Solo Is It Possible To Become A Sea Horse Without Fins?

[Septimus]

Fall, 58th 512AV With yesterdays training, Septimus had decided that swimming was an amazing way to exercise, build muscle tone, and make herself useful. Even though she was a bit sore from yesterday, she decided she needed to keep tearing those muscles as they started to heal back and luckily they had been healing back fast because today that was her plan. With the exception that she would be going on a heck of a lot longer which would probably kill her conscience; or her conscience kill her with annoyance. Either way, she was going with this plan. By the third time of coming down this path to the beach, she almost knew it by heart. Once more, her body formed a bubble but this time it was a bit smaller as she saw some semi-familiar people and they soon developed the idea that she wouldn't hurt a fly. However, for others it was the other way around. That was the first time they had saw her and some were throwing selves against others to get out of her way. Do I scare people that much? I guess that's a good thing for the battlefield, eh?" Her possessions that she carried upon her back were held there tightly in a bundle, the shield being a bit rough on her back. Her sleek black coat appeared to have many shades that danced around every time a different amount of lighting hit it, giving off a beautiful illusion that her pelt was changing colors with almost every move her elegant yet powerful body made. Some people turned to catch a glimpse of not only that, but the riderless, tackless horse walking alone amongst them. Septimus was sure some had ideas, but she would snort violently occasionally to scare off any stragglers that moved closer and closer to her. If that didn't work, she'd toss up her head with a neigh and stamp her foot, all the while smiling inside as she watched them "occasionally" slink back in with the crowd. This problem hadn't occurred the first two days and she wondered why, but didn't dwell. Boom, there it was. That ever most comfortable feeling that her hooves felt when they hit the sand. Septimus was growing accustomed to this training place and she hoped she didn't grow too accustomed to it, for if she did, she'd probably have to move onto something more challenging. But she would, however, work on her endurance and speed in swimming still. It was quite a remarkable sight if one stared long enough; a beautiful example of a Tiaden War Horse walking down onto the beach, and into the water for swimming. Anyone could tell that it was not a normal individual, and anyone could see that the horse was pushing herself, almost to train to be a good swimmer. Septimus wanted to be a good swimmer, actually a great swimmer. But how would that help on the field of combat? Quite possibly, in several ways. In case her and her rider needed to cross a body of water to reach the line. Or even if they needed to jump from a boat and swim to reach shore. There was no doubt a horse could swim longer than a human or the like with a very good amount of training, right? Excluding a Konti of course. The Kelvic walked over to a good spot, then grabbed the rope which held the contents on her back with her mouth, pulling it in which it fell to the sand. With that being said, she approached the water then stopped at water's edge. It was cool and morning was beginning to turn into midday, and the Kelvic took a deep breath and a moment to examine her surroundings. It was a bit more windy than usual and this would mean a stronger current than Septimus was used to. However, the Kelvic would soon find this out in the water. The Kelvic was ankle high in salt water before she realized how strong the undertow was. Good, more petching work for me. With this, the Kelvic charged the water and instantly experienced the effects of the strong current. Septimus remained calm and reminded herself to swim parallel to shore then cut in if need be. Do not strain yourself in these harsher waters! You'll ri- Septimus cut her own good conscience off Shut the petch up! I need this!"

[Septimus]

