayla would stay hidden twice.

Ben exited the kitchen and walked cautiously towards the Tavern door. He patted the knife in his pocket and carefully cracked the door open, just enough for his head and a section of his chest to be seen. Ben stared down at the stranger and cocked his head to the side. “Can I help you?” He asked coarsely with a weary look.

Colchi: Once he got to the Tavern door, he knocked confidently. That was one thing that had changed about his life. He would not have dared approach a fine establishment like this when he was a boy, not through the front door.

Rayla:

She looked at the centuar, "I don't know him."

Ben:

Out of the corner of his eye, he spotted a figure from the window coming towards the Tavern. Ben narrowed his eyes at the centaur, his muscles reflexively tensing. He’s never seen this centaur before and he looked odd. His body structure and features were much different than Rayla’s or his own, and he walked as if he was lost.

Ben gritted his teeth and quickly stood up. “Rayla...do you know him? He is strange to me.” Ben said and nodded out the window at the stranger who was lurking closer to his restaurant.

Colchi: Finally, his eyes rested on a sign reading “Filo’s Tavern” across the street. That was the place he had been referred to, right? He began to walk toward it.

Colchi: His lips tugged down in the corners. The last thing he wanted to do was wander around the town at this hour, in the cold night air. He looked around for any centaurs that might help him orient.

( Does anyone want to have their character(s) come interact with Colchi? I can also send him to where they are.)

Fawnroot:

She sighed deeply and nodded reluctantly. Though there was still a dark corner of her mind that was gravely concerned, she listened to Callum and pushed those thoughts away before she became too overwhelmed. Worrying about it wasn’t going to fix anything. “Yeah...I know you’re right.“ She relaxed her head into the palms of his warm hands. “It’s just hard to feel comforted when there‘s such an uncertainty about the future.“

Fawnroot felt a soft, delicate muzzle pressing against her shoulder. Sunpond stood close to her and offered a reassuring smile. “Everything will turn out okay.” She said gently, then yawned shyly.

Fawnroot smiled at both the young mare and the handsome centaur before her. “Yes, you‘re right, too. We’ll be fine. Come along and let’s get to bed. We have a big day tomorrow.“ Fawnroot replied before walking towards the medicine mare den, keeping close to Callum as always.

Sultaan:

He watched her, his ears pricked forward with interest. Once she had finished, he took his bowl and sipped from it, having no proper silverware to use.

Sultaan:

"Well, it's obviously a melon, and the inside is the juicy good stuff that practically melts into water in your mouth. Hence the name, 'watermelon'," he explained, smiling at the thought. "They're summer fruits."

Callum:

"Hey, hey. It'll be alright, Fawn. Don't let the thought overwhelm you. Take one moment at a time. It's the best anyone can do," he said gently, placing his hands on her cheeks. "Don't allow yourself to worry about the peace summit. It doesn't speed up or slow down the time anyway. Come on, let's get back to the cave and hit the hay."

Rayla:

SHe nodded, "I don't trust everyone, either. Just almost everyone."

Ben:

He sighed and nodded. "That is true. You are more reasonable." He paused, then smirked. "Well, most of the time." Ben teased before finishing his soup of stew. He stood and placed them onto the counter for him to clean later. "Just be careful." Ben repeated as he turned back to face Rayla.

"I may sound biased since this is not my homeland and I was not born into this herd, but I don't exactly trust everyone." He admitted gently with a shy smile.

(Recomment for @Riverbreeze

Rayla:

"He made it sound like he came to me because if he talked about it with any of the others their first reaction would be violence. He thinks they would mishandle the situation."

Sharpmist:

She welcomed a change in subject and answered him quickly. "Yes, it's mostly mares. Stallions are very rarely sky herders. Smaller mares are ideal-they're more maneuverable and harder to pull from the sky." She stared blankly at the ground for a second as she thought about his second question.

"Erm...there are several kinds of jobs for soldiers. Spies, captains, like Snakefire, under-stallions, which are basically all the warrior stallions who aren't captains, battle mares, spies, and of course, sky herders. Our over-stallion leads them all. If we go to war, he rallies our forces and organizes the captains. His mate, the lead-mare, will most likely stay-"

Sharpmist stopped abruptly in the middle of her sentence. Her eyes widened and she dug her hooves into the ground. "Wait a minute! Why am I telling you this? You aren't supposed to know this." She exclaimed panically, then flared her wings open and grimaced. "What am I doing? He's a prisoner! Anything I tell him, he could reveal to his herd and use it to their advantage. Or worse...if Snakefire knew I accidentally told him our herd secrets..." Sharpmist tossed her head, showing Daniel the whites of her eyes. Her voice dropped the a shrill whisper. "You can't tell Snakefire, or anyone, that I told you this. He'd have my head, or worse." Sharpmist hated herself. Now Daniel had an advantage over her. Her eyes grew fearful and her legs trembled.

Merrick:

He chewed on his lip and racked his brain for a gift idea that wasn't stupid or something that she wouldn't want. He glanced down at her and wrapped his arm around her waist, pulling her closer. "Would you like some new paints? Or brushes?" He offered with a gentle smile as the news began to sink in. Maybe I could forge her something?

"Just let me know if you need or want anything. I would like to get you something." Merrick said and looked down, watching her intently.

