Closed No One Gets Left Behind [Jasmine]

[Taurina]

56th of Winter 516
17th Bell

“Walk her for many bells. The mineral oil I gave her should help things begin to loosen up and start moving again soon. If she continues like or gets worse past morning, bring her in again or send for one of us if she will not come,” a healer, the young female at the healing hoof, explained to Taurina, “I do believe things will get moving as they should again soon. It is not a bad case, we’ve caught it early.”

Taurina gave a faint smile as a flutter of worry passed over her expression, a simple nod following the healer’s instructions. She stroked Melody’s soft nose gently, concerned for her little colorsplash mare. The horse had started showing symptoms not many bells ago and the Ethaefal had not known what to do at first. Truly she had not thought anything was wrong in the beginning.

The mare had been moody and more stubborn for most of the season due to the bad weather. When the mare refused treats, however, Taurina knew something more than simple behavioral problems were at play. Even when she was grouchy, Melody always took one of her sugar treats. It was not long after that that the Eth started noticing other abnormalities, such as an unusual amount of sweat coating the mare -more than what was normal even for the heat filled winter- and that Melody kept pawing at the ground. Taurina had not wasted much time in getting to the Healing Hoof after that.

Thanks were signed to the healer before Taurina took the mare’s lead in hand and began to move them both towards the pavilion they now called home. Walking her for many bells would be tiring for them both, but Taurina was up for it. She would have to be. By what the healer had made it sound like, her mare’s life depended on it.

Melody was not special. She was not a strider, but instead was just a rideable horse. The four year old was easy going, but hated the yvas and had recently been having more behavioral problems than what was normal for her. It seemed like the never ending heat had that effect on nearly everybody. They struggled with things because it was new for them. Taurina was still very much a novice when it came to riding and while Melody was trained, she had not been trained using the yvas. Sometimes the pair just ended up going in circles and never reached their goal when they went for a ride, but they at least tried. They were getting better and more important, they were a team. Melody was important to Taurina despite her lack of strider heritage. They had gotten through much together and the Eth was not yet willing to give her up to Dira.

21st Bell

The healer told Taurina that the condition Melody had was called colic. A illness that meant something within her gut had gone wrong causing a blockage and therefore discomfort for the mare. Sometimes such things could be very serious and result in a horse’s death. Other times these things were treatable. The healer had said that Melody’s had been caught early enough that it should resolve and she should be fine. The Drykas healer had fed the colorsplash mineral oil through a tube, getting it straight down into her gut, and sent Taurina off with her and the instructions to walk her. So that was what the Ethaefal did now and had been doing for a long while.

The night was quiet as the storms of the previous days had finally found their end. The Ethaefal was happy to see her lord back ruling the skies, even if clouds full of lightning still caused his light to be dimmer than it should. She missed the clear nights of the previous season. There had been storms then as well, and those storms had been worse for they brought Zith with them, but at least there had been nice nights in between. She could sit outside and gaze up at the moon and stars without having to worry about clouds or lightning obstructing her view. There had not been many nights like that this winter and Taurina missed them. She missed being able to see her god’s light in its fullness.

“Come on, we’re not done yet,” Taurina gently prodded the increasingly reluctant mare.

Both owner and horse were tired. Even the legs of her celestial form ached with the constant back and forth of this walking. She tried to change it up, move walking patterns and directions to keep things interesting, but by this point it no longer mattered. No matter what the scenery was, they were just tired. Despite tiredness, Melody had not passed anything yet. The healer had said that would be a sign of things resolving and it would be safe to allow Melody to rest at that point.

The Stormblood pavilion acted as their scenery for now. Though it had been many days since Azmere had offered her a home here, Taurina was still getting used to the idea. Change always threw her mind into a chaos that was not easily calmed. Slowly, she was getting there. She had to learn how to trust these people, allow them access into her life as it was now attached to theirs. They were a family. Taurina was still just scratching the surface of what that even meant.

The Ethaefal walked around the outside of the pavilion, not wishing to disturb any who might be already be sleeping. She was staying quiet, out of the way, and was even being cautious of the other horses and animals that dwelled with the pavilion. Her only goal was to get Melody through this, not to wake the whole family while doing so. While she would not mind company, she had not asked for any. They were a family, but each had their own lives as well. Their own tasks to preform, their own dreams to dream. Taurina did not wish to be a nuisance so she had not disturbed them even if she should have simply because of that new word she was learning about.