That chilly water sent a cold chill up and down her back but she knew as soon as she got in for a bit her body would adapt. The current tried to pull her body out to sea but the Kelvic would not stand for that and let herself be swept away and befall at the knees of anything that awaited her out there. Just like practiced, some of it came naturally and the rest came from the previous day of training. Her legs moved in a fast rhythmic pattern that had become slightly more elegant with training. Her newly repaired muscled burned slightly with every pull but it didn't stop her too much. Septimus kept tugging herself through the water, the waves a bit higher than the previous days, draining more and more energy out of her but it was good because this meant she would train faster but better within a shorter interval of time. The Kelvic's breathing was picking up as her energy was being sucked out of her more quicker than she was used to. Her head was held high above the water to keep from any excess salt water from reaching her nostrils than the occasional sea spray that the unbroken waves flung at her. There it was again; the ocean's never ending relentless current sucking her into it's deadly mouth. Pounding against the saltwater, her enlarged hooves provided an edge against the water but she still was no match. She was slowly making progress away from shore rather than towards it like the other days. It was just too strong today. There was no way she could pull it off! The Kelvic instantly cut over to swim parallel but the current was wider than she thought. The Kelvic's thoughts were screaming at Zulrav for mercy and help when she hit the right spot and broke free from the current's pull. Nonetheless, she still thanked him. Does he even hear me? Is it possible for one to be ignored by such a God? Sure he is busy, but would he ignore one whom prays to thee almost everyday? Septimus had hit the perfect spot where it was a bit stronger than she was used to but not too weak. Unfortunately, she had arrived at this spot at a bad time for now her tired, large, midnight black, self was running out of energy to spare for training and it began to show for she was slacking in quickly swimming for now she was a a content slow paced rest like swim in the water. Pick it up, damn it! Now, Septimus! If not now, at least high tale i- i- what the petch?!?! Swim! DAMN, SEPTIMUS, SWIM! Now her conscience was screaming at her, good and bad side. A large dark shape in the water was coming straight for her in the water. Her large raised head could see it with her focused eyes and she soon stepped on it. She had no time to swim parallel for the shore for it had already cut her off in that direction and the Kelvic was now entering a panic mode. Her large body was now running off fumes and adrenaline as her large legs moved faster and she neared the shore, cutting left. It was coming closer to her and faster and as she neared the shore it was still chasing her. She was surprised at herself for how long she had gone on and decided that she had probably even more endurance now but she would pay in the morning with sore muscles. Septimus got to where she could touch the sand and quickly was leaping out of the water as fast as possible to escape whatever it was. She moved very fast with very good stamina and soon was out of the chilly water in no time. Looking back at the large black object, it was soon creeping out of the sea and onto the sand revealing... a shadow?!?!?! Septimus instantly jerked her head up to see an arrowhead like shaped cloud above casting the dark shadow onto the ground. The Kelvic was quite frankly pissed at herself but glad she had managed to make it out okay. She was tired, beaten, and worn. Septimus could probably rest for several days but she knew that there was more to it than that and she needed to train harder. But the question was, how long could she actually go on without collapsing from exhaustion? How much harder could she train without falling to the sand? Septimus was already drained and unfortunately that wasn't good. The currents had taken a toll on her and she wouldn't dare enter the water again until well rested. Or would she? Would it help cool her worked body so she could rest faster? The Tiaden War Horse looked into the sky at that arrow shaped cloud that had killed her training then pondered could it have possibly even saved her training though? I mean, damn, if it wasn't for that cloud you wouldn't have gotten that adrenaline rush to push you farther than you wanted to go! You would've just cut into shore and that petching cloud's shadow pushed you on longer! It drove you to reach the shore without cutting in. The situation caused her to become perplexed and finally she gave up contemplating it. Petch it, anyways, now we've got to decide what to do next. You're too damn tired to get back in the water and those currents out there are a monstrosity. Damn it, as much as I hate to say it, rest up a bit." This would put a toll on her but in the end it was worth every bit for the tired War Horse as she crashed to the sand once more. Perhaps she was pushing herself too much? Was she putting herself at a health risk? She would need a break, a relaxing break. One where she could work her muscles but also rest somewhat. Just escape for a bit; and as the horse lay there with heavy long and deep breath she examined the sea to take in it's beauty. Before she had seen it as just another training tool but then as she took a second look, it truly was a beautiful sight. The gulls that flew overhead, the crashing waves, the sound, the smell, it was all delightful and she wondered why it wasn't much more packed down here. It was so peaceful.

[Septimus]

Septimus was thirsty and knew she couldn't consume the saltwater. The Kelvic needed to search for a quick source of fresh water, possibly some that had collected from the waterfall spray nearby and there it was. A large puddle formed with a clear water filling. Septimus smelt it to make sure, and then even stuck her tongue out to taste it. Deciding that it was 90% freshwater (or something along those lines), she decided to drink up. The small puddle was soon emptied within a few minutes of the horse visiting it. Now hydrated and somewhat rested, the Kelvic returned to the water, carefully making sure that she could touch, and she went just beyond that limit so it was right there almost like a life ring if needed. There was no noticeable current besides the undertow that kept her on her toes and once she decided she could handle more she eased her way back on out. Her muscles were flexing, growing, and burning as she worked them even harder. Remember what Xuphim said, you need to resemble your Patron! Stronger and Faster, come on let's go! Septimus sometimes needed a reminder about her limits but in this case it wasn't needed. Right now she was just working on endurance and she needed to be out there where the currents were strong and wild so she could fight. Would this training please her Patron if he were to judge it? Septimus waded a bit farther on out where she soon began to feel the current once more, but it was a bit weaker than the previous one she had entered. Then began moving her legs. Her body could be thought of like a clock. Her stomach could be thought of as the main gear. It used the generated energy to be sent out through every single little and bigger gear through the rest of the clock. And every single one of those gears required a small amount of energy from that one power providing gear and these gears would be her muscles and organs. And then those gears turned larger gears which turned smaller gears, transferring these small amounts of energy throughout those gears finally reaching it's make focus points. These main focus points would be the clock hands turning. Every second, every minute, every hour. And these clock hands would then be looked at as the very large and sturdy muscular black and white legs slicing through the water. This was it for swimming today and she soon leapt out of the water and went to collect her items that she had sat down. These items were her comfortable white, or dingy beige by now, linen shirt, her light and airy pants along with the undergarments. Her large wooden shield acquired from the Knighthood sat beside her broadsword in which he had obtained from her long forgotten father who had disappeared when she was just six months. But those were long forgotten memories including the day she had returned and set free the familiar white mare. And beside this was her human form's full armor which had been given to her upon signing up, and then there was the practice dummy that would soon be receiving some hard hits. Septimus shifted then eagerly got her clothes on, then her armor in which she decided she would practice in full out today to get a better feel of how it would be. It was heavy enough to add as a smaller and less talked about reason in her muscle training and bodybuilding. Already you could sense a difference in her human form's muscle mass and density. It was just her sheer presence that seemed larger. Perhaps this wasn't 'ladylike' for some people's tastes but it was her liking and to be honest, she cared of what no one else thought rather than her Patron, the Knighthood, and Zulrav. When everything was settled, Septimus stuck the dummy in the dirt like she had done just a few days prior than today and stepped back to stretch just like Xuphim had advised. She twisted her back which she probably should have done before she had put on her metal armor because it all in all would have given her a pretty good edge and a better stretching experience. Either way, Septimus was stretching to the best that her ability would allow her to do so, bending down with her legs pinned back, rolling her shoulders and twisting her arms. She was surprised at how flexible her armor allowed her to be. Septimus then picked up the dummy then shoved the wooden human wannabe into the sand harder than her previous days would allow it. It was a lot more stable and she hoped for this the post at the bottom wouldn't snap. Septimus picked up her shield and sword then prepared herself in the familiar Triangular Stance she had been practicing and working on lately.

