Completed Foreign Faces

[Job thread] Unusual clients come to the Thunderherd Pavilion.

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Not found on any map, Endrykas is a large migrating tent city wherein the horseclans of Cyphrus gather to trade and exchange information. [Lore]

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Foreign Faces

Postby Ashka Windrunner on February 25th, 2017, 5:03 am

Image

15th of Winter, mid-morning
Thunderherd Pavilion


The mare's black coat was shining under Syna's rays this sunny morning. It had taken Ashka quite a few chimes to rid her of the dirt and grasses sticking to her skin, but the result was worth the time. Ash took a couple of steps back to admire the beauty of the jet black coat gleaming in bright light.
'Look how we got you sorted there, beautiful !'
A nonchalant snort answered her enthusiasm, as Valdis' nose went back to rummaging the grass stalks at her feet.
'You would thank me if you could see yourself, really' Ash continued with an amused smile. 'With this look, no stallion in the Sea of Grass could resist you !'
She patted the mare on the back, satisfied. An ear twisting back at her was the only reaction she got from the indifferent animal, but she was happy with her work anyway. Grooming the horses was good for their health, and would definitely help in sales as well, but overall, Ashka found much satisfaction in spending time with the herd.

She left Valdis at her grazing to take care of her next task : two yearlings had to be taken for a stroll, out of the city, and groomed. Working with the younger horses was challenging, but very rewarding ; their energy and playfulness always uplifted her spirits. The redhead walked to a row of hanging halters and, after choosing a small one that would fit a year old animal, hung it over her shoulder. Her tutors had advised her to use a lead early in training, to create closer contact with the animal ; the lead could be removed later on once the horse understood orders more easily.

The colt was playing with an elder Strider, jumping around excitedly under the warm sky. His long legs, seemingly out of proportions with his yearling head, stamped the high grasses with carefree energy. Ash smiled at him as her hand reached for his neck. Greetings were signed and the horse's nose was soon snuffling in her hands, as a reciprocal salutation. She gently poked his lips under his warm breathe, teasing him playfully while he checked for a tasty treat in her palms.

'Soon, boy, soon. After work,' she answered to his inquisitive rummaging.
The Drykas woman then took the halter off her and presented it to the horse in a slow gesture, reassuring smile on her face. She knew how important it was to move through each step of the training slowly, following the animal's own pace of learning. If a task or a lesson was forced upon them, they'd become frightened and defensive, and all of the trust built between the mount and trainer would be ruined.

An interested snout met the rope. With short snuffles, it inspected the object. The curious nostrils recognized the smell, associated with humans, and the sensitive skin recognized the texture, the memories of a bond on his face, but not in a spooky way, no, in a way that demanded a game, a distraction, with a potential reward at the end.

Word count516

Pavi Grassland sign | Common | Nari
Last edited by Ashka Windrunner on March 2nd, 2017, 8:15 am, edited 2 times in total.
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Foreign Faces

Postby Ashka Windrunner on March 2nd, 2017, 8:13 am

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It took the colt a few chimes to decide if he was interested in that game, while Ashka petted his head encouragingly. Finally, he turned away from the tool, bored already of its now familiar scent. His trainer took the opportunity of space to slip the halter around his ears and nose. Now that he had recognized it, the horse would not get spooked from those bits of rope hanging on his face. In fact, he only looked mildly concerned by whatever Ash was doing.

'Come on, you play with me now,' she said, her voice trying for an assertive tone.
The colt's head turned away from her anyway, and back to the stallion he was previously chasing around. He neighed loudly, demanding his attention, obviously willing to go back to their play. For human as for horses, the concentration of a one year old was hard to keep up...

The young woman clicked her tongue to draw the distracted colt's attention back to her.
No use.
Oblivious of the lead attached to him and of the person holding it, the young horse turned away and took a couple of steps towards his former game partner. The elder stallion was already trotting his way up to a group of Strider mares a few hundred feet away, and the colt almost started into a trot as well.

But suddenly, the loose weight hanging at the other side of the rope sank her heels in the ground and, with a as-firm-as-she-could hand and a loud 'no!', intimated him to stop.
It was surprise more than obedience that brought the horse to a halt, but at least the result was there. Soft brown eyes found her grey gaze, and she read his silent question in the wondering look in them.
'We play, then you go', she explained in a friendly and cheering voice, while her free hand automatically signed good and reward.