Family was there for family. The Ethaefal just did not yet understand that.

Common | Pavi | 'Thoughts'

Boxcode credit goes to Azmere

[Jasmine Stormblood]

Sorry for the wait dear

Blue eyes looked up at Chaser as he ran around her wanting to play instead of ride out to get wood. With a growl the girl tried to remember what tricks worked on the stallion and what did not. The sugar carrots were good, but she needed something else before he became immune to them. Looking around she spotted an apple. Walking over the blond took out her knife and cut it in half, hurrying back over to the yvas she coaxed the horse through it. With a smile she allowed the stud to eat the halves while getting the straps right and mounting up. There was still a young new tang to their bond. The horse was beginning to learn the woman's signs, and she was learning his slowly but surely. It took several bells to find enough kindling and dry twigs to start a fire that evening to dry her clothes with. Upon returning the woman dismounted and walked inside the tent. Moving the rigging for her cooking pot the blonde began working on getting the blaze going. Wiping sweat from her eyes the girl put the articles of clothing in place and got comfortable.

Jasmine layed on her stomach watched the crackling of the fire in the pit before her. It was hot, but all her clothes from the previous day were still wet. So against her better judgment the woman started the blaze and let it work on drying the articles of cloth. A strange noise caught her ear causing her to sit up; the hushed sound of horse hooves and a tired rider. Getting up the young girl dressed and slipped out into Leth's light. A nervousness crept up the female's spin, everything in her wanted to go back inside. But her curiosity would be her down fall once again as she walked towards the noise trying to find out who was walking around at this hour. In order to get all the heat out of her tent the woman would have to sleep with the flap open. Snapping a twig the girl winced some before finally spotting the pair. Melody and her rider Taurina were the ones up and about.

“Is everything okay? You two look exhausted,” Jasmine asked walking over and patting the mare on the side of the neck.

[Taurina]

The sound of a snapping twig drew Taurina from her dazed exhaustion and put her on alert. None were out, the animals mostly slept besides her and Melody. They had walked the current path many times, snapped all the twigs that had been there to snap. This was something else, someone else. The Ethaefal looked around nervously. To one side of her was mostly empty grass and night sky. To the other side, her pavilion. No people, no animals. Until.. Taurina caught a flash of blonde hair touched by moonlight. The Ethaefal remained on edge, nervous, but slowly calming. When Jasmine was fully seen, the Eth lot her nervousness and even smiled a bit. It was just another of her family. Everything was alright.

Out of the women that made up the Stormblood pavilion, Jasmine was probably the one the Ethaefal knew best. She had been there the day the Eth found Endrykas and they had met again sometime last season. A day of many things had ensued and now they were family. Carrying the same name, under the same ankal, living in tents not far from one another. It was strange how things worked out that way, but they had. Life was funny that way sometimes.

The Smile Taurina gave was strained and filled with exhaustion. It was not that she was unhappy to see Jasmine, quite the opposite, but she was just so tired. Her limbs felt like trembling water and her eyelids had become heavy. Her hair was sticky with sweat and anytime she made an effort to move it, it just tuck to her neck or horns or face. It was a nuisance. This whole thing was a nuisance. If it had not been for her care for Melody, for the love she had for the mare, she would not have put up with it all. Despite herself, however, she cared for the mare like family. She wanted to see her through this.

“No,” the answer to the first question was simply said.

Taurina sighed and ran her hand down Melody’s tired, sweaty face. They were hot and uncomfortable, but the horse was more so. The Eth could not imagine the pain the mare was in. She hoped it was not too bad, that it was slowly become less. That was her desire anyway.

“The horse healer called it.. Colic,” Taurina explained in her broken pavi, her accent thick and the words coming to her slowly, “something inside her not work right. Suppose to walk until she passes something.”

Taurina sighed, making the sign for tired and long night. It was not normal for her to wish to sleep at night, but this night she wished to. Even Leth’s light did not feel like enough to sustain her through this.

“What are you doing out here?” Taurina asked, some worry threading through her tone, “did we wake you?”

Apologies was signed twice before Jasmine was even given the chance to answer.