[Septimus]

BAM! Septimus hit against the dummy with her shield in her left hand, performing the Screening Technique, then used her longsword to cut at the dummy like practiced, turning her wrist to an almost perfect angle and cutting into where a human's heart would have been. And as if that wouldn't have finished off the perpetrator, she used her shield then spun and the corner of the wooden shield nailed the dummy straight at the neck which would have hit a man's jugular vein, surely ending the life of her opponent. Bam! Another successful attack that hit the dummy in the right place. The fresh mark was far more deeper than the other attacks that she had made from the previous day and the first attack today. It would have most definitely ended that person's life as well. It was almost sad to see such a young being thinking this way. When one's life was still so innocent, when one whom had never had the intent to bring harm to anything was now set on killing anything or anyone whom the Knighthood or her Patron or anyone above her for that matter gave the order to execute. Her hands -or hooves depending on which form she was in at the time of consideration- were spotless and shiny with a very small amount of bad deeds committed in her lifetime if any at this time and it was very very hard to believe and let it hit the realization inside that in just a few days she would be on the battlefield ending the lives of many, possibly even her own. That was a risk she had to take though. That was her purpose anyways, for she was a Tiaden War Horse. Not a riding horse, not a pet horse, but a war horse and Septimus saw it this way. For anyone that took pity upon her, she simply (figuratively this is all being said) would place her hands upon their shoulders, look them in the eyes, then tell them simply not to worry for it was her purpose. BAM! Another successful attack and another deep mark was displayed on the dummy's wooden figure that was soon accompanied by another extremely hard blow to the neck, leaving a dent behind. Several more of these attacks and with each one, the attack grew more deadlier, more fiercer, and more explosive as the frustration grew. Each attack left a deeper cut and dent than before, leaving the dummy in a used condition rather than it's prior new state. BAM! Another attack but this time she left the shield out of the picture, using the sword with two hands rather than one, doubling the power, cutting into the dummies' chest area, leaving a very deep mark. Then she practiced this maneuver with the shield only leaving another deep mark. Septimus got into the position as if she were about to do push-ups, placed the dummy and shield on her back, then tied it with the rope that had secured her belongings to her horse form in a tight fashion but to the point where one pull from either end of the rope on her front side would release the shield and dummy allow that to be dropped from her back and onto the ground behind her. The Kelvic began her march towards the pathway to return to camp. She wished she had her mini bubble to surround her but her armor and height provided somewhat of a substitute. That's when Septimus heard it, a shout from a woman who sounded to be like in her late 50's - 60's. Septimus wasn't for sure, but knew she was elderly.