Positive reinforcement, keep insisting on the positive side of the play. Not a job, make it a game for him. The words of her uncle echoed in her head as she patted the colt on the shoulder. She had to make herself accounted for and authoritarian, but in a pleasant sort of way, so that the horse followed her training willingly. She had to show she was the leader, the Alpha.

As for actually addressing to them aloud...
That was just the most natural way for her to act around less familiar horses. They could get used to her voice, understand her tones, and she became more self-assured when giving her requests out loud. Her elder brothers found the habit rather teasing-material, but she couldn't help it. It had developped while spending so much time taking care of their four-legged companions instead of raising two-legged of her own, like most Drykas women her age.

Let's go for a walk, she simply said. The Drykas took a step forward while standing on the left side of the yearling, one hand holding the rope about five inches from his head. She did not pull the lead, nor rest her hand on it, but just made him feel its weight slightly. The colt glanced et her briefly, unsure of what to do next. She took another step, clicking her tongue in an encouraging way, calling him to her. He was not completely new to the exercise, and made, slowly, almost reluctantly, a step forward. Then, finally agreeing to follow, his long legs strode ahead, robust feet stomping down hardly, neck slightly curved in the showy display of a proud stallion.

word count596 (1112)

Pavi Grassland sign | Common | Nari
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Ashka Windrunner
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Foreign Faces

Postby Ashka Windrunner on March 25th, 2017, 11:08 am

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Ash couldn't help but laugh at his presomptuous array. For now it was just a game, an act of make-believe, but it spoke clearly of the future. At just over a year of age and despite his gangly looks, the colt already showed much insurance and sociability.
"I know, I know, you are the best," she said, amusement taking place on her features." I am very proud of you !"

A friendly hand rose up to stroke the dark mane. It always took a bit of time to get to work with these young ones. Then, the Drykas woman focused on the task and positioned herself on his left, by his head. She took a few steps ahead, and this time the colt followed her. She made sure her right hand held on the rope, close to his head, and stopped him every time he would try to walk ahead of her. The aim of this exercise was for the horse to understand to follow a leader, without going ahead by himself or stepping onto her feet. He would learn to be patient and obedient and follow hand and voice, which, when he'll grow into a large and brawny beast, will prove very appreciated.

The pair went on for a few chimes, walking in large circles around the pavilion and the herd, with Ashka encouraging his best behaviours with a cheering voice and a soft hand. She then began to stop without warning after a random amount of steps, making sure that he kept following her lead and stopped when she did. The colt seemed to enjoy the stroll now, his curious eyes gazing at her when the walk came to a halt, ears turned forward as a sign of his focused attention. After a couple more chimes, her right hand released the rope and she only used it to gently tap his shoulder when she wanted to pause, introducing a new signal in his training.

The young horse proved himself attentive and dedicated to this training session, at Ashka's great satisfaction. She did not want to bore him with a long and repetitive task, so the woman walked them both back the herd. Before taking off the halter, she went to fetch in a yvas bag a handful of dried, sweet berries, that made delicious treats for horses. A spark of envy shined in the eyes of the colt and he let out a loud neigh of enthusiasm.

"Good work, my boy" Ash flattered, a hand patting his neck while the other presented him the fruits. She relieved him of the ropes while he enjoyed his tasty bite, and turned around to go and fetch the grooming equipment.

oocWord count : 449 (1561)

Pavi Grassland sign | Common | Nari
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Ashka Windrunner
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Foreign Faces

Postby Ashka Windrunner on March 25th, 2017, 11:27 am

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As she shifted away from the colt and towards the pavilion, her grey eyes met those, deep blue, of a woman standing there, staring straight at her. Ashka jumped of surprise, startled at first, then confused as she realised she did not hear them coming. Them, for it was not one but three strangers standing about fifty feet in front of her. All were showing expectancy in their posture, as if they had been awaiting for the Drykas woman to finally offert them her help.

She blinked, perplexed for an instant, then signed a formal greeting while she walked up to the newly-arrived trio. During the few necessary steps to reach them, the grey gaze widened as it flickered from one foreign face to the other.

A man, two woman.

The one to whom this sapphire gaze belonged to was obviously of Drykas lineage : dark blonde, braided hair, the beams in her locks and the golden hues of her clothing spoke of a Topaz Clan member. With her soft features and short height, she looked like an innocent lamb, and the impression strenghtened as she offered Ash an affable smile and answered her greeting.