“I meant to be quiet. Did not mean to wake or disturb.” Taurina assured, “but now that you are out.. want to stay? This is hard to do on my own. I would not mind company…”

Her voice trailed off for she was unsure and hesitant. She looked at Jasmine, emotions scrambling and shifting across her face. She did not want to be alone out here. This burden she was unsure she could carry alone. However, she did not want to be a bother. She wanted to be small and invisible, causing no one any trouble. These thoughts were reflected in her face, in her indigo colored eyes. She was conflicted, but she had already asked Jasmine to join her. It was up to the other Stormblood and what she wished to do now.

Common | Pavi | 'Thoughts'

Boxcode credit goes to Azmere

[Jasmine Stormblood]

“I have heard of it before. Chaser once had it as well. Certain types of grass when eaten can cause the horse discomfort. If enough is ingested it could cause death. But if Denar and Balen believe they have caught it in time then I trust them,” Jasmine stated and put her hand on the chest of the horse gently feeling her heart beat while patting her back. A soft smile appeared on the girl's face listening to her worries and tiredness.

“No dear you did not wake me. I was up already trying to dry clothes that got soaked the day before. I would love to stay up and help,” Jasmine stated.

Looking up she took the reigns and told Taurina to sit down and take a break. Making an even stride, the blonde set a brisk and even pace. The sudden speed change from leisure sluggish walking to a faster gait would help not only energize the horse. But also help get the blockage inside of her moving as well. Blonde hair bounced around the girls face as she had not bothered to put it up while venturing out of her tent. Grunting when the mare pulled back and looked in pain, Jasmine stepped back and gently pushed on the sides of her stomach trying to help whatever was inside come out. Chaser's bout with colic had been just as hard for the girl to deal with as this was proving to be. After several chimes the mare stopped and dropped her head some tired.

“I know beautiful, but you have to keep moving till it comes out,” Jasmine spoke softly into her ear.

Moving forward once more the horse followed along behind her. Turning to Taurina, Jasmine found herself as usual with more questions than answers swirling around in her head.

“If I'm not being rude. What are you? You are a different race at night. During the day you are one of us, but not now. Why?” Jasmine asked and looked to the young girl.

The Clan is Strength.
The Clan is Life.

[Taurina]

Taurina nodded slowly, her stomach tightening at the word death. She knew this was serious as the healers had pressed that point more than anything else. It could cause death and while she was fully aware of that, hearing another speak of the possibility made the worries and fears grow. It was only when Jasmine expressed her confidence in the healers and began running her hand over Melody that the Eth calmed once more. Her stress would only create more for the horse and that was unneeded. The poor mare was under enough pressure as it was.

Eyes lit up just a bit when Jasmine admitted to having already been awake and to being willing to stay. The exhausted Ethaefal was thankful and happy for the company. Jasmine took it one step further and motioned for Taurina to rest. The Ethaefal did not hesitate and the reins were easily handed over to her friend. She trusted the blonde with her mare in this task. According to Jasmine, she had been through this before with Chaser and the strider was still alive and well. Taurina had to believe Melody would make it through this and be the same.

The Ethaefal sighed and found a spot in the grass. Upon sitting, her whole body collapsed in exhaustion. She remained in a seated position and awake by will power alone. Even with having Jasmine here now, she was not leaving Melody to go through this without her rider. Instead, she fixed her gaze on the pair. Jasmine was all fresh energy, moving much faster and forcing the mare to move with her. Melody was reluctant and it was seen.

Taurina watched as Melody began to pull against, showing signs of pain and discomfort. The Eth began to process of standing up once more, but Jasmine was on it. Taurina watched as the blonde prodded along the mare’s stomach, trying to help things along. Soft words were spoken, but Taurina was too far away and much to tired to focus in and hear what exactly they were. Whatever had been said though, was effective. Melody and the blonde Drykas were moving once more.

With still heavy limbs and eyes that barely staid open, Taurina forced herself into a standing position. Jasmine and Melody were moving towards her now and the Eth knew if she continued to sit for much longer she would not have the strength to resist sleep. The pull was simply too strong. So instead she thought that she would join the pair. Let Jasmine and the energy she had left guide the horse, be there for when Melody put up a fight or for when Jasmine needed a break. That time was bound to come at some point.

It was not long after Taurina decided to join them and now walked beside them that Jasmine’s question was voiced. The Ethaefal could not help but smile, realizing that still not everyone knew of her night form. Most did. Or most had at least seen it and been to polite to ask. Taurina did not mind the questions so much for she was used to them. She knew she was beautiful and also otherworldly in this form, as she should be, it was a gift from Leth. A consolation prize for the fall that had torn her from a life with him that she had once had. It was also what made her different from the rest. By day, fully Drykas. By night, Ethaefal and yet, still Drykas.