Through the branches of trees, the lights from lanterns and candles caught his attention. The smell of smoke and the noises of centaurs became louder as the campsite came closer. Merrick yawned again, then chucked lightly. "Seventeen, huh? Tomorrow is your day-just tell me what you want to do."

Fawnroot:

Sighing, she nodded slowly and folded her wings close to her sides. "Indeed..." She replied silently, almost too quietly to hear. Fawnroot turned her head to look up at Callum, "We'll face that day when it comes. Kilroy's peace summit has to work. It has to." Fawnroot bit her lip and shifted her weight. "If it doesn't...well, if it doesn't work then...I-I don't know what to do."

She muttered and glanced in the direction of the Interior, thinking about the large and diverse Centaur herd...and all the weapons they possess.

Sultaan:

"Which fruits..." He paused a moment to take his bowl and set it on the stone slab of a table he had. "I like watermelon. I haven't had it in a very, very long time, though."

Sultaan:

"That sounds healthy," he signed, offering a small smile. "For me, I've always loved the meat dishes. For example, the steak and potatoes with green beans and garlic. As well as a fruit salad on the side." (Mouth waters)

Sultaan:

He stood a pace away behind Reba, watching her intelligent hands create a masterpiece he could never question. Going over so that she could see what he was saying, he signed, "What's your favorite food?"

Callum:

He sighed deeply. "I'd nearly forgotten about the peace summit," he murmured, looking grave and sad. "It only reminds me how our kindreds are so against each other."

( @Stormsun would you like to maybe do some scenes with Val and Fig? If you have time? We can keep it slow paced.)

Kelly:

She pressed her lips together and looked at him in surprise. She actually hadn't properly celebrated her birthday in for a while, sometimes getting some sort of jewelry from her friends or going out, so she hadn't expected Merrick to react like this.

"Thank you," she smiled warmly at him.

She leaned against him as they walked slowly to her home. "I-I have no clue though..." She winced. "I guess I do need some new fighting equipment but..." she remembered her injuries. "I-I have no idea..." She hoped this wouldn't send him into frenzy, searching for a gift for her.

(i gotta reply with Sharpmist later! Gtg after this!)

Merrick:

He too, chuckled sheepishly and rubbed at his eyes. Suddenly, he froze, now wide awake from the unexpected news. "Wait..." He stopped in his tracks and turned to face Kelly. "Your birthday is tomorrow?!" He asked, his eyes wide and body tense.

"Oh crud. Oh crud. Oh crud. Oh crud...what do I do? I'm her boyfriend! It's her birthday! She needs a gift! No, she deserves a gift...what would she even want? No gift in the world would ever be good enough..." Nervous thoughts rapidly buzzed around in his mind, but he tried not to make it obvious.

Merrick groaned and rested his head on top of her's, but continued walking. He sighed and kissed her forehead. "I should have asked."

"Anyway, allow me to be the first to say happy early birthday!" He exclaimed with a grin, but his words did little to soothe his anxiety. "So uh..." He squeezed her hand again. "What would you like, birthday girl?"

Snakefire:

He sensed they were speaking of him, and his muscles tensed slightly. He pinned his ears back and snarled, before ripping up another mouthful of grass. Tealfrost looked at Snakefire curiously.

Daniel:

He listened quietly, and stared at the ground blankly. After a moment, he answered, "Sounds... stressful," he mumbled quietly, peering at Snakefire with narrowed eyes. "He definitely doesn't seem to be the nicest guy to be around... ha," muttered the wounded kidnapped centaur bitterly.

Deciding to change the subject again, he said, "I've heard about Sky Herders a couple of times. I think I remember one of my buddies telling me about them. A huge group of the mares -they're only mares, right? Small mares?- stampeding horses and herding them to our camp." Daniel's eyes flickered curiously, but also painfully. "Do you guys have any other kinds of jobs for your fighters?"

Kelly:

She looked up at Merrick with a smile. "Awww, sleepy-head." She squeezed his hand back in a slight playful manner as they continued walking.

She was soon blinking sleepily and was ready to collapse right then and there, her legs talking small steps.

Then she straightened in remembrance, remembering today's date. "Oh... uh... Merrick? I sort of forgot to tell you, but" -she chuckled sheepishly- "tomorrow is my birthday. I'm turning 17."

(Summary: Callum and Fawnroot told each other jokes as Sunpond and Thornhill listened. Now Thornhill is going home with his mom. Reba and Sultaan finished looking around the beach and went home, now they are cooking dinner.

Reiyzl spied on Leon’s house, and reported her findings to Fig, who sent her to be a discreet bodyguard for Raven. Raven and Zayne might be heading back to work.

Rayla and Ben are relaxing for the evening because all the patients had since gone home. Ben made some soup and Kilroy came to talk secretly with Rayla about the Pegasi, which she took very well and agreed to support Kilroy’s work. Ben has some reservations about Kilroy’s trustworthiness.

I introduced a new character, Colchi, who is currently alone on the outskirts of camp.)

(Oh my gosh... hi. I made a post in Herd Chat explaining why I was gone)

Rayla: "He made it sound like he came to me because if he talked about it with any of the others their first reaction would be violence. He thinks they would mishandle the situation."