The other woman, on the contrary, reminded the horse-handler of a predatory owl, with her round hazel eyes wide open and a nose like a sharp, short beak. She was dressed simply but yet strangely, in a dark skirt falling to her ankles and a headdress unlike Ashka had ever seen. She stayed quiet and kept her severe gaze fixed on the Drykas facing her.

Finally, the man. Tall, very skinny with bronze skin and thinning hair, the look in his light blue eyes clearly showed that he had no idea of what he was doing here. He seemed quite uncomfortable standing around and was glancing nervously at the horses ahead. To her Drykas judgement, he looked vulnerable, like a fish out of water.

Ashka came to the evident conclusion that those two were walahks, probably arrived in Endrykas recently judging by their odd appearance. A dozen of interrogations rose in her mind, just like every time she encountered foreigners. Where did they come from ? What had brought their path into Endrykas ? What were their stories, their adventures ? But before she had a chance to formulate them, the blonde Drykas answered some of her unspoken questions.

"I am Lyanna Pridesun, of the Topaz Clan," she started, smiling warmly.
"My friends here are Eloise and Kalvin," she continued, her hand showing successively the owl-like woman and the skinny man. "As you may know, my Pavilion had recently welcomed many new members." New family."Like parents to their children, we need to instruct them in the way of our people. This is why I seek your help today." Wal, riding. "We look to acquire new mounts, easy to ride and good to teach beginners." Walahks. "I have been told this is the best place to find what we search for." She stopped, expectant, her hand signing a query to the younger Drykas.

oocWord count = 507 (2068)

Pavi Grassland sign | Common | Nari
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Ashka Windrunner
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Foreign Faces

Postby Ashka Windrunner on March 25th, 2017, 11:53 am

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The tone was sweet like honey, maybe too sweet to be sincere, but Ash felt herself relaxed a little bit. "Welcome to the Thunderherd Pavilion. You have been well informed," the redhead finally answered, a polite smile curving her lips. "We have here the best horses of all Endrykas, and I am happy to help you find the ones that suit your needs." While her hands signed help, advice, best, she noticed that the walakhs had not moved, one still staring while the other stamped his feet, visibly tensed. Did they understand Pavi or did they completely ignore the reason of their presence here ?

Once again, Lyanna cut her interrogations short with her charming tone, reeling off a sentence like she had learned it by heart.
"We are looking for an experienced and obedient mount, with an even temper and best to teach beginners riders."

Ash frowned slightly as she tried to recall which one of their horses would suit the walahks better. Toril, Suwan and Atticus were usually the ones handling those requests but they were busy discussing trading plans as the journey to Eyktol approached, and they explicitly asked not to be interrupted. Zynar was out in the Sea, gone for a training ride.

The auburn hair Drykas turned away and walked inside the huge tent sheltering some of the city's finest animals, inviting the group to follow her with a wave of her hand. She then stopped next to a bay mare, resting still despite not wearing any gear.

"This is Kelta, an Eyktolian mixed bred." Ash started, a hand absently rising to pat the chestnut neck as the others gathered around. "She is calm and very patient. She has helped us before to teach children and young riders." Obedience, tolerance."I think she is a great match for your needs."

The young Drykas' grey eyes danced from one face to the other, trying to unveil the thoughts behind each foreign gaze.

Lyanna took her words in with a gentle nod, a smile sticking to her lips in a way that looked now more falsely polite than genuinely interested. Ashka's brow furrowed slightly at her empty stare. It seemed that she didn't care much for which mount Ash would sell her as long as she could go back to her Pavilion her mission accomplished.

Eloise was examining the horse with an inquisitive eye, though still warily. Hands joined in her back, frown joining her brows, her attitude was that of a stern parent unsure to give its approval to another's child. Perhaps she knew more than Lyanna about horsemanship and had been brought here to advice the blonde. Or perhaps she had never seen an Eyktolian bred before and doubted the mare's strength because of her small build. Either way, the woman did not seem to approve of what she saw. Yet, there was nothing to worry about : the Thunderherd were well-known for the quality of their horses and their honesty,

Ashka moved her eyes away from her to watch the tall man. He stayed away from the mare, still visibly uncomfortable. In a effort to bring him at ease, the horse-handler addressed to him in a common heavily tinged with Pavi.

"Come, don't scare. She is nice, very. Do you know to ride horse ?" She made an effort to sound friendly and reassuring, just like she did when dealing with a frightened foal. But in spite of her attempt, all she got from the skinny stranger was an anxious stare from his bright blue eyes and a vigorous shake of the head as a refusal to get any closer.