Taurina pulled a hand through her sweaty hair and gripped of it what she could. She twisted the strands together and moved them to being over once shoulder. The moonlight colored hair was pretty, but it would have been prettier had Leth been out to shine his light upon it. Several strands were captured up in ornate horns that grew from her temples. What beautiful things her horns were. Ink black edged in violet for winter. Like for every Ethaefal, they were Taurina’s pride and joy. One of the things that truly marked her as an Eth and therefore, as one of Leth’s own.

“Your questions are not unwelcome. I will tell whatever you want to know,” Taurina assured, flashing a tired smile, “I am Drykas, but not like all the rest who are here. Instead I am what is called an Ethaefal.”

The Ethaefal took a breath and released it. This was always the hardest to explain. She hoped words without sign would be enough. She was just too tired and it was almost too dark to see such things anyway.

“My earthbound body, the one seen during Syna’s reign, it has walked Mizahar before. In another life. I died somehow, but was not taken through the life cycle once more like all the rest. Instead, Leth found me worthy and he took me away like he had others before me. How long I dwelled in his realm, I can not say. Hundreds, tens, or maybe even just a handful of years perhaps. Time was not so important there I do not think. I do not remember though either,” Taurina tried her best to explain, the story was always long for she did not have a short version to give, “Three years ago and two seasons… I woke up in a swirling sea. I knew little of what happened to me, just that I was no longer in Leth’s realm. I was torn from him and put back on this world I know so little of with a name my tongue could no longer speak.”

Taurina paused a moment. She had to steady herself for it was always hard to remember the fall. A hand stretched out towards Melody and patted the sick horse’s neck. She needed the support to steady herself. Things had become alright for some things had been come to terms with. Nothing was as hard as it had once been.

“This body.. it is a present of sorts. Given to me as a reminder of what I am, who I praise. By Leth’s light I am sustained in this form. My other form.. it is flawed, human,” she got back to more of answering the question rather than telling her life’s story, “I am both, Jasmine, Drykas and Ethaefal. With me, it is one in the same. Only people do not usually understand fully before seeing both forms. It is all very complex and the story is long. Have I answered or do you desire to know more?”

Taurina gave Jasmine a tired smile, hoping she had given a satisfying answer. More details could have been given, the story told further, and the Eth was willing with the blonde Drykas. Only because they were friends and also family. The only thing that caused reluctance were the emotions that the story drug up and they had already begun. The Eth was unsure if she could tell more without bursting into tears. Perhaps.. she would try if Jasmine requested for me.

Taurina looked at Melody who was moving faster still now, but slowing too. The Eth knew she was tired and sighed softly.

“Just a little longer, got to get all that out of you,” Taurina urged gently, “nearly there darling. Nearly there. Just a little longer.”

Common | Pavi | 'Thoughts'

Boxcode credit goes to Azmere

[Wymez]

Taurina

✤ Observation - 3XP
✤ Endurance - 2XP
✤ Horsemanship - 1XP
✤ Socialisation - 2XP
✤ Storytelling - 1XP
✤ Rhetoric - 1XP

✤ Animal Husbandry (Horses): Signs and symptoms of colic
✤ Animal Husbandry (Horses): Treat colic with mineral oil and lots of walking
✤ Colic: A blockage in a horse's gut that can lead to death
✤ Location: The Healing Hoof
✤ Colic: Can be caused by certain grasses
✤ Jasmine: Dealt with colic before

Jasmine

✤ Observation - 2XP
✤ Horsemanship - 2XP
✤ Animal Husbandry - 2XP
✤ Cleaning - 1XP
✤ Investigation - 2XP
✤ Socialisation - 1XP
✤ Leadership - 1XP

✤ Horsemanship: Bribing a stubborn horse with apples
✤ Cleaning: Using a fire to dry clothes
✤ Melody: Colicky horse
✤ Horsemanship: Changing gait to keep a horse interested
✤ Animal Husbandry: Massaging a horse to help ease their discomfort
✤ Taurina: Ethaefal of Leth
✤ Ethaefal: Two forms - one for day and one for night
✤ Taurina's Ethaefal story

Comments

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