[Septimus]

Where she then spotted it. The woman being hassled by two men. One of the two men appeared to be in his late 40's and the younger one appeared to be no older than 20. They were obviously father and son for their features resembled one another far too much for there to be any other possible explanation on Mizahar. They were poking and prodding the elderly lady's belongings and no one was intervening. Fortunately for the wrinkled elderly prune, Septimus was there to witness the father snatch the woman's satchel and put his shortsword up to the elderly woman's throat to threaten her to tell no soul. The son was simply and slowly slinking back into the crowd, obviously scared and ashamed of his father's acts. Septimus snatched the man's shoulder then threw him up against a sturdy rock looking into his eyes "Who do you think you are? Why don't you pick on someone your own size, hm?" she chuckled slightly then instinctively ducked a slash attempt by the man's short sword. Obviously, Septimus had the advantage here, her being clad in armor, her with a shield, her longsword which possessed more range, and a larger muscle tone despite her aching muscles from training already and he lunged this time barely grazing her armor's torso part. The Kelvic, all in one very quick motion, pulled the rope, which sent the rope itself, the shield, and her practice dummy clattering to the ground. The foolish man was obviously very aggressive, throwing the elderly woman's satchel down on the ground and charging for Septimus who instinctively reacted, grabbing her shield and holding it up. The man's sword hit her shield just in the nick of time as she held it up with a good brace behind herself. Using most of her leg muscles for momentum, she lunged at the man, using a screening technique to block his view from an angle, then she shot out from underneath with her sword. The man was obviously very skilled, recognizing the technique and jumped back and up before her sword could reach him fully. However, Septimus did feel contact with him and when he was out of striking range, the Kelvic examined him to see a large tear in his pants and blood coming from his calf. Good! This motherpetching bastard needs it! Septimus rose all the way, standing defensively in a good lighting that showed her actual size. The very stupid man charged once more and Septimus, only defending herself, blocked his attack with her shield then grabbed his unguarded sword arm, and slammed it on her protected thigh. There was a loud pop sound and the man shrieked in pain, holding his arm. Septimus, trying to catch a breath from the surprise attack, walked towards him. This man needed to be brought to justice and taken in, but despite his pain, the man held his possibly broken or fractured arm and ran off. That would teach him a lesson, for there was no way he could seek a healer for they would turn him in for his wrong doing as well so he would have to make it grow back on his own with the possibility of deformation. Septimus, far too tired from training and from the incident did not chase him for she had a small amount of endurance left. The Kelvic quickly looked around for his son through the crowd, spotting his dad's familiar inherited eyes looking upon her about five feet away. Septimus looked at the point with a glare then motioned for him to come to her with her right index finger. The young boy gingerly walked up to her, possibly for fear of having his arm broken like his father "Where did he go, young man?" Her breathing was heavy and her voice was full of hardened seriousness in which was slightly more intimidating. "I don't know! He runs around here every night just looking for trouble! I try to stop him and he goes and gets drunk and he's abusive! But I can't just abandon him, I mean he's my dad!" Septimus shook her head "Sure you can. Run away from him, leave him here alone. He's a criminal and deserves to be treated as one. Now I beg you, to go and leave him to fend for himself. He'll come across worse than me if you don't." It was partially true, for if he recognized he was alone his father would seek help possibly. But that was for fate to decide and Septimus didn't know for sure of his father's future actions. And with this, the dirty fair haired young man ran back to the port. Now, Septimus walked over, picking up the elderly woman's satchel and very gently helping pick her up (for she had sunk down on the ground out of fear) on her two feet, the Kelvic looked into the woman's eyes "Are you okay ma'am? Do you need any medical attention? Any scrapes, scratches or bruises? Wouldn't want any wound to get infected." The elderly woman simply shook her head "No, but thank you, sweetie. Thanks for giving him what he deserves and giving my money back! I can stand thost types of people! They make me sick!" With that being said, the woman grabbed Septimus' open hand, pried her loose fingers open and dropped several golden mizas in her hand "Take this for me." Septimus shook her head then offered the money back to the woman "No ma'am, I can't accept this! I'm only doing what's right." For some reason which Septimus didn't know, the woman chuckled "And that's exactly why I'm rewarding you. Too many people go around here doing bad things and claiming the reward for themselves. However you, young lady, did something good and will probably have no recognition besides in my life and your own. Now take this, please." "Ma'am, that's what I live for. I seek no greater reward than to do good and know deep down I did good." The woman shook her head, hugged Septimus then walked on, refusing to take the money. Septimus stood there for several minutes contemplating what had happened, then weaved her hand to her pants pocket to place the mizas there securely. Septimus then sat her sword on the ground, and tied her shield and dummy back to her back, picking up her broadsword and the man's abandoned shortsword. FIN.

[Gossamer]

Character: Septimus
Experience: Bodybuilding +1, Planning +1, Swimming +2, Shield +2, Broadsword +2, Observation +1, Listening +1
Lore: Planning an exercise routine. Clouds are not predators. Identifying A Public Nuisance,
Reward: Five GM


Additional Note: Be sure you are aware of your setting. A woman in Riverfall would not be publicly hassled like that no matter or age or whomever is doing the hassling. The Akalaks are all very skilled combatants and would not stand for it. So make sure your ‘scene’ is appropriate for the setting. If they were off alone outside the city that would be more fitting. Within the city, Septimus would have never gotten a chance to intervene.

Otherwise, another nice training thread!