She blinked at him briefly, surprised, before reporting her attention back to Eloise.

"And you ?" she asked in a voice that had lost hope for an enthusiastic answer.

The strange woman gave her a quick glance before speaking in a common broken by a foreign accent Ashka had never heard.
[color=#4451C0B]"I know. I ride, alright."[/color]

The walahks then turned their attention away from her. Ash was left with Lyanna only to continue the conversation.

oocWord count = 680 (2748)

Pavi Grassland sign | Common | Nari
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Ashka Windrunner
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Foreign Faces

Postby Ashka Windrunner on March 25th, 2017, 12:04 pm

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"So... What do you think ? I can fetch some gear if you want to try a ride. Kelta also knows the saddle, if they need."

"It won't be necessary" Lyanna answered with that honeyed voice of her."I know the Thunderherd's reputation, and I trust your judgement. We know where to find you should there be any issue with Kelta."

Ashka didn't like her tone anymore nor the way she talked about the mare. She sounded too false, with her pretended politeness. And Ash found worrying the way she didn't seem to care at all for the mare.

"And I know where to find Kelta should I want to see how well she is," she responded with an almost sharp tone."Do you need any gear at all ?"

Lyanna only gave a negative nod, her now annoying smile still crossing her round face.

"Then I need to find Miyzer, he..."

She did not have the time to finish her sentence for the one person she needed entered the side of the pavilion they stood in.

"Miyzer !" A sigh of relief almost pierced through with the name, but she managed to stay composed. "This is Miyzer Shadowmane. He will discuss the details of the deal and arrange a good price for you. Miyzer, this is Lyanna Pridesun, and they are Eloise and Kalvin," she explained with a gesture of her hands. "They need a horse to teach the walahks of the Pavilion how to ride, so I suggested they take Kelta."

The man's inquiring gaze focused on Lyanna after acknowledging them all, and his ever-perfect business smile brightened up his face.

"Greetings, Lyanna Pridesun of the Topaz Clan." He bowed slightly, formal and courteous as always with women. "I agree with your choice, Ash. Kelta is a excellent teaching mount." Turning back the blonde, he added : "Ashka will prepare the mare for you. Just follow me at the entrance so we can finalise this trade, if you please."

The gallant tone worked wonders on the blonde Drykas. She followed him with a renewed and genuine smile, both walahks trailing nervously behind her, at Ashka's relief. She had started to get uncomfortable with her overly-polite grin. Now she could go back to what she liked the most : taking care of the horses. She fetched a light halter to guide the mare with, in case the walahks needed some leading practice.

Walking towards the entrance, she stroke the mane and neck continuously, whispering her goodbyes and words of encouragement. Those walahks didn't seem to know much about how to care for a horse, but she should be treated well in a Drykas Pavilion. Or at least Ashka hoped so.

As she watched the group take the mare away, she promised herself that she'll keep an eye out for her. Just in case.

oocWord count = 472 (3220)

Pavi Grassland sign | Common | Nari
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Ashka Windrunner
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Posts: 128
Words: 101161
Joined roleplay: November 22nd, 2016, 9:54 pm
Race: Human, Drykas
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Foreign Faces

Postby Shaqira on July 14th, 2017, 7:28 pm

Image
G R A D E



xp

Observation +3
Horsemanship +3
Intelligence +1
Rhetoric +1
Persuasion +1


lores

Horsemanship: Grooming maintains health
Horsemanship: Training – starting with a lead
Horsemanship: Building trust takes time
Horsemanship: Clicking the tongue to aid commands
Horsemanship: Make training an enticing game
Horsemanship: Using positive reinforcement
Ashka: Finds satisfaction spending time with the herds
Drykas: The Topaz Clan of gold
Intelligence: Gleaming information from one’s appearance
Walahk: Foreigner, non-drylas
Pridesun of Topaz Clan: Takes in Walahks
Endrykas location: The Thunderherd Pavilion
Horse Breed: Ekytol desert
Lyanna Pridesun: False pleasantness
Thunderherd Pavilion: Known for quality horses & honesty


notes
Great work! Your writing is lovely, it's smooth and captures the reader. The thread flowed well as you described the strangers, and Ashka's reaction to them, so well, by the end my stomach was knotted just feeling how uncomfortable it was with Lyanna!


  
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Shaqira
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